Tourism News Page 48
Flix Launches Its ChatGPT App, Bringing Sustainable & Affordable Travel Booking to Millions of Users
Flix, the global travel-tech company behind FlixBus and FlixTrain, today announced its integration with ChatGPT, enabling users to discover and plan bus and train journeys through natural conversation. With the integration, ChatGPT users can search for routes, compare travel options and seamlessly access Flix connections across Europe, North America, Türkiye, South America and Asia-Pacific. The experience combines conversational AI with Flix’s real-time travel network and booking platform to make travel planning faster and more intuitive.
IHG Hotels & Resorts signs Holiday Inn Mandi, strengthening presence in Himachal Pradesh
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited for the development of Holiday Inn Mandi. The 100-key hotel will strengthen IHG’s presence in the state and support its continued expansion across high-potential commercial and transit destinations in North India.
The Peninsula London Introduces Two New Peninsula Academy Experiences
Today, The Peninsula London has announced two new Peninsula Academy programmes, each designed to give hotel guests access to historical, cultural and local lifestyle experiences in the British capital. Thoughtfully curated and privately guided, each journey is designed to engage even the most seasoned London visitor, opening doors to experiences beyond the usual reach.
369° Hôtels-Maisons Welcomes GAIA to La Tartane Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera
369° Hôtels-Maisons, the French hospitality group behind a collection of distinctive luxury hotels across France and the Caribbean, announces the arrival of GAIA at La Tartane Saint-Tropez, marking the latest international expansion of the globally celebrated Greek-Mediterranean concept born in the UAE.
Marriott International Completes Transaction to Bring Lefay into its Global Portfolio
Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has entered into a joint venture with the Leali family, founders of Lefay, to bring the highly regarded luxury wellness hospitality brand into Marriott’s global portfolio. The closing of the transaction marks an important step in Marriott’s strategy to expand its focus on wellbeing and introduces Lefay as the company’s first brand focused exclusively on luxury wellness.
Evok Collection announces the opening of Brach Roma - Q1 2027
Evok Collection announces the opening of Brach Roma in the first quarter of 2027: a new address in the heart of the historic city centre, a few steps from the Tiber and just 100 metres from Piazza del Popolo. With Rome, Brach unveils its third destination, following Brach Paris and Brach Madrid, and continues to shape an international brand with an instantly recognisable character: a living, urban, cultural expression of luxury, designed to engage in dialogue with the city.
Cox & Kings Relaunches in Australia as Part of Its Global Expansion
Cox & Kings, established in 1758 and widely recognised as the world’s oldest travel company, this week announces its official relaunch in Australia. This milestone marks a significant step in the brand’s ongoing global expansion under the strategic direction of AKTG (A&K Travel Group), which acquired the company in 2019.
Celebrate Father’s Day with a Mountain Adventure for the Whole Family at JA Hatta Fort Hotel
Rooted in the beauty of the outdoors and a true spirit of adventure, JA Hatta Fort Hotel understands that life’s most precious gifts are not material, but the memories that stay with you. This Father’s Day, the resort sets the scene for an experience dads will cherish, combining moments of relaxation and exceptional dining with complimentary leisure experiences that let him unleash his inner child. Complete with exclusive savings and thoughtful touches, it’s a chance to enjoy a change of pace, spend meaningful time together, and make dad feel truly appreciated.
Qatar Airways Returns to Philadelphia with Daily Flights
Qatar Airways has announced the resumption of daily flights between its Doha home base and Philadelphia (PHL), effective 1 August 2026. The reinstated service expands the airline’s North American network to 14 destinations, further strengthening its connectivity for travellers across the region.
Etihad Airways doubles Kabul flights to twice daily as demand accelerates
Etihad Airways is to double its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul from 15 July 2026, with the route’s rapid growth since launch prompting the airline to add a second daily service in each direction. Kabul joined the Etihad network in March 2026, initially operating four times weekly. Demand has significantly exceeded expectations, with strong take-up from both point-to-point travellers and those using Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport as a hub to connect onwards to Europe and beyond.
Ghana Bets on Visa Liberalisation, Following a Playbook China Has Already Proven
Ghana has launched a new national e-visa platform while simultaneously waiving visa fees for travellers holding African passports, a move that positions the West African nation among the continent’s most progressive advocates of travel liberalisation. The initiative introduces online visa processing, significantly reduces administrative friction and, perhaps most importantly, sends a clear signal that Ghana sees connectivity as an economic growth strategy rather than a border control exercise.
Hong Kong comes to LAX: Delta celebrates a new Pacific connection
For one evening, a little bit of Hong Kong arrived in Los Angeles. Before customers boarded Delta’s inaugural flight to Hong Kong, they were treated to a preview of the destination itself. Chef-curated dishes inspired by Cantonese cuisine, destination-themed experiences and special commemorative gifts transformed the departure into more than just a flight launch. It was the beginning of Delta’s newest Pacific connection.