Thailand has announced new stimulus visa measures to boost Thai economy through travel and tourism. These include 60-day visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VOA) schemes, Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), and student visas, which took effect from 15 July 2024.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed the latest round of high-profile speakers for its upcoming Global Summit, featuring top leaders from the world’s leading travel and tourism businesses.

North American consortia, Ensemble, has revealed a new membership collaboration with Helloworld Travel Limited. The newly formed partnership will see Ensemble relaunch in Australia and New Zealand via Helloworld’s extended network of over 2,400 independent travel agents and brokers in the region.

The Travel Corporation (TTC) and its 18 brands including Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Luxury Gold, have been acquired by US private equity firm Apollo Global Management Inc, for an undisclosed amount.

andBeyond has extended its South American portfolio with the launch of its expedition yacht in the Galapagos Islands. Named the &Beyond Galapagos Explorer, the 38 metre yacht operates entered service in mid-June 2024 on two 7-night routes in the east and west of the famed Galapagos Islands.

HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) has appointed Alex McNeil to the newly created position of Chief Expedition Officer (CXO). This new C-suite role underscores HX’s commitment to immersive adventure travel, enhancing its legacy of almost 130 years in expeditions.

Adventure World has announced Elizabeth (Liz) Glover as its new Head of Marketing. In a press release, Adventure World – the soft adventure, sustainability-focused brand of The Travel Corporation – said Glover brings a wealth of industry expertise and a deep commitment to responsible travel to the role, positioning Adventure World for continued growth and positive environmental impact.

Reservations have opened today for The Star Grand, the signature five-star hotel within The Star Brisbane. Guests can now book stays from 29 August 2024 at the 340 brand new property, which is part of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf precinct in the Queensland capital.

1000 Mile Travel Group (1000MTG) has introduced a new self-branded option for Australian travel agencies. The new offering gives independent travel businesses the opportunity to operate under their own unique brand while leveraging the extensive support, resources, and partnerships of a truly global travel host agency.

Ultra-luxury hospitality company Belmond has witnessed a 20% increase in Australian business across its hotel and rail journeys around the globe since its previous record of 2019, pre-pandemic.

EXCLUSIVE: Flight Centre Travel Group’s Luxury Travel Collection has confirmed Ivona Siniarska and her successful boutique business, Take Off Go, as the newest Independent Member of the Luxury Travel Collection.

The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, in New York’s Upper East Side has launched its booking engine and accepting reservations for stays commencing 1 September 2024.