BOURNEMOUTH, England (AP) — Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is leaving the Premier League club at the end of the season after failing to agree on a new contract.
“I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club,” Iraola said in a statement on the club website on Tuesday. "I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
The Spanish coach, who previously enjoyed success with Rayo Vallecano including promotion to La Liga in 2021, took over at Bournemouth in 2023. He improved the Cherries three places in the table to 12th and received a new contract to 2026. They were then ninth with a club-record points total last season. They are currently 11th and in the race for European competition — only three points behind sixth-placed Chelsea.
Bournemouth enjoyed a memorable 2-1 win at league leader Arsenal on Saturday.
The 43-year-old Andoni has, through 108 games, been the most successful Cherries manager in the Premier League, with the highest winning percentage and points per game.
“Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club,” club chairman Bill Foley said. “He brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished.”
Tiago Pinto, Bournemouth’s sporting director, also praised the former Athletic Bilbao right back’s impact.
“Andoni is someone I have a lot of admiration for, both as a head coach and as a person. His attention to detail, tactical intelligence and ability to bring the best out of players is something we have seen every day,” Pinto said. “We of course respect his decision and thank him for everything he has done for this football club over the last three years.”
Fitness coach Pablo de la Torre is also leaving at the end of the season.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Bournemouth's head coach Andoni Iraola reacts during the Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Bournemouth in London, England Saturday, April 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
Bournemouth's head coach Andoni Iraola reacts during the Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Bournemouth in London, England Saturday, April 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
Bournemouth's head coach Andoni Iraola reacts during the Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Bournemouth in London, England Saturday, April 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Dave Shopland)
BEIJING--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 8, 2026--
From June 1–6, 2026, the 2026 Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference was held in Beijing, co-organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Focusing on immersive experiences and real-world tourism resources, the event aims to enhance Beijing’s inbound tourism offerings, stimulate cultural and tourism consumption, and strengthen the city’s global appeal.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260608991227/en/
Supported by major airlines including Air China and Cathay Pacific, the conference welcomed more than 300 travel trade professionals from over 40 countries and regions, including the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and Russia. Officials highlighted China’s strong inbound tourism performance in 2025, with 154.5 million inbound visits, 35.17 million international arrivals, and over 30 million visa-free entries.
Beijing continues to improve travel convenience through the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, streamlined airport procedures, and broader acceptance of international payment methods. The city is also expanding sectors such as MICE, sports tourism, and urban leisure tourism while strengthening overseas promotion through its “Go Beijing” platform.
Centered on the theme of immersive Chinese daily-life experiences, the conference launched the “Discover the New Beijing” Top 10 Inbound Tourism Experiences, showcasing Beijing’s blend of traditional culture, local lifestyle, innovative retail, and technological advancement. In partnership with Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and more than 100 tourism experts, Beijing also introduced its first inbound tourism “Must-Eat” and “Must-Buy” lists, encouraging deeper cultural engagement beyond traditional sightseeing.
During the event, Beijing announced RMB 9 million in funding to support inbound tourism development and recognized outstanding local tourism enterprises. The city also welcomed 14 new overseas partners, bringing its global network of strategic tourism and OTA partners to 110.
Eight immersive inspection routes were introduced, connecting destinations such as Gubei Water Town, Huairou boutique homestays, Baidu’s autonomous driving showcase, and Shougang’s digital culture park. International delegates praised experiences including smart exoskeleton-assisted Great Wall tours and the integration of rural landscapes with Beijing’s historic heritage.
The conference also facilitated over 3,000 pre-arranged business meetings through its digital matchmaking platform. Concluding with a Beijing-style immersive performance at Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, the event reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to showcasing a vibrant, innovative, and globally connected modern Chinese capital.
2026 Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference Kicks off, Unveiling 10 New Inbound Tourism Experiences to Boost Cultural and Tourism Consumption
