News
Industry must adjust to ‘the new reality’, says Thomas Cook chief
The industry must adjust to “the new reality” while demanding a changed attitude from governments, Thomas Cook UK and Continental Europe chief executive Peter Fankhauser told the ITT conference.
Fankhauser said: “Austerity measures and the high cost of living mean people are more considered when it comes to purchases beyond the essentials.
“External price shocks dictate whether people can afford to go on holiday and what sort of holiday they take.”
He told the conference in Abu Dhabi: “The economic times we live in is the new reality. We need to get used to what is now the new norm.”
However, he insisted: “People are still choosing to go on holiday.”
Referring to the explosive growth of budget carriers and “the overwhelming shift in channel”, Fankhauser said: “Not just the economy has a bearing, but also market forces.
“We are an evolving industry and it is not always easy to keep pace. There are so many routes to market that weren’t there before.”
But while the industry has evolved over the last ten years, he said: “Governments have failed to do the same.
“Global travel contributes a huge amount to the world economy. But the lack of government support for the industry is the same in every market.
“From flight taxes such as APD to the uneven playing field of consumer protection, it isn’t right. It’s our job to fight our corner and our customers’ corner. We need to do it loudly and with one voice.”
Featured
JOALI rewards returning guests with exclusive digital art collectibles
JOALI has introduced a personalised festive gifting initiative for selected returning VIP guests, featuring original non-fungible token (NFT) digital artworks inspired by the resort’s geographical location and surrounding marine environment.
The initiative is designed to recognise returning guests and strengthen relationships with those who have visited the resort on multiple occasions.
The centrepiece of the gifting programme is an original digital artwork developed using JOALI’s geographical coordinates as its creative inspiration. The coordinates have been incorporated into a three-dimensional underwater artwork representing the marine environment and biodiversity surrounding the island.
Each selected guest will receive an individual version of the artwork, creating a unique digital collectible associated with their experiences at JOALI.
The NFT format also allows recipients to trade or sell their digital artworks through compatible NFT marketplaces, should they choose to do so.
The initiative forms part of JOALI’s approach to personalised hospitality, extending guest engagement beyond their stays through digital art and creative experiences.
By incorporating geographical data, underwater imagery and blockchain-based digital collectibles, the resort aims to provide returning guests with a personalised connection to the destination.
The festive gifting programme also reflects JOALI’s continued focus on integrating art, creativity and the natural environment into its guest experiences, while recognising the relationships established with its returning visitors.
Action
Avani+ Fares Maldives offers young guests football training with Martin Kelly
Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort will host an Exclusive Kids’ Football Camp featuring former Liverpool FC defender Martin Kelly from 15 to 18 November 2026, offering young football enthusiasts an opportunity to train with a former Premier League player.
The four-day programme is open to children aged five to 13 of all skill levels and will combine professional football coaching with recreational activities at the resort in Baa Atoll.
The event follows three football camps previously hosted by Avani+ Fares Maldives with former England and Liverpool FC striker Michael Owen, as the resort continues to develop sporting experiences for younger guests.
The upcoming camp will feature daily afternoon training sessions led by Kelly, alongside a welcome meet-and-greet, beach games, pool parties, FIFA tournaments and other recreational activities.
Each participant will receive an official football camp kit comprising two customised jerseys, shorts and socks. The programme will conclude with a closing ceremony, during which participants will receive medals and certificates.
“A football camp is about so much more than what happens on the pitch. It’s about helping young players enjoy the game, believe in themselves and learn how much they can achieve as part of a team,” Kelly said.
“I’m looking forward to sharing some of what I’ve learnt throughout my career and, most importantly, having fun with the kids in such an incredible setting.”
Kelly, a graduate of Liverpool FC’s academy, made 62 senior appearances for the club and was part of the squad that won the League Cup in 2012. He later continued his Premier League career with Crystal Palace, where he spent several seasons.
The football camp comes in a year when Avani+ Fares Maldives was recognised as Best Family Resort at the Travel Trade Maldives Awards & Gala 2026.
Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll, the resort offers a range of accommodation options for families, including Overwater Villas, Two-Bedroom Ocean View Pavilions and Two-Bedroom Beach Pool Villas.
In addition to the football camp, guests can participate in activities such as house reef snorkelling, sunset fishing, watersports and beach recreation. The resort also offers activities for younger guests at AvaniKids, while wellness treatments are available at AvaniSpa.
The Exclusive Kids’ Football Camp will take place from 15 to 18 November 2026, with a participation fee of USD 399 per child.
A five-night accommodation package starts from USD 3,784 per room for two adults and one child staying in a Premium Ocean View Room.
The package includes accommodation, half-board dining, football camp participation for one child, seaplane transfers, and applicable taxes and service charges.
Entertainment
QUEENZ OF PIANO to perform at Reethi Faru Resort this festive season
Reethi Faru Resort has announced that internationally recognised piano duo QUEENZ OF PIANO will perform at the resort as part of its Christmas and New Year celebrations for the 2026/27 festive season.
The duo will present three live performances on 29 December 2026, 31 December 2026 (New Year’s Eve) and 2 January 2027, offering guests a series of musical experiences during the holiday period.
QUEENZ OF PIANO are known for combining classical music with contemporary pop, performing arrangements that bring together compositions from different musical periods and genres.
Their performances reinterpret well-known classical pieces and modern hits, incorporating elements of both musical styles to appeal to audiences of different ages and musical preferences.
The duo’s approach focuses on showcasing the versatility of the piano through arrangements that blend traditional classical techniques with contemporary musical influences.
The performances will form part of Reethi Faru Resort’s festive entertainment programme, providing live musical experiences for guests celebrating Christmas and New Year in the Maldives.
The three scheduled performances will take place during the resort’s year-end celebrations, including a special appearance on New Year’s Eve.
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