Blown away by how briskly know-how is altering occasions and leisure? Abu Dhabi is about to take it to the following degree—actually—with one of many greatest drone exhibits the world has ever seen. Nonetheless reeling from Southwest ditching its beloved two-bags-free coverage? You’re not alone—one competitor is looking it “the slaying of a sacred cow.” Seeking to carry extra Indigenous and sustainable components into your subsequent Hawaii assembly? A brand new partnership on Oahu is making it simpler than ever.
As at all times, Good Journey has you lined with the week’s greatest journey and tourism tales.
Oceania to Launch 180-Day World Cruise in 2027
Oceania Cruises has opened bookings for its 2027 Across the World cruise aboard the Vista. The epic 180-day journey will take vacationers throughout six continents and greater than 100 ports.
Departing January 6, 2027, from Miami, the itinerary features a Panama Canal transit, island-hopping throughout the Pacific from Hawaii to Fiji, an prolonged keep in Asia, exploration of the Arabian Peninsula and a scenic cruise by the Mediterranean, earlier than concluding in London. Passengers could have entry to over 150 UNESCO World Heritage websites alongside the way in which.
“With Vista’s debut world cruise in 2026 already producing pleasure, we’re thrilled to supply one other unparalleled journey in 2027, that includes immersive experiences and unique facilities,” mentioned an Oceania Cruises consultant.
Fares begin at $76,199 per individual, with perks equivalent to limitless wine, beer and spirits. Shore tour credit, unique occasions and baggage supply are additionally included.
Vista will make its world cruise debut in 2026, crusing roundtrip from Miami on January 6, 2026.
Learn Extra: Small Group Cruise Excursions for Incentive Getaways
Southwest Airways to Introduce Bag Charges, Marking Main Shift
Southwest Airways, lengthy recognized for its two-bags-free coverage, will introduce checked bag charges beginning Might 28, becoming a member of trade opponents. The shift is a part of a broader transformation to spice up income and enhance monetary efficiency.
CEO Bob Jordan acknowledged that whereas free checked luggage as soon as gave Southwest a aggressive edge, latest knowledge confirmed value sensitivity outweighing coverage benefits on metasearch engines and on-line journey companies.
To additional improve income, Southwest may even launch a fundamental financial system fare, encourage demand for its co-branded bank card (which can provide a free checked bag) and reinstate flight credit score expiration dates. The airline has additionally lowered loyalty factors accrual for lower-end fares and launched dynamic redemption charges for Fast Rewards.
“That is the slaying of a sacred cow,” mentioned United CEO Scott Kirby, commenting on the importance of Southwest’s adjustments.
Trade specialists see the shift as an indication of Southwest’s evolution from a low-cost disruptor to a legacy provider. Delta President Glen Hauenstein pointed to reserved seating and extra-legroom gross sales coming in 2025 as key adjustments cementing this transformation.
Whereas some loyal Southwest prospects could also be disenchanted, Jordan emphasised that the airline will keep its customer-focused tradition.
“We have now the very best folks within the enterprise, the very best hospitality within the enterprise, and none of that’s going to alter,” he mentioned.
Southwest initiatives these adjustments will drive $1.8 billion in incremental earnings this yr, with $800 million coming from bag charges, layoffs and different cost-cutting measures.
Ko Olina Resort Companions with Native Hawaiian Council to Promote Cultural Stewardship
Ko Olina Resort, a 642-acre vacation spot on Oahu’s western coast, has introduced a partnership with the Council for Native Hawaiian Development (CNHA) to reinforce cultural preservation and engagement.
Residence to 4 Seasons Oahu, Aulani, A Disney Resort, and the upcoming Atlantis resort, Ko Olina will collaborate with CNHA to make sure a greater stability between tourism and the Native Hawaiian group. As a part of the initiative, CNHA will act as a cultural marketing consultant and curate two designated land parcels devoted to Native Hawaiian traditions and heritage.
“As the biggest Native Hawaiian group within the state, CNHA brings invaluable experience and cultural stewardship to this partnership,” mentioned Jeff Stone, Ko Olina’s proprietor and grasp developer.
Stone emphasised Ko Olina’s historic and religious significance and reaffirmed the resort’s dedication to preserving Hawaiian tradition whereas providing significant experiences to guests.
This collaboration aligns with broader efforts to advertise sustainable tourism and cultural authenticity throughout Hawaii’s hospitality trade.
Learn Extra: Going Past Inexperienced
Abu Dhabi to Launch World’s Largest Drone Gentle Present for Immersive Storytelling
Abu Dhabi is about to redefine stay leisure with a groundbreaking initiative that may combine cutting-edge drone know-how into large-scale storytelling experiences.
A multi-year strategic partnership has been signed between the Division of Tradition and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Colorado-based Nova Sky Tales and Analog, an Emirati firm specializing in combined actuality and bodily intelligence. Witnessed by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the settlement will introduce the world’s most superior fleet of 10,000 light-show drones, creating immersive experiences throughout iconic areas within the emirate.
“By harnessing modern applied sciences, we’re discovering new and immersive methods to share our imaginative and prescient and tradition with the world,” mentioned Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. “This partnership will problem conference, elevating the bar for what residents and guests can expertise.”
Kimbal Musk, CEO of Nova Sky Tales, emphasised Abu Dhabi’s main position in embracing innovation and bringing artwork to the sky by next-generation know-how. Alex Kipman, CEO of Analog, described the mission as a fusion of custom and know-how, turning Abu Dhabi’s skyline right into a dynamic canvas for storytelling.
Learn Extra: The way to Take Your Occasion to New Heights with Drones
Northern Pakistan Sees 121% Surge in Tourism, Elevating Financial and Environmental Issues
Northern Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan area is experiencing a tourism increase, with overseas customer arrivals surging by 121% in 2024. The realm’s towering mountains, glacial lakes and world-class trekking routes have drawn a rising variety of journey seekers, fueling financial progress but in addition elevating sustainability issues.
The elevated reputation is partly resulting from streamlined visa insurance policies, making entry simpler for worldwide vacationers. James Willcox, founding father of journey journey firm Untamed Borders, acknowledges the sharp rise in curiosity however emphasizes the necessity for accountable tourism practices.
To mitigate the environmental affect of rising tourism, native authorities have launched initiatives equivalent to a tourism entry payment for autos, funding waste administration and infrastructure enhancements. Moreover, the mountaineering allow payment for peaks like K2 was considerably elevated however later suspended by a Pakistani court docket resulting from its impact on winter tourism.
Journey firms like Untamed Borders are main efforts to advertise sustainable tourism, partnering with native guides, supporting reforestation initiatives and prioritizing regionally owned lodging.
“Northern Pakistan is a really particular area that wants each safety and recognition as a journey vacation spot,” mentioned Willcox. “Our objective is to depart as little affect as attainable and help native sustainability initiatives.”
With cautious planning and eco-conscious methods, Gilgit-Baltistan can proceed to thrive as a premier journey tourism vacation spot whereas preserving its pure and cultural heritage for future generations.
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