Travel News Page 2
Oceania Cruises® Reveals Destination-Rich 2027 Specialty Cruises
Oceania Cruises® announced its 2027 Specialty Cruises, bringing together destination rich itineraries and hosted experiences where cuisine, culture and personal connection take centre stage. The line’s 2027 Specialty Cruises offer guests unique opportunities to engage with renowned guest hosts and celebrated experts while exploring some of the world’s most evocative regions. From the sun-drenched Mediterranean and historic Baltic shores to captivating Japan, these thoughtfully crafted voyages offer fresh insights and memorable experiences inspired by culture, cuisine and history. Through exclusive events, expert insights and distinctive experiences, every journey is designed to go far beyond the expected.
Accor and H World Group Expand Long-Term Partnership Across Direct Booking and Loyalty Platforms
Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, and H World Group, one of the world’s largest hotel groups, today announced a new chapter in their long-term strategic alliance, with a phased partnership designed to broaden hotel choice and select loyalty benefits for ALL Accor and H Rewards members through their respective direct platforms across China, Europe and the Middle East. The expanded partnership lays the foundation for further and deeper collaboration over time.
VIVA Cruises launches new travel agent training programme
VIVA Cruises has launched a new video-led training programme as part of its travel agent portal. The programme now comprises five modules covering an introduction to the operator, its fleet of ships, the onboard experience and shore excursions, and two destination sessions. Each includes a quiz to help grow agents’ knowledge of the river cruise line, with more modules to be added in due course.
Minor Hotels Strengthens Its Presence in Austria
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality leader with more than 640 properties in operation and under development across 66 countries, announces the signing of NH Collection Innsbruck Grand Hotel Europa, a landmark hotel in the heart of Innsbruck, one of Austria’s leading destinations for both leisure and business travel.
Queen Mary 2 To Take Centre Stage During America’s 250th Anniversary Celebration In New York Harbour
British luxury cruise line Cunard will mark a landmark moment on 4 July as the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, takes centre stage in New York Harbour for Sail4th 250, the centrepiece of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.
Purple Ski Announces Reimagined Chalet Pierre in Méribel for the 2026/27 Ski Season
Purple Ski, the premier luxury chalet operator offering exceptional properties across the French Alps, is delighted to unveil Chalet Pierre, Méribel, the latest addition to its portfolio. Originally built in 1959 and among the very first chalets in the resort, Chalet Pierre has been meticulously rebuilt for 2026, combining contemporary luxury with the heritage and character that has defined it for more than six decades. Sleeping up to 15 guests across seven beautiful bedrooms, Chalet Pierre will welcome its first guests from December 2026.
NEW ZEALAND IS WORTH A ‘SPECIAL JOURNEY’
Aotearoa New Zealand has officially joined the global MICHELIN Guide map, marking the Guide’s first-ever expansion into Oceania. The MICHELIN Guide New Zealand 2026 recognises 110 restaurants across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown, celebrating their quality, creativity and strong sense of place. After months of anonymous inspections, the MICHELIN Guide has awarded one restaurant in Queenstown, Essence, Two MICHELIN Stars. Fourteen restaurants have received One MICHELIN Star across all four regions, 35 have been recognised with a Bib Gourmand for
Transforming a Vacation Into an Experience with Centara
Today’s travellers are seeking more than beautiful places to stay; they crave meaningful experiences that feel personal, authentic and engaging. Now, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is empowering guests to take a deeper dive into their destination with a curated series of culinary journeys, cultural rituals, sustainability initiatives and family moments.
PULLMAN HOTELS & RESORTS BRINGS ITS BRAND EVOLUTION TO LIFE
Pullman Hotels & Resorts today unveils its new global brand campaign, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution and reinforcing Pullman’s position as one of the world’s most progressive premium hospitality brands.
“THE LAND OF BEAUTIFUL HORSES” TO HOST 2ND ANNUAL CAPPADOCIA HORSE AND EQUESTRIAN CULTURE FESTIVAL
From July 3-5, 2026, Cappadocia will host the 2nd Cappadocia Horse and Equestrian Culture Festival at the Göreme Festival Area, to celebrate the region’s rich equestrian heritage. Known historically as “the land of beautiful horses,” Cappadocia will have three days of traditional and contemporary horse shows - featuring Turkish and international performers - as well as such competitions as mounted archery, horseback displays and traditional racing events. There will also be exhibitions and panel discussions, live performances, children’s play zones, guided horseback riding experiences, and traditional demonstrations like cirit (Turkish javelin throwing).
VIRGIN HOTELS COLLECTION APPOINTS JOE MARGISON AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Virgin Hotels Collection, the award-winning hospitality group behind Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition, today announced Joe Margison as Chief Executive Officer, following his tenure as Interim CEO since October 2025.
The Sanya EDITION Redefines Family Travel Experiences
As family travel continues to evolve, the concept of a family vacation is shifting from simply traveling with children to creating meaningful experiences for every family member. Today’s families increasingly seek a balance between togetherness and personal time, where children can explore and grow while parents enjoy moments of relaxation and self-discovery. Recognizing this emerging travel trend, The Sanya EDITION, EDITION Hotels’ resort destination in China under Marriott International’s luxury lifestyle portfolio, introduces a distinctive family vacation experience that combines accommodation, dining, children’s activities, and adults-only leisure spaces. Guided by its “Our Vacation” philosophy, the resort reimagines family travel by creating opportunities for shared memories while respecting the interests and needs of every family member.