Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, presenting an opportunity to honor those who served in the military and embark on exciting getaways. If you’re seeking an unforgettable experience, here are some of the best destinations to consider, offering a captivating blend of history, culture, nature, and entertainment.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has unveiled its ambitious expansion plans in Latin America and the Caribbean, adding over 30 new hotels to its portfolio. The company aims to strengthen its presence in the region by 2027, catering to the growing demand for luxury and lifestyle accommodations. This growth is driven by robust travel and the successful acquisition of Apple Leisure Group in 2021, allowing Hyatt to expand its asset-light strategy. With these new additions, Hyatt will double its luxury rooms, triple its resort rooms, and quintuple its lifestyle rooms. The expansion includes the introduction of the Destination by Hyatt brand, offering unique experiences rooted in their locale in Peru and St. Lucia. Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection continues to grow, bringing its all-inclusive luxury resorts to destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean. Additionally, Hyatt is committed to enhancing guest experiences with promotions, exclusive offers, and the integration of Mr & Mrs Smith properties into the World of Hyatt family.
Mastercard and The BENEFIT Company (BENEFIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on developing innovative digital payment solutions in Bahrain. The partnership aims to enhance financial inclusion and drive the growth of the country’s digital economy. BENEFIT, a leading fintech company in Bahrain, processed over 345 million electronic fund transfer transactions in 2023, demonstrating its significant role in the Kingdom’s financial landscape. Mastercard, with its global expertise in digital payments, will bring its technological capabilities to the partnership. Together, the companies aim to introduce advanced payment solutions that meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses in Bahrain.
Tourism Seychelles is actively participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) from May 6th to May 9th, 2024, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE. This prestigious event annually attracts over 28,000 key buyers and industry professionals and has been a pivotal part of the travel sector for more than 30 years. Led by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, the Seychelles delegation includes Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis, Director General for Destination Marketing, Bernadette Willemin, and Tourism Seychelles’ Middle East representative, Mr. Ahmed Fathallah. Seychelles’ Ambassador in Abu Dhabi, Ambassador Gervais Moumou, is also present, alongside local trade representatives from 7 South, Berjaya Resorts Seychelles, Eden Bleu Hotel, Luxe Voyage Holidays, Luxury Travel, Masons Travel, Ocean Blue Travel, Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa/ Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel, and Summer Rain Tours. Director General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Willemin, expressed enthusiasm about the prospects at ATM, stating, “We have an exciting few days ahead. The ATM offers a unique platform for networking and staying abreast of the latest industry trends. Our focus is on reinforcing our presence in the Middle Eastern market and maintaining Seychelles as a top vacation destination.” Tourism Seychelles aims to connect with top industry figures during the event, promoting the islands’ captivating charm. The UAE remains a key market for Seychelles, with over 5,300 visitors from the region recorded by April 28th, 2024.
Ethiopian Airlines Group and the Prime Minister’s Office of Ethiopia have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance the tourism experience in the country. Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, owned by Ethiopian Airlines, will manage and operate several Legacy Lodges, including Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge, Halala Kella Lodge, Gorgora Ecolodge, and Wonchi EcoLodge. This partnership aims to provide visitors with unparalleled services and showcase Ethiopia’s natural beauty, rich culture, and welcoming atmosphere.
Dnata Travel, a leading travel agency in the GCC, has joined forces with the Vienna Tourist Board to boost tourism from the region. This alliance comes in the wake of a significant increase in hotel bookings by GCC visitors, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE leading the surge. The partnership aims to offer exclusive accommodation rates and promote Vienna’s attractions, particularly highlighting upscale hotels in prime locations.
The Middle East’s tourism industry is thriving, driven by substantial government support and economic diversification initiatives. In 2023, the region experienced a surge in tourist arrivals, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and leading the global tourism recovery. This growth is fueled by significant investments in infrastructure, with over 250 greenfield projects since 2018, creating thousands of jobs. The Middle East is also emerging as a global leader in tourism investments, hosting the AIM Congress to discuss innovation and women empowerment in the sector. UN Tourism plays a vital role in promoting gender equality and supporting women entrepreneurs through its Women in Tech Startups competition.
An extreme G5 solar storm has captivated Earth with magnificent displays of the Northern Lights from Tasmania to Britain. The storm, which began on May 11, 2024, is the first of its magnitude since the infamous ‘Halloween Storms’ of 2003. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center warns that the geomagnetic storming could continue due to additional Earth-directed coronal mass ejections. The storm has widespread impacts, affecting communications, GPS, power grids, and satellites. Social media is filled with vibrant images and experiences shared by netizens worldwide.
Emirates has announced new partnerships and expanded existing alliances at the Arabian Travel Market to enhance customer experiences. These collaborations focus on engaging a broader audience, catering to premium travelers’ preferences, and providing unique advantages throughout the travel journey.
Ryanair’s affordable flights are now a part of eSky package holidays, giving travelers the opportunity to save even more on their upcoming summer getaways. This partnership offers customers the ability to book Ryanair flights and extras as part of their eSky holiday package, providing full price transparency and direct access to their booking through their myRyanair account.
