Travel News Page 26
“Huge optimism” as the Middle East re-opens for holidays
Worldwide travel specialist Travelbag (Travelbag.co.uk) says there is huge optimism for British travellers now that Dubai and the Middle East are back on the map, following the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran and the FCO’s lifting of advice against all but essential travel to the area.
RMS partners with SUNY Niagara to prepare tech-ready hospitality graduates
RMS, a leading global hospitality technology platform, has partnered with SUNY Niagara’s Hospitality Management Program to provide students with hands-on experience using industry-leading property management technology. As part of the partnership, students studying at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute (NFCI), a division of SUNY Niagara, will use the RMS platform throughout their Hospitality Management degree, gaining practical experience across key hotel operations including reservations, front desk management, housekeeping, sales, revenue management and reporting.
The North’s only direct Bangkok service to quadruple in frequency this year
Manchester Airport and Norse Atlantic Airways have announced that flights between the UK’s global gateway in the North and Bangkok will run four times a week from December. The seasonal service launched in November 2025 and has proven popular, with more than 10,000 passengers taking advantage of a direct link between the North’s global hub airport and one of the world’s most popular tourism hotspots.
AlUla Unveils Manara, A Landmark Destination for Astronomy, Discovery and Astrotourism
Set beneath some of the clearest and darkest skies on Earth, AlUla has unveiled the design of AlUla Manara, a landmark destination for astronomy, scientific discovery and astrotourism that will transform how visitors experience the cosmos. Situated within the world’s third-largest Dark Sky Park and designed by Heatherwick Studio, the facility will connect AlUla’s rich celestial heritage with the future of scientific exploration, creating a world-class destination for discovery, learning and inspiration.
Rixos Opens Second Resort in Hurghada Amid Rising Polish Demand
As Egypt continues to attract record visitor numbers, Poland has become one of its key European source markets, with more than one million Polish travellers visiting yearly. Responding to rising demand for premium Red Sea holidays, Rixos Hotels Egypt has opened Rixos Premium Magawish Bay View, its second resort in Hurghada. Supported by regular scheduled and charter flights from Warsaw, Hurghada remains a leading Egyptian destination for Polish holidaymakers seeking year-round sunshine, sandy beaches and premium all-inclusive experiences.
HANDWRITTEN COLLECTION CELEBRATES 50 HOTELS WORLDWIDE
Handwritten Collection, a global collection of characterful hotels, celebrates a major milestone with 50 addresses now open around the world. Each hotel is thoughtfully curated, celebrating character over standardisation and story over uniformity, ensuring the essence of each property is preserved for curious, open-minded travellers who value emotional connection and meaningful experiences. Whether it is a historic château in Provence, a vibrant city escape in Shanghai, or a mountain retreat in the Swiss Alps, every Handwritten Collection hotel is shaped by the people who care for it and the place it calls home.
Emirates expands operations in Ghana with additional weekly flights
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, is expanding its operations in Ghana with the introduction of four additional weekly services between Dubai and Accra from 12 July 2026. This reaffirms the airline’s long-term commitment to Ghana and supports the country’s growing demand for travel and global connectivity. The new service will complement Emirates’ existing daily operation and the sustained growth in air travel demand to and from Accra, which continues to experience high seat occupancy year-round. From 12 July, Emirates’ direct service, operating as EK789, will depart Dubai at 03:30hrs*, arriving in Accra at 07:40hrs*; the return flight, EK790, will depart Accra at 10:25hrs*, arriving in Dubai at 22:40hrs*. Operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, these flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Riyadh Air Commences Daily Dubai-Riyadh Flights as Inaugural Flight Takes Flight
Riyadh Air, the Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today celebrated the inauguration of its 3rd official destination, starting daily service connecting Riyadh and Dubai, operated on one of its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The daily service, flight RX243, scheduled for departure from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) at 14:05 with arrival at Dubai Airport (DXB) at 17:00, marking a major milestone in the airline’s evolution and continuing to build a new era of travel and connectivity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
RENOVATION, FAMILY & WELLBEING NEWS from Rocco Forte Hotels Verdura Resort
Verdura Resort unveils the redesign of 58 accommodations, marking the first chapter of a three-year room renovation programme at Rocco Forte Hotels’ destination in the Agrigento area. Developed in collaboration with Studio Moschino, the new interior concept has been introduced across 10 Grand, Family and Pool Suites and 48 Double Deluxe and Seafront rooms elevating the guest experience through a renewed focus on comfort, craftsmanship and connection to the surrounding coastline.
ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan Unveils Half Board Summer Package and Exclusive DSS Discount
As the city gears up for the highly anticipated Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) 2026, ECOS Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan has officially announced the launch of its value-packed summer campaign. Designed specifically for families, couples, and UAE residents seeking a smart, comfortable, and affordable getaway, the hotel is introducing the “ECOS Summer Escape 2026 with Half Board” package alongside an exclusive citywide DSS direct-booking promotion.
Opulence Awaits at the Maldives - Ultra-Luxury Island Living at JA Manafaru
Arriving at JA Manafaru is like entering another realm of luxury. This enviable destination gives new meaning to the notion of an idyllic island escape, and now, the property has unveiled its extraordinary new Three Bedroom Residence, setting a new benchmark for intimate island experiences in the Maldives. Boasting unmatched space, privacy, and personalised service, the residence combines expansive beachfront living with world-class amenities and the resort’s signature warm hospitality. Offering a rare sense of seclusion in one of the Indian Ocean’s most breathtaking settings, it is an elevated way to enjoy the Maldives in complete comfort and style.
A new operating system for travel takes shape at Phocuswright Europe
Phocuswright Europe opened this week with a clear message: AI is no longer a side conversation, it is the gravitational centre of travel’s next era. Across the main stage, speakers warned that the industry’s economics, interfaces and power structures are shifting faster than many companies can adapt. OAG CEO says travel’s next operating system will be built on “trusted intelligence”