​Travelgate, part of the Travelsoft Group, has acquired AO UK Ltd, bringing enterprise content orchestration into the core of its platform. The acquisition adds over 20 years of product information expertise to a network that connects more than 1,000 Buyers and Sellers worldwide — closing the gap between distributing hotel inventory and making it ready to sell.. AO UK, founded in 2006 and headquartered in the United Kingdom, develops AO Campaign: an enterprise platform unifying Product Information Management (PIM), Digital Asset Management (DAM) and Master Data Management (MDM). The software serves enterprise clients across all travel sectors, with operational teams in the UK, Australia and North America.. A new layer on top of connectivity. Travelgate has built the infrastructure behind hotel connectivity — enabling Buyers and Sellers to exchange inventory at scale through a fast, reliable and standardised API.. With the acquisition of AO UK, Travelgate extends this platform with a new layer: content orchestration and quality management at scale.. This adds a critical capability to the platform:. ADVERTISEMENT. Sellers can create, enrich and control their content with precision. Buyers receive consistent, channel-ready content across all markets. AO Campaign 5, the platform’s latest release, introduces AI-powered content operations, including:. Workflow automation. Multilingual and multi-channel publishing. Personalised documentation generation. Digital asset management. End-to-end content auditability. AI Agents automate tasks traditionally handled through fragmented tools and manual processes — from content quality validation and release sequencing to real-time channel formatting.. For Travelgate Partners, this means one unified platform that governs both:. the movement of hotel inventory, and. the quality and consistency of that inventory. What the acquisition means in practice. Travelgate and AO UK bring together highly complementary capabilities across hotel distribution and content.. Travelgate operates a global network connecting online travel agencies, tour operators, bedbanks and accommodation providers across more than 1,000 companies.. AO UK contributes nearly three decades of expertise in enterprise content orchestration, with clients across all travel sectors and operational teams across three continents.. Together, they establish a fully integrated distribution stack — from connectivity to content — at global scale.. Brian Malarkey will remain Chief Executive Officer of AO UK Ltd, with Darren Pye continuing in his role as Chief Technology Officer, ensuring continuity of leadership and expertise.. Brian Malarkey, Managing Director, AO UK Ltd: “AO Campaign was engineered for environments where product information complexity is high and commercial consequences are real. Travel has always demanded that standard. Joining Travelgate gives the platform the global scale and industry depth where it will deliver the greatest imp  

​The doors have officially opened today (13 April) on World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2026, marking the start of a three-day showcase running until 15 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Bringing together thousands of travel professionals from across the globe, this year’s edition is being hailed as the event’s most ambitious programme to date—combining innovation, sustainability, and high-level networking opportunities.. A bold, future-focused agenda. WTM Africa 2026 positions itself firmly at the forefront of industry transformation, with a programme built around responsible tourism, innovation, and market access. Organisers have described this year’s event as a “future-focused programme,” reflecting the growing urgency for sustainability across global tourism.. At the heart of the agenda is an expanded Responsible Tourism programme, featuring dedicated half-day conferences on 13 and 14 April. These sessions tackle critical topics such as wildlife tourism economics, anti-greenwashing strategies, and practical implementation models for sustainable operations.. The programme culminates in the prestigious Responsible Tourism Awards, celebrating businesses that are delivering measurable impact and innovation across Africa.. ADVERTISEMENT. What visitors can expect on the show floor. Across the exhibition halls, visitors can expect a dynamic mix of:. Global exhibitors and destinations showcasing products, services, and experiences from across Africa and beyond. Pre-scheduled business meetings and networking sessions designed to generate deals and partnerships. Immersive activations, including conservation-focused initiatives like the “Waddle for a Cause” campaign supporting African penguins. The return of the Crafters Nexus marketplace also highlights the event’s commitment to community-led tourism, giving local artisans a platform to connect with international buyers.. Key conferences and must-attend sessions. This year’s programme introduces several standout events and content tracks:. Africa Tourism Investment Conference (14 April): A full-day forum exploring investment trends, development opportunities, and infrastructure across the continent. China Ready® Workshop (15 April): A new addition aimed at helping businesses tap into the growing Chinese outbound travel market. Wine Tourism and Stellenbosch Experience sessions: Exploring niche travel segments and experiential tourism offerings. In addition, visitors can attend sessions covering AI in travel, traveller psychology, LGBTQ+ tourism, and authenticity in experiences, reflecting the breadth of trends shaping the industry.. Networking, awards and evening events. WTM Africa is as much about connections as it is about content. The programme includes:. Official Opening Ceremony (13 April): Welcoming global delegates and setting the tone for the event. Africa Travel Week Media Awards: Recognising excellence in travel journalism and storytelling. Hosted Buyer  

​As Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continues to accelerate, the Kingdom is further strengthening its position as a leading global destination, with an ambitious target of attracting 150 million tourists by 2030. In step with this momentum, Edge Riyadh Al Rabie, the latest hotel under the “Edge by Rotana” brand, is now officially open, introducing a contemporary hospitality address designed for the pace and expectations of modern Riyadh.. Located in the lively Al Rabie district, the hotel brings together contemporary design and the warmth of Arabian hospitality to create a seamless stay experience for both business and leisure travellers. The property features 71 modern rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed to balance comfort, style, and functionality.. The opening forms part of the strategic partnership between Rotana and MEMAR Development & Investment Company to introduce multiple hotels under the “Edge by Rotana” brand across the Kingdom. It reflects a shared vision to deliver high quality, scalable hospitality experiences that support Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism landscape.. At the heart of the hotel is a strong emphasis on social, dining, and lifestyle experiences. Guests are welcomed into a well-designed lobby that sets the tone for a stay that is both comfortable and connected. Dining options include The Alley for a go-to sports bar to watch live games and enjoy great food, Bistro Lounge where we proudly serve Bateel coffee, light bites, and informal meetings, and Bistro & Co. the social dining hub for a more relaxed social setting serving international cuisine.. For business and social events, the hotel offers a grand ballroom accommodating up to 550 guests, alongside 8 versatile meeting rooms, boardrooms, and elegant pre function areas, making it well suited for conferences, corporate gatherings, and celebrations.. ADVERTISEMENT. Wellness also plays an important role in the guest experience. Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club features a fully equipped gym along with a dedicated wellness area that includes a signature Moroccan bath, sauna, steam rooms, and curated treatment offerings, creating a complete environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.. Commenting on the opening, Kozhaya Tannous, Cluster General Manager, said:. “Edge Riyadh Al Rabie marks an important addition to Riyadh’s hospitality landscape, bringing together comfort, functionality, and a fresh urban energy in one of the city’s most dynamic districts. As demand continues to grow across the capital, we are proud to introduce a hotel that is designed to meet the needs of today’s traveller, whether visiting for business, leisure, or social occasions, while reflecting the quality, consistency, and hospitality Rotana is known for.”. Guided by the philosophy “Designed for Business, Inspired by Comfort.” Edge Riyadh Al Rabie delivers a well-rounded hospitality experience where productivity, relaxation, and connection come together naturally. From its co  

​In a world where 68% of working adults crave better work-life balance and extreme wellness feels out of reach, Novotel has introduced the Novotel 37 Collective – a game-changing community of world-class athletes, culinary innovators, and wellness experts united by one revolutionary belief: small, sustainable changes compound into extraordinary transformations.. The Collective’s name reflects a powerful mathematical truth – just 1% improvement each day compounds to create 37-fold positive change over a year. This isn’t about perfection or radical lifestyle overhauls. It’s about proving that longevity and wellbeing are achievable through simple, enjoyable daily choices.. “We’re democratizing longevity,” said Jean-Yves Minet, Novotel Global Brand President. “For too long, wellness has been positioned as a luxury pursuit requiring extreme measures. The Novotel 37 Collective proves that extraordinary health and happiness come from small, consistent actions anyone can take – whether you’re traveling for business, planning a family vacation, or simply living your daily life.”. ADVERTISEMENT. Meet the Trailblazers Leading the Movement. The Novotel 37 Collective continues to grow, bringing together diverse and inspiring voices who embody the power of small, consistent improvements. Each member represents a different facet of the movement – from movement and nutrition to connection and sleep – demonstrating how 1% daily actions can transform wellbeing in joyful, sustainable ways.. Kauli Vaast – The 22-year-old Tahitian sensation didn’t just ride waves to Olympic gold at Paris 2024; he redefined what’s possible through disciplined daily practice and deep connection to nature. His approach to incremental improvement mirrors the ocean’s patient power.. Alfie Steiner – The plant-forward culinary revolutionary is transforming how we think about food, proving that delicious, nourishing meals can fuel both personal health and planetary wellbeing without sacrificing flavour or satisfaction.. Javier Pastore – The former Paris Saint-Germain maestro, celebrated for his extraordinary vision and technical brilliance, brings elite-level insights into mental clarity, strategic thinking, and the daily habits that sustained a world-class career.. Olivia Arezzolo – Olivia Arezzolo is Novotel’s Sleep Expert, Australia’s leading sleep expert and worldwide keynote speaker. With a best-selling book in 10 countries, Olivia translates sleep science into practical, actionable advice; and helps us use sleep as a strategy – for performance, leadership and longevity.. The Case for a Longevity Revolution. Novotel’s research reveals that travellers are actively seeking realistic, sustainable ways to enhance their wellbeing. Traditional wellness trends often require extreme commitments, but the data shows that small, consistent steps are what truly create long-term change. The Novotel 37 Collective aligns with this insight by offering pr  

​World-renowned hospitality brand and one of Accor’s leading luxury brands, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts invites travelers to discover a curated lineup of exceptional experiences unfolding across its global portfolio from spring into summer. From landmark city hotels and iconic resort retreats to coastal hideaways and mountain escapes, Fairmont continues to bring each destination to life through inspired culinary programming, celebratory seasonal moments, family-friendly adventures, wellness offerings and immersive local experiences.. From now through early summer, guests can look forward to Mother’s Day brunches and teas, nature activities for Earth Day, early summer experiences from Seattle to Toronto, dining debuts and reimagined culinary chapters. Across Fairmont’s global collection, these thoughtfully curated moments invite guests to gather, celebrate and reconnect in extraordinary settings around the world.. Grounded in Nature. Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown are celebrating cherry blossom season with limited-time afternoon tea experiences. At Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, the hotel welcomes the return of the season with its Sakura Afternoon Tea, an elegant celebration of renewal, beauty and refined indulgence that blends the tradition of afternoon tea with subtle Japanese influences, while Fairmont Washington, D.C., Georgetown offers Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea Fridays through Sundays now through April 12 in festive cherry blossom-themed décor, featuring a menu of savory and sweet cherry delights by Executive Chef Jaime Montes de Oca and Executive Pastry Chef Lyndsey Barton.. On April 25, Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu marks Earth Day with a series of activities centered on sustainability and environmental awareness, including a zero-waste culinary workshop focused on radishes, featuring a pesto made from radish tops and pickled radishes in collaboration with a local farm, as well as a green and historical tour of the property highlighting both its heritage and environmental initiatives, and a zero-waste dessert featured at Le Saint-Laurent restaurant.. At Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, the arrival of spring is celebrated through Quebec’s beloved maple season with the Château Sugar Chic experience, offered through April 12. Rooted in one of the province’s most cherished natural traditions, the seasonal program invites guests to connect with the rhythms of spring through curated activities including culinary demonstrations, tasting workshops and guided tours of Quebec City. Across Champlain, Bistro Le SAM and Bar 1608, exclusive dishes, desserts and cocktails showcase maple in inventive and indulgent ways, highlighting the deep connection between regional heritage, local ingredients and the season’s renewal.. ADVERTISEMENT. Celebrate Mom in Style. At Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle, spring celebrations begin with Haute Tea on April 26, a fashioninspired tea experience hosted in the Sunlit Garden Room