Latest news with #Hurghada
The Sun
7 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Three cheap holiday destinations getting new TUI flights from the UK next year
TUI is launching three new routes to very affordable holiday destinations for next summer. Added to the roster for 2026 are routes to Faro, Fuerteventura and a brand-new flight from Cardiff Airport to Hurghada. 4 The routes from Cardiff Airport to Hurghada will start on May 2, 2026 so holidaymakers can soak up Egyptian sunshine. The beach resort town stretches along Egypt's Red Sea coast and is known for being one of the best spots for scuba diving. One Sun Travel writer took a trip to Hurghada where they discovered the country's largest waterpark - Hurghada's Makadi Water World. TUI is also launching a brand-new route from Cardiff to Faro on May 21, 2026. In the Portuguese city is a charming Old Town, the Cathedral of Faro, and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. There are lots of beaches near Faro too, near Quarteira and Vilamoura as well as on the sandbar islands of Ilha de Faro and Ilha Deserta. Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey recently visited Faro and decided to visit the islands herself. She said: " There are some fantastic islands just off the coast where you will see barely any tourists. "Ilha Deserta, also known as Barreta, takes just 20 minutes by boat, with tickets a few euros. Family fun at Jaz Aquaviva, Hurghada 4 Fuerteventura is the second largest of Spain's Canary Islands and another route that TUI is starting for summer 2026. It will continue on from the winter season which launches on December 20, 2025 - when the weather is an average of 20 degrees. These flights will also be available from Cardiff Airport - and it's only a four hour flight. This volcanic island off the coast of north-west Africa is considered an unspoiled alternative to tourist hotspots Tenerife and Lanzarote. Head of Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire visited Fuerteventura and described it as the perfect half-term destination. The island has around 80 beaches but one memorable stretch of coast is called the Popcorn Beach. The "sand" is made up of small white algae fossils, it looks like the whole beach is lined with popcorn. Another flight that's been launched by TUI is is from the UK to Ibiza - which is in time for summer 2025. Exeter Airport in Devon now has two TUI aircrafts, with a new weekly route to Ibiza now available. Plus, TUI reveals the cheaper holiday destinations Brits are flocking to for a bargain as Spain is 'full' this summer.
Hospitality Net
27-05-2025
- Hospitality Net
Booking.com Reveals the Top Trending Travel Destinations and Stays for Summer 2025
Summer 2025 is shaping up to be a big travel season, with nearly half (48%) planning to spend more on their upcoming trips than they did in 2024. Hurghada, Egypt tops the global trending destination list this summer, with families drawn to its warm climate, easy resort access, and world-class diving along the Red Sea. Alternative accommodations continue to be popular with travelers, with a 10% increase in searches for unique properties compared to last summer. This year, travelers are seeking more space, comfort, and authenticity — villas and holiday homes are leading the way. AMSTERDAM - Travel remains a constant on people's minds, and as the seasons shift toward summer, enthusiasm for exploration endures—even amidst macroeconomic data from leading digital travel platform reveals that this summer is shaping up to be a season of big travel plans, longer trips, and meaningful escapes. Optimism is high: 77% of global leisure travelers feel excited about exploring the world in the months ahead, and nearly half (48%) expect to spend more on travel than in 2024.* From sun-soaked coastlines to vibrant cities and cultural discoveries, this summer's trending destinations offer something for every kind of traveler, from Egypt's coral reefs to Tokyo's lively streets and southern Spain's golden beaches. Top Trending Global Destinations for Summer 20251 Families With 53% of parents making travel a top yearly priority, family vacations are set to play a big role this summer. Today's families are seeking more than just sun and downtime- 85% of parents say they're looking for trips that expose children to a variety of cultures and experiences.* Whether that means exploring ancient temples and futuristic tech in Tokyo or enjoying Alicante's vibrant food scene, families are looking to book trips that inspire curiosity and connection. The way these trips are being planned are also getting easier and smarter, thanks to technology. Families are leading the way in using AI to simplify travel planning, with 85% also saying AI tools make the process faster and more efficient, more than any other traveler type.* Top Trending Summer Destinations for Families Groups Group travel is gaining momentum this summer, with 1 in 5 global travelers planning trips with friends.* Leading this trend is Gen Z with 33% opting for group getaways. These younger travelers are seeking experiences that combine social connection with nature as 36% prioritize activities like stargazing and outdoor adventures. This aligns with a broader movement, where 48% of global travelers express a desire to explore natural landscapes such as lakes, mountains and national parks.* Top Trending Summer Destinations for Groups Couples In 2025, couples are increasingly valuing memorable experiences over material gifts. A significant majority across generations—73% of millennials, 74% of Gen Z, and 69% of boomers—prefer the gift of travel to physical presents.* This shift aligns with the 45% of travelers planning to take a trip with their partner this year.** For those considering popular destinations like Milan and Alicante, nearby gems such as Trieste and Villajoyosa—both featured in 2025 Trending Destinations—offer enriching cultural experiences and picturesque settings, making them ideal additions to a romantic itinerary. Top global trending summer destinations for couples Unique stays on the rise Alternative accommodations are seeing a surge in popularity, with a 10% year-over-year increase in searches compared to last summer. offers more than 8.1 million listings in homes, apartments, and other unique places to stay, such as boats, treehouses, country homes, and beachfront bungalows. While apartments and guesthouses remain the top alternative accommodations this summer, offering comfort, convenience and local charm, travelers are increasingly exploring other options. Trending accommodation types vary by traveler group: Group travelers are showing a growing interest in riads and holiday homes, with searches up by 16% and 12%, respectively. Families are gravitating towards villas and camping, experiencing surges of 19% and 16%. Couples are favoring tented camps and chalets, which have seen increases of 16% and 13%. continues to simplify travel planning for 2025, offering a seamless platform where travelers can arrange every aspect of their journey. With over 30 accommodation categories—including homes, apartments, and unique stays—alongside flights, car rentals, and local attractions, connects every element of the trip. Travelers can also take advantage of Getaway Deals, with discounts of up to 20% for stays with checkout before September 30, 2025. Plus, members of the Genius loyalty program unlock even more perks—like free room upgrades and breakfast—at a wide range of properties worldwide, adding extra value and ease to their summer travels. 1 Trending destinations yielded from accommodation searches for dates between 15 February, 2025 and 15 April, 2025 with check-in dates 1 June, 2025 to 31 August, 2025, compared to search dates between 15 February, 2024 to 15 April, 2024 with check-in dates 1 June, 2024 to 31 August 2024 *Travel Trends 2025 Research was commissioned by and independently conducted among a sample of adults who had taken a leisure trip in the last 12 months with an overnight stay and plan to travel in 2025. The sample comprised 32,106 respondents across 32 markets surveyed in January 2025. USA N=2,000, Canada N=800, Spain N=800, Italy N=800, France N=1800, UK N=1800, Germany N=1800, Netherlands N=800, Denmark N=500, Sweden N=500, Croatia N=501, Switzerland N=800, Belgium N=800, Ireland N=504, Austria N=500, Portugal N=800, Mexico N=1,800, Colombia N=800, Brazil N=1,800, Argentina N=800, India N=1,800, China N=800, Hong Kong N=500, Thailand N=800, Singapore N=800, Taiwan N=500, Vietnam N=800, South Korea N=800, Japan N=1,800, UAE N=500, Australia N=1,800, New Zealand N=500. ** Travel Predictions 2025 research commissioned by and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total, 27,713 respondents across 33 countries and territories were polled (including 1,016 from Argentina, 1,002 from Australia, 502 from Austria, 1,003 from Belgium, 1,002 from Brazil, 1,006 from Canada, 1,007 from China, 1,005 from Colombia, 501 from Croatia, 501 from Denmark, 1,011 from France, 1,009 from Germany, 1,004 from Hong Kong, 1,002 from India, 506 from Ireland, 501 from Israel, 1,014 from Italy, 1,008 from Japan, 1,013 from Mexico, 1,011 from The Netherlands, 1,003 from New Zealand, 504 from Portugal, 508 from Singapore, 1,004 from South Korea, 1,008 from Spain, 509 from Sweden, 500 from Switzerland, 507 from Taiwan, 1,009 from Thailand, 503 from the UAE, 1,012 from the UK, 1,006 from the US and 1,016 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in July-August 2024. Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travelers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit Press Office +31 20 709 4743 View source
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Avid traveller names the 5 places she'd never go back to including one of Brits' favourite holiday destinations and a city with 'dark energy'
A seasoned globetrotter has shared a list of cities and countries she would 'never' revisit - including one notably luxurious hotspot she described as 'soulless and dystopian.' The avid traveller, known only as Eva on TikTok, has visited dozens of bucket-list destinations across the globe, including Versailles, Lake Como, Crete and New York City. But in a slideshow post uploaded to her page @travelgirl423 in April, revealed six standout locations that left her feeling deflated as a tourist - citing 'scams' and 'constant' harassment, high costs and 'dark energy' as some of the driving factors. The first surprising hotspot Eva highlighted as a no-go - despite it welcoming more than a million tourists every month - is the Canary Islands, as there's 'nothing to do' and 'the food wasn't great.' She added: 'The beaches are gorgeous, but it got boring real quick. I wouldn't recommend going for more than three days.' The second destination Eva vowed to never return to is Los Angeles, due to the iconic city being 'a lot more grim' than she'd expected. Though she insisted there were lots of attractions and activities, the content creator couldn't shake off the feeling that a 'dark energy' was present, which had left her feeling 'uneasy' during her trip. She also described the landmark city as 'super expensive' and difficult to navigate for tourists who are unable to drive. Next, Eva shared that she has no intention of returning to the Egyptian city of Hurghada due to the 'constant harassment' she experienced from local men. She advised: 'It was VERY overstimulating and I wouldn't recommend it for women unless you're travelling in a big group or hire a tour guide.' The fourth destination that felt especially lacklustre to Eva was Dubai, a UAE nation widely known for its awe-inspiring architecture and luxury shopping. However, according to the travel enthusiast, the popular holiday spot felt 'soulless' and 'dystopian', and she compared it to a 'simulation with dark energy'. The fifth location Eva highlighted is Bali. She first described it as 'gorgeous' with 'lovely' locals, though the jetsetter admitted she had been put off returning due to a 'bad experience of Bali belly'. Finally, the travel fanatic declared she would never revisit the Indian capital of New Delhi as she found it 'really hard' navigate the city while facing 'a lot of harassment from the men'. Over 400 people shared their views in the comments, with many arguing that the content creator's experiences are subjective. Over 400 people shared their views in the comments, with many arguing that the content creator's experiences are subjective One person quipped, 'Literally nothing to do in the Canary Islands? Good god,' while another added, 'I've been to all of the Canary Islands over the years and never found one of them to be boring.' However, one unenthused former visitor hit back: 'I went to Gran Canaria and I agree it was a very boring holiday and the food was bad lol, really beautiful island though.' Meanwhile, one person commented: 'Anyone that dislikes Dubai went to Dubai on a budget. If you want to enjoy the real Dubai you have to go there with money,' while another said, 'I've been to egypt 6 times, 4 to hurghada, never been harrassed at all.' One former visitor to Los Angeles wrote: 'Yes I felt the dark energy of LA too.' Finally, one person wrote: 'I think you should be grateful that you have had the chance to visit all of those place, some people can not even afford a weekend away.'
Reuters
19-05-2025
- Reuters
Egypt deems seven people, including five foreigners, dead from capsized tourist boat
CAIRO, May 19 (Reuters) - Egypt has officially declared seven missing people, including five foreigners, dead after a tourist boat capsized off Egypt's Red Sea coast in November. A decree published in the official gazette on Sunday by the country's prime minister deemed two British and two Polish tourists, along with a German person and two Egyptians dead. The boat, the Sea Story, capsized in November near the Sataya Reef while carrying 31 tourists and 13 crew on a multi-day diving trip. It was struck by high waves and sank in five to seven minutes. Four bodies were recovered at the time. Officials said the boat had passed its last safety inspection eight months earlier with no technical issues reported. Owned by an Egyptian national, the vessel was 34 meters long and had received a one-year safety certificate from the Maritime Safety Authority. The incident was blamed on high waves during rough weather conditions. The Sea Story was the second boat to sink in the area last year. A vessel suffered severe damage from strong waves in June, though no casualties were reported. Earlier this year, a viewing submarine sank off the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Hurghada, killing six Russian tourists. The Red Sea, renowned for its coral reefs and marine life, is a major hub for Egypt's tourism industry, which plays a critical role in the country's economy.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Minor Hotels, ink MoU to introduce luxury Anantara brand in Egypt
Arab Finance: Minor Hotels has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somabay Hotel Company to develop a hotel under its luxury Anantara brand in Egypt, according to an emailed press release. Under this partnership, the first project, a coastal resort destination on the Red Sea in Somabay, is expected to be announced later this year. Located 45 kilometers south of Hurghada International Airport, this self-contained, 2,500-acre community features one of the largest naturally occurring spas and thalassotherapy offerings in the region. Anantara is set to bring its signature luxury experience to Somabay with a new resort and branded residence complex, details of which will be announced soon. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of parent company Minor International, commented: 'Somabay Hotel Company is an exceptional partner for this venture in Somabay, bringing both deep regional expertise and a global outlook. We look forward to collaborating as trusted partners in the development of this exciting new project.' Deema Abu Ghazaleh, Somabay Hotel's Chairman, said: 'The introduction of the Anantara brand is a natural fit for Somabay's vision. It reflects our shared dedication to quality, authenticity, and delivering exceptional experiences to travelers from around the world.' 'The signing of this strategic partnership with Minor Hotels and Somabay represents more than just the development of a new luxury resort—it symbolizes a shared vision for excellence, sustainability, and innovation in hospitality,' Ibrahim El Missiri, Somabay Group's CEO, added. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
