News

Spain Dominates 2026 City Break Travel with Unmatched Destinations

This year, Spain is looking more enticing than ever. Between the (almost) completion of the Sagrada Familia, Jerez being named the Spanish capital of gastronomy, a total solar eclipse, and some sporting milestones for lovers of Formula 1 and cycling, Spain is ticking all our travel boxes. Find out where to experience all this and more in the list below. Most breaks offer direct flights from the UK, while others require short car or train journeys, but they all promise an abundance of sunshine, vino and long, lazy lunches. This is shaping up to be quite the year for the Catalan capital. The biggest news from this Mediterranean mecca beloved for its lively beaches, whimsical architecture and banging nightlife is that Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece la Sagrada Familia is significantly closer to being finished (even though work on some interior features and the controversial Glory Façade staircase will still be going on). The completion of the central tower and main basilica of the world’s tallest church, under construction since 1882, will be commemorated on the 100th anniversary of Gaudí’s death with a visit from Pope Leo XIV from June 9-10.

Read more

Marrakech Continues to Captivate as Morocco’s Timeless Red City

The rising sun sets fire to the snow-covered caps of the Atlas mountains. Within moments, the shadowy gorges are gleaming with warm terracotta hues. I turn my back on north Africa’s highest peaks and look north where Marrakech – nicknamed the Red City – rests like a jagged ruby amid the jade swathes of palms and the silvery sheen of olive groves. Swinging 800 metres (2,625ft) above the stony desert in a giant wicker basket, I try to imagine what this scene would have looked like when camel trains trooped this way, loaded with salt, spices and enslaved humans bound for Marrakech’s souks. The sky around us is filled with dozens of hot-air balloons, drifting like pollen on a Saharan breeze. The biggest of the suspended baskets hold 16 passengers, most of whom will have left guesthouses and riads in the labyrinthine old town before the dawn prayer call.

Read more

TransNusa Expands Network with New Routes and Increased Flight Frequency

TransNusa has announced the launch of a new direct scheduled flight connecting Jakarta and Lombok, further strengthening access to one of Indonesia’s key tourism and regional travel hubs. TransNusa Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Bernard Francis said that the introduction of this new route comes on the back of the airline’s focus to increase and strengthen connectivity while boosting domestic tourism. “Lombok is not only rapidly growing as a domestic and international tourist destination but the island is also the main gateway for tourism in the West Nusa Tenggara region through its Lombok International Airport,” Datuk Francis said, adding that Lombok attracts more than 1.2 million tourists annually.

Read more

Corfu Emerges as a Top Offbeat Destination for Scenic Spring Hikes

The riverside was heaving. Families spilled from cafes. A marching band trooped on to the bridge, their tasselled metal helmets dazzling in the sun. Priests with bushy beards delivered ageless chants from beneath their cylindrical kalimavkion hats. Men let off shotguns, terrifying the air. Easter Monday in Lefkimmi. We hadn’t planned this. Simply right place, right time. The capital of southern Corfu, Lefkimmi is a working town, untroubled by tourism. There are Venetian-style houses – variously neat, tatty and decrepit – but no “attractions” to speak of. Just Corfiots doing Corfiot things: chewing the fat in their finest for this religious celebration – Greek Orthodox Easter, which falls on 12 April in 2026 – plus zipping about on scooters, drinking coffee, buying baklava and ice-creams.

Read more

Hong Kong Tourism Booms Past 13.7M Visitors, Set to Cross 50M in 2026

Hong Kong has reached a significant milestone in early 2026, with a total of 13.7 million visitors arriving in the first few months of the year. This impressive figure highlights a rapid and strong rebound in the city’s tourism sector, signifying a post-pandemic resurgence that echoes the pre-pandemic tourism figures of the bustling metropolis. The surge in visitor numbers is a clear indication that Hong Kong is regaining its position as one of Asia’s leading tourist destinations. This upward trend is expected to continue, with projections pointing toward over 50 million visitors by the end of 2026. Hong Kong’s tourism revival reflects not only the city’s resilience but also the broader recovery of global tourism following the challenges faced during the pandemic. The Role of Digital and Smart Tourism in the Recovery- Hong Kong has also embraced the digital transformation of tourism. With travelers increasingly seeking convenience and seamless experiences, the city has invested in smart tourism initiatives that enhance visitor experiences. Digital tools like mobile apps for navigation, online booking systems, and contactless services have made it easier for tourists to navigate the city and access services.

Read more

Japan’s Sakura Season Triggers Last-Minute Travel Rush at Peak Bloom

Japan’s annual cherry blossom season is inspiring a wave of last-minute travel as tourists scramble to witness the fleeting beauty of sakura at their peak. Recent insights from a major digital travel platform reveal that searches for accommodations near popular blossom spots have soared, reflecting a growing trend of spontaneous, experience-focused journeys. Data collected in February 2026, covering stays planned for mid- to late-March, shows a 36% increase in domestic accommodation searches for prime cherry blossom destinations. Many travelers are deliberately delaying bookings, aiming to synchronize their visits with the narrow window when the trees are in full bloom. Hiroshima Captures the Spotlight Hiroshima has emerged as the top destination for last-minute travelers, with searches climbing 48% over the previous year. Shukkeien Garden, renowned for its graceful weeping cherry trees, is especially popular for evening strolls, when lanterns illuminate the blossoms and create a serene, almost magical atmosphere.

Read more