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Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, and Sotheby’s, the global destination for art and luxury announce a strategic partnership which will see Etihad become the Presenting Partner for Sotheby’s once-in-a-lifetime two-part exhibition, Icons: Back to Madison. The exhibition brings together some of the most iconic works ever sold under Sotheby’s banner, offering a rare opportunity to experience masterpieces spanning multiple centuries and collecting categories.

In this special Breaking Travel News feature, we got to sit down with HSMAI Middle East’s three newly crowned Rockstars, Nawfal Mbamba, Kuda Mukonoweshuro, and Hasan Khan.

Each brings a distinctive approach to innovation, from elevating product storytelling and unlocking demand in tertiary markets to reshaping F and B performance through real time intelligence. Together they represent a new generation of commercial leaders whose ideas are already influencing how hotels think, operate, and grow. Their insights reveal the challenges they set out to solve, the inspiration behind their winning concepts, and the impact their work is making across the region’s hospitality landscape.

Read on as they take us inside their award winning pitches and share the lessons, breakthroughs, and ambitions shaping their journey.

Canes & Tales at Waldorf Astoria Osaka announces the first program of guest shifts, seminars, cultural exchanges and more as part of The Essence Series.

Conceptualized by Hilton luxury brands as an annual event, The Essence Series was designed as a way to foster connection and creativity within the bar community in key cities across Asia-Pacific. Over several days within the host city, members of the trade are invited to a series of immersive events featuring top talent from Hilton bars as well as the wider region. With masterclasses, panel discussions, cultural exchanges and world class guest shifts, these events aim to celebrate the spirit of a city through bar culture.

Specialist tour operator Journeyscape, in partnership with Destination Canada, has unveiled its definitive ranking of the most inspiring Canadian national parks to explore in 2026. The list compares parks using data on wildlife diversity, Instagram popularity, visitor reviews, accessibility, and park size – helping visitors to plan for unforgettable adventures.

Hilton Arcadia Los Angeles, a 173-room contemporary retreat at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, is officially open, expanding Hilton’s footprint in Southern California and masterfully hosting guests with expertise and care. Located steps from Santa Anita Park and the Los Angeles County Arboretum and minutes from the Rose Bowl and Pasadena’s cultural attractions, the hotel debuts contemporary guest rooms and suites, multiple world-class dining venues—including Arcadia’s only rooftop bar—and a robust collection of energizing amenities and iconic gathering spaces. The property is managed by Azul Hospitality Group, a San Diego-based hospitality management platform that provides an innovative approach to maximizing performance.

Hilton proudly announces the debut of Slackline Moab, Outset Collection by Hilton, an inspired new property designed for explorers, outdoor enthusiasts and modern nomads. Accepting reservations for stays starting today, this 138-room retreat is the perfect basecamp for discovery nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.

“Slackline Moab was created for travelers who feel most alive outdoors, and we’re excited to welcome guests to their new basecamp in red rock country,” said Rebecca Cavallaro, general manager. “From trail-ready amenities to comfortable spaces for unwinding, we’ve designed every detail to help guests make the most of their Moab adventure.”

Hilton announces the opening of York Medellin, Curio Collection by Hilton, marking the lifestyle brand’s debut in Colombia’s vibrant second-largest city. The hotel is the 27th Hilton property in Colombia and the third Curio Collection by Hilton in the country, following Cartagena and Bogota. Hilton’s lifestyle brands are expecting unstoppable growth in the Caribbean and Latin America with nearly 40 open hotels and plans to welcome nearly 40 properties, offering travelers immersive, one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel platform teamed up with Shaun White, legendary snowboarder and founder of The Snow League, to welcome the league’s first event to China, its second event of the league’s inaugural season. As the official hotel and loyalty partner of The Snow League, Marriott Bonvoy further expanded its offerings in the sports and outdoor sector, following a successful debut in March 2025 in Aspen, Colorado, providing members with exclusive access to immersive winter adventures.

Argentine hotel Las Balsas is proud to announce it is the recipient of the Sustainability Trophy 2026 and revieved the award during the 2025 Relais & Châteaux Rendez-Vous event held at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

The award was presented to the hotel’s General Manager Sebastián Tuvio, by Laurent Gardinier, President of Relais & Châteaux, and Anthony Torkington, CEO of Relais & Château

Hotel Arts Barcelona has announced a landmark partnership with FC Barcelona, one of the world’s most celebrated football clubs and a symbol of Catalan pride, unveiling the “FC Barcelona Match Experience” stay package. The collaboration includes seats in the coveted Players’ Zone at Spotify Camp Nou, Barça’s home stadium.

Combining the thrill of elite football with the sophistication of a stay at Hotel Arts Barcelona, the experience grants guests privileged access to the Players’ Zone, an area typically reserved for players and their closest companions, located directly behind or beside the team benches. From here, guests enjoy unmatched proximity to the squad and an exceptional view of the pitch. The vantage point also offers unique perspectives of the Players’ Tunnel and post-match interview area, placing fans at the very heart of the action.