Travel News Page 42
Destination Marketers Bet Big on Football
Last week, the United States, Canada and Mexico kicked off the largest destination marketing programme ever built around a single sporting event: a bet that eight years of preparation and six weeks of global attention will translate into lasting visibility and long-term growth in visitors and investment. The build-up has been turbulent. Visa restrictions, border politics, travel costs and geopolitical tensions have dominated the conversation in a way no host nation would have chosen. Yet all three countries remain committed to playing until the final whistle.
AMMAN MARRIOTT HOTEL REOPENS FOLLOWING A THOUGHTFUL RENOVATION
Amman Marriott Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 brands, proudly announces its reopening following a renovation that redefines the guest experience while honoring more than four decades of trusted hospitality. “Amman Marriott Hotel has always held a special place in the city’s hospitality landscape since opening its doors in 1982,” said Philip Papadopoulos, Area General Manager of Jordan Cluster Marriott Hotels. “This renovation reflects our commitment to evolving with the needs of today’s travelers while preserving the warmth, personalised service and sense of belonging that our guests have cherished for more than 44 years.”
Siyam World Launches Wreck to Reef, an Annual Ocean Conservation Initiative Under Sun Siyam Cares
Siyam World Maldives, has unveiled one of the newest and most exciting wreck dives in the Maldives. Created from a former Maldivian tuna freighter, the 66.36-metre vessel now rests beneath the waters of Noonu Atoll, offering divers the opportunity to explore a remarkable new underwater attraction while laying the foundations for something even bigger. Over time, through natural coral growth and dedicated restoration efforts, the wreck will gradually transform into a thriving living reef, creating new habitat for marine life and supporting the long-term health of the surrounding ecosystem. This journey from shipwreck to living reef forms the foundation of Wreck to Reef, Siyam World’s new annual conservation initiative under the Sun Siyam Cares sustainability platform.
New research reveals the destinations travellers say genuinely changed them - and Japan is no.1
Japan ranks as the most life changing destination in the world according to new research from adventure travel company Explore Worldwide India ranks as the second most life-changing destination, followed by New Zealand and Thailand Three European countries make the top 10, with Iceland, Italy and Switzerland all claiming top spots To reveal which countries travellers find the most life changing, adventure travel expert Explore Worldwide analysed over 1,500 comments and 447 mentions of different destinations from online forums dedicated to discussing the most transformative and life changing trips travellers have experienced.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN OFFICIALLY WELCOMES LEGEND OF THE SEAS TO THE REVOLUTIONARY ICON CLASS
Royal Caribbean has officially welcomed Legend of the Seas to the family, continuing the evolution of the Icon Class lineup designed to deliver the best family vacation experiences. After nearly two years of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland, the third Icon Class ship is now ready to make its July 2026 European debut.
Cunard Invites Travelers to Win an Experience On Queen Mary 2’s Historic 450th Crossing
As Queen Mary 2 prepares to join Sail4th 250 this July – celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in New York Harbor – Cunard is inviting travelers to become part of its next historic milestone at sea. The British luxury cruise brand has launched a sweepstakes* to celebrate Queen Mary 2’s historic 450th Transatlantic Crossing this November – a voyage that continues Cunard’s enduring legacy of connecting the United Kingdom and the United States through ocean travel.
The Anthem Hotel Debuts the “Soccer Legends Suite” Celebrating U.S. Soccer Culture
The Anthem Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, announced the debut of the Soccer Legends Suite, an immersive guest experience celebrating some of the legendary players, moments and culture that have shaped U.S. soccer. The suite was unveiled on June 10 with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring National Soccer Hall of Famers Tony Sanneh, Joe-Max Moore and Jeff Agoos, as Los Angeles prepares to welcome the global soccer spotlight.
Oceania Cruises® Spotlights 2027 Northern Europe Itineraries
Oceania Cruises® invites travelers to discover the dramatic landscapes, rich cultural traditions and lesser-explored coastal destinations of Northern Europe aboard its intimate, luxurious ships, offering a relaxing and elegant way to experience this captivating region.
EVA Air President Clay Sun Named First Taiwanese Member of IATA Board of Directors
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has elected EVA Air President Clay Sun to its Board of Directors, making him the first Taiwanese representative to serve on the organization’s highest governing body and marking the first participation by a Taiwan-based airline. The announcement was made at the 82nd IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM), in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As the Lights Fade, Vivid Sydney 2026 Leaves the City Glowing
Off the back of 23 nights of spectacular sights, events and experiences, Vivid Sydney switches off its lights, closing another stellar festival as the world’s largest comprehensive arts festival. The festival returned to its heritage of curating and collaborating with acclaimed and emerging Australian talent, alongside exceptional global creators, artists and culinary heavyweights.
The Football Stars Missing This Summer’s Cup Receive an Invitation from Ecuador
Ecuador’s Secretary of Tourism has launched Ecuador 2026, an international tourism campaign that uses football as a platform to promote the country to audiences around the world during one of the sport’s most visible moments.
Fine-Dining Beneath the Ocean: Introducing BUBBLE Underwater Restaurant at Meyyafushi Maldives
Meyyafushi Maldives invites guests to discover an exclusive culinary destination nestled six metres beneath the surface and surrounded by coral reefs and the vibrant marine life of the Maldives, BUBBLE offers an immersive dining experience where culinary excellence meets the wonders of the underwater world.