Day Headlines in Travel News: 2025-12-22

  • Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan Crafts a New Chapter of Flavors with Contemporary Culinary Artistry (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 10:29:18)
    The newly opened Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan marks a bold new chapter not only for the brand, but for the evolving riverside district it calls home. As the Qiantan District of Pudong rapidly transforms into one of the city’s most vibrant lifestyle destinations, the hotel brings Waldorf Astoria’s global gastronomic excellence into the dynamic, Bund-adjacent neighborhood, redefining Shanghai’s luxury dining scene through its thoughtfully curated culinary offerings.
  • The Westin Bayshore Vancouver: Where Ocean Breezes Meet Unforgettable Meetings (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 10:28:51)
    Perched majestically on the edge of Vancouver’s glittering Coal Harbour, the Westin Bayshore Vancouver is more than a hotel—it’s a destination in itself. Recently honored as British Columbia’s Best MICE Hotel 2025 at the World MICE Awards, this iconic property stands at the intersection of business brilliance and West Coast serenity, offering an experience that turns meetings into moments and events into memories.
  • Hilton Expands Full‑Service Portfolio Across Africa with Three New DoubleTree by Hilton Signings (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 09:08:57)
    Hilton has announced the Africa expansion of DoubleTree by Hilton, its upscale brand known for its warm hospitality, with the signing of three new properties in key destinations across North, West and Central Africa: Morocco, Togo and the Republic of Congo. These latest signings include Hilton’s debut in Togo and underscore Hilton’s commitment to growing its footprint on the continent, where the global hospitality company now has more than 100 hotels in its pipeline.
  • Travel industry shifts from conversational to operational AI in 2025 (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 07:42:15)
    The year 2025 marked a turning point for artificial intelligence in the travel industry. AI solutions moved beyond demos and pilots to deliver real impact across every customer touchpoint, from initial interaction to final booking. Platforms such as Maya have shown that a well-integrated AI agent can turn interactions into measurable opportunities, enhance the customer experience, and free human teams from repetitive tasks. In 2025, it became clear that AI does more than support the customer journey: it has the potential to strengthen data-driven decision-making, optimize revenue, and set a new standard for multichannel travel experiences.
  • Civitatis Founder Alberto Gutiérrez Passes CEO Baton to CPTO Andrés Spitzer (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 07:41:50)
    Civitatis, the leading curated online marketplace for guided tours and activities for Spanish and Portuguese speaking consumers, today announces a planned leadership transition. Founder and CEO Alberto Gutiérrez will step down from his executive role and name Andrés Spitzer, currently Chief Product and Technology Officer, as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1st.Alberto will remain on the Board of Directors, lending his extensive technology experience, industry knowledge, and credentials to continue supporting the company’s growth strategy and vision. This transition marks a natural evolution for the company. After nearly two decades of success and rapid growth, Alberto Gutiérrez leaves a legacy that has transformed a personal project into a global category leader where 1.2 million travelers book activities monthly.
  • Hilton Drives Further Lifestyle Hotel Growth Across Türkiye (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 07:04:57)
    Hilton will introduce its Canopy by Hilton brand to Türkiye with two openings this month in Istanbul and Izmir. The brand entry follows the Turkish debut of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand earlier this year and continued expansion under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand. The launch comes as Hilton’s Lifestyle category experiences record growth globally, now representing a fifth of Hilton’s pipeline with more than 400 lifestyle hotels already trading.
  • The world’s largest display of cheese varieties Guinness World Record Attempt comes to Dubai (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 07:02:54)
    An official attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest showcase of cheese varieties in one place will be held in Dubai at the Radisson Blu Hotel Deira Creek on January 28, 2026, in conjunction with Gulfood, the world’s biggest food show.The record to beat is 1,001 varieties of cheese, which was achieved in Lyon, France in October 2023, and currently holds the world record.
  • SriLankan Airlines Launches Operations at Terminal 1, Velana International Airport (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 07:00:07)
    SriLankan Airlines officially transitioned its operations to Terminal 1 at Velana International Airport, Malé
  • Hilton To Expand Luxury Footprint with LXR Hotels & Resorts in Turks and Caicos (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 06:55:00)
    Hilton has announced the signing of AMARIS Grace Bay to its exclusive LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio, a distinctive resort and residential development set to debut in 2028 on the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach. Located along pristine shores, AMARIS brings a new dimension of curated luxury to Turks & Caicos, offering travelers an intimate escape defined by exceptional design and personalized service. AMARIS Grace Bay, LXR Hotels & Resorts is owned by SEFAMM (TCI) Ltd.
  • Waldorf Astoria to Come to Spain’s Malaga Province with Waldorf Astoria Marbella (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 06:52:30)
    Hilton and Higuerón Developments today announced the signing of Waldorf Astoria Marbella, bringing the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to Spain’s Malaga Province. Opening in 2029, the new resort will offer a contemporary expression of Marbella’s Andalusian setting, reflecting Waldorf Astoria’s signature design ethos and service throughout. Guests will also experience the brand’s Personal Concierge.Waldorf Astoria Marbella will offer 120 guest rooms and suites, as well as 120 branded residences, designed to balance residential comfort with the brand’s signature service, set against Marbella’s Mediterranean coastline. The hotel will feature a unique design created by three Pritzker Prize-winning architects, who are currently working on its conceptual design competition.
  • New Direct Routes Open Up the ‘City of Bridges’ (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 06:50:23)
    Pittsburgh welcomes new Aer Lingus nonstop making access to the city even easier for UK & Irish travellers in 2026.Following the recent Aer Lingus announcement detailing a new nonstop flight to Pittsburgh International (PIT) from Dublin Airport (DUB), travellers from the UK and Ireland now have even easier access to the vibrant US city of Pittsburgh.
  • Cartology Travel Reveals Seven Extraordinary Destinations Best Reached by Sea (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 06:48:41)
    Cartology Travel, the family-owned bespoke luxury travel agency founded by legendary hotelier Susan Huxter, her son Justin Huxter, and CEO Kathy Boate, announces its curated collection of seven exceptional destinations - where travel by boat offers unparalleled access to the world’s most remarkable waters.
  • Timbuktu Travel 2026 Trend Report (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 06:46:22)
    As travelers increasingly pursue experiences that go beyond sightseeing to foster genuine connection and engagement, award-winning luxury tour operator Timbuktu Travel is seeing a profound shift in the way trips are planned and experienced. The company has revealed its predictions for the travel trends set to define 2026, highlighting growing demand for small-group and multi-generational travel, wellness-focused escapes, and thoughtfully curated experiences that allow travelers to engage fully with the destinations they visit.
  • Namia River Retreat in Hoi An, Vietnam Celebrates One Year of Riverside Retreats and Global Acclaim (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 06:45:32)
    Namia River Retreat proudly marks its first anniversary, celebrating a year of tranquil riverside wellness-inclusive retreats and global recognition. Since opening, Namia has become a wellness destination for those seeking thoughtful design, mindful living, and restorative experiences along the Thu Bon river in Hoi An, Vietnam.
  • Greater Fort Lauderdale Rings in 2026 With Full-Day New Year’s Eve Celebrations (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 06:42:25)
    Greater Fort Lauderdale will welcome 2026 with a full day of New Year’s Eve experiences, featuring family-friendly programming during the day and a waterfront nightlife celebration that will be featured live on CNN New Year’s Eve Live with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen.
  • What’s New For 2026 - Disney Parks & Disney Cruise Line (Breaking Travel News 2025-12-22 06:38:21)
    Discover what’s new for 2026 and beyond across Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disney Cruise Line…