Travel News Page 165
4th edition of the Istanbul Tourism Fair will take place on September 24-25 2026
Organisers are pleased to announce the 4th edition of the Istanbul Tourism Fair, which will take place on September 24-25 2026, at the Yenikapı Eurasia Show and Art Center. This premier event will provide a dynamic platform for tourism professionals from Türkiye and around the world to explore new opportunities, foster collaborations, and discover the latest products and services shaping the industry.
Il Salviatino Appoints New General Manager, Joao Mendes de Almeida
Il Salviatino, situated within 12 hectares of centuries-old gardens with sweeping views of Florence’s iconic Duomo, is pleased to announce the appointment of new General Manager, Joao Mendes de Almeida, and Director of Operations, Stephanie Loison. Having worked with some of the finest luxury hotels in Europe, the couple bring exceptional expertise and leadership to their new roles.
Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Expands with 11 New Slides and Attractions
Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, has announced that its latest expansion of Yas Waterworld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi will open to guests on April 4, 2026. The expansion marks the next stage of the waterpark’s ‘Lost City’ theming expansion, building on Yas Waterworld’s story of ‘The Legend of The Lost Pearl’. The development will introduce eight new slides, two jumping platforms and a lounging pool.
airBaltic becomes first Starlink-connected airline to implement AirMall by InterLnkd
Latvian airline airBaltic has partnered with InterLnkd to integrate AirMall into its Skynet onboard Wi-Fi portal, becoming the first Starlink-connected airline to launch a global, dynamic inflight shopping mall experience for its passengers. AirMall by InterLnkd turns the carrier’s Wi-Fi portal into an airline-branded retail channel on passengers’ own devices, connecting travellers to 20,000+ brands in the air with zero onboard stock or crew involvement. The provider-agnostic solution offers tailored recommendations, loyalty integration, and flexible post-flight delivery options.
Omio launches in this year’s hottest destination, empowering travellers to explore Japan like never
Japan is the country everyone’s talking about. From the National Geographic cover to Vogue and Conde Nast Traveller naming it as one of the top places to visit in 2026, interest in the Land of the Rising Sun continues to surge. Today, Omio launches in its 47th market, with a high-profile rollout in Japan, marking a step-change in how international travellers navigate the country. From the ultra-high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains to vast regional rail networks, long-distance buses, domestic flights, extensive ferry routes and Japan Rail Passes, the platform unifies one of the world’s most sophisticated transport ecosystems into a seamless experience.
Cruise.co.uk and Ambassador team up for special country music voyage
Cruise.co.uk has partnered with Ambassador Cruise Line to launch an exclusive new ‘Nashville Nights’ country music sailing. Departing from Tilbury, Essex, on March 25, 2027, the four-night cruise will host a number of themed events onboard the 1,400-guest Ambience. Country music quizzes, dining, silent discos and fitness sessions will feature, alongside line dancing classes and open mic sessions for aspiring singer-songwriters.
Novotel Invites the World to Rethink Rest with Australia’s Leading Sleep Expert Olivia Arezzolo
Novotel welcomes sleep expert, bestselling author and keynote speaker Olivia Arezzolo to the Novotel 37 Collective, a group of voices championing the idea that small, consistent improvements can transform everyday wellbeing.
Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema: an iconic transformation redefining Sofitel in Brazil
Sofitel, a pioneer of French luxury hospitality since 1964, announces the transformation of Sofitel Rio de Janeiro Ipanema into the brand’s first flagship hotel in Brazil. With its inauguration scheduled for end of 2026, the hotel will emerge as a renewed icon on Ipanema Beach, offering 172 rooms and suites and a bold expression of Sofitel’s contemporary vision of luxury hospitality.
Destination by Hyatt brand debuts in Portugal with opening of Masana Algarve
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Masana Algarve, the first Destination by Hyatt branded resort in Portugal. The hotel opening builds on the brand’s recent launches in Lisbon and Madeira and reflects Hyatt’s continued brand expansion across Portugal, with plans for room count of Hyatt hotels to triple in the country by 2027.
The Livingston Debuts as The First Hyatt Hotel in Brooklyn, N.Y.
The first Hyatt-branded hotel in Brooklyn, N.Y. has now debuted, adding a modern hideaway to the city’s cultural district. St. Louis-based Midas Hospitality and its partner ACRES Capital developed the 104-room upscale hotel, The Livingston, part of the JdV by Hyatt brand. Designed for travelers with a sense of genuine discovery and community, the 22-story hotel ties into local culture with thoughtfully curated spaces.
Hyatt Introduces the Grand Hyatt Brand in Izmir, Türkiye
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the launch of Grand Hyatt İzmir İstinyePark, marking the second Grand Hyatt hotel in Türkiye and reflecting the growth brand presence of Grand Hyatt across Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Formerly managed under the Hyatt Regency brand, the property has undergone a redesign of public spaces, offering an enhanced arrival experience for guests. This includes a new courtyard and an elevated lobby entrance that has convenient access to the luxury retail destination, İstinyePark İzmir Shopping Mall, as well as a stylish new restaurant FARO7, and an exclusive Grand Club, which is set to open soon. With a contemporary design, spacious spa, and gastronomic delights, Grand Hyatt İzmir İstinyePark is a haven for those in search of a redefined city experience.
The Georgian Joins The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hyatt Hotels Corporation have announced that The Georgian, a storied oceanfront hotel on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, has joined The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, a global portfolio of distinctive luxury hotels known for their individuality and character.