Author: Torry K.

Renowned luxury hotel brand Aman has unveiled ambitious plans that promise to elevate the concept of elite travel experiences with the introduction of Amansamar, an ultra-luxury resort in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, and Amangati, a first-of-its-kind luxury motor yacht set to navigate the Mediterranean in 2027. Amansamar: A Desert Oasis Amansamar, meaning "the peaceful acacia tree," is currently being constructed in Wadi Safar, just outside Riyadh, near the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah. This location reflects the brand’s commitment to blending cultural authenticity with exceptional service. Designed by the acclaimed architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the retreat aims to…

Lyon: A Culinary Journey Beyond the Street Food Festival The vibrant city of Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France, welcomes food enthusiasts not just in June during the annual Lyon Street Food Festival, but year-round. With its rich culinary scene, Lyon offers a plethora of options for those eager to indulge in exquisite French cuisine. During a visit in March, coinciding with the annual Rendezvous en France trade show organized by Atout France, it became evident that Lyon’s culinary reputation is well-deserved. With a stunning 17 Michelin-starred restaurants among the city’s 5,300 eateries, food lovers have plenty to…

“Would you like to have a Patagonia moment?” asks a Chilean guide, breaking the chatter of eager tourists at the base of the Pia Glacier in Tierra del Fuego. “Te invito a tener un momento de silencio?” Moments later, the noise dissipates as the tranquility of this remote location takes hold, interrupted only by the deep rumbling of a glacier calving—a testament to the icy beauty and raw power of nature. A massive chunk of ice, aged between 400 and 500 years, plunges into the frigid waters, marking the beginning of its new life cycle. Zodiacs provide incredible access to…

Air Canada Launches New Flights to Prague from Toronto Air Canada has officially launched its newest international service, connecting Toronto to Prague, Czech Republic. The inaugural flight took off yesterday evening, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion plans for Europe. Connecting Cultures and Economies Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada, expressed enthusiasm about this new route: “We are excited to return to Prague, our newest European destination now added to our global network. This flight not only connects these two countries but also enhances the opportunities for travel, tourism, and trade.” Galardo…

Kensington Announces Executive Team Realignment Kensington has unveiled a significant restructuring of its executive team, alongside the introduction of various sub-brands. This move is part of a broader strategy by parent company Navigatr Group to decentralize its operations, allowing each brand to function independently. Decentralization Strategy According to a spokesperson from Kensington, the new structure means each company now has its own dedicated management team, eliminating the previous practice of sharing resources. Most of Kensington’s executive team is based in Toronto, except for Daniel Finkel, who operates from Seattle. Sub-Brands That Enhance Luxury Travel As part of the reorganization, Kensington…

Aman has announced the upcoming opening of Amansamar, a luxury resort and residential complex situated within the expansive Wadi Safar mega-development in Saudi Arabia. Nestled near the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, Wadi Safar is set to become a premier destination featuring a range of high-end amenities. Alongside Amansamar, the development will host an array of luxury hotels, including renowned names such as Six Senses, Oberoi, Montage, and Faena, ensuring a diverse and rich hospitality landscape. Visitors will also enjoy recreational offerings like a championship golf course, equestrian and polo facilities, catering to diverse interests and lifestyles. Amansamar:…

A preliminary investigation report by India’s Air Accident Investigation Bureau reveals critical details regarding the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 shortly after its takeoff on June 12. The report indicates that both fuel cutoff switches were inadvertently moved to the off position just moments after lift-off, raising questions about cockpit management and pilot protocol. Incident Overview: A Flight Bound for London The ill-fated flight, which took off from Ahmedabad en route to London Gatwick, was operated using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner equipped with General Electric’s GEnx turbofan engines. Tragically, the crash resulted in the loss of 260 lives,…

A recent port swap by Norwegian Cruise Line has led to the cancellation of an entire season’s sailings for two of its popular ships, raising concerns among travelers. Passengers booked on the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Prima will be affected, with the disrupted sailings occurring between November 8, 2026, and March 28, 2027. The information came directly from letters sent to those who had made reservations. New Homeports for Norwegian Ships In the restructuring, the Norwegian Breakaway, which was initially set to operate out of San Juan, will now be homeported in New Orleans. Meanwhile, the Norwegian Prima is slated…

Allegiant Travel Company has announced the sale of the Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor to Blackstone Real Estate for a noteworthy $200 million. The transaction is anticipated to conclude in the third quarter of this year, marking a significant move for Allegiant as it divests its first foray into the hospitality sector. Performance Challenges at Sunseeker Resort The Sunseeker Resort, boasting 785 rooms, opened to the public in December 2023 but has faced significant challenges since its inauguration. As part of Allegiant’s expansion beyond its core airline business, the resort has not met occupancy expectations, struggling to attract guests in a…

U.S. Senate Recent developments from the U.S. Senate have sparked significant concern among tourism stakeholders regarding a proposed budget cut for Brand USA. The Senate committee’s plan suggests slashing the agency’s budget from $100 million down to a mere $20 million, a drastic reduction of 80%. Critics of this proposal argue that such a move is not only “shortsighted” but could also lead to “severe” consequences for the tourism sector. The Importance of Brand USA Brand USA plays a pivotal role in promoting American destinations, particularly to Canadian travelers—one of the largest international markets for the U.S. tourism industry. According…