Hilton Expands Full‑Service Portfolio Across Africa with Three New DoubleTree by Hilton Signings

Hilton Expands Full‑Service Portfolio Across Africa with Three New DoubleTree by Hilton Signings

Hilton has announced the Africa expansion of DoubleTree by Hilton, its upscale brand known for its warm hospitality, with the signing of three new properties in key destinations across North, West and Central Africa: Morocco, Togo and the Republic of Congo. These latest signings include Hilton’s debut in Togo and underscore Hilton’s commitment to growing its footprint on the continent, where the global hospitality company now has more than 100 hotels in its pipeline.

Civitatis Founder Alberto Gutiérrez Passes CEO Baton to CPTO Andrés Spitzer

Civitatis Founder Alberto Gutiérrez Passes CEO Baton to CPTO Andrés Spitzer

Civitatis, the leading curated online marketplace for guided tours and activities for Spanish and Portuguese speaking consumers, today announces a planned leadership transition. Founder and CEO Alberto Gutiérrez will step down from his executive role and name Andrés Spitzer, currently Chief Product and Technology Officer, as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1st. Alberto will remain on the Board of Directors, lending his extensive technology experience, industry knowledge, and credentials to continue supporting the company’s growth strategy and vision. This transition marks a natural evolution for the company. After nearly two decades of success and rapid growth, Alberto Gutiérrez leaves a legacy that has transformed a personal project into a global category leader where 1.2 million travelers book activities monthly.

Hilton Drives Further Lifestyle Hotel Growth Across Türkiye

Hilton Drives Further Lifestyle Hotel Growth Across Türkiye

Hilton will introduce its Canopy by Hilton brand to Türkiye with two openings this month in Istanbul and Izmir. The brand entry follows the Turkish debut of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand earlier this year and continued expansion under the Curio Collection by Hilton brand. The launch comes as Hilton’s Lifestyle category experiences record growth globally, now representing a fifth of Hilton’s pipeline with more than 400 lifestyle hotels already trading.

The world’s largest display of cheese varieties Guinness World Record Attempt comes to Dubai

The world’s largest display of cheese varieties Guinness World Record Attempt comes to Dubai

An official attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest showcase of cheese varieties in one place will be held in Dubai at the Radisson Blu Hotel Deira Creek on January 28, 2026, in conjunction with Gulfood, the world’s biggest food show. The record to beat is 1,001 varieties of cheese, which was achieved in Lyon, France in October 2023, and currently holds the world record.

Stargazing in the Lake District: a new forest observatory opens in Grizedale

Stargazing in the Lake District: a new forest observatory opens in Grizedale

There’s no shortage of stunning scenery and daytime activities in the Lakes. Now, an observatory is offering stellar nocturnal events too A tawny owl screeches nearby in the dark and her mate replies, hooting eerily from the forest below. A white dome floats in the gloaming above a plain black doorway outlined with red light, like a portal to another dimension. I’m in Grizedale Forest, far from any light-polluting cities, to visit the Lake District’s first public observatory and planetarium, which opened in May. Grizedale Observatory offers immersive films in the planetarium and three-hour stargazing events that go on late into the night. There are sessions on astrophotography and, on moonless nights, dark sky astronomy with the chance to see “a glittering tapestry of stars, galaxies, nebulae and star clusters”. Its director, Gary Fildes, is a veteran in the field, having founded and led three UK observatories over two decades. The goal at Grizedale, he says, is to create “an immersive, year-round astronomy and science destination that brings the beauty of the Lake District skies to visitors”. Continue reading...

Hilton To Expand Luxury Footprint with LXR Hotels & Resorts in Turks and Caicos

Hilton To Expand Luxury Footprint with LXR Hotels & Resorts in Turks and Caicos

Hilton has announced the signing of AMARIS Grace Bay to its exclusive LXR Hotels & Resorts portfolio, a distinctive resort and residential development set to debut in 2028 on the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach. Located along pristine shores, AMARIS brings a new dimension of curated luxury to Turks & Caicos, offering travelers an intimate escape defined by exceptional design and personalized service. AMARIS Grace Bay, LXR Hotels & Resorts is owned by SEFAMM (TCI) Ltd.

Waldorf Astoria to Come to Spain’s Malaga Province with Waldorf Astoria Marbella

Waldorf Astoria to Come to Spain’s Malaga Province with Waldorf Astoria Marbella

Hilton and Higuerón Developments today announced the signing of Waldorf Astoria Marbella, bringing the iconic Waldorf Astoria brand to Spain’s Malaga Province. Opening in 2029, the new resort will offer a contemporary expression of Marbella’s Andalusian setting, reflecting Waldorf Astoria’s signature design ethos and service throughout. Guests will also experience the brand’s Personal Concierge. Waldorf Astoria Marbella will offer 120 guest rooms and suites, as well as 120 branded residences, designed to balance residential comfort with the brand’s signature service, set against Marbella’s Mediterranean coastline. The hotel will feature a unique design created by three Pritzker Prize-winning architects, who are currently working on its conceptual design competition.

Timbuktu Travel 2026 Trend Report

Timbuktu Travel 2026 Trend Report

As travelers increasingly pursue experiences that go beyond sightseeing to foster genuine connection and engagement, award-winning luxury tour operator Timbuktu Travel is seeing a profound shift in the way trips are planned and experienced. The company has revealed its predictions for the travel trends set to define 2026, highlighting growing demand for small-group and multi-generational travel, wellness-focused escapes, and thoughtfully curated experiences that allow travelers to engage fully with the destinations they visit.