Feeling uneasy after hearing about recent plane crashes? Fear not—a top travel site just released a list of the safest airlines to help you fly with confidence. Thinking about a Caribbean locale for your next meeting or event? One destination is drawing record-breaking numbers of overnight visitors, and it’s easy to see why. Planning an incentive trip with wellness in mind? A leading group travel company has put together some amazing itineraries you’ll want to check out.
As always, Smart Travel is here to keep you up-to-date on the latest must-read travel and tourism news.
Top Airline Ratings Platform Reveals Safest Airlines
Airline safety has become a pressing concern for many passengers recently, with headlines of tragic plane crashes dominating the news. Just today, investigators reviewing the crash of a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 in South Korea last month, which claimed the lives of all 179 people aboard, uncovered evidence of bird strikes in both engines. Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Azerbaijan Airlines’ flight J2-8243 was likely shot down by Russian forces on Christmas Day, resulting in the deaths of 39 of the 67 passengers and crew.
Read More: Flight Safety Under Scrutiny
Although neither of these incidents was caused by safety failures or faulty aircraft, they have heightened anxiety among frequent flyers about the risks of air travel. For those seeking reassurance and guidance, AirlineRatings.com has released its latest review of the world’s safest airlines. The platform considered recent fatal accidents, audits from aviation’s governing bodies, industry-leading safety initiatives, fleet age and how airlines dealt with any incidents.
The top 10 full-service airlines for 2025 are:
- Air New Zealand
- Qantas
- Tie: Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Emirates
- Virgin Australia
- Etihad Airways
- ANA
- EVA Air
- Korean Air
- Alaska Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
2026 South Africa Itineraries Announced by National Geographic Expeditions
National Geographic Expeditions has debuted a new itinerary for 2026, titled Southern Africa: Living History and Legendary Species. The addition joins the company’s Signature Land portfolio, which also includes destinations in Costa Rica, Australia, Sri Lanka, the Azores and more.
The history, culture and wildlife of Southern Africa will be on full display during the expedition, which will feature local guides and experts with specialized backgrounds including geography, conservation, photography and filmmaking.
“This new offering will allow our guests to immerse themselves into the majesty of Southern Africa while also continuing National Geographic’s extraordinary legacy of global exploration,” said Nancy Schumacher, senior vice president and general manager, National Geographic Expeditions. “We take enormous pride in enabling curious travelers to explore the world while also learning about conservation from our Experts and local guides. This new experience will provide our guests with special access to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like learning firsthand about the deep traditions of local villagers, observing stunning wildlife while on safari and being awe-struck by the beauty of Victoria Falls.”
Booking is open now.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sees 25% Surge in Stayover Arrivals
On Thursday, the minister of tourism of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Carlos James, announced a record-breaking year-over-year 25% growth in stayover arrivals for 2024. This development cements the multi-island Caribbean state with the highest average growth in stayover rates of the region.
Read More: Royal Caribbean Launches “World’s Biggest Weekend” Cruise with New Mega-Ship Utopia of the Seas
Multiple factors, including increased flight availability, a growing yachting and cruise sector, and hotel development and expansion, have contributed to the islands’ strong performance. New options for meeting profs are Sandals St. Vincent and the Grenadines Resort, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, La Vue Hotel and Mayah’s Suite, among others. An additional 250 rooms will be up for booking soon, with the islands’ Marriott Hotel breaking ground this year.
Looking ahead, Minister James said, “I am especially pleased with all of the work that’s being done and with the opportunity to witness the results of our efforts. I look forward to the destination meeting its new targets going into the new year and continuing to offer travelers a premier choice for their Caribbean holidays.”
Group Travel Company Contiki Announces Sober-Curious Itineraries Across Britain & Ireland
Contiki has unveiled its first-ever “sober curious” itineraries, featuring six alcohol-free tours across Britain and Ireland in August 2025. These new offerings are inspired by Contiki’s survey revealing that 83% of 18- to 35-year-olds are interested in sober travel experiences—a reflection of a growing trend among younger generations to drink less, with Gen Z leading the charge by consuming 20% less alcohol than previous cohorts.
For meeting profs, these itineraries offer unique, wellness-focused experiences that could inspire team building and connection. Highlights include a British baking class in Birmingham, farm-to-fork dining in Manchester, yoga and lunch in County Wexford, and exploring the iconic Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Whether organizing incentive trips or off-site events, this alcohol-free approach could appeal to companies looking to cater to changing preferences and a health-conscious audience.
“The data doesn’t lie. Young travelers are not only drinking less in general but are also increasingly curious as to what a completely sober travel experience would look like,” says Contiki CEO Adam Armstrong. “Of course, our travelers can still enjoy an Aperol in Rome or some Beaujolais wine at the Contiki Château if they want to, but these sober-curious trips are part of a suite of cultural experiences we offer that prioritize the buzz of travel over anything else.”
Upcoming Global Tourism Resilience Conference to Take Place in Jamaica
The Global Tourism Resilience Conference is set to take place from February 15 to 17 in Jamaica, with the United Nations recently designating February 17 as Global Tourism Resilience Day. This recognition highlights the critical importance of preparing the tourism industry to handle and recover from disruptions such as natural disasters, pandemics, economic shifts and geopolitical tensions.
The event, organized by the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), aims to bring together industry leaders, policymakers, academics and stakeholders to share insights and develop actionable strategies for building resilience in the global tourism sector. The conference will feature expert panels, workshops and discussions designed to address the vulnerabilities and opportunities in tourism while fostering innovation and sustainability.
For meeting profs, the conference offers valuable takeaways on how to build flexibility into event planning, ensuring preparedness for unexpected challenges. From fostering stronger collaborations with local communities to adopting technology that enhances adaptability, the event provides a blueprint for creating more sustainable and resilient travel experiences. It’s an essential opportunity to stay ahead of industry trends and contribute to the long-term viability of global tourism.
