Lufthansa Group's bid for ITA stake wins EU approval; Star Alliance shift planned

A TikToker has racked up nearly a million views in a recent video that explained how Europe is becoming a hotbed for American tourists.

Solo female travellers are a growing and very attractive market; in fact, 14% of women travel without the company of family, friends or a partner, which translates into habits, needs and expectations, as well as specific tourist services and products. Mabrian and The Data Appeal Company-Almawave Group, analysed the female solo traveller demand worldwide* to identify five key factors that outline the profile of this segment.

The report by the European Commission and the European Environment Agency once again shows that the quality of bathing water in Croatia is among the highest in Europe and ranks first when it comes to coastal bathing areas. The bathing water quality was monitored at 22,081 bathing sites across 27 member states, as well as Albania and Switzerland. Of the 936 bathing sites tested in 2023 in Croatia, 905, or 96.7%, were of excellent quality. When it comes to coastal bathing sites alone, Croatia ranks first in Europe, with 886 out of 894 tested waters being of excellent quality, which is 99.1%. Croatia’s clear clean and blue waters are the result of a combination of factors, including its high salt concentration, its geographic location, and its connection to Africa. These factors contribute to the growth of phytoplankton and a thriving marine ecosystem, making Croatian beaches a unique and beautiful destination for travellers from around the world.

A new status match opportunity offers SkyPriority benefits on SkyTeam alliance flights like those operated by Delta Air Lines, and, in a unique twist, you can even match your expired status.

Qatar Airways was declared the best airline in the world at the 2024 Airline Awards in London on June 24. Qatar beat out Singapore Airlines, last year’s winner, who slipped to the number two spot this year. Emirates, ANA All Nippon Airways, and Cathay Pacific Airways completed the top five. No North American airline made the top twenty, with Delta narrowly missing out at 21. Other North American airlines that made the top 50 are Air Canada (29) and United Airlines (42). In fact, those three airlines are the only North American airlines to receive any Airline Awards. Other popular North American airlines like American, JetBlue, and Southwest failed to even be mentioned for any individual award.

The UAE-born Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has posted combined room revenues of $1.3 billion for the first six months of this year, 18% more than in the first half of 2023.

We’re getting ever closer to 6 October - the day when the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) is set to come into force for travellers. 

The city of Venice will plan to renew and even raise its day trip fee next year after successfully implementing it for the first time this summer.

With the Esports World Cup (EWC) in full swing, Riyadh is welcoming gamers and fans from all over the world. While the EWC will certainly be the highlight of your visit, Riyadh offers an abundance of culinary delights that you won’t want to miss. To ensure your visit is unforgettable, we’ve curated a list of the top three must-visit spots closest to the EWC games so you don’t have to go too far to get the best of both worlds as you immerse yourself in an unmatched dining experience. Take a bite of VIA Riyadh’s high-end dining scene

Wego reveals top summer European destinations for Saudi travelers, with the UK and Georgia leading. Searches have doubled, showing high preference for luxury accommodations and budget-friendly Eastern European countries.

There’s no question that Bolivia’s food scene is having a moment, with three restaurants (Phayawi, Ancestral, and Gustu) in Latin America’s 100 Best Restaurants—up from zero in prior years. And that may be thanks, in part, to the fact that the top restaurants in La Paz showcase standout local ingredients, including the country's bountiful wine. In the first half of 2024, Bolivian wines have already earned 40 medals in international competitions such as the Bacchus Awards (Spain), Virtus (Portugal), and the Brussels International Competition (Belgium). Producers like Jardin Oculto, for instance, have bottles prominently featured in several Michelin-starred restaurants outside Bolivia, too, including Central in Lima—one of the top restaurants in the world, according to World's 50 Best.

TUI, Europe’s largest tour operator, is set to offer Allianz’s insurance products in the UK through its booking platforms.