Travel & Food news · 26 October 2026
Dubai Outpaces Middle East Rivals as Winter Sun Tourism Season Surges
Dubai recorded 6.97 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, outpacing regional rivals Oman and Egypt in per-visitor spending, boosted by a new five-year self-sponsored tourist visa.
Vietnam Wins Overall Championship at Battle of the Chefs 2026 in Malaysia
The Saigon Professional Chefs Guild claimed the overall title at Battle of the Chefs 2026 at SPICE Arena in Penang, with Vietnamese teams collecting 102 medals — 28 gold, 36 silver and 38 bronze — across more than 90 categories.
Vietnam Airlines Becomes First Asian Carrier to Win World's Best Culinary Airline
Vietnam Airlines has been named World's Best Culinary Airline 2026 at the World Culinary Awards ceremony in Jamaica, ending Air France's four-year reign and marking the first time an Asian carrier has claimed the title.
Virgin Australia Serves Hot Chips at 35,000 Feet in a First for Australian Aviation
Virgin Australia has added crispy hot chips with aioli dipping sauce to its economy buy-on-board menu, believed to be the first Australian airline to offer the beloved comfort food in the air, alongside the returning viral Cheeseburger Toastie.
Global Tourism Leaders to Convene in Paris for 'A World for Travel' Forum
Around 200 international tourism decision-makers are gathering in Paris on 29–30 October for the seventh edition of 'A World for Travel,' focused on geopolitical risk, AI and sustainable tourism as the global industry eyes a US $12 trillion economic contribution in 2026.