Latest headlines in Travel News

  • Riyadh Air Completes First Commercial Flight on Brand New Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Heathrow (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 14:47:41)
    Riyadh Air, the Kingdom’s new national carrier, celebrated its first commercial (maiden) flight operated on its brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which arrived in Riyadh from Boeing only five days earlier on June 5.The daily service, flight RX401, departed from Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) for London Heathrow (LHR) marking a major milestone in the airline’s evolution and beginning a new era of travel and connectivity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
  • Ifuru Island Maldives Launches Complimentary Beach Wedding Ceremony and Honeymoon Offer (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 14:45:36)
    This summer, Ifuru Island Maldives invites couples to celebrate their love in one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations with a complimentary private beach wedding ceremony and exclusive honeymoon benefits for stays of seven nights or more. Available between 1st May and 30th September 2026, the offer provides the perfect opportunity to exchange vows or enjoy a romantic island escape at the private all-inclusive retreat.
  • Copenhagen Expands CopenPay Year-Round and Takes Tourist Rewards Global (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 14:43:07)
    Jump on a bike to earn a cup of coffee. Collect trash and get a kayak tour for free. Arrive by train and get a sauna experience. CopenPay returns this summer, with no end date, and the popular tourism reward scheme is back to change the way tourists explore Copenhagen, with positive actions replacing traditional sightseeing.“In a time when tourists around the world are often the target of criticism, Copenhagen’s CopenPay provides a new way for tourists to engage with the city in a positive way,” says Rikke Holm Petersen, Director of Behaviour at Wonderful Copenhagen. “Inspiration and contribution seem to be the new souvenir.”
  • ST. KITTS YOURWAY (SKY) PROGRAMME RETURNS FOR 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 14:38:29)
    The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is delighted to announce the return of its St. Kitts Yourway (SKY) Programme for 2026, this year featuring 10 participating hotels.  First launched in 2024, the exclusive travel agent initiative allows agents to experience the wonders of St. Kitts firsthand, enabling them to better share the island’s rich offerings with their clients.
  • Martinique Welcomes International Stars, Music Lovers at 2026 Reggae Therapy Festival (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 14:33:53)
    On July 11 and 12, 2026, Martinique will host the 4th edition of the Reggae Therapy Festival. This landmark international event, held in the capital of Fort-de-France, has quickly established itself as one of the most inspiring reggae gatherings in the Caribbean.Winner of France’s “Best Reggae Festival Award” in 2024, Martinique’s Reggae Therapy seamlessly blends the natural beauty of the Caribbean with the immaculate vibes of reggae. The festival is recognized for the quality of its experience, its unique identity, and its ability to connect music, culture, and territory in a single dynamic.
  • Accor and Yavu Collective Sign Landmark Multi-Hotel Deal in Fiji (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 14:32:48)
    Accor, the largest hospitality group in the Pacific region, and Yavu Collective, a Fijian-owned investment and development group, today announced a landmark agreement that will see three distinctive hotels in Fiji join Accor’s global network, marking a significant milestone for the destination and reinforcing the Group’s continued momentum across the Pacific.
  • Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection: Where Effortless Luxury Meets the Rhythm of the Maldives (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 14:28:34)
    In the tranquil northern reaches of the Maldives, where turquoise lagoons meet powder-soft sands and time seems to move more gently, Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection offers a more serene and intimate way to experience island life.Set on the peaceful island of Kudafunafaru in Noonu Atoll, the resort invites guests into a world shaped by quiet beauty, effortless comfort and a deep connection to nature. Far removed from the pace of everyday life, mornings begin with the sound of waves lapping the shore, while days unfold slowly between sunlit lagoons, barefoot walks on the beach and unhurried moments beneath swaying palms.
  • TAP AIR PORTUGAL CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF HISTORY AND FLIGHTS TO BRAZIL (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 14:20:36)
    The airline has carried over two million passengers between Brazil and Europe.For six decades, TAP Air Portugal has been connecting Portugal and Europe to Brazil. In 2026, the airline will celebrate 60 years of a history marked by the expansion of international aviation, the strengthening of ties between the two countries, and operations that have established the Brazilian market as one of the most important for TAP.
  • ITB Asia 2026: New Experience Zones and Guided Tours Debut Under “Experiences in Motion” Theme (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 13:18:29)
    ITB Asia 2026 will return to the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore from 21 to 23 October 2026, co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia. Over three days, the event is expected to welcome more than 18,000 participants, 1,500+ quality buyers, over 1,000 exhibitors and more than 160 speakers from across the global travel and tourism industry.
  • A NEW ERA OF WELLNESS: THE RITZ-CARLTON ABU DHABI, GRAND CANAL UNVEIL THE RITZ-CARLTON SPA (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 13:14:30)
    The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is proud to unveil the Ritz-Carlton Spa, a tranquil sanctuary where contemporary wellness, nature-inspired design, and refined craftsmanship come together to create an elevated destination for restoration.Inspired by the timeless symbolism of the lotus - a sacred bloom associated with renewal, balance, and transformation - the spa has been conceived as a refined sanctuary of calm by HBA, a dynamic, multidisciplinary studio and leader in the world of hospitality design. The spatial journey unfolds in fluid, petal-like layers, guiding guests through an intuitive progression from arrival to retreat, with each space gradually revealing itself, echoing the graceful unfurling of the flower.
  • Niseko Village Unveils Landmark Gondola Transformation for Winter 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 13:06:32)
    A new era of alpine adventure begins in Winter 2026 as YTL Hotels’  Niseko Village unveils its long-anticipated gondola upgrade. Designed with both comfort and discovery in mind, the next generation lift system promises to transform the mountain experience, offering guests smoother journeys, spectacular views and more time on the slopes.Replacing the long-serving Mori-no Chair, which has carried skiers and snowboarders since the early 1980s, the new Mori-no Gondola will feature sleek cabins that more than double uplift capacity, while cocooning passengers in warmth and comfort. Divided into two sections with an intermediate station, the gondola has been designed for all-weather performance and will continue operating even when conditions at higher elevations become more challenging. Among its 86 cabins, four VIP cabins will feature tables for light dining, while two glass-floor cabins will offer a thrilling new perspective of Niseko’s snow-covered landscape.
  • TOGETHER IN DISCOVERY: A SEASONAL ESCAPE AT BANYAN TREE ALULA (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 12:59:27)
    This summer, Banyan Tree AlUla invites families to step away from busy routines and reconnect through shared experiences in one of Saudi Arabia’s most remarkable destinations. Nestled within the breathtaking landscape of Ashar Valley, the resort’s Together in Discovery experience has been designed to bring families closer together through a combination of exploration, wellbeing and quality time spent in nature.While summer often brings plans for international travel, AlUla offers a different kind of escape. Surrounded by dramatic sandstone formations, ancient heritage sites and vast desert landscapes, the destination encourages mindufl living, where families can spend their days discovering the region’s rich history, embracing the outdoors and creating meaningful memories together.
  • flynas Announces the Launch of Direct Flights Between Jeddah and the Moroccan capital, Rabat (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 12:55:07)
    flynas, the leading low-cost airline in the world and the best LCC in the Middle East, announced the launch of direct flights connecting Jeddah with the Moroccan capital, Rabat, starting July 4th, to become the first Saudi carrier to operate direct flights between the two cities, expanding the carrier’s flight network and offering more travel options between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Morocco.flynas will operate a direct weekly flight between Jeddah and Rabat, joining its existing direct flights between Jeddah and Casablanca, which were launched in 2023 with three weekly flights. This expansion aims to provide flexible options for passengers and meet the demand for travel between the two countries.
  • Viking Takes Delivery of Newest River Ships in Europe (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 12:52:55)
    Viking® (www.viking.com) announced it has taken delivery of its newest river ships, the Viking Annar and the Viking Fjolvar. Both vessels were built at Meyer’s Neptun Werft shipyard in Rostock-Warnemünde, Germany. The Viking Annar will sail Viking’s itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while the Viking Fjolvar will sail itineraries on the Seine River.“We are proud to welcome the Viking Annar and the Viking Fjolvar to our growing fleet of award-winning river ships,” said Leah Talactac, President and CEO of Viking. “Exploring by river offers an unmatched way to discover a destination’s history, culture and local life, and these new vessels allow even more curious travellers to experience Europe in Viking comfort.”
  • Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi launch complimentary medical travel insurance for international visitors (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 12:50:10)
    Today, Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, partners with the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi to provide complimentary medical travel insurance with The National Insurance Company – Daman, to all international visitors arriving in Abu Dhabi on Etihad-operated flights. The initiative illustrates the ambition of both Etihad and DCT Abu Dhabi to meet travel demand to Abu Dhabi, with an offering that goes beyond the flight itself and ensuring every visitor arrives well-travelled and well-protected.
  • Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar appointed to IATA Board of Governors (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 12:42:00)
    Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has been appointed to the Board of Governors (BoG) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) during its 82nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
  • Virgin Voyages launches new groups programme designed with First Mates in mind (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 12:40:41)
    Virgin Voyages has launched a new unified groups programme, replacing its previous multi-pronged approach, as part of its ‘Brilliant for You’ trade commitment.Live now, the programme has been designed to provide a simpler process for First Mates (travel agents) to manage group bookings.Simple to hold. Easy to sell. Built to earn.
  • SriLankan Airlines Expands Passenger Connectivity Across Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 12:38:35)
    SriLankan Airlines is pleased to announce strategic partnerships with Saudia (SV) and Flynas (XY), further strengthening air travel links between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. This collaboration significantly expands SriLankan Airlines’ network reach, enabling travellers to access a wider range of destinations through convenient domestic and international connections.Under this arrangement, Saudia provides access to seven international and thirteen domestic destinations, while Flynas contributes an additional eight international and six domestic destinations, offering passengers greater travel flexibility and improved accessibility across the Kingdom.
  • The World’s Most Influential Destination Wedding Platform Arrives in India for The First Time (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 12:36:02)
    QnA International, the organiser behind the world’s most prestigious B2B platform for destination weddings, today announced the 17th edition of the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress — marking a landmark moment as the Congress sets foot on Indian soil for the very first time. DWP Congress 2026 will be held from 6 to 8 October at the magnificent Fairmont Udaipur Palace, with Fairmont Udaipur Palace as the Host Palace Partner. The announcement follows a landmark success at DWP Congress Macao in April 2026 and signals India’s arrival as a premier global destination for luxury wedding events and trade. More than 350 of the world’s foremost luxury destination wedding planners, creative suppliers, hoteliers, tourism boards, and industry visionaries are expected to converge in Udaipur for three days of curated business meetings, networking, education, and immersive experiences.
  • Emirates crowned ‘Best Overall Airline in the Middle East’ at 2026 APEX Awards (Breaking Travel News 2026-06-12 08:58:13)
    Emirates has been named ‘Best Overall Airline in the Middle East’ at the 2026 APEX Best in Airline Awards, further cementing its reputation as one of the world’s leading travel brands. The accolade was announced at a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland, where the airline was recognised for consistently delivering exceptional customer experience.Based on verified passenger feedback, Emirates achieved outstanding scores across five pillars - seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment, and connectivity.