Travel News Page 44
Virgin Voyages launches new groups programme designed with First Mates in mind
Virgin Voyages has launched a new unified groups programme, replacing its previous multi-pronged approach, as part of its ‘Brilliant for You’ trade commitment. Live now, the programme has been designed to provide a simpler process for First Mates (travel agents) to manage group bookings. Simple to hold. Easy to sell. Built to earn.
SriLankan Airlines Expands Passenger Connectivity Across Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka
SriLankan Airlines is pleased to announce strategic partnerships with Saudia (SV) and Flynas (XY), further strengthening air travel links between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. This collaboration significantly expands SriLankan Airlines’ network reach, enabling travellers to access a wider range of destinations through convenient domestic and international connections. Under this arrangement, Saudia provides access to seven international and thirteen domestic destinations, while Flynas contributes an additional eight international and six domestic destinations, offering passengers greater travel flexibility and improved accessibility across the Kingdom.
The World’s Most Influential Destination Wedding Platform Arrives in India for The First Time
QnA International, the organiser behind the world’s most prestigious B2B platform for destination weddings, today announced the 17th edition of the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress — marking a landmark moment as the Congress sets foot on Indian soil for the very first time. DWP Congress 2026 will be held from 6 to 8 October at the magnificent Fairmont Udaipur Palace, with Fairmont Udaipur Palace as the Host Palace Partner. The announcement follows a landmark success at DWP Congress Macao in April 2026 and signals India’s arrival as a premier global destination for luxury wedding events and trade. More than 350 of the world’s foremost luxury destination wedding planners, creative suppliers, hoteliers, tourism boards, and industry visionaries are expected to converge in Udaipur for three days of curated business meetings, networking, education, and immersive experiences.
Emirates crowned ‘Best Overall Airline in the Middle East’ at 2026 APEX Awards
Emirates has been named ‘Best Overall Airline in the Middle East’ at the 2026 APEX Best in Airline Awards, further cementing its reputation as one of the world’s leading travel brands. The accolade was announced at a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, where the airline was recognised for consistently delivering exceptional customer experience. Based on verified passenger feedback, Emirates achieved outstanding scores across five pillars - seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment, and connectivity.
Emirates welcomes German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to its A380
Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, visited the Emirates A380 at the opening of ILA Berlin 2026. He was officially welcomed by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, Volker Greiner, Emirates Vice President for North & Central Europe, and His Excellency Ahmed Alattar, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Federal Republic of Germany, and given a tour of the Emirates flagship. Emirates also welcomed Kai Wegner, Governing Mayor of Berlin, and Dr Dietmar Woidke, Minister-President of Brandenburg, onboard the A380 to tour the aircraft..
THE VENETIAN DESIGN ADDRESS REDEFINING THE ART OF STAYING IN VENICE
Venice has no shortage of grand hotels, but few properties currently capture the spirit of the city’s cultural renaissance quite like Room Mate Palazzo dei Fiori. Located between Piazza San Marco and the Ponte dell’Accademia, this extraordinary 16th-century Venetian palazzo has quietly become one of the most coveted addresses of the Biennale season — not only for its privileged location, but for the immersive design universe created by acclaimed architect and interior designer Teresa Sapey.
Air Canada and Ponta Delgada Airport Enhance Connections Between Azores and North America
Air Canada and the Portuguese authorities, as well as representatives from the tourism and business sectors, today celebrated the launch of a new direct summer service starting from 12 June between Ponta Delgada’s João Paulo II Airport (PDL) and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), enhancing connectivity between the Azores and Canada. The event took place at the João Paulo II Airport in Azores. The new service will operate three times per week throughout the summer season, offering customers a convenient direct connection between Ponta Delgada and Toronto in just over six hours. Flights will depart Ponta Delgada every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, with return services from Toronto on Tuesdays, and Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Miral and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences Announce Two New DC Attractions for Abu Dhabi
Miral, the leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences in Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences, has announced the addition of two new DC-themed rides at the award-winning Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Designed to captivate fans of the franchise and thrill-seekers alike, ‘Kryptonite Collider’, set to open to the public on 26 July 2026, and ‘Superman Up and Away’ mark a major milestone in the ongoing expansion of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Sets New Benchmark for Trusted, Seamless Travel Across Borders
As the FIFA World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) presents its latest research, “FIFA World Cup Border Management & Visa Facilitation: 20 Years of Evolution (2006–2026)”, highlighting how this historic tournament marks a turning point in global border management and brings together two decades of innovation to deliver one of the most seamless and secure travel experiences ever achieved.
MICHELIN GUIDE RECOGNIZES “STRADOMSKA 12” RESTAURANT AT STRADOM HOUSE HOTEL & SPA
Stradomska 12, the signature restaurant of Stradom House Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection, offering a contemporary take on Polish cuisine, has been recognised by the Michelin Guide. The restaurant’s inclusion is particularly significant as this year marks the publication of the prestigious guide’s first-ever country-wide edition.
La Réserve Private Homes Seychelles
Located on the unspoiled northeast coast of Praslin Island, La Réserve Private Homes is set to become one of the Seychelles’ most exclusive destinations. Planned for opening in fall 2026, the six private villas nestled in luxuriant forest on the edge of a pristine white-sand beach mark a new chapter for La Réserve. As always, this project is based on the desire to respect the location, revealing its identity, rethinking the experience and inviting guests to enjoy the moment.
BARBADOS SELECTED TO HOST CARIBBEAN TRAVEL MARKETPLACE 2027, MARKING EVENT’S 45TH EDITION
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has named Barbados as the host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2027, the region’s premier business-to-business tourism event. The annual gathering connects global buyers with Caribbean suppliers to strengthen partnerships and drive business opportunities across the region. The announcement was made at this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua.