World News - Page 26 of 27

Asia: The Major Festivals That Can Transform Your Trip into an Unforgettable Experience

June 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Bhoutan © DTH Travel

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In this quest for cultural immersion, festivals and traditional celebrations present a tremendous opportunity. For a few days, sometimes a few weeks, a destination reveals its most precious aspects: its beliefs, its traditions, its history, its creativity and its identity.

For tourism professionals, these events also constitute a powerful differentiating lever. Building an itinerary around a festival or a cultural event allows offering a unique experience, difficult to compare with a classic circuit, while giving real added value to the journey.

Asia, with its exceptional cultural diversity, offers year-round a multitude of celebrations that deserve to be integrated into programs for 2026 and 2027.

When an entire country goes into festive mode

Certain celebrations literally transform a destination.

In Bhutan, the famous Tshechus bring together local communities, monks and pilgrims around sacred dances performed in the fortress-monasteries of the Himalayan kingdom. The Paro Tshechu (18 to 22 March 2027) and the Thimphu Tshechu (21 to 23 September 2026) rank among the country’s most spectacular events.

In Japan, the festival calendar rhythmically marks the seasons. From the monumental sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival in February to the majestic floats of the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto in July, and the timeless magic of cherry blossoms in spring, each period of the year offers a different view of Japanese culture.

In Thailand, the Yi Peng Lantern Festival of Chiang Mai (November 24-25, 2026) remains one of Asia’s most iconic experiences. Thousands of lanterns illuminate the sky simultaneously, creating an atmosphere filled with spirituality and emotion. If you wish to offer this experience to your clients, DTH Travel still has spaces available to attend this event.

Celebrations that tell a country’s soul

Beyond the spectacle, some events allow a glimpse into the spiritual and cultural dimension of destinations. In Cambodia, Pchum Ben, the Ancestors’ Festival, offers a rare immersion into Khmer Buddhist traditions. From October 10 to 12, 2026, families gather in pagodas to honor past generations.

A few weeks later, the country shifts to a completely different ambiance with Bon Om Touk, the Water Festival (November 23-25, 2026), which makes Phnom Penh pulse to the rhythm of boat races, concerts and popular celebrations.

In Malaysia, Thaipusam (January 22, 2027) impresses with the fervor of pilgrims climbing the Batu Caves’ famous steps in a spectacular display of faith.

In Sri Lanka, from July to October (peaking in August and September), the Minneriya Elephant Gathering is one of the year’s major highlights. Each dry season, herds of elephants gather around the Minneriya reservoir, producing one of Asia’s most impressive wildlife spectacles. The moment is especially striking in the late afternoon, when the animals arrive at the reservoir’s shores bathed in the sunset light. This natural phenomenon offers a unique immersion into Sri Lankan biodiversity and perfectly illustrates the link between nature, conservation, and responsible tourism.

The Philippines also offers a unique experience with the Sinulog, Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang festivals in January 2027. For several weeks, the streets transform into giant stages where music, dance and religious traditions blend.

The opportunity to craft unique journeys

However, building an itinerary around an event requires careful preparation. Festival periods often bring high hotel demand, specific logistical constraints and larger crowds. This is where local expertise becomes essential to select suitable accommodations and activities, or to combine the event with nearby less-visited destinations.

The goal is not merely to attend a celebration, but to allow travelers to understand its meaning and to experience it in the best possible conditions.

At DTH Travel, our local teams across 14 destinations in Asia assist tourism professionals in designing tailor-made itineraries that integrate these major cultural milestones, while preserving the authenticity and comfort of the experience.

Because beyond the destination itself, it is often the moments of celebration that leave the most lasting memories.

To imagine your next itineraries, the DTH Travel teams are at your disposal.

DTH Travel, your partner in Asia

Asie : les grands festivals qui peuvent transformer un voyage en expérience inoubliable

Mathilde Thrierr

[email protected]

www.dth.travel

>> DTH Travel in the DESTIMAG Directory

Excluding Non-IATA Agencies, Tensions in the Gulf: AERTiCKET Makes Group Bookings and Assistance Its Top Priority

June 11, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

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The decision by Air France to reserve TIGRE Web, its group booking platform, access for IATA-accredited agencies starting from July 1, 2026, further underscores the need for non-IATA agencies to rely on a solid partner capable of ensuring continuity and operational control.

A dedicated team and comprehensive management for all agencies

The AERTiCKET Groups service remains open to all agencies, IATA or non-IATA. Requests are submitted via the “Groups” tab, then handled by a dedicated team, expert in multi‑airline negotiations and operational follow-up.

AERTiCKET handles the entire dossier lifecycle:

• Tariff research and optimization,

• Tracking of options,

• Management of passenger lists,

• Early issuance to secure rates,

• Coordination with airlines in case of adjustments.

This organization enables agencies to maintain total commercial control, while relying on a reliable partner for the technical and operational aspects.

A market in flux that demands a solid partner

The restriction of access to TIGRE Web sits within a broader sector evolution: NDC, dynamic availabilities, price volatility, shorter option windows… Agencies must navigate a more complex environment where responsiveness and operational control become essential.

AERTiCKET responds to these challenges by providing a stable framework, harmonized processes and consolidated expertise, enabling agencies to secure their files while optimizing their margins.

Support that goes beyond pricing alone

In a market subject to rapid evolution, agencies need a partner capable of providing constant monitoring, including when international events disrupt airline operations. It is in these sensitive situations that the unified AERTiCKET France / CMS Vacances organization proves its full value.

Continuity of assistance: constant dossier tracking during tensions in the Persian Gulf

Recent tensions in the Persian Gulf have led to reroutings, flight plan adjustments and increased price volatility. For agencies, this implies a heightened need for visibility, anticipation and coordination.

AERTiCKET ensures total continuity of assistance, with constant dossier tracking and continuous operational vigilance at all times.

Specific monitoring for sensitive zones

Regular training to optimize the use of Cockpit and AER360

To facilitate the daily work of agencies and to allow them to fully exploit the tools at their disposal, AERTiCKET offers regular training sessions dedicated to Cockpit and AER360. These webinars help teams become more efficient and better anticipate complex situations.

The trainings offer the possibility to:

• Discover the advanced features of both platforms,

• Master the best practices for submitting, tracking and adjusting group requests,

• Streamline operational management thanks to modules dedicated to passenger lists, options and issuances,

• Use the integrated tracking tools to anticipate disruptions,

• Simplify daily work through a more intuitive and more complete use of the interfaces.

These sessions, offered throughout the year, are suitable for both new users and teams wishing to perfect their mastery of the tools.

A clear ambition: to be the most reliable and closest partner for agencies

With its Groups service open to all, its unified organization, its ability to ensure continuous assistance and its tools that are constantly evolving, AERTiCKET France and CMS Vacances reaffirm their ambition: to offer agencies strong support, genuine proximity and top-tier expertise, whatever the market conditions.

Exclusion des agences non-IATA, tensions dans le Golfe : AERTiCKET fait des Groupes et de l'assistance sa priorité absolue

Websites:

– www.aerticket.fr

– www.cmsvacances.fr

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +33 (0)5 56 55 48 62/48 57

Corsair Confirms In-House Capability for Heavy Maintenance on the Airbus A330neo

June 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

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An expertise honed over time

This capability is not improvised. It rests on an in-house technical leadership within the company, whose resources are approved by EASA/DGAC. The airline already managed a substantial portion of its fleet maintenance internally; over the years it has methodically expanded this scope to better control the lifecycle of its aircraft. These internalized C checks have thus been completed in roughly two weeks — a timeframe that is well within reach given the scale of operations performed: structural inspections, system checks, and comprehensive equipment verifications, all in accordance with the most demanding safety and quality standards in the industry.

To this know-how, Corsair adds a very rare digital component: end-to-end control of the entire planning and execution process for visits (tasks, materials, personnel, etc.). From internally developed applications, Corsair technicians register the completion of their tasks on tablets, and all data are synthesized to provide mastery and perfect transparency across the entire value chain, from the planning phases of the project.

Flexibility, cost control and independence

Beyond technical performance, this internalization serves several strategic objectives. It enables Corsair to gain flexibility in planning its operations, to better manage its maintenance costs, and to reduce its reliance on external service providers. This issue is all the more critical as global aircraft maintenance capacities (MRO) are currently in high demand, in a context of strong pressure on the capabilities needed by the sector (hangar availability, qualified personnel, and aircraft parts). Having this autonomy therefore constitutes a real competitive advantage. Corsair had already internalized several key capabilities, including inline cabin maintenance and engine removals/reinstallations.

Reliability at the heart of the customer promise

On long-haul routes, maintenance mastery is not merely a technical issue: it directly governs operational performance. Aircraft availability determines schedule reliability, program robustness, and ultimately the quality of service delivered to passengers. By taking back control of the heavy maintenance of its aircraft, Corsair equips itself to better guarantee, over the long term, the reliability and quality of its offering — a crucial concern for its customers as well as for all its distribution partners, who rely on this regularity and quality on a daily basis.

In-house maintenance as a guarantee of upgrading the offering

The strengthening of maintenance capabilities thus supports the strategy of moving upmarket pursued in recent years. By expanding its cabin and equipment maintenance expertise, Corsair gains greater control over the quality of the product offered to its passengers. Consequently, about 50% of the workload of a Corsair C check is devoted to the cabin alone, an unheard level among specialized MROs. Directly contributing to the upkeep of interior fittings helps ensure the sustained level of quality expected by customers.

A modern fleet serving performance

Finally, this phase fully aligns with Corsair’s transformation embarked on in 2021, structured around a fleet now composed exclusively of Airbus A330neo aircraft. This homogeneity — one of the youngest fleets in Europe — gives the company enhanced operational reliability and cohesive service across its network. As state-of-the-art aircraft, the A330neos also offer significantly improved environmental performance: a 15% reduction in fuel consumption, 25% lower CO₂ emissions per seat, and a 60% smaller noise footprint compared with the previous generation. In an industry facing growing pressures for competitiveness and decarbonization, this efficiency is a durable driver of cost control.

With the capacity to perform C-checks in-house and a greater grasp of the value chain, Corsair confirms a transformation that blends operational performance, technical mastery, and service quality — serving a durable long-haul model, rewarded by solid financial results.

Explore French Polynesia in 2027 with Aranui Cruises

June 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Aranoa © Aranui Cruises

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Aranui Cruises enriches its experience with a major anticipated novelty for 2027: the company will operate on two ships. On one side, the Aranui 5, emblematic cargo-passenger vessel and a true lifeline with the Marquesas, which preserves the original spirit of the company.

On the other hand, the Aranoa, a more modern and spacious ship, designed to open up new horizons and explore even more varied itineraries, from the Austral Islands to Pitcairn, via the Tuamotus and Society Islands.

Two ships, two identities, one promise: Polynesian immersion

One of the major strengths of Aranui Cruises lies in its ability to offer an experience deeply rooted in Polynesian culture, while meeting the expectations of a discerning clientele seeking authenticity. For travel agents, it’s a rare proposition: a hybrid product that appeals to expedition enthusiasts as well as travelers seeking human immersion.

On board the Aranui 5 as well as the Aranoa, this identity translates in a tangible way:

● A predominantly Polynesian crew, guaranteeing a warm welcome and a sincere transmission of local traditions.

● Professional guides, capable of accompanying travelers and enriching each port of call with historical and cultural anecdotes.

● Included excursions and developed in direct partnership with local communities, a guarantee of authenticity and unprecedented discoveries of the visited islands.

● A distinctly convivial atmosphere, far from the impersonal codes of large cruise ships. On Aranui, travelers mingle, exchange, and share special moments with the crew.

● Island discoveries at the pace of freight, a true signature of the company: passengers observe the maneuvers, understand island logistics, and live an experience close to the daily life of residents.

Whether one chooses the authentic charm of the Aranui 5 or the modern comfort of the Aranoa, the spirit of the company remains unchanged. Since its beginnings, Aranui has set itself the mission of linking distant islands, preserving a vital connection between communities, and sharing Polynesian culture with those aboard.

Iconic itineraries and new routes to explore in 2027

Starting in 2027, the Aranui 5 will offer 20 cruises exclusively dedicated to the Marquesas, its signature itinerary, thus continuing its historic mission at the heart of the archipelago. These 13-day/12-night itineraries provide a condensed showcase of Marquesan cultural heritage: meetings with artisans, visits to villages, songs, dances, traditions, volcanic landscapes, and a unique island ambiance.

Among these departures, one will be devoted to the Marquesas Festival (Matavaa), a cultural celebration held every four years.

With roughly 230 passengers, the Aranui 5 retains a human scale that contributes to the voyage’s convivial atmosphere. The ship also offers a restaurant, several bars, an outdoor pool, and spaces dedicated to conferences and onboard entertainment.

An excellent way to discover Polynesia for a first trip… or a return

New offers for 2026 and 2027

Aranui Cruises invites travelers to live their Polynesian adventure in the best possible conditions, thanks to several exclusive offers available on a selection of 2026 and 2027 departures aboard the Aranui 5 and the Aranoa:

● Offer “Escape” (Escape Beyond Tahiti):

up to €1,600 discount per cabin as follows:

– €600 discount per person on balcony cabins + €200 onboard credit per person

– €500 discount per person on standard cabins + €200 onboard credit per person.

– Dormitories are not eligible. Children are not eligible.

– These amounts are to be deducted from the pre-tax public fare.

Conditions:

– Aranui 5: Journeys No. 24 and 25 in December 2026 and Journeys No. 1 to 10, from January to June 2027

– Aranoa: Journeys No. 6, 8 and 10, between April and June 2027

– The offer is valid only for bookings made between June 1 and July 31, 2026

– Not combinable with other current offers or with the loyalty program

● On the Aranui 5: -10% on 3 Marquesas departures 2027

Aranui Cruises offers a 10% discount in the low season on the trips of January 23 and February 11, 2027 and a Senior discount of 10% for passengers aged 60 or older on the March 16, 2027 departure to the Marquesas.

The 2027 daily programs are also available, offering a detailed day-by-day outline of each day on land and at sea. A tangible way to envision the Aranui experience and plan your trip with complete peace of mind.

Passengers will be able to enjoy the Tiki Club loyalty program, applicable to both ships. Guests who already sailed on the Aranui can return to discover the Austral Islands (or others) aboard the Aranoa and will thus benefit from exclusive advantages.

👉 To better immerse yourself in the discovery of the Austral Islands, watch the video series shot aboard the ARANUI 5 in this article.

Aranui Cruises: Contact and information

Explorez la Polynésie française en 2027 avec Aranui Cruises

Bureau de représentation marketing de l’Aranui en Europe

Email : [email protected]

Téléphone : +33.(0)1.43.31.25.34

Site web : www.aranui.com

CSR and PR: How to Show Your Commitments Without Greenwashing [ABO]

June 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

RSE et communication : les clés pour valoriser ses engagements sans greenwashing - Depositphotos.com, katiindies

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TourMaG inaugurated, on May 29th, a brand-new event for members of its MemberShip Club.

A webinar led by one of its experts and devoted to a topic that has become essential for the players in tourism: responsible communication and the promotion of CSR commitments.

It was therefore Camille Le Guilloux, trainer in marketing and responsible communication and a columnist for TourMaG, who led this session of decryption of best practices for communicating about environmental actions without falling into the traps of greenwashing.

During this presentation, participants were notably able to revisit the central role of communication in the support of the ecological transition.

The speaker reminded that responsible communication is not limited to promoting CSR actions, but also involves questioning the impact of the messages conveyed and their coherence with the company’s real commitments.

CLICK ON THE ATTACHED FILE BELOW TO DOWNLOAD THE WEBINAR PRESENTATION

Webinaire_RSE_MembershipClubByTourMaG.pdf
(3.28 MB)

Four Golden Rules for Showcasing Your Commitments

The webinar also allowed revisiting the “four golden rules” of responsible communication: relying on tangible evidence, measuring the impacts of messages, respecting all stakeholders, and ensuring coherence between the displayed commitments and the actions taken.

A large portion of the session was devoted to greenwashing, defined as any communication likely to mislead the public about the reality of environmental performance of a product, a service, or an organization.

The consequences can be significant: loss of consumer trust, damage to reputation, legal risks and a slowdown of the ecological transition.

To avoid these pitfalls, several recommendations were shared, notably the need to prioritize quantified data, to nuance certain environmental terms, and to be transparent about the limits of the undertaken efforts.

In conclusion, Camille Le Guilloux invited professionals to prioritize sincerity and progress over perfection, while cautioning against another emerging risk: greenhushing, which involves stopping all communication about environmental initiatives for fear of criticism.

As a bonus, here is the link to the video on the eco-design of print materials mentioned during the webinar : www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrtYDNT4_7M

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
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Leading Incoming Tour Operators Gear Up for IFTM 2026

June 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

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This year, your 36 Receptifs Leaders will be waiting for you on more than 130 m2, offering nearly 100 destinations!

Breakfasts and aperitifs, VIP cocktails and numerous animations await you!

A warm and professional atmosphere guaranteed!

Our Stand: J080

The Leaders are celebrating 20 years!

To mark the anniversary of its 20th year, the most important group of French-speaking DMCs recently celebrated its longevity in the South of Spain, in the company of about thirty loyal partners from French agencies, groupers and Tour Operators.

From now on, the association aims for 40 members, covering 100 Destinations.

Today, we would like to present 2 of our members :

GEOTOURS : ÉTATS-UNIS – CANADA

Les fameux Réceptifs Leaders préparent IFTM 2026

North America since 1985

Our team cultivates a genuine passion for Canada and the United States and is eager to share with you its expertise and enthusiasm in creating stays of any kind. Each year, we transport 10,000 people to our beautiful land.

Our on-the-ground knowledge, our practical mindset and our energy will introduce you to nearly 20,000,000 km² of a territory astonishing in its contrasts and rich in the culture born of its immigration history.

OUR STRENGTH?

We adapt to your needs and requirements, taking the time to craft with you a carefully designed project that meets your clients’ expectations and leaves participants with an incredible memory of the journey.

The efficiency and professionalism of Geo Tours have already proven themselves and earned the trust of numerous clients around the world.

GEO TOURS ALSO PRESENTS ITS BUSINESS TRAVEL DEPARTMENT: GEO INCENTIVE

Your clients want to organize an extraordinary corporate event, a trip centered on professional visits, a working seminar, or a convention with suitable facilities; Canada and the United States offer a varied panel of destinations, and GEO INCENTIVE has ideas and resources to support you in realizing your projects!

Our attention to detail, responsiveness and dynamism will align with your desires and needs so that a stay always respects your clients’ corporate identity while revealing the New World in a unique and surprising way.

Gilles Lacape - Geotours © Réceptifs Leaders

AMERICA AWAITS YOU!

Our team works to create an unforgettable stay for you:

• Classic circuits – Canada

• Classic circuits – USA

• Combined circuits – Canada/ USA

• Short city stays

• Multi-activity circuits in winter and summer

• Custom circuits, tailor-made travel

• Themed circuits (around music, a passion, a history, a personality…)

• Autotours (car or motorcycle rental)

Contact:

Gilles LACAPE: [email protected]

+33 6 16 46 24 31

One of our goals is to ensure your clients fully experience the spirit of travel while feeling at home on board. Our ships welcome guests from different countries and cultures, making a river cruise the ideal place to meet interesting people, make good friends, immerse themselves in different cultures, and share unforgettable experiences in a hospitable environment. For French groups, we guarantee Francophone assistance on board. Tours are of course guided in French.

The Romantic Rhine will charm you with its legends, its castles and medieval fortresses.

The Majestic Danube will bring the beauty and the main interest of imperial capitals such as Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava.

The River of Gold, the famous Douro, will enchant you with its authentic scents and its natural, wild beauty.

Choosing Crucemundo means choosing quality and professionalism for the most anticipated and deserved moment of the year: travel and holidays.

We guarantee you competitiveness, commercial flexibility and exemplary assistance throughout the sales process and the trip.

WE ARE WAITING FOR YOUR CLIENTS ON BOARD SOON!

Contact :
Christian Loth : [email protected]

WhatsApp : +33 (0)6 35 42 51 75

Christian Loth - Crucemundo © Christian Loth

20 years by the side of tourism professionals

Receptifs Leaders: now 36 members, including 34 DMCs and nearly 100 destinations + 2 service companies: Airport assistance & Visa.

Receptifs Leaders are a market reference, a true badge of quality and mindset.

Christian Loth

President

[email protected] or at 0635425175

www.receptifsleaders.com

Aircalin Joins the Féminisons Label

June 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Isabelle Coupey, secrétaire générale d'Aircalin, accompagnée de Mélodie Dalle, pilote Aircalin, Anne Martin, cheffe de cabine - Photo : Aircalin

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On the occasion of the 5th edition of the “Féminisons” meeting, held on Thursday, June 4 at the Air and Space Museum of Le Bourget, Aircalin officially joined the label “Féminisons les métiers de l’aéronautique et du spatial”, carried by the Aérométiers association.

An initiative aimed at encouraging more young women to pursue careers in the scientific, technical and operational fields of the aviation sector.

Through this approach, the New Caledonian international company intends to strengthen the visibility of aviation professions among younger generations, and more specifically of women who are still underrepresented in technical, piloting or engineering roles.

Crew, maintenance, operations, flight operations, engineering, customer relations, logistics or support functions: Aircalin recalls the diversity of skills mobilized within the aviation industry and the variety of possible career paths.

A Commitment at the Highest Level of the Company

“Aviation careers offer exciting, demanding, and deeply human paths. At Aircalin, we are convinced that it is essential to better value this diversity of trajectories to challenge the stereotypes that remain too prevalent in the sector”, said Isabelle Coupey, Secretary General of Aircalin, who attended the event.

She adds that she wants to embed this dynamic in a knowledge-sharing approach: “The approach led by the label’s teams is essential, and we now wish to export these best practices and projects to New Caledonia so that the youth of New Caledonia can benefit from them in turn.”

If women today account for 54.4% of Aircalin’s 570 employees, some roles remain heavily male-dominated. This is particularly true for piloting, where the company has only 5 women out of 52 pilots.

In this context, Aircalin states its intention to help shift these balances, notably through its recent recruitment and the expected arrival of new flight crew as early as June.

A commitment integrated into a broader transformation strategy

This membership sits within the continuation of the transformation momentum that the company has been pursuing in recent months, notably marked by the strengthening of its Paris–Nouméa link via Bangkok and the announcement of the acquisition of two Airbus A350s by the end of 2024.

Beyond its operational challenges, Aircalin therefore intends to reinforce its role as a regional player, in New Caledonia as well as internationally, in terms of employment, training and inspiring younger generations. The company also aims to intensify its outreach with schools and to highlight the career paths of its female employees in order to promote a better representation of women in aviation.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Writer
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Hotel vs Short-Term Rental: French Preference Depends on Price

June 10, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Hôtel ou location de courte durée : l'arbitrage des Français dépend massivement des prix, Despositphotos.com

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Face au durcissement de la réglementation sur les meublés touristiques, près des deux tiers des utilisateurs se disent prêts à modifier leurs habitudes de consommation en cas de hausse des prix des locations.

Cette étude publiée par Catella démontre que la fidélité des Français aux plateformes de courte durée est loin d’être acquise, ouvrant la voie à un retour vers l’hôtellerie traditionnelle.

En cas d’augmentation des tarifs des meublés de tourisme, 34 % des sondés affirment qu’ils se tourneraient directement vers l’hôtel, tandis que 29 % adapteraient leur choix selon les situations.

Only 10% would stay loyal to the rental regardless of price level. This volatility is even more marked among CSP+ (74 %) and in regions with strong tourist pressure, such as the Southeast, where 71 % of respondents are considering an hotel alternative.

Cette tendance pourrait s’accélérer sous l’effet du nouveau cadre législatif, notamment la loi Le Meur, qui réduit les avantages fiscaux des meublés touristiques et renforce le pouvoir de régulation des municipalités.

À Paris, les premiers effets se font déjà sentir : les annonces sont passées d’un pic de 79 000 à l’été 2024 à une stabilisation autour de 54 000 en octobre 2025 selon l’APUR, ce qui pourrait mécaniquement pousser les prix de la location à la hausse.

The price factor, the primary obstacle to accessing hotel establishments

The survey also reveals a massive renunciation of hotels, affecting one in two French people.

This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in the Paris region (59 %) and peaks at 70 % among young professionals aged 25 to 34. For 32 % of all respondents (43 % of those aged 25-34), the tariff constitutes the main barrier to entry.

This renunciation translates into trade-offs directly linked to the broader constraints on purchasing power and housing rather than a disinterest in the traditional hotel model.

Public opinion is also favorable to a better structuring of the market. Nearly half of French people (46 %) express the desire to see the regulation of short-term furnished rentals tightened.

The expectations are particularly homogeneous in the Southwest (50 %), Southeast (50 %) and Northeast (49 %). The economic stake is sizeable, since these furnished rentals generate, for instance, 585 million euros in revenue outside the hotel circuit in Paris, where they represent 3.5 % of the residential stock.

Towards a hybridization of hotel offerings to capture new usages

The hotel is now perceived as an opportunistic and pragmatic choice. Guests use it for short stays (33%), for price-driven opportunities (32%) or for the quality of included services (28%).

Expectations vary by generation: those over 55 prioritize brevity of stay (39%), while the 25-34 age group targets price competitiveness (40%) or the lack of availability of alternative rentals (24%).

This shift in behavior opens opportunities for the development of hybrid structures capable of combining traditional lodging, coworking and long-stay stays. This versatility responds to a growing acceptance of mixed audiences.

Indeed, 46 % of respondents believe that the cohabitation between business travelers and leisure travelers has no negative impact on their experience, and 13 % consider it even an asset for the vitality of the establishments. This stance is even stronger among the youth and in Île-de-France, sending a clear signal to investors for the creation of multifunctional hotel assets.

MGallery Collection Opens Its First Property in the Maldives

June 9, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Ouverture du V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection - Photo : MGallery Collection

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MGallery Collection continues to expand its presence in the upscale hotel sector with the opening of the V Villas Maldives at Mirihi – MGallery Collection, its first property in the Maldives.

Located on Mirihi Island, in the southern Ari Atoll, this new resort aims to deliver an immersive experience inspired by Maldivian heritage and the local lifestyle.

The property is accessible after roughly 30 minutes by seaplane from Male. It comprises 42 ocean-view villas, spread along the coastline and the interior of the island. Each accommodation benefits from a dedicated butler service designed to offer guests a personalized experience.

Designed by the studio Studio Gronda, the complex draws from the marine environment and Maldivian craftsmanship. Natural materials, mineral tones, and decorative elements crafted by local artisans occupy a central place in the layout.

Among the accommodations on offer, the Mirihi Maa signature suite notably features a private pool and direct access to the lagoon.

Maldives: Culinary and Wellness Offerings

The culinary offering revolves around several dining spaces. The Dhonvelli restaurant, open all day, showcases cuisine that highlights local products and freshly caught fish.

The on‑stilts Muraka restaurant focuses on marine specialties. Among its signature dishes is a Maldives lobster prepared with local rum, coconut curry, combava, and palm sugar.

The Akoya Sea Lounge complements this with a selection of cocktails and mocktails served as the sun sets.

On the wellness side, the Mirihi Spa offers a range of treatments inspired by local traditions and the archipelago’s flora. Guests can enjoy massages, sea-salt rituals, guided meditation sessions, and even aerial yoga above the water.

Like all properties in the collection, the resort also features its own “M Moment,” the signature experience of the MGallery Collection. In the Maldives, it takes the form of a private excursion aboard the Mirihi Thari yacht. This outing allows travelers to explore the Ari Atoll and observe local marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles.

A Commitment to Local Communities

MGallery Collection also highlights a commitment to supporting local populations. As part of its “Committed to Her” program, the resort collaborates with the Mom’s Aid association to contribute to the empowerment of women within the local community.

Reservations are now open. Rates start from 530 euros per night for villas and from 1,800 euros for suites.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
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Sargassum Presence: Can the Agency Be Held Liable? [ABO]

June 9, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Présence de sargasses : la responsabilité de l'agence peut-elle être engagée ? - Depositphotos.com Auteur ArkadijSchell

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Two female travelers turned to Mediation following a Caribbean stay, claiming they had endured degraded accommodation conditions. They were requesting a full refund of their trip.

The clients had booked a package tour with a travel agency for a stay at a seaside establishment. They report several difficulties encountered on site that, in their view, affected the quality of the stay.

They specifically mention sanitary conditions that they deem degraded, as well as a strong presence of sargassum along the coast, making swimming difficult and limiting access to the hotel’s outdoor spaces. They also report material inconveniences after swimming and substantial stress that, upon their return, led to medical examinations.

They further indicate that they could not alert the agency on site due to connectivity problems.

They believe they were deprived of the normal enjoyment of their stay and request a full refund of the services.

In response, the travel agency states that the establishment had been selected by the clients with full knowledge. It notes that the presence of sargassum is a natural phenomenon in this geographic area, which can be amplified by recent weather conditions. It also argues that no complaint was made during the stay despite exchanges with the agency’s staff.

What the texts say:

Legally, Article L.211-16 of the Tourism Code provides the professional’s strict liability for carrying out the services included in a package holiday, unless it is proven that the damage resulted from the traveler, a third party, or exceptional and unavoidable circumstances. Article L.211-8 also imposes a clear and complete pre-contractual obligation to inform about the essential characteristics of the stay.

Because the sargassum phenomenon is a known and recurring natural event in the area, it should have been the subject of clear and intelligible prior information from the professional, in order to allow travelers to book with full knowledge.

If this natural phenomenon itself is not, by itself, capable of giving rise to compensation, provided that it does not constitute a fault attributable to the professional, the lack of prior information is treated differently.

Indeed, it is this formal lack of information on an essential feature of the stay that can engage the professional’s liability and justify compensation. The file also shows that the presence of sargassum indeed altered the conditions for using the coast and the establishment’s outdoor spaces, thus partially affecting the quality of the services.

What the Tourism and Travel Mediation recommends:

Since the stay has already been consumed, a full refund cannot be considered. The Mediation also notes that it is not competent to rule on medical or bodily damages claimed.

Under these conditions, and in order to amicably settle the dispute, the MTV recommends granting compensation in the form of a credit, based solely on the lack of prior information regarding the presence of the sargasses.

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