Breaking Travel News

Organisations & Operators News Page 209

Andaz Shanghai ITC, in the heart of the city's famed heritage district, opens its doors today

Andaz Shanghai ITC, in the heart of the city's famed heritage district, opens its doors today

Located in the heart of Shanghai's heritage district, this stunning new luxury hotel offers fabulous views across the vibrant and bustling metropolis. Open to guests from February 3, 2026, Andaz Shanghai ITC is the last word in urban comfort, appealing to discerning travellers who appreciate quality and style. Designers drew on the theme of nostalgia, referencing numerous iconic Shanghai sights, tastes, sounds and smells that will invoke warm feelings of yesteryear among visitors from near and far.

Minor Hotels Appoints Winston Gong as General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu

Minor Hotels Appoints Winston Gong as General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu

Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, has appointed Winston Gong as General Manager of Avani Kota Kinabalu, reinforcing the group’s leadership as the hotel accelerates its commercial strategy and guest experience agenda ahead of the hotel’s launch in Q2 2026.

IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring its premium brand, voco to Lucknow, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring its premium brand, voco to Lucknow, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Rajdeep Infra & Sales Pvt Ltd for the development of voco Lucknow. Scheduled to open in Q3 2029, the upcoming hotel will introduce IHG’s fastest-growing premium brand to this vital capital city, reinforcing the company’s strategic expansion in high-potential urban centres across India.

India’s Largest DoubleTree by Hilton Opens Near Bengaluru International Airport

India’s Largest DoubleTree by Hilton Opens Near Bengaluru International Airport

Hilton today announced the opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Bengaluru Airport, the brand’s largest hotel in India. The opening joins seven Hilton hotels operating in Bengaluru and solidifies Hilton’s multi brand-presence in the city, from luxury, full-service and focused-service offerings. Developed in partnership with Dangayach Group, the hotel brings DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature warm hospitality to the city’s fast-growing airport corridor, reinforcing the growing importance of Bengaluru as India’s most significant commercial and technology-led market.

United Spotlights Starlink Wi-Fi in New Big Game Ad

United Spotlights Starlink Wi-Fi in New Big Game Ad

In less than a year, United has equipped most of its two-cabin regional fleet – more than 300 aircraft – with Starlink, the fastest, most reliable high-speed Wi-Fi in the sky*. Over the last 10 months, the airline has flown more than 7 million passengers on Starlink-equipped aircraft across more than 129,000 flights, powering 3.7 million devices – and Wi-Fi customer satisfaction scores on those airplanes nearly doubled during that time.

First Application of Riblet-shaped Paint to ZIPAIR Aircraft

First Application of Riblet-shaped Paint to ZIPAIR Aircraft

Japan Airlines, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, O-Well Corporation, and ZIPAIR Tokyo Inc. have applied the riblet-shaped coating for the first time to the side of the fuselage of Boeing 787-8 aircraft (JA851J).The aircraft has started operation on international routes from 27 January 2026.