Travel News Page 291
Etijah honoured with World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme title at WSTHA
Youth & Development Consultancy Institute – Etijah has been recognised with the title of World’s Leading Sustainable Education & Training Programme 2025 for the Employability Program in the Hospitality Sector by voters at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA). The prize was revealed in front of hundreds of global leaders of sustainable tourism gathered in Dubai for the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025. The VIP ceremony was held at Terra, Expo City Dubai and recognised the individuals and organisations that are accelerating change in net positive tourism.
Hotel Katarina Opening Early 2026 on Croatia’s Pelješac Peninsula
Opening early 2026, Hotel Katarina marks an exciting new chapter in the evolution of the Korta Katarina Collection, expanding its legacy of refined Adriatic hospitality. With its idyllic setting on the Dalmatian Coast, this intimate 11-suite Relais & Châteaux seaside retreat captures the essence of Croatia’s coastal charm with contemporary elegance.
Bali Beachfront Weddings at the Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa
The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa stands as one of Bali’s most enchanting beachfront wedding destinations, offering couples a breathtaking setting on one of the island’s most iconic stretches of sand. With panoramic ocean views, elegant architecture, and exceptional Balinese hospitality, the resort brings romance and luxury together in a way few places can. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, every detail is handled with precision, care, and heartfelt service—creating a wedding experience that feels effortless, beautiful, and deeply personal.
Expedition Micro Cruises Emerge as Top Travel Trend for 2026
As 2026 sets to be the year of purposeful and personalised travel, Expedition Micro Cruises to the remote polar regions are surging in popularity and emerging as a hot travel trend for next year. Leading this new wave of exploration is Secret Atlas, pioneers of small group adventure through Expedition Micro Cruises, offering highly exclusive voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica and South Georgia with a maximum of just 12 and 44 guests onboard each expedition.
KERTEN HOSPITALITY ENTERS MOROCCO WITH SIGNING OF CLOUD 7 HOTEL DERSA TETUÀN
Kerten Hospitality, the global lifestyle operator renowned for creating community-driven destinations, today announced the signing of Cloud 7 Dersa Tetuàn in partnership with Oromecanica Group, a distinguished Moroccan jeweler celebrated for its commitment to authentic craftsmanship and fine artisanal heritage. The signing, which took place in Casablanca, marks Kerten Hospitality’s foray into Morocco’s vibrant and rapidly growing hospitality market.
Series by Marriott Celebrates its Global Debut with 26 Openings Across Key Destinations in India
Marriott International, Inc. announces the global debut of Series by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, with the launch of The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott in India. This new collection brand is designed to celebrate regional character while delivering the trusted consistency of Marriott’s global standards. The first phase of openings includes 26 hotels across key destinations in India, bringing over 1,900 rooms to Marriott’s portfolio and marking a significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion.
Marriott International Celebrates 100 Property Milestone in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has reached a milestone of 100 combined open and pipeline hotels in Saudi Arabia following the signing of an agreement with a fund managed by SEDCO Capital for a 1,100 room Courtyard by Marriott in Makkah. The property will be situated within the Holy City’s landmark Masar destination which is owned, developed and operated by Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction. Expected to open in 2030, Courtyard by Marriott Makkah Masar is anticipated to deliver the brand’s signature blend of exceptional hospitality, modern comfort and purposeful design.
TAP AIR PORTUGAL POSTS PROFIT OF €126 MILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER
TAP recorded a positive net profit of 126 million euros in the third quarter of this year and made a profit of 55.2 million euros in the first nine months of 2025. Until September (9M25), TAP carried a total of 12.7 million passengers, which represents an increase of 2.9% compared to the same period in 2024 (9M24). The number of flights operated registered a slight year-on-year growth of 0.7%, in line with the previous period. Capacity increased 3% compared to 9M24, while RPKs grew 4.6%, resulting in a 1.3 p.p. improvement in Load Factor, which reached 84.2% in 9M25.
Oceania Cruises® Unveils a Sneak Peek of Oceania Sonata™
Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused luxury cruise line, today unveiled Oceania Sonata, the latest expression of the brand’s signature blend of intimate, luxurious experiences. Set to debut in 2027, the vessel will be the first of four 1,390-guest ships in the new Sonata Class, representing the next chapter in the line’s continued evolution of its intimate, luxurious ships. Marking the ninth vessel in the Oceania Cruises fleet, Oceania Sonata will embark on her maiden voyage in August 2027. A true masterpiece of design, she will deliver a symphony of unforgettable experiences at sea, anchored by the brand’s hallmark passion for gastronomy and its legacy of serving The Finest Cuisine at Sea®.
Six Destinations That Capture the Spirit of Saudi
Saudi continues to inspire travelers from around the world, a country where every destination tells a different story, from ancient civilizations carved into sandstone to coral-framed coastlines and palm-shaded oases. According to the Ministry of Tourism’s latest data, Saudi welcomed 60.9 million visitors in the first half of 2025, maintaining strong growth momentum across both domestic and international tourism. Total tourism spending reached approximately SAR 161 billion, reflecting a 4 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Saudi’s tourism sector continues to play a pivotal role in driving economic diversification and shaping Saudi’s global tourism landscape. From UNESCO heritage sites to untouched coral reefs and world-class cultural events, these six destinations showcase the very best of Saudi - each offering a unique experience that blends history, authenticity, and innovation
How to prep for your trip without the panic
Why is it that preparing for a trip often feels more stressful than the trip itself? You book the flights, dream about poolside snacks, and then suddenly you’re deep in a group chat about who’s packing the sunscreen and who’s watching the neighbor’s cat. Somewhere between the to-do lists and the endless piles of “just in case” clothes, the excitement starts to fade. What should feel like a break becomes another job, complete with logistics, timelines, and way too many questions.
Ferrari World Yas Island Abu Dhabi Celebrates 15 Years of Record-Breaking Thrills
For 15 unforgettable years, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi has turned speed, innovation and family fun into an engineering marvel beneath its iconic red roof. This November, the award-winning theme park will commemorate its milestone anniversary with a high-octane, month-long festivities packed with exclusive entertainment and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The celebration will transform every corner of the park into a living tribute to Ferrari’s storied legacy. Guests can look forward to lively performances and in-park entertainment that bring the vibrant energy of Italian piazzas to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, complemented by special anniversary-themed F&B offerings available throughout the month.