Day Headlines in Travel News: 2026-02-12

  • Around the World by Train Now Bookable in Six Standalone Sections (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 13:19:07)
    Adventures By Train has announced that its flagship Around the World by Train in 100 Days itinerary (14 March – 22 June 2027) can now be experienced in a new, more flexible way, with six individual sections of the journey being sold independently.
  • Only Conrad Globally to Hold Five Forbes 5-Stars (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 12:00:17)
    Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is proud to announce it has once again been awarded the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star rating, marking an exceptional fifth consecutive year of this global recognition.
  • All aboard! Barbados Delivers Big on Short Visits For Cruise Passengers (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 11:26:00)
    As the winter cruise season continues to build, Barbados is wowing cruise passengers with an impressive and memorable list of attractions and activities to enjoy in 12 hours or less.
  • Prince William’s visit boosts AlUla’s rise as a cultural and luxury travel jewel (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 11:15:45)
    AlUla’s emergence as one of the world’s most compelling cultural and conservation‑driven destinations has received a powerful endorsement this week, as HRH The Prince of Wales spent the final stage of his official Saudi Arabia tour immersed in the ancient oasis city’s heritage landscapes and groundbreaking regeneration and rewilding work.
  • Anantara Hotels and Resorts Lends Nature a Helping Hand with Annual Turtle and Bamboo Shark Release (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 10:57:51)
    Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in southern Thailand continues to play a vital role in marine conservation through its long-standing partnership with the Phuket Marine Biological Centre. The collaboration forms part of the brands broader commitment to protecting the ocean ecosystems and promoting responsible, ethical tourism in the Kingdom.
  • Air Canada to Acquire Airbus A350-1000 Widebody Aircraft to Support International Network Growth (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 10:52:28)
    Air Canada today announced the next phase of its fleet modernization program with the addition of the Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft. The airline will welcome eight aircraft to its fleet, and has rights to purchase eight other A350-1000s, with deliveries scheduled to begin in the second half of 2030.
  • Hospitality America Marks 30 Years of Partnership-Led Growth and Operational Stewardship (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 10:50:44)
    This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Hospitality America, a hotel management company built on three decades of partnership, performance, and people-first hospitality. Founded in 1995 by Chris Cargen, Hospitality America continues to build on its strong foundation under the leadership of President and CEO Ben Campbell, who stepped into the role two years ago following the retirement of Cargen, the company’s former chief executive.
  • Best Tips for a Memorable Cycling Adventure (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 10:43:17)
    Cycling tourism has exploded recently. The global market hit $118 billion in 2023. More travelers want active vacations where they control the pace.
  • Breaking Travel News – Call for Interviews at ITB Berlin 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 10:34:05)
    Breaking Travel News (BTN) invites senior travel and tourism leaders to take part in short, high-impact video interviews at ITB Berlin, 3–5 March 2026, offering a powerful platform to share insight on strategy, innovation, AI, sustainability and the future of global tourism with a worldwide professional audience. Founded in 1997, BTN is a leading digital travel news platform with global reach, delivering executive interviews and analysis across aviation, hospitality, tourism and travel technology. Interviews are conducted on site with CEOs, ministers and senior executives and distributed across BTN’s digital and social channels, reaching millions of industry decision-makers. World Travel Awards (WTA) Nominees and Winners will receive priority access to interview slots, reflecting their recognised leadership and excellence within the global travel and tourism industry.
  • Emirates World travel retail footprint marks key expansion milestone with 10 stores (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 10:04:57)
    Emirates is doubling down on its strategy to redefine travel retail, hitting a key expansion milestone with the opening of its 10th flagship ‘Emirates World’ store in Abidjan, bringing the current store count to 10 Emirates World Stores and 9 travel retail outlets globally.  The airline has invested AED 174 million (USD$47.4 million) to expand its travel retail footprint and is building on this momentum with plans to introduce 29 more travel retail concepts in 2026, taking the total store count to 48 by the end of this year.
  • Crossroads Maldives Sets A New Benchmark For Sustainable Island Destinations (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 08:17:10)
    CROSSROADS Maldives reimagines sustainable island living through a connected, multi-island destination where turquoise lagoons, vibrant culture, and conscious design come together — creating a place where environmental care enhances, rather than limits, the joy of escape.
  • Emirates extends latest cabin experience to more cities worldwide (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 08:03:34)
    Emirates has announced a series of aircraft deployments and product upgrades across its network, extending the reach of Premium Economy and delivering a more consistent experience for customers.As part of its ongoing retrofit programme, the airline is set to complete the upgrade of its first high-density, two-class A380 by mid-April. The aircraft will be reconfigured into a three-class layout featuring 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy seats, and 437 Economy Class seats.
  • Dida Holdings and HBX Group Establish Foundational 7-Year Preferred Strategic Partnership (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 07:32:59)
    Dida Holdings, the global AI-first travel distribution platform, today announced a foundational seven-year preferred strategic partnership with HBX Group, a leading global B2B TravelTech marketplace, marking a decisive step in the evolution of travel distribution infrastructure ahead of the next phase of Dida’s global growth.
  • Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines introduce spring menus featuring regional favorites (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 07:31:19)
    Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are welcoming spring with the launch of new seasonal menus, bringing fresh flavors, thoughtful sourcing and chef-inspired dishes to guests.
  • Booking.com Named Official Travel Partner of the Route 66 Centennial (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 07:28:03)
    In a year when 79%* of travelers are craving spontaneous, flexible road trips, Booking.com is making it easier for travelers to hit the road. The global travel leader has been named the Official Travel Partner of the Route 66 Centennial, helping to spotlight one of America’s most iconic highways as it approaches its 100th birthday in 2026. It comes at a moment when road trips give travelers what they want most: better value, the freedom to explore multiple destinations, and local experiences at their own pace.
  • EVA Air Launches Nonstop Service Between Taipei and Washington, D.C. on June 26 (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 07:26:14)
    EVA Air will start a new route from Taipei to Washington, D.C. on June 26 this year, offering four flights each week. With this new route, EVA Air’s North American network will grow to include 10 gateways, two of which will feature the new fourth-generation Premium Economy class and increase the total weekly flights to 98. This makes EVA Air the airline with the most destinations and the largest flight network from Taiwan to North America. Tickets are now available for booking at www.evaair.com.
  • Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026 tickets now on sale (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 07:24:27)
    Tickets for the 2026 Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix are now on sale, as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the F1 season finale — with Lewis Capaldi and Zara Larsson set to perform on the opening night.The final race of the Formula 1 season returns to Yas Marina Circuit from December 3–6, closing out the championship in front of a global audience. Organisers Ethara, recently named F1 Promoter of the Year following the success of the 2025 event, have confirmed the first artists for the 2026 entertainment line-up.
  • AirAsia X goes global with launch of Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London route (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 07:22:39)
    AirAsiaX (AAX) Berhad celebrated a monumental milestone in the airline’s global expansion strategy with the announcement of two long-awaited international routes, connecting Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain and onwards to London Gatwick (KUL-BAH-LGW), at a press conference in Bahrain today.
  • SOUTHWEST AIRLINES BRINGS STARLINK ULTRA-FAST WIFI ONBOARD (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 07:21:46)
    Southwest Airlines Co. is taking inflight connectivity to new heights with Starlink. Engineered by SpaceX, Starlink will deliver next-generation WiFi across Southwest’s network of 11 countries, allowing Customers to stream, share, and scroll in the sky at lightning-fast speeds.
  • NOBU HOSPITALITY TO LAUNCH NOBU HOTEL, RESTAURANT AND EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE ISLAND RESIDENCES MALDIVES (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-12 07:18:02)
    Nobu Hospitality, is pleased to announce the debut of Nobu Hotel, Residences, and Restaurant Maldives located in the province of Laamu Atoll on the private island of Munyafushi. Developed in partnership with Sarat International, this landmark project marks Nobu’s first venture into the Maldives.