(IN SHORT) TUI Care Foundation has launched new TUI Futureshapers programmes in Portugal and North Africa to foster sustainable tourism entrepreneurship. In Portugal, the initiative is returning for a second round in collaboration with IRIS to provide training and mentoring to up to 60 entrepreneurs, with the top three teams receiving funding and six months… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA has welcomed the Aseer Region Development Authority as its latest member, strengthening ties in Saudi Arabia’s southwest. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and ASDA CEO Eng. Hashem Al Dabbagh emphasized Aseer’s potential as a model for sustainable, community-focused tourism. The region—known for its cool mountains, rich heritage and varied landscapes—will benefit from… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) On 17 June at Centara Grand’s CRU Champagne Bar, PATA and its Thailand Chapter honoured outgoing TCEB President Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya and welcomed Siripakorn Cheawsamoot as DASTA’s new Director General. PATA Chair Peter Semone and event organiser Ben Montgomery highlighted both men’s contributions to Thailand’s tourism sector—Chiruit for boosting the country’s MICE… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Hilton has introduced its Tapestry Collection to Hawai‘i with the addition of the Ambassador Hotel of Waikiki, a property that celebrates the island’s charm while offering guests a modern, personalized experience. The 368-room hotel combines mid-century design with modern amenities, providing a range of accommodations including suites and bunk-bed rooms. With stunning views,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA highlighted its commitment to Meaningful Tourism at the 2025 Guangzhou International Travel Fair, calling for a shift away from traditional metrics to a more balanced, values-driven approach to tourism. With a focus on community well-being, cultural preservation, and environmental responsibility, PATA and the Meaningful Tourism Centre are working together to support a… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA has formalized a new partnership with the SUNx Institute through an MOU signed at the PATA Annual Summit 2025. The agreement focuses on climate resilience and sustainable development within the travel and tourism sector, with a shared emphasis on the Dodo4Kids program, which aims to teach young learners about Climate Friendly Travel…. Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Accor has partnered with the World Monuments Fund (WMF) to support four heritage preservation projects worldwide. The projects, located in France, Latin America, Greece, and India, focus on safeguarding cultural sites and promoting sustainable tourism, community engagement, and climate resilience. The collaboration highlights the role of the tourism industry in protecting cultural heritage… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers an immersive Amazon expedition experience with voyages starting in 2026. Through its ships, including the HANSEATIC nature, passengers will travel both upstream and downstream through the Amazon, gaining unique insights into the region’s ecology and people. These trips go beyond sightseeing, focusing on interaction with local communities and environmental preservation…. Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA is now accepting submissions for the Face of the Future 2025 award, with a deadline of June 15, 2025. The award recognizes young professionals in the Asia Pacific region who demonstrate leadership and innovation in sustainable tourism. The winner will receive various benefits, including sponsorship to attend PATA Travel Mart 2025, a… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Anantara Veli Maldives Resort welcomed Cambodian artist FONKi as its first Artist in Residence, where he created Enlightenment, an artwork inspired by Maldivian relics and coral reefs. FONKi, known for blending contemporary street art with Cambodian traditions, used his residency to explore and translate his experiences in paradise into a stunning piece that… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA and the European Travel Commission (ETC) have entered into a strategic partnership to advance sustainable tourism practices and promote greater connectivity between Asia Pacific and Europe. The collaboration, announced during the PATA Annual Summit 2025, will focus on a range of initiatives including supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promoting balanced tourism… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Four Seasons has partnered with Al Zorah Development Company to manage the upcoming Four Seasons Resort Ajman at Al Zorah, scheduled to open in 2026. The resort will feature 23 villas and 74 rooms and suites, offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. With world-class amenities, including a luxury spa, private beach, and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Shannon Airport expects over 53,000 passengers to travel through the airport during the May bank holiday period, representing an 18% increase compared to last year. This marks a strong start to the summer season with a wide range of popular destinations such as Madeira, Lanzarote, and several European city breaks. Shannon offers 36… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA has released a major new report at PAS 2025 in İstanbul, titled The Evolving Tourism Workforce: Human Capital Development in APAC, produced in collaboration with Pear Anderson. Drawing from a year of in-depth research, the report explores the region’s pressing workforce challenges—such as talent attraction, skills gaps, and disconnects between education and… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) The PATA Annual Summit 2025 in İstanbul united over 260 tourism leaders from 35 destinations under the theme “Timeless Wisdom for a Sustainable Future.” The event saw the ratification of PATA’s new Vision and Mission, strategic governance updates, and the advancement of the PATA 2030 Strategy. With panels on climate change, innovation, aviation,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) At the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in İstanbul, the Pacific Asia Travel Association unveiled a new Vision and Mission to guide its future direction. The new Vision, “A meaningful Pacific Asia tourism economy,” reflects a deeper commitment to long-term, inclusive outcomes that benefit communities, cultures, economies, and the environment. The new Mission highlights… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) During the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in İstanbul, the Pacific Asia Travel Association honoured two key leaders for their exceptional contributions to the tourism industry. Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President at Capilano University, received the PATA Life Membership Award for his leadership in sustainability, youth engagement, and Indigenous tourism. SanJeet, Director of… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has elected three new Executive Board members during its 74th Annual General Meeting in Istanbul: Dr. Chuwit Mitrchob of Thailand’s DASTA, Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor of Malaysia’s Sarawak Tourism Board, and Raki Phillips of the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in the UAE. Each brings… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Accor has launched the 2025 edition of its Take Off! Student Challenge, reimagining the long-standing initiative as a locally hosted, language-specific competition across ten pilot countries. The new format fosters accessibility and inclusivity, both in participation and in the challenge topic, which calls for innovative ideas to enhance the hospitality experience for all… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism and the World Tourism Alliance have released a joint report stressing the importance of inclusive tourism planning and governance in accelerating progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 10 on reducing inequalities. The report outlines how tourism can drive shared prosperity if policies prioritize social equity, community development, and reinvestment… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Thailand launched the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2025 with a spectacular parade and cultural program in Bangkok, marking the official start of its UNESCO-listed Thai New Year. Hosted at Sanam Luang from 11–15 April, the festival is the centrepiece of the Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism & Sports Year 2025. The event features… Read the full news article
Cape Verde Celebrates a Successful 2024 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nesting Season, Supported by RIU Hotels & Resorts (IN SHORT) Projeto Biodiversidade and BIOS Cabo Verde have reported the successful outcomes of the 2024 loggerhead sea turtle nesting season, with over 59,000 nests documented across Sal and Boa Vista islands. Supported by RIU Hotels & Resorts,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) PATA, in collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board, is launching three new training programmes in Sarawak, Malaysia to advance digital skills and AI literacy among tourism SMEs and destination management staff. Building on a successful AI training initiative from 2024, the sessions will take place in Miri and Kuching. They include an AI… Read the full news article
The Maldives, 2025-Apr-14 — /Travel PR News/ — Maldives, April 2025 – The Cocoon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cocoon Collection, is deeply rooted in the heart of the Maldives, with its mission firmly on improving and enhancing the quality of life for local communities, particularly in the atolls of Lhaviyani and Raa,… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), working with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Hospitality and Tourism Research Centre, has released the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025-2027, analyzing tourism recovery for 39 regional destinations. The medium scenario projects international visitor arrivals (IVAs) rising to 813.7 million by 2027 from 648.1 million in 2024, driven… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) UN Tourism’s leadership recently wrapped up a significant visit to China, during which Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili engaged with top government and industry figures to reinforce strategic partnerships and promote sustainable tourism initiatives. The visit highlighted China’s role in digital transformation and sustainable development within the tourism sector, while also supporting China’s Global Development… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Cruzeiro Safaris is launching an extensive array of safari packages across Masai Mara and Kenya, designed to cater to diverse interests, timeframes, and budgets. Options range from multi-day safaris in Masai Mara, featuring classic game drives and encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, to combined itineraries that include visits to renowned sites like Lake… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort has unveiled The Mekong Explorer Tent, a unique, luxurious hillside retreat offering panoramic views of Northern Thailand’s scenic landscapes. Located near the Golden Triangle and set in a 160-acre bamboo forest, the two-bedroom tent provides guests with sweeping vistas of jungles, the Mekong River, and even… Read the full news article
Bawe Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania 2025-Mar-13 — /Travel PR News/ — Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection, just off the coast of Zanzibar, has been named the “Best Hospitality Newcomer Worldwide” at the 2025 Connoisseur Circle Hospitality Awards, establishing itself as one of the most exclusive destinations in the luxury hospitality landscape. The Connoisseur Circle… Read the full news article
(IN SHORT) Caribbean Airlines is sponsoring Day 2 of the 3rd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference and Expo, taking place in 2025. The event, focused on “Coastal Management for Tourism Resilience using Digital Technologies,” will bring together stakeholders in the tourism industry to explore innovations aimed at improving the resilience of coastal tourism. By partnering… Read the full news article