STAAH, a global hospitality tech solutions provider, has once again been recognised as Booking.com’s Premier Plus Connectivity Partner for 2026. This marks the fifth consecutive year the company has received this top-tier recognition under Booking.com's Connectivity Partner Programme.

This continued recognition reflects STAAH’s consistent focus on delivering reliable and high-performing technology solutions that help hotels improve their visibility and performance on the platform. Since 2022, the company has held this highest level of partnership, highlighting its strong track record in offering seamless connectivity and dependable services to hoteliers across different markets.

Sharing his thoughts on the milestone, Tony Howlett, CEO of STAAH, said, "Being recognised as Booking.com's Premier Plus Connectivity Partner for the fifth consecutive year is a milestone we're genuinely proud of, it reflects the sustained technical excellence and consistency our team brings to this partnership year after year. Our focus remains on delivering the best possible connectivity experience: giving hoteliers faster access to new Booking.com features, more reliable distribution, and the tools they need to compete and grow in an increasingly demanding market."

Echoing similar sentiments, Robert Csenar, Booking.com – Connectivity Partner Business Manager, Singapore, said,

“Recognising STAAH as our Premier plus Connectivity Partner for 2026 for the fifth consecutive year reflects the strength and consistency of our collaboration. STAAH continues to deliver high- quality connectivity solutions that enable accommodation partners to optimise their performance, improve visibility, and access the latest innovations on our platform. Their commitment to seamless integration and ongoing product enhancement aligns closely with our goal of making it easier for everyone to experience the world. We value this partnership and look forward to continuing to drive meaningful results together.”

Over the years, STAAH and Booking.com have built a strong and strategic partnership focused on improving the booking experience for users while also helping hotels manage their distribution more effectively. This collaboration has played a key role in enabling hotels to stay competitive in a fast-changing digital environment.

STAAH continues to support hoteliers with its core solutions, including its Channel Manager and SwiftBook Booking Engine. These tools are designed to improve online visibility, simplify distribution, and increase direct bookings. Together, they help hotels enhance guest experience while driving steady and sustainable revenue growth in a competitive market.

Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced a landmark moment in its history, with all four of its ships set to come together in Liverpool for the very first time. On May 16, 2028, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and Queen Anne will unite on the River Mersey, creating what is expected to be a truly memorable occasion for the brand and cruise enthusiasts around the world.

This will mark the first time Cunard’s full fleet assembles in one place. While Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria previously gathered in 2015 to celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary, the 2028 event will be the first to include Queen Anne, making it a complete Four Queens moment in Cunard’s spiritual home.

Liverpool holds a special place in Cunard’s history, being the city where the company was founded in 1840. The upcoming gathering is expected to attract global attention, much like the 2015 event that drew over one million spectators to the waterfront. The city is preparing to celebrate the occasion in its own style, with a large-scale waterfront event as the ships arrive and depart together.

Adding to the significance, Queen Mary 2 will make her first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York directly to Liverpool, marking Cunard’s first eastbound arrival from New York to the city in over 61 years, since RMS Sylvania docked at Princes Landing Stage on November 18, 1966.

The Four Queens event will also be part of Liverpool’s wider celebrations, marking 20 years since the city was named European Capital of Culture. A year-long lineup of music, maritime, and sporting events is planned, with Cunard’s return expected to be one of the highlights.

Guests will be able to experience this special moment through dedicated Four Queens Celebration voyages. Queen Mary 2 will sail from New York to Liverpool before continuing her transatlantic and other itineraries. Queen Anne will begin her season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including an overnight stay in Liverpool. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will also join the gathering, arriving as part of their respective voyages across Europe and the British Isles.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said:

"Bringing our four Queens together on the Mersey for the first time will be a rare and incredibly special moment for Cunard. Liverpool is where our story began, and returning with the full fleet is a powerful celebration of that bond. It will be an unforgettable day for our guests, for the city, and for everyone who comes together to enjoy the spectacle from the shore."

Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:

"Welcoming the four Cunard Queens at the same time will be an extraordinary occasion for our city, our residents, and our visitors. We are incredibly proud of our rich maritime heritage, and this promises to be a really special moment here in Liverpool, Cunard's spiritual home.

2028 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us - with the Four Queens' visit, hosting Euro 2028 matches, and the 20th anniversary of Liverpool Capital of Culture, we've got a brilliant program of events and activities in store.

"We are looking forward to bringing people together once again and helping to deliver an experience that will be remembered long after the ships have sailed."

Further details about Cunard’s 2028 voyages and booking timelines are expected to be announced soon.

Japan is strengthening its cultural tourism appeal with a focused outreach to Middle Eastern audiences through the Anime & Manga Spot Summit & Expo, held in Tokyo’s vibrant district of Ikebukuro. The initiative highlights the growing trend of “anime tourism,” where fans travel to real-world locations featured in their favourite shows.

Popular titles like Detective Conan and Doraemon have long resonated with audiences in the Arab world. This connection has led to a rise in fans visiting Japan to experience these fictional worlds in real life, turning entertainment into travel inspiration.

The Expo, launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025, collaborates with regional prefectures to showcase anime-linked destinations through workshops, merchandise, and live performances. In Akita Prefecture, known for inspiring settings from Fisherman Sanpei, visitors can explore scenic landscapes and the renowned Yokote Masuda Manga Museum, one of the world’s largest manga archives.

Further south, Yamagata Prefecture features the city of Shinjo, associated with Hunter x Hunter. Visitors can explore themed spots like Café Nokurasi and Hanaya Hanaten, which bring elements of the series to life.

In Niigata City, fans can dive deeper into the craft at the Niigata Manga Animation Museum and Niigata Manga House, offering interactive experiences including voice acting and animation workshops.

Meanwhile, Miyagi Prefecture draws visitors to Ishinomaki, home to the Ishinomori Manga Museum, celebrating classics like Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009. The city has also adapted to international tourism, with several restaurants offering halal options for Middle Eastern travellers.

Toyama Prefecture’s cities of Takao and Himi are key highlights, linked to creators Fujiko F. Fujio and Fujiko A. Fujio, known for iconic works like Doraemon. Attractions such as the Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Art Gallery and Doraemon-themed trails allow fans to immerse themselves in the origins of these beloved stories.

As anime continues to influence global travel trends, the Anime & Manga Spot Summit & Expo positions Japan as a must-visit destination for fans, blending storytelling, culture, and tourism into one immersive experience.