​BTN delivers exclusive video interviews from WTM Africa 2026, one of the leading B2B travel and tourism events on the continent, bringing together top buyers, exhibitors, and industry decision-makers from across Africa and around the world. Influential leaders and senior executives share expert insights into regional and global travel trends, sustainable tourism development, digital innovation, investment and partnership opportunities, destination growth strategies, and the evolving frameworks shaping the future of the African travel marketplace.  

​One Planet Group, a closely held private equity firm that owns and operates a portfolio of technology and media businesses, today announced the upcoming launch of Quite Remarkable, a new travel and lifestyle company built to redefine the standards of modern luxury through technology, service, one-of-a kind properties, experiences and intentional design. The platform is slated for initial launch in Fall 2026.. Backed by a planned investment of $50 million from One Planet Group, Quite Remarkable is being built as an AI-native platform intended to support personalization and operational efficiency designed to scale a new category of luxury. The company is focused on delivering consistently elevated, highly personalized experiences across travel, living and wellness.. As global travel continues to expand, Quite Remarkable is being built with an awareness that tourism, particularly at the high end, can have unintended impacts on local communities. Guided by One Planet Group’s focus on the ripple effect of its investments, the company is committed to operating with intention, with a meaningful portion of profits directed toward affordable housing initiatives and support for local communities.. Founded on the belief that luxury should be both elevated, meaningful, and deeply human, Quite Remarkable introduces a model that combines precision planning with distinctive and memorable travel experiences. Travelers will have access to a thoughtfully curated portfolio of homes, immersive experiences, and transformative programming. The platform is designed to deliver a high-quality experience across its portfolio, with ongoing curation and evaluation guiding its standards.. “Luxury today is no longer just about access. It is about relevance, trust, and how deeply an experience resonates,” said Payam Zamani, Founder and CEO of One Planet Group and Quite Remarkable. “With Quite Remarkable, we are building a platform that reflects a more intentional way of living and traveling, where technology enhances human connection and every experience is designed to create lasting memories.”. ADVERTISEMENT. Quite Remarkable is being built as an AI-native platform from the ground up, enabling intelligent personalization, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement across the customer journey. This foundation supports scale while preserving a high-touch, concierge-level experience.. The launch builds on One Planet Group’s track record of investing in and transforming businesses at scale. The firm previously invested $15 million in Inspirato, where under Zamani’s leadership as Chairman and CEO, the company executed a strategic turnaround focused on operational discipline and member experience. That transformation led to the company’s profitability and successful sale to Exclusive Collective in early 2026.. With Quite Remarkable, One Planet Group is taking a broader view of the market and expanding beyond traditional luxury membership only models. The pla  

​TLC Jet, a leading private aviation charter provider renowned for providing the smartest way to fly private, today announced a partnership with American Airlines. This collaboration integrates American’s award-winning AAdvantage® program, enabling TLC Jet clients who are AAdvantage® members to earn AAdvantage® miles and Loyalty Points when flying private with TLC Jet. Customers who are not yet AAdvantage® members can join for free by visiting American’s website.. “Today’s travelers are seeking more premium experiences,” said Steve Johnson, American’s Vice Chair and Chief Strategy Officer. “As a leading premium airline, we’re committed to exploring new ways we can elevate the journey for our customers both in the services we offer and those of our partners.”. American created the first airline loyalty program with the launch of the AAdvantage® program and continues to expand the program with valuable partners like TLC Jet. By enhancing the award-winning AAdvantage® program, American is creating more opportunities for members to earn miles and Loyalty Points through everyday activities or when flying private with TLC Jet that they can then redeem later for experiences that matter most to them.. “This partnership bridges two worlds—the flexibility and efficiency of flying private with TLC Jet and the global reach of American Airlines, an iconic airline reaching more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries,” stated Justin Firestone, Founder and President, TLC Jet. “Our mutual clientele can now optimize every dollar spent, whether traveling privately or commercially, while enjoying an elevated travel experience.”. This partnership underscores TLC Jet’s unwavering commitment to lead the private aviation industry as the smartest way to fly private.. ADVERTISEMENT  

​As the first leaves return to the vines, Charentes slips into one of its most appealing seasons. Spring remains something of an insider’s secret. Between April and June, this quietly compelling French destination near Bordeaux offers something increasingly rare: space, authenticity and the freedom to savour it at your own pace. The roads are quieter and the experiences – from tastings to tours – feel more personal. With seasonal direct flights from the UK to La Rochelle, just a 2h30 train ride from Paris, and straightforward rail connections between Angoulême, Saintes and Cognac itself, exploring the region is sustainable and effortless.. Serene natural beauty and the great outdoors. Spring in Charentes is defined by lush landscapes. Rolling vineyards stretch across one of France’s largest AOC areas, offering ideal conditions for cycling and walking, while the tranquil rivers and waterways allow for laid-back river cruising. The ‘Apéro Boat’ Cruise with Charentes in Flow (new for 2026) combines a peaceful cruise along the River Charente with a Cognac tasting, paired with local delicacies.. For keen cyclists, five European and national routes weave through the countryside, including the vineyards of Hennessy and Rémy Martin, with several Cognac houses offering tours and tastings. Routes such as La Flow Vélo – a 400km trail of gentle riding from Île d’Aix to Dordogne, passing through Rochefort, Saintes, the archaeological site of Angeac-Charente, Cognac and Angoulême – offer an unhurried way to discover the region’s rich heritage and scenic beauty.. Towns of culture, heritage and history. ADVERTISEMENT. At the heart of the region lies the town of Cognac itself, birthplace of French king Francis I. Nearby Jarnac and Segonzac sit at the heart of the vineyards, surrounded by estates that define the region’s production such as Maison Courvoisier, one of the ‘big four’ producers. Those with a thirst to understand the distilling and ageing process of Cognac can visit the cellars, as well as those of the local winegrowers.. Nearby Angoulême is known as the capital of French comic strips and is a UNESCO Creative City, while to the west, Saintes offers a striking layer of Gallo-Roman history spanning two millennia with an impressive array of period monuments. The Vals de Saintonge is an area of blissful landscapes dotted with idyllic villages and takes pride in offering engaging activities from geocaching trails and escape games to river outings, parks and interactive heritage visits, perfect for families looking to explore the region.. On the coast, the port city of La Rochelle combines history with a dynamic and young energy, with a selection of great restaurants and bars such as Le Mary Lili, while nearby Royan retains the feel of a classic Belle-Époque seaside resort. Perched above the Gironde estuary, Talmont-sur-Gironde stands apart as one of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, combining dramatic ocean views with an historic  

​This summer, Gaylord Hotels invites guests to step into a season of spectacular experiences with the announcement of Super Hero Summer featuring DC and All-American SummerFest. From exclusive DC Super Hero activities to festive firework shows and water park celebrations, Gaylord Hotels delivers the ultimate summer destination for families and guests of all ages. Spanning coast to coast across six iconic resorts, Gaylord Hotels builds on its legacy of all‑under‑one‑roof immersive entertainment across its signature atriums, water parks and dining venues designed to create unforgettable moments together. To book rooms and buy activity tickets, visit www.gaylordhotels.com.. DC Super Heroes Arrive at Select Gaylord Hotels this Summer. Gaylord Hotels presents Super Hero Summer featuring DC, building upon the brand’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences (WBDGE) to deliver immersive summer entertainment inspired by DC’s legendary stories and characters. Guests can take their fandom further through spectacular atrium light shows, interactive Super Hero scavenger hunts, themed character dining and Super Hero waterpark celebrations.. Super Hero Summer expands to new destinations this year, debuting at Gaylord National Resort in National Harbor, Md. and Gaylord Pacific Resort in Chula Vista, Calif., while returning to Gaylord Palms Resort in Kissimmee, Fla. and Gaylord Rockies Resort in Aurora, Colo.. Super Hero Summer Featuring DC Programming Highlights include:. DC Super Hero’s Mission Checklist: Begin the adventure at check in with a Super Hero badge and a checklist of challenges to complete across the resort.. Battle for Justice Light Show: Watch the mesmerizing clash between DC’s greatest Super Heroes and Super-Villains unfold across the night sky through electrifying visuals, stunning lighting effects and a cinematic musical score.. Revenge of the Riddler Scavenger Hunt: Guests will put their wits to the test as The Riddler challenges them with a series of cleverly concealed puzzles throughout the resort, inviting participants to solve riddles, crack the code and save the day.. DC Super Hero Academy Live Show: Hear legendary tales straight from the comic books! But this isn’t just story time, it’s a chance for guests to jump into the action and flex their superpowers. Solve puzzles, test heroic instincts and craft a personal adventure. Stay sharp – Heroes may make a surprise appearance.. DC Super Hero Splash Bash: Splash into an unforgettable poolside celebration packed with superhero games, DC trivia, epic waterslides and DJ-spun beats. It’s the ultimate splash bash for heroes of all ages.. Hall of Justice Character Dining: Guests can fuel their inner powers at the Justice League’s dining hall. Members of the Justice League join guests at this one-of-a-kind dining experience packed with epic eats and stories of courage and truth.. DC Super Hero Menu: Super Hero-inspired appetizers, mighty entrees and legen