Tourism News Page 59
United Airlines Recognised with Multiple Honours at the 40th Anniversary Business Traveller Awards
United Airlines has been recognised with multiple honours at the 40th anniversary Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky Awards in London, reinforcing the airline’s position as a leader in premium onboard wine experiences. The airline received a Gold Medal in the ‘Business Class Red Wine’ category for The Mascot Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, which judges praised for its “exceptional depth, rich fruit tannins, great balance and presence”. United also secured Gold in the ‘Drinks Innovation: Bespoke Drinks Partnership’ category for its collaboration with Champagne Laurent-Perrier and the bespoke Laurent-Perrier “La Cuvée”, UA 100, created to celebrate United’s 100th anniversary and mark a century of connecting customers around the world.
Dusit International strengthens India expansion with signing of Dusit Princess Rishikesh
Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Atmosphere, a luxury real estate and hospitality development company focused on creating premium lifestyle destinations, to introduce Dusit’s upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Slated to open in 2031 amidst the tranquil Himalayan foothills near Rishikesh, one of India’s most sought-after destinations for spirituality, wellness and adventure tourism, the project is envisioned as an upscale mixed-use development that combines contemporary hospitality with immersive, wellness-led experiences inspired by the surrounding natural landscape.
Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok Achieves ASEAN MICE Venue Certification
Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok has achieved top certification under the ASEAN MICE Venue Standard (AMVS) and the Thailand MICE Venue Standard (TMVS), following a THB 8 million investment in event technology and venue enhancements. The certification recognises the hotel’s operational and service standards and strengthens its position for corporate meetings, conferences, incentive programmes, events and weddings in Bangkok’s connected Sukhumvit district. In the latest AMVS audit, the hotel ranked among Thailand’s top five highest-scoring meeting venues.
WIZZ AIR LAUNCHES ONLY DIRECT FLIGHTS BETWEEN THE UK AND ARMENIA
Wizz Air, the fastest-growing European airline and London’s local airline, today celebrates the launch of its new direct route between London Luton Airport (LLA) and Yerevan (EVN) becoming the only airline currently offering direct flights between the United Kingdom and Armenia. The inaugural flight departed yesterday, providing British travellers with direct access to one of the Caucasus region’s most captivating, but unspoiled destinations while strengthening connectivity between the UK and Armenia.
41 million visitors “put off” holidaying in Europe if EES Border Delays Reach Three Hours
New research commissioned by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) warns that prolonged border delays linked to the rollout of Europe’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) could put up to 41 million visitor arrivals and $45.4 billion in visitor spending at risk from four of Europe’s most important source markets. The analysis, based on a survey of more than 2,500 travellers from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and Australia, found that if travellers face regular border waits of three to four hours when entering the Schengen Area, around one-third would become much less likely to travel to Schengen or would choose not to visit at all.
Riyadh Air Opens Public Ticket Sales to Five Destinations
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today unveiled its most significant route announcement to-date, with ticket sales opening to the public this evening for five (5) destinations – Cairo, Dubai, Jeddah, Madrid and Manchester – and additional routes to follow in the coming weeks. The announcement was made during the official unveiling of the airline’s first aircraft at a gala event in Riyadh.
New research shows appetite for overseas travel remains
New consumer sentiment research, released today from ABTA – The Travel Association, explores the impact of the conflict in the Middle East and the rising cost of living on people’s intention to travel over the next 12 months. It shows that a strong appetite to travel abroad remains, with 64% of people planning to travel overseas during the next 12 months
Iberia Launches Its ChatGPT App, a New Conversational Experience for Travel Planning
Iberia today unveiled its ChatGPT app at South Summit, one of the world’s leading innovation and entrepreneurship events, marking the latest evolution of its AI-powered conversational experience. Developed using OpenAI technology, Iberia’s ChatGPT app enables more natural, flexible and contextual travel search experiences within ChatGPT. With this launch, Iberia continues to explore new digital channels capable of supporting customers throughout their journey, from initial inspiration to accessing the booking process within the Iberia ecosystem.
Middle East conflict: Mallorca emerges as a reliable vacation destination
Just before the start of the summer travel season, Eurowings is sending a clear message to all travellers: despite the tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East, the 2026 summer flight schedule is secure. Fuel supplies for Germany’s largest holiday airline are guaranteed at all European bases. This ensures the conditions for stable flight operations during the busy summer travel months.
70 Years of Condor: 70 Europe Discovery Tickets with Seven Round Trips Each Up for Auction
The German airline Condor is celebrating its 70th anniversary with a special promotional campaign: To mark the milestone, Condor is launching 70 exclusive Europe Discovery Tickets. This strictly limited anniversary edition will be available exclusively through a Dutch auction running from June 8 to June 12, 2026, during which the price decreases by EUR 70 every hour. Each anniversary ticket entitles its holder to seven round trips in Economy Class across Condor’s entire European city network. Bids can be placed directly via the Condor online shop at 70 Years of Condor – Exclusive Anniversary Auction | Condor Shop.
Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Program drives over AED 5 billion in sales
Dubai Land Department (DLD), in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has announced that the First-Time Home Buyer Program, available to all UAE residents aged 18 and above who do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai. It has enabled more than 3,200 residents to own their first homes in the emirate since its launch in July 2025, generating residential property transactions exceeding AED 5 billion.
Visit Qatar CEO Concludes Official Visit to China
As part of strategic efforts to attract more visitors from the Chinese market, Eng Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, led an official delegation to China, signing two strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with industry leaders Fliggy and Huawei to elevate the visitor experience through advanced artificial intelligence (AI).