The enticing fragrance of grilled spices and local flavors is transforming Africa’s travel and trade landscape. Africa’s rapidly growing food festivals are showcasing the continent’s cuisine and culture as drivers of economic growth. African nations, from Ghana and Kenya to Morocco and Egypt, are using the culinary arts to enhance gastronomy tourism, attract investment, and express their culture to the world.

Gastronomy tourism is now regarded by stakeholders and policymakers as a legitimate form culinary diplomacy to develop Africa. This unique tourism style combines trade, tradition, and innovation to facilitate development across the continent.

Ghana Leads with AfroGastro Festival

In Accra, Ghana’s first government-backed AfroGastro Festival in October 2025 turned dining into a multisensory celebration. The festival, organised under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, drew chefs from twelve African and diaspora nations. Visitors enjoyed modern takes on traditional dishes like jollof rice, fufu, and suya, while live music and dance performances transformed the venue into a cultural stage.

Pop-up kitchens showcased Africa’s culinary diversity — from North African spice markets to West African stews and Southern African grills. The event highlighted Ghana’s growing investment in food-based tourism and its recognition of gastronomy as a strategic export sector.

The ministry described the initiative as part of a national plan to promote “culinary diplomacy,” treating cuisine as a bridge between nations and a tool for strengthening economic partnerships.

Nigeria’s Food Festivals Turn Taste into Tourism

Nigeria’s tourism industry has embraced food as a gateway to cultural experience. The Naija Food Festival and the African Food & Drinks Festival have become annual highlights that attract both local and international visitors.

The Naija Food Festival, held in Lagos in October 2025, featured chefs, producers, and food brands showcasing the diversity of Nigerian cuisine — from smoky jollof and spicy pepper soup to creative fusions that blend indigenous ingredients with global techniques. Organisers reported record attendance, noting that food tourism is helping drive domestic travel and local entrepreneurship.

A week later, the African Food & Drinks Festival, also in Lagos, marked its fifth year with over 30,000 attendees and dozens of culinary exhibitors. The event is set to expand to Abuja in mid-November, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s leading culinary tourism destinations.

Kenya’s Street Food Scene Draws Global Attention

In East Africa, Kenya is using its thriving street food culture to attract urban tourists and international visitors. The Nairobi Street Food Festival, returning for its sixth edition this November,celebrates the city’s vibrant informal dining scene — from chapati and ugali to nyama choma and coastal seafood.

Held at the ASK Arena, the festival transforms local street fare into a platform for creative enterprise. Visitors can sample foods from across the country while enjoying live performances, artisanal coffee tastings, and craft markets. The event also encourages sustainable tourism by spotlighting small food vendors and promoting urban culinary heritage.

Egypt’s Festivals Blend Food, Art, and Heritage

Further north, Egypt continues to solidify its role as a regional hub for culinary and cultural tourism. Cairo Food Week, held from September 25 to October 2, turned the Egyptian capital into a citywide dining showcase. The festival featured collaborations between world-class chefs and rising Egyptian talents, with events staged at landmarks like the Grand Egyptian Museum. Its centrepiece, “The King’s Feast,” combined food, performance, and history in a theatrical dining experience.

Shortly after, Cairo Bites brought a more casual, family-friendly vibe to the Open Air Mall in Madinaty. With more than 30,000 visitors and 100 food brands, the event blended live music, cooking demos, and interactive food “passport” challenges, reinforcing Cairo’s reputation as a gastronomic hotspot that appeals to diverse audiences.

Morocco Blends Trade and Tourism

In North Africa, Morocco continues to integrate gastronomy with commerce. The Africa Food Show Morocco 2025, scheduled for November 19–21 in Casablanca, will connect hundreds of exhibitors from across Africa and Europe.

Part of a broader pan-African series that includes Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire, the trade fair links food producers, buyers, and investors across the value chain — from farming technology to packaging and export logistics. Organisers describe it as “a hub where business meets culture,” reflecting Morocco’s ambition to position itself as a centre for agri-food innovation and sustainable trade.

Building a Pan-African Gastronomy Movement

Across the continent, gastronomy is being redefined as both cultural capital and an economic opportunity. Educational institutions and tourism boards are investing in training programs, food entrepreneurship, and culinary innovation. The goal is to build local value chains that empower farmers, women, and youth while preserving Africa’s culinary heritage.

This trend aligns with a broader continental vision promoted by UN Tourism, which estimates that gastronomy tourism accounts for over 20% of global tourism spending. Though Africa’s share remains modest, it is expanding rapidly as countries diversify beyond wildlife and beach tourism.

Global Support and Regional Collaboration

In March 2025, Tanzania hosted the Second UN Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa in Arusha, co-organised by UN Tourism and the Basque Culinary Centre. The forum promoted gastronomy as a catalyst for inclusive growth, local empowerment, and cross-border cooperation.

Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Pindi Hazara Chana, described gastronomy tourism as vital to UN Tourism’s “Agenda for Africa,” citing its power to preserve heritage, strengthen communities, and build resilience.

The Diaspora Connection and Future Outlook

Ghana’s AfroGastro Festival emphasized the role of Africa’s diaspora in culinary tourism. Caribbean and Latin American chefs converged with their African counterparts, integrating food diplomacy into Ghana’s “Beyond the Return” initiative — a long-term diaspora engagement campaign.

In the same vein, AJABU Cocktail and Spirits Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa, introduced the world to Africa’s evolving craft beverage industry. Global mixologists presented various African-inspired cocktails and showcased the festival as a lifestyle event and tourism draw.

Innovatively, food is developing as a common language across Africa to promote identity. It invites the world to experience the continent’s culinary tourism and strengthen economic relationships. With discerning, global, and trade-boosting tourists, Africa’s culinary destinations will offer stories and opportunities, in addition to food.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Since ChatGPT’s big public debut already close to three years ago, Google has faced persistent questions about its decades-long hold over internet search traffic. That concern surfaced again in recent weeks after a top Apple executive alluded to a decline in search traffic on iPhone (where Google is the default search engine in the Safari browser) during court testimony. Amid a stock slide, Google was quick to issue a statement saying its search business was fine. In an earlier panic over ChatGPT, Google founder Sergey Brin spoke out to say he has full confidence Google will figure out the business models to succeed.

In addition to the start of testing of AI search on its homepage this week, Google’s debut of agentic AI for travel is a good example of where the business models are headed.

With the summer travel season approaching, Google recently rolled out new updates for Search, Maps, image-based search tool Lens and its Gemini AI to provide people with new ways to book, plan and experience trips.

Max Starkov, hospitality and travel technologist, says the Gemini AI agents, and other agentic AI competitors, are one of the biggest moments in the history of the online travel industry. 

“Transitioning travel from mobile-first to AI-first will be the greatest transformation of our industry since the advent of the internet,” he said. “Within this AI transformation, I believe agentic AI like the Gemini AI agent will have the single biggest impact on our industry.”

OpenAI’s Operator, which launched back in January, can automate tasks such as vacation planning.

Expedia is already live with the OpenAI tool, and is also partnering with Microsoft‘s Copilot Actions, an agentic AI tech which automates tasks like travel booking and reservations. Last week, Expedia launched a new AI-powered tool called Expedia Trip Matching, currently available to early access users on Instagram, which allows travelers to build an itinerary based on an Instagram Reel and then book directly on Expedia.

The change away from traditional user inputs and to agentic AI is significant, according to Jay Richmond, senior director at travel consultant Amadeus. “Today, travel companies provide us with trip recommendations based on search parameters we specify, like date and budget, as well as our browsing and purchase history to present a large range of options. Personalization exists but is limited by a significant lack of context, and context is everything when it comes to planning a trip,” said Richmond.

Natural language chat AI agents are already more effective at eliciting this context.

“Imagine you have tasked a personal assistant with organizing a business trip from Europe to the U.S. During that interaction your assistant is able to understand that you absolutely must return home in time for your child’s birthday, that your trip will last for three nights, and you are free on Thursday evening when your favorite band happens to be playing in town,” Richmond said.

Rather than returning a page of options generated by a search containing only dates and locations, the AI agent can apply sentiment analysis and reasoning logic to offer recommendations that better meet the traveler’s needs, Richmond said.

‘This isn’t about AI assistants anymore’

A Google blog post detailing the various use cases for the AI agents points to AI Overviews, a hotel price-tracking tool similar to its flight-cost trackers, as well as Lens, which allows users to take a picture of virtually anything and build an itinerary around it, learn more about what they’re looking at, create AI-built personalized tours, or translate items in the image into their chosen language. 

“Travelers are finding these features incredibly useful for accessing information and asking new kinds of questions, helping them save time and focus on enjoying their destination,” a Google spokesperson said. 

Amadeus, Microsoft and Accenture have collaborated on a trip planning agent which is available to users of Amadeus’ Cytric Easy, a booking tool for business travel. Users can chat with a natural language agent through Microsoft Teams, replacing traditional sequential search with a conversational interface to plan and book relevant business trips. 

Ultimately, the use of agentic AI in travel is being designed to make decisions and take actions autonomously, adapting to changing environments, rather than just reacting to an input. That is both an opportunity and a threat to the major players that could be disintermediated from the travel business. 

“The presumption is that AI agents can research, plan and book travelers’ vacations autonomously, thus circumventing online travel agents and other intermediaries,” Starkov said. “This isn’t about AI assistants anymore; it’s about fully autonomous agent networks that execute complex workflows in real time,” he added.

And it is a travel planning conversation that will extend both ways, with similar agentic AI continuing to develop on the travel supplier side of the interactions. Whether airline, hotel, or car rental company, the AI will have increasing access to all data points across travel inventory. The travel supplier AI agent will be fully interfaced with the AI search platforms and the travel supplier’s tech stack, in order to know everything that there is to know about known customers, and deal with new unknown customers, as well, Starkov said.

“In a world where AI agents act on behalf of the traveler, it’s likely those agents will be in constant contact with AI agents representing airlines, hotels, and destination providers,” Richmond said, adding “your agent will convey your requirements and receive replies from agents representing travel providers or travel aggregators.”

In fact, Richmond says the agents may well negotiate with each other before your agent returns what it considers to be the most relevant options for your trip. Those options would ideally include one major travel planning goal that won’t change for consumers in the AI era, according to Richmond: “getting the best price,” he said.

Source: nbc.com

The travel industry came together this week to celebrate Nassir Ladha of Fleet Travel, recognized as the top seller for Kenya Airways’ inaugural flight to Gatwick. His impressive performance earned him a return ticket to Gatwick courtesy of Kenya Airways, with hotel accommodation sponsored by Travelport — a gesture that underscored the power of collaboration in Kenya’s dynamic travel ecosystem.

The recognition event, attended by representatives from Kenya Airways (KQ), Travelport, and the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), marked a high point in an ongoing partnership that has played a pivotal role in driving awareness and sales for the Nairobi–Gatwick route.

Launched on 2 July 2025, the route marked a significant milestone for Kenya Airways as it introduced its second London gateway alongside Heathrow. Operating three times a week — on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — the service has strengthened connectivity between Kenya and the United Kingdom, opening new avenues for tourism, business travel, and diaspora engagement. The route also reflects KQ’s strategic vision to diversify its European footprint while enhancing convenience for travellers on both ends.

Since the launch, Kenya Airways and Travelport have worked hand in hand to promote the route across the travel trade. Through Travelport’s vast agent network, joint marketing campaigns, and incentive programs, the two organizations have effectively positioned the Gatwick route as a key travel option for passengers seeking flexibility, affordability, and convenience.

Speaking during the celebration, Nita Nagi, Travelport’s Regional Manager for East Africa, emphasized the significance of collaboration between technology providers and airlines in today’s travel landscape.

“Our partnership with Kenya Airways goes beyond distribution — it’s about empowering travel agents with the tools, insights, and motivation they need to succeed,” said Ms. Nagi. “The success of the Gatwick route is a clear example of how industry collaboration can translate into real market results. We are proud to support Kenya Airways and our agency partners in delivering exceptional value to travellers while strengthening Kenya’s connectivity to the world.”

Officials from Kenya Airways echoed the sentiment, noting that partnerships with technology partners such as Travelport remain central to their growth strategy. By equipping travel agents with the latest booking technology and product information, KQ and Travelport are ensuring the trade community remains at the heart of aviation growth.

The event also celebrated the contribution of travel agents like Nassir Ladha, whose outstanding sales performance demonstrates the impact of motivated and well-supported travel professionals. His achievement reflects the shared commitment between Kenya Airways and Travelport to recognize excellence and foster innovation within the travel trade.

As the Gatwick route continues to gain momentum, both Kenya Airways and Travelport reaffirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration — investing in market engagement, supporting trade partnerships, and rewarding the agents driving Kenya’s aviation success story forward.

Together, the two organizations are not only connecting destinations but also shaping the future of Kenya’s travel industry through technology, partnership, and people.

Dubai and  Las Vegas, two of the world’s most famous travel destinations, are increasingly finding themselves in competition, particularly in the realm of tourism. Both cities, known for their desert landscapes, large-scale events, and vibrant hospitality scenes, are evolving at a rapid pace. Recently, Dubai has made a move that could significantly alter the dynamics of global tourism—by launching its first casinos. Could this new venture help Dubai challenge Las Vegas’ long-standing dominance in the travel and entertainment industry?

Dubai’s Tourism Surge: More Than Just a Layover Hub

Historically, Dubai was known primarily as a transfer hub—a city travelers passed through on layovers without spending much time. However, the city has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, evolving into a thriving global destination in its own right. The introduction of luxury hotels, fine dining, shopping malls, and entertainment venues has created a compelling reason for visitors to extend their stays rather than simply transit through the city.

Over the past decade, Dubai has increased its hotel infrastructure significantly, doubling the number of available hotel rooms. As of now, Dubai ranks just behind London in terms of global hotel room capacity, with only a few Chinese cities, benefiting from massive domestic tourism, having more rooms. According to data from CoStar Group, Dubai now boasts more hotel rooms than Las Vegas, a notable achievement for the emirate.

This rapid expansion has been driven by a surge in both tourism and investment in the hospitality sector. Hotels across all price ranges—from budget accommodations to five-star luxury resorts—are now available to cater to a diverse international audience. Dubai’s ambitious plans don’t show signs of slowing down, with more than 50 hotels currently under construction, adding over 15,000 new rooms to the city’s inventory. The opening of the Ciel Tower, set to become the world’s tallest hotel, is just one example of the city’s commitment to maintaining its position as a major player in the global tourism market.

A New Era for Dubai: The Introduction of Casinos

Perhaps the most striking new development in Dubai’s tourism landscape is its decision to issue the first-ever casino licenses. This marks a significant shift for the city, which has traditionally been conservative in its approach to gambling. While Las Vegas is famous for its sprawling casinos and vibrant nightlife, Dubai’s entry into this arena could change the balance of power in the luxury tourism sector.

The decision to legalize casinos comes at a time when Dubai is already making major strides in entertainment and leisure offerings. The city’s burgeoning reputation as a luxury destination, combined with its favorable winter weather, positions it to attract a new wave of high-end tourists. As global travelers increasingly seek exotic, all-inclusive experiences, Dubai’s move to integrate casinos into its tourism offerings could give it a competitive edge, especially for those seeking a mix of luxury, culture, and entertainment.

Las Vegas Faces Challenges: Shifting Tourism Trends

While Dubai is making notable strides in the tourism sector, Las Vegas, the traditional leader in the global resort market, is facing some challenges. Over the past several months, Las Vegas has seen a decline in hotel occupancy rates, especially on the Strip. From February 2025 to May 2025, occupancy rates dipped between 1 and 5% when compared to the same period the previous year. This downturn can be attributed to several factors, including geopolitical tensions, changes in international travel behavior, and increased tariffs, which have negatively impacted tourism to the U.S.

Moreover, shifts in traveler behavior—particularly from neighboring countries such as Canada—have added to Las Vegas’ struggles. With the U.S. facing a broader decline in international visitors due to economic and political issues, Las Vegas is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain its standing as the world’s premier resort destination. While the city continues to focus on sports-related ventures, such as acquiring NFL, NHL, and WNBA teams, it may be too early to determine whether these moves can successfully counterbalance the broader challenges.

Dubai’s Appeal: A Riveting Alternative to  Las Vegas

Despite the difficulties faced by Las Vegas, Dubai has steadily been building its appeal as a tourist destination, drawing millions of international visitors every year. In 2025, Dubai has outpaced Las Vegas in hotel occupancy, reporting an average of 83% occupancy between January and May, up from 81% in the same period the previous year. This growth indicates that Dubai is not only attracting more visitors but is also succeeding in enticing them to stay longer and spend more.

Dubai’s strategic geographic location, ease of access, and cultural offerings have all contributed to the city’s increasing popularity. With attractions like the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and the Dubai Mall, as well as world-class dining and shopping, the city offers an eclectic mix of entertainment, relaxation, and luxury. Additionally, Dubai’s emphasis on large-scale events, such as Formula 1 races, NBA preseason games, and international concerts, has made it an even more attractive destination for tourists.

With the introduction of casinos, Dubai’s tourism offerings will likely expand even further, positioning it as a true competitor to Las Vegas in the global travel market. The emirate’s plans to attract high-end gamblers could draw a new wave of wealthy visitors who would typically flock to Las Vegas for its iconic casino experiences.

Dubai’s Resilience: Thriving Despite Regional Instability

One of the most remarkable aspects of Dubai’s tourism success is its ability to thrive despite regional instability and geopolitical challenges. For example, the 12-day closure of UAE airspace during the Israel-Iran conflict in June 2025 briefly disrupted international travel. However, Dubai’s resilience in the face of such setbacks is a testament to its growing status as a global tourism hub.

In contrast, Las Vegas has struggled with issues stemming from the broader challenges of international tourism to the United States, including tariffs and tensions with neighboring countries like Canada. While these factors have contributed to a decline in Las Vegas’ hotel occupancy rates, Dubai has continued to show growth, attracting tourists with its diverse offerings, luxurious infrastructure, and forward-thinking approach to hospitality.

The Future of Luxury Travel

Although both locations are vying to be the dominant city in the world regarding luxury tourism, due to Dubai’s recent growth and innovations mixed with the recent casino licenses, it can be seen as a competitor to Las Vegas. Dubai is able to broaden its appeal and tourism options and more than likely compete with Las Vegas for the title of the world’s luxury entertainment capital. Dubai’s unparalleled selection of attractions coupled with the addition of casinos will offer tourists a unique combination of luxury, relaxation, and leisure all in a rich cultural setting, significantly increasing its ability to compete with Las Vegas.

Source: travelandtourworld.com

Kenya Airways’ Pride Lounge at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) has been recognised among the top 10 percent of airport lounges worldwide in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. The recognition places the facility among the world’s leading airport lounges, highlighting the airline’s commitment to world-class service, design, and comfort.

The Pride Lounge serves as Kenya Airways’ flagship facility at JKIA, offering travellers a refined environment that blends Kenyan heritage with contemporary elegance. Its expansive, circular layout provides panoramic views of the airside, where guests can watch aircraft taxi, land, and take off — from the Airbus fleet to the Maasai Mara Dreamliner.

Inside, the lounge takes guests on a visual journey through Kenya’s diverse landscapes. The experience begins with a rainforest-inspired setting drawn from Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya, featuring lush green and earthy tones. The Business Experience Centre offers a balance of aesthetics and functionality, with modern fittings, workspaces equipped with tablets, universal sockets, and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The design then transitions into a coastal theme expressed through blue and purple tones, coral-textured walls, and Italian-designed seating. The dining area combines formal and relaxed arrangements beneath a striking honeycomb ceiling. A live cooking station, introduced in October, adds an interactive element to the dining experience, serving freshly prepared dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Further inside, the lounge adopts a savannah-inspired ambiance for quiet relaxation, leading to a napping area with dune-patterned carpets and earthy hues reminiscent of Kenya’s desert landscapes. The smoking room, furnished with the iconic Mvule bench, provides an elegant retreat for travellers seeking calm before departure.

Kenya Airways operates three other lounges at JKIA alongside the Pride Lounge, each tailored to a distinct traveller profile. The Simba Lounge, named after the Swahili word for lion, offers a regal yet relaxed atmosphere with buffet dining, bar service, and private work areas suited to business travellers. The Asante Lounge, whose name means “thank you,” provides a warm and intimate space designed for regional and short-haul passengers, combining comfort with understated sophistication. The Msafiri Lounge, open to all passengers at a fee, extends similar hospitality to economy travellers, offering refreshments, comfortable seating, and a quiet environment for rest or work.

Together, the four lounges showcase Kenya Airways’ effort to redefine the pre-flight experience by combining design, comfort, and a sense of place rooted in Kenyan identity. The TripAdvisor recognition affirms the airline’s continued focus on providing travellers with an experience that reflects both global standards and the warmth of African hospitality.

An imagined town in Peru, an Eiffel tower in Beijing: travellers are increasingly using tools like ChatGPT for itinerary ideas – and being sent to destinations that don’t exist.

Miguel Angel Gongora Meza, founder and director of Evolution Treks Peru, was in a rural Peruvian town preparing for a trek through the Andes when he overheard a curious conversation. Two unaccompanied tourists were chatting amicably about their plans to hike alone in the mountains to the “Sacred Canyon of Humantay”.  

“They [showed] me the screenshot, confidently written and full of vivid adjectives, [but] it was not true. There is no Sacred Canyon of Humantay!” said Gongora Meza. “The name is a combination of two places that have no relation to the description. The tourist paid nearly $160 (£118) in order to get to a rural road in the environs of Mollepata without a guide or [a destination].”

What’s more, Gongora Meza insisted that this seemingly innocent mistake could have cost these travellers their lives. “This sort of misinformation is perilous in Peru,” he explained. “The elevation, the climatic changes and accessibility [of the] paths have to be planned. When you [use] a program [like ChatGPT], which combines pictures and names to create a fantasy, then you can find yourself at an altitude of 4,000m without oxygen and [phone] signal.”

In just a few years, artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini have gone from a mere novelty to an integral part of trip planning for millions of people. According to one survey, 30% of international travellers are now using generative AI tools and dedicated travel AI sites such as Wonderplan and Layla to help organise their trips.

While these programs can offer valuable travel tips when they’re working properly, they can also lead people into some frustrating or even dangerous situations when they’re not. This is a lesson some travellers are learning when they arrive at their would-be destination, only to find they’ve been fed incorrect information or steered to a place that only exists in the hard-wired imagination of a robot.

Dana Yao and her husband recently experienced this first-hand. The couple used ChatGPT to plan a romantic hike to the top of Mount Misen on the Japanese island of Itsukushima earlier this year. After exploring the town of Miyajima with no issues, they set off at 15:00 to hike to the montain’s summit in time for sunset, exactly as ChatGPT had instructed them.

“That’s when the problem showed up,” said Yao, a creator who runs a blog about traveling in Japan, “[when] we were ready to descend [the mountain via] the ropeway station. ChatGPT said the last ropeway down was at 17:30, but in reality, the ropeway had already closed. So, we were stuck at the mountain top.”

A 2024 BBC article reported that Layla briefly told users that there was an Eiffel Tower in Beijing and suggested a marathon route across northern Italy to a British traveller that was entirely unfeasible. “The itineraries didn’t make a lot of logical sense,” the traveller said. “We’d have spent more time on transport than anything else.”

According to a 2024 survey, 37% of those surveyed who used AI to help plan their travels reported that it could not provide enough information, while around 33% said their AI-generated recommendations included false information.

These issues stem from how AI generates its answers. According to Rayid Ghani, a distinguished professor in machine learning at Carnegie Melon University, while programs like ChatGPT may seem to be giving you rational, useful advice, the way it gets this information means you can never be completely sure whether it’s telling you the truth.

“It doesn’t know the difference between travel advice, directions or recipes,” Ghani said. “It just knows words. So, it keeps spitting out words that make whatever it’s telling you sound realistic, and that’s where lot of the underlying issues come from.”

Large language models like ChatGPT work by analysing massive collections of text and putting together words and phrases that, statistically, feel like appropriate responses. Sometimes this provides perfectly accurate information. Other times, you get what AI experts call a “hallucination”, as these tools just make things up. But since AI programs present their hallucinations and factual responses the same way, it’s often difficult for users to distinguish what’s real from what’s not.

In the case of the “Sacred Canyon of Humantay”, Ghani believes the AI program likely just put together a few words that seemed approriate to the region. Similarly, analysing all that data doesn’t necessarily give a tool like ChatGPT a useful understanding of the physical world. It could easily mistake a leisurely 4,000m walk through a city for an 4,000m climb up the side of a mountain – and that’s before the issue of actual misinformation comes into play.

A recent Fast Company article recounted an incident where a couple made the trek to a scenic cable car in Malaysia that they had seen on TikTok, only to find that no such structure existed. The video they’d watched had been entirely AI generated, either to drum up engagement or for some other strange purpose.

Incidents like this are part of a larger trend of AI implementations that may subtly – or not so subtly – alter our sense of the world. A recent example came in August, when content creators realised YouTube had been using AI to alter their videos without permission by subtly “editing” things like the clothing, hair and faces of real people in the videos. Netflix landed in hot water for its own use of AI in early 2025, after efforts to “remaster” old sitcoms left surreal distortions in the faces of beloved 1980s and ’90s television stars. As AI is increasingly used to make these kinds of small changes without our knowledge, the lines between reality and a polished AI dreamworld may be starting to blur for travellers too.

Javier Labourt, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and advocate for the way travel can help boost our overall mental health and sense of connection, worries the proliferation of these issues could counteract the very benefits travel can offer in the first place. He feels that travel offers a unique opportunity for people to interact with those they might not otherwise meet and learn about different cultures firsthand – all of which can lead to greater empathy and understanding. But when AI hallucinations feed users misinformation, it offers a false narrative about a place before travellers even leave home.

There are currently attempts to regulate how AI presents information to users, including several proposals from the EU and US to include watermarks or other distinguishing features so viewers know when something has been altered or generated by AI. But according to Ghani, it’s an uphill battle: “There is a lot of work going on around misinformation: How do you detect it? How do you help people [identify] it? [But] mitigation is a more reliable solution today than prevention.”

If these kinds of regulations do pass, they could make it easier for travellers to detect AI-generated images or videos. But new rules aren’t likely to help you when an AI chatbot makes something up in the middle of a conversation. Experts, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, have said hallucinations may be an “inherent feature” of large language models like ChatGPT, or Google’s Gemini. If you’re going to use AI, that means the only way to protect yourself is to stay vigilant.

One thing Ghani suggests is to be specific as possible in your queries and verify absolutely everything. However, he acknowledges the unique problem travel poses to this method, as travellers are often asking about destinations that they’re unfamiliar with. But if an AI tool gives you a travel suggestion that sounds a little too perfect, double check it. In the end, Ghani says the time spent verifying AI information can in some cases make the process just as laborious as planning the old-fashioned way.

For Labourt, the key to travelling well – with or without AI – is keeping an open mind and being adaptable when things go wrong. “Try to shift the disappointment [away from] being cheated by someone,” he suggested. “If you are there, how will you turn this [around]? You’re already on a cool trip, you know?”

Source: BBC.com

Lufthansa Group’s NDC fares are now available through APG’s NDC platform without any surcharges.

Airline distribution specialist APG said that full content from Lufthansa Group’s airlines, including Lufthansa, Brussels Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines and Air Dolomiti, was now available through its portal.

More than 3,000 travel agencies globally use APG’s platform, according to the company, and the arrangement with Lufthansa also includes fares such as Economy Light and Business Saver, which are no longer available through traditional EDIFACT-based GDS channels.

In a statement, APG added that the NDC connection also included interline ticketing with Lufthansa’s transatlantic joint venture partners United Airlines and Air Canada.

Heinrich Lange, Lufthansa Group’s vice president of digital retailing, said: “It is great to welcome APG to our NDC Partner Programme as we share the common goal to develop comprehensive NDC-powered solutions to modernise travel retailing.

“NDC enables us to improve our service delivery, creating a smooth and tailored customer experience while ensuring access to competitive pricing and special offers.”

The NDC connection allows those using the APG platform to manage post-booking administration, including cancellations and refunds, as well as adding ancillary products such as seat reservation and baggage.

APG added that 44 airlines were now accessible through its platform, as well as offering hotels, car rental and other add-on services.

Source: BTNeurope

Sleep tourism is an emerging segment of wellness travel to address the global challenge of sleep deprivation. Faced with the stresses of everyday life, many people not only need a vacation; they need an experience centered around recuperation. Responding to this demand, sleep tourism offers new and unique hotel experiences created to alleviate the negative effects of insomnia, restore equilibrium, and enhance a person’s quality of life. These specially designed getaways are changing travel with customized responses to the growing problem of inadequate sleep, including AI-driven beds and complete sleep solutions. In doing so, they are establishing new benchmarks in the wellness travel industry.

In today’s fast-paced world, where the pressures of work and daily life leave little room for rest, sleep has become increasingly elusive. The constant influx of notifications, the stress of demanding workloads, and the ever-present noise of urban life have turned quality rest into a rare luxury. Recent studies show that nearly half of young adults report experiencing poor sleep quality, with sleep deprivation now emerging as a global health crisis. However, an innovative trend in travel is offering a potential solution: sleep tourism.

A New Era of Restful Travel

Sleep tourism, at its core, involves traveling specifically for the purpose of improving sleep. Unlike traditional vacations that focus on adventure and exploration, sleep tourism offers a much-needed escape from the chaos of daily life. The aim is simple—help travelers reset, relax, and recharge by prioritizing rest and rejuvenation.

Over the past few years, sleep tourism has gained traction, turning into more than just a luxury for the well-off. It is quickly becoming a mainstream wellness movement. Across the globe, hotels and resorts are recognizing the demand for sleep-focused travel and offering specialized packages designed to help travelers improve their rest.

The Rise of Sleep-Centered Hotels and Resorts

From luxurious suites to holistic sleep programs, various hotels have embraced this concept by curating environments that promote deep, restorative sleep. The Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite in New York, for instance, features AI-powered beds that adjust to individual sleep patterns, offering guests a tailored sleep experience. These innovations are designed to optimize sleep, with technology supporting the natural process of rest.

Some hotels have integrated broader wellness practices to improve sleep. One notable example is a renowned chain that offers a comprehensive “Alchemy of Sleep” program. This holistic approach combines mindfulness, nutrition, and sleep therapy, ensuring that guests not only rest but also adopt habits to improve their sleep quality over the long term.

In Portugal, a sleep-focused hotel offers soundproof rooms and premium mattresses, ensuring that guests experience uninterrupted slumber. For those visiting London, a sleep-only hotel offers quiet, tech-free rooms specifically designed to provide guests with an ideal environment for deep sleep.

The Impact of Sleep Deprivation: A Global Health Crisis

Sleep tourism, while a luxury in some respects, also highlights a deeper, more widespread issue: the global sleep crisis. Sleep problems, especially among younger generations, have been steadily increasing. Between 2010 and 2021, reports showed that sleep difficulties in people aged 15 to 45 rose from 34% to nearly 50%. Alongside this rise, the use of sleep aids and melatonin prescriptions has skyrocketed, reflecting a growing reliance on artificial solutions to address a natural problem.

The causes of this crisis are multi-faceted. Increased screen time, stress from work, urban noise pollution, and even the effects of climate change all contribute to the modern-day struggle to achieve quality sleep. In countries like India, where a significant portion of the population feels sleep-deprived, the issue is being referred to as a “sleep pandemic.” A recent survey revealed that 93% of Indians report feeling constantly fatigued—a statistic that mirrors global trends.

Sleep tourism seeks to address these issues by offering a retreat from the stress of daily life. It encourages a shift in perspective, viewing sleep as an essential part of self-care, rather than an indulgence or sign of laziness.

India: A Rising Hub for Sleep Tourism

India, with its increasing work pressures and the growing effects of digital exposure, is beginning to recognize the value of sleep tourism. As more people look for ways to unwind and restore balance in their lives, hotels and retreats across the country are offering sleep-centric experiences that blend modern wellness techniques with ancient traditions.

In cities like Bhopal, a unique hotel provides guests with a “pillow menu,” offering five different types of pillows, including memory foam and buckwheat hull options, to ensure each guest can select their ideal sleep comfort. Another hotel in Odisha combines Ayurvedic practices, yoga, and meditation to enhance sleep quality, offering guests a holistic approach to rest. Similarly, in Gurgaon, specialized lighting and sleep-enhancing amenities are used to create the perfect environment for restful slumber.

These sleep-focused experiences are more than just luxurious offerings—they represent a shift in how people view sleep. The combination of traditional healing methods and modern wellness innovations demonstrates that quality rest is not merely a luxury, but a key to restoring health, focus, and overall well-being.

A Growing Trend in Wellness Travel

As wellness travel continues to evolve, sleep tourism is gaining significant attention as a major part of this movement. Studies have shown that travelers who participate in sleep-centric retreats experience measurable improvements in their sleep quality and emotional well-being. This trend is not limited to the rich and famous but is increasingly accessible to a wider audience looking for ways to manage stress and improve their quality of life.

One of the key benefits of sleep tourism is its focus on environments that promote natural sleep cycles. Many of these retreats emphasize dark, quiet rooms, circadian lighting, and other sleep-friendly features. These efforts go beyond simply providing a comfortable bed—they create spaces that allow guests to rest, relax, and recover from the physical and mental toll of everyday life.

Moreover, travelers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for these experiences, signaling a major shift in travel priorities. Hotels and resorts around the world are investing heavily in sleep-friendly amenities such as soundproof rooms, aromatherapy, and AI-powered bedding. This growing demand for sleep-centric services is helping to reshape the travel industry, placing rest and recovery at the forefront of wellness tourism.

The Future of Sleep Tourism: A Global Movement

Looking ahead, sleep tourism is poised to become a mainstay in the travel industry. Just as wellness retreats, adventure travel, and eco-tourism have grown in popularity, sleep vacations are expected to gain mainstream acceptance. These vacations represent more than just a break from routine—they symbolize a conscious rejection of burnout culture and a call to prioritize mental and physical well-being.

As urbanization continues to increase, and the pressures of modern life mount, the need for restorative travel experiences will only grow. Sleep tourism offers an opportunity to escape the constant hustle, recharge the body and mind, and return to life with renewed energy and focus. In a world that often glorifies busyness and productivity, sleep tourism provides a counter-narrative: health begins with sleep.

In the years to come, sleep tourism may be as common as visiting a spa or wellness retreat, becoming a popular choice for travelers looking to reset and restore. With growing awareness of its benefits, this trend is reshaping how people view rest—and ultimately, how they prioritize their own health.

Focused on restoring balance and addressing sleep deprivation, innovative hotel experiences within sleep tourism provide tailored retreats aimed at restorative sleep and rejuvenation. Effectively combating the rest issue, travel retreats provide effective remedies for declining sleep health.

An innovative and fresh way of thinking about wellness travel, sleep tourism accentuates the importance of rest and affords the opportunity for travelers to experience sleep as an act of self-care. In light of the ongoing global sleep deprivation crisis, sleep tourism delivers more than relaxation. The future of sleep tourism is promising, restoring the perception of sleep as a vital necessity and improving overall health and wellness. Offering a wonderful combination of relaxation and sleep healing, sleep tourism is restorative, catering to travelers worldwide.

Source: travelandtourworld.com