A new era of alpine adventure begins in Winter 2026 as YTL Hotels’  Niseko Village unveils its long-anticipated gondola upgrade. Designed with both comfort and discovery in mind, the next generation lift system promises to transform the mountain experience, offering guests smoother journeys, spectacular views and more time on the slopes. Replacing the long-serving Mori-no Chair, which has carried skiers and snowboarders since the early 1980s, the new Mori-no Gondola will feature sleek cabins that more than double uplift capacity, while cocooning passengers in warmth and comfort. Divided into two sections with an intermediate station, the gondola has been designed for all-weather performance and will continue operating even when conditions at higher elevations become more challenging. Among its 86 cabins, four VIP cabins will feature tables for light dining, while two glass-floor cabins will offer a thrilling new perspective of Niseko’s snow-covered landscape.

flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, announced the launch of direct flights connecting Jeddah with the Moroccan capital, Rabat, starting July 4th, to become the first Saudi carrier to operate direct flights between the two cities, expanding the carrier’s flight network and offering more travel options between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco. flynas will operate a direct weekly flight between Jeddah and Rabat, joining its existing direct flights between Jeddah and Casablanca, which were launched in 2023 with three weekly flights. This expansion aims to provide flexible options for passengers and meet the demand for travel between the two countries.

Today, Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, partners with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi to provide complimentary medical travel insurance with The National Insurance Company – Daman, to all international visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights. The initiative illustrates the ambition of both Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi to meet travel demand to Abu Dhabi, with an offering that goes beyond the flight itself and ensuring every visitor arrives well-travelled and well-protected.

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.

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.

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..