The 2024 Olympics opened in Paris in spectacular style with thousands of athletes sailing along the River Seine past lively performers on bridges, banks and rooftops in an ambitious take on an opening ceremony. Swapping a stadium for a waterway for the first time to open the “greatest show on Earth”, the near four-hour spectacle culminated in French judo great Teddy Riner and sprinter Marie-Jose Perec lighting a cauldron shaped like a hot air balloon that rose high into the Parisian sky.

Retired women are leading the charge for solo travel, according to bookings data from escorted tours specialist Newmarket Holidays.  The analysis comes from more than a year’s worth of booking data showing that eight in 10 (81%) bookings for the operator’s Exclusively Solo group tours are made by women, and almost half (46%) are aged 65 to 74.

This month a new hospitality educational programme, Kepler International Hospitality Academy (KIHA) announces its inaugural edition, taking place in Amsterdam on 7 October 2024. The first of its kind, KIHA’s mission is to evolve current luxury hospitality models, with a focus on impact-positive hospitality. The premise of KIHA is based on the rapidly evolving expectations of the affluent consumer and the need for hoteliers to keep up with demand for businesses and service models that put people and planet first.

Coral Sands Hotel, a revered beachfront resort on Harbour Island, Bahamas, today announced it is embarking on an exciting transformation following new ownership. A multi-phased restoration is underway, initially focusing on revitalizing guest rooms and public spaces. The hyper-local design will ensure a comfortable yet sophisticated experience, all while maintaining the timeless charm that has made the resort a classic Caribbean destination since 1968.

Warner Bros. World™ Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest indoor theme park, is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking extension to its partnership with Etihad Airways, marking a monumental milestone in the theme park’s history. This exciting collaboration will bring the excitement of Warner Bros. World to the skies with the launch of the world’s first Warner Bros. World branded aircraft, taking guests’ pre-theme park experience to new heights.

Seabourn, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition travel, has modified the spring 2025 itineraries for Seabourn Encore to include a series of new voyages to Southeast Asia, Japan, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and the Mediterranean between March and May 2025. The new deployment features 36 destinations in 18 countries, and many “firsts” for Seabourn Encore, including 18 maiden calls and the ship’s first transit through the historical Panama Canal and its first-ever visit to the U.S. Guests who book by November 19, 2024, can enjoy a special 10 percent savings on new bookings made on Seabourn Encore’s revised 2025 voyages.