Travel News Page 427
Wind Spirit Island Hops Through the Canary Islands in Winter 2026/27
Camel treks across golden dunes. Volcanic toboggan rides into historic wine country. Stargazing under some of the clearest skies on Earth. This isn’t a typical cruise — it’s Wind Spirit’s debut to the Canary Islands for a season of warm-weather adventure and untamed island charm.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises brings high-performance Australian acrobatics on board
The Australian circus company Circa is a sensation worldwide and is currently captivating audiences on the EUROPA 2. Circa stands for breathtaking artistry – an exhilarating mix of high-performance acrobatics, dance and avant-garde design. No circus ring, no illusions – just pure physical artistry. A huge hit with guests, and it’s already been decided: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will continue its collaboration with Circa in 2026: guests can look forward to an unforgettable experience on two fantastic cruises with the EUROPA 2 around Hawaii and the South Seas. Here are some impressions of the performance on board the current cruise:
Wyndham Partners with Cygnett to Introduce La Quinta and Registry Collection Hotels in India
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is accelerating its expansion across India and the surrounding region, announcing today a new strategic alliance with Cygnett Hotels & Resorts that will not only introduce its La Quinta® by Wyndham and Registry Collection Hotels® brands to the country but is expected to add more than 60 hotels across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal over the next 10 years.
The St. Regis Maldives Launches ‘The Vommuli Society’ Teen Club Experience
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, a private island sanctuary located in one of the Maldives’ most exclusive atolls, has unveiled The Vommuli Society, a thoughtfully curated teen club concept offering guests aged 13-17 an elevated and enriching island experience. Developed as a central pillar of the resort’s Family Traditions programme, The Vommuli Society reflects a broader commitment to redefining multigenerational travel by providing immersive, age-appropriate activities that encourage meaningful connection, discovery, and wellbeing.
Luxury Group by Marriott International Unveils Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025
As the allure for wellness-centric luxury travel continues to dominate the 2025 landscape in Asia-Pacific, the Luxury Group by Marriott International unveils the groundbreaking Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025 from August. According to the Group’s latest luxury travel trends report – The Intentional Traveler, 90% of high-net-worth travelers cite wellness offerings as a key factor in their booking decisions. Evolving into a holistic lifestyle pursuit, wellness travelers are planning to spend more, and with more than half planning their wellness getaways with their immediate family or significant other. Beyond just feeling good, there is a growing demand for immersive, holistic wellness journeys over passive pampering, and Asia is the top destination of choice for such experiences.
EXPLORA JOURNEYS CELEBRATES MAJOR MILESTONES
Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand of the MSC Group, continues to redefine the future of ocean travel. Today, a significant step forward in the brand’s journey was celebrated at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Genoa Sestri Ponente, where three pivotal milestones marked the next chapter in the evolution of its fast-growing fleet:
Hilton Announces Plans to Debut its Premium Economy Brand, Spark by Hilton, in Puerto Rico this Year
Hilton announces the signing of Spark by Hilton Ponce, marking the upcoming debut of the trailblazing premium economy brand in the Caribbean and Latin America. Slated to open in late 2025 in Ponce, Puerto Rico’s second largest city, Spark by Hilton Ponce will represent another market first for the fastest launch-to-open brand in Hilton’s history. Spark by Hilton Ponce is owned by Ponce Resorts Inc. and will be managed by HI Development P.R.Corp.
IHG continues growth momentum of the Holiday Inn brand in Japan
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) have announced a further agreement with FET SYSTEM INC, to rebrand two hotels to ANA Holiday Inn, bringing the first international branded hotels to Sanda and Tosu City. The 130 room ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda, currently The Celecton Premier Kobe Sanda Hotel, and the 126 room ANA Holiday Inn Tosu, currently, Hotel Bientos, will both undergo extensive renovations and convert to the much-loved Holiday Inn brand in 2026. Brand hallmarks will be embedded across the two hotels including the signature Open Lobby concept.
IHG Hotels & Resorts welcomes its first voco to the Republic of Ireland
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the opening of voco The Club - Dublin Gateway, alongside partners, Nhance. The converted hotel will be fully rebranded by the end of summer 2025 and will add to IHG’s growing portfolio in Ireland which now stands at 10* open and pipeline properties.
EASYJET LAUNCHES ‘AIRPLANE MODE’ TO HELP FAMILIES RECONNECT THIS SUMMER
New research from easyJet reveals more than two-thirds of parents say finding quality time together as a family is becoming harder Nearly seven in ten parents say holidays are the best opportunity to connect with their children Almost a quarter of children say they know more about their favourite influencers than their parents easyJet’s ‘Airplane Mode’ initiative includes a new conversation-sparking holiday card game to help families switch off and reconnect
Lars Wagner to become CEO of Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft
Lars Wagner, currently Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTU Aero Engines AG, based in Munich, will join the Airbus Executive Committee and succeed Christian Scherer as CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business, effective 1 January 2026.
China Airlines Set to Transform the Flying Experience with Free In-Flight Wi-Fi
China Airlines (CAL), a Taiwan-based carrier, will begin providing travelers in all cabin classes with free Internet access or messaging service on all routes flown by 777, A350 and A321neo aircraft from August 1 this year. The move will make China Airlines the first Taiwanese carrier to offer free Internet access for all travelers and cabin classes, ushering in a new era of digital flying and convenience