Travellers are actively starting to avoid destinations which are exposed to extreme weather, according to the latest WTM Global Travel Report, released today. The report, in association with Tourism Economics, found that 29% of travellers from key global markets have avoided visiting a destination in past 12 months due to concerns about inclement or extreme weather.

Mugdha Sinha, the Director-General of India’s tourism ministry, urged those in the Indian diaspora around the world to encourage five non-Indian friends to sign up for the scheme. She said Indians across the world can recommend the initiative to their non-Indian friends, with more information available on the Chalo India portal.

Viking® (www.viking.com) has named its newest river ships, the Viking Hathor and the Viking Sobek, with a special celebration in Luxor, Egypt on 5 November. The Hon. Edward Herbert served as ceremonial godfather of the Viking Hathor; his great-great-grandfather, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, was Howard Carter’s benefactor and co-explorer, whose excavation uncovered the tomb of King Tutankhamen near Luxor almost exactly 102 years ago on 4 November, 1922.

The Barceló Hotel Group announces the addition of a new hotel to its European portfolio. The company has signed a lease agreement with IREMIS - a European real estate investment manager, through its IREMIS Hotel Real Estate Fund - for the former Pullman Dresden Newa, a 4-star hotel in the German city of Dresden. This will be the second establishment managed by the hotel group in Germany, where it already has Barceló Hamburg, a design hotel with a Spanish feel, surrounded by the best cultural, shopping and technological alternatives the modern metropolis has to offer.

Thailand’s leading hospitality management company, specialising in the management of hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, is set to make a strong impression at WTM London 2024, running from 5th to 7th November 2024 at ExCel London. ONYX Hospitality Group will spotlight its expanding portfolio and ambitious growth plans, aiming to attract leisure travellers to its diverse properties, ranging from vibrant resorts to luxury serviced apartments.

If you are heading to the world-famous Ultra Music Festival in Split next summer (11-13 July), then Sail Croatia has the perfect flotilla holiday blending seven nights of festivals, partying, swimming, and sailing. Six yachts, each holding between six and ten guests, will depart from the seaside city of Split on 5 July and explore the islands along the Dalmatian coast, returning to Split at the end of the voyage, and in time for the first night of the festival.