Author: Sam Allcock

The Year of the Snake is bringing travellers together as families and friends embrace Lunar New Year (LNY) traditions through exploration and connection. Marking wisdom, intuition, and transformation, this year’s festivities are shaping travel trends worldwide, according to the Trip.com Group’s latest insights. Cross-Border Travel on the RiseExtended holidays are a key theme this season, with Asia-Pacific travellers combining public holidays and annual leave to enjoy longer breaks. For example, Chinese mainland travellers can enjoy an 11-day break by taking only two days of leave, while Singaporeans achieve a five-day holiday with a single day off. As a result, the…

A cherished tearoom and guesthouse in the heart of the Elan Valley, Rhayader, is set to reopen after undergoing significant refurbishment. Penbont House, which closed in May last year due to challenging trading conditions, will welcome visitors once more following investment and maintenance work spearheaded by the Elan Valley Trust. The Trust is now actively seeking a tenant to manage the site, which boasts a tearoom, a five-bedroom guesthouse, a self-contained manager’s apartment, and picturesque gardens overlooking the River Elan. The property sits near the Garreg-Ddu and Penygarreg reservoirs, offering a prime location in the Cambrian Mountains for walkers, cyclists,…

Sobha Realty, a global leader in luxury real estate, has announced the launch of Sobha Siniya Island, a groundbreaking development in partnership with Umm Al Quwain Properties. This project marks Sobha Realty’s first venture outside Dubai, transforming Al Siniya Island, one of the UAE’s largest natural islands, into an exclusive sanctuary for ultra-luxury living. The Memorandum of Understanding formalising this ambitious development aims to combine contemporary design with the island’s untouched natural beauty. The project is set to accommodate approximately 25,000 residents across a 16-million-square-foot master-planned community. Sustainable Luxury Sobha Siniya Island has been designed to seamlessly integrate opulence with…

January can feel long and dreary in the UK, with grey skies and endless rain casting a shadow over many people’s plans. However, a new travel platform is offering the perfect solution to shake off the winter blues: a multi-city European getaway for under £100. For those longing for a change of scenery, Tryp.com makes it easier than ever to book a budget-friendly European escape. Whether you’re in the mood to wander the streets of Paris, admire the historic charm of Prague, or indulge in tapas in Barcelona, Tryp.com offers a simple and affordable way to make it happen. The…

Incvee, a leading online retailer of premium incense products, has introduced a new range of incense collections sourced from Japan, India, and China. These collections, which feature carefully curated blends of traditional aromatic materials, are designed to enhance relaxation and mindfulness practices, offering a serene and sensory experience to consumers. The new incense offerings include some of the finest natural ingredients, such as sandalwood, agarwood, herbs, and floral essences, known for their soothing and calming properties. Aimed at those seeking to improve their well-being, the incense products are crafted using traditional methods to maintain authenticity while promoting a sense of…

Blenheim Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Britain’s most iconic estates, is setting new standards in sustainable tourism as it champions green travel and environmental conservation. The estate has committed to a range of eco-friendly initiatives, positioning itself as a must-visit destination for the conscientious traveller. As part of its sustainability strategy, Blenheim Palace has rolled out multiple efforts to reduce its environmental impact, preserve natural habitats, and promote green travel options. Among its key actions, the palace has encouraged visitors to embrace eco-friendly transport options, offering discounts for those arriving by bus, train, electric vehicle, or…

A growing number of Brits are planning to take time out from their busy lives to recharge their spiritual batteries in 2025. According to travel experts, 39% of UK holidaymakers are planning a “spiritual” getaway this year, with many opting for modern-day pilgrimages, wellness retreats, or embracing “silent travel” by disconnecting from social media. Lily Smith, a leading travel expert from Monasteries.com, highlighted that wellness and spiritual holidays are set to be one of the fastest-growing trends in 2025. Smith noted, “59% of Brits intend to incorporate some form of wellness into their holidays, with activities like meditation, quiet time,…

Only 11 hotel rooms in major UK cities are equipped with hoists – essential equipment for disabled travellers – despite there being around 700,000 hotel rooms across the country. This stark shortage highlights a significant accessibility gap in the hospitality industry, which is legally bound to make “reasonable adjustments” under the Equality Act 2010. Recent research by Snowball, an app created by accessibility advocate and wheelchair user Simon Sansome, reveals the extent of the failure. The app, often described as “TripAdvisor for the disabled community,” provides user-generated reviews of accessible services and locations. Snowball’s findings indicate that, out of the…

Solo adventure travel brand WeRoad is set to take at least 30,000 travellers on exciting journeys during the 2024-2025 winter season, from December 1st to January 15th. The company’s latest winter travel data reveals key insights into emerging trends, with more people spending on longer trips, booking well in advance, and seeking unique destinations across the globe. Key Statistics and Insights WeRoad’s winter data highlights several shifts in traveller behaviour for the upcoming season. With a target of 30,000 travellers, the company is preparing for a surge in demand for curated group trips, providing a mix of adventure and cultural…

Abu Dhabi has unveiled a major overhaul of its film and TV production rebate scheme, offering global companies up to 50% cashback on in-market production and post-production costs starting 1 January 2025. The updated programme aims to boost Abu Dhabi’s position as a key global destination for film and TV production, further fuelling investment in the emirate’s creative industries. Previously set at a 30% rebate, the new scheme has increased the baseline to 35%, with the possibility of up to 50% total cashback for productions that meet specific criteria. The changes are designed to attract international production companies, support local…