All Travel News

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced the signing of Holiday Inn Express Krabi Ao Nang, a 158-key conversion property in partnership with Chok Deesuk Co., Ltd., further expanding the company’s presence in one of Thailand’s most sought-after leisure destinations. Following a rebrand, the hotel will join IHG’s globally recognised Holiday Inn Express brand and is set to open by the end of 2026.The signing builds on IHG’s longstanding r

American Airlines is expanding and enhancing its premium customer experience at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), unveiling plans for a dedicated Flagship® check-in experience and two new lounge spaces, all designed to make travel more effortless, comfortable and tailored to each customer. The investments further strengthen DFW as American’s largest hub and reflect a focus on delivering a world-class premium journey. Customers traveling through DFW can look forwa

Cape Verde’s remarkable FIFA World Cup campaign has indeed translated into a significant boost for tourism demand. New booking data from Data Appeal Company / Almaviva Group and the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) has revealed a sharp rise in both immediate and forward travel for the little-known nation located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Senegal. Analysis shows that flight bookings made through Global Distribution Systems (GDS) between 11 and 30 Jun

Premier Inn, the UK’s largest hotel brand, has confirmed it is coming to Hunstanton. The chain’s parent company, Whitbread PLC, intends to invest in a 108-bedroom Premier Inn hotel on Southend Road, subject to planning. The company is in early discussions with planners at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk on the design of the new hotel, with a planning application expected to be submitted in the autumn. The multimillion-pound Premier Inn will feature the br

Fattal Hotel Group, owner and operator of 329 hotels in 22 countries, including the flagship Leonardo Hotels brand, has signed an agreement to acquire The Blakely Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The acquisition marks the company’s first hotel investment in the United States and a significant milestone in its evolution from a leading European hospitality operator into a global hotel group. The acquisition completed on 7th July 2026. Located on West 55th Street between Sixth and Se

Etihad Airways and Abra Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening connectivity between Latin America, the Middle East and Asia through the combined networks of Etihad and Abra’s airlines: Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air. The MoU reflects Abra’s strategy of leveraging the complementary strengths of its airline portfolio to create new growth opportunities, expand connectivity for customers and develop innovative

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new full-service national carrier, today officially commenced operations to Spain as its maiden flight from Riyadh touched down at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) this morning. The historic landing of flight RX0531 establishes the only direct scheduled air link between Madrid and Riyadh, ushering in a new era of economic, tourism, and cultural connectivity between Spain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The celebratory arrival in Madrid co

AI search is becoming a new travel companion for Irish holidaymakers, with almost half (44%) of people surveyed by loveholidays already using it for travel or holiday planning. A survey of 1,000 Irish respondents conducted by the online travel agent found that AI has moved firmly into the mainstream as a search tool, with three in four (76%) saying they use AI search in their personal life (41% use it at least weekly, while 14% use it every day). AI search is changing how pe

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome Messe Berlin Americas as a Regional Member. The partnership brings together WTTC and the organizer of ITB Americas, the newest addition to Messe Berlin’s global ITB brand portfolio, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing the global Travel & Tourism industry. As the first and only travel trade show bringing together North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean under a single B2B platf

Virgin Voyages has revealed the onboard programme for its two Solar Eclipse Voyages taking place in August 2026. The adults-only cruise line will operate European itineraries on Valiant Lady and Scarlet Lady, with both ships positioned in the path of totality for the solar eclipse on August 12. The sailings are:Solar Eclipse: Iceland & British Isles: A 15-night voyage roundtrip from Portsmouth onboard Valiant Lady, departing August 5. The itinerary calls at Dublin, Glasgow, L

The Travel + Leisure 2026 World’s Best Awards, one of the most prestigious awards in the travel industry and selected entirely by Travel + Leisure readers, once again recognized leading global hospitality brand Hilton with widespread accolades across numerous categories. Twenty-two properties representing five of Hilton’s industry-leading brands – Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Curio Collection b

Cruise holidays and trusted European favourites are shaping how Irish people will travel over the next 12 months, according to booking data from Travel Counsellors Ireland. Booking trends for the premium leisure and corporate travel specialists over the coming 12 months saw Greece record the strongest growth in bookings compared with the same period last year, while Japan, South Africa and Singapore emerged as standout destinations. Cruise sales also increased by 18%, reflect

Passengers heading to China can now benefit from even greater choice from London Gatwick, following the launch of a new Air China service to Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). Flights to Chengdu launched on Sunday 12 July and will run through the 2026 summer season, creating a new direct link between London Gatwick and one of China’s biggest cities. Operating three times per week from the airport’s North Terminal, the service provides additional capacity between the UK and China, meeting

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is delighted to announce the appointment of Brian Hynes as Head of Sales, Ireland & Europe, reinforcing the brand’s continued investment in its Ireland and European trade partnerships and long-term growth strategy. Having been part of The Travel Corporation (TTC) for the past 10 years, Brian has played a key role in growing Uniworld’s presence across Ireland, working closely with the brand and its valued trade partners., building strong relatio

Maryland is stepping confidently onto the international stage this winter as British Airways strengthens its commitment to the state by introducing a daily London Heathrow to Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) service from October 2026. Complementing the airline’s existing daily summer schedule, the enhanced service provides year-round daily connectivity between the UK and Maryland for the first time, making it easier than ever for British travellers to discove

The Travel Partners Group has announced the opening of registrations for its highly anticipated Agent Appreciation Event in Galway — and early indications suggest this year’s gathering will be one of the most exciting yet. In a refreshing change of pace, TPG is moving the celebration to a brand‑new venue: Lena’s Rooftop at the Radisson RED, offering panoramic views and a vibrant atmosphere for agents attending on Thursday, 3rd September. The group is promising an evening focu

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announces the debut of three new ships in 2028: the S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara, and the Mekong Mystique, bringing the brand’s total fleet size to 22. The added vessels further elevate Uniworld’s signature boutique river cruise experience across the Danube, Rhine and Mekong rivers, each drawing inspiration from the art, history and culture of the region it sails in. The announcement builds on the momentum of the brand’s recent fleet expansion, with

Universal Orlando Resort is preparing for one of its biggest Halloween Horror Nights events yet, with the return of two of its most iconic characters, a new haunted house based on Evil Dead Burn and a host of new attractions across its global portfolio. Speaking in Dublin ahead of the launch of Halloween Horror Nights 35, Lora Sauls, Assistant Director of Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort, alongside senior executives Kevin Gibson and Alison Solo-Geistoa, outlin

Wendy Wu Tours has unveiled a landmark expansion into North America, marking a significant new chapter in the company’s evolution as it prepares to launch its first-ever dedicated USA & Canada touring collection later this year. As part of the expansion, the award-winning escorted touring specialist has appointed highly experienced North America product expert Jayne White to lead the development of the new programme, reinforcing the company’s long-term investment in one of th

As thousands of Irish holidaymakers head overseas this summer, Yes Insurance is warning travellers not to get caught out by expensive car rental insurance sold at the rental desk, where they can incur significant expenses. To help motorists avoid these unexpected costs, Yes Insurance has launched its standalone Car Hire Excess Insurance from €2.50 a day or €45.99 for annual policy. The policy is designed to protect drivers against significant excess charges of up to €3,000 th