Day Headlines in Travel News: 2026-01-19
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TIME Hotels Accelerates AI Strategy for 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 20:22:11)
AI-led digital transformation to power scalable growth, elevate guest experiences, and support TIME Hotels’ expanding international portfolio through 2026. Technology-driven operations and human-centred innovation underpin TIME Hotels’ global expansion across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
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Park Hyatt Dubai Appoints New General Manager (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 16:24:31)
Park Hyatt Dubai announces the appointment of Mr. Ersev Demiroz as its new General Manager, further strengthening the resort’s leadership as it continues to set benchmarks in luxury hospitality.
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Emirates ramps up operations to Manila with four new weekly flights (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 10:19:00)
As part of its ongoing growth strategy in Southeast Asia and commitment to the Philippines, Emirates will introduce four additional weekly flights between Dubai and Manila from 2 April.
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Delta Air Lines Orders up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Grow, Modernize Widebody Fleet (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 10:14:07)
Boeing and Delta Air Lines have announced the U.S. carrier placed its first direct order for up to 60 787 Dreamliners to support long-haul international growth and renew the airline’s widebody fleet. Delta’s purchase of 30 787-10 jets – with opportunity for up to 30 more of the largest 787 variant – will enable the airline’s expansion and modernization plans on high-demand transatlantic and South American routes.
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A New Era of Luxury Travel: IHG Hotels and Resorts brings Vignette Collection brand to India (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 10:12:44)
IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Hanu Overseas to bring its distinctive luxury and lifestyle brand, Vignette Collection, to India. Scheduled to open early 2026, the Vignette Collection hotel in Panchkula reinforces IHG’s strategy to accelerate its growth within India’s high-potential luxury segment.
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Royal Caribbean Group Introduces ‘Points Choice,’ Setting a New Standard in Travel Loyalty (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 10:08:26)
Royal Caribbean Group is raising the bar for loyalty across the vacation industry with the introduction of Points Choice, part of a groundbreaking new program created to give loyal guests something extraordinary: the freedom to earn points on any of its three brands and apply them where they matter most, regardless of the ship they’re sailing.
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Minor Hotels Opens NH Hua Hin, Expanding Select Service Portfolio in Thailand (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 10:05:36)
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, announces the opening of NH Hua Hin in Thailand’s royal seaside town.
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Lufthansa anniversary fleet grows: now also includes A320 and A350 with XXL crane (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 10:04:41)
Following the successful delivery of the Boeing 787-9, christened “Berlin” and featuring an impressive XXL crane, Lufthansa is expecting two more aircraft in the special 100th anniversary livery. In the coming days, an Airbus A320neo and an Airbus A350-900 will leave the paint shops in Norwich, England, and Châteauroux, France: both aircraft feature the iconic anniversary design.
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Silversea Completes Major Refurbishment of Silver Muse, Introducing S.A.L.T. Culinary Program (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 09:57:12)
Silversea, the leading experiential luxury and expedition travel brand, has completed a refurbishment of Silver Muse – the ship’s first major dry dock since 2017. Among the key enhancements is the addition of Silversea’s award-winning S.A.L.T. (Sea And Land Taste) culinary program – with S.A.L.T. Kitchen and S.A.L.T. Bar – as well as reimagined public spaces and additional suite options.
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Sharjah Achieves Historic WHO Age-Friendly Status (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 09:55:16)
The Emirate of Sharjah has achieved a new global milestone by obtaining “Advanced Affiliate” membership within the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities, becoming the first Arab city to reach this status.
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Minor Hotels Appoints Karim von Alvensleben as General Manager of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 09:49:45)
Minor Hotels, a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences across 59 countries, has appointed Karim von Alvensleben as General Manager of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane, ahead of the hotel’s anticipated opening in Q2 2026.
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Emirates returns to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic as Official Partner (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 09:46:00)
Emirates has announced a significant six-year partnership with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic (HDDC), further strengthening the airline’s long-standing commitment to supporting golf in Dubai.
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Gloria Guevara appointed to lead WTTC into a dynamic new era as President & CEO (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 09:12:26)
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which is the global private sector voice of the Travel & Tourism industry, today announced that Gloria Guevara has been appointed as President & CEO by its Operating Committee, taking the helm to shape the future of the private sector for members and unlock investment and job creation.
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Solo Travel Safety in London 2026: Is London Safe? (Breaking Travel News 2026-01-19 07:33:36)
Discover safety tips for solo travellers in London 2026. Learn about crime risks, night safety, transport, and immigrant experiences for a secure visit.