Travel News Page 108
Hilton Expands Lifestyle Presence in China’s Yangtze River Delta with Two New Hotel Signings
Hilton has announced the signing of a Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Nanjing, and a Tapestry Collection by Hilton property in Wuxi, expanding Hilton’s lifestyle brand presence in Jiangsu province. The signings reflect the company’s continued investment in the Yangtze River Delta and its commitment to meeting growing demand for distinctive, experience-driven stays in sought-after destinations. These hotels will join the upcoming Xi Zhe Wuxi, Curio Collection by Hilton hotel, set to debut in the region later this year.
Four Seasons Maldives Apprenticeship Programme Celebrates More Than 1,000 Graduates
Twenty‑five years ago, five young Maldivians became the first graduates of the Four Seasons Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship Programme. On April 18, 2026, the programme marked its 25th anniversary at the Maldives National University Auditorium in Malé, celebrating a total of 1,058 Maldivians who have now graduated from the programme, making it the longest‑running of its kind in the Indian Ocean.
The Derby London City Opens, Bringing Curated British Character to the Heart of the Square Mile
The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton has officially opened in the heart of London’s Square Mile, blending British charm with contemporary sophistication. Inspired by the iconic bowler hat – affectionately known as a “Derby” – the hotel’s name nods to a symbol long associated with British style and the City’s banking heritage.
Six Senses Joins the UNEP and UN Tourism “Recipe of Change”
Six Senses has joined Recipe of Change, a global initiative convened by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Tourism to unite the tourism sector in a shared commitment to halve food waste by 2030. A living expression of the brand’s sustainable ethos and Eat With Six Senses philosophy, the engagement sees Six Senses share its long-learned operational and behavioral solutions through open conversations with guests and industry peers alike to address the near one-third of all food produced globally that is never eaten*.
CTO to Launch Scholarship Fund for Caribbean Women in Tourism
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) will launch a new scholarship fund dedicated to empowering the next generation of Caribbean women in tourism at its Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Dinner & Awards on June 1. Titled “From Her to Her: From Today’s Female Leaders to Tomorrow’s Tourism Stars,” the program will provide annual support for a promising female student from the Caribbean pursuing studies and a career in tourism. All proceeds from the June 1 event will directly fund the scholarship through the CTO Foundation.
United Adds Nonstop Service to Sapporo, New Flight Between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita
United have announced it is expanding its service to Japan with new flights to Sapporo and Tokyo-Narita this winter. The airline will launch the first nonstop service from the continental U.S. to Sapporo, Japan and will be the only U.S. airline offering nonstop service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita*. As the leading carrier between the U.S. and Japan, these new flights give travelers from across North America more ways to explore Japan and connect across Asia.
Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa Announces a Grand Reimagination of the Historic Hotel
Built during the golden age of luxury travel and Gilded Age grandeur, Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa – home to New Hampshire’s largest ski area and one of the last remaining Grand Hotels in the state – announces an extensive, property-wide renovation that reimagines the historic resort for a new generation of travelers. Scheduled for completion this summer, the transformation enhances every aspect of the guest experience, including all 200 rooms in the hotel’s historic wing, seamlessly blending the resort’s storied architectural heritage with modern comfort, elevated design, and a renewed sense of place in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
point.me Launches Travel Hub to Help Fans Find Award Flights and Experiences for World Cup
Going to the 2026 World Cup may feel increasingly out of reach, but point.me is opening a new way in. point.me, an award flight search and loyalty platform for travelers, has launched a travel hub to help fans deal with rising prices and limited availability by finding flights with points and unlocking match tickets and experiences.
VidantaWorld Voyages Unveils 2027 Mediterranean Sailings for ELEGANT Featuring Cannes Film Festival
VidantaWorld Voyages has announced 2027 Mediterranean itineraries for its ultra-yacht ELEGANT, highlighted by a rare total solar eclipse sailing positioned in the path of totality in the Mediterranean - offering guests one of the most distinctive and precisely positioned travel experiences available in Europe.
Scandinavian Airlines Launches Multiple Forms of Payment Through ARC
Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) have announced that Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has activated Multiple Forms of Payment (MFOP), expanding flexibility for travel agencies and customers processing GDS EDIFACT transactions through ARC’s settlement platform.
GONZALO GÜELMAN ROS APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF FAIRMONT MAYAKOBA
Fairmont Mayakoba, the luxurious beachfront sanctuary set amidst Riviera Maya’s pristine coastline and lush tropical mangroves, announces the appointment of Gonzalo Güelman Ros as General Manager. A respected global hospitality leader, Ros brings more than 30 years of experience across the Americas and the Caribbean, with a distinguished reputation for leading luxury resorts whilst consistently enhancing both operational performance and guest experiences.
WTM Spotlight Riyadh to accelerate growth of the Kingdom’s rapidly growing MICE industry
As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, the Kingdom’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments within its tourism ecosystem. Against this backdrop, WTM Spotlight Riyadh will serve as a global platform to showcase the country’s expanding capacity to host world-class business events, bringing and connecting international planners with opportunities across the Kingdom. According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia’s MICE market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 9.82% through to 2031, reaching US$5.65 billion, reflecting the Kingdom’s substantial investment in venues, aviation, hospitality, and supporting infrastructure.