Portugal’s hostels are world class. But, they say, a new law threatens their existence

Hyatt Regency Lisbon takes the lead as the Portuguese rising star set in the sun-soaked capital and tailored for highest demands of contemporary urbanites. The FIRST Hyatt hotel in Portugal is further elevated by district of Belém, formerly a mecca for Portuguese explorers, now redefined into cosmopolitan magnet for discerning travellers. The hotel’s location benefits from historical landmarks, and culture-filled suburban streets, all within a 15-munute ride to the westernmost capital on the European mainland.

The 25th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is scheduled for October 16-20 this year in Samarkand. For the first time in history, Uzbekistan will host this important biennial gathering of member states and affiliate members of UNWTO.

While Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve are increasingly busy—perhaps even on the verge of being loved to death—the essence of Portugal is still alive in the laid-back region between the bustling capital and the famous southerly beaches. The Alentejo is the largest region of Portugal but also the least populated, with charming villages, living traditions, excellent gastronomy (both high and low), some of the country’s best wineries and dreamy places to stay. This is the soul of Portugal, and it’s seemingly tailor-made for slow travel. Here’s an opinionated guide to the best of the best.

Global guests involved in mountain tourism and outdoor sports met in China’s mountainous rich Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture unveiled the 2023 International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports, or MTOS, in Xingyi city on Saturday. This year’s meeting aims at exploring the deep integration of mountain tourism and multi-industries, promoting the high-quality development of mountain tourism, and providing high-quality tourism experiences for tourists.

For generations, designers have adopted towns, villages, and other enclaves as second homes and visited them again and again, imprinting a touch of their own sensibility on their chosen place—and importing something of its essence into their own work. It’s the kind of symbiosis that Coco Chanel and Le Corbusier, who summered in neighboring homes, enjoyed with the Cote d’Azur’s Rouquebrune Cap-Martine, or Yves Saint Laurent with Marrakech and Tangier. More recently, Christian Louboutin popularized the Portuguese village of Melides, eventually opening Vermelho Hotel there earlier this year. Here, five designers on the places they go, and why they continue to be pulled back.

“I was raised on art. That's what started all of this,” gallerist Duarte Sequeira tells me as we walk around his eponymous gallery and backyard. "All of this" is Duarte Sequeira Gallery, a sprawling landscape of rolling green hills, palm trees, maritime pines, and cork oaks.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has named a new regional president: Adrian Messerli is now president of hotel operations for the EMEA region. He succeeds Simon Casson, who held the role since 2016 and announced his departure from the group earlier in the year for a to-be-confirmed new opportunity.

The World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism will return to Donostia-San Sebastian in Spain (5-7 October) to focus on how tourism can foster rural development, build economic resilience, and preserve cultural heritage.

Angry passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight that diverted to a Portuguese island say they were stuck in an enclosed area of the airport for 12 hours and were told by staff not to start "a revolution."

Porto, a coastal city in the northwest of Portugal, has long been relegated to Lisbon’s shadow, but it’s finally commanding global attention for its culinary offerings. 

If you're interested in trying out popular upstart cruise line Virgin Voyages in 2024 or 2025, pay attention. The cruise line is doing the cruise ship shuffle — delaying the debut of its fourth sister ship, swapping itineraries among its trio of existing ships to fill the gap, and introducing new ports and itineraries around the world.

The Japan Rail Pass, one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to travel around the country, is going up in price this fall.