Travel News Page 324
Hilton Named No. 1 Best Workplace for Women in the U.S. for Seventh Consecutive Year
Hilton has been named the No. 1 Best Workplace for Women in the United States by Fortune and Great Place to Work for the seventh consecutive year, recognizing Hilton’s commitment to building a workplace where women thrive, lead and contribute to the company’s success at every level.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan Redefines Modern Luxury on the New Bund
Hilton has announced the opening of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, a landmark addition to the brand’s luxury portfolio in China. The property’s debut marks a significant chapter for Waldorf Astoria in Shanghai, as the third city worldwide to have two Waldorf Astoria properties. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan sits on the southern stretch of Shanghai’s new Bund, in the vibrant Qiantan District of Pudong and on the opposite side of the Huangpu River from Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. Together, the properties underscore the brand’s long-term vision and growing presence in China.
Hilton Set to Double Its Presence in Oman with Trio Signing
Hilton has announced the signing of an agreement with The Zubair Corporation to open three hotels in Muscat under the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and DoubleTree by Hilton brands – doubling its footprint in the Sultanate. The signings mark the debut of the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Oman and underscore Hilton’s plans to diversify its portfolio and deliver trusted hospitality to emerging and established destinations across the region.
THE CHARLES HOTEL INTRODUCES THE MONFORTE SUITE
The Charles Hotel, Munich, unveils its newly redesigned Monforte Royal Suite, led by Lady Olga Polizzi, Director of design at Rocco Forte Hotels, in collaboration with Magdalena Onisko. The suite is the largest of the 28 suites at The Charles Hotel and one of three Forte Suites located on the eighth floor. Named after the Italian mountain village of Monforte, overlooking the picturesque Valle di Comino, the ancestral home of the Forte family, the suite offers unique interiors and breathtaking views of Munich.
IHG expands Kimpton portfolio with first Austrian signing in partnership with tristar Hotels
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, announces the signing of Kimpton Salzburg, in partnership with tristar Austria GmbH. The hotel marks the luxury lifestyle brand’s entry into the Austrian market. Expected to open in mid-2028, Kimpton Salzburg will further enhance IHG’s expanding portfolio of 12* open Kimpton hotels in Europe, and a further six* in development.
Accor strengthens Dubai portfolio with signing of iconic Creekside Hotel
Accor, a global hospitality leader with a portfolio of more than 5,700 properties across 110+ countries, is pleased to announce the signing of the Creekside Hotel in Dubai, one of the city’s most iconic hospitality and sporting landmarks. Owned by Dubai Duty Free and operated by United Hospitality Management, the hotel will join the Accor network under a white-label franchise agreement before being fully repositioned and added to the MGallery Collection following a detailed renovation plan.
Kempinski Hotels Welcomes Barbara Biffi as Chief Brand Officer
Kempinski Hotels is pleased to announce the appointment of Barbara Biffi as Chief Brand Officer, a role created to drive the next stage of the group’s transformation. Biffi will lead the strategic overhaul of Kempinski’s brand and marketing ecosystem, guiding the company through a significant evolution that builds on its enduring heritage while redefining its future in luxury hospitality.
Tapestry Collection by Hilton to Make Stylish Debut in Sub‑Saharan Africa
Hilton has announced the debut of its lifestyle brand Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Sub-Saharan Africa, following the signing of agreements for three properties – The Sterling Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in South Africa; Ava Hotel Nairobi, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Kenya; and Zaria Court Kigali, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Rwanda. These additions reinforce Hilton’s continued growth across Africa, with plans to open more than 100 hotels on the continent in the coming years.
New Marriott Bonvoy Research Reveals Importance of AI for Holiday Planning
Four in five (79%) travellers in EMEA intend to go on more or the same amount of holidays in 2026 compared to 2025, including 39% who plan to go on an increased number, according to new industry research conducted by Mortar, of more than 22,000 adults across 11 key travel markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Figures from the research, included in Marriott Bonvoy’s 2026 EMEA Ticket to Travel Report, suggest continued overall momentum for the region’s travel sector next year. The average traveller in EMEA is planning five holidays in 2026, with two domestic holidays within their own country, two short-haul breaks (a four-hour flight or less), and one long-haul trip.
The New Terminal One at JFK Welcomes China Eastern Airlines as Newest Airline Partner
The New Terminal One at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport today announced a new strategic partnership with China Eastern Airlines, a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern will join the rapidly growing community of international airlines that have selected the New Terminal One as their partner to deliver a world-class guest experience at JFK, the largest aviation gateway into the United States.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN REVEALS SUMMER 2027 ADVENTURES TO ALASKA
Calling all adventure-seekers: Royal Caribbean has revealed its lineup of summer 2027 getaways for travelers to experience the wonders of Alaska. Vacationers can secure their front-row seats to The Last Frontier on weeklong voyages on Anthem, Quantum, Serenade and Voyager of the Seas. The boldest adventures on land and at sea are on deck with 7-night adventures fromSeattle; Seward, Alaska; and Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada, along with ways to take exploration to the next level with multi-night Cruisetour experiences on land. The 2027 Alaska vacations are now open to book on Royal Caribbean’s websitefor Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members, ahead of the official opening on Thursday, Oct. 23.
Vail Mountain Unveils 2025/26 Winter Season Music Lineup Featuring 50+ Live Performances
Vail Mountain, the world’s premier alpine destination, is redefining winter travel with an extraordinary blend of sport, culture, and entertainment for the 2025/26 winter season. More than 50 live music events will span the mountain and the villages, featuring headline performances by GRAMMY-nominated duo Sofi Tukker (Dec. 13 at Ford Park) and EDM icon Dillon Francis (Jan. 9 at Chasing Rabbits). This season kicks off with Stoke Sessions (Nov. 14–Dec. 5), featuring Blu DeTiger, Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, The Runaway Groms, and American Authors in Vail Village, and Après at the Amp (April 10–11) rounds out a season of sound, snow, and celebration.