Author: Sam Allcock

HotelPlanner, a prominent online group hotel booking provider, has announced its partnership with USA Archery to support two national collegiate events: the Collegiate Target Nationals and the Collegiate 3D Nationals. This collaboration will run through 2026, reaffirming HotelPlanner’s commitment to the sport of archery and its athletes. Under this agreement, HotelPlanner will serve as the official hotel reservations partner for USA Archery while also becoming the title sponsor for both the Collegiate Target and Collegiate 3D events in 2025 and 2026. Bruce Rosenberg, the Global President of HotelPlanner, expressed pride in renewing the sponsorship, stating, “HotelPlanner is proud to renew…

Saudi traditional arts are poised to capture new global audiences as the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts (Wrth) takes part in the Saudi Cultural Week in Greece from 27 September to 1 October. The event, titled “The Heritage of Two Cultures,” highlights the richness of Saudi heritage through the celebrated “Al-Qatt Al-Asiri” art form, showcasing its intricate designs and cultural significance. As part of the cultural week, five talented Saudi artists will lead a series of interactive workshops focused on gypsum carving, a craft that features traditional ‘Asiri’ patterns. This unique art form received international recognition when it was inscribed…

Football fans can now join some of the game’s most famous legends on unique city breaks, thanks to Eric Cantona’s Looking FC. The travel brand, which has gained popularity since its inception in 2022, is offering four-day adventures to iconic football cities, including Naples, Manchester, Madrid, Barcelona, and Milan. The trips go on sale today and promise an immersive experience into the world of football culture through the eyes of renowned players. Among the legendary hosts are Cantona himself, Javier Zanetti, Marco Materazzi, and Emmanuel Petit. Fans will have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities, including creating…

SnapLogic, a leader in generative integration, has announced the 2024 Integreat Tour, a global conference series aimed at helping businesses harness the potential of Generative AI (GenAI) to transform their operations. This year’s tour will take place in San Francisco on October 23 and London on November 7, bringing together industry leaders, IT executives, and integration specialists to discuss how organisations can modernise their systems and automate processes using cutting-edge AI technologies. The event will feature keynote addresses from Gaurav Dhillon, SnapLogic’s CEO, and Jeremiah Stone, the company’s CTO, as well as insights from notable figures in the digital and…

In a significant cultural shift, solo dining and travel are becoming increasingly popular among Brits, with new data from KAYAK and OpenTable revealing that 72% of people plan to dine alone in the next year. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger generations, as both Gen Z and Millennials lead the way in embracing independent travel and dining experiences. The research highlights a notable increase in solo experiences, with the search share for solo hotel rooms rising by 9% in the past year, and solo dining seeing a remarkable 14% uplift year-on-year across the UK. With these numbers, KAYAK, a…

Regent Hong Kong has achieved significant recognition in the hospitality industry, being named the third-best hotel in “The Top 10 Hotels in Hong Kong and Macau” in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024. The luxury hotel has also earned accolades as one of the “Best Hotels in China” in the Condé Nast Traveler China Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, adding to a series of global recognitions this year. According to the Condé Nast Traveler Guide to the Best Hotels in Hong Kong, Regent Hong Kong has earned its reputation as an “instant classic.” Following a comprehensive renovation led by Hong…

Condé Nast Traveler has announced the results of its highly anticipated annual Readers’ Choice Awards, recognising S Hotel Montego Bay as the top hotel in the Caribbean and Central America for 2024. The hotel, previously known as S Hotel Jamaica, has also secured the impressive position of #37 on the list of the best hotels worldwide. The annual awards are determined by over 575,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveler across the United States, who rated their travel experiences from around the globe. The Readers’ Choice Awards are regarded as one of the travel industry’s most prestigious accolades, serving as a…

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the successful acquisition of Standard International, the parent company of The Standard and Bunkhouse Hotels brands. This move marks a significant enhancement to Hyatt’s position in the lifestyle hospitality sector, building upon a series of strategic acquisitions and organic growth that have seen its lifestyle room portfolio quintuple between 2017 and 2023. The acquisition encompasses an asset-light portfolio, including management, franchise, and licence agreements for 22 existing hotels, which collectively feature approximately 2,000 rooms. Notable properties within this portfolio include The Standard in London, The Standard, High Line in New York City, The Standard, Bangkok…

Qatar has launched a new global tourism campaign, ‘Surprise Yourself,’ as part of its strategic goal to attract six million visitors annually by 2030. The initiative seeks to position Qatar as a must-visit destination, showcasing its unique offerings to potential travellers. The campaign invites families, couples, and groups of friends to explore the unexpected experiences available in Qatar. From its stunning natural landscapes to its vibrant cultural scene, the campaign aims to highlight the diverse and meaningful adventures the country has to offer. Key attractions include the idyllic Banana Island, the bustling Souq Waqif, and the exhilarating thrill of dune…

Shanghai marked World Tourism Day with the “Feel Shanghai: Travel as a Local” showcase on September 27 at the Liu Haisu Art Museum. Organised by the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism and operated by Shanghai Daily, the event aimed to present the city’s vibrant culture and tourism offerings through the eyes of its international residents. The initiative encouraged local expatriates to share their favourite hidden gems and must-try experiences, offering valuable insights for foreign visitors. Organisers hope the showcase will foster global interest in Shanghai, reinforcing its position as a premier destination for inbound travel in China. Ten international…