Travel News Page 40
United Celebrates America with Custom 250th Anniversary Livery
United today unveiled a new specialty “Stars and Stripes” livery that celebrates the nation’s 250th anniversary and announced a milestone to the airline’s United Military Pilot Program, an initiative that provides currently serving active-duty U.S. military pilots access to a conditional job offer with the airline much earlier than they were previously afforded. United Celebrates America with Custom 250th Anniversary Livery and Military Pilot Hiring Program Milestone Since 2024, nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to United through the program, with 500 more expected by the end of 202
Europcar responds to reports the Government will revise ZEV mandate targets
Responding to reports that the Government is set to ease the ZEV mandate’s 2030 target, Tom Middleditch, Sustainability spokesperson at Europcar Mobility Group UK, said: “Easing the pressure on manufacturers makes sense. OEMs have been telling us for months that the current trajectory was becoming unworkable, and a more realistic supply-side target should help stabilise the market for everyone who buys vehicles at scale.
Bermuda: The Coolcation That Doesn’t Require a Coat
As travellers increasingly embrace the “coolcation” trend in search of destinations with more comfortable temperatures, Bermuda is redefining what a climate-conscious getaway can look like. Rather than escaping to destinations that are too hot in summer or too cold in winter, visitors can enjoy Bermuda’s sweet spot: a year-round blend of sunshine, sea breezes and outdoor adventure. Just a direct flight from London, Bermuda offers an alternative to traditional seasonal travel. Here, mild temperatures, world-class experiences and breathtaking natural beauty come together in every season, making the island an ideal destination for those seeking balance rather than extremes.
Access Hospitality launches Access Evo, an AI intelligence layer for hotels
Access Hospitality has launched Access Evo, a new AI-powered intelligence layer that connects CRS, CRM, RMS and Booking Engine data into a single operating environment for hotel teams. Launching at HITEC 2026, Evo addresses one of the hospitality industry’s most persistent operational challenges: fragmented technology stacks that slow decision-making, increase manual reporting and make it harder for teams to act quickly on commercial opportunities.
BRAND USA AND U.S. HOST CITIES LEAN INTO INNOVATION AND AI TO ENHANCE WORLD CUP TRIP PLANNING
As the United States welcomes international visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, AI is transforming how fans experience their journey - from planning their trip and navigating language barriers to finding transportation, attractions, and last-minute information once they arrive. With the tournament underway, Brand USA, the official destination marketing organisation for the United States, is spotlighting the AI-powered visitor tools already in place across host cities, and how they’re helping millions of international fans make the most of their time in the United States.
RwandAir wins Best Cabin Service in Africa at the 2026 APEX Awards
RwandAir has been named Best Cabin Service in Africa at the 2026 APEX Awards, marking the first time the airline has received this recognition for its onboard customer experience. The award was presented during the APEX Future Travel Experience (FTE) EMEA event in Dublin and is based exclusively on independently verified passenger feedback from more than one million flights worldwide. The recognition is therefore a direct reflection of the experience delivered to customers onboard RwandAir flights.
Red Sea Global brings second flagship destination to life with the opening of Four Seasons Resort
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the world’s most ambitious luxury and regenerative tourism destinations, The Red Sea and AMAALA, has officially brought its second flagship destination to life. In a milestone for the Kingdom’s tourism sector, RSG has welcomed its first guests at AMAALA, an integrated wellness haven, with the opening of Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay. This landmark launch signifies the transition of AMAALA into a live destination. Set along the pristine shoreline of Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, the resort serves as the anchor for the destination’s ultra-luxury wellness ecosystem and sets a new global benchmark for regenerative tourism.
Belfast’s Culloden Estate & Spa Unveils Stunning New Upgrades Following £620,000 Investment
Culloden Estate & Spa, Northern Ireland’s most prestigious five-star hotel, is celebrating its 150th anniversary with the completion of a £620,000 upgrade designed to further enhance the luxury guest experience. Refurbishments have been carried out across guestrooms, private dining areas, and The Spa, featuring refreshed décor, stylish soft furnishings, and bespoke furniture. The unveiling of these enhancements marks a significant milestone as the hotel celebrates 150 years since the property was first built as the official palace of the Bishops of Down. Today, the estate spans twelve picturesque acres, overlooking Belfast Lough and the Antrim coastline, complete with luxurious accommodation, an award-winning spa, exceptional dining experiences and elegant event spaces.
YTL Hotels Unveils New Luxury ‘All-Inclusive Holiday’ in Malaysia
YTL Hotels has unveiled an exclusive new all-inclusive holiday offer available for stays at its three flagship beach resorts in Malaysia - Pangkor Laut Resort, Tanjong Jara Resort and Gaya Island Resort - inviting guests to discover the luxury resort brand’s Treasured Moments and three unique worlds.
PORTUGUESE NATIONAL TEAM IS FLYING WITH TAP AIR PORTUGAL TO THE 2026 WORLD CUP
The Portuguese national team is flying with TAP Air Portugal to the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The national team delegation, led by captain Cristiano Ronaldo and manager Roberto Martinez, departed this Friday aboard the A330 CS-TUM, named Nuno Álvares Pereira and decorated with the slogan “It’s Portugal Time”, heading to West Palm Beach, where it is due to arrive at 10.30 pm local time.
New campaign turns passion for football into an invitation to experience Brazil
As the world once again turns its attention to football, Visit Brasil invites travellers to experience Brazil’s culture, hospitality, and energy, with an eye on the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Listening to match commentary on the radio before kickoff. Setting up a goal with flip-flops on the street. Watching the beach turn into a grandstand, a bar become a celebration, and a victory embrace welcome newcomers. In Brazil, supporting a team is a collective experience that begins long before the whistle blows and fills the country’s streets. This is the energy behind Visit Brasil’s new advertising campaign launched in the United States.
airBaltic and EL AL Establish New Codeshare Partnership
Latvian airline airBaltic and EL AL Israel Airlines have announced a new codeshare agreement, effective from July 1, 2026. The partnership will expand travel options for customers and further strengthen airBaltic’s network for transit passengers travelling between Israel and Europe via Riga, Latvia.