Travel News Page 608
Uluṟu’s Iconic “Field of Light” Installation Refurbished, Extended to 2027
Uluṟu’s Field of Light, the internationally acclaimed art installation by famed British-Australian artist, Bruce Munro, has undergone a major refurbishment and been extended until at least April 2027, Ayers Rock Resort announced today. The revitalisation saw Munro’s team replace all the luminous and fibre optics that make up the installation. The revamp ensures the award-winning artwork — which has been visited by over 730,000 people since its 2016 launch and is Bruce’s longest standing work — remains a huge drawcard for regional tourism.
Celebrity Cruises Launches ‘Dream Makers,’ a First of Its Kind Invitation for Travelers
Celebrity Cruises is inviting vacationers worldwide to create their dream vacation experience on Celebrity Xcel® with Xcel ‘Dream MakersSM.’ Open to all who wish to join, this global community will test, try and vote on new experiences. Their selections will launch on Celebrity Xcel in November 2025 for vacationers to enjoy, further elevating the fifth ship in the cruise line’s award-winning Edge® Series into a class of its own.
The first-ever ‘Dunes of Arabia’ event in Riyadh
Saudi’s most happening season continues with a brand-new experience - ‘Dunes of Arabia’, open in Riyadh until 15 April 2025. Immerse yourself in the magic of the desert in Saudi, the Heart of Arabia, near Riyadh, where heritage and heart meet to create unforgettable experiences daily, with timings varying by day.
JAMAICA AND SPAIN TO FORGE STRATEGIC TOURISM PARTNERSHIP
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has indicated that a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Spain’s Ministry of Tourism is in the works. This MOU would mark a significant step forward in international tourism cooperation between the two nations.
Bartlett Signals Ease to Negril Water Woes with US$221 Million Investment
The long-standing problem of water shortage that has plagued the Negril tourist resort and surrounding areas is to be addressed with a US$221 million government investment in creating a water supply system for the area. Making the announcement to loud applause from stakeholders, Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett said the required water would come from connecting sources such as the Bulstrode Treatment Plant and Roaring River with Trelawny’s Martha Brae River, providing adequate water supply all the way to Llandilo. He said the procurement process had begun and construction for the laying of the pipes would commence in three months.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, GENEVA TO OPEN OTTOLENGHI GENEVA ON JANUARY 30
Mandarin Oriental, Geneva is delighted to announce the forthcoming opening of Ottolenghi Geneva on January 30. Inspired by the ethos of Ottolenghi’s London-based restaurant ROVI, the highly-anticipated launch will bring a thrilling new take to dining in the city, one defined by vibrant flavours where grilling and fermentation take centre stage.
Marriott International Elects Sean Tresvant to Board of Directors
The board of directors of Marriott International, Inc. have announced the election of Sean Tresvant, Chief Executive Officer of Taco Bell Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., as an independent director of the company, effective February 12, 2025. Mr. Tresvant is expected to be included in the company’s slate of nominees for election at its upcoming 2025 annual meeting of stockholders.
Cancún to host World Travel Awards Latin America Ceremony 2025
World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that Cancún, Mexico has been selected to host its Latin America Ceremony 2025. The world-class city will welcome travel and tourism figureheads for the red-carpet event on 27 September. The announcement was made at a VIP signing in Madrid, organised by Secretaría Municipal de Turismo Cancún, on the eve of FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair 2025.
Safestay selects tech leader Cloudbeds as part of its “Platform for Growth” strategy
Safestay PLC, one of Europe’s largest hostel groups, is pleased to announce its partnership with Cloudbeds, the industry’s premier hospitality management platform. As part of the multi-year partnership starting in January 2025, Safestay will move its 20-strong Europe-wide hostel portfolio onto the Cloudbeds Enterprise Platform, building its technology stack on Cloudbeds’ award-winning PMS. The move is part of Safestay’s ‘Platform for Growth’ strategy through which it is investing for future success.
Mabrian Launches AILA: The First Gen AI-Based Assistant
Mabrian, the global travel intelligence platform, announces the launch of AILA (acronym for Artificial Intelligence Live Assistant), a Generative AI-based virtual analyst designed to optimise tourism planning and management. AILA, the first Gen AI tool in travel & tourism designed with a business-to-business perspective, is able to respond, in real time, to questions and requests (prompts) related to tourism trends, using as source Mabrian’s world-class, exhaustive, verified, and updated travel intelligence database.
London’s Newest Exhibition Venue Opening at Battersea Power Station in Spring 2025
A newly re-imagined event space is launching at Battersea Power Station in Spring 2025, from NEON, a global leader in immersive experiences and exhibitions. This new venue, the first-ever purpose-built entertainment and cultural exhibition space in Central London, located next to the iconic Battersea Power Station on Circus Road East, will bring NEON’s world-renowned immersive experiences to the heart of the city, with a soon-to-be-announced exhibition as the first of many to come.
Fitur 2025: A Glimpse into the Future of Travel and Tourism
As the doors open tomorrow for Fitur 2025, one of the world’s premier tourism trade fairs, excitement is palpable among industry professionals and travelers alike. Held annually in Madrid, Fitur (Feria Internacional de Turismo) serves as a global meeting point for tourism professionals to showcase their latest offerings, innovations, and trends shaping the future of travel.