Day Headlines in Travel News: 2025-11-11

  • TOURISE announces USD 113BN in portfolio investments to accelerate the future of tourism (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 17:28:43)
    TOURISE, the bold global platform shaping a new horizon for tourism, announced today that it has catalyzed investment portfolios totaling USD 113BN at the inaugural TOURISE Summit in Riyadh. The milestone reflects TOURISE’s mission to unlock high‑value deal flow by convening public and private sector leaders across tourism, technology, investment, and sustainability to set a shared roadmap for the next 50 years of global tourism
  • The future is set for tourism’s next era as the inaugural TOURISE Summit opens (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 14:48:12)
    With the bold ambition to rewrite the rules of travel, the inaugural TOURISE Summit under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister was officially opened today by H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of TOURISE.
  • VIDEOS: Tourise 2025 (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 14:38:19)
    BTN presents exclusive video interviews from Tourise 2025. Visionary tourism leaders, technology innovators, and destination experts discuss the latest trends in travel marketing, digital transformation, and experiential tourism. Discover how cutting-edge solutions and creative strategies are redefining the way the world explores, connects, and experiences travel.
  • Riyadh Declaration Sets a Global Roadmap for Tourism’s AI-Powered Future (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 10:41:49)
    Riyadh has once again placed itself at the heart of the global tourism conversation. As host of the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed ministers, CEOs, and industry leaders from around the world for a defining moment in travel policy: the adoption of the Riyadh Declaration on the Future of Tourism.
  • ASFAR announces a New Phase of Investments Through Landmark Projects in Al Baha and Yanbu (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 10:05:17)
    In a new chapter of national transformation, the Saudi Tourism Investment Company (ASFAR) - a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company - announced a new phase of its strategic tourism investments through promising tourism development projects in Al Baha and Yanbu. These initiatives represent a defining step in ASFAR’s journey to drive growth and transformation within Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.This new phase reflects ASFAR’s commitment to its national role in empowering tourism investment and strengthening the sector’s position as a key driver of economic diversification. Through pioneering projects, ASFAR continues to extend tourism development into new regions across the Kingdom, where investment opportunities are shaped by the uniqueness of place and the engagement of local communities.
  • Air Serbia and Loyalty Juggernaut Partner to Launch a Next-Generation Frequent Flyer Program (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 10:04:42)
    Air Serbia has signed a five-year strategic partnership with Loyalty Juggernaut Inc. (LJI) to launch a new-generation frequent flyer program, marking a significant milestone in customer engagement and digital innovation.
  • UN Tourism General Assembly 2025 Wrap-Up: Riyadh Charts a Bold AI-Powered Future for Global Tourism (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 09:44:39)
    Riyadh has concluded the 26th UN Tourism General Assembly — the largest and most transformative gathering in the organization’s 50-year history — setting a bold global agenda for the future of tourism powered by artificial intelligence, innovation, and sustainability. The assembly, held from 7–11 November 2025, brought together delegates from 148 Member States, including 90 Ministers of Tourism and 70 Ambassadors. Hosted at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Hotel, it marked the first time the event was staged in the Gulf region and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s leadership in shaping the global tourism dialogue.
  • WTTC Congratulates Shaikha Al Nowais on Official Appointment as UN Tourism Secretary-General (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 08:25:01)
    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and its Members wish to extend their sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Shaikha Al Nowais on her official appointment as the Secretary-General of UN Tourism.This appointment marks a significant moment for the global Travel & Tourism sector, and WTTC is confident that Shaikha Al Nowais’s leadership and vision will be instrumental in guiding the sector toward a prosperous future.
  • Adeera signs new deal to deploy Amadeus Digital Media in Saudi Arabia (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:59:37)
    Saudi Arabia-based Adeera has signed a new agreement to use transformative travel technology, Amadeus Digital Media. Through advanced omni-channel advertising strategies, Adeera’s brands will be able to better target travelers at the moments they are most likely to book, across paid search, display, and social media.Thomas Grunder, Chief Commercial Officer at Adeera, says: “Using Amadeus’ market intelligence, we will be able to refine our outreach and offer travelers more compelling reasons to choose Adeera. The ability to integrate marketing, distribution, and data insight into a single platform stands out as a significant advantage.
  • Korean Air expands direct system connection for cargo customers (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:56:04)
    Korean Air has launched a new Application Programming Interface (API)-based solution that enables direct integration between its cargo system and its customers’ in-house systems.This initiative is part of the airline’s response to rapid e-commerce growth and the increasing market demand for greater logistics transparency and efficiency.The new API solution allows for the real-time exchange of data. This integration enables customers to perform key tasks such as checking schedules, viewing rates, making reservations, and transmitting waybills directly from proprietary platforms without having to access a separate system.
  • RYANAIR ISSUES REMINDER TO PASSENGERS AHEAD OF MOVE TO 100% DIGITAL BOARDING PASSES (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:52:29)
    Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, reminded passengers that from Wed (12 Nov) it will move to 100% digital boarding passes. This means that from Wed (12 Nov) passengers will no longer be able to download and print a physical paper boarding pass but will instead need to use the digital boarding pass generated in their “myRyanair” app during check-in to board their Ryanair flight.This transition, already adopted by nearly 80% of Ryanair’s 207M+ annual passengers, will deliver a faster, smarter, and greener travel experience. It will also give passengers easier access to a range of innovative in-app features, including:
  • EASYJET CELEBRATES 30TH BIRTHDAY WITH MILESTONE FLIGHT OPERATED ENTIRELY BY 30-YEAR-OLDS (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:50:24)
    easyJet has marked the 30th anniversary of its first ever flight from London Luton to Glasgow by operating the very same flight today, staffed entirely by pilots and cabin crew who also turn 30 this November.Bringing together past and present, the crew were joined by retired Captain Fred Rivett who operated the very first easyJet flight on 10 November 1995. Fred and his crew made history three decades ago, when EZY121 to Glasgow took off with 122 passengers.Now 30 years to the day, new research commissioned by the airline has revealed the lasting cultural impact affordable flying has had on the nation, and how the democratisation of air travel has transformed not just the way we travel but also shaped our lives at home.
  • Icelandair celebrates inaugural flight to Miami (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:47:21)
    Icelandair has started scheduled service to Miami, Florida, marking an exciting milestone in the airline’s route network. Icelandair will operate three weekly flights to Miami—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—until 2 May 2026. The route is served by the airline’s new Airbus A321LR aircraft, with a flight time of approximately eight hours.
  • MANDARIN ORIENTAL DOWNTOWN, DUBAI IS NOW OPEN (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:43:03)
    Mandarin Oriental is delighted to announce the opening of Mandarin Oriental Downtown, Dubai, the Group’s second property in the city. Located within Wasl Tower, an architectural masterpiece on Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel brings Mandarin Oriental’s signature blend of Asian heritage and local character to the heart of Downtown Dubai, curating a vertical boulevard where hospitality, culture and commerce unite.The urban property features 259 elegant guestrooms and suites, 224 private residences and 10 dining venues, all crowned by a rooftop helipad designed for discreet VIP arrivals. Developed in partnership with Wasl Hospitality, the hotel sets a new benchmark for contemporary luxury in the city.
  • MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL PLANS TO STRENGTHEN FOOTPRINT IN MOROCCO (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:39:31)
    Marriott International, Inc. unveiled plans to diversify its presence in Morocco with the introduction of five brands in the market: Four Points by Sheraton, Moxy Hotels, Residence Inn by Marriott, Autograph Collection Hotels and AC Hotels by Marriott. The entry of the brands is a part of the company’s broader growth plans in the country, which includes the anticipated addition of seven properties and over 800 rooms by the end of 2027. Marriott’s expansion in Morocco further reinforces a commitment to diversifying its portfolio in the market and supporting the country’s growing tourism sector. The company’s current operations in the market comprises 10 properties with over 1,700 rooms across six brands and five cities - Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakesh, Fes and Tamuda Bay.
  • PhocusWire Unveils the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:37:44)
    The next generation of travel innovators has arrived. PhocusWire today announced its Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2026, highlighting the companies redefining how the world moves, books and experiences travel in an age of economic uncertainty and rapid artificial intelligence transformation.Despite two years of contracting venture funding, innovation in travel continues to surge. According to Phocuswright research, 95% of travel startups are either using AI or actively exploring its use, signaling a decisive shift toward AI-native business models. This wave of leaner, faster and more focused startups is transforming the competitive landscape, even as investors and incumbents recalibrate for a new era.
  • Orlando’s Dazzling Holiday Celebrations Kick Off This November with 70 Days of Festivities (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:35:38)
    Orlando’s holiday celebrations kick off this month, ushering in more than 70 days of festive experiences across the destination — from a Nutcracker-themed afternoon tea at the ette Hotel and Holidays in Space at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to more than one million lights illuminating a three-quarter-mile trail with snowball fights and dazzling chandeliers at Leu Gardens. Orlando offers endless ways to make a holiday getaway unforgettable. It’s no wonder that Orlando made the No. 1 U.S. destination to travel to in 2025 by AAA.
  • Madeira Shines Bright This Christmas (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:34:46)
    Madeira is gearing up for its spectacular Christmas lights switch-on on 1 December, marking the start of a vibrant season of festive celebrations. With improved flight connections from the UK this winter, it’s easier than ever for travellers to experience the island’s magical Christmas and New Year festivities.This winter*, weekly flights from the UK to Madeira have increased by 5%, with new routes from Bournemouth and Luton. With excellent connections from both London and regional airports - including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow - the island offers nationwide access for travellers seeking winter sun and festive cheer.
  • Verbier Crowned “Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort 2025” at the World Ski Awards (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:28:16)
    For the seventh time in eight years, Verbier has claimed the title of Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards. Already a winner in 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, the resort once again confirms its status as an icon of Swiss skiing.This new achievement, the result of a collective effort, celebrates an entire community with partners, residents, seasonal workers and enthusiasts who make Verbier shine far beyond its borders. Thanks to this shared momentum, the destination secured the highest number of votes among Switzerland’s most prestigious resorts.
  • SECOND EDITION OF TAP AIR PORTUGAL’S ALTITUDE FILM FEST HAS ANNOUNCED ITS WINNERS (Breaking Travel News 2025-11-11 07:26:16)
    The second edition of the film festival promoted by TAP Air Portugal on board its aircraft announced its winners yesterday, on World Cinema Day, at a ceremony held at the Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian.The short films in competition were screened on TAP flights throughout October and voted on by passengers and an international jury that included Rui Tendinha, Sónia Balacó, Paul Visser, João Antero, and Elisabete Mendes.