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World Culinary Awards 2026: Airlines And Airports Raise The Bar For Dining

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 26, 2026

Airline meals and airport restaurants are becoming an increasingly important part of the travel experience. The 2026 World Culinary Awards recognised the airlines, airports and lounges making food a stronger part of their passenger offering, with Vietnam Airlines, London Heathrow and Turkish Airlines among this year’s winners.

Vietnam Airlines was named the World’s Best Culinary Airline 2026, becoming the first Asian carrier to receive the award. It beat competitors including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Cathay Pacific and Turkish Airlines.

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London Heathrow received the title of World’s Best for Airport Dining 2026, while Turkish Airlines’ international lounges won World’s Best Airline Lounge for Dining 2026. Clubrooms at Gatwick South Terminal was recognised as the World’s Best Airport Lounge for Dining 2026.

Vietnam Airlines Puts Vietnamese Cuisine In The Spotlight

Vietnam Airlines uses its in-flight menus to showcase Vietnamese cuisine to international travellers, while adapting dishes to seasonal ingredients and specific routes.

In economy class, breakfast may include a layered croissant, while lunch and dinner typically feature rice or pasta dishes, accompanied by bread and dessert.

Business class passengers have a wider selection tailored to their destination. Flights to South Korea may feature bibimbap, ginseng chicken soup or black bean noodles, while services to Europe draw on French, German and British culinary traditions. Passengers travelling to Europe, Australia and the United States can also pre-order business class meals.

Heathrow Expands Its Dining Offering

London Heathrow was named the world’s leading airport for dining, ahead of Dubai International, Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Hong Kong International Airport, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, Paris Aéroport and Singapore Changi Airport.

Its four terminals offer everything from cafés and casual eateries to more premium dining concepts. Some venues are designed to make the meal itself part of the journey.

At Terminal 2, Le Café Louis Vuitton serves refined desserts, including a hazelnut creation combining ganache, praline and fleur de sel. Terminal 5’s Plane Food Market, from Gordon Ramsay, offers all-day breakfast alongside pizza, sushi, noodles and British classics such as fish and chips.

Turkish Airlines Wins Recognition For Lounge Dining

Turkish Airlines’ international lounges took the title of the world’s best airline lounge dining experience in 2026.

The shortlist included premium lounges operated by Air France at Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Etihad Airways at Zayed International Airport, Lufthansa at Frankfurt Airport, Qatar Airways at Hamad International Airport, SWISS at Zürich Airport, Thai Airways at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Virgin Atlantic at London Heathrow.

Turkish Airlines’ lounges combine Turkish specialities with international dishes. At locations such as Edinburgh Airport, passengers can choose from hot and cold buffet options before their flights.

Clubrooms Brings Restaurant-Style Dining To Gatwick

Clubrooms at Gatwick South Terminal was named the world’s best airport lounge for dining, reflecting the role of food in shaping premium airport experiences.

Its seasonal menu ranges from light bites and cold plates to hot meals. Breakfast options include eggs Benedict and Belgian waffles, while evening dishes include chicken Caesar salad, a gochujang chicken thigh bowl and Moroccan nut roast with green beans dressed in lemon olive oil.

The awards highlight how food is becoming a point of differentiation across the aviation industry. For airlines, airports and lounges, dining is no longer simply a service offered along the way. It is part of the overall passenger experience.

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Cyprus Tourism Recovers After Difficult Start To 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 26, 2026

Cyprus’ tourism sector is recovering after a sharp decline in arrivals earlier this year, but Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis has warned that the industry remains vulnerable to external shocks. Presenting the department’s €59.4 million budget for 2027, he stressed that continued growth cannot be taken for granted.

Arrivals Recover After A Sharp Early-Year Decline

Tourist arrivals fell by 5.6% in the first nine months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, Koumis said. This marks a significant improvement from the 17.9% decline recorded during the first four months, although the recovery remains incomplete.

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Despite the setback, arrivals between January and September were 4.1% higher than in 2024 and 8.5% above 2023 levels. Koumis said the figures indicated that the sector had entered a recovery phase, but added that more work was needed to restore demand in certain markets.

An Unprecedented Shock For The Industry

Koumis described 2026 as one of the most difficult years for Cyprus’ tourism sector in decades. External developments triggered widespread cancellations and a sharp slowdown in bookings during March and April, with tens of thousands of reservations cancelled and new bookings largely stalling.

“2026 will undoubtedly remain in the history and memory of those working in the sector as a year during which our country’s tourism industry was called upon to face an unprecedented crisis as a result of external factors,” he told lawmakers.

Budget Focuses On Promotion And Development

Around 62% of the proposed 2027 budget will go towards promoting Cyprus and strengthening its tourism offering. Funding will support marketing campaigns, participation in international tourism fairs and incentive schemes designed to stimulate demand and improve the island’s competitiveness in key markets.

Tourism Revenue Remains Below 2025 Levels

Tourism receipts fell by 7% in the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to the Cyprus Statistical Service. However, revenue remained 9.2% above 2024 levels and 13.8% higher than in 2023.

Koumis said the final outcome would depend on performance during the remaining months. If receipts follow a trajectory similar to 2025, he expects the full-year decline to be limited to between 3% and 4%, which he described as “a very satisfactory performance” under the circumstances.

Recovery Does Not Guarantee Future Growth

September recorded what Koumis described as the strongest September on record for tourist arrivals in Cyprus. However, he cautioned against complacency, noting that the disruption earlier in the year demonstrated how quickly external events can affect the sector.

“Success in tourism can never be taken for granted,” he said.

The government aims to ensure that tourism continues to benefit Cyprus’ economy, businesses and local communities in 2027. The proposed budget places particular emphasis on promotion and product development, reflecting a strategy focused on consolidating the recovery while preparing the sector for further uncertainty.