The Alpina Gstaad is delighted to announce the appointment of Francesco De Bartolomeis as the hotel’s new Executive Chef, set to join the team during the summer of 2026. He succeeds Martin Göschel, who departed at the end of the last winter season, after many successful years leading the property’s acclaimed culinary team.

Vietnam branded residence star has soared in the past year, becoming the largest market in Asia’s USD 40 billion branded residence sector, in terms of value, according to the findings in the recently released Asia Branded Residences Market Review 2026 by C9 Hotelworks, Many of the world’s leading hospitality and lifestyle brands are rapidly taking advantage of a booming economy and thriving travel industry to introduce world-class projects to every part of the country – from dynamic gateway cities to emerging coastal regions – including the launch of One Central Saigon in Q2 this year, housing the Ritz-Carlton Residences.

With just under two weeks till the school holidays, sector experts are warning families and other passengers alike to expect increased uncertainty around international air travel this summer as global tensions, economic pressures, new EU border system and residual fuel price volatility continue to impact global aviation.

Wellness has become one of the most consequential forces shaping the travel and hospitality industry. Globally, this sector is predicted to be worth USD 1.35 trillion by 2028* – more than double its value in 2022. Thailand is at the forefront of this growth, as wellness seekers are lured by a seamless blend of hospitality, wellness innovation and ancient wisdom. Against this backdrop, BEING 2026 – Southeast Asia’s only dedicated B2B wellness conference – returns to Angsana Laguna Phuket for its second edition on 2nd September, bringing together the operators, investors and entrepreneurs who are spearheading the growth of the wellness economy.

Avianca, part of Abra Group, reaffirms its commitment to strengthening connectivity and expanding access to air travel during the midyear peak travel season from June to August, offering more than 71,000 flights and more than 12.5 million seats across a network of more than 160 routes connecting more than 80 destinations in over 25 countries in the Americas and Europe.

Israel’s rich history, which spans thousands of years, continues to be revealed through ongoing archaeological work led by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the University of Haifa, and independent researchers across the country. So far this year, there have been many groundbreaking discoveries, from 1,500-year-old bronze scales to ancient tunnels unearthed beneath the walls of Jerusalem. These discoveries highlight Israel’s storied and layered history.

Travelers are no longer satisfied with simply visiting a destination — they expect experiences tailored to their individual preferences, delivered seamlessly and often before they ask. As luxury travel trends continue to influence mainstream tourism, industry experts say cruise destinations that fail to elevate service risk losing future visitors. Popular culture has amplified these expectations, with hit television series The White Lotus showcasing a world of highly personalized, anticipatory hospitality. While the show offers a satirical take on luxury travel, it reflects a growing reality: today’s guests expect intuitive, memorable experiences wherever they go.

Unique events and experiences reinforce Central Vietnam’s strength as a golf destination

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, has announced the winners of its 2026 GHA Awards, recognising outstanding achievements by member brands and hotels across the alliance’s global portfolio.

Chicago is the perfect destination for families seeking a city break packed with adventure, culture and unforgettable experiences. Whether travelling with young children, teenagers or multiple generations, visitors can enjoy everything from interactive museums and outdoor attractions to iconic landmarks, lakefront activities and spectacular skyline views. Combining world-class entertainment with rich history and hands-on learning, Chicago offers something for every age group, and below, Choose Chicago has rounded up a selection of summer favourites.

Following the UK Foreign Office’s decision to lift its advice against all but essential travel to the UAE, JA Resorts & Hotels is delighted to welcome the return of international guests to its collection of distinctive properties across the Emirates, including JA Beach Hotel,  JA Palm Tree Court, JA Lake View Hotel and JA Hatta Fort Hotel.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has appointed Minor Hotels to manage and operate Sharjah Collection, its portfolio of seven nature-led and heritage-inspired properties across Sharjah, UAE marking a significant step in the continued evolution of one of the region’s most distinctive hospitality collections. The agreement was signed during an official ceremony held in Sharjah in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq, His Excellency Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, and Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa, attended by William Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International.

For decades, airlines have focused on monetising loyalty currencies through points, miles and co-branded credit cards. But according to loyalty experts, the next phase of airline loyalty will be less about the currency customers earn and more about commercialising the status they hold. Speaking on the latest episode of the Travel Trends podcast, Mark Ross-Smith, CEO of Loyalty Status Co., argued that airlines are beginning to rethink one of the least commercialised elements of their loyalty programmes.

Viking, a global leader in experiential travel, and the Royal Academy of Arts (RA), today announced at the Summer Exhibition that the British artist Olivia Wells has been awarded the Viking Prize for Print for her photoetching entitled ‘PULMO 8’. The award, which includes a £5,000 cash prize sponsored by Viking, was presented to Olivia during a ceremony held at the RA today. Viking is collaborating with the RA, one of its long-standing cultural partners, for a second year in a row to deliver the Viking Prize for Print.

Celebrity Cruises has just launched a new limited-time Europe sale, offering savings of up to £900 when booking selected cruises. Key highlights include: ●    Europe Sale (1st July to 4th August): save of up to £300/€400 per stateroom on selected Europe sailings ●    Ongoing summer sale (Until 17th August): Up to £600/€700 per stateroom on selected Europe sailings ●    PLUS at least 60% off 2nd guest (Until 17th August) ●    Flights to Europe from £199 / €199 (until 17th August)

SixStarCruises has officially launched its new dedicated Expedition division, bringing its signature luxury service to the rapidly growing expedition cruise sector. Drawing on 15 years of experience curating exceptional luxury voyages, the award-winning cruise specialist is leveraging its team’s extensive firsthand expertise to design once-in-a-lifetime adventure itineraries.  A new dedicated website showcases a diverse range of global destinations, wildlife encounters, and immersive shore excursions. It also features a curated series of video guides and firsthand reviews, offering travellers unmatched insight into expedition cruising through SixStarCruises expedition expertise bringing first-hand knowledge of exploring the planet’s […]

In a celebration of British creativity, craftsmanship and style, Brown’s Hotel and Paul Smith announce the Paul Smith Grand Suite, a new three-bedroom residence-style suite launching in July 2026 in the heart of Mayfair. Bringing together London’s first luxury hotel and one of Britain’s most celebrated designers, the new suite celebrates heritage, individuality and contemporary design through Paul Smith’s Signature Stripes, bold colour palette and playful sophistication.

Leading youth travel brand for 18 to 35s, Contiki, has expanded its Latin America portfolio with the launch of four new itineraries for departure in 2027, giving travel agents new opportunities to connect young travellers with some of the region’s most sought-after destinations.

Camiral, Spain’s leading luxury golf and wellness resort, is proud to announce the establishment of the Fundació Camiral, a long-term initiative designed to support young people, support local communities, and protect the natural environment across the Costa Brava region. The Fundació Camiral forms a central part of Camiral’s Ryder Cup 2031 legacy commitment, as the resort prepares to welcome one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events to Continental Europe in Barcelona for only the second time in history.

Simplexity Travel Management has announced the appointment of Jacqué Gabellone as General Manager, strengthening its senior team as the business continues to expand its bespoke corporate and luxury leisure travel services.