Latest news with #incentiveTravel
Skift
29-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Head to the Midwest: 5 New and Newly Renovated Facilities for Groups
For the meetings market, upscale brands including Shinola, Signia, and JW Marriott dominate the new openings. The Midwest has always been a popular spot for meetings industry gatherings, with Meeting Professionals International's 2025 WEC coming to St. Louis this June. Chicago is a main chapter hub for every industry association, and Minneapolis is home to the headquarters of several of the major incentive houses. Hotel investment in the region is booming, particularly in major cities like Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis, as well as secondary and tertiary markets like Omaha and Des Moines. Explore 135 exceptional new properties hand-picked for meeting and incentive planners Here are five important new/newly renovated group properties and venues in the Midwest, and take a look at our just-released report on 135 hotels for meetings and incentive travel here. 1. Baird Center (Expansion) Milwaukee, WI Reopened in May 2024, following a $456 million expansion, Baird Center in Milwaukee now totals 1.3 million square feet, 52 breakout rooms, 300,000 square feet of exhibition space, and a rooftop ballroom. The center includes inclusive amenities like gender-neutral restrooms, sensory rooms, and Mamava pods. 2. Duke Energy Convention Center (Renovation) Cincinnati, OH Duke Energy Convention Center is undergoing a $240 million renovation and is expected to reopen in January 2026. The renovation will modernize existing event spaces, improve building systems, add a rooftop terrace, and provide additional outdoor space flowing to the new Elm Street Convention Plaza. A new headquarters hotel is planned, adding 800 hotel rooms to the almost 3,500 currently available, also offering 80,000 square feet of meeting space. 3. JW Marriott Water Square Detroit, MI JW Marriott Water Square is a new hotel development in downtown Detroit, situated at the former Joe Louis Arena site. The 25-story hotel will feature 600 guest rooms, an estimated 50,000 square feet of meeting space, and will be connected directly to the Huntington Place Convention Center via a skybridge. Construction began in 2024 and is expected to be completed in early 2027 on what will be downtown Detroit's second largest hotel. 4. Shinola Hotel Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN Shinola Hotel Indianapolis is estimated to open in late 2027. The $300 million redevelopment will be 13 stories high and feature 170 guest rooms, a retail store, dining options, and meeting space three blocks from the Indiana Convention Center. The mixed-use development will offer a rentable 4,000-square-foot music venue and a pedestrian skywalk connecting Pennsylvania Street to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 5. Signia by Hilton Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN Expected to open in the fall of 2026, this 38-story hotel will bring 800 additional rooms to downtown Indianapolis, which will then have 5,500+ rooms connected by enclosed skywalks to the The Indianapolis Convention Center. The center itself is undergoing its sixth expansion, adding 143,500 square feet of space, including a 50,000-square-foot ballroom.
Skift
23-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Cruising Into 2025: 29 New Ships, Ports, and Itineraries for Groups
With just 15% of the U.S. population having cruised, planners have an opportunity to create a whole new experience for many of their attendees. The new and upcoming introductions, part of Skift Meetings' just-released report, What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025, reflect an industry that is constantly adding new itineraries, features, and amenities as it continues to grow and innovate. For some lines, chartering is also an option, giving companies a chance to brand the entire ship and to design their own exclusive, one-of-a-kind journey. One cruise line, Transcend, will launch two ships in 2025, designed specifically for full charters and group buy-outs on the Rhine and Danube rivers. For incentive groups. Emerald's new 128-guest superyachts will feature spacious all-suite accommodations, sky decks with private cabanas, swim-up marina platforms, and wellness-focused amenities, while Ritz-Calton yachts' new Ilma has its own curated art collection with works by artists such as Picasso. In 2027, Aman will bring its land-based hospitality approach to a maritime setting with the Amangati, designed with a focus on privacy and a tranquil onboard experience. 1. Amadeus River Cruises Amadeus River Cruises is launching two new ships: the AMADEUS Amara in 2025 and the AMADEUS Aurea in 2026, both designed for luxury cruising on Europe's Rhine and Danube rivers. The AMADEUS Amara, launching in summer 2025, will feature 12 suites with balconies and 70 cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows, plus an indoor pool and expansive sundeck. The AMADEUS Aurea will offer similar accommodations, along with a sun deck pool, fitness center, and hybrid propulsion technology aimed at improving sustainability. 2. Aman at Sea Set to launch in 2027, Aman at Sea will introduce Amangati, a 47-suite luxury yacht marking the hospitality brand's expansion into ocean travel. The vessel will operate in the Mediterranean and other global regions, offering curated itineraries and the option for private charter. Designed with a focus on privacy and a tranquil onboard experience, Amangati aims to translate Aman's land-based hospitality approach to a maritime setting. 3. American Cruise Line In 2025, American Cruise Lines will launch the American Patriot and American Pioneer, a pair of new 125-passenger coastal ships, sailing East Coast itineraries including a 15-day Grand Florida Coast & Keys cruise. In 2026, sister ships American Maverick and American Ranger (125-passenger, Patriot-class) will debut with similar designs and fully stabilized hulls for smooth cruising along the Eastern Seaboard from Maine to Florida. Onboard highlights include a panoramic Sky Lounge and casual outdoor café on the upper deck. 4. Azamara Cruises Azamara Cruises has unveiled plans for its most extensive world cruise to date, a 188-night journey scheduled for 2027. This voyage aboard the Azamara Quest will span five continents, visiting 37 countries and 103 destinations. Additionally, in August 2026, three separate cruises will feature viewing opportunities for the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. 5. Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Cruise Line has announced the launch of its fourth Excel-class ship, the Carnival Festivale, scheduled to debut in spring 2027 from Port Canaveral, Florida. The ship will feature 1,000 connecting rooms, and a three-deck outdoor area called Sunsation Point, and the company's largest water park at sea. The line also revealed the upcoming Carnival Tropicale for 2028 and plans for three 230,000-gross-ton ships set for delivery between 2029 and 2033. Deployment updates include Mardi Gras shifting to shorter cruises from Port Canaveral, a return to year-round sailings from Mobile, Alabama, and a larger ship replacing Carnival Pride in Baltimore. On the destination side, Carnival will open Celebration Key in The Bahamas this July, expand RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay by late 2026, and redevelop Mahogany Bay in Roatan as Isla Tropicale with new beachfront amenities. 6. Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Cruises Launching in November 2025, Celebrity Xcel will be the fifth edition in Celebrity's Edge series with capacity for up to 3,260 guests. The ship will initially sail seven-night itineraries in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. In Summer 2026 it will head to Europe to explore the Mediterranean offering seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. Celebrity Cruises is also branching into European river cruising, having recently ordered 10 vessels of a new design with plans to begin sailing in vessels offer 360-degree views and are set to focus on destination-rich itineraries and locally inspired cuisine. 7. CroisiEurope CroisiEurope has announced plans to launch a new 16-suite, 5-anchor river cruise ship in 2027, offering 12-day voyages through the Brazilian Amazon, including routes along the Amazon, Rio Negro, Solimões, Arapiuns, and Tapajós rivers, extending to the Colombian border. 8. Crystal Cruises Crystal Cruises has announced its 2027 World Cruise, a 140- night voyage aboard Crystal Serenity. Departing from San Diego on January 8, 2027, and concluding in Vancouver on May 28, 2027, the itinerary includes 83 destinations across 29 countries and four continents. Highlights encompass ports in Central and South America, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, China, South Korea, Japan, and Alaska. 9. Disney Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with the introduction of three new ships. Disney Treasure, a 144,000-gross-ton vessel with 1,250 staterooms, embarked on its maiden voyage from Port Canaveral, Florida, in December 2024, offering seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Disney Destiny is scheduled to enter service on November 20, 2025. This 144,000-gross-ton ship will homeport in Port Everglades, Florida, offering four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. Its inaugural voyage includes stops at both Disney Castaway Cay, and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Disney Adventure is set to debut in Singapore on December 15, 2025, marking Disney Cruise Line's first foray into the Asian market. This 208,000-gross-ton ship will offer three- to five-night cruises from Singapore. 10. Emerald Cruises Emerald Cruises is set to expand its fleet with the introduction of three new luxury vessels. Emerald Kaia, a 128-passenger superyacht, is scheduled to launch in early 2026, offering voyages across the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, as well as the Seychelles. Following this, Emerald Raiya will debut in the Seychelles during winter 2026/27, transitioning to the Eastern Mediterranean in summer 2027, and returning to the Seychelles for the subsequent winter season. Emerald Xara is slated to commence Mediterranean cruises in summer 2027 before heading to the Caribbean for the winter 2027/28 season. These 128-guest superyachts will feature spacious all-suite accommodations, Sky Decks with private cabanas, swim-up marina platforms, multiple dining venues, and wellness-focused amenities, enhancing Emerald Cruises' boutique yachting offerings. 11. Four Seasons Yachts Four Seasons Yachts is set to debut its first vessel, Four Seasons I, in January 2026, offering ultra-luxurious voyages in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. The 679-foot yacht features 14 decks and 95 suites. Onboard amenities encompass 11 dining venues, a full-service spa, and a 66-foot aft deck pool. Itineraries include destinations such as St. Barths, Nevis, Croatia, and Greece, focusing on ports typically accessible only to private yachts. A second vessel, Four Seasons II, is scheduled for delivery in December 2026. 12. MSC Cruises MSC Cruises has recently expanded its fleet with the introduction of the MSC World America, a vessel accommodating up to 6,762 passengers across 22 decks, which commenced Caribbean voyages from PortMiami in April 2025. The company also opened the world's largest cruise terminal with four stories covering 492,678 square feet and capable of processing up to 36,000 passengers across three ships daily. Looking ahead, MSC World Asia is slated to begin service in December 2026 featuring over 40 bars, lounges, and restaurants, offering seven-night Western Mediterranean cruises. MSC Cruises has also announced plans for the MSC World Atlantic, with construction initiated in March 2025. This vessel is expected to homeport in Port Canaveral, Florida, starting in the winter of 2027-2028, offering Caribbean itineraries. 13. Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line is expanding its fleet with the introduction of Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, both part of the Prima Plus Class. Norwegian Aqua, launched in March, is a 156,300-gross-ton vessel measuring 1,056 feet in length and accommodating 3,571 guests. It features the world's first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, an expanded pool deck, enhanced spa services, and three-bedroom duplex suites. The vessel will homeport in Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando), Fla., as well as New York City, offering Bahamas, Caribbean and Bermuda itineraries. Norwegian Luna is launching soon and shares similar specifications and amenities with itineraries also focused on the Caribbean. Norwegian Cruise Line announced it will homeport the Norwegian Jewel in Philadelphia starting April 2026, after more than a decade away. The ship, with capacity for 2,300 passengers, will voyage to Bermuda, Canada, and New England. 14. Oceania Cruises Oceania Cruises is set to launch its newest ship, Allura, in July 2025. The 67,000-gross-ton vessel will accommodate 1,200 passengers and 800 crew members. Following its Mediterranean debut, Allura will offer itineraries in Canada and New England, and later in the Caribbean, homeporting in Miami. The ship emphasizes Oceania Cruises' culinary focus, boasting multiple dining venues. 15. Orient Express Orient Express Corinthian, the world's largest sailing yacht, is expected to take its maiden voyage in 2026 from its home port of Marseille, France. The more than 700-square-foot yacht will feature 54 luxury accommodations onboard with jacuzzis and sunbeds in some suites. Five restaurants, eight bars, an amphitheater cabaret, a cinema, and a recording studio are among the yacht's features. Other highlights include a 55-foot-long swimming pool, fitness center and yoga studio, and a spa. A second yacht, the Orient Express Olympian is scheduled to debut in 2027, expanding the brand's presence. The first two Orient Express yachts will explore the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Caribbean seas. 16. Paul Gauguin Cruises Paul Gauguin Cruises has completed a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the m/s Paul Gauguin, a 330-guest ship sailing year round in French Polynesia. Upgrades include a redesigned Le Grill restaurant, a revamped pool deck with shaded cabanas, eight new connecting staterooms, and new sustainable technologies to reduce energy use and plastic waste. The ship is currently operating two repositioning itineraries: a 14-night Immersive Indonesia voyage from Singapore to Australia, and a 16-night Crossing Melanesia sailing to Fiji, before returning to its regular South Pacific routes to the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Cook Islands, and Marquesas in May. 17. Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is set to launch the Star Princess, its second Sphere-class ship, in fall 2025. The 4,300-guest vessel will debut with Caribbean itineraries before repositioning to Alaska in spring 2026. Notable features include an expanded non-smoking casino area, exclusive suites with private dining and relaxation areas. The ship also boasts a new SkyDeck Sports Court and Track for activities like pickleball and basketball. 18. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled designs for its next-generation ultra-luxury ships in what it calls the Prestige-Class. The first vessel, Seven Seas Prestige, is scheduled for delivery in 2026, with a second ship expected in 2029. Each ship will accommodate up to 850 guests and feature all-suite, all-balcony accommodations. The ships will offer various itineraries, including destinations in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean. 19. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection introduced its second superyacht Ilma in September 2024, following the debut of Evrima in 2022. The 790-foot vessel accommodates up to 448 guests across 224 suites, each featuring private terraces. Onboard amenities include five restaurants, seven bars, two swimming pools, a spa, and a curated art collection with works by artists such as Picasso. Ilma commenced its inaugural season in the Mediterranean and has since joined its sister-ship Evrima in the Caribbean. Slated to debut in July 2025, Luminara is the third superyacht of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection with 226 suites accommodating up to 452 guests. The ship will set sail in the Mediterranean before embarking on voyages in the Asia-Pacific region and Alaska. Alaska and Canada sails feature transits past the Hubbard Glacier, stops at ports like Juneau, and less-visited places such as Klawock and the whale-watching haven of Icy Strait Point. 20. Royal Caribbean UT, Utopia of the Seas, aerial, drone shot, deep blue water, 3/4 angle, aft, rear, starboard, wake, daytime, Royal Caribbean's Icon Class represents a significant advancement in cruise ship design, emphasizing large-scale amenities and family-friendly experiences. The inaugural vessel, Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, is currently the largest cruise ship in the world offering 2,834 cabins and 10 event spaces, the largest of which can hold almost 1,400 people. Amenities include 21 dining options, a variety of bars and lounges, several pools, and a fitness center. Subsequent ships, which will take over as the largest when launched, include Star of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, scheduled to enter service in 2025 and 2026,respectively. Royal Caribbean plans to open its first Royal Beach Club on Paradise Island in The Bahamas in December 2025. The 17-acre, all-inclusive destination will feature multiple beaches, pools, private cabanas, and various dining venues. The club will offer areas tailored for both family-friendly activities and adults-only experience. 21. Scenic Cruises Scenic Cruises has expanded its ultra-luxury offerings with the introduction of Scenic Eclipse II, launched in April 2023 to complement Scenic Eclipse I. Both are 168-meter yachts accommodating up to 228 guests in 114 suites. The vessels also boast two helicopters and a submersible for enhanced exploration experiences. Itineraries include destinations across the Americas, Europe, including the Norwegian fjords, Asia, Australia, the South Pacific, the Arctic, and Antarctica. Seabourn Seabourn's newest ship, Seabourn Pursuit, a 264-passenger vessel equipped with two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs, and a 24-person expert expedition team. The ship is designed for diverse environments, adhering to PC6 Polar Class standards. Seabourn's fleet covers destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctica, the Kimberley region in Australia, and the South Pacific. The company has also announced two solar eclipse voyages for August 2026: a 14-day West Ireland Gems & Solar Eclipse cruise on Seabourn Ovation, departing from Dover, England, and a 10-day Spanish Gems & Solar Eclipse cruise on Seabourn Sojourn, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona, Spain. 22. Silversea Cruises In 2024, Silversea expanded its Nova-class fleet with the introduction of two ships: Silver Nova and Silver Ray. Silver Nova debuted in Asia-Pacific, arriving in Kushiro, Japan, in September 2024, before offering voyages in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, introducing the S.A.L.T. culinary program to the region. Silver Ray commenced its inaugural Mediterranean summer season before embarking on a 71-day Grand Voyage through South America and the Caribbean in January 2025, visiting 38 destinations across 17 countries. 23. Transcend Cruises Transcend Cruises' two purpose-built 135-meter river vessels will launch in 2026, Transcend connect will launch in April and Transcend evolve later in Q2. The ships, designed exclusively for full charters and group buy-outs will sail the Rhine and Danube with itineraries ranging from city-based programs in Amsterdam, Cologne, or Vienna to scenic journeys through less-traveled regions. 24. TUI Cruises / Mein Schiff TUI Cruises has expanded its fleet with the launch of Mein Schiff 7 in June 2024 and the upcoming Mein Schiff Relax, delivered in February 2025. Mein Schiff Relax began sailing in March with Mediterranean itineraries from Palma de Mallorca and was officially christened in Málaga in April. The ship accommodates nearly 4,000 passengers and features 14 restaurants and 17 bars. Mein Schiff 7 currently offers cruises to Norway and the Baltic Sea. Following this, Mein Schiff Flow, a sister ship to Mein Schiff Relax, is under construction at Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard and is expected to enter service in 2026. 25. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Uniworld will launch its first women-only river cruise in August aboard the S.S. Catherine, sailing the Burgundy & Provence itinerary through southern France. The voyage includes stops in Arles, Avignon, and Viviers, cruising the Rhône and Saône Rivers, with excursions focused on regional art, history, and wine. Actor and comedian Rachel Dratch will join as a special guest, performing a comedy set and Q&A session during the trip. 26. Viking Cruises Viking Cruises is set to expand its fleet with several new vessels. The Viking Vesta, accommodating 998 passengers, will debut in July 2025, offering itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. Following this, the Viking Mira is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2026, and the Viking Libra in the fourth quarter of 2026. Additionally, Viking Nerthus, a 168-passenger river vessel designed for Seine River cruising, has been delivered and will operate eight-day itineraries around Paris and Normandy. 27. Virgin Voyages Virgin Voyages' fourth ship, Brilliant Lady, launches in September 2025 featuring 1,408 cabins, enhancing the company's adults-only offering. Itineraries include sailings from New York to Bermuda and Canada, winter Caribbean cruises from Miami, a Panama Canal crossing, West Coast routes from Los Angeles, and summer voyages to Alaska from Seattle. Virgin Voyages is also offering Eclipse Voyages, two special itineraries themed around the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. 28. Viva Cruises VIVA Cruises launched its newest ship, VIVA ENJOY, in January 2025. The 95-cabin vessel sails a range of itineraries on the Rhine and Danube, including wellness-focused cruises and routes connecting Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, and Frankfurt. 29. Windstar Cruises Windstar Cruises will launch the Star Seeker, its first Star Class newbuild, in December 2025. The ship's maiden voyage departs Málaga, Spain, and ends in Miami on January 13, 2026, where it will be christened. The 224-guest vessel will sail in the Caribbean, Alaska, and Japan throughout 2026, with itineraries between Juneau, Seward, and Vancouver, and later between Tokyo and Osaka.
Times of Oman
18-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman to participate in IMEX Frankfurt 2025 on Tuesday
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman will participate on Tuesday in IMEX Frankfurt 2025, one of the world's leading specialised exhibitions for the incentive travel and conferences sector. The 3-day event will be held in Frankfurt, Germany. Through this participation, Oman aims to promote its diverse tourism offerings and boost its position as a premier destination for incentive travel, conferences, and exhibitions. This participation aligns with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism's strategy to attract business tourism and international events, as well as to enhance the tourism sector's contribution to GDP. The meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions market is a key pillar supporting this direction. Oman's pavilion at the expo will feature 17 tourism companies, institutions, and hotel establishments representing the country's tourism sector. These include tour operators, event and conference organizers, and Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre. Khalid Waleed Al Zadjali, Director of the Oman Convention Bureau at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, emphasised the importance of participating in this exhibition, which serves as a key opportunity to connect with leading global business tourism and event organisers. He noted that Oman will showcase its advanced capabilities in hosting international conferences, exhibitions, and meetings. He added that the participation will focus on building strategic partnerships with industry leaders* and exploring new opportunities to attract high-profile events, further enhancing Oman's regional and global standing.
