Travel Agent

Lifestyle brand OKU Hotels has announced the upcoming addition of two new properties to its portfolio in summer 2025— OKU Andalusia and OKU Bodrum. These all-new properties, both set in corners of the Mediterranean, add to the brand’s existing locations in Ibiza and Kos, taking its portfolio to four properties, all designed for the modern traveler.

Yet another volcanic eruption on Iceland ’s Reykjanes Peninsula (between Stóra-Skógfell and Sýlingarfell ) has forced the temporary closure of Blue Lagoon and its two hotels. This marks the seventh eruption in the region, which about one year ago led to the two-month closure of Blue Lagoon. The resort says it will be closed through Sunday, November 24, at which time the situation will be reassessed.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has launched the second edition of its “ Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism,” which revealed that the number of global travel and tourism businesses setting climate targets has surged by 27 percent in the past three years, with more than half now actively committed to emissions reduction.

Delays at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) during the week of Thanksgiving may be possible as approximately 100 SEIU-United Service Workers West (USWW) members who clean planes, handle baggage, maintain safety at the airport and assist wheelchair passengers will rally as they seek a higher living wage following a stalled vote at Los Angeles City Council.

With Thanksgiving just a week away, more than two-thirds (68 percent) of Americans are planning at least one overnight trip that's 50-plus miles away from their home between November 2024 and January 2025, according to a recent survey conducted by Enterprise Mobility. Of those trips, 55 percent are planned to take place on the road this holiday season.

Travelers are expected to be busy checking items off their bucket lists in 2025, journeying to new locales and engaging in customized experiences. A new advisor survey from TravelSavers and NEST envisions a travel landscape with fresh destinations rising to the fore and trends that provide more personalization and purpose for vacationers.

Palladium Hotel Group has announced the launch of Grand Palladium Select Collection, a premium offering at its existing resorts. With the Junior Suite as the base room category, this hotel collection combines top-tier services and facilities with culinary experiences and entertainment, all set in locations that offer the best beaches alongside cultural and leisure attractions.

Iceland ’s Blue Lagoon has extended its closure through November 28 as a result of a nearby volcanic eruption. The resort initially closed on November 20 and intended to reopen on November 25; that has now been extended as its entire parking lot is covered by lava.

Accor has announced the signing of Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza, a new luxury hotel in partnership with Abu Dhabi Tourism Investment Company (ADTIC). This property, set to open in late 2027, will be located near the Giza Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum, offering views of Egypt's most iconic landmarks and an immersion into the country’s ancient heritage.

Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson ’s unique collection of hotels and retreats, has partnered with LeBlanq, curators of luxurious cycling and culinary escapes, to launch an exclusive series of the latter’s signature "Joyride Experiences." The first in the planned series will take place at Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas in Mallorca during March 27-30, 2025. The curated three-night escape will combine cycling routes through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Tramuntana mountains, guided by former professional cyclist Juan Antonio Flecha, with gastronomic menus created by acclaimed Spanish chef José Pizarro.