Travel News Page 269
Etihad Airways and Sotheby’s Announce Strategic Partnership
Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, and Sotheby’s, the global destination for art and luxury announce a strategic partnership which will see Etihad become the Presenting Partner for Sotheby’s once-in-a-lifetime two-part exhibition, Icons: Back to Madison. The exhibition brings together some of the most iconic works ever sold under Sotheby’s banner, offering a rare opportunity to experience masterpieces spanning multiple centuries and collecting categories.
Emirates ends the year on high scooping 5 more global awards
Emirates is ending 2025 on a sky-high note with another 5 global accolades won, this time at the 32nd annual World Travel Awards, held in Bahrain. Adding to its impressive portfolio of more than 20 accolades received in 2025, the latest titles celebrate Emirates as a leading airline brand, as well as recognising its multi award-winning inflight entertainment system ice, more honours for Emirates First Class onboard experience and First Class Lounges, and another nod to Emirates Skywards – as the World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme 2025.
Hilton Arcadia Los Angeles Is Officially Open
Hilton Arcadia Los Angeles, a 173-room contemporary retreat at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, is officially open, expanding Hilton’s footprint in Southern California and masterfully hosting guests with expertise and care. Located steps from Santa Anita Park and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and minutes from the Rose Bowl and Pasadena’s cultural attractions, the hotel debuts contemporary guest rooms and suites, multiple world-class dining venues—including Arcadia’s only rooftop bar—and a robust collection of energizing amenities and iconic gathering spaces. The property is managed by Azul Hospitality Group, a San Diego-based hospitality management platform that provides an innovative approach to maximizing performance.
Slackline Moab, Outset Collection by Hilton Marks Debut of Company’s Latest Brand
Hilton proudly announces the debut of Slackline Moab, Outset Collection by Hilton, an inspired new property designed for explorers, outdoor enthusiasts and modern nomads. Accepting reservations for stays starting today, this 138-room retreat is the perfect basecamp for discovery nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. “Slackline Moab was created for travelers who feel most alive outdoors, and we’re excited to welcome guests to their new basecamp in red rock country,” said Rebecca Cavallaro, general manager. “From trail-ready amenities to comfortable spaces for unwinding, we’ve designed every detail to help guests make the most of their Moab adventure.”
York Medellin Opens as Hilton’s First Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel in Medellín
Hilton announces the opening of York Medellin, Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the lifestyle brand’s debut in Colombia’s vibrant second-largest city. The hotel is the 27th Hilton property in Colombia and the third Curio Collection by Hilton in the country, following Cartagena and Bogota. Hilton’s lifestyle brands are expecting unstoppable growth in the Caribbean and Latin America with nearly 40 open hotels and plans to welcome nearly 40 properties, offering travelers immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Marriott Bonvoy Delivers Exclusive Member Experiences at The Snow League’s First-Ever Event in China
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel platform teamed up with Shaun White, legendary snowboarder and founder of The Snow League, to welcome the league’s first event to China, its second event of the league’s inaugural season. As the official hotel and loyalty partner of The Snow League, Marriott Bonvoy further expanded its offerings in the sports and outdoor sector, following a successful debut in March 2025 in Aspen, Colorado, providing members with exclusive access to immersive winter adventures.
Las Balsas Wins Relais & Châteaux Sustainability Trophy 2026
Argentine hotel Las Balsas is proud to announce it is the recipient of the Sustainability Trophy 2026 and revieved the award during the 2025 Relais & Châteaux Rendez-Vous event held at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. The award was presented to the hotel’s General Manager Sebastián Tuvio, by Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux, and Anthony Torkington, CEO of Relais & Château
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Hotel Arts Barcelona Kicks Off Exclusive Partnership With FC Barcelona
Hotel Arts Barcelona has announced a landmark partnership with FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most celebrated football clubs and a symbol of Catalan pride, unveiling the “FC Barcelona Match Experience” stay package. The collaboration includes seats in the coveted Players’ Zone at Spotify Camp Nou, Barça’s home stadium. Combining the thrill of elite football with the sophistication of a stay at Hotel Arts Barcelona, the experience grants guests privileged access to the Players’ Zone, an area typically reserved for players and their closest companions, located directly behind or beside the team benches. From here, guests enjoy unmatched proximity to the squad and an exceptional view of the pitch. The vantage point also offers unique perspectives of the Players’ Tunnel and post-match interview area, placing fans at the very heart of the action.
Journeyscape Reveals Canada’s Top National Parks to Visit in 2026
Specialist tour operator Journeyscape, in partnership with Destination Canada, has unveiled its definitive ranking of the most inspiring Canadian national parks to explore in 2026. The list compares parks using data on wildlife diversity, Instagram popularity, visitor reviews, accessibility, and park size - helping visitors to plan for unforgettable adventures.
Lisbon Named Europe’s Best MICE Destination
Lisbon has been named as Europe’s Best MICE Destination in 2025 at the 6th edition of the World MICE Awards, announced in Sakhir, Bahrain. The city once again stands out among the leading international destinations for congresses, meetings, and corporate events. This distinction, awarded for the third time, highlights Lisbon’s performance in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment, which has gained increasing economic relevance and international visibility. The combination of efficient accessibility, hotel capacity, modern facilities, and a diverse cultural offer has contributed to consolidating Lisbon’s appeal.
WIZZ AIR LAUNCHES NEW ROUTE FROM LONDON GATWICK TO VALENCIA, SPAIN
Wizz Air today announces a new route connecting London Gatwick with Valencia, further expanding the airline’s connections from the UK to Spain. The route is the sixth new Spanish route Wizz Air will launch in 2026, joining recently announced connections between London Luton and Bilbao, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Seville, reiterating Wizz Air’s position as a key provider of low-cost travel to Spain.
Phocuswright releases ‘Travel Forward: Data, Insights & Trends for 2026’, sponsored by Travel Guard
Phocuswright today released Travel Forward: Data, Insights & Trends for 2026, sponsored by Travel Guard, its annual year-end and year-ahead report that provides a clear, data-driven view of the $1.67 trillion global travel market. The free report brings together the company’s most insightful analysis and presents it through interactive charts and visuals that reveal the forces shaping the year ahead. The global travel industry enters 2026 with steady momentum. Total gross bookings are projected to reach $1.67 trillion as international demand strengthens and travelers continue to prioritize experiences despite economic and geopolitical pressures. Travel and tourism is expected to generate more than $11.7 trillion toward global GDP this year and support nearly 371 million jobs, underscoring the sector’s enduring resilience even as growth patterns vary by region.