Day Headlines in Travel News: 2026-02-22

  • Emirates takes a pioneering step toward “Autism-Friendly” travel in Istanbul (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-22 09:34:10)
    Emirates, the world’s first Autism-Certified Airline, brought its vision of accessible travel to Istanbul through its “Travel Rehearsal” programme, hosting autistic children and their families at Istanbul Airport (IGA). The initiative, which is gradually being rolled out across 17 airports in Emirates’ global network, allows participants with disability to experience every stage of the travel journey in a supportive and structured environment.
  • Meliá recognized in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for the ninth consecutive year (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-22 08:23:16)
    Meliá Hotels International has been included for the ninth consecutive year in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026, the industry benchmark publication that recognises companies with the best sustainability performance worldwide.In this edition, the company has been distinguished as the Top 10% of its sector, Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines, a milestone that confirms its international leadership in sustainable tourism and the robustness of its strategy to integrate ESG criteria throughout its value chain.
  • IHG Hotels & Resorts expands Luxury & Lifestyle footprint in Egypt (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-22 08:21:17)
    IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with JADEER GROUP for Hotel Indigo Cairo New Administrative Capital, further expanding the company’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in Egypt. The 140-key hotel will be located within a mixed-use development in the New Capital in the east of Cairo and is scheduled to open in 2033.Hotel Indigo Cairo New Administrative Capital will be well positioned to serve the area’s growing business, governmental, and residential ecosystem, catering to both corporate and leisure demand. The brand’s lifestyle positioning and strong neighbourhood storytelling make it a natural fit for the New Capital’s evolving urban landscape, which is rapidly emerging as Egypt’s future administrative and commercial centre.
  • IHG signs Holiday Inn Express Cockburn, strengthening Western Australia pipeline (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-22 08:19:08)
    IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has accelerated its growth in Western Australia by signing Holiday Inn Express Cockburn, in partnership with SKS Group.Scheduled to open later this year, the 170-key franchised property will form part of a new mixed-use development currently under construction, featuring a purpose-built hotel tower and separate residential tower.
  • IHG Hotels & Resorts unveils new premium collection brand, Noted Collection™ (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-22 08:17:27)
    InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (IHG) today announces the launch of its new premium collection brand, Noted Collection, with initial discussions already underway with multiple owners, including several with portfolios of hotels, for potential addition into IHG’s system.
  • Hilton Ends 2025 with Robust Luxury and Lifestyle Growth (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-22 08:12:02)
    Hilton ended 2025 with record growth across the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), topping 300 operating hotels in 35 countries and territories and advancing a pipeline of more than 150 properties representing over 21,000 rooms. Fueled by strong demand for luxury and lifestyle resorts and residences as well as continued momentum in focused service brands, Hilton opened more than 30 hotels and signed a record number of deals in 2025. It added more than 70 new hotels and 7,800 rooms to its pipeline, which represents a 55 percent increase in the number of hotels and a more than 25 percent increase in added rooms versus 2024¹.
  • Tee Off in the “Golfiest” State: Maine Celebrates Its Storied Fairways in 2026 (Breaking Travel News 2026-02-22 08:10:53)
    In 2026, Maine is celebrating its history and culture as an avid golf destination. With a distinction as the “golfiest” state in the Northeast and a new historical exhibition, Maine’s world-class golf courses and resorts are honored for their dedication to the sport from the mountains to the sea.In its recently published 2025 Golf Scorecard, the United States Golf Association (USGA) awarded Maine the title of “Golfiest” State in the Northeast. This recognition is testament to the passion of Maine golfers and the visitors who travel to Maine each year to experience some of the best courses in the country.