global travel news

London, United Kingdom, March 20, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Following the successful Asian launch of TOP25destinations, the world’s first AI-powered travel guide ecosystem, Travelindex Group is proud to announce its official global expansion.

Led by the industry visionary Founder and CEO Bernard Metzger, the rollout of the TOP25 Restaurants and TOP25 Hotels series aims to redefine hospitality marketing through advanced technology and strategic partnerships.

To spearhead this international growth, Travelindex Group has appointed Mafalda Borea as Chief Content Officer. Borea will oversee the editorial vision and content strategy as the platform scales its data-driven recommendations to new territories.

“This is the right moment to take our AI-powered ecosystem global,” said Bernard Metzger. “Our mission is to support the hospitality industry with a sophisticated marketing tool that connects discerning travelers with the highest standards of excellence. After our proven success in Asia, we are ready to empower businesses and travelers worldwide.”

Borea joins the leadership team while continuing her influential roles with UN Women UK and IF Experience. With a professional trajectory spanning from CNN to founding a sustainable tourism platform, she brings a unique perspective to the intersection of luxury travel, culture, and social impact.

“I am thrilled to take on this challenge,” said Mafalda Borea. “I am particularly excited to highlight the women leading the hospitality industry that have the power to inspire future generations. It is a dynamic industry I’ve missed, and I am eager to return by using AI to deliver meaningful, high-standard travel journeys.”

The expansion marks a significant milestone for Travelindex Group, leveraging its proprietary AI technology to provide transparent, high-quality ratings that benefit both the industry and the global traveler.

About Travelindex Group
Travelindex Group is a leader in travel technology and media, specializing in AI-driven discovery and rating systems, in Partnership with UN Tourism, PATA and the Travel and Tourism Foundation.

Its TOP25 series provides curated, high-authority guides to the world’s best dining and hospitality experiences.

For media inquiries or interviews, please contact:
Media Relations
TOP25 Destinations Global
Email: media@top25destinations.com

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Madrid, Spain, March 20, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Tourism moves billions of people every year, supports hundreds of millions of jobs and drives trade across the global economy. Yet the data used to measure its true impact has often struggled to keep pace with the rapid growth and transformation of the sector.

Closing this gap requires globally agreed standards. At the 57th session of the United Nations Statistical Commission – the world’s highest authority on official statistics – UN Tourism advanced efforts to strengthen how tourism is measured within the global economic system, helping governments and businesses rely on clearer, internationally comparable data.

Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Shaikha Al Nuwais said: “Tourism is one of the world’s most dynamic economic sectors, and it deserves data systems that reflect its true scale and impact. Strengthening global tourism statistics and linking them with business sustainability reporting helps ensure that decisions across the sector are grounded in reliable, comparable evidence.”

Strengthening Tourism in Global Trade Statistics

One important outcome was the endorsement of the Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services 2026, to which UN Tourism contributed. The updated framework strengthens how tourism is measured as a globally traded service, enabling countries to better capture tourism’s role within global trade flows and economic policy.

The Commission also acknowledged the Statistical Framework for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST), recognized by the United Nations General Assembly as the first statistical model to measure tourism’s economic, social and environmental impacts together, beyond traditional GDP indicators.

Linking Business Sustainability Data with Official Statistics

On 4 March, UN Tourism convened the high-level side event “Bridging Macro and Micro Data in Sustainability: The Case of Tourism and the ESG Framework for Tourism Businesses.”

The discussion explored how sustainability reporting by tourism businesses can align with internationally agreed statistical frameworks. By linking company-level ESG data with national statistics, the approach can improve consistency across the tourism economy, support small and medium-sized enterprises and reduce fragmented reporting requirements.

The event was hosted at the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in collaboration with the UN Committee of Experts on Business and Trade Statistics, with support from Statistics Netherlands and sponsorship by easyJet holidays and Booking[dot]com.

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Madrid, Spain, March 20, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that the escalating conflict in Iran is already impacting the Travel & Tourism sector across the Middle East by at least US$600 million per day in international visitor spending, as disruptions to air travel, traveller confidence and regional connectivity affect demand.

The Middle East plays a vital role in global travel with the region accounting for 5% of global international arrivals and 14% of global international transit traffic. Any disruption affects demand worldwide, which impacts airports and flights, hotels, car hire companies and cruise lines.

The major regional aviation hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain, which together normally process around 526,000 passengers per day, have experienced closures and operational disruption as the conflict escalates, significantly affecting regional and global connectivity.

WTTC’s analysis is based on its 2026 pre-conflict forecast for the Middle East, which projected US$207 billion in international visitor spending across the region this year. Any disruption to travel flows therefore quickly translates into substantial economic impact across the tourism ecosystem.

Despite the current challenges, WTTC emphasises that Travel & Tourism is one of the world’s most resilient economic sectors.

WTTC research of previous crises shows that tourism demand following security-related incidents, with the right response, can recover in as little as two months when governments and industry act quickly to restore traveller confidence.

Gloria Guevara, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said:

“Travel & Tourism is the most resilient of sectors. The impact of international visitor spending across the Middle East is significant and averages around US$600 million per day, but history shows that the sector can recover quickly, especially when governments support travellers through hotel support or repatriation. Our analysis of previous crises demonstrates that security-related incidents often see the fastest tourism recovery times, in some cases as quickly as two months, when governments and industry work together to restore traveller confidence. WTTC commends governments who have worked tirelessly in recent days to support recovery efforts.”

“Clear communication, strong coordination between the public and private sectors, and measures that reinforce safety and stability are critical to rebuilding trust with travellers and supporting the sector’s recovery.”

WTTC, which represents the private sector, is continuing to monitor developments on behalf of its members and remains in close contact with governments and industry leaders to support the safety of travellers and the resilience of the global Travel & Tourism sector.

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Madrid, Spain, March 20, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is pleased to welcome Pernod Ricard as its newest industry partner, further strengthening the Council’s network of leading organisations supporting the strategic development of the global travel & tourism sector.

Headquartered in Paris, Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and champagne industry, with affiliates present in more than 60 countries. The Group is home to a portfolio of more than 200 premium brands, including: Absolut vodka, Ballantine’s and Chivas Regal scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liquor, and Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes.

Through its global network of 28 Brand Homes across 18 countries, welcoming over one million visitors each year, Pernod Ricard plays a growing role in shaping the future of experiential and destination-led travel. These immersive spaces bring the Group’s convivial spirit to life — offering experiences rooted in local heritage and shaped by storytelling, craftsmanship, mixology, culinary innovation, art, and culture. By elevating Spirits Tourism, Pernod Ricard contributes to diversifying tourism offerings and deepening connections between travellers and local communities.

Gloria Guevara, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Pernod Ricard joins WTTC at a time when experiential travel continues to redefine how destinations engage with visitors. Their Brand Homes demonstrate how global brands can create meaningful, culturally rich experiences that contribute to local economies and celebrate heritage.

Their commitment to responsible growth and sustainable brand building aligns closely with WTTC’s mission to support a resilient, innovative, and experience-driven Travel & Tourism sector.”

Laura Sileo, Pernod Ricard’s Global Brand Homes Director , said: “Joining the World Travel & Tourism Council is a significant step forward for Pernod Ricard. Our Brand Homes are increasingly strengthening their role as cultural destinations, as we pioneer new reasons to explore. We are proud to join this leading organisation and help shape a more innovative, sustainable and experience-driven future for global travel.”

By joining as an industry partner, Pernod Ricard will contribute to WTTC’s evidence-based programmes, policy initiatives, and strategic dialogues, supporting efforts to enhance long-term resilience and ensure the sector continues to deliver economic and social value for travellers, businesses, and communities worldwide.

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Stockholm, Sweden, March 19, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Candela’s largest funding round to date, with the World Bank’s IFC arm joining existing investors, will finance a second manufacturing facility to scale production of its groundbreaking hydrofoiling P-12 ferries and meet growing global demand.

The round brings Candela’s total capital raised to €129 million since its inception, making it the best-funded electric vessel manufacturer globally. It was backed by all existing shareholders—EQT Ventures, SEB Private Equity, KanDela AB, and Ocean Zero LLC—alongside new investor the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector arm of the World Bank Group, which contributed €8 million.

The raise defies a broader downturn in climate-tech investment and follows the recent, successful real-world deployment of the P-12 in public transport across Stockholm, Gothenburg, Oslo, and Trondheim, where the vessel demonstrated strong technical performance, significantly reduced operating costs, and dramatically shorter travel times compared to traditional diesel ferries.

A new category of vessel
Named one of TIME magazine’s most important inventions of 2025, the P-12 is the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry in scheduled commuter service. At its core is Candela’s proprietary computer-controlled hydrofoil system and C-POD motors, which lift the vessel above the water and cut energy consumption by up to 80 percent versus conventional ships—while producing zero wake.

“From a physics perspective, ships have been essentially the same for hundreds of years,” says Gustav Hasselskog, founder and CEO. “We’re redefining waterborne transport by effectively creating a new category of vessel. This allows cities and municipalities to finally take full advantage of waterways—while escaping the fossil-fuel cost trap that has long prevented them from being used efficiently.”

The Candela P-12 has proven successful in Stockholm’s public transport, significantly reducing travel times and operating costs.

Global expansion underway
With serial production now up and running and first customer deliveries starting in this month, more than 65 vessels are currently on order. From 2026, deployments are slated for Mumbai—where a fleet of ten P-12s will cut travel times from Navi Mumbai Airport to the city centre from around two hours to 35 minutes—as well as the Maldives, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, Thailand, and additional markets.

Candela is applying scalable, platform-based serial production to advanced carbon-fiber vessels, breaking from the maritime industry’s traditional reliance on one-off construction. The second factory—to be located in Poland—will make zero-emission transport more accessible to emerging markets around the world.

“By moving away from small-series production—which inevitably drives high costs—we’ve built a platform that serves multiple markets,” says Hasselskog. “This allows us to deliver technologically advanced carbon-fiber vessels with industry-leading operating costs at a competitive price point, freeing operators from the cost trap of fossil-fuel ships.

“In a market where climate tech funding is down around 50 percent since 2021, raising our largest round ever sends a clear signal: the transition is moving beyond subsidies and green premiums. Our vessels win on cost and performance, and that’s why investors are backing Candela. I’m truly grateful for that trust.”

Quote from IFC:
“This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to advancing innovative transportation solutions in emerging markets,” said Farid Fezoua, IFC Director for Equity, Funds and Venture Capital. “By supporting Candela’s expansion, we aim to accelerate the adoption and early deployment of breakthrough maritime technology in Emerging Markets, mobilize private capital, create high-value jobs, and enable more efficient water-based mobility.”

Quote from SEB Private Equity:
“We are thrilled to further support Candela on this next phase of growth, with strong progress in both technology deployment and commercial growth. The company has demonstrated global demand, with sales across the Nordics, the U.S., and key Asian markets. We have strong conviction in Candela and look forward to supporting the next phase of its global expansion and their commitment to a more sustainable future,” says Simone Hirschvogl, Investment Director at SEB Private Equity.

Quote from EQT Ventures:
“Rising fuel costs are fundamentally changing the economics of waterborne transport,” said Marnix van der Ploeg, Managing Director at EQT Ventures. “Candela’s hydrofoil technology dramatically lowers operating costs, making electric vessels commercially superior to traditional ferries. That’s why we backed the company early and are proud to continue supporting the team as they scale production globally.”

About Candela
Candela’s mission is to accelerate the transition to zero-emission waterborne transport. Candela is a Swedish technology company developing electric hydrofoiling vessels for passenger transport and leisure. Founded in 2014 by Gustav Hasselskog, the company builds boats that fly above the water on computer-controlled hydrofoils, reducing energy consumption by up to 80 percent compared to conventional ships, allowing for long range at high speed and significant cost reductions over other ships. Candela produces the C-8 leisure boat and the P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry, now operating in public transport. The company has around 240 employees, with manufacturing in Stockholm and offices in Bangkok.

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Dili, Timor-Leste, March 18, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Two upcoming world-class tourism events and additional flights to Malaysia and Australia, are expected to further enhance Timor-Leste’s reputation as one of the top countries in the world to visit in 2026.

2026 TASIFEST MUSIC AND CULTURAL FESTIVAL

Tasifest is one of the most anticipated cultural events of the year in Timor-Leste and will take place in Tasitolu, Dili on May 29-30, 2026. The 2025 edition was hugely successful, attracting more than 50,000 attendees and this year’s event once again promises an unforgettable experience, combining music, culture, sustainability, and innovation. Headliners for the 2026 edition of the festival include world-renowned Indonesian singer Iwan Fals, musical duo Calema from São Tomé and Príncipe, Angolan singer Rui Orlando, and winner of the first season of Australian Idol in 2003 Guy Sebastian. Several local musical artists and DJs will also perform and the Portuguese waste transformation artist Bordalo II will lead the sustainable art workshop component of the festival.

2026 EDITION OF THE DILI INTERNATIONAL MARATHON LAUNCHED

President José Ramos-Horta, patron of the Dili International Marathon, recently announced August 8, 2026, as the official date for this year’s race under the new theme “Love Our Forests and Wildlife.” The 2026 edition will feature a full marathon, half marathon, 10 km race for para-athletes, and a 5 km fun run for participants of all ages. Race routes will follow the scenic coastline of the capital city Dili, with all courses internationally certified and supported by professional electronic chip timing to ensure accurate results.

AERO DILI TO COMMENCE FLIGHTS TO KUALA LUMPUR AND DARWIN

Local carrier Aero Dili recently announced the addition of two new international routes to its network. On March 28, 2026, the airline will inaugurate a twice-weekly flights from Dili to Kuala Lumpur, followed by a twice-weekly service to Darwin, Australia commencing on May 24. These new routes will increase Aero Dili’s international flight network to six destinations, complementing its existing services to Bali, Singapore, Xiamen, and Fuzhou. Comprehensive flight information to Timor-Leste and entry requirements can be found in the trip planning section of the official tourism website.

“These two major events and the increased international inbound flights will certainly help strengthen our attractiveness and reputation as an emerging tourism destination in Southeast Asia,” commented Antonio da Silva, Director General of Tourism. “These developments, along with Timor-Leste recently being named by two major travel publications as one of the Top 20 Destinations to Visit in 2026, should see us welcoming a record number of visitors in 2026.”

ABOUT TIMOR-LESTE

ASEAN’s newest member and a rising tourism jewel of Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste offers travellers authentic and untouched adventures. With its unique blend of vibrant Timorese culture and Portuguese heritage, the country boasts pristine beaches, the world’s most diverse coral reefs, world-class diving, rugged mountains, and traditional villages. Connected with direct international flights from Australia, Bali, China, Malaysia, and Singapore, Timor-Leste invites visitors to experience rich traditions, breathtaking nature, and warm hospitality in a truly unspoiled setting.

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 17, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / The PATA Foundation today announces the appointment of a new Board of Trustees, the governing body entrusted with guiding the organisation’s strategic efforts to ensure that the next generation across Asia Pacific is equipped with the skills needed to build sustainable and thriving careers in tourism and hospitality.

Established as a charity organisation in the United States in 1984, the PATA Foundation’s mission is to promote sustainable and equitable growth of the Asia Pacific travel and tourism industry by supporting the region’s most vulnerable communities. From then to the present day, the Foundation has donated over USD1.3 million to support human capital development in 38 destinations across the world.

Andrew Jones, FIH. CHA., Guardian of Sanctuary Resorts, has been named Chair of the Foundation. Prior to this role, Jones previously served as Vice Chair and Trustee of the Foundation, Chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and has been honoured with the designation as a PATA Life Member.

Upon his appointment, Jones said, “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the PATA Foundation experienced a hiatus of activity, however we are now fully operational and moving forward with renewed passion and purpose as our industry transitions from recovery to sustainable growth.”

He added, “Our vision and mission to safeguard the livelihoods of the underprivileged communities, and support the responsible and sustainable environmental efforts of our industries remain as relevant as ever during this critical period. As the industry evolves, progress must be inclusive, and no one should be left behind.”

Jones is a highly regarded expert in responsible and sustainable tourism development and risk management, as well as a strong advocate for Corporate Social Responsibility and wellness in tourism. With over five decades of experience in the travel and tourism industry, he held numerous senior management and advisory positions with prestigious hotels, resorts, management companies, educational institutions, and a variety of esteemed organisations across London, Bermuda, Canada, Hong Kong SAR, and wider Asia.

In 1996, Jones founded Sanctuary Resorts, a resort management company dedicated to sustainable wellness tourism and community development, where he currently serves as Guardian. He remains deeply committed to community engagement and is Chairman Emeritus of the KELY (Kid’s Everywhere Like You) Support Group in Hong Kong, a Member of the Advisory Peer Group (APG), Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, and a supporter of myriad other charitable organisations and social ventures in Hong Kong SAR.

Alongside Jones, Simon Lloyd, Dean, Hospitality Management and Business Administration, Dusit Thani College, was appointed Vice Chair of the Foundation. Three other members of the Board of Trustees include:

• Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing Symphony/Lighthouse Hotel PLC
• Sarah Mathews, CEO, e-Tourism Frontiers
• Stephen Pearce, Partner, Tourism and Leisure, Gaining Edge

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Bangkok, Thailand, March 17, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Marriott International, Inc. today announced the signing of a landmark agreement with KS Hotels to introduce The Luxury Collection to Cambodia and Laos through the conversion of two storied boutique hotels: La Résidence Angkor in Siem Reap and La Résidence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang. The agreement is set to mark Marriott’s entry in Laos and the debut of The Luxury Collection in both countries.

Long regarded as icons within their respective destinations, both properties are set to undergo thoughtful enhancements to align with The Luxury Collection’s global standards while preserving their architectural character, cultural authenticity, and longstanding heritage. The properties’ anticipated entries into the brand’s curated portfolio signal a new chapter, bringing internationally recognized luxury to properties deeply rooted in place.

“This signing marks a defining milestone for Marriott International, as it represents the company’s debut hotel in Laos and the entry of The Luxury Collection in two inspiring, culturally-rich destinations,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Perfect for discerning global explorers, these properties are set to blend architectural grace and locally inspired design. As part of our global portfolio, these properties will continue to celebrate their cultural identity while offering guests the elevated service and immersive experiences that define The Luxury Collection.”

La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang

Expected to debut in October 2026, La Résidence Phou Vao will join The Luxury Collection as one of Luang Prabang’s most distinctive hilltop retreats. Set within expansive tropical gardens overlooking the UNESCO-protected old town, golden temples, and the Mekong River, the property has long been regarded as a sanctuary of tranquility in the former royal capital of Laos.

Following the transition, it is expected to feature 41 spacious rooms and suites adorned with traditional Lao craftsmanship, refined materials, and private balconies or patios framing views of the surrounding hills. Scheduled enhancements are slated to further elevate guests’ experience while safeguarding the property’s architectural identity.

Culinary plans include the anticipated opening of ‘La Brasserie de la Résidence’, bringing together classic French bistro cuisine and an exploratory Lao menu, complemented by open kitchens and a poolside terrace that frames views towards the golden temple of Mount Phousi. Other planned hotel facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, an outdoor yoga deck, and Spa, a newly introduced wellness sanctuary. Two meeting rooms and a curated retail boutique are also slated to complete the refreshed offering.

Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang remains one of Southeast Asia’s most culturally preserved cities. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is defined by French colonial architecture, saffron-robed monks, sacred monasteries, and enduring spiritual traditions. The destination is served by Luang Prabang International Airport (approximately 4.9 km from the hotel) and the Luang Prabang Railway Station (approximately 11.6 km away), offering high-speed regional connections.

La Résidence Angkor, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Siem Reap

Scheduled to debut within The Luxury Collection in October 2027, La Résidence Angkor is set to further strengthen Marriott’s presence in Cambodia. A low-rise property, located along the Siem Reap River at the gateway to Angkor, this property has long been a distinguished address for travelers seeking proximity to the Angkor Archaeological Park.

The property is slated to offer 59 thoughtfully appointed rooms, including 14 spacious suites ranging from 40 to 126 square meters, each enriched with refined classical Cambodian design elements, blending heritage with contemporary comfort. Plans also include featuring three exclusive residences fitted with private outdoor pools, providing an elevated level of privacy and luxury.

Dining at La Résidence Angkor anticipates spanning a rich spectrum of epicurean experiences, from the alfresco elegance of La Brasserie de La Résidence to Khmer Funk, a street-accessed eatery buzzing with Mekong Regional flavors, alongside a café, an Explorer’s-themed cocktail lounge, and a pool bar. Other planned guest facilities include an outdoor pool, fitness center, and Spa, a new addition to the property featuring six treatment rooms, hydrothermal facilities, and a relaxation lounge. Additional facilities include one function room, and a boutique offering locally crafted artisanal products.

Angkor Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most extraordinary sacred landscapes, remains at the heart of Siem Reap’s cultural magnetism. Beyond the temples, the town offers vibrant markets, contemporary arts initiatives, and access to Tonlé Sap Lake’s floating communities. Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport is located approximately 45 km from the property.

Strengthening The Luxury Collection Presence in Southeast Asia

Upon completion of the rebranding, La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang, is expected to mark Marriott’s entry into Laos, and La Résidence Angkor, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Siem Reap, will join the company’s portfolio of hotels in Cambodia which currently includes properties in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Together, these additions will expand The Luxury Collection’s footprint in Southeast Asia, complementing the brand’s existing portfolio in Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.

“Operating within the Marriott International franchise framework enables a strong strategic collaboration bringing together the global reach, distribution power, and brand equity of Marriott with HMD Asia’s deep local market expertise and hands-on approach to luxury management. The result is a world-class brand experience that never loses sight of what our owners value most: individuality, service excellence, and sustained asset performance.” Anthony Lark, Executive Director, HMD Asia

As members of The Luxury Collection, and part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, both hotels will offer curated Destination Discovery experiences designed to connect guests meaningfully with the cultural, artistic, and historical heritage of Laos and Cambodia, hallmarks of the brand’s commitment to authentic, place-driven luxury.

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Cape Town, South Africa, March 15, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX /  The Long Run will be hosting its third Virtual Impact Show on 25 March 2026, bringing together tourism leaders, sustainability experts and impact-driven tourism businesses from around the world to explore how to better accelerate credible impact across its 4C framework, namely Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce.

This fully virtual event is free to attend and will offer a rare opportunity for non-members to gain invaluable insights and learnings from properties and experts deep “in the trenches of sustainable tourism”.  They will be sharing real-life, unfiltered examples of what works best on the ground, including the operational challenges and solutions, to help and inspire other like-minded hotels, lodges, agents and DMCs to convert their well-intentioned sustainability ambitions and aspirations into meaningful, measurable results.

This year, there will be two live sessions, running from 09:00–12:00 CET and 17:00–20:00 CET, carefully timed to be more inclusive and flexible, whilst also accommodating global audiences across multiple time zones. All contributors will present live, with all sessions recorded and later made available to registered participants.

>> REGISTER AND ADD TO YOUR CALENDAR HERE NOW>>

Speakers during the day will include carefully vetted, highly respected member properties as well as tour operators, agents and sustainability specialists who are setting the benchmark for impact in their respective regions.

The line-up so far includes:

Juliet Kinsman – Sustainable Luxury Expert, Journalist, Founder of BOUTECO

Dr. Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner – Executive Director, The Long Run

Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand – International University of Applied Sciences – Bonn.  A recognised expert in sustainable hospitality and received the prestigious 2022 Raphael Kavanaugh Champion of Education award from ICHRIE.

Dr. Molly Clavey – Client Nature Impact Lead, NatureMetrics.  Winner of the Young Science Communicator award and part of the largest DNA-monitoring company in the world.

Giles Davies, Founder and Chairman – Conservation Capital

Delphine Malleret King – Independent Advisor

Laura Robinson – Operations and Sustainability Manager, Shinta Mani Wild, a radical new concept for a luxury camp experience in Cambodia, which came 2nd in Tatler’s Best Hotels 2024.

Olivier Marchesin – Founder, Lost Road Travel

Jo Hendry-Prior – Founder of Alchemist Travel.  Recently named a 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Top Travel Specialist.

Barry Yee – Marine biologist and coral gardener at The Datai Langkawi.  The first and only hotel in the world certified under the EarthCheck ECO (Silver) for terrestrial tourism in 2019.

Billie Dumaliang – Co-founder, Masungi Georeserve.  TIME magazine’s 2024 Next Generation leader.

Lippa Wood Co-Founder, House In The Wild (Collection in the Wild)

Joy Juma – Programme Manager, Zeitz Foundation

Busisiwe Chauke – General Manager of Thornybush Community.  Thornybush Game Lodge won Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards (2024 & 2025), falling into the category of the top 10 Safari Lodges in Africa and included in the Top 500 World’s Best Hotels.

Agustín Roselló – Director of Projects, Cerro Guido Foundation

Lars Mathiasen – Founder of We Travel

Chiara Mascarucci – Founder – Blind Experiences

Simon Bellingham – Founder – Bellingham Safari’s

Cecilia Mueni – Assistant Footprint Director, Sasaab (The Safari Collection)

Galen McCleary – Pu’u O Hōkū Ranch

Ana Figueroa – Founder of Adentrando, Argentina’s first woman-owned adventure travel company.

Silvia Rico – Founder – ENIGMA Peru

Isabel Malaret – Triple Impact Coordinator – Glove Travel

The Virtual Impact Show 2026 is designed as an authentic, engaging showcase of The Long Run’s global member community, with stories spanning destinations from the Philippines to Hawaii and many places in between, across Asia, the Americas, Africa and Europe.

The format will include:

• 12‑minute stories from the frontlines of nature-based, sustainable tourism, offering short, sharp narratives grounded in lived experience.
• Panel discussions that challenge the status quo and dig deeper into what “good” really looks like in tourism today.
• 30‑minute expert sessions that provide leading-edge perspectives across the 4Cs to deepen understanding and spark new ideas.

The Virtual Impact Show is for anyone working at the intersection of tourism, nature and people, including hotel and lodge owners, tour operators, tourism professionals, conservation and community leaders, investors, NGOs, media and sustainability practitioners. An invaluable opportunity to gain a truly international perspective on how tourism can better protect ecosystems, empower communities, celebrate culture and remain commercially viable in a rapidly changing world.

About The Long Run
Founded in 2009, The Long Run is a global community of pioneers leading the sustainable tourism movement. Collectively, its members protect and regenerate over 23 million acres of biodiverse landscapes and marine areas, improve the lives of more than 350,000 people through education and employment, invest millions each year in conservation and cultural projects, and support over 100 unique cultures worldwide.  Members range from eco-lodges and nature-based tourism businesses to conservation organisations, travel agent and destination management companies, all united by their commitment to positive impact.  At the heart of The Long Run is its holistic 4Cs framework: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. This model empowers members to balance environmental stewardship with socio-economic responsibilities, fostering long-term prosperity for both people and planet. This unique network is unlike any other, providing a platform for shared learning and transformative change in the tourism and conservation sectors.

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Hue, Vietnam, March 14, 2026 / TRAVELINDEX / Fusion announces the opening of Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection, a new luxury hotel located in the heart of Hue City in central Vietnam. The opening marks another milestone in Fusion’s successful expansion into some of the region’s most alluring destinations.

Set on the southern bank of the Huong River, adjacent to the iconic Truong Tien Bridge, the hotel, which opens to guests on March 14, boasts a prime riverside location within the UNESCO‑recognized heritage landscape of Vietnam’s former imperial capital.

Blending cultural heritage with contemporary hospitality, Grand Royal Riverside Hue delivers an immersive guest experience rooted in history, place and modern comfort. Hue is internationally recognized for its historic monuments, scenic river landscapes and enduring cultural significance.

Located at No. 02 Hung Vuong Street, the new hotel features two towers comprised of 161 guestrooms. Inspired by the Huong River, a defining symbol of Hue’s culture and history, the property is crafted around the concept “A Tale of Two Times,” blending the elegance of the past with the vibrancy of the present. The river serves as a picturesque backdrop and the unifying narrative thread guiding the hotel’s design and guest journey.

Architecturally inspired by Indochine elegance, the hotel reflects a period of cultural exchange that shaped Hue’s distinctive urban identity. Interiors are layered with natural wood and locally inspired materials, softened by jade-toned hues that evoke calm and balance. The result is a serene and elegant retreat that pays homage to the former imperial capital, where refined design details seamlessly bridge heritage character and contemporary comfort.

The hotel’s Jade & Ginger Restaurant serves a daily breakfast buffet and all-day dining, featuring authentic Vietnamese flavors such as bun bo Hue, pho and banh mi, alongside signature Hue specialties and selected European dishes and other cuisines.

Complementing the dining experience, The Amber Lounge is the hotel’s elegant lobby lounge and social hub. By day, it offers artisanal teas, freshly brewed coffee and light refreshments in a tranquil setting. In the evening, the space transitions into a refined bar presenting curated wines, signature cocktails and premium spirits.

In keeping with Fusion’s strong brand emphasis on health and wellness, the new hotel features Sả Spa (lemongrass) & Wellness with four modern treatment rooms staffed by experienced therapists who use locally sourced herbs and natural essential oils in treatments. The spa also integrates a fitness center, steam room and skincare and rejuvenation services, delivering a holistic relaxation experience.

In addition, the hotel includes meeting and event facilities suitable for corporate functions and MICE activities, with a capacity of up to 370 guests. A variety of flexible spaces, including co-working areas, lounges, reception spaces and elevated venues cater to the diverse needs of leisure travelers, business guests and event organizers.

Ms. Ha Tran, General Manager of the hotel, said: “In recent years, Hue has continued to strengthen its position as one of Vietnam’s most meaningful heritage destinations. With Grand Royal Riverside Hue – Fusion Collection, we are proud to introduce a riverside retreat that honors the city’s cultural legacy while embracing Fusion’s wellness-led hospitality. From design inspired by the Huong River to Sả Spa & Wellness and thoughtfully curated dining experiences, our goal is to offer guests a refined stay that feels unmistakably Hue, calm, restorative and deeply connected to place.”

Mr. Christopher Hur, Chief Executive Officer of Fusion Hotel Group, said: “Hue is one of those rare cities where history isn’t backdrop — it’s the whole point. Opening here is a deliberate move: it rounds out our Vietnam portfolio in a destination that demands authenticity. We’re not just adding keys; we’re planting a flag at a moment when travelers are increasingly seeking meaning alongside comfort — and we believe Fusion is uniquely positioned to deliver just that. Grand Royal Riverside Hue embodies everything that makes the Fusion Collection distinctive — a strong sense of place, wellness at its core, and experiences that couldn’t exist anywhere else.”

Room rates start from USD $130 per night, inclusive of breakfast for two guests. Celebrate our grand opening with 25% off stays until May 31, 2026.

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