Author: Sam Allcock

The 2024 Zhangjiajie International Tourism Innovation Week, themed “Integration and Expanding Frontiers,” took place from 18th to 20th October in Hunan Province’s scenic city of Zhangjiajie. Hosted by SMART, the event aimed to foster tourism exchanges, encourage industry cooperation, and elevate Zhangjiajie’s tourism appeal by showcasing its natural landscapes as a venue for cutting-edge tourism dialogue. The three-day event featured a comprehensive programme with one main dialogue, 23 parallel discussions, a food festival, and a culinary competition. It attracted leading tourism industry figures, including professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from around the world, all keen to engage in discussions about…

Bahrain is preparing to host the second Gateway Gulf forum on 3-4 November 2024 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay. Under the theme “Investing in a Rapidly Transforming Region,” the event is expected to draw a select group of 250 high-level ministers, senior government officials, business leaders, and investors from across the globe, including delegates from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (Bahrain EDB) and supported by Bahrain’s finance, investment, and industry leaders, this invitation-only forum aims to provide a platform for open dialogue on key…

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced that Ed Bastian, Chief Executive of Delta Air Lines, will return as a keynote speaker at CES 2025. In an industry first, Bastian’s address will be hosted at Sphere in Las Vegas, a revolutionary new venue that promises to immerse attendees in cutting-edge technology through advanced audio and visual displays. This keynote will mark the first time a CES address has been held at Sphere, adding an unprecedented level of immersion to one of the world’s largest technology events. Scheduled for 5 p.m. PT on 7 January 2025, Bastian’s keynote will explore Delta’s…

New Guide Reveals Affordable Monastery Stays in Rome A new city guide from Monasteries.com is offering visitors an insider’s look at how to experience Rome affordably, with advice on staying in historic monasteries across the Eternal City for under £62 per night this autumn. Designed to help travellers avoid the peak tourist crowds and enjoy a more relaxed side of Rome, the guide includes tips on affordable accommodation, travel options, and key sites to explore. While summer sees millions flock to Rome’s iconic landmarks, leading to high prices and packed spaces, many visitors may not realise that Rome’s historical and…

Historic Hotel Hosts Seasonal Events to Celebrate Community As the Cumbrian woodlands transition into their stunning autumn hues, the influx of holidaymakers dwindles, leaving only the most adventurous fell walkers and off-season explorers. This quieter time of year provides locals with the chance to reclaim their surroundings, but many attractions close their doors until spring, limiting opportunities for leisure. In response, one of South Lakeland’s oldest hospitality venues, The Swan Hotel and Spa at Newby Bridge, is ramping up efforts to host a series of autumn and winter events. These initiatives are designed to foster community spirit and offer families,…

TourRadar, a global leader in organised adventure travel, has launched a newly revamped mobile app designed to simplify the process of booking multi-day adventures from mobile devices. With a focus on a seamless user experience, the update aims to make planning travel easier and faster, responding to increasing demand for on-the-go booking convenience. The updated app features enhanced search and discovery tools, including a new recommendation system and improved search functionality, making it possible to explore over 50,000 multi-day tour options. In addition to a streamlined interface, the app now offers mobile-native payment methods to simplify the booking process, enabling…

In a collaborative effort, UN Tourism and Paraguay’s Ministry of Tourism have presented a comprehensive report on the evolving role of women in the Latin American and Caribbean tourism sector. Released in Asunción, Paraguay, this report was a focal point of the 1st Regional Conference on Women’s Empowerment in Tourism, held in the Paraguayan capital on October 21 and 22. The study highlights the significant contributions and increasing presence of women within the industry, while also identifying areas for improvement in gender representation and opportunities for female workers. The findings underscore the critical role tourism plays in empowering women economically,…

Altezza Travel has been awarded Tanzania’s Leading Tour Operator and Tanzania’s Leading Destination Management Company at the 2024 World Travel Awards. This recognition, which celebrates excellence across the global travel industry, showcases the top companies, destinations, and organisations, and has been running since 1993. Representatives from Altezza Travel proudly accepted their awards at the prestigious event. The company’s success is further highlighted by the recognition of Mt. Kilimanjaro, a significant destination for Altezza, which was named “Africa’s Leading Tourism Attraction.” This accolade reaffirms Kilimanjaro’s status as one of the continent’s most coveted travel spots. Despite being nominated for the first…

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) has announced the relaunch of its global travel loyalty programme, MyMillennium, introducing enhanced benefits for guests. The revamped programme features three new tiers—Classic, Silver, and Prestige—aimed at providing personalised experiences, exclusive rates, and increased rewards for travellers. The new MyMillennium programme aims to simplify the earning and redeeming process for MyPoints, allowing both leisure and business travellers to enjoy exclusive promotions and benefits at MHR properties. Members can now accumulate MyPoints through their stays and dining experiences, redeeming them for a variety of rewards that range from complimentary room nights to dining vouchers. Carolyn Wishnowski,…

Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the foremost authority on luxury hospitality, has unveiled the winners of its inaugural Verified Air Travel Awards for 2024. This new accolade celebrates outstanding experiences in air travel, recognising excellence across airlines, airports, and private jet services. The awards spotlight a diverse range of winners, with Delta Air Lines taking the title of Best U.S. Airline, while Emirates was recognised as the Best International Airline. Other notable mentions include La Compagnie as the Best Small Airline, LaGuardia Airport as the Best U.S. Airport, and Singapore Changi as the Best International Airport. The Louis Vuitton Lounge by…