Travel News Page 170
ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES QUANTUM OF THE SEAS’ 2027-28 SINGAPORE GETAWAYS
Quantum of the Seas will once again call Singapore home in 2027, giving adventurers across the region more ways to explore Asia. From October 2027 to March 2028, families and friends can choose from 3- to 10-night vacations from Singapore, sailing to the beaches, cities and cultures of Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Japan with the convenience of starting and ending their holiday in one of Asia’s best-connected hubs.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL OTTOLENGHI AMSTERDAM OPENS 19 MARCH
Ottolenghi Amsterdam will officially welcome its first guests on 19 March, 2026 with online reservations open now. Chef, restaurateur and author, Yotam Ottolenghi is returning to Amsterdam, 30 years after calling the city home, to open his first restaurant in the Netherlands, and second in mainland Europe. The restaurant is located at Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam and the vegetable-forward menu will centre around the grill and fermentation, celebrating local Dutch produce with an Ottolenghi twist.
STORY Hospitality unveils new premium destination in Montenegro: STORY Budva Riviera
STORY Hospitality has announced the signing of STORY Budva Riviera, an exceptional new landmark development set within the natural elegance of Montenegro’s Milocer Garden. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains, the project promises a lifestyle experience that blends refined luxury with the effortless beauty of Montenegro’s most celebrated coastline. Representing STORY Hospitality’s return to Montenegro after its successful introduction of CUE Podgorica, the new branded residence development marks the first time the group brings its premium STORY Hotels & Resorts brand to the country.
ATM 2026 rescheduled to August at the Dubai World Trade Centre
RX has confirmed that the 2026 edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, originally scheduled to take place from 4–7 May 2026 at Dubai World Trade Centre, will now take place from 17-20 August 2026, with the venue remaining unchanged. The decision to reschedule the event has been made to prioritise the safety and well-being of customers, partners and colleagues, and to give the global travel and tourism community greater confidence and flexibility to attend.
NH Collection Maldives Reethi Reveals the World’s First Certified Underwater Aged Rum by a Resort
For centuries, the maturation of fine spirits has been a land‑bound ritual, guided by oak, air and time. At NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, that tradition turned seaward. In partnership with Planteray Rum, widely regarded as one of the world’s best premium rum brands, the property has completed the world’s first certified underwater ageing of rum in glass bottles by a resort, with the inaugural batch earning glowing evaluations for its depth and complexity.
Hamad International Airport Statement
In light of the ongoing conflict in the region, Hamad International Airport confirms that it is withdrawing from all external exhibitions, conferences, industry events, and awards programmes during this period, including the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2026 and the Passenger Terminal Expo 2026, London. The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, our staff, and their families is, and remains, our absolute priority. We thank our aviation partners and stakeholders for their continued support. Hamad International Airport
THE MICHELIN GUIDE HAS AWARDED 2 STARS TO HAKUBA, THE JAPANESE RESTAURANT OF CHEVAL BLANC PARIS
Hakuba is honoured to receive 2 MICHELIN stars and expresses its deepest gratitude to the MICHELIN Guide for this esteemed recognition. Opened in March 2024, Hakuba is the fourth restaurant by Cheval Blanc Paris, born from the shared vision of Chefs Arnaud Donckele, Takuya Watanabe and Maxime Frédéric. Hakuba offers a gastronomic initiation conceived as a journey, where the traditions of the Land of the Rising Sun meet the treasures of the Atlantic and French coasts through the art of kaiseki-sushi cuisine.
New Research Finds Luxury Travel Demand Expanding Beyond the Ultra-Wealthy
Luxury travel is growing beyond its traditional ultra-wealthy base, creating new opportunities for brands with travel loyalty programs to capture a greater share of high-end travel demand, according to a new report from travel technology provider arrivia. The New Luxury Travel Playbook examines the circumstances under which aspiring luxury travelers—households with net worth between $100,000 and $1 million—are actively upgrading their travel. It explores how wealth, life stage and generation shape the definition of luxury.
Arival announces full speaker lineup and expanded program for European headline event in Valencia
Arival, the global leader in insights and events for the tours, activities, attractions, and experiences sector, has announced the full speaker lineup and expanded program for Arival 360 Valencia, taking place at the Centre de Congressos from April 27–29, 2026. This year’s theme, “The Tomorrow Operator: Europe & the Future of Tours & Experiences,” sets the stage for a forward‑looking program designed to help operators navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.
Travelsphere launches new trade exclusive offer
Escorted touring specialist Travelsphere has launched a new limited-time, trade only sale. The campaign, which runs from now up to March 31, offers a saving of £150 per booking on any 2027 holiday.
THE RITZ-CARLTON, LANGKAWI AWARDED “GREEN HOTEL” CERTIFICATION
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi is proud to announce that it has been officially awarded the Green Hotel certification by the Tourist Accommodation Premises Grading Panel (PPP) under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia.
WIZZ AIR IGNITES SPRING WITH A NETWORK‑WIDE MEGA SALE OVER 1 MILLION SEATS UP TO 20% OFF
Spring is in full swing at Wizz Air, and the airline is celebrating with one of its biggest sales of the year. For just 48 hours, travellers can grab up to 20% off selected routes across Wizz Air’s entire network*, unlocking more than 1 million discounted seats between 17–18 March.