Author: Kai Lennox

Amid the vibrant discussions at last month’s WTM Africa show, one trend stood out: niche tourism is rapidly becoming essential in selling African travel experiences. Industry leader Kgomotso Ramothea, the CEO of ATTA Membership, emphasized that while niche offerings were once viewed as peripheral, they now represent significant opportunities. These experiences not only encourage visitor dispersal from overcrowded tourist spots but also foster deeper community engagement and align with today’s traveler values, which are often in harmony with what African destinations naturally provide. The primary question at WTM Africa was not whether travelers would be attracted to niche experiences but…

The Trump administration has decided to eliminate the “X” gender option from U.S. passport applications, leaving current passport holders in limbo regarding their status. This initiative emerged on President Donald Trump’s first day in office, framed under the executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” A significant provision of this order mandates that all government-issued identification, such as passports, visas, and Global Entry cards, must accurately reflect a person’s biological sex as either male or female. In a contrasting move, the United States introduced the “X” designation in 2022, allowing non-binary,…

New Openings: Luxury Accommodations in Key Destinations This year, luxury travelers can rejoice with the unveiling of several high-profile properties across the globe. Notably, the Münchner Kindl – House of Hütter marks Small Luxury Hotels of the World’s (SLH) inaugural property in Munich. This splendid 18th-century townhouse merges traditional Bavarian style with vibrant, modern interiors, featuring ten apartment-style suites and six luxury rooms designed for an opulent stay. In the heart of Italy, ROMEO Roma, a striking creation by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, opened in January, positioned just a stone’s throw from the iconic Piazza del Popolo. Adding to the…

Domestic travel across Canada is experiencing significant growth this spring, according to Airbnb’s latest travel trend report. The rental platform reveals that Canadian searches for local accommodations have surged by an impressive 20% compared to the previous year, underscoring a robust interest in exploring homegrown destinations. Trending Travel Destinations in Canada Among the most sought-after locales, Québec City, Moose Jaw in Saskatchewan, and Summerside in Prince Edward Island have emerged as popular choices for Canadian travelers. This trend reflects a growing desire to discover the unique offerings of these regions rather than venturing abroad. The Rise of Domestic Travel The…

As Earth Month unfolds, discussions surrounding sustainable travel have come to the forefront, highlighting pivotal initiatives within the industry. In a recent episode of the Folo by Travel Weekly podcast, host Rebecca Tobin engaged in an enlightening conversation with Paula Vlamming, the Chief Impact Officer at Tourism Cares, and Christina Jelski, Hospitality Editor for Travel Weekly, focusing on the pressing sustainability challenges for 2025. One of the key topics discussed was overtourism—a growing concern for destinations overwhelmed by visitor numbers. The conversation explored viable solutions that can help manage tourism traffic while ensuring that both travelers and local communities benefit…

A group of seven individuals has launched a class action lawsuit against President Donald Trump. The suit aims to challenge his administration’s policy barring changes to gender markers on passports and the introduction of the “X” marker for nonbinary individuals. The defendants in this case include Trump in his official capacity as president, the U.S. State Department, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court in Boston. According to Trump’s recent executive order, all government-issued identification, including passports, must conform to a set definition of sex: “an individual’s immutable biological classification as…

Universal Orlando Resort has unveiled its latest gem, the Mediterranean-inspired Helios Grand Hotel, situated within the spectacular new Universal Epic Universe theme park. This newly opened hotel boasts 500 tastefully designed rooms that include themed suites inspired by the beloved animated film, How to Train Your Dragon. A Family-Friendly Retreat Perfectly tailored for families and thrill-seekers alike, Helios Grand Hotel offers a unique advantage—a dedicated entrance to the Epic Universe, directly accessible from the hotel lobby (valid park admission required). Guests not only enjoy convenient park access but also gain exclusive Universal hotel benefits, such as Early Park Admission, which…

At the Beyond Green Global Leadership Summit in early March, Trina White, the general manager of the Parkside Hotel & Spa in Victoria, British Columbia, showcased a unique approach to sustainable hospitality that distinguishes her hotel from other luxury resorts. While many participants at the summit represented high-end properties with prices often exceeding $1,000 per night, the Parkside operates from an urban setting with more accessible rates, starting around $400 for a weekend stay in June. White emphasized the potential for sustainability within a city-center hotel. “The whole goal of the Parkside is to showcase how you can be sustainable…

Belgium is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which boasts a variety of unique traditions and culinary delights. Among its notable features are the captivating medieval Ommegang pageant, the cherished tradition of comic strips including beloved characters like Tintin and the Smurfs, and the iconic Belgian fries served with the unique Andalouse sauce. Recently, these elements, along with a significant development, have been elevated in status through their inclusion on the Brussels-Capital Region’s intangible cultural heritage list. Among the newly recognized cultural treasures is Brussels Pride, an annual event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community in the heart of Belgium’s capital…

BETHESDA, MD — The Luxury Collection is excited to announce the opening of its newest addition to the Canadian hospitality landscape: Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Halifax. Nestled on the picturesque Halifax waterfront within the dynamic Queen’s Marque cultural district, Muir embodies the brand’s dedication to providing unparalleled luxury experiences that are deeply intertwined with local culture. The hotel features 109 elegantly designed guestrooms and suites that showcase bespoke furnishings and original artwork from local Nova Scotian artists. Guests can enjoy stunning ocean views while surrounded by materials such as locally sourced sandstone, salt-and-pepper granite, and Muntz metal —…