Travel News Page 183
Maldives Announced as Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027
The Maldives will take center stage as the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2027, presenting the beauty, diversity and hospitality of the island nation in the Indian Ocean to the global travel industry at the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show.
A perspective on International Women’s Day
A perspective on International Women’s Day with Sharon Palmer, Managing Director of Camps International (UK & Middle East), reflecting on leadership, career growth, and the value of staying open to opportunities even when the path forward is uncertain.
Marriott Announces Significant Growth and Strategic Expansion in the Caribbean and Latin America
Marriott International, Inc. announced an outstanding year of growth in its Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region in 2025. The company achieved a record 94 signed deals in the region, adding 10,461 rooms to the pipeline, an increase of 40 percent in signed transactions and more than 30 percent in signed rooms compared to 2024. This performance reinforces Marriott’s long-term commitment to diversified expansion and meeting evolving owner interests in the CALA region.
Air Tahiti Nui announces the opening of a direct route between Tahiti and Australia
Air Tahiti Nui continues to develop its international network and announces the launch of new direct service between Papeete and Sydney (PPT–SYD). This new service forms part of the airline’s strategy to sustainably strengthen French Polynesia’s connectivity with major regional hubs across the South Pacific.
Disney Cruise Line Christens Disney Adventure with Star-Studded, Music-Filled Celebration
Disney Cruise Line welcomed its newest ship, the Disney Adventure, to its rapidly expanding fleet in a dazzling entertainment showcase that celebrated the beloved Disney stories, characters, and music that come to life onboard. The elegant artistry of the christening ceremony punctuated the introduction of the cruise line’s first ever ship to sail in Southeast Asia.
Trip.com Group Reinforces AI Innovation and European Collaboration at ITB Berlin
Trip.com Group concluded its participation at ITB Berlin with strong demonstrations of its leadership in travel technology, artificial intelligence and strategic partnerships across Europe. At a series of panel discussions, the company shared insights into how innovation and data are reshaping traveller behaviour and partner opportunities, underscoring its commitment to powering the full travel journey from trip planning to in-trip support and beyond.
British Airways Middle East operation
We remain unable to operate flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv. The UK Government advice has now been updated to note that: “commercial options are available to depart the region, and if your presence in the UAE is not essential, you may wish to consider departing, if you judge you can access these options safely”.
Scaremongering by AENA Chairman Cannot Mask Flimsy Arguments for Increasing Airport Charges
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed outrage at the recent remarks from Maurici Lucena, Chairman and CEO of AENA, the operator of the vast majority of airports in Spain, suggesting that airlines calling for airport charges reductions were “compromising safety and security.”
SEABOURN INTRODUCES “YOURS TO EXPLORE EVENT,” OFFERING SUITE UPGRADES AND SHIPBOARD CREDIT
Seabourn, the leader in luxury and expedition travel, invites travelers to embrace a world of curated luxury with its new “Yours to Explore Event.” Available now through May 5, 2026, the promotion will offer a complimentary two-category Veranda Suite upgrade and shipboard credit for guests booking select 2026 and beyond ocean and expedition voyages.
Booking without headaches - safety and hospitality for the LGBTQ+-community
When Karl Krause books a hotel with his husband Dan Colijn, it raises many questions. How will the couple be received? Will they get odd looks? Will they get the double bed they want? Together, the founders of the award-winning travel blog Couple of Men travel the world. The uncertainty of whether they are really welcome at their hotel always travels with them, said Karl Krause, speaking at the panel discussion entitled “Travel Proud - Making Travel Truly Inclusive” at the LGBTQ+ pavilion at ITB Berlin.
Layan Life by Anantara Launches a New Generation of Longevity Retreats for Women
Layan life by Anantara, the brand’s flagship wellness retreat nestled within the luxurious Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, has unveiled a new collection of women-focused retreats designed to support, celebrate and empower women across all chapters of life — from tech-overloaded teens and women navigating the hormonal fluctuations of midlife, to those entering their wiser years wanting to stay strong, mobile and well.
Air Transat 15% Off Flights to Canada for International Women’s Day
In honour of International Women’s Day, Air Transat, the award-winning Canadian leisure airline, is embracing the growing ‘Wandering Women’ trend and offering 15% off flights* to Canada to female travellers seeking the empowerment of solo travel.