Travel News Page 166
Hilton To Double Lifestyle Portfolio in EMEA
Hilton is set to grow its lifestyle portfolio to more than 200 trading and pipeline properties in EMEA. As part of this growth, the company has announced multiple new signings across its lifestyle and Collection brand portfolio, including the debut for Motto by Hilton in France and Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Germany. With owner demand and traveller appetite for experience-led stays continuing to rise, Hilton has now surpassed 100 trading lifestyle hotels across EMEA, reinforcing lifestyle as one of the company’s most dynamic growth segments.
Hilton Announces Exclusive Agreement with YOTEL to Expand Global Footprint in Lifestyle Segment
Hilton have announced an exclusive agreement with YOTEL that will provide guests yet another way to stay within the hospitality leader’s growing global portfolio. With highly efficient hotels in urban markets, YOTEL has pioneered ways to meet changing guest needs through stays that feature smart room design, and clever tech-enabled features.
GFA, Hilton Announce Waldorf Astoria Residences Guadalajara
Mexican firm Grupo Imobiliario GFA, internationally recognized for setting new standards in high-end real estate development, and global hospitality leader Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announces the signing of Waldorf Astoria Residences Guadalajara (The Residences). Expected to deliver in Winter 2029, this milestone project marks the debut of the first Waldorf Astoria standalone branded residence in Mexico and the Caribbean and Latin America and exemplifies the continued growth of the Waldorf Astoria residential portfolio globally.
Kristen Millar Appointed Chief Brand Officer for NoMad Hotels
NoMad Hotels, the group renowned for its sophisticated design, world-class dining, and immersive cultural programming, announces the promotion of Kristen Millar to Chief Brand Officer, as the group enters its next phase of international growth.
Viking Announces Float Out of the World’s First Hydrogen-Powered Cruise Ship
Viking® today announced that the Viking Libra®, the world’s first hydrogen-powered cruise ship capable of operating with zero emissions, was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Scheduled for delivery in November 2026, the Viking Libra will spend her inaugural season sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
OMNAM GROUP UNVEILS NEW BRAND IDENTITY AND INTEGRATED CAPABILITIES AHEAD OF EUROPEAN HOTEL OPENINGS
Europe-based luxury hospitality and real estate developer Omnam Grouptoday unveils a significant evolution of its brand, marking a new chapter in its journey to becoming one of Europe’s most established and influential hospitality development and investment groups. Founded in 2011 and led by David Zisser, the group introduces expanded integrated capabilities, enhanced teams, and a refreshed visual identity. Together, these new developments illustrate the scale, maturity, and end-to-end scope of Omnam’s operations as the company advances a pipeline of landmark hospitality projects across Europe. The portfolio, representing a combined total project value of €2.6 billion, includes Baccarat Florence, Rosewood Bauer Venice, Park Hyatt Taormina, Four Seasons Puglia, a unique luxury project in Paris and the recently launched The Lake Como EDITION, among others.
Key West Historic Inns Join Small Luxury Hotels of the World™
Key West Historic Inns, a collection of boutique properties located throughout the heart of Old Town Key West, has officially joined Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ (SLH), expanding the collection’s global reach and introducing new travelers to its intimate, experience-driven stays.
EGYPTAIR’S NEW A350-900 TO FEATURE IN-FLIGHT ENGAGEMENT & DIGITAL SOLUTIONS FROM PANASONIC AVIONICS
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic Avionics), the world’s leading supplier of in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) solutions, today announced that EgyptAir’s new A350-900 has entered service featuring award winning in-flight engagement and connectivity (IFEC) systems and a suite of digital apps and services from Panasonic Avionics.
ELITE ISLAND RESORTS LAUNCHES “A LOVE LETTER TO ANTIGUA” CAMPAIGN CELEBRATING THE ISLAND’S BEAUTY
This summer, Elite Island Resorts invites travelers and travel professionals alike to explore Antigua through “A Love Letter To Antigua,” a campaign designed to showcase the island’s culture, history, and natural beauty beyond the resort experience. The initiative includes inspiring itineraries co-created with content creators, a 360° interactive map of Antigua, and cinematic storytelling that highlights Antigua as a premier summer travel destination.
PLANET HOLLYWOOD HOTEL & CASINO LANDS IN TBILISI
Planet Hollywood Resorts International today announced its debut in Tbilisi, Georgia, bringing its globally recognized, entertainment-driven hospitality brand to the market through a newly executed license agreement with Orbi Group and Block Group, in association with Iconic Entertainment. This milestone project introduces the nation’s first fully integrated resort- anchored by Planet Hollywood’s signature fusion of cinematic energy, lifestyle, and immersive guest experiences.
THE SAN FRANCISCO PENINSULA LAUNCHES FLAVORS OF THE PENINSULA
The San Francisco Peninsula, the region’s official Destination Marketing Organization, is excited to launch Flavors of the Peninsula, a 10-day culinary event celebrating the region’s diverse culinary landscape. Produced in partnership with the region’s local Chambers of Commerce and San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA), the event will run from April 23 to May 3, 2026, with over 100 participating restaurants. Flavors of the Peninsula is one of the most ambitious restaurant week programs in California, spotlighting the best in dining bayside to coastside.
‘Bluey’s Best Day Ever!’ Debuts March 22, 2026, at Disneyland Resort
Beginning March 22, 2026, families and guests of all ages can join a fun-filled celebration of the heart and humor of the critically acclaimed animated series “Bluey” in Fantasyland Theatre at Disneyland Park. The all-new experience “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” invites guests to laugh louder, dance harder and play together. “Bluey’s Best Day Ever!” brings all kinds of fun to the Disneyland Resort 70th Celebration, which honors seven decades of The Happiest Place on Earth.