There are awards, and then there are moments that stop an industry in its tracks. At the 2026 World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar, Dubai-based Waheguru Travels delivered one of those moments, walking away with an astonishing 11 trophies spanning markets from West Africa to East Africa. In a ceremony designed to recognise the continent’s finest travel companies, destinations and hospitality brands, Waheguru Travels emerged as one of the evening’s most remarkable success stories. Its collection of titles stretches across Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria and Uganda, underlining a business whose reach extends far beyond the boundaries of its Dubai headquarters.

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is launching the St. Kitts Game Show, a brand-new quiz for UK travel agents, running every Thursday throughout September and then monthly from October. The initiative forms part of a continued drive by the Caribbean destination to strengthen trade engagement and deepen destination knowledge among agents. The fast-paced live game show will run for 15 minutes from 2pm each Thursday in September and will be hosted by Suzy Trott, UK Trade Sales Representative for St. Kitts Tourism Authority. Each week quizmaster Suzy will put agents’ knowledge of the island to the test with five to six St. Kitts-themed questions.

As the world’s fastest growing airline, the national carrier of the UAE launches a new brand campaign to reflect the ambition Etihad Airways continues to lead with, illustrated by a brand film that shows just how far our dreams can take us when we go beyond. Rooted in the spirit of the city that gave Etihad its wings, Beyond Borders is a celebration of ambition and the people, places, and connections that grow when we choose to step beyond the familiar.

Qatar Airways is strengthening its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the resumption of services to four destinations this winter. Flights to Qassim (ELQ) will resume on 25 October 2026, followed by Taif (TIF) on 31 October 2026, Yanbu (YNB) on 2 January 2027, and Tabuk (TUU) on 3 January 2027. The airline will operate two weekly flights per each route to the four resumed destinations, providing passengers across the Kingdom with greater travel choice, and seamless access to Qatar Airways’ extensive global network of over 160 destinations.

This Heritage Month, Cruise Vacations is proud to unveil the Close to Home Collection, a curated portfolio of extraordinary voyages that brings some of the world’s most remarkable cruise experiences within easier reach of South African travellers. From voyages sailing to and from Cape Town to the idyllic islands of the Indian Ocean, the collection celebrates the exceptional cruising opportunities available closer to our shores.

Amid persistent labor shortages and rising operating costs, the hospitality industry faces the challenge of making operational processes more efficient. With the release of its new white paper, “The Generational Compass in Hotel Operations,” hotel technology provider Straiv presents fresh empirical market data on the actual expectations of hotel guests. Based on a representative survey, 154 hotel guests from Germany were systematically analyzed regarding their digital expectations, barriers, and preferences. The findings reveal how differently various age groups rate digital hotel services and highlight their specific requirements for a successful digital guest journey.

WTM Spotlight Riyadh has announced the Ministry of Tourism as Strategic Partner for the inaugural edition of the event, highlighting a shared commitment to accelerating tourism growth, strengthening international collaboration, and supporting the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.

Etihad Airways will operate its newly announced Gothenburg service year-round. Announced just three weeks ago originally as a winter route running from 17 December 2026 to 21 March 2027, Abu Dhabi–Gothenburg will now continue beyond the season as a year-round part of the network, following exceptional demand since bookings opened. Demand has come from both ends of the route. Travellers in western Sweden have booked travel to Abu Dhabi and the wider Gulf, on to Asia and the Indian subcontinent.  In the other direction, guests across Etihad’s global network are seizing the chance to discover Sweden’s west coast.

Emirates is introducing a new collection of exceptional Champagnes and fine wines across its global network over the coming months, offering customers in every cabin a taste of one of the world’s most extensive airline wine cellars. From Dom Pérignon Vintage 2017 and Château Mouton Rothschild 2003 in First Class, to Emirates’ first English sparkling wine, Wiston Estate Brut NV, in Premium Economy, the latest selection spans some of the most celebrated vineyards of France, Australia, Chile, South Africa and the UK.

Riyadh Air (RX), a wholly-owned PIF company, and Saudia (SV) announces the implementation of the first phase of a landmark Strategic Cooperation Agreement. Grounded in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in November 2023, this strategic activation represents a collaborative milestone to support the Kingdom’s National Aviation Strategy and deliver unprecedented choice to global and domestic travelers. Riyadh Air, the world’s only airline operating a true Offer-Order platform, has established a connection with Saudia’s Passenger Service System (PSS), enabling the two carriers to implement the codeshare across their respective technology environments. The integration supports the first phase of the partnership and the expanded […]

The Latvian airline airBaltic presents its flight programme for the summer 2027 season. Running from the end of March to the end of October 2027, the programme will continue to position Riga, Latvia as airBaltic’s primary hub, offering the widest range of direct destinations, while Tallinn, Estonia and Vilnius, Lithuania will complement the network with selected point-to-point services.

Since opening its doors in September 2021, Pan Pacific London has established itself as an iconic force in hospitality, celebrating five remarkable years of setting the benchmark for London luxury. Celebrating its fifth anniversary this September, the hotel reflects on five remarkable years of industry leading accolades, including securing the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star status for five consecutive years (achieved just three months post-opening) and Hotel of the Year – Group at The Catey Awards, and recently taking home the prestige Best Employer Award at The Cateys alongside a spot in the Best Places to Work in Hospitality.

Travelgenix has unveiled the latest evolution of its travel technology platform after welcoming more than 100 new travel business clients since the beginning of 2026. The growth has come from independent travel agencies, niche tour operators and group travel specialists seeking an affordable technology platform that combines online booking, live supplier connectivity and AI-powered tools.

ANA (All Nippon Airways) and its joint venture partner Lufthansa are once again offering their Free Domestic Airfare Offer this autumn for travellers from the UK and Europe visiting Japan this winter, as part of this year’s collaborative advertising campaign. For a limited period from 1 to 30 September 2026, special fares to Japan will be available for travel between 1 December 2026 and 28 February 2027, giving customers the opportunity to experience Japan’s unique winter attractions.

Hotels are increasingly missing out on revenue opportunities because outdated payment infrastructure is unable to support the way modern guests buy experiences, according to new research from Journey. The company’s new white paper, Retailing the Entire Guest Journey, reveals a growing disconnect between changing guest behaviour and the systems many hotels rely on to sell rooms, dining, spa treatments and other guest experiences.

Wizz Air, has today unveiled one of the most significant upgrades ever made to its mobile app, introducing a completely redesigned My Journey experience that gives customers clearer guidance, smarter travel information and easier access to the services they need throughout their trip. The transformation is a major milestone in the airline’s Customer First Compass initiative, Wizz Air’s long-term commitment to improving every stage of the customer journey. Designed with customers at the centre of every decision, the new experience brings together real-time flight information, personalised travel guidance and simplified service management in one seamless interface.

Singapore Airlines’ guest chef, Monica Galetti, has launched her latest autumn menus. The limited-edition dishes will be served in Suites, First Class and Business Class cabins on Singapore Airlines flights departing from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester, from 1 September until 30 November 2026.

Set in the heart of Niseko, Japan’s renowned ski destination, within the celebrated Hanazono landscape, Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited and Hyatt Hotels Corporation today announced ONE HANAZONO VILLAS, a curated collection of 13 private residences that will become the first Park Hyatt-branded villas in Japan. Bringing together the architectural vision of Kengo Kuma, interiors by André Fu and service by the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono team, the development introduces a new expression of refined alpine living shaped by privacy, design and effortless immersion in the natural landscape.

Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, part of the Marriott Autograph collection, has been named Tanzania’s Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp 2026 at the prestigious World Travel Awards, recognising the camp’s distinctive approach to luxury hospitality, immersive safari experiences and its growing contribution to Tanzania’s high-end tourism landscape. The award was presented at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony, held on 28 August 2026 at Diamonds Bijoux in Zanzibar, bringing together leading names from across Africa’s travel and tourism industry. The 2026 ceremony marked another significant moment for Tanzania as it hosted the prestigious Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar.

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards has extended the entries deadline for its 2026 programme to 14 September. Individuals and organisations across the globe that are accelerating change and making a significant contribution to sustainable travel and tourism are invited to enter.