A leading AI-powered travel booking startup named Mindtrip announced the launch of its all-inclusive flight booking experience powered by conversational artificial intelligence, created in collaboration with Sabre and PayPal. The Agentic AI flight booking system is designed to transform how travelers seamlessly book and manage their flights using advanced technology.

In a world where luxury is increasingly defined by time, space, and meaningful connection, get ready to embrace a more unhurried pace of island living at JA Manafaru. With two exceptional long-stay offers, ‘Stay 7 Nights, Pay for 5’ and the ‘Maldives Private Residence Escape’, this is a chance to linger longer, explore deeper, and experience the Maldives in a much more personal and intentional way. Tucked away in the northernmost reaches of the Maldives’ Haa Alifu Atoll, JA Manafaru offers a rare sense of seclusion paired with world-class hospitality. This private island sanctuary blends authentic Maldivian charm with refined luxury, where days unfold across powder-soft beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and immersive cultural […]

AirAsia X (AirAsia) has ordered 150 Airbus A220 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engines, with the first of these aircraft to be delivered starting in 2028. Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, will provide AirAsia with engine maintenance through a 12-year EngineWise® Comprehensive service agreement.

Choice Hotels International, Inc, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors, today opened its 70th Annual Convention, bringing together thousands of franchise owners, operators, vendors and industry collaborators for three days centered on the theme of “Making More Possible” for its owners and operators—helping them capture new demand, enhance performance and build long-term success.

This season, travelers seeking unique experiences exclusive to Miami Beach will find a selection of curated offerings that bring culture, cuisine, design and world-class events to the famous shores of the celebrated destination. From buzzy restaurant openings along Ocean Drive to immersive art beneath the ocean’s surface, Miami Beach is redefining what it means to experience a coastal destination that delivers modern luxury to discerning visitors.

Holland America Line is now accepting bookings for Oosterdam’s first collection of voyages following its debut as the inaugural ship to undergo Holland America Evolution, the cruise line’s largest fleet investment in its 153‑year history. Spanning eight itineraries and 15 departure dates, the new sailings give guests the earliest opportunity to experience Oosterdam’s onboard enhancements, paired with destination-rich itineraries across Europe, the Caribbean and North America. Oosterdam’s return to service marks the first chapter of Holland America Evolution, a multiyear modernization designed to bring the best of the fleet’s Pinnacle Class to more ships. Following the ship’s transformation, Oosterdam introduces new stateroom […]

Tourvest Accommodation has launched Tulia, a new safari brand designed to deliver high-quality, experience-led travel at a more accessible price point, alongside the acquisition of the Wild Frontiers Uganda properties and activities business. The move strengthens Tourvest’s presence in East Africa and expands its portfolio across three distinct offerings: Lemala Camps and Lodges, Adrift and now Tulia — each serving different traveller needs across safari and adventure experiences.

As the United States prepares to mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, Journeyscape, which specialises in tailor‑made holidays across all of North America is delighted to partner alongside Destination DC to introduce a collection of new Washington, DC experiences that invite travellers to explore the capital through art, food, culture and community. Rather than focusing solely on traditional historic narratives, these experiences highlight the diverse voices, neighbourhoods and stories that shape the city today.

It’s incredibly exciting to see the number of new safaris lodges opening across Africa over the next few months. Zambia in particular is seeing some very exciting new developments. A number of new properties are set to launch this year, as the travel trade builds anticipation at the recent OurAfrica.Travel digital trade show, at We Are Africa in Cape Town this week and at Indaba in Durban next week. New openings include:

W Maldives unveils The Wavemaker Edit, a new, ongoing series of curated collaborations with global talents, designed to bring fresh energy, creative exchange, and unexpected experiences to the island escape. Editorial in spirit and immersive by design, the series sets the stage for a dynamic cultural rhythm, where each chapter introduces a new perspective, across mixology, wellness, cuisine, music, and beyond. From June 3 to 14, 2026, the first edition of The Wavemaker Edit unfolds through two distinct yet complementary chapters—Island Alchemy and The Restore Ritual—offering guests a seamless journey between high-energy moments and mindful escape, and redefining Maldives luxury resort experiences.

Viking® (www.viking.com) announced that its 2028–2029 expedition voyages are now open for booking, featuring newly released departure dates across the company’s most popular itineraries in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes. Designed for immersive exploration in some of the world’s most remote regions, the expanded offerings include additional sailings of Viking’s epic Longitudinal World Cruises, which journey between the Great Lakes and Antarctica, as well as the unique Into the Antarctic Circle itinerary, offering guests the rare opportunity to cross the 66°33′ line of latitude into the Antarctic Circle—an honoured milestone among polar explorers.

Untravelled Paths, the specialist travel company renowned for crafting extraordinary journeys to the world’s most remarkable destinations, today announces the launch of its Flight Cancellation Protection policy, a direct and meaningful response to the growing uncertainty gripping the aviation industry as a result of the ongoing Middle East conflict and its impact on global fuel supplies.

Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia has released details of the programme for the 2026 edition, taking place from 22-24 June at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, bringing together investors, developers, operators and policymakers at a defining moment for the region’s hospitality sector. Positioned as the Kingdom’s leading deal-making and investment platform, FHS connects capital with opportunity. The 2025 edition welcomed more than 1,100 industry leaders and generated over US$1.6 billion in business opportunities, reinforcing its role as a key deal-making forum. 254 investors attended FHS Saudi Arabia last year, managing $ 5.61 trillion in assets.

Travelers who use artificial intelligence for trip planning and in‑destination support are emerging as the industry’s most valuable customer segment, according to new research from Phocuswright.  The findings show that AI‑using travelers take more trips, spend significantly more per year and engage more deeply with digital travel tools than those who have not adopted AI. Phocuswright’s new report, The AI Surge: Travel’s Fastest Behavioral Shift in a Decade, reveals that AI travelers have a median household income of $129,200 compared to $104,000 for nonusers, and take 3.8 leisure trips per year versus 2.9 among nonusers. They also spend $4,500 annually on leisure travel, far outpacing the $3,000 spent by those who do not use AI.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome Switzerland Tourism (ST) as a Destination Partner. Switzerland Tourism is the national destination marketing organisation responsible for promoting Switzerland as a travel destination. Working in partnership with the tourism industry and the public sector, it positions Switzerland worldwide as a high-quality, sustainable and year-round destination for leisure and business travel.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome Barceló as a Global Member. Founded in Mallorca in 1931, Barceló Group has grown into one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, with a presence across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East. The Group operates a diverse portfolio of 288 hotels under four distinct brands, ranging from luxury boutique properties to large-scale resorts and urban hotels, reflecting its broad reach across global travel markets.

Luxury travel is shifting toward residential hospitality, as private villas redefine privacy, flexibility and high-end travel experiences.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, will progressively roll-out the Destination Collection, a new collectable amenity kit line, in Business cabins across its network this summer. The Destination Collection will feature 14 designs to collect, each design inspired by a stunning city from within the Etihad global network and includes a new range of LANEIGE skincare products to elevate the guest experience onboard. The Destination Collection: Inspired by the World We Fly

Minor Hotels, the international hotel owner, operator and investor, has unveiled plans for the future debut of its luxury Anantara brand in the Caribbean. Scheduled to open in 2029, the development of Anantara Turks and Caicos Resort & Residences further strengthens the brand’s expansion into leading luxury destinations worldwide. Set along the pristine Sandy Point coastline of North Caicos, the low-density development’s 78 branded residences, including a collection of beachfront villas, will all be available for private ownership. Bringing a contemporary sensibility to the island’s natural calm, Anantara Turks and Caicos Resort & Residences will be shaped for generous indoor–outdoor living by Miami-based RAD and Meyer […]

Korean Air and Asiana Airlines celebrated Children’s Day by hosting a joint aviation education program at the National Aviation Museum of Korea in Seoul, inspiring youth to explore careers in aviation. Approximately 200 students attended the event, where volunteer pilots and cabin crew from both airlines shared firsthand experiences and insights into careers in aviation.