Day Headlines in Travel News: 2026-07-13

  • John Raffoul appointed Cluster General Manager for Cheval Collection in Dubai (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 07:05:55)
    Cheval Collection, the UK-based, award-winning luxury hospitality company, has appointed John Raffoul as Cluster General Manager for its two serviced hotel apartment properties in Dubai.With 23 years’ experience in the Middle East hospitality sector, John takes the reins at the award-winning Cheval Maison The Palm and Cheval Maison Expo City, which have 282 keys between them.John was previously GM at Cheval Maison The Palm, which opened in 2023. A year later, the property was crowned Best Debut Hotel Apartments*, and has now received the 2026 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.  Cheval Maison Expo City opened in 2024 and took Best Debut Hotel Apartments* title in 2025.
  • Hyatt Announces Plans for Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 06:29:42)
    Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom is expected to open in late 2027 following the signing of a management agreement between a Hyatt affiliate and an affiliate of Albwardy Investments LLC. Located in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, home to the world-famous waterfall of the same name, the hotel will become the second Hyatt branded hotel in the country.
  • Hyatt Regency London Olympia opens at the heart of West London’s £1.3 BN Landmark regeneration (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 06:26:48)
    Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Regency London Olympia, located within the recently redeveloped £1.3bn Olympia destination. The opening marks the fifth Hyatt Regency hotel in London as the brand continues to expand in Europe’s most visited city[1] and across the U.K., unlocking more choices for World of Hyatt members.
  • IHG Hotels & Resorts Deepens Its Commitment to Young Travellers (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 06:19:29)
    As travel gains significance among younger generations as a means of self-expression and connection, guest expectations are shifting. With over 230 million Gen Z consumers in Greater China, IHG is ramping up youth-focused initiatives across three key priorities: shared interests, travel value, and destination inspiration. Through partnerships like the King Pro League (KPL), student-exclusive offers, and curated itineraries, IHG is strengthening engagement and fostering long-term loyalty with the next generation of travelers.
  • Kimpton El Castelar Polanco opens in historic Mexico City Architectural Landmark (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 06:17:15)
    Nestled in the Polanquito neighborhood of Mexico City, Kimpton El Castelar, the city’s newest boutique hotel and part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, is now open at Emilio Castelar 107 Colonia Polanco. Just steps from Masarik Avenue, Auditorio Nacional, Chapultepec Castle and Arquelogical Museum, in the heart of Lincoln Park, the 34-room hotel brings new life to the Roel Building, originally opened in 1940 and designed by world renowned architect Francisco J. Serrano in the Mexican Art Nouveau period.
  • IHG Hotels & Resorts Surpasses 200 Open Canadian Hotels with Plans for Future Growth (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 06:16:35)
    IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world’s leading hotel companies, celebrates its continued growth in Canada across a portfolio that now includes more than 200 open hotels, a major milestone that underscores the company’s ongoing momentum within key global markets.The broadening of IHG’s Canadian portfolio comes as the nation expects a strong 2026 for tourism, with Destination Canada forecasting visitor spending to increase by 6 percent year-over-year and reach more than $140B in value. This includes a resurgence in domestic travel across urban, suburban and secondary markets
  • Hilton and Fuerte Group Hotels Partner to Debut Amàre Cancun Adults Only All‑Inclusive Resort (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 06:12:18)
    Hilton and Fuerte Group Hotels announce the upcoming conversion of Amàre Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton. Owned and managed by Fuerte Group Hotels, the adults-only all-inclusive resort is slated to open October 31, 2026 and will bring Curio Collection’s design-led approach to one of Mexico’s most sought-after beachfront destinations, while expanding Hilton’s all-inclusive portfolio in one of its largest Caribbean and Latin America markets. Reservations through Hilton channels are expected to open this summer, with additional details to be announced closer to launch.
  • A San Sebastián Landmark Begins a New Chapter as Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 06:07:13)
    Palacio Bellas Artes, a 1914 Beaux Arts building that housed one of Spain’s earliest cinemas, has been carefully restored and reimagined as a contemporary hotel, Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton. The 81 guest-room hotel is home to Lotu, a new dining destination by chef Andoni Luis Aduriz – and brings together gastronomy, design and cinematic heritage to create a one-of-a-kind stay.
  • Hilton to Enter Thessaloniki Under Flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brand (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:47:46)
    Hilton has announced the signing of a new Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Thessaloniki, bringing the brand’s world-class service and iconic hospitality to Greece’s second-largest city.The hotel, which is set to open in 2029, will be managed by Hilton following an agreement with DIMAND, one of Greece’s leading real estate development companies. The signing further strengthens Hilton’s presence in the country, where it now has a portfolio of more than 70 trading and pipeline hotels, and marks an important milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Thessaloniki’s historic FIX district.Hilton Thessaloniki will feature 184 guest rooms across two buildings, including a newly built main hotel with 154 rooms and a carefully restored heritage building with 30 rooms, celebrating the legacy of the former FIX brewery.
  • Hilton Brings Its Flagship Brand to Chania with the Opening of Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:40:27)
    Hilton has announced the opening of Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa, bringing Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ iconic hospitality to Chania’s historic region and Crete’s culturally rich coastline. The property is set to redefine Chania as a year-round international destination, combining curated gastronomic experiences, premium wellness facilities and flexible event spaces that open the doors for connection, celebration and inspiration.
  • Detroit’s New Rooftop Experience: How the City Is Elevating Its Social Scene - Literally (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:37:31)
    After biting winters and rainy springs, Detroit is making the most of summer, and nowhere more so than on its rooftops. Two new additions, Topa and Pine Hall, join a growing lineup of rooftop bars and restaurants that offer expansive views of the Motor City skyline for months to come. 
  • Warangi Ridge Launches Asili Spa and Wellness Concept in the Serengeti (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:35:53)
    Perched among the granite kopjes in the heart of Serengeti National Park, Warangi Ridge by The Wilderness Collection is one of Tanzania’s most exciting new safari gems.  Launched in September 2025, this proudly Tanzanian-owned property offers panoramic views over savanna grasslands, with an incredible, cascading rock pool below.Warangi Ridge recently launched its new spa and wellness concept, designed by Dubai-based spa expert Nadine Joubert.  Asili (meaning essence or source of nature in Swahili), is an immersive, sensory-led wellness journey which starts from the moment guests touch down in the Serengeti and lingers long after their departure.
  • Air France Opens Its New Lounge at London Heathrow Airport (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:34:43)
    Air France has opened its new lounge at London Heathrow International Airport, a strategic hub on its medium-haul network. For the first time, the airline is offering its customers an elegant space designed to provide peace and quiet and French-style refinement before a flight or during a layover.Located in Terminal 4, this peaceful spot is the perfect place to relax and grab a bite to eat as soon as you arrive at the airport. Open daily from 5 am to 10 pm, it welcomes Air France La Première, Business* and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers, as well as eligible customers flying with KLM and SkyTeam alliance partner airlines.
  • Star Clippers Appoints Leo Chang as CEO to Lead Next Chapter of Tall Ship Sailing Specialist (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:29:03)
    Star Clippers, the world’s premier tall ship sailing specialist, today announced the appointment of Leo Chang as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Chang brings over three decades of distinguished management leadership along with deep expertise in driving strategic growth and operational excellence to the role. He will oversee operations, growth initiatives, the expansion of Star Clippers’ global market presence and brand development for Star Clippers’ unique fleet.
  • Captains & First Officers, join Etihad’s Pilot Roadshow in London Gatwick (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:26:09)
    Etihad is hosting an exclusive in-person Pilot Roadshow in London Gatwick on Tuesday, 14 July, and would love to meet you. You’ll have the opportunity to meet Etihad’s Pilot Recruitment and Flight Operations teams and discover more about:
  • UK Civil Aviation Authority advises ATOL holders to apply early for September renewals (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:23:28)
    The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is advising businesses to apply early and avoid last minute panics ahead of the September ATOL renewal period.To encourage timely submissions, the regulator is introducing discounted renewal fees for complete applications received before 1 September 2026, alongside a higher level of discount for those submitted before 1 August 2026. Additional savings are available to ATOL holders who pay both the CAA and Air Passenger Contribution (APC) fees by Direct Debit.
  • LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Hong Kong Generously Presents This Summer: “The True NINJAGO® Trials” (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:20:22)
    LEGO®NINJAGO®stands as one of the LEGO®Group’s most successful original storylines. Over the past 15 years, millions of fans worldwide have learned valuable life skills — such as inclusivity, friendship, confidence, and staying true to oneself — through the epic tales of these legendary ninjas. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the LEGO®NINJAGO®series, LEGOLAND®Discovery Centre Hong Kong is bringing an all-new themed event to town this summer: “The True NINJAGO® Trials.” Combining creativity, courage, and teamwork, this ultimate adventure invites guests to step into the mysterious Whispering Woods, defeat elemental monsters, and restore balance to the NINJAGO®world.
  • From Sashimi to Tiramisu: Two Distinct Weekend Brunches at The Hari Hong Kong (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:18:24)
    At The Hari Hong Kong this summer, choosing where to brunch may be the hardest decision of the weekend.In a dining room defined by warm amber and green tones, timber-lined walls and abundant natural light, Lucciola serves a weekend brunch centred on seasonal ingredients and classic Italian flavours.
  • The Future of Destination Weddings: Trends Hospitality Leaders Need to Watch (Breaking Travel News 2026-07-13 05:14:41)
    Destination weddings have evolved beyond simply exchanging vows at scenic venues. Today, they are a reflection of a couple’s personality, values, and aspirations, brought to life through thoughtfully curated experiences. According to Anjali Tolani, Vice President – Celebrations at Tamarind Global, destination wedding planners and hospitality brands must continuously adapt to the evolving expectations of modern couples and their guests, from personalised itineraries to culture-specific celebrations.Secondary & Emerging Destinations Are Gaining Popularity