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World first: CHTA Marketplace goes virtual

World first: CHTA Marketplace goes virtual

Virtual World Internet, https://www.virtualworldinternet.com/ has created the first immersive digital twin of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, opening the region’s flagship travel trade event to a global audience 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For the first time in its 44-year history, Caribbean Travel Marketplace can now be experienced virtually.

Barbados to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027

Barbados to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027

Barbados has been confirmed as host destination for the 45th edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, bringing the region’s flagship tourism business event back to the island in 2027. The announcement was made by Sanovnik Destang, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, during the closing ceremony of this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua and Barbuda.

WIZZ AIR STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION AS EUROPE’S RELIABLE AIRLINE  WITH STRONG OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

WIZZ AIR STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION AS EUROPE’S RELIABLE AIRLINE WITH STRONG OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

16 May 2026 Press Release Airline News Organisations & Operators

Wizz Air, one of Europe’s leading low-cost airlines, has delivered strong operational performance during the first four months of 2026, reinforcing its position as one of the continent’s most reliable airlines ahead of the busy summer travel season. At a time when travellers across Europe are looking for reassurance, predictability and stability amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and disruption affecting parts of the aviation industry, Wizz Air’s operational results demonstrate the resilience of its network and the strength of its day-to-day operations.

THIRTY, FLIRTY AND FLYING HIGH: VIRGIN ATLANTIC MARKS MANCHESTER MILESTONE

THIRTY, FLIRTY AND FLYING HIGH: VIRGIN ATLANTIC MARKS MANCHESTER MILESTONE

Virgin Atlantic is celebrating a major milestone for its home in the North, as the airline marks thirty years of flying from Manchester Airport this week. Since Sir Richard Branson launched operations from Manchester on 17th May 1996 with services to Orlando, the Northern base has remained a key part of Virgin Atlantic’s UK network and to mark the occasion, the airline is excited to welcome a new A330-neo aircraft to its fleet. The aircraft, named Champagne Supernova after the iconic Oasis track, is set to carry the registration G-VMAN in a nod to the airline’s longstanding connection to the region. To celebrate the milestone, Virgin Atlantic will also host a customer activation at Manchester Airport on Monday 18th May, inviting travellers to join in the celebrations with a dedicated photo opportunity, signature treats and a themed gift giveaway.

HFTP Announces 2026 Hospitality Technology Honors

HFTP Announces 2026 Hospitality Technology Honors

15 May 2026 Press Release Travel Events News

Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to recognize two champions of hospitality technology. Mary Gerdts will be inducted to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame, recognized for the development of game-changing, hospitality payment technology. Gerdts is the founder and CEO of two payment processing companies, POST Integrations, Inc. and EboCom, LLC. Bob Gilbert will be posthumously recognized with the HFTP Award of Merit, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant innovation or breakthrough that established a path for others in hospitality technology. Gilbert, was the president and CEO of HSMAI Americas for more than 30 years.

Data Appeal Becomes the World’s Largest Travel Intelligence Ecosystem for Tourism Destinations

Data Appeal Becomes the World’s Largest Travel Intelligence Ecosystem for Tourism Destinations

The Data Appeal Company, part of Almawave / Almaviva Group, today unveiled its new brand framework that brings together their combined capabilities into a cohesive family of solutions, with Mabrian as its Tourism Destinations division. This step reflects the shared vision of building the world’s largest travel intelligence ecosystem for data-driven destination management.

Unforgettable Croatia launches 2027 season and Michelin Star add on

Unforgettable Croatia launches 2027 season and Michelin Star add on

15 May 2026 Press Release Cruise News Organisations & Operators

Unforgettable Croatia has launched its 2027 small-ship cruising programme, featuring 136 guaranteed departures. The specialist luxury operator will offer 12 cruise itineraries and nine cruise and land journeys during the season, taking place from May to October across six ships. Each cruise has a maximum of 18 cabins. Unforgettable Croatia has unveiled two new themed cruises as part of its recently launched 2027 programme.

LATEST TOURISM DATA SHOWS PALMA’S SUCCESSFUL DESEASONALISATION STRATEGY

LATEST TOURISM DATA SHOWS PALMA’S SUCCESSFUL DESEASONALISATION STRATEGY

15 May 2026 Press Release Tourism News Organisations & Operators

Palma de Mallorca continues to strengthen its position as a leading year-round city break destination, with the latest tourism data highlighting the success of its long term deseasonalisation strategy driven by a rich and evolving cultural offering. The Balearic capital is increasingly establishing itself as a premier cosmopolitan city break within the Mediterranean, attracting culturally minded travellers beyond the traditional summer season. New figures reveal a clear shift in visitor behaviour, with significant growth recorded outside of the traditional peak summer months. In the early shoulder season, overnight stays by British visitors in Palma increased year on year by 13.64% in April 2025 and 11.48% in May 2025, demonstrating that the destination is successfully attracting visitors earlier in the year.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Partners with Flou to Deliver an Unrivalled Sleep Experience

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Partners with Flou to Deliver an Unrivalled Sleep Experience

15 May 2026 Press Release Cruise News Organisations & Operators

Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line, has partnered with Italian sleep specialists Flou to redefine rest at sea aboard the highly anticipated new ship, Seven Seas Prestige™, launching in December 2026. Uniting two brands defined by excellence and luxury, the partnership introduces Flou’s handcrafted Leonardo Sleep Systems to Seven Seas Prestige’s highest suite categories, culminating in a bespoke creation designed exclusively for the Skyview Regent Suite

AROYA Cruises Returns to the Mediterranean for a Second Summer Season

AROYA Cruises Returns to the Mediterranean for a Second Summer Season

15 May 2026 Press Release Cruise News Organisations & Operators

AROYA Cruises, the first Arabian cruise line, will return to the Mediterranean this summer for its second season in the region, building on the success of its 2025 debut and reinforcing its presence across regional and international markets. Galataport Istanbul will once again serve as AROYA’s Mediterranean homeport, with seven-night sailings across Türkiye, Greece and Egypt departing from one of the region’s most connected cities and offering guests a seamless gateway to the Eastern Mediterranean.