Travel News Page 35
Red Sea Global completes modernization of AlWajh International Airport
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA, has completed the modernization of AlWajh International Airport (EJH) located in northwest Saudi Arabia. The airport is once again receiving flights, with three weekly connections from Riyadh (RUH) and two from Jeddah (JED) operated by Saudia. International flights are expected to commence soon.
Saudia Earns 2026 APEX Best Cabin Service in the Middle East Award
Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has received the 2026 APEX Award for Best Cabin Service in the Middle East. The award was presented during the APEX Awards ceremony held in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event, a leading aviation industry platform focused on innovation and the future of the guest journey. APEX’s global airline ratings program is built on independent, verified passenger feedback, placing the voice of travelers at the center of the awards process. For the 2026 cycle, more than one million flights across over 600 airlines worldwide were evaluated, with assessment categories covering cabin service, seat comfort, food and beverage quality, entertainment systems and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Celebrates World Wellbeing Week
This month, in celebration of World Wellbeing Week (24-30 June 2026) Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru invites guests to embrace an array of experiences inspired by the rhythms of island life. Guided by this year’s theme of Global Wellness Day, JoyMagenta, the resort’s programme celebrates joy through movement, creativity, connection and gratitude — from mindful rituals to a reflective Full Moon gathering beneath the June Strawberry Moon. Inspired by Banyan Tree Wellbeing’s eight pillars, the month’s experiences encourage guests to slow down, cultivate awareness, and discover simple practices that support a balanced and joyful way of life amidst the natural beauty of the Maldives, under the guidance of the resort’s resident wellbeing practitioner, Dr Sharma.
Vueling launches ‘Yellow Day’ sale with discounts of up to 25% off flights
Holidays are the perfect opportunity to switch off, recharge and return feeling more relaxed, making travel one of life’s simplest mood boosters. To celebrate Yellow Day on the 20th of June and the joy of travel, Brits can enjoy discounts of up to 25% off selected Vueling flights, with fares starting from just £24, when booking between the 16th and 21st of June. It’s the perfect excuse to plan an end-of-summer escape or autumn getaway – and even more reason to smile.
BTN Exclusive with Josh Littman - Appointed EMEA Development Lead at Langham Hospitality Group
Langham Hospitality Group has appointed Josh Littman as Head of Development – EMEA. Based in London, Littman will lead the Group’s expansion efforts across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a focus on securing new hotel and branded residence contracts for The Langham Hotels & Resorts, Cordis Hotels & Resorts, Eaton and Ying’nFlo. BTN recently had the opportunity of putting several questions to Josh as he takes up his new position within the company.
Travel Tech Celebrates Innovation and Policy Leadership at Third Annual Policy & Innovation Showcase
The Travel Technology Association (Travel Tech) has hosted its third annual Policy & Innovation Showcase on Capitol Hill. The event served as the backdrop for honoring Congresswoman Young Kim (R‑CA) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D‑WA) with Travel Tech’s Innovation Leadership Award, recognizing their work to advance transparency, competition and innovation across the travel ecosystem. The event, sponsored by Chase Travel Group and Booking Holdings, brought together Travel Tech member companies, policymakers, congressional staff, and industry stakeholders to highlight the role of travel technology in creating a more transparent, competitive, and innovative travel experience for consumers.
Emirates launches world’s most comprehensive travel insurance
Emirates has become the first airline in the world to offer Comprehensive Travel Cover, an industry-first travel insurance product that handles it all, including medical cover for conflict-related incidents, backed by airline-managed hotel accommodation and extended-stay support across a range of disruption scenarios. When itineraries include connecting on other airlines or Emirates services are unavailable, Emirates will also rebook disrupted customers to their destination at no additional cost, including where flights have been cancelled due to conflict-related disruption.
Marriott International Introduces Ask Bonvoy™ a New AI-Powered Search Experience
Marriott International, Inc. today announced the beta launch of Ask Bonvoy™, a new conversational, natural language search experience designed to help travelers more intuitively discover incredible destinations across the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio of approximately 10,000 properties in 146 countries and territories. Ask Bonvoy is designed to help travelers search for stays and plan their trips using conversational language, delivering customized results that lead to unforgettable experiences.
GAME ON: VIRGIN ATLANTIC PARTNERS WITH SPORT 24 TO BRING LIVE SPORT TO THE SKIES
As football fever hits new heights, Virgin Atlantic is teaming up with IMG to bring live sport to the skies via Sport 24, helping customers stay connected to the moments that matter most, wherever they are in their journey. Available on Starlink-equipped aircraft, customers can access the Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra channels on their own devices for free by connecting to Virgin Atlantic’s streaming-quality Wi-Fi. Whether settling into their seat before take-off, cruising at 35,000 feet or counting down the minutes to landing, fans can enjoy live sports content such as FIFA World Cup 26™ on Sport 24 from boarding to arrival.
From Summit Selfies to Stadium Seats: Father’s Day Travel Trends Shaping Family Getaways
This Father’s Day, Indian families are increasingly swapping conventional gifts for shared experiences and meaningful journeys. Instead of celebrating with material presents, travellers are choosing holidays that allow them to spend quality time together, pursue common interests, and create lasting memories. Insights from Thomas Cook India Ltd. and SOTC Travel reveal that Father’s Day travel is evolving into a celebration of experiences—whether it’s conquering a mountain trail together, embarking on an epic road trip, watching a sporting event, enjoying a wildlife adventure, or simply unwinding over a long weekend.
CHOOSE CHICAGO AND AMAZON PARTNER TO FEATURE CHICAGO AS EXCLUSIVE PRIME DAY TRAVEL DESTINATION
Choose Chicago today announced that Chicago will be featured as the exclusive bookable travel destination through a first-ever partnership with Amazon during Prime Day, June 23 - 26, one of the largest online shopping events in the world. Through the partnership, Chicago hotels offering discounted rates of 20% off will be featured across Amazon’s Prime Day Travel Deals experience, with bookings powered by Expedia. Booking availability will extend into the first quarter of 2027. Ahead of June 23, select Choose Chicago hotel partners are also participating in Early Prime Deals offering 10% off.
Accor Opens Bookings for Reimagined Novotel St Kilda Ahead of October Debut
Accor has announced a new chapter for one of Melbourne’s most iconic coastal addresses, with Saint Kilda Beach Hotel currently undergoing a landmark transformation led by owner ERDI, ahead of its reopening as Novotel St Kilda in October 2026. The transformation of the former Saint Kilda Beach Hotel will see 80 redesigned guest rooms debut, featuring a contemporary coastal palette to create calming spaces that support restorative sleep and everyday balance - core to Novotel’s design philosophy.