Travel News Page 248
Emirates aces the skies with a Grand Slam livery
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline and one of the biggest supporters of tennis, has unveiled a stunning new Airbus A380 livery celebrating its enduring commitment to tennis through its sponsorship of all four Grand Slam tournaments.
Al Qimmah Hospitality and Marriott International Announce Agreement to Expand in Saudi Arabia
Al Qimmah Hospitality, a subsidiary of BinDawood Investment, and Marriott International today announced the signing of five new hotel projects, further strengthening their shared commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing tourism sector. Plans include the addition of over 2,700 new rooms in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, under four of Marriott’s renowned brands – JW Marriott, Four Points by Sheraton, Element Hotels, and the anticipated entry of Four Points Flex by Sheraton in the Kingdom.
Minimal Impact Expeditions Brings Sustainability to Luxury Polar Exploration
Minimal Impact Expeditions introduces a new standard of sustainable polar travel for 2026, designed for travellers who seek rare, meaningful experiences in pristine, remote environments. Led by a hand-picked team of polar naturalists, scientists and historians, each voyage is shaped in real time by ice, weather and wildlife so every landing feels singular and each day remains genuinely exploratory.
‘Wild Wellness’ at Las Torres Patagonia Inspires a Year of Restorative Travel
Las Torres Patagonia in Chile is emerging as a pioneer of ‘wild wellness’, the kind of restoration found through wind, wilderness and authentic natural encounters. Experiences there align with holistic wellness trends for 2026 including social wisdom, elemental spirituality, ping minimalism, soft fascination and living laboratories. From horseback rides with the resident baqueano cowboys to quiet mornings in the biointensive garden, the historic estancia offers guests a chance to retreat into nature amid epic landscapes, living culture and tranquility, in line with the traditional Patagonian saying ‘he who hurries wastes time’.
Northern Lights Resort & Spa Adds New Aurora360 Flight Dates for 2026 Following Phenomenal Demand
One of the Yukon’s most breathtaking Northern Lights experiences is set for a spectacular comeback. Due to phenomenal global demand for the rare chance to see the aurora borealis from 30,000 feet, Air North’s Aurora360 Flight has expanded its 2026 programme, adding two new October departures to complement its February return.
EAU’s 36th graduation ceremony welcomes 379 skilled professionals into the aviation workforce
At its glittering 36th graduation, Emirates Aviation University (EAU) celebrated the accomplishments of a highly skilled class of 379 students. More than 26,500 students have graduated from EAU to date with the university boasting a 94% employability rate, demonstrating its ongoing contribution to the aviation and technology talent pipeline.
Year-long commemoration of nation’s 250th underway in Washington, DC
With only-in-DC experiences, free attractions and a citywide collaboration of more than 85 partners, Washington, DC is kicking off its year-long commemoration of the nation’s 250th anniversary. No place tells America’s story as vividly as DC, the only place to see the Declaration of Independence and the best place to discover its impact. Destination DC, the city’s official destination marketing organization, announced an updated calendar of fun, free events and special exhibitions, interspersed with headline openings and reopenings, throughout the year. Begin planning your trip at a special website for the occasion: DC250.us.
Mandarin Oriental’s first hotel in Mallorca to debut in spring 2026
Mandarin Oriental is delighted to announce the upcoming opening of Mandarin Oriental Punta Negra, Mallorca. Located in Calvià near the elegant Puerto Portals, the resort offers captivating Mediterranean views, framed by Aleppo pines and the dramatic coastline. The stunning new property features 131 stylishly appointed rooms and suites, an array of innovative restaurants and bars, a signature wellness sanctuary, extensive leisure facilities and curated guest experiences.
Ireckonu expands hotel portfolio to strengthen access to higher-value customers
Ireckonu, the leading provider of middleware solutions and customer data platforms for the hospitality industry, today shared its 2025 milestones, highlighting its strengthened leadership position and significant growth within the luxury segment. After several years supporting the operations of premium hotel brands, Ireckonu has continued to expand its global portfolio over the past year, adding Aman, Dorchester Collection, and other luxury groups to its client portfolio.
Explore the World: Tripadvisor’s Top Destinations for 2026
Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, today announced its first Travelers’ Choice® Awards category for 2026: Best of the Best Destinations, celebrating the places that travelers around the world love most.
Luxury Scotland Welcomes Ardbeg House and Jetlogic to Its Curated Collection
Luxury Scotland, the leading collection of exceptional Scottish hospitality experiences, has announced the addition of two new members to its carefully curated portfolio: Ardbeg House, the reimagined Islay retreat shaped by whisky heritage and island culture, and jetlogic, Scotland’s leading private aviation specialist, delivering bespoke jet and helicopter charter services worldwide.
A Growing Passport Divide Reshapes Global Mobility in 2026
Marking two decades since its inception, the Henley Passport Index 2026 reveals a growing divide between the world’s most and least mobile populations. Created 20 years ago and based on exclusive Timatic data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the index ranks all the world’s passports according to the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. While a record number of passports now cluster at the top of the ranking, those at the bottom remain increasingly isolated, underscoring a widening global mobility gap.