Travel & Hospitality · Week of Oct 26, 2026
Winter upgrades and a Bahrain deal slate: the week in travel
Resort, cruise and casino operators announced guest-facing upgrades and events, while Bahrain awarded USD 3.89 billion in project licenses.
Operators spent the week announcing what guests will find this winter and beyond. Vail Resorts says it is making its largest investment in food to date across 15 resorts, Princess Cruises detailed upgrades to Royal Princess after drydock, and MGM Resorts International booked Rafael Nadal to headline an exhibition event in Las Vegas on Feb. 28, 2027. Tripadvisor released initial Winter Travel Index data naming New York City and Cancun as leaders in global destination demand.
Investment and technology made up the rest of the week. Bahrain awarded Golden Licenses to four projects valued at USD 3.89 billion in total, including a Meliá hotel and residences development and aviation ventures led by Capital A. TANGLE Inc. set a November 1 launch for its Naviu AR travel app for Japan. Vail Resorts also filed a definitive proxy in its dispute with Oasis Management over board nominees.
TANGLE Inc.
A new way to explore Japan with AI: Naviu AR Travel Companion for Japan Launches November 1 2026
TANGLE Inc. says its Naviu AI-powered augmented-reality travel companion app for Japan will launch on iOS and Android on November 1, 2026, with an AI guide in 29 languages, AR navigation and photo recognition. The company says the app uses patent-pending geospatial technology that does not require a visual positioning system, and that brands, cities and creators can place 3D and AR content through its spatial content network.
Bahrain EDB
Bahrain Awards Golden Licenses to Four New Projects at Gateway Gulf 2026 Valued at USD 3.89 Billion
The Kingdom of Bahrain awarded Golden Licenses to four projects valued at USD 3.89 billion at Gateway Gulf 2026, including a DHL MRO facility at Bahrain International Airport, three Capital A aviation ventures and a Meliá and Infracorp waterfront development in Amwaj with a five-star hotel. The awards cover aviation logistics, real estate, tourism and technology, and also include a Digital City Bahrain hub for ICT, innovation and education.
Vail Resorts, Inc.
Vail Resorts Files Definitive Proxy Expressing Confidence in its Board, Leadership, and Strategy to Deliver Long-Term Shareholder Value
Vail Resorts filed a definitive proxy and mailed a letter to shareholders, saying its board determined that Oasis Management's director nominees lack the qualifications needed to advance the company's strategy. The filing marks a formal step in a board contest at the ski resort operator.
Vail Resorts
Vail Resorts Serves Up New Culinary and Après Experiences at its World-Class Ski Resorts this Winter
Vail Resorts says it is making its largest investment in food to date, upgrading the most popular menu items across 15 resorts this winter. The company says new offerings include the Vail Ice Bar, Park City Mountain's S'mores Sleigh, Whistler Blackcomb's Caviar and Champagne service and Breckenridge's Climb and Dine series.
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor Winter Travel Index Reveals Top Destinations for Winter Travel
Tripadvisor released initial data from its seasonal Winter Travel Index on Oct. 30, 2026, saying New York City and Cancun lead global destination demand for winter travel. The data gives an early read on where travelers are planning winter trips.
MGM Resorts International
Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal Returns to The Court to Headline "The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One" Sunday, Feb. 28, 2027 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
MGM Resorts International says 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal will headline "The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One" on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2027 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Tickets go on sale Friday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. PT.
Princess Cruises
Royal Princess Emerges from Drydock with New Sanctuary Collection
Princess Cruises says the 3,595-guest Royal Princess has emerged from drydock with a new Sanctuary Collection, O'Malley's Irish Pub and expanded Piazza venues. The company says the refit also includes refreshed casino and retail areas.
Brightstar Lottery PLC
Brightstar Lottery's Cash Pop Game Launched in Canada with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation
Brightstar Lottery PLC says Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation has launched its Cash Pop draw-based game, making OLG the first lottery jurisdiction in Canada to offer it. The announcement, dated Oct. 26, 2026, extends the game into the Canadian market.
This roundup is written with AI assistance from the press releases listed above, using only what they state. The releases are the companies' own announcements, not Sunny Wave Media reporting.