Tourism News Page 450
Choice Hotels International Publishes 2024 Sustainability Report
Choice Hotels International, Inc, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, is proud to announce the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report. “At Choice Hotels, we are dedicated to building a better tomorrow, today, by integrating sustainable practices across our business,” said Megan Brumagim, Vice President, Upscale Brands and Chief Sustainability Officer for Choice Hotels International. “Our 2024 Sustainability Report highlights our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint and driving long-term value for hotel owners. We are proud of the progress we’ve made and remain energized to continue our journey towards a more sustainable tomorrow.”
Real Talk from Top Operators & Attractions at Arival 360 Valencia
“Not everyone can come to the Eiffel Tower” stated Stéphanie Renault, a representative from the monument, speaking at the Arival 360 Europe event this week in Valencia (Spain). Despite 10 million tickets sold annually - 80% directly through its official website - demand still far exceeds capacity explained Renault. She emphasized that safety, maintenance, and crowd control are the top priorities, which means not everyone will be granted access. She also criticized the lack of clear communication around this reality, particularly calling out online travel agencies (OTAs) for promoting misleading “skip-the-line” tickets—some priced as high as €300, she said—that don’t actually guarantee faster entry. The growing number of confusing ticket options, she added, only makes it harder for visitors to make informed decisions.
SeaWorld Orlando Officially Opens Expedition Odyssey
SeaWorld Orlando is thrilled to announce that its groundbreaking, dynamic and immersive Arctic experience, Expedition Odyssey, is now officially open. This first-of-its-kind in the world attraction that combines cutting-edge ride technology, breathtaking all-real-world footage and close-up encounters with Arctic wildlife to deliver the most immersive Arctic experience ever created. As guests disembark from the ride, the breathtaking adventure continues with face-to-face and up-close encounters with real Arctic animals, including beluga whales, seals and walruses.
ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND ANNOUNCES NEW RESTAURANTS, POP-UPS AND CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Atlantis Paradise Island, the most iconic destination resort in the world and global leader in culinary tourism, announces a dynamic expansion of its acclaimed dining portfolio. Vibrant new restaurants, exclusive pop-ups, and elevated culinary offerings will launch this spring, featuring the debut of two highly anticipated restaurants, a limited-time summer pop-up with an internationally recognized chef, and several enhanced beachside services. This exciting new lineup complements Atlantis Paradise Island’s extensive collection of restaurants and diverse dining experiences. With more Michelin-starred and James Beard Award-winning chefs than any other destination in the region, Atlantis Paradise Island continues to set the standard for culinary excellence.
Polo Valley Announces Landmark Expansion with New Hotel and Lifestyle Destination
Exclusive coastal resort and polo facility, Polo Valley, Sotogrande, has announced two ambitious new projects to transform both the sport and hospitality scene in Southern Spain: The Owners Club by Polo Valley in Casares, Malaga (projected to open in 2026) and The Hills by Polo Valley in San Roque, Cadiz (projected to open in 2030). Since its inception in 2015, Polo Valley has been known as the leading luxury destination for polo professionals, amateur players, and family travellers to play and stay in the exclusive development of Sotogrande.
MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES RYAN ABBOUSHI AS PRESIDENT OF ENTERTAINMENT
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced today that veteran talent agent Ryan Abboushi is joining the company as President of Entertainment. As leader of its entertainment division, Abboushi will oversee MGM Resorts’ unified programming and operations strategy to build on and expand its position as a world-class leader in live entertainment and immersive experiences.
China Surges Ahead: Travel & Tourism Sector Forecast to Hit a Record ¥13.7TN This Year
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today unveiled its latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), revealing that China is powering ahead as one of the world’s most dynamic Travel & Tourism markets, marking a significant comeback and long-term growth trajectory. In 2025, China’s Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to contribute a record ¥13.7TN to the national economy, the highest level ever and 10.3% above pre-pandemic, and support more than 83MN jobs, with an additional 1.3MN jobs created this year alone.
Eurovision Song Contest Fever Hits the Swiss City of Basel
Last year, Switzerland’s Nemo broke The Code and won gold at the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Malmö. After a 36-year hiatus, the largest music event in the world has returned to Switzerland and will be hosted this week in the vibrant city of Basel, with the ESC Final taking place on Saturday 17 May. This week, Basel has turned into the Eurovision capital, with themed activities, events, exhibitions and parties happening all around the city.
Lights, Camera, England! VisitEngland’s Latest Set-Jetting News
England takes centre stages in the coming months with a spectacular line-up of new films and stage productions set to showcase our blockbuster storytelling, cinematic landscapes and scene-stealing landmarks. With iconic characters back on our screens and stages, Brits have plenty of opportunities to go behind the scenes, step into the spotlight and explore the locations behind the action.
Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia officially opens in Riyadh
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia 2025 is officially underway at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, taking place from 11-13 May. Under the theme “Where Vision Shapes Opportunity,” FHS Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom’s most influential hospitality investment conference, brings together hospitality leaders, investors and decision-makers to discuss hotel performance and development, the outlook for hospitality investment in the Kingdom and the key market trends driving the sector.
5 Essential Experiences for Your Next Travel Adventure
Travel is a gateway to discovery, with memories that stretch on long after a journey is over. Each location has its rhythm, flavor, and charisma that await discovery. From cultural explorations to authentic, memorable meals, the correct experiences can turn a basic trip into a full-fledged adventure. Visitors can coax the incredible from the ordinary by being mindfully aware and receptive to awe. These five do-not-miss experiences have the potential to add depth and meaning to your next travel plans.
IHG Hotels & Resorts and Ashaad Company announces three new hotel signings in Jeddah and Al Khobar
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced the signing of three new hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at Future Hospitality Summit Riyadh 2025. In partnership with Ashaad, a leading Saudi real estate developer, the trio of hotels, Hotel Indigo Jeddah Gate, InterContinental Al Khobar Al Hamra, and voco Al Khobar Al Andalus, further cement IHG’s commitment to the Kingdom’s tourism ambitions and Saudi Vision 2030.