AEGEAN and Icelandair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a codeshare partnership, aiming to boost the connectivity between Greece and Iceland and expand the travel options of their passengers.

This partnership will allow passengers to travel across the AEGEAN and Icelandair networks under a single booking, enjoying a seamless travel experience. Icelandair passengers will gain access to destinations across Greece, while AEGEAN passengers will be able to travel to Iceland. Additional details regarding the codeshare routes will be provided in due course.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the 82nd IATA AGM, held in Rio de Janeiro.

Michalis Kouveliotis, Deputy CEO of AEGEAN, commented: Our partnership with Icelandair creates new connectivity opportunities between Greece and Iceland, further expanding the options we offer to our passengers. Through this partnership, passengers of both airlines will have access to more destinations via seamless connections and a unified travel experience.

Bogi Nils Bogason, President and CEO of Icelandair, commented: We are excited to announce our strategic partnership with AEGEAN, opening opportunities for our passengers traveling between Greece and Iceland. We welcome AEGEAN as a valued partner and look forward to working together to make the journeys of our passengers smooth and enjoyable.

The agreement is part of AEGEAN’s strategy for the continuous boost of its network connectivity, expanding its presence in markets with growing tourism interest.

For decades, outbound travel from India was largely centred around destinations—visiting iconic landmarks, ticking countries off bucket lists and pursuing traditional sightseeing itineraries. Today, that model is ridly evolving.

A growing segment of Indian travellers is increasingly planning trips around experiences rather than destinations, with music festivals, cultural gatherings, sporting events and community-led travel formats emerging as major drivers of outbound tourism. According to industry stakeholders, travellers are no longer asking where they should go, but what they want to experience once they get there.

This shift has created opportunities for specialised travel companies such as Revel Travels, a Bengaluru-headquartered travel company founded in 2002, with a growing focus on experiential and event-led travelwhich has evolved from a traditional travel services provider into a curator of experiential and event-led journeys, including travel programmes around some of the world’s largest music festivals.

Speaking about changing traveller preferences, Sahil Wahid, Director of Revel Travels, said demand for music and cultural tourism has expanded significantly over the past few years.

Revel has built a strong portfolio of global experiential projects, including its role as the official travel partner for Tomorrowland and UNTOLD, two of the world’s most iconic music festivals. In addition, the company has developed curated travel programs around international festivals, luxury yacht experiences, and bespoke group itineraries inspired by formats like Yacht Week —designed for travellers seeking community, exclusivity, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.

We’ve moved from travellers checking off bucket-list destinations to people travelling repeatedly, specifically for music festivals, Wahid said. While festivals continue to have massive peal, we’re also seeing growing demand for smaller, more intimate events that offer a stronger sense of community and connection.

Festivals become travel anchors

This trend mirrors broader global tourism shifts, where experiences increasingly influence destination choice.

Large-scale events such as music festivals have become tourism catalysts, encouraging travellers to extend stays, explore local culture and engage with destinations in ways traditional sightseeing often does not.

According to Wahid, Indian travellers are increasingly seeking curated, immersive experiences that combine world-class entertainment with exclusivity and cultural engagement.

The evolved Indian traveller is seeking experiences that feel personal and curated. They’re not just attending once—they’re returning year after year because they’re chasing a particular feeling and sense of belonging, he said.

Managing travel at scale

The growing popularity of event-led tourism has also introduced new operational complexities.

Managing travel for large international events involves far more than booking flights and accommodation. It requires coordinating visas, transportation, local logistics and contingency planning for hundreds of travellers simultaneously.

Wahid said unexpected disruptions remain one of the biggest challenges in the business.

A sudden road closure can mean reorganising transport plans for hundreds of guests. Passport issues, last-minute visa rejections and unforeseen operational disruptions are realities that require dedicated systems and rid response mechanisms, he said.

At the same time, scale creates significant advantages. Strong relationships with hotels, airlines and local operators allow travel companies to negotiate better access and deliver experiences that may not be available to individual travellers booking independently.

Reading travel trends before they emerge

One of the defining characteristics of experiential travel is its ability to evolve quickly.

Unlike traditional tourism products that may remain stable for years, experiential travel is heavily influenced by cultural shifts, consumer behaviour and emerging communities.

Wahid believes staying ahead of trends requires direct engagement with the experiences themselves.

We’re not sitting in an office analysing spreadsheets. We’re attending events, travelling, speaking with fellow travellers and understanding what people are looking for before those trends become mainstream, he said.

This hands-on proach has helped identify growing demand for boutique festivals and niche experiences that peal to travellers seeking more meaningful interactions and smaller communities.

Luxury becomes more personal

The evolution of experiential travel is also influencing the luxury segment.

Traditionally associated with premium hotels, first-class flights and exclusive amenities, luxury travel is increasingly being defined by access, personalisation and community.

Wahid pointed to growing interest in formats such as yacht-based travel experiences, where travellers seek not only high-end settings but also opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals.

According to him, community-based luxury travel is likely to become a major growth segment in India over the coming decade.

Today’s traveller doesn’t just want to be in a beautiful destination. They want to be there with the right people, sharing the right experiences and creating meaningful connections, he said.

He added that the growing preference for experience-first travel reflects a broader shift in consumer priorities, where memories and personal stories are increasingly valued over material purchases.

A changing outbound travel landsce

For the travel industry, the rise of music tourism, cultural travel and community-led experiences signals an important evolution in outbound travel demand.

As Indian travellers become more experienced and globally connected, destinations alone may no longer be sufficient to drive travel decisions. Instead, festivals, events, cultural immersion and curated communities are emerging as the new motivators for travel.

The trend also highlights how outbound tourism is becoming increasingly experience-driven, with travellers seeking not just places to visit, but moments to participate in and stories to take home.

For travel companies, that shift could redefine how future journeys are designed, marketed and sold.

On 2 June, Atout France was pleased to unveil the 2026 collection of France’s Palace hotels, an exclusive selection of properties that embody the excellence of French expertise in hospitality. This prestigious distinction, above five star, was re-awarded for the first time in seven years. Recognized for the unique experiences they offer their guests, these flagship establishments of French hospitality now total 33, including six new additions for 2026.

In 2025, Atout France agreed the members of the Palace commission on several occasions to review the plications from establishments seeking renewal of their Palace distinction, valid for three years.

Earlier this year, the Commission also examined plications from new hotels that never previously obtained the distinction.

Following the various review sessions, and upon recommendation of the Commission, Serge Pin, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Commerce, Craft Industries, Tourism and Consumer Affairs, officially awarded the Palace distinction.

As a result, 27 establishments have had their Palace distinction renewed, whilst six new establishments have joined the very exclusive circle of France’s Palace hotels for the first time.

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France now has 33 establishments officially designated as ‘Palaces’:

PARIS

Bvlgari Hotel Paris (new for 2026)
Cheval Blanc Paris (new for 2026)
Fouquet’s Paris (new for 2026)
Four Seasons Hotel George V
Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel
Hotel Plaza Athénée, Dorchester Collection Paris
La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa
The Bristol Paris
Le Meurice, Dorchester Collection Paris
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia Paris
Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris
Shangri-La Paris
The Peninsula Paris
ALPS

Airelles Courchevel, Les Airelles – Courchevel
Cheval Blanc Courchevel – Courchevel
Fouquet’s Courchevel – Courchevel
Four Seasons Resort Megève – Megève (new for 2026)
Royal Hotel – Evian-Les-Bains
L’ogée Courchevel – Courchevel
The K2 Palace – Courchevel
FRENCH RIVIERA – SOUTH-EAST

Airelles Gordes, La Bastide – Gordes
Cranberries Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière – Saint-Tropez
Château Saint-Martin & Spa – Vence
Cheval Blanc St-Tropez – Saint-Tropez
Grand-Hôtel du C-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel – Saint-Jean-C-Ferrat
Hotel du C-Eden-Roc – Antibes
Hotel Martinez Cannes – Cannes (new for 2026)
La Réserve Ramatuelle Hotel, Spa & Villas – Ramatuelle
Villa La Coste – Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade
SOUTH-WEST

Eugénie’s Meadows – Eugénie-Les-Bains
The Sources of Caudalie – Martillac
EAST

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa – Champillon (new for 2026)

FRENCH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES

Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France – Saint-Barthélemy

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Serge Pin, Minister for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Commerce, Craft Industries, Tourism and Consumer Affairs, comments : If France is a must-visit tourist destination for everyone, it is also thanks to the excellence of French hospitality, a fact once again recognized this year by the Palace distinction. We can take pride in seeing our country shine through its expertise. Behind all these prestigious establishments are teams that do incredibly demanding work and whose attention to detail is truly remarkable: to these women and men, I want to say well done. You can be proud of yourselves!

KEY FACTS

The Palace distinction was created in 2010 to showcase France’s most exceptional hotels, a hallmark of the country’s unique hospitality offering. It recognizes, among five-star establishments, those whose outstanding location, historical, aesthetic and/or heritage value, as well as their excellence in service and amenities, place them among the finest properties in French hospitality.

The Palace distinction is an official category, recognized and regulated by the French State. Based on highly demanding and specific criteria, it forms an integral part of France’s proactive policy to promote excellence in tourism. The distinction is awarded for a period of three years following a rigorous assessment process: an initial review conducted by Atout France, followed by an evaluation phase—including site inspections and a hearing before a commission composed of leading figures from the hospitality and luxury sectors, pointed by the Minister responsible for Tourism.

The Palace distinction also provides an opportunity to promote these exceptional properties on the international stage, contributing to the global peal and prestige of Destination France.

Circus Circus Las Vegas, the iconic Las Vegas Strip resort and the city’s premier family-friendly destination, is welcoming in guests this summer to experience the Las Vegas that started it all: coin-operated slots, per bingo cards, mesquite-grilled steaks, circus acts, carnival midway, and a five-acre indoor theme park all under one roof.

With weekend hotel room rates starting at just $28.95 and a 25% discount on Adventuredome theme park tickets for hotel guests, and free Las Vegas Strip parking, the classic Las Vegas vacation is as alive and accessible as ever.

Las Vegas has always been a city built on big experiences and even bigger memories, and at Circus Circus we’re building upon what’s made Las Vegas the entertainment destination for generations, said Shana Gerety, general manager of Circus Circus Las Vegas. Families deserve a summer they’ll talk about for years. Las Vegas can be exciting and fun without the cost overshadowing the entire experience.

Beat the Heat at The Adventuredome: Las Vegas’ Only Indoor Theme Park

Spanning five acres under a climate-controlled glass dome, the Adventuredome at Circus Circus Las Vegas is the largest indoor theme park in the United States and a must-visit Las Vegas attraction for families with kids of all ages. For millions of visitors, it’s where the magic of Las Vegas first clicked, and where summer vacation stories are still being written today. Rides and attractions include:

Canyon Blaster – America’s largest indoor double-loop, double-corkscrew roller coaster
El Loco – A high-intensity coaster featuring a beyond-vertical drop
NebulaZ, Sand Pirate, Inverter, and Twistin’ Tea Cups – Thrills for all ages
Go-Karts and Rock-Climbing Wall – Active adventures for older kids and teens
SpongeBob’s Crazy Carnival Ride – Created by Sally Dark Rides and inspired by Nickelodeon’s beloved animated series, this immersive dark ride transports guests to Bikini Bottom through vivid sets, animatronics, special effects, and projections. Riders join Mr. Krabs’ wacky carnival games while Plankton schemes to steal the Krabby Patty secret formula, a hilarious, sensory adventure that little ones will be talking about long after the trip is over
Arcade, carnival-style games, virtual reality experiences, and an 18-hole miniature golf course
More Family Fun at Circus Circus Las Vegas

Beyond the Adventuredome, Circus Circus delivers a full roster of family entertainment across the entire resort — the kind that pulls everyone away from their screens and into moments worth remembering:

The Midway — One of the most nostalgic spaces on the Las Vegas Strip, the legendary Circus Circus Carnival Midway has been sparking joy for families since 1968. Featuring more than 200 arcade games — from retro classics that parents and grandparents will recognize to the latest in modern gaming — the free-to-explore Midway is one of the rare places where multiple generations can share the same excitement at the same time. At the heart of the Midway, guests can watch free world-class circus acts performed daily on the dedicated circus stage, a signature Circus Circus tradition that has been stopping people in their tracks for more than 50 years.
The Garage — A fully immersive entertainment space featuring Birdly virtual reality (VR) flight simulation, neon-lit mini-bowling lanes, and Full Swing Golf Simulators with multi-sport modes including golf, soccer, baseball, dodgeball, and more.
Splash Zone — The resort’s expansive outdoor pool complex is the perfect Las Vegas summer esce for families looking to create a few hours of pure, unscripted fun. The water park features two pools, whirlpools, a Splash Pad with interactive water cannons, spill buckets, and rain trees, plus a 50-foot slide tower with three slides — the Mat Racer, Aqua Tube, and Speed Slide. Private cabana rentals and poolside bites from the Splash Snacks food truck round out the experience.
Affordable Las Vegas Hotel Rooms for Families

With nearly 4,000 guest rooms — including lodge rooms, tower rooms, suites, and an RV Park — Circus Circus Las Vegas offers some of the most accessible hotel accommodations on the Las Vegas Strip. Weekend rates starting at $28.95, combined with the 25% Adventuredome discount for hotel guests, make it easy to build a full family vacation around a few days of genuine, screen-free, memory-making fun on the Strip.
Classic Las Vegas Lives Here: A Nostalgic Vegas Experience Unlike Any Other on the Strip

For guests who remember Las Vegas before the resorts and celebrity chef restaurants, Circus Circus has preserved something rare: the authentic, unpretentious spirit of the original Las Vegas. A stroll through the resort this summer is a reminder that some of the city’s best experiences have always been the simplest ones, and that the Vegas that made people fall in love with this city in the first place is still very much alive.

THE Steakhouse — In a city where restaurants open and close with the seasons, THE Steakhouse at Circus Circus Las Vegas has earned something almost unheard of on the Strip: generational loyalty both from our guests and our long-standing teammates. A longtime Las Vegas favorite, THE Steakhouse has been part of the Circus Circus story for decades, drawing generations of guests for celebrations, quiet dinners, and the kind of memorable evenings that don’t require a celebrity name above the door. Steaks are grilled center-of-the-room and served with classic pairings in a warm, intimate setting that reflects an era when dining was an experience meant to be savored. Open Monday through Friday 4 p.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Reservations available via OpenTable.
Slots-A-Fun — In an era when Las Vegas gaming has gone increasingly digital, Slots-A-Fun stands art as the only coin-operated casino experience on the Las Vegas Strip. A throwback to classic Vegas gaming since 1968, Slots-A-Fun features 100 coin-operated slot machines ranging from $0.25 to $5, with the retro sounds of clinking coins and flashing lights that feel like a time csule from the city’s golden era. The experience is made complete with bar stles priced the way Vegas used to price them, $2 draft beer, $2 hot dog, $2 shrimp cocktail, and $2 popcorn. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and just steps off the Las Vegas Strip.
Bingo — Circus Circus is home to the only bingo room on the Las Vegas Strip, a purely analog, per and dauber-in-hand experience that has all but dispeared from the modern casino landsce. Sessions run Friday at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.; Saturday at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.; and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Cards start at $30 per session.

Ce Verde’s growing visibility on the international football stage, including recent success and qualification for the FIFA World Cup, is driving fresh interest in the Atlantic nation as a year-round holiday choice, according to UK specialist operator Ce Verde Experience.

With increased global attention on the islands the operator says more travellers are looking beyond Ce Verde’s well-known beach offering and discover its wider peal, including volcanic landsces, Creole culture, live music, hiking and island-hopping experiences.

Ce Verde Experience Product Manager Suzanne Brown said the destination’s profile is shifting among UK holidaymakers.

Ce Verde has always had a unique identity, shed by African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences, alongside warm hospitality and striking natural scenery, she said. What we are seeing now is growing curiosity that goes beyond the beaches, with customers increasingly interested in the culture, music and island experiences.

The increased attention is also being reflected in local life during major football fixtures, where matches are widely screened in bars and cafés across the islands, creating lively social atmospheres that bring communities and visitors together.

On Sal, Resort Manager Tracey Hall said match days often become a focal point for social interaction.

When there’s a big game on, you really feel the islands come alive, she said. People gather in cafés and beachfront bars, share food, talk football and enjoy the atmosphere in a very relaxed, welcoming way. It’s easy for visitors to join in and feel part of it.

On São Vicente, local representative Edson Oliveira said football sits alongside a wider cultural identity that continues to define the islands.

Football is part of everyday life here, but it sits alongside music, festivals and tradition, he said. Visitors are often surprised by the depth of culture, from morna music and Carnival in Mindelo to hiking in Santiago, Santo Antão and the volcanic landsces of Fogo.

Interest in Ce Verde has broadened in recent months, with increased demand for multi-island itineraries that combine beaches, culture and adventure. Holidays often centre on island-hopping experiences that showcase the diversity of the archipelago, from volcanic landsces and mountain hiking trails to colourful towns and golden-sand beaches.

The operator offers ATOL-protected holidays and tailor-made itineraries across eight of the ten islands.

Holiday features include: