Travel News Page 251
Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps - Selenkay Conservancy honoured
Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps - Selenkay Conservancy has been recognised with the title of ‘World’s Leading Conservation Programme’ by voters at the 2nd annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards.
Qatar Airways Lands Inaugural Flight in Hail, Saudi Arabia
Qatar Airways today marks the launch of three non-stop weekly flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar and Hail International Airport (HAS), its 13th destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The new route underscores the airline’s strategic focus on expanding its presence across the Kingdom, highlighting the importance of the Saudi market in its global network.
Emirates extends Premium Economy reach with expanded city rollout
Emirates will continue rolling out its retrofitted Boeing 777 and new A350 aircraft to key destinations across Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia, bringing Premium Economy and its latest onboard products to more cities across its network. The airline will deploy its A350 on new daily services to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town, adding an extra frequency and offering customers greater connectivity alongside an elevated onboard experience. Additional frequencies to Copenhagen, Phuket and Cape Town will complement existing schedules and provide much-needed capacity to meet the anticipated surge in summer travel demand.
RateGain Announces Exclusive Partnership with Aztech Digital to Accelerate UNO VIVA’s Expansion Acro
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited (NSE: RATEGAIN), a global leader of AI-powered SaaS solutions for the travel and hospitality industry, today announced an exclusive reseller partnership with Aztech Digital, an adtech solution provider and trusted advisor to hotels across Greece and Cyprus. This partnership will expand the reach of UNO VIVA, the first CRS-integrated AI voice agent built for hotels.
Travelsoft announces the acquisition of .BOSYS Software GmbH
Travelsoft, leading global technology provider for the travel industry, announces the acquisition of .BOSYS Software GmbH, a German travel technology software editor specializing in CRM, mid-office and back-office solutions for travel distribution organizations and touristic call-centers.
Maya registers a record x5 revenue growth and prepares to scale its agentic AI solution globally
Maya, a technology platform specializing in agentic AI solutions for the travel industry, today reported a record year, achieving x5 year-over-year revenue growth and x3 its client base. This performance reinforces the company’s momentum, driven by a technology designed to turn every traveler interaction into a tangible business opportunity.
The Resurgence of Tourism in Libya
Libya is enjoying a resurgence in tourism, with the country making a concerted push to attract more international visitors. In the first half of 2025, there was a 60% increase in the number of visitors to the country, compared to the year before.
Unlock the Gift of ‘Experience’ in Japan’s Setouchi Region this Universal Year 1
In numerology 2026 marks a Universal year 1 (2+0+2+6 = 10, 1+0 = 1), an opportunity for new experiences and fresh starts signified by the start of a new nine year karmic cycle. The Setouchi Region in Japan offers a variety of immersive hands-on adventures that allow guests to embrace this time for innovation, stepping out of the comfort zone and embarking on a new chapter by actively participating in the cultural traditions and natural beauty of the destination. Rather than simply observing, visitors are encouraged to get involved, try new skills, meet local experts and engage directly with the landscapes and communities that make Setouchi unique.
IHG Hotels & Resorts Debuts Vignette Collection in Maldives
IHG Hotels & Resorts announces the opening of Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection, marking the debut of the Vignette Collection brand in the Maldives. The addition of Noku Maldives to IHG’s fast-growing Vignette Collection, a family of one-of-a-kind hotels in destinations to remember.
Centara Reserve Samui’s Sa-Nga Restaurant Welcomes Two-Michelin-Star Chef Stefan Heilemann
Sa-Nga, the signature dining destination at Centara Reserve Samui, presents an exceptional two-night culinary collaboration with Stefan Heilemann, the celebrated two-Michelin-star chef of Widder Restaurant, Switzerland. Taking place for just two evenings on 17th – 18th January 2026, this limited engagement marks one of the most anticipated culinary moments on Koh Samui in 2026.
Costa Rica Beyond the Beach: A Holiday where Nature takes Centre Stage
With its decades-long commitment to ambitious policies to combat climate change and protect the planet’s natural resources, Costa Rica has long punched above its weight as a global green pioneer. Sustainability is embedded into every aspect of life here, from the extraordinary biodiversity (the country is home to 6% of the world’s entire biodiversity), to the protected cultural traditions and its commitment to eco-tourism, which is why independent tour operator ECT Travel has just added a 12 nights/11 days holiday in Costa Rica to its programme of gentle adventures in the natural world.
Europe’s Event-Driven Tourism Grows by +7% in 2025, Reinforcing the Sector’s Economic Impact
Belgium, the UK and Ireland stood out for annual growth in event-related tourism spending in Europe Expos saw the most consistent rise in tourism spending across Europe in 2025, whereas sports continued to generate the highest share of event-related tourism expenditure.