Travel News Page 416
New Adventure and Culture Tourism Experiences Launched in Japan’s Shizuoka
Just one hour by bullet train from Tokyo and home to the majestic Mount Fuji, Shizuoka has welcomed an array of new experiences in the prefecture, from Shogun activities to cycling excursions, as well as the official opening of Mount Fuji’s climbing season this summer with new regulations for 2025. Full details can be found below.
Okinawa’s Southern Island Star Festival to Celebrate the Constellations This August
The annual Southern Island Star Festival will return to Okinawa’s Ishigaki Island this summer, welcoming visitors to enjoy a week-long nocturnal celebration of the constellations from the 23rd to the 31st of August 2025. During the festivities, celestial-themed events can be enjoyed across the island, including guest lectures from some of Japan’s leading astrologers, observatory tours and stargazing parties.
Gaylord Hotels’ Original Christmas Attraction, ICE!, Returns to Six Resorts Nationwide for 2025
The beloved Christmas tradition, ICE!, returns to six destination resorts across the country along with an extraordinary lineup of festive activities including Broadway-style Cirque shows, themed character dining as well as a variety of family-friendly holiday experiences. Visited by tens of millions over the years, ICE! is a larger-than-life frozen showcase featuring more than 2 million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, meticulously crafted into vivid, floor-to-ceiling scenes from treasured Christmas classics. This walk-through spectacle is a dazzling display of artistry and imagination, transporting visitors of all ages into the season’s most memorable stories.
See the King of Waltz Live in Prague With Just Go! Holidays
The ‘King of Waltz’ is renowned for his spectacular extravaganzas and for mesmerising fans with his mix of emotional ballads, iconic waltzes and witty showmanship. With over 40 million albums sold and more than 700,000 visitors annually at over 80 concerts worldwide, he is undoubtedly one of the most successful live acts of our time.
“The Walt Disney Studios” Area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
A brand-new animated adventure is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026. “The Magic of Disney Animation,” will debut in the building that currently houses Star Wars: Launch Bay. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, and the Emmy award-winning and heartwarming short film “Once Upon a Studio,” guests will step into a whimsical twist on the real-life studio building, but this time, when the animators are away, the characters come out to play! Topped with Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat, the space will invite guests to explore different studio departments brought to life by Disney characters.
Thailand Unites to Drive Sustainable Tourism Goals Towards 2030
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), together with 20 public and private sector partners, signed a landmark Letter of Intent to accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) by 2030. Today’s agreement signals a unified national commitment to transform Thailand’s tourism sector through sustainability and shared responsibility, as part of TAT’s broader Strategic Direction 2026.
dnata Named First Ground Handler in IAG’s Preferred Partner Programme
dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Airlines Group (IAG), becoming the first ground handler selected under its Preferred Partner Programme. The MoU establishes the foundation for a broader, long-term collaboration between the companies, as IAG deepens its relationships with select strategic partners to drive innovation, consistency and long-term value.
Boeing Forecasts 20-Year Global Demand for Nearly 2.4 Million New Commercial Pilots, Tech’s & Crew
Fueled by emerging markets and changes in fleet mix, Boeing [NYSE: BA] projects continued demand for aviation personnel as the global commercial fleet changes to meet the demands of the flying public. Boeing’s 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) anticipates the industry will require nearly 2.4 million new aviation professionals through 2044 to meet the long-term increase in air travel.
Fizz by Loews Hotels Pops Onto the Scene
Loews Hotels & Co is redefining the hotel beverage experience with Fizz by Loews Hotels, a new, soda-centric program designed for the modern guest. Launching this summer nationwide, Fizz by Loews Hotels puts crafted carbonation center stage, serving up refreshing, customizable, house-made sodas and spritzes available at all Loews properties.
Ye Xiu from The King’s Avatar Fronts Switzerland Tourism Campaign
In a landmark collaboration between digital storytelling and global tourism, culture and entertainment group Yuewen and Switzerland Tourism have launched an immersive cultural tourism campaign based on the hit Chinese web novel, The King’s Avatar. At the heart of the campaign is the beloved fictional e-sports champion Ye Xiu, who has been appointed Switzerland’s official “Swiss Travel Explorer”. The campaign marks Switzerland Tourism’s first collaboration with a Chinese online literature IP and signals a new model of cross-cultural engagement.
Gulf Air and The New Terminal One Announce Long-Term Strategic Partnership for JFK Airport Operation
Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport have unveiled a long-term strategic partnership, positioning the airline for future growth following its momentous return to the United States and elevating the customer experience in New York City.
Sicily’s Verdura Resort has unveiled a new clubhouse
Sicily’s Verdura Resort has unveiled a new clubhouse between its two championship golf courses, strengthening its status as one of Europe’s leading luxury golf destinations. Positioned between the resort’s award-winning West Shore and East Links courses, the clubhouse brings together classic architecture, refined finishes and contemporary functionality offering golfers a space to relax, recharge and reconnect.