Monthly Archives: August 2026

Škoda Turns Simply Clever Features Into a More Practical Road-Trip Toolkit

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Škoda Simply Clever features designed for holiday, road-trip and outdoor travel

Vehicle-to-Load, Camp Mode, smarter device charging and the Peaq Relax Package extend Škoda’s travel-focused features from everyday storage to EV charging stops and occasional overnight stays. KEY TAKEAWAYS Škoda is extending its Simply Clever concept from familiar storage and convenience features into EV functions such as Vehicle-to-Load and Camp Mode. Vehicle-to-Load can power external devices… Read the full news article

MAN Splits TGE Camper Strategy Into Three Routes for European Road Travellers

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MAN TGE Individual Lion X camper van on a cobbled street

Caravan Salon 2026 display targets ready-to-go buyers, DIY converters and professional motorhome builders with new camper hardware, digital services and customisation options. KEY TAKEAWAYS MAN has reorganised its TGE camper portfolio around three customer groups: ready-to-use leisure buyers, individual converters and professional motorhome manufacturers. Two TGE models at Caravan Salon 2026 debut an exclusive Reimo… Read the full news article

Vienna’s CAT Rail Service to Return with New Stadler Double-Deckers in November 2027

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Stadler and City Airport Train representatives at the presentation of the new KISS double-decker trains for Vienna’s airport express service

Three five-car KISS trains will bring roughly 300 seats, expanded luggage space and step-free features to the airport express after Vienna’s main S-Bahn works. KEY TAKEAWAYS CAT plans to introduce three Stadler KISS double-decker trains when rail service between Wien Mitte and Vienna Airport resumes in November 2027. Each five-car train will be about 133… Read the full news article

JAL to take GREEN×EXPO 2027 into the skies with special aircraft, mileage tickets and sustainability campaigns

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GREEN×EXPO 2027 campaign image released by Japan Airlines.

Japan Airlines will support Yokohama’s 2027 horticultural expo as a Gold Partner, using aircraft, inflight media, loyalty rewards and staff training to connect passengers with the six-month event. KEY TAKEAWAYS Japan Airlines is a Gold Partner of GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama, supporting both the event’s momentum-building and venue-operation projects. JAL plans to introduce a specially… Read the full news article

Hyatt Vivid enters the Dominican Republic with a 467-room adults-only resort in Punta Cana

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Aerial rendering of Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana, an adults-only all-inclusive resort in Cabeza de Toro, Dominican Republic.

The new Cabeza de Toro property combines flexible all-inclusive dining, wellness-led programming and Dominican cultural experiences as Hyatt expands its Inclusive Collection footprint. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hyatt Vivid Punta Cana has opened in Cabeza de Toro with 467 guestrooms and suites, marking the Hyatt Vivid brand’s debut in the Dominican Republic. The adults-only resort includes five… Read the full news article

Stagecoach Puts Digital Bus Travel at Centre of September Push to Win More Riders

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Stagecoach Catch the Bus Month campaign image

Catch the Bus Month campaign will highlight app-based journey planning, contactless payments and the congestion benefits of replacing some car trips with bus journeys. KEY TAKEAWAYS Stagecoach will support Catch the Bus Month throughout September 2026 with a nationwide campaign aimed at challenging persistent misconceptions about bus travel. The campaign is built around four themes:… Read the full news article

Hyatt survey finds 90% of U.S. business travelers see hotel rooms as their main place to switch off

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Guestroom at Hyatt Place Ontario Airport, part of Hyatt's Essentials portfolio.

The Hyatt-commissioned study also finds strong demand for reliable basics, private downtime and loyalty rewards as the group expands its seven-brand Essentials portfolio. KEY TAKEAWAYS In a Hyatt-commissioned survey of 2,000 U.S. business travelers, 90% said their hotel room is the only place they truly feel off the clock during a work trip. Nearly half,… Read the full news article

TAP carries 8.2 million passengers in first half as higher fuel costs push net loss to €99.2 million

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TAP Air Portugal aircraft.

Operating revenue rose 4.3% to €2.04 billion and load factor reached 85.4%, but a sharp rise in jet fuel costs weighed heavily on earnings, especially in the second quarter. KEY TAKEAWAYS TAP carried 8.2 million passengers in the first half of 2026, up 4.2% year on year, while traffic grew 5.9% and load factor improved… Read the full news article

Air cargo growth cools to 3.9% in July as trans-Pacific traffic leads and Gulf routes remain disrupted

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Air cargo aircraft image accompanying IATA's July 2026 global cargo demand report.

IATA says demand still rose across every region, but growth slowed sharply from June as higher fuel costs and Middle East disruption reshaped capacity and trade-lane performance. KEY TAKEAWAYS Global air cargo demand rose 3.9% year on year in July 2026, while capacity increased 1.7% and the worldwide cargo load factor improved to 46.0%. North… Read the full news article

IATA says July air passenger demand edged up just 0.2% as Middle East and North America weighed on growth

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Commercial passenger aircraft image used by IATA with its July 2026 air passenger demand report.

Global load factors stayed above 85%, Europe and Latin America expanded steadily, and domestic strength in China and Brazil helped offset weaker U.S., Indian and Australian markets. KEY TAKEAWAYS Global passenger demand rose 0.2% year on year in July 2026, while total capacity increased 0.3% and load factor slipped 0.1 percentage points to 85.2%. International… Read the full news article

Emirates brings seven young players onto Arthur Ashe Stadium for a US Open session with John Isner

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Young tennis players with John Isner on Arthur Ashe Stadium during an Emirates event at the 2026 US Open.

Children from Miami Gardens, Brooklyn and East Palo Alto were selected through the USTA Foundation, linking Emirates’ community court programme with a once-in-a-lifetime hit at the US Open. KEY TAKEAWAYS Emirates brought seven young tennis players from Miami Gardens, Brooklyn and East Palo Alto onto Arthur Ashe Stadium during the 2026 US Open. The children… Read the full news article

Choice Hotels makes Dominic Dragisich chief executive after interim leadership stint

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Dominic Dragisich, newly appointed president and chief executive officer of Choice Hotels International.

The board has appointed Dragisich president, CEO and director effective 31 August, following a search process after he had led the company on an interim basis since May. KEY TAKEAWAYS Choice Hotels International has appointed Dominic Dragisich as president, chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective 31 August 2026. Dragisich had served… Read the full news article

Wizz Air to base two aircraft in Valencia as wide-ranging Spain expansion starts in November

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Wizz Air logo.

Seven new Valencia routes, a parallel Madrid base and additional services across Spain will reshape the airline’s winter network, with more than 80 locally based crew roles planned in Valencia. KEY TAKEAWAYS Wizz Air plans to open its Valencia operational base on 2 November 2026 with two aircraft stationed locally and more than 80 new… Read the full news article

Oceania Sonata Floats Out in Italy as Oceania Cruises Moves New Luxury Class Toward 2027 Debut

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Oceania Sonata during its float-out at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy

The 1,390-guest ship has entered its fitting-out phase at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard ahead of an August 2027 inaugural season spanning more than 90 destinations. KEY TAKEAWAYS Oceania Sonata has floated out at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, moving from dry dock to the fitting-out berth ahead of its planned August 2027 entry into service. The approximately 86,000-gross-ton… Read the full news article

Six-Escalator Roof Lift Reveals the Engineering Behind Grand Rapids Airport’s New Rental Car Hub

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Exterior of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Consolidated Rental Car Facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Turner’s ConRAC case study shows how early structural, crane and airport coordination placed six escalators in one day at the $156 million facility that opened in July 2026. KEY TAKEAWAYS Turner says six escalators were lowered through temporary roof openings and set into their final positions in a single day, avoiding an internal multilevel hoisting… Read the full news article

Keflavík Airport renews Ljósanótt backing as Reykjanesbær prepares four-day cultural festival

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The airport is one of nine principal “Light Bearer” sponsors supporting the 3–6 September programme, which brings concerts, exhibitions and family events across Reykjanesbær. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ljósanótt will take place in Reykjanesbær from 3 to 6 September 2026 with a programme of cultural, community and family events. Keflavík Airport is one of nine principal sponsors… Read the full news article

Anantara Chiang Mai gives its century-old 1921 House a new steak and seafood menu

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Mayura Wagyu tomahawk featured on the new menu at The Service at 1921 House at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.

Mayura Wagyu, a shellfish-heavy Grand Platter and whole Andaman mullet headline the latest dining update at the riverside resort’s heritage restaurant. KEY TAKEAWAYS The Service at 1921 House at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort has introduced a new menu centred on in-house dry-aged beef, seafood and contemporary European dishes. Mayura Wagyu A4 is offered as a… Read the full news article

Gulf Air adds PAYOT skincare to new Falcon Gold Business Class amenity kit

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Gulf Air Falcon Gold Business Class amenity kit developed in partnership with French skincare brand PAYOT.

The Bahrain flag carrier’s latest premium-cabin update combines travel essentials, French skincare and a reusable-style bag made with sustainable materials. KEY TAKEAWAYS Gulf Air has introduced a new amenity kit for passengers traveling in its Falcon Gold Business Class cabin. The kit was developed with French skincare house PAYOT and includes selected skincare products alongside… Read the full news article

Shannon Airport welcomes USA Walker Cup team as west of Ireland enters a major golf year

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Members of the USA Walker Cup team arriving at Shannon Airport in County Clare ahead of the 2026 match at Lahinch.

The team’s Newark arrival comes days before Lahinch hosts the 51st Walker Cup, followed by the Amgen Irish Open in Doonbeg and the build-up to the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor. KEY TAKEAWAYS The USA Walker Cup team arrived at Shannon Airport from Newark ahead of the 51st Walker Cup at Lahinch Golf Club… Read the full news article

Shannon Airport turns its check-in hall into a gallery of Ireland’s defining images from 2025

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Press Photographers Ireland exhibition on display in the check-in area at Shannon Airport in Ireland.

More than 100 winning and shortlisted photographs from the AIB Press Photographer of the Year Awards are on free display at Shannon Airport until 14 September. KEY TAKEAWAYS Shannon Airport is hosting more than 100 winning and shortlisted photographs from the AIB Press Photographer of the Year Awards in its check-in area. The free exhibition… Read the full news article

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises turns Arctic expeditions into field classrooms for travelers aged 10 to 17

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Children and teenagers taking part in Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Young Explorers expedition programme in a polar environment.

The Young Explorers programme combines microscopes, Zodiac outings and expert-led shore experiences on selected expedition voyages, with 19 school-holiday departures available through 2028. KEY TAKEAWAYS Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Young Explorers programme gives travelers aged 10 to 17 a dedicated learning programme on selected expedition voyages during school holidays. Activities can include examining plankton in the Ocean… Read the full news article

Goa leads Agoda festive-weekend searches as Indian travelers mix beach breaks with Asian city escapes

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Scenic coastal landscape in Goa, India, reflecting the destination’s popularity for festive long-weekend travel.

Search data for the Rakshabandhan and Janmashtami long weekends puts Goa first domestically, while Singapore leads international interest across both festive breaks. KEY TAKEAWAYS Goa is the most searched domestic destination on Agoda for both the Rakshabandhan and Janmashtami long weekends in 2026. Singapore leads international accommodation searches for both festive breaks, with Bali also… Read the full news article

Marriott Bonvoy turns NFL road trips into 37 player-curated city guides for the 2026 season

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Marriott Bonvoy and NFL campaign artwork for 37 player-curated City Guides covering NFL host cities.

Cooper Kupp, Jordan Mailata, Jerry Rice and other current and former players share local recommendations as Marriott links football travel with destination discovery, hotel stays and loyalty experiences. KEY TAKEAWAYS Marriott Bonvoy has launched 37 player-curated City Guides covering every U.S. and international city scheduled to host an NFL game in the 2026 season. Current… Read the full news article

Motto by Hilton turns restored 1950s building into a 154-room base in central Guadalajara

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Lobby commons at Motto by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Historico in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The brand’s second hotel in Mexico pairs compact, connecting rooms with two locally focused dining concepts a block from Plaza Fundadores. KEY TAKEAWAYS Motto by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Historico has 154 rooms in a restored 1950s Art Deco building and is the brand’s second property in Mexico. The hotel includes 69 connecting rooms, with configurations… Read the full news article

Maine’s autumn unfolds from northern forests to coastal orchards

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Rangeley Lakes, orchard apples and colourful autumn foliage in Maine

A rolling foliage season links scenic drives and Acadia hikes with apple harvests, corn mazes and Stephen King-inspired Halloween stops KEY TAKEAWAYS Maine's fall colour advances from north to south, giving travellers several weeks of potential foliage viewing rather than one statewide peak date. Acadia National Park, state parks and seven National Scenic Byways offer… Read the full news article

From Wembley to Seattle, Six American Football Trips for 2026 and 2027

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Composite showing a Houston Texans player and mascot, Denver's football stadium and a Pitt Panthers player in action

College and NFL fixtures in London and Dublin join stadium-led city breaks in Seattle, Denver and Los Angeles KEY TAKEAWAYS Arizona State and Kansas meet at Wembley on 19 September 2026 in the first FBS college football game staged in the United Kingdom. Houston returns to Wembley to face Jacksonville on 18 October 2026, seven… Read the full news article

MIMARU Adds Shinsaibashi Base as U.S. Guest Nights Climb in Osaka

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The 66-room apartment hotel opens on Sept. 1 after the brand recorded a 46% rise in American stays at its Osaka properties KEY TAKEAWAYS MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi CENTRAL is scheduled to open on Sept. 1, 2026, with 66 apartment-style rooms near Shinsaibashi Station. MIMARU says U.S. guest room nights at its five Osaka properties rose… Read the full news article

Agoda Ties Bangkok Travel Push to Eurovision Asia’s 2026 Debut

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Agoda Official Travel Partner graphic for Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026

The digital travel platform will support national broadcasts, fan campaigns and Grand Final hospitality as the contest heads to Thailand on 14 November KEY TAKEAWAYS Agoda has been appointed Official Travel Partner of the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia. The Grand Final is scheduled for Bangkok on Saturday 14 November 2026, following national selection events… Read the full news article

Mountain Gorillas Lead New Index of the World’s Rarest Wildlife Journeys

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Bailey Robinson’s ranking places emperor penguins, saiga antelopes and snow leopards close behind as rarity and remoteness reshape experience-led travel KEY TAKEAWAYS Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda and Uganda ranks first in Bailey Robinson’s 30-experience index with a score of 90 out of 100. Emperor penguin expeditions in Antarctica place second at 88.5, followed by… Read the full news article