As previously teased by Observer, the principal of Reuben Brothers, Jamie Reuben, has been building an “empire” of real estate on behalf of the family firm, including a $2.6 billion development in Puerto Rico, called Esencia. Owned and developed by the real estate investment tycoons, Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital, more details of their grand plans for the oceanfront community have now been revealed. As reported by Bloomberg, the project has been specially designed to make the most of the island’s west coast and Caribbean Sea views. Featuring both luxury hotel rooms alongside branded residences, the mixed-use Puerto Rico development…
Travel & Tourism
Recognising Excellence in Digital Marketing Novi, a leading UK digital marketing agency, has been honoured at the UK Paid Media Awards 2025, winning Travel/Leisure Campaign of the Year for its exceptional work with English Lakes Hotels. This prestigious award recognises Novi’s ability to leverage data-driven strategies, enhance audience engagement, and drive commercial success through innovative paid media campaigns. The campaign delivered remarkable results, achieving a 201% increase in conversion value and a 229% year-on-year uplift, positioning English Lakes Hotels as a premier hospitality brand. By balancing key performance metrics with cost efficiency, Novi ensured sustainable growth while maintaining a strong…
Cruise Expert Shares Insights on Quieter Voyage Options As demand for cruise holidays surges, many travellers are seeking more peaceful and intimate experiences at sea. Cruise expert Mark Barton, in collaboration with Avanti Travel Insurance, has unveiled key strategies for avoiding bustling crowds and securing a serene voyage. With the cruise industry projected to reach record passenger numbers in 2025, Barton advises travellers to be selective with their routes and timing. Why Avoiding Maiden Voyages Matters Barton emphasises that inaugural sailings of new ships are among the busiest, as their novelty draws large crowds. “People love the smell of fresh…
Tighter Visa Rules Could Cripple Healthcare and Other Key Sectors British businesses and immigration experts are raising concerns over the UK’s restrictive immigration policies, warning that they are making the country less attractive to skilled foreign workers. Particularly in the healthcare sector, new visa restrictions and rising costs are discouraging overseas professionals from coming to the UK, which could have severe economic and social consequences. Stricter Rules Are Driving Workers Away Under both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour administration, policies designed to curb immigration have made it significantly harder for skilled workers to enter and remain in…
Silversea, a leader in luxury and expedition travel, has introduced a fresh brand positioning, To Finding More. This new identity, now integrated across all company platforms, redefines luxury by highlighting the emotional and authentic aspects of travel. This refined approach aims to inspire travellers to embrace their innate curiosity and embark on journeys that create meaningful stories and lifelong memories. A Tribute to the Spirit of Exploration The To Finding More concept recognises Silversea guests as storytellers, shaping their own unique travel experiences. With a refined visual approach and engaging narrative style, the brand embraces curiosity and adventure, inviting travellers…
Strengthening Its Boutique Hotel Portfolio in the Lake District The Kronen Collection, the hospitality group behind the renowned Jesmond Dene House, has expanded its presence in the UK’s boutique hotel sector with the acquisition of Borrowdale Gates Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, this historic country retreat now joins an impressive portfolio that includes Jesmond Dene House in Newcastle, The Crown Hotel in Wetheral, and The Kilbirnie in Newquay. A Historic Escape in the Heart of Cumbria Borrowdale Gates Hotel is located at the entrance to the picturesque Borrowdale Valley, offering guests a peaceful retreat surrounded by…
As the travel industry moves into 2025, Alipay+, Ant International’s cross-border mobile payment and digitalisation solution, is playing a pivotal role in welcoming travellers for the first peak of the year—Chinese New Year. By leveraging its extensive network of 90 million merchants worldwide, Alipay+ continues to simplify payments and offer exclusive digital services that engage tourists from across the globe. Global Reach and Seamless Payments for 1.6 Billion Users With over 35 international wallet and bank payment partners, Alipay+ now connects 1.6 billion user accounts to an ever-expanding network of merchants across 66 markets. The recent addition of Kaspi.kz from…
Singapore has reclaimed its crown as the world’s most powerful passport, granting visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations globally. This significant achievement places it ahead of Japan, which now holds second place with visa-free access to 193 destinations. These rankings are based on the 2025 Henley Passport Index, a comprehensive annual assessment of global mobility. The index evaluates 199 passports according to the number of destinations their holders can enter without requiring a prior visa. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forms the foundation of these rankings, ensuring accuracy and reliability. Europe’s Changing Mobility Landscape European…
Let’s Do This, the world’s premier platform for discovering and booking endurance and adventure events, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with HotelPlanner, a leading travel technology company. This collaboration combines HotelPlanner’s cutting-edge AI technology and global gig-based reservation services with Let’s Do This’s dynamic event platform to revolutionise event travel booking. The partnership seamlessly integrates hotel booking options into the Let’s Do This ecosystem, simplifying the experience for event organisers and participants alike. A Seamless Travel Experience for Event Participants Through this integration, hotels will play a pivotal role in the event journey by becoming a key feature on event…
Advocates Call for Greater Awareness and Industry Change Allergy campaigner and entrepreneur Julianne Ponan MBE has joined forces with documentary producer Libby Evans to shed light on the struggles faced by people with severe allergies in the airline industry. The short film, Airborne Allergies: Life On the Line, highlights the risks, misconceptions, and lack of regulations that make air travel a daunting experience for those with life-threatening allergies. A Documentary Born from Personal Struggles Libby Evans, a Multimedia Journalism student at the University of Bournemouth, produced the seven-minute documentary to highlight the hypocrisy and challenges faced by passengers with allergies.…