Day Headlines in Travel News: 2026-02-02

  • First Application of Riblet-shaped Paint to ZIPAIR Aircraft (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 10:30:32)
    Japan Airlines, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, O-Well Corporation, and ZIPAIR Tokyo Inc. have applied the riblet-shaped coating for the first time to the side of the fuselage of Boeing 787-8 aircraft (JA851J).The aircraft has started operation on international routes from 27 January 2026.
  • Qatar Airways Presents User-Led Innovation Experience at Web Summit Qatar 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 10:26:50)
    Qatar Airways returns to the Web Summit Qatar as the Official Lifestyle and Travel Partner for the third consecutive year to unveil a suite of intuitive, user-led airline products designed to enhance and personalise passenger experience and advance industry innovation.
  • Kempinski Residences Miami Design District Marks U.S. Debut for Kempinski Residences (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 10:20:07)
    Kempinski Group, Europe’s oldest independent luxury hotel company, today announced Kempinski Residences Miami Design District, the development that will introduce Kempinski Group’s first branded residential project in the United States. Developed by DaGrosa Capital Development Partners LLC, a Miami-based real estate development firm focused on ground-up development and acquisitions of luxury hotels and residences, the project brings Kempinski’s 150-year legacy of luxury hospitality to one of the country’s most design-driven neighborhoods, the Miami Design District. ISG World will lead sales efforts.
  • Accor leads hospitality innovation with the launch of its ALL Accor app in ChatGPT (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 10:14:01)
    ALL Accor, the powerful booking platform and world-class loyalty program of Accor, has today announced the launch of its ALL Accor app in ChatGPT designed to enrich the experience of its growing customer base.
  • Pre-Match Rituals, Propped for Perfection: IHG Hotels & Resorts ‘Fancierge’ Joe Marler (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 10:06:58)
    As fans across Europe, the UK and Ireland eagerly anticipate the return of the Guinness Six Nations, IHG Hotels & Resorts - official hotel partner of the Guinness Six Nations - has launched its first-ever ‘Fancierge’ service. Created for travelling supporters who treat an 80-minute match as the headline act of a weekend getaway, this concierge-style initiative taps into pre-match rituals that begin long before kick-off and outside the stadium.
  • Wego and Visit Malta Advance Partnership into Its Second Year in MENA to Inspire Travel to Malta (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 10:04:08)
    Wego, the number one travel app and the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), is delighted to announce its partnership with Malta Tourism Authority (Visit Malta) to expand Malta’s reach across MENA’s travel market.
  • Radisson Hotel Group unveils Radisson Resort & Residences Tenerife (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 09:59:50)
    Radisson Hotel Group proudly announces the opening of Radisson Resort & Residences Tenerife, a tranquil new destination set on the island’s northern coast, marking the brand’s latest resort expansion in Spain. Located in Puerto de la Cruz, the resort sits on a hillside overlooking Mount Teide and is within close proximity to the town’s historic center. The property introduces a distinctive hotel and residences concept, combining the comfort of resort living with the flexibility of extended stays in one of Spain’s most captivating island destinations.
  • Two Michelin Stars. One London Address. Jumeirah Carlton Tower Presents “A Taste of Capri” (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 09:53:07)
    Jumeirah Carlton Tower introduces “A Taste of Capri,” a limited-time dining residency uniting two timeless destinations and their distinct culinary cultures. Capturing the flavours of Capri, Salvatore Elefante, Executive Chef at L’Olivo and Chef Andre Migliaccio, Culinary Executive Director at Jumeirah, have curated a refined five-course tasting menu, thoughtfully paired with fine wines and champagne, for this exclusive residency.
  • A380 Retrofit: Lufthansa modernizes Business Class of its largest aircraft (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 09:51:02)
    Lufthansa invests in the most extensive fleet renewal in its history and simultaneously modernizes the cabin interiors of its largest aircraft. Among other upgrades, the Boeing 747-8 and Airbus A350-900 will receive new seats across all classes. For the launch of this conversion program, referred to as “Retrofit” in aviation, the popular Airbus A380-800 will be equipped with new Business Class seats starting in February at Elbe Flugzeugwerke in Dresden. Further retrofits of the existing fleet will follow in close succession.
  • Accor Appoints Leire Leoz as Chief Franchise Officer for Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 09:42:00)
    Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, today announced the appointment of Leire Leoz as Chief Franchise Officer for its Premium, Midscale, and Economy division, effective February 2nd. This strategic appointment underscores Accor’s commitment to strengthening its franchise operations across its extensive network.
  • IHG Hotels & Resorts Retains Multiple Restaurants in the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-02 09:31:47)
    As experiential consumption continues to rise, diners are now looking for more than taste alone. They also value atmosphere, service style, and a stronger connection with local culture. Recently, the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide (Black Pearl) was officially released. Five restaurants under IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) were listed, all located in mainland China, excluding Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan. Covering Chinese cuisine, steakhouse, and Mediterranean fare, these recognitions reflect the Group’s consistent, high-quality performance in premium dining and its strategic commitment to building a diversified culinary portfolio.