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In depth

Trip.com Group: ‘We're expanding in Europe, and AI is helping us enhance the customer experience’
Trip.com Group’s Andy Washington chatted to TTG at WTM London about the OTA’s ‘big plans and hopes for Europe’, how it’s tailoring its products to consumers and the impact of its AI tools [partner content]
Portugal's Algarve region fixes sights on becoming ‘top diving destination’
The Portuguese region is ‘working on becoming a top dive destination’, according to Andre Gomes, president of the Algarve Tourism Bureau
Malta hopeful of converting Gozo day trips into longer stays with new airfield
A new rural airfield will open in Gozo in late-2026 which Gozo’s tourism authorities hope will allow it to convert traditional day trippers into longer-stay tourists
Egypt 'can't grow as projected until there is peace in the region'
The Israel-Gaza conflict has stunted the destination’s growth this year, according to Egypt’s new minister of tourism and antiquities
Palestine ready to welcome 'a different kind of tourist’ once war ends
Tourism in Palestine is set to look vastly different after the war in Gaza, with UK travellers in particular looking to increase spend in local communities according to the state’s tourism chief
Thailand: 'Highlight The White Lotus filming locations and legalisation of same-sex marriage'
The Thai governor shared exciting developments such as the country legalising same-sex marriage in January 2025 and appearing in highly anticipated films and TV series [partner content]
Dubai keen to 'change the narrative' around safety and accessibility
The emirate has enjoyed a record number of arrivals, but tourism chief says she wants to ensure everyone feels welcome
Agents should feel confident selling Florida after 'fantastic' post-hurricane clean-up
Florida is open for business and agents can feel confident selling the destination – that was the message from Visit Florida at WTM, less than two months after the US state was hit by successive hurricanes
Israel begins laying the ground for tourists' return at WTM London
Israel has returned to WTM London after withdrawing last year following the 7 October attacks by Hamas
Travel warned it is still failing to make headlines for the right reasons
Travel’s ’siloed’ approach to communicating its role as a force for good means its failures continue to make newspaper front pages while its success stories go uncovered, WTM London delegates heard
Englishmans Bay, Tobago
Tobago to target more direct flights with new $1bn airport terminal
Tobago plans to attract more direct flights with the opening of an enlarged airport terminal and at least one new hotel development
William Rodriguez has been appointed Costa Rica's new minister of tourism
Costa Rica to up focus on tourist dispersal in bid to cut overtourism threat
The Central American country hopes to prevent any risk of the kind of overcrowding seen in parts of Europe by encouraging tourists to travel to the south
'Be intentional about your commitment to DEAI,' travel told
Social inclusion should be at the forefront of business intent, not just a tagline, WTM London delegates told
Croatia: 'Nowhere does a Christmas market better than Zagreb'
The capital’s citywide celebrations are a festive must-do, said Bisera Fabrio, new UK director of the Croatia National Tourist Board
Hays Travel, Ambassador, Classic Collection: this week's travel trade people moves
Classic Collection has restructured its trade team, while a top agent has joined the cruise sector. Elsewhere, Ambassador Cruise Line has welcomed a familiar face into its trade team
Italy to shake up offer to mature markets as focus turns to the east
Italian Tourism Board director of marketing and promotion Maria Elena Rossi told TTG about the country’s plans to attract more repeat and high-spending visitors at WTM London
'Liberty of the Seas can be another ex-UK success story', says Royal's EMEA chief
The 4,960-passenger ship will replace its sister Freedom-class vessel, Independence of the Seas, which can carry 4,375-passengers, in the UK in 2026
Belt and braces: Are we flying into a turbulent era for travel?
Air travel told to face up to next challenge now it is 'nearly back to normal'
WTM London session hears global air travel has nearly recovered from the pandemic, but now faces the challenge of sustainability targets
Consumers' cost and climate worries to become barriers to travel spend – report
The latest WTM Global Travel Report highlights how cost will impact consumer decision making for travel spend and become a challenge to industry
New luxury Maldives resort to place locals at the forefront of the guest experience
Villa Resorts Maldives says local people and culture are integral to its brand and will front the operation
Universal 'to lean into new customer trends' as next park goes on sale
Entertainment giant says customers are increasingly staying for longer periods of time in its on-site hotels and theme parks
Sarawak's rainforests are home to orangutans
Adventures, orangutans and cultural experiences: how to sell Sarawak
Sarawak is the largest state in Malaysia and home to an array of incredible adventures and experiences. Discover which clients will love the destination, the activities available and the natural wonders they should see.
Corendon Airlines to grow UK market share by targeting smaller operators and agents
Head of sales and marketing Christian Hein told TTG that while the UK is Corendon’s second-largest market, it also is one of its key targets for growth
Celestyal acquires former Holland America Line vessel Ryndam
Celestyal vows not to discount 'core' products ahead of debut Arabian Gulf season
The Greek Islands specialist is expanding operations into the Arabian Gulf at the end of November 2024