Aiming for a meeting or incentive that’s truly once-in-a-lifetime? Oceania Cruises just debuted new celestial cruises that will have your attendees staring up in awe. Comparing APAC airlines for upcoming travel plans? Air New Zealand has a new tantalizing offer in the shape of a totally reimagined jumbo jet. Considering a last-minute trip to Dubai for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025? You won’t be alone—the event is set to draw in a whopping 55,000+ delegates in just a few days.
As always, Smart Travel is here to provide you with the latest must-read travel and tourism news.
Omni Launches Business Travel Program for SMBs
Omni Hotels & Resorts has rolled out Omni Select Business, a new travel program designed for small and midsize businesses (SMBs). Designed to help growing companies save on travel while giving their teams a more rewarding and comfortable experience on the road, the program is available across Omni’s 50-plus hotels and resorts throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Members score 9% off standard rates, double Omni Credits on their first three stays and welcome perks like complimentary Wi-Fi and drinks. Enrollment is free, and businesses can start unlocking preferred rates in as little as three to five business days. To qualify, companies need to book at least 50 room nights per year and not already have a corporate rate with Omni.
“Small and midsize businesses are the backbone of travel demand in many markets,” said Dan Surette, chief sales officer at Omni Hotels & Resorts. “We saw a clear opportunity to build something that’s easy to access and truly useful for these companies, while still delivering the same thoughtful guest experience Omni is known for.”
Dedicated “loyalty ambassadors,” work-friendly spaces and flexible travel options aim to take some of the stress out of business travel, and members earn Omni Select Guest loyalty perks every time they stay.
Air New Zealand Unveils Its First Retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliner
Air New Zealand has welcomed home the first of its retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking a major step forward in its fleet transformation plan. After spending 184 days in Singapore, the newly upgraded aircraft has returned to Auckland with a completely reimagined cabin experience designed to elevate long-haul travel.
The retrofit includes all-new business premier luxe seats, refreshed business premier, premium economy and economy cabins, and a Sky Pantry (a lounge featuring complimentary snacks and drinks) for economy passengers.
Read More: From the Experts: Key Takeaways from AIME 2025
“This new experience is a great step forward in Air New Zealand’s future,” said Jeremy O’Brien, chief commercial officer, as the airline prepares to roll out these changes fleetwide. The plane is currently undergoing final testing and crew training before beginning service in mid-May.
The transformation is part of a plan to retrofit all 14 Dreamliners by the end of 2026, with the second aircraft already in Singapore for updates. Each redesigned aircraft will feature 272 total seats, including four business premier luxe, 22 business premier, 33 premium economy and 213 economy seats—13 of which will offer the popular Economy Skycouch, a seating option that transforms a row of three standard economy seats into a flat, couch-like surface, allowing passengers to stretch out, relax or sleep more comfortably during their journey.
Air New Zealand compares the retrofit to a full home renovation—down to the carpets, curtains and entertainment screens—ensuring a fresh and comfortable experience for international travelers.
Stay tuned for updates on route assignments and availability as the retrofitted Dreamliner prepares to take to the skies in the coming weeks.
Oceania Cruises Debuts Five Solar Eclipse Sailings for 2026
Oceania Cruises has announced five 2026 voyages timed to offer front-row views of the August 12 solar eclipse, the most offered by any cruise line to date.
Guests aboard select sailings of Oceania Marina, Insignia, Sirena and Vista will be perfectly positioned along the eclipse’s path across Ireland, Iceland, Portugal and the United Kingdom, with one sailing reaching 100 percent totality and others ranging above 90 percent.
Read More: Royal Caribbean Launches “World’s Biggest Weekend” Cruise with New Mega-Ship Utopia of the Seas
“There is no better way to witness the grandeur of a total solar eclipse than from the comfort of an Oceania Cruises ship,” said Jason Montague, chief luxury officer. “We’re delivering an unmatched experience that combines luxury, learning and the awe of nature.”
For incentive travel planners, these one-of-a-kind sailings offer a rare opportunity to create unforgettable reward experiences. The combination of exclusive eclipse viewing, luxury amenities and curated enrichment programs featuring NASA ambassadors and renowned astronomers makes these itineraries an inspired choice for high-level incentive groups.
Guests can expect celestial-themed deck parties, eclipse-inspired menus and immersive excursions from medieval castles in Denmark to hot springs in Iceland, blending bucket-list travel with educational wow-factor.
Itineraries range from a 12-day cruise along the Iberian Peninsula to a 25-day Grand Voyage through Northern Europe.
ATM 2025 Set to Welcome 55,000 Global Attendees in Dubai
Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 is gearing up for its biggest edition yet, with over 55,000 attendees from 161 countries expected to gather in Dubai from April 28 to May 1. Hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the event will feature 2,800+ exhibitors and span 14 halls, marking a nearly 12% year-on-year growth.
Organized by RX Global in partnership with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Emirates, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Al Rais Travel, ATM brings together leaders from across the global tourism ecosystem including leisure, MICE, luxury and corporate travel.
This year’s theme, “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” will be woven through all show elements, from the ATM Conference program and Travel Tech showcases to exclusive networking events and exhibitor experiences.
“Connectivity is increasingly recognized as the driving force behind the future of travel and tourism,” said Danielle Curtis, exhibition director for ATM. She noted the event will feature more than 200 speakers across 70 sessions and highlight expanded participation from high-growth markets including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
New additions this year include IBTM@ATM, a dedicated space for business events suppliers, and a Start-Up and Innovation Zone within ATM Travel Tech. Attendees can also explore a new immersive VR experience highlighting tech’s growing role in the evolution of travel.
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, emphasized the event’s alignment with Dubai’s economic goals, saying, “Major events like ATM are pivotal to our tourism strategy…This year’s theme resonates with our vision for sustainable growth and global connectivity.”
With over 125 DET stakeholders participating and more than 300 hosted buyers from 39 countries, ATM 2025 is set to be a dynamic platform for forging global partnerships and shaping the future of travel.
Rocky Mountaineer Launches New Brand, Canyon Spirit, and Expands to Salt Lake City
Rocky Mountaineer has unveiled its new brand, Canyon Spirit, and announced a major expansion of its popular Rockies to the Red Rocks route. Starting in April 2026, the luxury scenic train will extend service from Denver to Salt Lake City, offering travelers a new three-day journey through some of the American Southwest’s most stunning landscapes.
Canyon Spirit’s expanded route will include overnight stops in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and Moab, Utah, allowing guests to experience the charm of these historic communities before continuing across eastern Utah’s mountain passes and the vast vistas of the Great Basin.
Read More: Notes from the Road: Salt Lake City
“We could not be more excited to bring our Canyon Spirit train to Salt Lake City and to expand our Rockies to the Red Rocks route,” said Tristan Armstrong, CEO of Armstrong Collective, the parent company of Canyon Spirit. “Although the name of our train is changing, our world-class service and onboard experience will remain the same.”
Guests onboard Canyon Spirit will continue to enjoy locally sourced, regionally inspired cuisine paired with beer, wines and spirits from the Southwest.
The new three-day Rockies to the Red Rocks Extension will start April 21, 2026, with weekly westbound departures from Denver and eastbound departures from Salt Lake City.
