Faith and religious traditions have helped shape the identities of Phuket, Thailand, and George Town on the island of Penang, Malaysia. Their influence can be seen in places of worship, local customs and community life passed down through generations. Visiting these sacred sites offers an introduction to both destinations, while their historic neighbourhoods reveal architecture, food and everyday life shaped by a rich blend of cultures. Together, they offer stories to discover throughout the year.

From sparkling light displays and outdoor ice skating to festive dining, Christmas shopping and spectacular New Year celebrations, St. Louis, Missouri, comes alive during the holiday season. Home to an impressive array of free attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum and Missouri History Museum, the city offers an affordable festive escape for families, couples and friends alike. Whether visitors are looking for magical winter experiences, seasonal entertainment or a festive city break, St. Louis offers plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas and welcome 2027.

Sugee Group, a trusted international real estate developer with nearly four decades of experience, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, one the world’s largest hotel franchising companies, have announced a strategic partnership to develop the world’s first Vienna House Residences by Wyndham, bringing its global debut to the Middle East on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah. This collaboration is not only a global expansion of the Vienna House brand into the Middle East for the first time; it also marks its new global chapter of residential hospitality.

Georgia is becoming a go-to destination for Gulf travellers who want more than a standard city break. Adventure in the mountains and restorative wellness retreats are leading the appeal, helped by short flight times and easy entry. The country recorded 145,513 visits from GCC countries in 2025, a 3.4% increase on the previous year. Momentum was stronger earlier in the year. Visits from Gulf countries reached a record 26,397 in the first half of 2026.

LÈGACY Hanoi – A Fusion Original, a stylish 218-room hotel and wellness sanctuary, offering spectacular views of the city and West Lake, is opening its doors to guests this month in the heart of the Vietnamese capital. The new hotel marks the latest chapter in the Fusion Hotel Group’s expansion and reinforces its leadership role in Vietnam’s dynamic wellness-inspired hospitality landscape.

Forget the all-you-can-eat buffet. Meliá Chiang Mai has unveiled a different kind of indulgence, beckoning spa-goers to feast on a selection of massages and treatments as part of its new Wellness Spa Buffet at YHI Spa. The wellness journey allows guests to mix and match treatments from a selection of seven popular therapies to create their own 120-minute spa experience, priced at THB 2,600 net per person and available until December 31, 2026 from 10am-10pm.

Blacklane, the global chauffeur service, has amplified its presence in the golden state of California by being available in Sacramento and Santa Barbara. These new cities broaden Blacklane’s coverage across the West Coast, giving guests a seamless way to move between key airports, business hubs, events and leisure destinations. The expansion also deepens the global chauffeur service’s California offering, including a direct Los Angeles to Santa Barbara route and broader regional coverage along the coast and in Sacramento, the state capital.

From sailing to the remote islands of French Polynesia and exploring Japan’s ancient Zen traditions to riding a historic steam train through Colorado’s Wild West, some adventures are simply too good to miss, whatever your age. For travellers in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond, 2027 offers plenty of opportunities to discover somewhere new, revisit places that hold special memories or finally embark on a long-dreamed-of journey. Whether it’s retracing the footsteps of Elvis Presley in Memphis 50 years after his death, discovering the wild landscapes of Florida’s Everglades or taking the scenic route to the French Alps aboard a sleeper train, these 12 unforgettable holidays prove that a sense of adventure never gets old.

From 20 November, Airbnb is limiting what hosts and property managers can ask of guests on bookings made from that date. On most bookings, they will no longer be able to require a separate rental agreement, collect copies of ID, run background checks or ask guests to register on an app or website to get in. The exceptions include stays of 28 nights or more, Luxe listings, optional amenities and anything required by local law or a homeowners’ association.

Global tourism is entering a new era of strategic choices. The industry is still generating economic growth, but geopolitical instability, climate pressures, investment challenges and technological disruption are testing its long-term competitiveness. The numbers reveal a paradox. According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2026, 92% of the 110 economies assessed have improved their conditions for tourism development since 2024. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a US$12 trillion contribution to the global economy in 2026, supporting around 376 million jobs.

CruiseKings, one of the UK’s leading cruise specialists, has launched a new recruitment drive as the fast-growing business approaches £150 million in cruise sales. Having grown by more than 70% over the past three years, CruiseKings is investing in its team as it enters its next phase of growth, with a particular focus on attracting experienced travel professionals who share its passion for personal service, expertise and creating exceptional holidays.

Vietnam Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APG Inc to deepen bilateral cooperation and renewed its General Sales Agent (GSA) agreement, reinforcing its commercial presence in Belgium and supporting the development of travel between the two countries. The MoU was exchanged at the Vietnam–Europe Business Roundtable, held during the official visit to the European Union and the Kingdom of Belgium by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam, accompanied by a high-level Vietnamese delegation.

Trade-only tour operator USAirtours has launched a new online platform, enabling travel agents to search, quote and book holidays. The platform, USAirtours Online Look & Book, is designed to make the booking process ‘faster and more flexible’, with features including price drop notifications, adjustable commission, interactive hotel maps and instant access to booking documents. Agents can access the platform via desktop, mobile or tablet.

While Europe’s biggest Christmas markets attract millions of visitors every year, many travellers are seeking lesser-known festive destinations.  Travel experts at eShores have revealed five underrated Christmas markets worth adding to this year’s winter travel plans based on their festive charm and growing search interest. 

For JETOUR, travel means more than discovering new places, it also means respecting and protecting the natural world. As its “Travel+” ecosystem continues to grow, JETOUR is bringing travel, off-road exploration and nature conservation together, encouraging travelers to explore responsibly and help protect the places they visit.

La Dolce Vita Orient Express has embarked on its first international journey, departing from Rome Ostiense on 22 October for Istanbul. The five-day, four-night itinerary marks a significant milestone for the train, extending its journeys beyond Italy and bringing together two of Europe’s emblematic destinations through an exceptional travel experience.

Ensana, Europe’s leading health spa hotel group, has expanded its portfolio to Germany with the Ensana Fürstenhof. Following extensive modernisation, the historic hotel in Bad Griesbach, Bavaria, has been given a fresh new look and now celebrated its official reopening. General Manager Ralf Müller and Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana Hotels, welcomed invited guests to the grand opening ceremony, joined by Mayor Jürgen Fundke and Cornelia Wasner-Sommer, Deputy District Administrator. With 148 redesigned rooms and a newly refurbished 4,500-square-metre spa area, the hotel presents itself as a modern destination for wellness and relaxation in Lower Bavaria. The next phase of its repositioning will see the introduction of medical facilities, […]

For high-net-worth travellers across the GCC, wellness-led travel offers an opportunity to step away from daily demands and dedicate meaningful time to personal health. Beyond the traditional appeal of relaxation, a growing area of interest is the opportunity to better understand individual health needs, address concerns proactively and establish habits that support long-term wellbeing. At tulåh, a multidisciplinary wellness destination in northern Kerala, this philosophy informs an approach that brings preventative health and personalised recovery together.

The Palm Beaches continue to build on their momentum, giving visitors fresh reasons to return and new experiences to discover with every visit. After welcoming 6.09 million visitors in the first half of 2026, up 6.4% from 2025, The Palm Beaches are building on this success with a pipeline of approximately $500 million in developments set to further strengthen the tourism economy. Across 39 cities and towns, the next wave of openings and experiences is taking shape, making the destination an even more compelling place to visit in the year ahead.

Visitors to Florida’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex can celebrate the innovation, people and legacy behind NASA’s greatest achievements during MAX POWER, an extra-special event taking place 6 – 8 November 2026. The exhibits and experiences at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex celebrate NASA’s great achievements: past, present, and future. During MAX POWER, guests will go on an extraordinary journey as the visitor complex further transforms into a showcase of human ingenuity.