Travel News Page 310
Blockbuster end to WTM London 2025
World Travel Market London 2025 closed with a high-profile fireside chat, this year featuring an Oscar-nominated British actor sharing his love of travel with a senior member of the UK government in front of a standing-room-only crowd. Richard E Grant, nominated for an Oscar for Can You Ever Forgive Me? in 2019, talked travel with Sir Chris Bryant MP, recently appointed the UK’s minister of state for trade policy.
Global Leaders Gather at WTM London
Global leaders from tourism, travel-tech, and destination management met at a private, invitation-only roundtable hosted by Mabrian, The Data Appeal Company – Almawave Group, and the Global Tourism Resilience Council to explore how data and innovation can transform the future of event management. The closed-door session, titled “Strategic Event Intelligence – Data, Impact and the Future of Events Tourism,” was held at the Crowne Plaza Docklands during World Travel Market (WTM) London and brought together a select group of senior executives from JCDecaux, ICF, This is Breeze and Queer Destinations, alongside tourism and destination leaders from Europe
TAP IS THE OFFICIAL AIRLINE OF TEAM PORTUGAL
TAP Air Portugal has established a partnership with the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP) and the Portuguese Paralympic Committee (CPP) through an agreement that makes the national airline the Official Airline of Team Portugal and Olympic Partner until the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. This agreement covers the entire Olympic cycle, including transport for the Portuguese delegation to the 2028 Games, as well as to qualifying events, training camps and international preparation missions.
Take the Northern Lights to new heights with Finnair
Finland’s national carrier, Finnair, brings UK travellers the opportunity to experience Finland’s popular Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) season, due to the darker winter nights. 2025 is predicted to bring the most impressive Northern Lights in around a decade with increased solar flares creating a more intense and recurrent experience. This year, the sun’s solar maximum - an 11 year cycle - will be at its peak, making this winter the perfect time to enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Quito strengthened its international positioning at the World Travel Market London 2025
As part of its internationalization and global positioning strategy, Quito took part in the World Travel Market (WTM) 2025, held in London from November 4 to 6. The Ecuadorian capital was part of Ecuador’s national stand, with the goal of consolidating its image as a cultural and sustainable destination in the markets of the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
RateGain Completes Acquisition of Sojern to Power the Next Phase of AI-Powered Growth
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited, a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for the hospitality and travel industry, today announced the completion of its acquisition of Sojern, the leading AI-powered marketing platform built for hospitality.
WTM: Croatia Signs Deal with Jet2 as 4.1 Million British Overnight Stays Signal Tourism Boom
The Croatian National Tourist Board made a flying start to the World Travel Market (WTM) taking place from 4-6 November, the largest in event’s 45-year history. Promotional efforts at the checkered and visually impactful Croatian stand were spearheaded by the Minister of Tourism and Sport, Tonči Glavina, the Croatian National Tourist Board’s Director, Kristjan Staničić, Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board’s office in London, Bisera Fabrio, alongside 27 co-exhibitors.
“Healing is the New Luxury”: Thailand Unveils its Latest Travel Vision
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a new “Amazing Thailand” campaign, redefining luxury through the lens of personal healing, sustainability, and cultural connections for a new generation of travellers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is setting out a bold new vision for the country’s tourism industry with the campaign “Unforgettable Experience: Healing is the New Luxury”. In a world where speed, stress and uncertainty dominate daily life, Thailand is positioning itself as a destination where travellers can slow down, recharge, and reconnect with themselves and nature.
Guiding Global Tourism Toward a Shared, Sustainable Future
Tourism is entering a new era of transformation defined by sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili shares how global collaboration is reshaping travel, empowering communities, and driving long-term, responsible growth worldwide.
Hilton & Wirgan Hospitality Announce Plans to Open Two Hotels in Makkah
Hilton today announced during World Travel Market in London the signing of an agreement with Wirgan Hospitality to rebrand two of their trading hotels in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Makkah and a DoubleTree by Hilton. Both hotels are set to open before the end of the year, further strengthening Hilton’s presence in the Kingdom and the Holy City. The signings will almost double Hilton’s trading presence in Makkah – by rooms – to more than 4,100 keys.
Inside WTTC’s Vision for Travel and Tourism
Jamie Wortley, Vice President of Communications at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), discusses sustainable growth, workforce renewal, and innovation in the sector.
Kuda Villingili Maldives Unveils ‘Through the Decades’
This festive season, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives invites guests to step into an elevated journey of celebration, nostalgia, and rejuvenation with its 2025–2026 Festive Program, themed “Through the Decades.” Between December 23, 2025, and January 7, 2026, the island will transform into a vibrant canvas of shimmering gold, sparkling silver, and neon hues. The resort’s signature ethos — “time and space redefined” — sets the tone, as guests are invited to leave the ordinary behind and relax, celebrate, and reconnect in absolute luxury.