Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has spent years arguing that resilience must sit at the heart of tourism strategy. Now, as Minister Bartlett accepts an invitation to co-chair the World Economic Forum’s Beyond Tourism Day 2026 at its Geneva headquarters on September 25th, the appointment marks a remarkable rise, both for resilience as a global economic priority and for the man who has spent years driving it.

Radisson Hotel Group is pleased to announce the signing of Radisson RED Sydney Haymarket, a 328-room, new-build lifestyle hotel set to open in 2029. Located in the vibrant southern end of Sydney’s Central Business District, the hotel will bring Radisson RED’s bold, playful, and social approach to hospitality to one of Australia’s most dynamic urban precincts.

IBTM Ignite, a unique programme connecting investors with the next generation of businesses shaping the future of the events industry, will return to IBTM World for 2026. Delivered in partnership with growth consultancy and M&A specialist allpoints, Ignite combines investment-ready support, live pitching and structured introductions with access to the global IBTM World community – creating a route from early potential to real commercial opportunity.

RateHawk, a B2B travel technology platform and part of Emerging Travel Group, reports growing demand from travel businesses seeking scalable and flexible connectivity solutions. The company registered 78% cumulative growth in API bookings year over year by the end of the first half of 2026 and 28% growth in its partnership network.

Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, is set to introduce its locally focused, affordable lifestyle brand, ASAI Hotels, to Malaysia, with the opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove. Scheduled to welcome its first guests on 15 September 2026, the 13-storey hotel is located within the 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township, approximately 20 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

A leading platform for UK workforce travel has launched one of the widest selections of self-catering accommodation in the UK, for longer project stays, mobile teams and travel to locations where hotel availability may be limited. Roomex has made more than 172,000 self-catering properties available to book, alongside the two million hotels and B&Bs available on the platform.

For years, premium “rest breaks” have been synonymous with going further, staying longer and spending more. But in 2026, the ultimate indulgence might simply be 72 hours dedicated entirely to rest, wellbeing and reconnecting with what matters most. New research from Great Britain’s largest group of independent hotels, BWH Hotels GB suggests British travellers are increasingly looking closer to home for exactly that.