Travel News

From 20 September 2026, UK train passengers with cancelled tickets can use them on other operators’ services within two hours. The policy expands cross-operator ticket acceptance to include major companies such as Avanti West Coast and Chiltern Railways.

Kenya signed strategic aviation agreements with Emirates and Qatar Airways to more than double Middle East visitor arrivals to 50,000 by 2026, aiming to generate KSh15 billion in additional revenue. The Kenya Tourism Board is shifting focus to direct booking conversions using airline networks and targeting high-net-worth Gulf visitors.

Peachtree Group started construction on a 480-room Embassy Suites and Tempo by Hilton hotel in downtown Austin, expected to open in early 2029. The dual-branded 30-story hotel includes extensive amenities and is located near key city landmarks.

UAE hotels expect weak occupancy in Q4 2026, with full recovery projected in 2027. Travel from Europe and the U.S. is forecast to normalize by Q2 2027.

More than 1,000 UK flights were cancelled on September 8, 2026, due to a technical failure at NATS. Flight operations began returning to normal by September 10 amid ongoing investigations.

India has extended a waiver on the visa fee for Thai nationals applying for a 30-day e-Tourist visa until December 31, 2027. The visa allows double entry, and applicants must still receive online approval before travel.

The Arabian Travel Market 2026 opened in Dubai on September 14 with over 2,800 exhibitors presenting travel technology. The event emphasized AI's expanding role in trip planning and highlighted China-Middle East collaboration.

The 22nd Akwaaba African Travel Market opened on September 13, 2026, in Lagos, focusing on sports tourism linked to AFCON 2027. The event also marked the return of the African Tour Operators’ Summit to promote regional travel packages.

Illinois has secured funding to restart passenger rail service between Chicago and the Quad Cities, dormant since 1979. The Federal Railroad Administration extended access to a key 2010 grant, enabling infrastructure improvements and negotiations with freight railroads to move forward.

Vietnam targets up to 50 million international visitors and $90 billion in tourism revenue by 2030. The plan also sets 2026 targets for 25-27 million foreign visitors and over 150 million domestic trips.