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World Travel Awards (WTA) has announced that the paradise nation of the Maldives will host industry leaders from across Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean for a blockbuster VIP Gala Ceremony to celebrate the best in travel and tourism. The flagship event will take place at CROSSROADS Maldives on World Tourism Day, 27 September 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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 experiences. Complete with spacious villas, expansive private residences, and a focus on wellbeing, dining, and discovery, the resort is the perfect setting for travellers seeking a deeper, more meaningful sojourn.

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.

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.

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.