Voting for the World Travel Awards 2025 has opened for categories in Africa, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Middle East and North America. This year’s nominees cover the entire length and breadth of the global travel industry. Categories include Aviation, Tourist Attractions, Car Hire, Destinations, Hotels & Resorts, Meetings & Events, Travel Agencies and Tour Operators.

Etihad Airways is launching its biggest annual summer sale with up to 30% off on a wide range of destinations across its network, to help guests plan their summer travel. Guests can book their flights at special sale fares until 28 March for travel between 1 May and 15 September 2025, to various exciting Etihad destinations including Prague, Warsaw, Atlanta and Sochi.

Race weekend just got a serious upgrade! Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi is offering an exclusive package that blends the electrifying thrill of Formula 1® with five-star luxury, cultural gems and sun-soaked relaxation. The Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 roars into Yas Marina Circuit from December 5 to 7, and there’s no better way to experience the action than with a luxury stay on Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi. A minimum three-night stay is required, including race day, ensuring you get the full Grand Prix weekend experience in ultimate style. Saadiyat Island was voted Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination 2024 in last year’s World Travel Awards

Around the world, water scarcity is becoming one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Over 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress, and the United Nations projects that by 2025, half of the global population could be living in water-stressed areas. The World Health Organization further warns that 785 million people still lack basic drinking water services, while nearly 2 billion rely on contaminated sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals is pleased today to announce the 73rd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village performance line-up. Headlined by global dancehall superstar Shabba Ranks and international soca superstar Kes, the six-free Village Nights will be highly anticipated ahead of kickoff on Monday, April 28.

Alaska Airlines has set the date for new nonstop service between Seattle and Seoul Incheon on Hawaiian Airlines. Starting Sept. 12, 2025, guests can fly in comfort on our long-haul, widebody Airbus A330-200 aircraft to South Korea’s capital city. We initially announced the new international route this past December. Tickets can now be purchased at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com.

Hilton today announced the signing of Signia by Hilton Cairo Skywalk and Signia by Hilton Residences Cairo Skywalk in partnership with Skywalk Developments, bringing the Signia brand to Egypt and Africa for the first time. The two latest additions to Hilton’s luxury portfolio in Egypt will offer modern stays with cosmopolitan amenities, personalised service, and extensive meetings and events facilities for guests and residents alike.

Today, global hospitality leader Hilton, announced the signing of a branding and management agreement with Wine Country Hospitality Partners LLC—a visionary partnership between Mark Harmon, Robert Radovan, and Tim Sparapani—for the new build Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country and Waldorf Astoria Residences Texas Hill Country, marking the debut of Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts in the Lone Star State.

Following its hugely successful Global Summit last year in Perth, Western Australia, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is bringing the world’s most prestigious Travel & Tourism event to Rome this year, marking a significant return to Europe after six years. In association with the Ministry of Tourism, the Italian National Tourist Board (ENIT), and with the participation of the Municipality of Rome and the Lazio Region, the Eternal City will host the 25th edition of the WTTC Global Summit, at the Auditorium Parco della Musica, Rome, from 28-30 September 2025.

Skyros, Greece, solo travel is on the rise, with more people than ever setting off on independent adventures in search of personal growth, creativity, and connection. Women, in particular, are leading this trend, seeking meaningful experiences that offer both inspiration and community. Skyros Holidays, based on the beautiful Greek island of Skyros, offers tailor-made retreats designed to give solo travellers the best of both worlds, time for personal reflection and a welcoming group atmosphere. The solo travel boom Recent studies highlight the growing shift towards solo travel:

For families seeking an unforgettable way to explore Europe and spend quality time together during the long summer break, European Waterways offers the ultimate experience with fully-crewed private charters aboard their elegant hotel barges. Tailored to multi-generational families, these cruises provide the perfect environment for creating shared memories, offering an intimate and flexible experience that larger ships and river cruisers simply can’t replicate.

Friend In Iceland, a luxury Icelandic tour provider, is now including cabin accommodations with its popular Classic Stops & the Highlands tours. With a newly-renovated cabin in Myrkholt, Iceland serving as a base, the tours are available to individuals, couples, families and groups of up to 12 people, every year from June through mid-October.  Customized private tours are available year-round.  The tours take visitors to classic sights like the Golden Circle, the South Coast and the Glacier Lagoon, as well as lesser-known gems like Hveravellir and Landmannalaugar in the Icelandic highlands.

Armani Hotel Dubai invites guests to break their fast under the stars this Ramadan with the return of Armani/Pavilion. Nestled beneath the iconic Burj Khalifa and overlooking the dazzling Dubai Fountain and Downtown Dubai skyline, Armani/Pavilion offers the perfect setting for Iftar and Suhour dining while enjoying the cool March evenings. The al fresco venue transforms into a haven for unforgettable gatherings, where guests can indulge themselves in a tranquil ambiance elevated by the gentle oud melodies. Together with the captivating Dubai Fountain spectacle, Armani/Pavilion promises a truly enchanting Ramadan experience.

Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) announced today the signing of an agreement with Mullen Real Estate Capital to bring the JW Marriott brand to the shores of Costa Elena, an exclusive resort-residential community located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The hotel is expected to be one of the first JW Marriott all-inclusive resorts to open globally, highlighting the company’s commitment to redefining luxury all-inclusive experiences by integrating the brand’s signature focus on mindfulness, exceptional service, and sophisticated design.

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Primex Realty Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of publicly listed property developer Primex Corporation, to manage Dusit Greenhills Manila in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Set to open at the end of 2026, this sophisticated upper-upscale urban retreat will feature 200 guest rooms and world-class facilities across the top 10 floors of Primex Tower, a landmark 50-storey mixed-use development in an affluent residential district, just 45 minutes by car from Manila International Airport. The tallest skyscraper in the area, the tower will also house premium retail and office spaces, further […]

As Italy blossoms into spring, Rocco Forte Hotels invites guests to embrace the season’s beauty through vibrant floral traditions and Easter celebrations in Rome, Florence, Sicily and Puglia. Capturing the essence of the season, these experiences blend history and local customs, offering an unforgettable journey through some of Italy’s most floral destinations. The concierge teams of Italy’s Rocco Forte Hotels share their insider recommendations for making the most of Easter 2025 and the spring season.

Radisson Hotel Group is delighted to announce the signing of four new conversion properties, and 519 guest rooms, in the picturesque city of Bergen, Norway, as part of their fruitful partnership with Magic Norway AS. Two of the properties will be Radisson Individuals hotels and the other two will be under the Group’s Prize by Radisson brand. All four properties have strategic locations and are set to open in the coming months.

Atlantis Paradise Island, the Caribbean’s premier destination for concerts, festivals and world-class entertainment, announces GRAMMY® Award-winning global superstar, education advocate, business entrepreneur and motivational speaker Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull) to perform at the resort’s Casuarina Beach on Saturday, July 5th, 2025.

Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), a global leader in innovative cruise travel, has welcomed the first guests aboard the highly anticipated Norwegian Aqua as she embarks on her maiden voyage from Lisbon to Southampton, England. Marking a new chapter in NCL’s fleet evolution, Norwegian Aqua is hosting over 2,000 invited guests aboard to experience how the Brand is delivering MORE with its newest innovations and offerings. This is the first of a five-part inaugural series, before concluding in Miami with the official christening voyage in April.

In recognition of two decades of providing award-winning dog boarding and daycare services, K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel is hosting a 20th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, March 26 at its flagship location (57 South Avenue in Fanwood, NJ). Reflecting on the brand’s growth, K9 Resorts has become a renowned name in the pet care industry, built on a reputation of quality assurance, customized care, and cutting-edge facilities.