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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.
Published: Fri, 12 Dec 2025 12:03:21 +0000
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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.
Published: Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:58:39 +0000
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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.
Published: Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:22:43 +0000
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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.”
Published: Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:19:30 +0000
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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.
Published: Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:13:56 +0000
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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.
Published: Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:10:05 +0000
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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
Published: Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:08:18 +0000
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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.
Published: Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:05:52 +0000
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Aloft Hotels, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands, recently announced the opening of Aloft Shanghai Hongqiao. Nestled in the core of the West Hongqiao Business District, the new hotel neighbors the National Exhibition and Convention Center and the Hongqiao transportation hub. Offering a vibrant, social, and stylish stay for modern explorers, Aloft Shanghai Hongqiao features energetic public spaces, tech-savvy rooms, and a design-driven experience that’s anything but ordinary.
Published: Thu, 11 Dec 2025 12:49:56 +0000
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IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Emproy Hospitality LLP, for the development of Holiday Inn Resort Lonavala. Slated to open in 2027, the deal strengthens IHG’s presence in the essentials category and underscores its continued expansion across India’s fast-growing leisure destinations.
Nestled in the lush, year-round greenery of Lonavala, the new Holiday Inn Resort will offer travelers a scenic getaway. Its prime location on the NH-48 Expressway ensures excellent visibility and access, positioning it as the corridor’s next premier destination. Embodying the ethos of the trusted Holiday Inn brand, beloved for its consistent comfort and guest-focused innovation, Holiday Inn Resort Lonavala will feature 100 well-appointed rooms, three distinct dining options, and recreational facilities including a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center.
Published: Thu, 11 Dec 2025 07:55:36 +0000