Yucatán Named Ibero-American Capital of Gastronomy at FITUR, Showcasing Culinary and Cultural Excellence, This is What Travel Industry Wants
Yucatán began its remarkable participation in the 45th edition of the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) 2025 with a significant achievement: its appointment as the Ibero-American Capital of Gastronomic Culture 2025. This prestigious designation positions Yucatán as a global benchmark for culinary excellence and a must-visit destination for gastronomic tourism.
A Spotlight on Yucatán’s Rich HeritageThe Yucatán delegation, joined by over 40 representatives from the tourism, cultural, and economic sectors, inaugurated the Mexican pavilion at FITUR 2025. The Yucatán stand quickly became a focal point of the event, offering an immersive experience that highlights the region’s paradisiacal beaches, stunning cenotes, ancient archaeological...
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What is FITUR Lingua 2025 And Why This is Most Important for All Travel Industry Leaders, All You Need To Know
Economic Milestones and Student NumbersThe event highlighted the findings of a 2023 study by Spain Education Programs, ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, and EDUESPAÑA. Over 600,000 international students pursued educational programs in Spain, generating an economic impact of more than €6 billion. Additionally, federated Spanish language schools hosted 158,800 students in 2024, marking an 11.42% increase from the previous year and contributing €454 million to the economy.
David Trigo, FEDELE’s General Manager, noted that 2024 was a record-breaking year, underscoring FITUR Lingua’s role in boosting language tourism. According to Daniel Escalona, FEDELE’s Marketing Director, most students came from Germany, Italy, France,...
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Brussels Airlines advocates for a high-speed rail link to Brussels Airport
Brussels Airlines has expressed strong support for plans to integrate Brussels Airport into the high-speed rail network, emphasizing the strategic and environmental benefits of such a development.
The airline highlights that Brussels serves as a crucial hub for passengers traveling to sub-Saharan Africa.
However, many travelers from neighboring countries currently face limited convenient options to reach the airport.
Enhancing Connectivity and Sustainability
The proposed expansion of railway connections is seen as a pivotal move to bolster Brussels Airlines’ position as the preferred carrier to Africa.
Moreover, it aligns with the airline’s commitment to environmental sustainability by potentially reducing reliance on car travel...
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FiturNext 2025 Showcasing on Sustainable Food Management and Circular Tourism Practices at IFEMA Madrid, Spain, All You Need to Know What is Happening in FITUR
Key Report Highlights and Global CollaborationThe event began with the presentation of the FiturNext 2025 report, which analyzed private and public-sector projects promoting sustainable food practices. Developed by Ideas for Change, the report emphasizes the replicability of initiatives to maximize their impact globally. Francisco RodrÃÂguez, Head of Tourism at Ideas for Change, explained how sustainable food management can serve as a roadmap for the tourism industry.
Award-Winning InitiativesThree projects were celebrated during the awards ceremony:
Representatives from these initiatives discussed their innovative approaches to waste reduction and their efforts to involve travelers as sustainability ambassadors.
The sessions also emphasized innovative practices, such as...
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Massive Fire Erupts Near Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka, Engulfing Downtown Commercial Building
A massive fire broke out in a commercial building near Osaka’s iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, a popular tourist landmark in western Japan. The fire, which started on the first floor of a five-storey building, sent plumes of thick, dark smoke into the city’s skyline, causing alarm in the bustling downtown area.
Emergency Response and ImpactThe incident occurred on a shopping street near the landmark, drawing immediate attention from authorities. According to public broadcaster NHK, at least 26 emergency vehicles, including fire engines and ambulances, were dispatched to the scene as local police and fire departments worked to contain the blaze.
Live footage from...
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LNER Supports Wag & Company to Combat Loneliness with Canine Companions
London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is tackling loneliness and social isolation among elderly residents in the North East through its Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF). The initiative has provided crucial funding to Wag & Company, a charity dedicated to connecting older dog-lovers with volunteer owners and their pets.
Wag & Company currently operates with over 370 volunteers, who regularly visit elderly individuals in their homes or care facilities, offering much-needed companionship. Thanks to LNER’s funding, the charity will recruit and train an additional 40 volunteer dog owners, enabling 40 new weekly home visits or visits to as many as 400...
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JetSMART’s New Partnership with Sabre to Boost Global Flight Offerings
Sabre Corporation, a prominent travel technology firm, has announced a long-term distribution deal with JetSMART, a budget-friendly airline that serves a vast number of passengers throughout South America.
This partnership enables JetSMART to offer its flights, promotions, and services to a wide range of global travel agents through the expansive Sabre Travel Marketplace. Agents connected to Sabre will now have access to this enhanced content, allowing them to craft customized, detailed travel packages for vacation goers.
Recognized as a SkyTrax World Airline Award recipient, JetSMART is celebrated for its economical pricing and reliable service. The airline also boasts a modern fleet, notable...
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Reminder: No trains between London and Peterborough or Royston
Network Rail has announced major upgrades on the East Coast Main Line (ECML), impacting services on January 25–26 and February 1–2, 2025.
Passengers are advised to plan ahead, check journey planners, and allow extra travel time as London King’s Cross station will be closed on both weekends for crucial engineering work.
Rail replacement buses will operate, but there will be no Thameslink or Great Northern trains running between London and Peterborough, Royston, and Stevenage via Hertford North on Saturdays.
On Sundays, limited services will extend slightly south to Letchworth Garden City.
Fans attending the Arsenal vs. Manchester City match at the Emirates...
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President Trump's inauguration and travel: Here's when DC flights, hotel stays should decrease in price
The prices for flights and hotels in Washington, D.C., are at an all-time high due to Inauguration Day - but, for tourists planning to travel to D.C. post-inauguration, costs are expected to decline.
President Donald Trump has drawn in crowds from all over America who traveled to the nation's capital to witness the historic swearing-in ceremony, and tourists have been paying increased prices for transportation and sleeping arrangements.
Searches for flights to D.C. for the week of Inauguration Day were up by nearly 50% in comparison to the week prior, according to Google Flights search results.
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Delta, Southwest, United, Spirit, JetBlue Airways and American Airlines Are Offering Travel Waivers, What You Need To Do When Your Flight Got Cancelled as Rare Winter Looms US
As a rare winter storm and blizzards disrupt travel across the U.S., major airlines like Delta, Southwest, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines are offering travel waivers to affected passengers. These waivers allow travelers to rebook flights without incurring additional fees, providing flexibility during this chaotic weather event.
If your flight is canceled, start by checking your website or app for updates on rescheduling options. Delta, Southwest, and United Airlines are offering waivers for travel through January 22, while Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and American Airlines have similar policies.
Travelers should act quickly to secure alternative arrangements and be...
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Get Ready for Action as Urban Air Adventure Park Comes to Lincoln Park
Urban Air Adventure Park, a global leader in indoor adventure parks and a proud part of Unleashed Brands, has signed a lease for an exciting new location at 1801 W Fullerton Avenue. This eagerly awaited park is set to open in 2025, offering a wide variety of attractions designed to thrill visitors of all ages.
The new Urban Air Lincoln Park will span over 35,000 square feet, featuring an impressive lineup of activities such as Slides, the Sky Rider Indoor Zipline, Air Court, Adventure Hub, Apex, Climbing Walls, Dodgeball, Dunk Ball, Laser Tag, Leap of Faith, Spin Flip bumper cars, Stairway...
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Descartes Study Reveals 74% of Supply Chain Leaders View Technology as Crucial for Growth Amid Global Trade Challenges
The study also identifies specific technological capabilities deemed essential for fostering business growth and securing market advantages in global trade. Of these, 36% of respondents recognized global trade intelligence as the primary tool expected to offer the most value in the forthcoming two years. This preference was followed by global trade analytics and supply chain mapping, noted by 27% and 26% of participants, respectively.
Furthermore, the findings indicate a consensus across various industries on the significant value of global trade intelligence over the next two years. This includes sectors such as manufacturing (40%), wholesale and distribution (44%), finance and insurance (38%),...
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Rare Winter Storm Causes Travel Chaos at Austin-Bergstrom Airport with Dozens of Flights Canceled Amid Icy Conditions and Blizzard Warnings Across Texas
Travelers at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport faced significant disruptions on Tuesday as a rare winter storm brought icy conditions and snow to Central Texas. The unexpected weather event has caused widespread travel chaos across the state, with dozens of flights canceled and delayed, leaving passengers stranded.
As of Tuesday morning, 69 flights at Austin-Bergstrom were canceled, with an additional 64 delayed due to the severe weather. The most affected flights were those connecting Austin with other major Texas cities, including Houston, where George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby airports ceased all operations at midnight on Tuesday.
Travel to New Orleans has also...
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Boosting Caribbean cruise tourism: Antigua and Saint Lucia host Cruise Connect Conferences, What you need to know more?
Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world’s largest cruise port operator, hosted two pivotal Cruise Connect Conferences in the Eastern Caribbean as part of its stakeholder engagement strategy.
The conferences aimed to bolster local cruise tourism and foster collaborative efforts among key industry players. Held on October 1 in Antigua and October 3 in Saint Lucia, the events brought together tourism ministers, port management, and other critical stakeholders.
Antigua: Vision for Growth as a Leading Cruise DestinationThe inaugural Cruise Connect Conference in Antigua featured keynote addresses from Hon. H. Charles ‘Max’ Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, and Colin C. James, CEO of the...
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Hornblower Group Announces Len Wolin as President of City Experiences
Hornblower Group is thrilled to announce the appointment of Len Wolin as President of City Experiences, effective January 20. In this leadership role, Wolin will oversee the strategic direction of City Experiences, unifying operations across the Hornblower Group’s water- and land-based brands, including City Cruises, Walks, and Devour Tours. He will focus on optimizing operations, enhancing financial performance, and providing visionary guidance to drive sustained growth and success.
Wolin brings over 30 years of hospitality industry experience, with a proven track record in operational excellence, brand development, and strategic growth. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations...
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Emirates, Swiss, Air France, Alaska, Finnair, and More Airlines Face Travel Disruptions as Winter Storm Enzo Causes Over 200 New Flight Cancellations at Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina: New Report You Need To Know
A severe winter storm, bringing snow, sleet, and icy conditions, has led to major disruptions in North Carolina. Governor Josh Stein declared a statewide state of emergency as Charlotte and the surrounding areas brace for the impact. At Charlotte Douglas International Airport (North Carolina), teams are working tirelessly with nearly 40 snow removal and deicing vehicles to minimize delays. Despite these efforts, 104 flights have been canceled or delayed, affecting 39 flights from major airlines including PSA Airlines, American Airlines, Piedmont, United, Envoy Air, Mesa, Contour Airlines, Endeavor Air, and Delta.
Travelers are strongly encouraged to stay in touch with their...
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Rare Winter Storm is Blowing in US, But Another Powerful Tempest Éowyn to Thrash British Isles Travel Industry, Everything You Need to Know About This New Gale
The British Isles are bracing for another winter storm as Storm Éowyn sweeps in, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and widespread travel disruptions. Following a spell of settled weather, conditions are set to deteriorate rapidly as the storm—fueled by an Arctic blast and a reinvigorated jet stream—ushers in a period of highly unsettled weather.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds starting Friday, with additional warnings expected in the coming days. Storm Éowyn will mark the end of the recent calm weather, as forecasts predict heavy rain and gale-force winds sweeping across the region beginning Thursday.
The intensification...
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Arctic Bath Emerges as a Global Sensation with Innovative Design and Immersive Adventures
Since its debut in 2020, Arctic Bath has emerged as a beacon of success, captivating travelers with its innovative design and immersive experiences. Despite initial hurdles, the resort has consistently gained momentum, establishing itself as a sought-after destination for global adventurers.
The winter season has been particularly rewarding for Arctic Bath, with exceptional occupancy levels largely driven by international guests. The upcoming 2024/2025 season is poised to break records, with an unprecedented number of visitors and overwhelmingly positive feedback anticipated. This growth underscores Arctic Bath’s rising popularity as a must-visit destination in the Arctic Circle.
Under the visionary leadership of Head Chef...
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Amadeus and hivr.ai Partnership Set to Advance AI Technology in Hospitality Sales Worldwide
A German tech enterprise, hivr.ai, is revolutionizing the hospitality industry by offering AI-driven solutions that automate and integrate meeting and group sales through various distribution channels. This innovation has captured the attention of Amadeus, a prominent global travel technology firm, which recently made a minority investment in hivr.ai via its Amadeus Ventures funding initiative.
Established in 2019, hivr.ai specializes in unifying and automating the sales process for meetings and groups, which historically has been scattered across direct hotel engagements, emails, phone calls, and third-party service providers. This technology not only simplifies operations for hotels but also shortens the sales cycle and...
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'Aisle lice' is latest air travel annoyance to spark social media debate
Move aside, "gate lice." Flight passengers are now debating the latest travel annoyance that takes place on the actual plane: "aisle lice."
Gate lice drew headlines after American Airlines announced it was expanding new technology that beeps when encountering the phenomenon at more than 100 airports.
The term "gate lice" refers to passengers who cut lines in the hope of boarding a flight early. "Aisle lice," on the other hand, points to passengers who push through others in an attempt to deplane before anyone else.
EVERYDAY BEHAVIORS BY FLIGHT PASSENGERS THAT ARE RED FLAGS FOR TSA AND MIGHT...
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