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  • Jamaica to Host 2nd CTO Air Connectivity Summit Next February

    Jamaica will host the second annual Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Air Connectivity Summit in Kingston on Feb. 23, 2027, building on the success of this year’s inaugural event in Bermuda and aiming to advance regional air travel amid ongoing global challenges. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett made the announcement while speaking at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua on Thursday.

    Published: Sat, 16 May 2026 07:41:57 +0000
  • World first: CHTA Marketplace goes virtual

    Virtual World Internet, https://www.virtualworldinternet.com/ has created the first immersive digital twin of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, opening the region’s flagship travel trade event to a global audience 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. For the first time in its 44-year history, Caribbean Travel Marketplace can now be experienced virtually.

    Published: Sat, 16 May 2026 07:36:22 +0000
  • Barbados to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027

    Barbados has been confirmed as host destination for the 45th edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, bringing the region’s flagship tourism business event back to the island in 2027. The announcement was made by Sanovnik Destang, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, during the closing ceremony of this year’s Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua and Barbuda.

    Published: Sat, 16 May 2026 07:31:22 +0000
  • THIRTY, FLIRTY AND FLYING HIGH: VIRGIN ATLANTIC MARKS MANCHESTER MILESTONE

    Virgin Atlantic is celebrating a major milestone for its home in the North, as the airline marks thirty years of flying from Manchester Airport this week. Since Sir Richard Branson launched operations from Manchester on 17th May 1996 with services to Orlando, the Northern base has remained a key part of Virgin Atlantic’s UK network and to mark the occasion, the airline is excited to welcome a new A330-neo aircraft to its fleet. The aircraft, named Champagne Supernova after the iconic Oasis track, is set to carry the registration G-VMAN in a nod to the airline’s longstanding connection to the region. To celebrate the milestone, Virgin Atlantic will also host a customer activation at Manchester Airport on Monday 18th May, inviting travellers to join in the celebrations with a dedicated photo opportunity, signature treats and a themed gift giveaway.

    Published: Sat, 16 May 2026 07:25:52 +0000
  • HFTP Announces 2026 Hospitality Technology Honors

    Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®) is pleased to recognize two champions of hospitality technology. Mary Gerdts will be inducted to the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame, recognized for the development of game-changing, hospitality payment technology. Gerdts is the founder and CEO of two payment processing companies, POST Integrations, Inc. and EboCom, LLC. Bob Gilbert will be posthumously recognized with the HFTP Award of Merit, which recognizes individuals who have made a significant innovation or breakthrough that established a path for others in hospitality technology. Gilbert, was the president and CEO of HSMAI Americas for more than 30 years.

    Published: Fri, 15 May 2026 14:25:23 +0000
  • Vollebak’s Spaceshop Has Landed — and Retail May Never Look the Same Again

    Forget flagships. Forget concept stores. Forget polite rails of neatly folded jackets under warm lighting. Vollebak has built a 1,000kg aluminium spacecraft-shop and sent it on tour.

    Published: Fri, 15 May 2026 13:29:34 +0000
  • Music & Events Professional Kim O’Brien Launches Til Sunrise Barbados

    After two decades shaping some of the UK’s most recognisable live music environments, Kim O’Brien is evolving her work within the live music sector, expanding beyond large-scale festival systems into a new international hosted experience focused on intimate, music-led cultural connection.

    Published: Fri, 15 May 2026 12:03:37 +0000
  • BTN Interviews : Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX

    WTM Spotlight Riyadh has been launched to connect the global travel industry with one of the world’s fastest-evolving tourism markets, as Saudi Arabia accelerates its Vision 2030 ambitions across destination development, aviation, hospitality and infrastructure. According to Danielle Curtis, Regional Portfolio Director, UAE, RX, the new event is designed as a focused, curated platform that reflects both sides of the Kingdom’s tourism opportunity: its rapid rise as an inbound destination and its growing influence as a high-value outbound market. Bringing together more than 450 exhibitors, over 6,500 regional and international visitors, and 150 hand-selected international hosted buyers, the inaugural edition aims to move brands beyond interest into practical business development through pre-scheduled meetings, targeted networking and market insight. With Riyadh positioned at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s transformation, the event will provide direct access to local buyers, decision-makers and stakeholders, while encouraging deeper conversations around premium travel, market access, resilience, visitor confidence and long-term collaboration.

    Published: Fri, 15 May 2026 11:11:17 +0000
  • Why corporate retreats are choosing Southern California for their next big event

    Southern California has emerged as a top destination for corporate retreats, offering a blend of dynamic venues, appealing climate, and unique team-building opportunities. Companies are motivated by the region’s versatility, accessibility, and world-class amenities, which accommodate diverse organizational goals and group sizes. As competition grows to deliver memorable, productive experiences, planners increasingly see Southern California as the optimal choice for their marquee retreats.

    Published: Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:26 +0000
  • Tourism Minister calls for UK cruise growth as industry gathers for CLIA’s Cruise Tourism Summit

    UK Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock MP today reaffirmed government support for cruise growth as industry leaders gathered at the Port of Tyne for CLIA’s Cruise Tourism Summit. The Summit united cruise leaders, UK government representatives, ports, and tourism organisations. The programme explored ways that cruise can expand economic opportunity, strengthen regional tourism, and create lasting value for communities across the country.

    Published: Fri, 15 May 2026 07:27:24 +0000