Travel News Page 65
Summer Escapes from Dubai to the Maldives and Scotland with JA Resorts & Hotels
With summer travel planning in full swing, UAE residents are increasingly looking for holidays that offer more than just a change of scenery. Whether it’s a quick staycation close to home, a family-friendly beach escape, a nature retreat in the mountains, or a longer international getaway, travellers are seeking experiences that feel worthwhile, flexible and easy to book. This season, JA Resorts & Hotels is bringing together a collection of summer offers across the UAE, the Maldives and Scotland, giving guests the opportunity to enjoy everything from beachfront stays and mountain adventures to private island escapes and city-and-countryside breaks.
Virgin Voyages unveils new short Caribbean sailings for 2028
Virgin Voyages has launched 38 new Caribbean sailings onboard Resilient Lady for 2028. The departures, which are on sale now, will operate roundtrip from Miami from May to October, with a focus on four and five-night itineraries.
Digital Detox Brand Unplugged Expands in Wales, Opening First Cabins Near Cardiff
Unplugged, the UK’s original digital detox escape, has opened three new cabins in South Wales - Bear, Seren and Jessi - its first locations within easy reach of both Cardiff and Swansea, expanding its Welsh presence
SAUDIA DEBUTS PANASONIC AVIONICS’ ASTROVA, MODULAR INTERACTIVE, AND ARC 3D MOVING MAP ON A321XLR
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics), the world’s leading provider of in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) solutions, today announced that its groundbreaking Astrova in-flight engagement (IFE) solution has taken to the skies in an Airbus A321XLR aircraft for the first time, operated by Saudia. The program also marks the first deployment of Panasonic Avionics’ Modular Interactive (MI) platform and Arc™ interactive map application in Saudi Arabia, as well as Panasonic Avionics’ wider digital portfolio.
IBS Software’s iRetail Platform Powers Air New Zealand’s Skynest
Air New Zealand has engaged IBS Software, a leading travel technology company delivering AI-powered travel solutions, to power the commercial launch of Air New Zealand’s Skynest product, the world’s first sleep pod experience available to Economy and Premium Economy passengers on scheduled long-haul flights.
Alaska Airlines debuts new Lounge in Portland, raising the bar for premium West Coast travel
Alaska Airlines is set to welcome guests to its newest Lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) when it officially opens on June 4, underscoring its continued investment in premium travel and one of the carrier’s key West Coast hubs.
Discover MGallery Collection’s Debut in the Maldives, the V Villas Maldives at Mirihi
MGallery Collection proudly announces the debut of V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection, a luxurious all-villa retreat nestled in the turquoise waters of the South Ari Atoll. Accessible via a 30-minute seaplane journey from Malé, this private island sanctuary seamlessly blends contemporary artistry with traditional Maldivian heritage to offer a tranquil escape centered on quiet luxury.
From the Arctic to the Andes: Explora Introduces 2027 Expedition Season, Including Its First Winter
Explora, named the World’s Leading Expedition Company for six consecutive years by the World Travel Awards, today introduced its 2027 collection of expeditions, led by the debut of its first winter itinerary in Iceland — a route not offered by any other full-service operator and unique in the market. Reaching from the Arctic to the high Andes and the far south of Patagonia, the season brings together four point-to-point journeys: the new Iceland Winter Expedition as a counterpart to Explora’s established Summer Expedition of the country, the Sacred Mountains Expedition in Peru, and the Tierra del Fuego Expedition in Chile, each running on select departures through 2027.
Illinois Welcomes Travelers to Celebrate Pride in the Middle of Everything
This June, Illinois invites travelers to meet in the middle of Pride celebrations throughout the state. From Chicago to Carbondale, visitors will find a spirited lineup of events that honor the LGBTQIA+ community and reflect Illinois’ commitment to creating an inclusive, welcoming destination for all.
Emirates promotes its first Emirati female captains, inspiring the next generation of women
Emirates has promoted two accomplished Emirati female pilots to captains, marking a pivotal step forward in its commitment to empowering Emirati women in aviation. Hanan Mohammed Jawad and Bakhita Al Mheiri both rose through the Emirates Group’s National Cadet Pilot Programme, an initiative that has graduated numerous Emirati pilots. Hanan Mohammed Jawad joined Emirates in 2008 through the cadet pilot programme, driven by ambition, passion, and a lifelong dream of taking to the skies. With strong mentorship and continued support from the airline’s fleet management, she steadily progressed through the ranks, building her career from the ground up.
Dubai’s tourism industry convenes for DET’s City Briefing in a show of cohesion
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) convened its bi-annual City Briefing with key industry stakeholders on 3 June at the Dubai Opera, bringing together more than 1,700 leaders from across the tourism, aviation, hospitality, retail and events sectors, as well as government officials and members of the media. At a time of shifting regional dynamics, the gathering, which attracted record attendance for a DET City Briefing, was a definitive demonstration of Dubai’s unity and forward resolve and a reflection of the deep public-private partnership that has long positioned the city among the world’s foremost destinations for business and leisure.
ConX 2026 brings together C-level leaders from over 50 countries
ConX 2026, the annual conference hosted by Travelgate and part of the Travelsoft Group, has further consolidated its position as one of the most influential gatherings in global travel distribution, bringing together more than 1,000 C-level executives, founders and senior decision-makers from over 500 companies and 50 countries. This year’s edition, where Huawei returned as main sponsor, recorded a 99% show-up rate and more than 2,000 high-intent B2B meetings, following an expansion of the dedicated networking space designed to maximise meaningful business interactions.