The Alpina Gstaad is delighted to announce the appointment of Francesco De Bartolomeis as the hotel’s new Executive Chef, set to join the team during the summer of 2026. He succeeds Martin Göschel, who will depart at the end of this winter season after many successful years leading the property’s acclaimed culinary team.

Vietnam branded residence star has soared in the past year, becoming the largest market in Asia’s USD 40 billion branded residence sector, in terms of value, according to the findings in the recently released Asia Branded Residences Market Review 2026 by C9 Hotelworks, Many of the world’s leading hospitality and lifestyle brands are rapidly taking advantage of a booming economy and thriving travel industry to introduce world-class projects to every part of the country – from dynamic gateway cities to emerging coastal regions – including the launch of One Central Saigon in Q2 this year, housing the Ritz-Carlton Residences.

With just under two weeks till the school holidays, sector experts are warning families and other passengers alike to expect increased uncertainty around international air travel this summer as global tensions, economic pressures, new EU border system and residual fuel price volatility continue to impact global aviation.

Wellness has become one of the most consequential forces shaping the travel and hospitality industry. Globally, this sector is predicted to be worth USD 1.35 trillion by 2028* – more than double its value in 2022. Thailand is at the forefront of this growth, as wellness seekers are lured by a seamless blend of hospitality, wellness innovation and ancient wisdom. Against this backdrop, BEING 2026 – Southeast Asia’s only dedicated B2B wellness conference – returns to Angsana Laguna Phuket for its second edition on 2nd September, bringing together the operators, investors and entrepreneurs who are spearheading the growth of the wellness economy.

Avianca, part of Abra Group, reaffirms its commitment to strengthening connectivity and expanding access to air travel during the midyear peak travel season from June to August, offering more than 71,000 flights and more than 12.5 million seats across a network of more than 160 routes connecting more than 80 destinations in over 25 countries in the Americas and Europe.

Israel’s rich history, which spans thousands of years, continues to be revealed through ongoing archaeological work led by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the University of Haifa, and independent researchers across the country. So far this year, there have been many groundbreaking discoveries, from 1,500-year-old bronze scales to ancient tunnels unearthed beneath the walls of Jerusalem. These discoveries highlight Israel’s storied and layered history.

Travelers are no longer satisfied with simply visiting a destination — they expect experiences tailored to their individual preferences, delivered seamlessly and often before they ask. As luxury travel trends continue to influence mainstream tourism, industry experts say cruise destinations that fail to elevate service risk losing future visitors. Popular culture has amplified these expectations, with hit television series The White Lotus showcasing a world of highly personalized, anticipatory hospitality. While the show offers a satirical take on luxury travel, it reflects a growing reality: today’s guests expect intuitive, memorable experiences wherever they go.