Travel News Page 282
IHG Hotels & Resorts marks 50 years in Saudi Arabia and opens a new chapter of inspired hospitality
IHG Hotels & Resorts has marked 50 years of operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, celebrating a journey that began with the opening of InterContinental Riyadh in 1975 and has grown into one of the most significant footprints for the Group globally. The milestone, commemorated at a special gathering hosted at InterContinental Riyadh, underscores IHG’s long-term commitment to the Kingdom and its ambitions to help shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and hospitality sector. From a single landmark property, IHG has grown alongside the Kingdom’s transformation. In 2025, the Group surpassed more than 100 hotels open and in the pipeline across Saudi Arabia - a reflection of the strength of its partnerships, confidence in the local market, and alignment with the goals of Vision 2030.
Introducing Regent Bali Canggu
The first Regent in Indonesia is now open on the shores of Canggu. Here, between the Indian Ocean and terraced hills of Balinese rice fields, Regent Bali Canggu stands in perfect equilibrium – a sanctuary of serenity and stimulation. Regent Bali Canggu is emblematic of IHG’s reimagination of the Regent brand, born from the belief that life is at its best when we rise beyond distractions. The hotel will feature the world’s first Regent Spa and six distinctive dining options, two of which are helmed by award-winning chef Andrew Walsh. With captivating sea or garden vistas and many offering direct lagoon access, the resort’s 150 oceanside rooms and suites are cocooned within the verdant tropical landscape of Canggu’s coastline.
A New Chapter at the Waterfront City: Crowne Plaza Jakarta PIK2
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Crowne Plaza Jakarta PIK2 within the PIK2 development, a 6,000-hectare world-class integrated waterfront township in Tangerang, Northern part of Jakarta, Indonesia. The stunning new 220-key property, scheduled to open in 2027, will be the first hotel to open in PIK2 as the anchor hotel within the development and joins a rapidly growing Crowne Plaza portfolio of over 550 open and pipeline properties globally.
AirAsia rewards Enhances Offerings by Partnering with arrivia to Launch Cruise Booking Platform
AirAsia rewards, the loyalty program of Capital A, is thrilled to announce its newest partnership with arrivia, a global leader in travel loyalty and booking technology, to introduce a dedicated platform powered by iCruise. This initiative reflects AirAsia rewards’ continuous efforts to diversify its services and provide unparalleled value to its extensive member base.
Captain Pugwash Comes Home to Rye Via New GuideGeek AI Tool for Visitors
After a long time at sea, Captain Pugwash and the crew of the Black Pig have dropped anchor in Rye to take on their latest adventure. Thrust into the 21st century, Pugwash will headline Rye’s new tourist information service thanks to a new AI tool that visitors can access via their mobiles. The AI is built on Matador Network’s GuideGeek platform and trained on extensive data from Rye Chamber of Commerce.
Emaar’s NYE Celebration to Run from 31 December to 7 January on a Stage Like Never Before
This New Year’s Eve, Emaar will set a new global benchmark for celebration as Downtown Dubai transforms into a stage of unprecedented scale and imagination. For the first time, the festivities will extend beyond a single night, running from 31 December through 7 January, offering residents and visitors an extended opportunity to experience the magic and energy of the season.
Miami Beach Unveils a Magical Holiday Season This December
Miami Beach is set to transform into a tropical holiday wonderland this December, offering visitors and residents a vibrant lineup of art fairs, immersive installations, sparkling light displays, seaside fitness, and seasonal hotel offers. With world-class cultural programming set against ocean breezes and Art Deco architecture, Miami Beach showcases how the holidays shine brighter by the sea. From the iconic Art Basel Miami Beach and INK Miami Art Fair to the returning No Vacancy, Miami Beach and Miami Beach Holiday Festival of Lights, travelers will experience the wonder of the season on Miami Beach with special offers.
Four Seasons Yachts Unveils its 2027 Mediterranean Season
Four Seasons Yachts is preparing for its second Mediterranean season in 2027, unveiling 33 inspiring voyages and more than 40 compelling new ports of call. Each itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to guide guests to both iconic shores and lesser-known locales – including with the introduction of Egypt to the destination list. This expanded portfolio enriches the current collection and invites travellers to connect more deeply with the timeless destinations of the Mediterranean through a high-touch journey unlike anything else available at sea.
Tripadvisor Winter Report Shows Travelers are Hitting the Road this Winter with 60% Planning Trips
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, today released its annual Winter Travel Index revealing robust winter travel demand, with 60% of travelers planning trips and 45% indicating they’re traveling more this winter than last year. The comprehensive report shows a diverse mix of cold urban destinations and warm-weather escapes leading winter travel preferences. Most travelers (83%) are organizing one to two trips this season, with more than half (54%) committing to extended stays of five nights or more. Cost remains the primary consideration for travelers planning winter trips this season, yet despite economic uncertainties, they continue to show strong confidence in their plans and maintain optimistic spending expectations with more than half of travelers (52%) spending more this year.
FITUR 2026 Expands Its Travel Technology Area by 50%
As competition for global tourism increasingly depends on digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and creating connected experiences, the Travel Technology area is emerging as a driving force for the sector transformation at FITUR 2026. Tech firms have taken a leading role when improving processes optimisation, fostering sustainability, making the most of the traveller experience and creating new business models. In summary, it stands as one of the key pillars of the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR, held from 21 to 25 January.
On March 29, 2026, World of Frozen - will open within Disney Adventure World
120 days before Walt Disney Studios Park transforms into Disney Adventure World with the opening of Adventure Way— a majestic new main avenue featuring entertainment, a brand-new attraction inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film Tangled, 14 new dining locations — and the debut of an immense lake called Adventure Bay, with a breathtaking nighttime spectacular. The highlight of this expansion, the impressive brand-new World of Frozen, will fully immerse guests into the heart of the iconic films. The Kingdom of Arendelle, recreated on a life-size scale, will feature a new family-friendly attraction, a daytime show, a royal encounter with queens Anna and Elsa, interactions with beloved characters including a true-to-size Olaf made possible thanks to next-generation robotic figures demonstrated today by Walt Disney Imagineering team, a tavern, and shops. This monumental expansion is set to captivate and amaze guests at every turn.
Baymont by Wyndham Makes Asia Pacific Debut in Kunming, China
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has expanded its global footprint with the Asia-Pacific debut of its Baymont by Wyndham® brand, opening the Baymont Kunming Wuhua in the heart of the Yunnan capital’s commercial center. The arrival marks Baymont’s first property outside the Americas and underscores Wyndham’s continued strategic push into the region’s fast-growing midscale hotel segment.