With the inaugural ITB Americas set to kick off in just two weeks, 90+ speakers from WTTC, Netflix, Expedia Group and beyond are set to take the stage at the ITB Americas Conference in Guadalajara. Featuring over 40 sessions, the ITB Americas Conference will bring together leading voices across the travel industry to explore the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of travel. Taking place alongside the inaugural ITB Americas from 10 to 12 November 2026 at Expo Guadalajara, the ITB Americas Conference will serve as a platform for three days of strategic dialogue, industry insights and international exchange. As the show’s knowledge hub, the conference will connect senior executives, policymakers, destination leaders and innovators to explore the developments transforming travel across the Americas and global markets.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, and STARLUX Airlines announce the expansion of their loyalty partnership, introducing two-way mileage redemption and accrual services for members of both frequent flyer programmes. The enhanced partnership offers both Etihad Guest Members and COSMILE members greater flexibility and more options for using their miles. Members can now redeem miles for award tickets on partner-operated flights and earn miles and request retroactive mileage credit for eligible flights, making it easier to plan and enjoy a wider range of travel experiences.

Set along the shores of Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, Janu Al Marjan Island brings Janu’s distinctive approach to coastal living to one of the United Arab Emirates’ most anticipated and exclusive waterfront addresses for the first time. Just 70 km from Dubai, the development is located adjacent to Wynn Al Marjan Island, the region’s first integrated resort. Part of Aman Group, Janu is a hotel, residence and lifestyle brand offering a new expression of hospitality, centred on connection, wellbeing and shared experiences.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has welcomed the launch of the new Oxford Street traffic-free zone in London, supporting its view that the city is a strong model for growth in Europe and focused on attracting more tourism. As global Travel & Tourism industry leaders gather for the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, WTTC is forecasting that the sector will grow in Europe by 3.1% in 2026, continuing to outperform the wider economy and exceeding the sector’s 2.6% growth recorded last year.

Ireckonu, the leading Hospitality Customer Data Platform (CDP), has been granted the ISO 27001:2022 certification following the successful completion of its audit and formal approval by EY. This is the sixth successive year Ireckonu has received the ISO certification, which confirms that its Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets internationally recognized standards for protecting information, managing security risks and continuously improving our security practices.

Few years have tested the hospitality industry in the Middle East as much as 2026. Commercial teams made decisions with limited visibility, rewrote their plans more than once and still produced results. Holding steady, adapting quickly and delivering under pressure are topics which will take centre stage at the HSMAI Commercial Strategy Conference MEA 2026 (CSC MEA 2026) under the theme “Resilience. Agility. Results. The spirit that defines MEA”.

Continuing its growth across Australia’s tourism sector, Journey Beyond has unveiled Island Connections, a new national brand for its recently acquired SeaLink marine operations, bringing together ferry and marine transport services under a single identity. The launch follows the completion of Journey Beyond’s acquisition of Kelsian Group’s national tourism portfolio, adding 14 tourism brands to the business, significantly expanding its footprint across Australia and reinforcing its position as one of the country’s leading experiential tourism operators.