As anticipation builds for the launch of EXPLORA III on 24 July, Explora Journeys looks ahead to next summer, when the ship will sail the brand’s highly anticipated debut season in Alaska. Summer is one of the most compelling times to experience the region, when its wilderness is at its most vivid, alive and expressive, while the unique perspective of discovering Alaska by sea reveals a side of the destination that few experience. With the inaugural season now less than a year away, this is the perfect moment to begin planning an extraordinary journey, complemented by a thoughtfully curated collection of destination experiences, created for guests who have long dreamed of experiencing the awe-inspiring grandeur of the region.

Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a global sporting destination is reshaping far more than its events calendar. As the Kingdom prepares to host a growing portfolio of international tournaments, from Formula 1 and international football to golf, boxing and e-sports, sport is increasingly recognised as a powerful driver of tourism demand, investment attraction and long-term destination positioning. As David Thomson, Senior Vice President – Development, The First Group Hospitality, puts it: “Mega-events can put a city on the map. When managed well, they reposition a city in the minds of investors and travellers.” Four leading hospitality executives share their perspectives ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit – FHS Saudi Arabia, taking place from 22-24 June at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah, Riyadh.

Summer Sizzle BVI, the Caribbean’s premier fashion and lifestyle event, returns for its landmark 16th edition from July 15 20, 2026, bringing together world-renowned designers, celebrity guests, industry leaders, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts for an unforgettable week of luxury, culture, and island experiences in the British Virgin Islands.

Avani Hotels & Resorts has launched Avani Book Club, a new global initiative that helps guests connect with each destination through books, local stories and shared reading experiences. Designed for travellers looking for slower, more meaningful ways to spend their time away, the programme brings together curated reading lists, in-hotel book corners, book swaps, author-led events and relaxed reading moments across selected Avani hotels and resorts worldwide. The launch responds to the rise of online reading communities, from BookTok to Bookstagram, as books become part of how people plan, share and remember travel.

For the first time, Holland America Line’s flagship Rotterdam will sail a series of cruises in the Mediterranean, with bookings now open for fall 2027. The five itineraries span both the Western and Eastern Mediterranean, offering a chance to experience the region through a relaxed, late-season lens. The 10- and 11-day voyages call at a mix of standout destinations, from Lisbon and Naples to Kotor, Rhodes and Alexandria. Select itineraries include scenic cruising through the Strait of Messina and past Stromboli, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. Sailings can also be combined into longer itineraries, allowing guests to experience a broader mix of the Mediterranean. The season concludes with a 14-day transatlantic crossing from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale.

With the start of hurricane season in the Atlantic, Sunset World Group announced that its hotels and staff are prepared to handle any weather-related event, thanks to the ongoing implementation of its Storm and Hurricane Prevention and Response Program. The program includes specialized training for staff at all of the group’s hotels to act before, during, and after the impact of a tropical storm or hurricane, with the primary objective of safeguarding the well-being of its members, guests, and staff.