Holiday & Travel

World Travel Market London (WTM) is now on, and is expecting to facilitate a record number of deals this year as the growing number of new and returning exhibitors grows, making the event a must-attend for travel buyers from around the globe.

Across all areas of the exhibition floor, new faces will be present, as well as familiar ones. There are more than 3.000 exhibitors confirmed, over 70 of which are making their WTM London debut.

Italy remains stable at the top of the rating for international presences. This is one of the key messages that has emerged from ENIT's research on Istat, Unwto and Bank of Italy data that will be at the centre of the debate in the panels of the National Tourism Agency at the WTM in London from 7 to 9 November 2022.

easyJet celebrated its inaugural flight from BHX to Lisbon. Flights to the Portuguese capital will be twice-weekly - on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager said: “I would like to thank our fantastic customers to choosing to fly with easyJet and we can’t wait to welcome more customers on board.”

Due to popular demand for forward bookings, Emerald Cruises has launched its 2024 Europe River cruise collection unveiling new sailings, new ports of call, city stay extensions and a raft of exciting new activities. Guests securing their future adventures today can save up to £2,000 per couple if booked before 29 December 2022.  

While Cayman Airways prepares to launch new flights between Los Angeles and Grand Cayman this weekend, officials in the British overseas territory are looking towards the next frontier: tapping the robust South American travel market.

Speaking this week on ‘The Resh Hour’ (Cayman Compass’ talk show), Minister of Tourism and Transport Kenneth Bryan revealed that Panama was among Cayman’s consideration set of destinations for 2023, potentially served by the national carrier.

Marriott International, Inc., announced it has signed an agreement with AB Living to bring the legendary St. Regis brand to Costa Mujeres. Solidifying the brand’s position as a global leader in luxury leisure hospitality, The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort is expected to welcome its first guests in early 2025.

Saudi Arabia, the authentic home of Arabia, has been announced as Premier Partner of World Travel Market London 2022 for the second year running.

Saudi’s Vision 2030 strategy is an ambitious blueprint for the future that is transforming Saudi, creating prosperity and opportunity, with tourism at the heart. Driving forward aims of welcoming 100 million visitors by 2030, Saudi joins partners and delegates at WTM to showcase an unparalleled destination offering.

easyJet has today launched its inaugural flight on a new route from Birmingham to Lisbon which is now operating twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing customers in the Midlands with a convenient direct connection to Portugal’s capital this winter, with fares still available from just £19.99*.

The new chairman of the Board of Directors of the Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) is on a mission to help elevate the profile of the destination in the marketplace.

Randall Dolland has solid experience in the tourism industry, having cut his teeth in areas including hotel operations, the marine sector, culinary and cultural experiences.

PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness has been recognised as one of Europe’s finest golf and wellness experiences, affirmed by the latest edition of the game’s leading ranking list. In the Golf World Top 100 Resorts of Continental Europe 2022*, PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness places fourth, continuing its reign as the No. 1 ranked golf resort in Spain, and solidifying its standing as one of Continental Europe’s premier destinations.

The president of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) wants to see a strong focus on environmental sustainability throughout the Caribbean.

Delivering a recorded address to stakeholders gathered for the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Forum in San Juan, Puerto Rico this month, Julia Simpson endorsed policy solutions such as government incentives which reward businesses that adhere to environmental standards and are eco-certified.

Loganair is increasing seat capacity by 30% on its Birmingham-to-Aberdeen flights from summer 2023.

The Scottish carrier is doing this by deploying larger aircraft capable of taking more passengers.

Hundreds of Caribbean tourism stakeholders are getting set for yet another meeting in the region, this time of an investment nature. The 11th annual Caribbean Hotel Investment Conference & Operations Summit (CHICOS) is set for Hilton La Romana in the Dominican Republic, November 9–11, 2022.

The Saltire Festival is back for 2022 and there's a great programme of events to choose from – all held in East Lothian – the home of the Saltire flag. Tickets are on sale now.

Based around St Andrew's Day on 30th November, The Saltire Festival is an annual celebration, bringing you the very best of Scottish entertainment from traditional to modern music and from film screenings featuring Scottish stars of stage and screen to celebrations of Scotland's rich cuisine – and much more!

As more Caribbean nationals turn to the region’s tourism industry for careers of their first choice, a 50-year travel industry veteran believes they are on the right path. In a recent interview in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo, Rick Sasso, Chair of MSC Cruises USA, opined that cruise tourism offers myriad opportunities for young people looking for long and gratifying careers.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) will continue its successful series of Global Sales and Marketing Missions with back-to-back events in North Carolina beginning on Wednesday, 19 Oct. in Charlotte and concluding on Thursday, 20 Oct. in Raleigh. These events, aimed to solidify relationships with tourism partners and boost visitor arrivals in the area, come one month ahead of year-round direct flights from Charlotte and Raleigh to Grand Bahama Island starting in November.