Category Tourism, Organisations & Operators

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Dida today announced a strategic partnership with the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI), selecting Dida as its lead digital distribution partner for the “Trusted Thailand” initiative in the China market.

The agreement was signed at Dusit Thani Bangkok by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of TAT, and Mr. Daryl Lee, Group CEO of Dida Holdings.

BTN caught up with James Dow, UK General Manager at Blacklane, on how commuters and visitors can navigate the disruption – particularly when it comes to time-sensitive journeys like airport transfers, events and meetings.

His advice focuses on how people can reduce risk and stay mobile during widespread network shutdowns, rather than simply avoid travel altogether.

This summer, Ramble Worldwide, the original walking holiday specialist with a charitable ethos, is offering a programme of free guided walks across England and Scotland to celebrate its 80th birthday.

Launched in 1946 as Ramblers Association Services, the holiday-planning arm of the Ramblers’ Association, the organisation was founded at a time when access to the countryside was limited. Its mission was simple yet powerful: to open landscapes, mountains and coastline routes to people who longed to explore at their own pace, supporting walkers by providing assembled tours and guest house stays.

Alpine specialists Powder Byrne have unveiled a series of exclusive summer experiences as part of its Client for Life programme, available to book now. From women’s wellness-focused escapes in the Swiss Alps to immersive adventures exploring Japan’s volcanoes, and plenty of family focused active trips, each journey has been carefully curated to offer unforgettable moments throughout the summer. Drawing on more than four decades of expertise and insight, Powder Byrne combines exceptional service with unique destinations to create experiences that stay with guests long after the trip ends.

Unique, immersive holidays in Finland and Sweden in the cool of September that take travellers off the beaten track and provide meaningful connections with local people and the beautiful natural environments they call home. Nordic Nights & Natural Colour Discover the Wild in Finland’s Taiga: A Gentle Arctic Adventure, Thursday 10th – Monday 15th September 2026

This slow September journey through remote Kuhmo forests and Tulijärvi’s wilderness allows plenty of time to spot wildlife, unwind in saunas and stargaze in dark Arctic skies. Each experience in ECT Travel’s six-day holiday has been carefully chosen to connect travellers with this extraordinary environment.

Unique, immersive holidays in Finland and Sweden in the cool of September that take travellers off the beaten track and provide meaningful connections with local people and the beautiful natural environments they call home. Nordic Nights & Natural Colour Discover the Wild in Finland’s Taiga: A Gentle Arctic Adventure, Thursday 10th – Monday 15th September 2026

This slow September journey through remote Kuhmo forests and Tulijärvi’s wilderness allows plenty of time to spot wildlife, unwind in saunas and stargaze in dark Arctic skies. Each experience in ECT Travel’s six-day holiday has been carefully chosen to connect travellers with this extraordinary environment.

Ker & Downey® Africa, a leading luxury travel company headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, has released its latest travel trends report, offering a fascinating glimpse into traveler behaviors, preferences, and demographics.

The report takes an in-depth look at luxury travel trends in Africa in 2025, including the most popular destinations, key markets, the average length of stay, the most sought-after experiences, and average spend.

Virginia Messina, Group CEO of ATTA® said:
“WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research reinforces Africa as a major global player within travel and tourism, and one of the fastest growing regions following Asia and the Middle East.
“International visitor spending to Africa was up by 5% in 2025 and the continent is outperforming mature markets like Europe (+1.3%) and North America (still below pre-pandemic levels).
“According to the report, Travel & Tourism contributed a total of $211 billion to the region’s GDP in 2024, representing 7.8% of the African economy which was an increase of 9.8% compared to 2019. The sector also supported 27.9 million jobs across the continent, a share of 5.6% of total employment.

CapeTownMagazine.com (CTM) has launched its Secret Season Campaign – an open invitation to owner-run businesses, brands, and tourism bodies to come together around a shared opportunity: Rethinking how Cape Town and the Western Cape are experienced in winter.

Secret Season positions winter as a secret season worth seeking out and leveraging through real connection.

Travel & Tourism has strengthened its position as the world’s fastest-growing sector in 2025, with new data from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Chase Travel, Lead Research Partner, revealing the sector significantly outpaced global economic growth.

According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR), Travel & Tourism’s global GDP contribution reached arecord US$11.6 trillion in 2025, accounting for 9.8% of the global economy. The sector’s growth (4.1%) exceeded overall global economic growth (2.8%) by almost 50%, underscoring its role as a primary engine of global expansion.