Tourism News Page 424
Iceland’s first cascading waterfall lagoon opens on The Golden Circle
Soak in Iceland’s first cascading waterfall lagoon, and in winter, marvel at the Northern Lights dancing overhead. Laugarás Lagoon opens this summer along the banks of the Hvítá River in the village of Laugarás, a charming location known for its lush greenery, geothermal activity, and local farms. This isn’t just another geothermal pool. Developed by Mannverk, owned by Norverk, and operated by Laugarás Lagoon ehf., the lagoon is making history. A striking 6,618mm water feature transforms the traditional bathing experience. The architectural vision by T.ark Architects with engineering by Efla was designed to blend into the natural surroundings; large glass panels and locally sourced wood provide uninterrupted river and landscape views.
Croatia Is Ready to Party!
Croatia’s summer festival calendar is one of the most diverse and enchanting in Europe – blending ancient venues with cutting-edge music, cultural tradition with avant-garde expression, and a healthy dose of Adriatic sunshine. Whether you’re there for the beats, the bites or the breathtaking views, Croatia knows how to throw a party – and everyone’s invited.
Travel & Tourism in Egypt Reaches Historic Milestones
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed record-breaking data for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector, with 2024 marking the highest-ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass that record once again. According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the sector contributed EGP 1.4TN to Egypt’s GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy.
2 Days to Go: World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony
Only two days remain until the prestigious World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony lights up the stunning surroundings of the Johari Rotana in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Saturday, 28 June 2025.
Ethiopian to Enhance Regional Operations with Two Twin Otter 300-G Aircraft Orders from De Havilland
Ethiopian Airlines, the largest fleet operating carrier in Africa, plans to enhance its domestic operations with the latest evolution of the renowned Twin Otter family, The Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft. Solidifying the vision, Ethiopian signed a purchase agreement for two new Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft with De Havilland Canada. This new arrangement enables Ethiopian to enhance its domestic and regional operations.
Emirates boosts services to Barcelona with a third daily flight
Emirates has announced it will ramp up operations to Barcelona with the addition of a third daily flight starting from 26 October 2025. The added service will meet market demand and offer customers greater connectivity to/from the coastal city as well as access to popular destinations across Emirates’ network including Maldives, Bangkok, Bali, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Technology is making travel even easier this summer
Technology is making travel on American Airlines easier and more reliable this summer. From planning a trip to getting to your destination, technology is at the center of customers’ travel experiences. “User-friendly technology is part of our daily life and should extend into what our customers experience when they travel on American,” said Ganesh Jayaram, American’s Chief Digital and Information Officer. “With our renewed focus on the customer experience, we’ve ramped up our digital capabilities throughout the travel journey so our customers can focus on what matters most: getting to their destination.”
Qatar Airways Partners with Panasonic Avionics to Power a Smarter, More Connected Cabin Experience
Qatar Airways, named World’s Best Airline 2025 for a record ninth time by Skytrax, is continuing to set new standards in passenger experience with the launch of its next-generation in-flight entertainment system, powered by Panasonic Avionics’ new Converix platform on its Boeing 777-9 fleet, during the 55th International Paris Air Show. The announcement marks an important step in advancing the airline’s vision for a digitally-enabled, personalised and smart onboard journey.
TWENTY FIVE YEARS, A ROMAN LEGEND: HOTEL DE RUSSIE CELEBRATES ITS ANNIVERSARY
Hotel de Russie celebrates its twenty-fifth anniversary by honouring the hallmarks that define its legacy – a deep-rooted sense of history, unmistakable style, and the warm hospitality for which Rocco Forte Hotels is renowned. These distinctive elements have established the hotel as a veritable Roman landmark on the international stage. This milestone marks not only the evolution of an iconic property on Via del Babuino but also its enduring bond with the famed Secret Garden and the hotel’s status as a destination of choice for international guests seeking a memorable Roman stay.
Radisson Hotel Group and PPHE Hotel Group partner to sign first Radisson RED hotel in central London
Radisson RED, which is known for its bold and cutting-edge upscale design, is set to open in Leman Street, located near the City of London, close to both the heart of London’s financial district with a few minutes’ walk to Liverpool Street Station, while also close to London’s creative east-end and some of its most famous landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.
Minor Hotels Receives Two Top Honours at Global Alliance Awards in Brussels
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, with the award-winning loyalty programme GHA DISCOVERY, has announced the winners of its 2025 awards. Minor Hotels was recognised in two categories, Best Use of Technology and Best-Cross-Brand Contribution for its NH Hotels & Resorts brand. GHA also acknowledged Minor Hotels’ Tivoli Hotels & Resorts brand for its 15 years of membership in the alliance.
Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort Reimagines Beloved Gulf Coast Destination
A new era begins on Florida’s Gulf Coast as reservations officially open for Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort. Debuting October 2025, this highly anticipated new beachfront property blends modern coastal luxury with a storied legacy. Set on 1,000 feet (300 metres) of pristine white sand beach nestled in the heart of Old Naples, the resort is designed to effortlessly connect guests to the destination’s idyllic lifestyle with a one-of-kind luxury experience that celebrates the stunning natural beauty and charming local culture.