Dubai’s mid-market hotels maintained comparatively higher occupancy than those in the premium sector in H1 2026 as regional airspace disruption and heightened geopolitical uncertainty weighed on hotel demand, says leading real estate advisory and property consultancy, Cavendish Maxwell. Hotels in the Upper Midscale category secured the highest occupancy rates at nearly 66%, while Midscale properties recorded rates of almost 64%. By contrast, Luxury and Upper Upscale hotels and resorts averaged 51% and 52% respectively, according to Cavendish Maxwell’s Dubai Hospitality Sector H1 2026 Market Performance report.

PATA Travel Mart 2026 (PTM 2026) officially opened today in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia bringing together over 1,100 tourism delegates from 48 countries and destinations for one of Asia Pacific’s leading international business-to-business travel trade events. Hosted at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from August 18-20, PTM 2026 marks the first time that PATA’s flagship travel trade event has been held in Sarawak. The event brings together 221 buyers, representing 215 companies, from 29 source markets and over 365 sellers representing over 200 organisations and destinations, creating opportunities for tourism businesses and destinations to connect with international markets and develop new partnerships.

VIVA Boutique – part of VIVA Cruises – has unveiled the shore excursion programme for its 2027 Italy programme. The operator will begin sailing on the Venetian Lagoon and the Po River in May on new ship VIVA UNIQUE, the second vessel in the VIVA Boutique brand.

voco Bonnington Dubai is proving that a proper break doesn’t need weeks of planning, a packed itinerary or even a flight. Tucked into Jumeirah Lake Towers, the hotel is positioning itself as the escape that’s ready whenever guests are, whether that’s a spur-of-the-moment staycation or an easy Friday night out.

TAP Air Portugal is set to connect Porto directly to the island of Sal in Cape Verde. From 25 October, Porto will have another intercontinental route operated by the airline, which already connects the city to New York, Boston, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Luanda and Praia, as well as London, Paris, Zurich, Geneva, Terceira and Funchal.

Ser Casasandra introduces Retiros del Ser, a new collection of intimate transformational retreats designed to guide guests on a journey of self-discovery, emotional healing and inner awareness. Taking place throughout September, October and November, the programme brings together internationally recognised facilitators, each offering a distinct methodology while sharing one common purpose: helping participants reconnect with their true nature.

Europcar Mobility Group UK has welcomed the government’s decision to bring forward the review of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Gavin Morgan, Commercial Director at Europcar Mobility Group UK, said: “We welcome the government’s decision to bring forward the review of the ZEV mandate from 2027.