As part of the Global Travel & Tourism Executive Immersion taking place at Alibaba Headquarters in Hangzhou on May 29 2026, Breaking Travel News and the Global Resilience Network undertook a series of filmed executive interviews designed to explore the future intersection of AI, commerce, mobility, payments, customer experience, and global travel ecosystems.

Nobu, the globally recognized luxury lifestyle brand, is pleased to announce its arrival in Bellevue, Washington through the rebranding of two luxury residential towers as Nobu Bellevue Residences.

Owned by Silverstein Properties, the project marks the first completed and move-in ready Nobu-branded residential development in the United States and introduces a new hospitality-led residential offering being sold by Polaris Pacific as sales agent for Silverstein.

Located in the heart of Downtown Bellevue, the mixed-use development spans a full city block and includes two residential towers alongside curated retail, dining, and hospitality experiences. As part of the transformation, Nobu will introduce branded public spaces, signature residential services, and a future Nobu restaurant anticipated to open in 2027.

The repositioning reflects Nobu’s continued global expansion within the luxury residential sector, bringing together the brand’s signature proach to design, service, and lifestyle within one of the country’s fastest-growing luxury markets. The project will relaunch under the Nobu brand in late 2026, with residences available for immediate occupancy.

Nobu Residences Bellevue represents an important milestone for our residential growth in the United States, said Trevor Horwell, Chief Executive Officer of Nobu Hospitality. Bellevue continues to emerge as a global city for innovation, culture, and luxury living, making it a natural fit for the Nobu lifestyle. Together with our partners, we are creating a residential experience rooted in thoughtful design, service from the heart, and a strong sense of place.

The reimagined residences will embody Nobu’s design philosophy of understated luxury, blending Janese minimalism with the warmth and natural textures of the Pacific Northwest. Residents will benefit from a hospitality-driven lifestyle experience with elevated services, curated amenities, and direct access to Nobu dining.

The residences are comprised of 365 luxury condominiums featuring expansive homes with panoramic views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains—offering a rare combination of privacy, design, and urban connectivity in the heart of Downtown Bellevue.

Bellevue has established itself as a sophisticated, globally connected luxury destination, and this project will define its next chter, said Shawn Katz, President of Silverstein Cital Partners. Our partnership with Nobu is rooted in a shared vision: to deliver a landmark lifestyle experience defined by world-class dining, extraordinary design, and uncompromising service. With a Nobu restaurant and the introduction of Nobu Residences to the Pacific Northwest, we are not just raising the bar. We are setting an entirely new one.

As Nobu continues expanding its residential portfolio globally, Bellevue joins a growing collection of Nobu Residences destinations across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, further reinforcing the brand’s evolution beyond hospitality into fully integrated lifestyle living.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Division of Festivals, is proud to announce the 2026 St. John Celebration, will be taking place from June 14 through July 4, 2026. This beloved annual festival will once again bring together residents and visitors for weeks of culture, music, cuisine, and community under the vibrant theme: History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.

Rooted in tradition and cultural pride, St. John Celebration culminates in a vibrant fusion of festivities honoring both Emancipation Day and Independence Day in the territory. From lively village nights and cultural showcases to boat races, parades, and fireworks, the celebration reflects the rich heritage and enduring spirit of the Virgin Islands.

St. John Celebration is one of the Territory’s most cherished cultural traditions and an important opportunity to showcase the vibrant spirit of our people and natural beauty of our islands, said Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner of Tourism. Each year, the celebration brings together generations of Virgin Islanders and visitors alike to honor our history, embrace our culture, and experience the warmth and hospitality that define the U.S. Virgin Islands.

2026 St. John Celebration honorees will also be recognized for their outstanding contributions to the culture, service, and spirit of the Virgin Islands. This year’s honorees include Jennifer Williams as Food Fair Honoree, Tishelle Knight as Village Honoree, and Lisa Penn as Parade Marshal.

Key Events Include:

June 14: Pan-O-Rama – An evening of electrifying steel pan performances at Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park.
June 20: Royalty Show – Celebrating the poise, talent, and cultural pride of St. John’s ambassadors.
June 21: Food Fair, Coronation & Boat Races – Featuring local cuisine, cultural displays, and the official coronation festivities at Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park. Exciting boat races will also take place in Cruz Bay Harbor showcasing the Territory’s maritime traditions.
June 27: Beach Jam – A lively waterfront event with music and entertainment at Cruz Bay Harbor.
June 28: Opening of Celebration Village 2026 – The official opening of Celebration Village featuring nightly entertainment, food vendors, and cultural activities in Cruz Bay.
June 28 – July 4: Village Nights – Evening events with live music, food vendors, and community activities.
July 3: J’ouvert, Emancipation Day Program, & Torch Light Parade– An early morning street celebration filled with music, dancing, and revelry beginning at sunrise in St. John National Park followed by a program honoring the abolition of slavery in the Virgin Islands. The torch light evening procession will begin at 7pm
July 4: St. John Celebration Parade & Fireworks Display 2026 – A colorful parade through Cruz Bay highlighting cultural groups, performers, and community organizations followed by a spectacular fireworks show over Cruz Bay Harbor closing out the celebration.
The festival’s signature events will spotlight local musicians, artisans, dancers, and chefs. Residents and visitors alike can enjoy performances by local musicians, dancers, and cultural groups, as well that highlight the creativity and traditions of St. John.

Our goal each year is to preserve and celebrate the cultural traditions that make St. John so unique while creating memorable experiences for everyone who attends, said Ian Turnbull, Director of Festivals and Events. From traditional performances to the local cuisine, St. John Celebration continues to showcase the true spirit of island culture.

St. John Celebration 2026 is open to the public and welcomes attendees from around the world to experience the culture, history, and festive energy of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit

For years, India’s cruise tourism story has been defined more by potential than scale.

Despite possessing a coastline stretching over 7,500 kilometres and a growing middle class with rising discretionary spending, cruise holidays continue to account for only a fraction of the country’s overall leisure travel market. Yet the sector is once again preparing for its next growth phase.

At the centre of that expansion is Cordelia Cruises, India’s only domestic cruise operator, which is preparing to induct two additional vessels over the next two years while simultaneously pursuing an initial public offering (IPO). The company believes a combination of expanding port infrastructure, growing consumer awareness and changing travel behaviour could help cruising move beyond its niche status in India.

In an interaction with ETTravelWorld, Cordelia Cruises President and CEO Jurgen Bailom outlined the company’s expansion plans, including the arrival of Cordelia Sky in October 2026, followed by a second vessel, Cordelia Sun. Together, the additions will significantly increase the company’s cacity and allow it to expand both domestic and international itineraries.

Beyond Goa and Mumbai

One of the biggest challenges facing India’s cruise sector has been its limited destination network.

While Mumbai-Goa sailings have emerged as the industry’s most visible route, cruise operators have long argued that sustained growth depends on creating a wider ecosystem of destinations and ports.

Bailom said the company is working with government agencies to support the development of new cruise circuits across the country. Ports and destinations under consideration include Dwarka, Porbandar, Puri, Kolkata, Puducherry and Odisha, alongside existing operations in Mumbai, Goa, Kochi and Lakshadweep.

The company’s plans align closely with the government’s Cruise Bharat Mission, which aims to expand cruise infrastructure and develop new cruise destinations over the coming decades.

Industry experts, however, note that infrastructure development remains one of the sector’s biggest bottlenecks. Unlike established cruise markets in Europe, North America and parts of Asia, India’s cruise ecosystem continues to rely on a limited number of operational ports cable of handling large vessels efficiently.

The short-holiday opportunity

Cordelia’s strategy also reflects changing travel patterns among Indian consumers.

According to Bailom, post-pandemic travel behaviour has shifted towards shorter and more frequent holidays, with travellers increasingly opting for three- to four-day breaks rather than extended vacations.

This trend has become particularly relevant for cruise operators, whose products naturally fit into long-weekend and short-break travel formats.

The company says its average passenger age is around 34 years, suggesting that cruising is attracting a younger demogrhic than many traditional international cruise markets.

Weddings and MICE emerge as growth segments

Beyond leisure travel, Cordelia is increasingly targeting the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) market as well as destination weddings.

Bailom indicated that corporate events, incentives and wedding-related travel already account for a substantial share of business, reflecting a broader industry trend where experiential venues are increasingly competing with traditional hotels and resorts.

Cruises offer organisers accommodation, dining, entertainment and event infrastructure within a single venue, making them attractive for certain categories of group travel.

International ambitions

The induction of larger vessels will also enable the company to expand beyond domestic routes.

Future itineraries are expected to include additional sailings to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Malaysia, Singore and Thailand, while the company is also evaluating longer international voyages. One proposed itinerary includes a 34-day sailing from Mumbai to Sydney with multiple stops along the route.

While such long-haul itineraries remain a niche proposition, they signal the operator’s ambition to participate in a broader regional cruise market.

Growth story still evolving

The expansion plans come at a time when cruise tourism is receiving increased policy attention in India.

The government has repeatedly highlighted cruise tourism as an important component of its Blue Economy vision and has identified the sector as a future contributor to tourism growth, coastal development and employment generation.

Yet challenges remain.

Awareness levels continue to be relatively low compared with other holiday formats. Infrastructure gs persist. Cruise penetration remains limited. And operators still face the task of convincing Indian travellers that cruising is more than a novelty product.

For Cordelia, therefore, the arrival of new ships may represent only one part of the equation.

The bigger challenge—and opportunity—lies in whether India’s cruise industry can finally convert years of promise into a sustainable and scalable tourism segment.

As the sector prepares for a fresh round of investment and expansion, the next few years may determine whether cruising becomes a mainstream holiday choice for Indian travellers or continues to remain a niche corner of the tourism market.

Sandbox VR, the world’s premier destination for premium location-based virtual reality experiences, today announced the opening of a new location at Town Square near the Las Vegas Strip. This marks the third location in the city, which can draw more than 40 million tourists per year (

Sandbox VR, which operates both corporate-owned locations and a robust franchise program, recently hit $300M in lifetime sales and has scaled to more than 80 global locations across five continents and 12 countries since launching in 2016. The company has been redefining group entertainment with immersive experiences that transform any outing into lasting memories. Built by a team of veteran developers from EA, Sony, and Ubisoft, Sandbox VR delivers full-body immersion through exclusive content and original experiences, including the recently launched Stranger Things: Catalyst, in collaboration with Netflix, offering guests the opportunity to step out of everyday reality into unforgettable adventures with friends and family.

Las Vegas is one of the world’s most visited destinations, making it a natural choice for expansion as we continue to meet growing consumer demand, said Steve Zhao, CEO and Founder of Sandbox VR. We’re energized by our global momentum and excited to bring even more immersive experiences to guests through additional locations.

Town Square is becoming a vibrant hub for social entertainment, and we are thrilled to open our doors alongside neighbors like Activate and Popstroke. We are thrilled to be part of the Future of Entertainment. We want to invite our guests to step into the world of next-generation virtual reality, where technology and storytelling merge to create mind-blowing, immersive experiences. Introducing something as exciting as Sandbox VR to the local community is a dream come true for my team and me, said Cory Zhong, Owner and Manager of Sandbox VR Town Square.

Sandbox VR’s new Las Vegas location in the entertainment wing of Town Square is an entertainment space featuring four private rooms for virtual reality gameplay, where groups of up to six guests suit up with headsets, htic vests, and motion sensors for full-body immersion. This technology allows players to see and physically interact with one another, creating the feeling of living inside the action together. The premium experience extends from arrival to exit, with personalized highlight videos allowing guests to relive and share their adventures.

Guests can choose from any of eleven exclusive immersive experiences created by Sandbox VR’s in-house team of video game industry veterans, including the newly launched, family-friendly Age of Dinosaurs experience, created in partnership with the Natural History Museum of London and leading dinosaur experts. Age of Dinosaurs features the most realistic 3D dinosaurs ever presented in virtual reality. Additional experiences include the horror-thriller based Stranger Things: Catalyst, Deadwood PHOBIA, Deadwood Valley, and Deadwood Mansion; sci-fi fantasies Rebel Moon: The Descent, Seekers of the Shard: Dragonfire, and Amber Sky 2088; family-friendly experiences Squid Game Virtuals and Curse of Davy Jones; and the action-combat UFL: Unbound Fighting League.

For more information, visit