Hilton signs Umfolozi River Hotel in South Africa

Hilton has announced the signing of Umfolozi River Hotel, KwaZulu-Natal, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, in partnership with Umfolozi Hotel and Spa (Pty) Ltd. Expected to open in 2028, the property represents the second Tapestry Collection by Hilton signing in South Africa within the past year.

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Filip Werne Hermann new CEO, Polar Latitudes Expeditions The DFDS veteran will succeed the late Patrick Shaw. Read full story

26 May 2026, 16:30 hrs CET

 

The planned departure of m/v Hondius from the port of Rotterdam to Vlissingen has been delayed following advice from GGD Rotterdam for additional cleaning procedures. This also allows for smoother logistics for resupply in Rotterdam before the vessel departs ahead of her Arctic season.

CooperWynn arranges $32M financing for Virginia WoodSpring Suites portfolio

 

CooperWynn Capital has closed on $32 million long-term, fixed-rate financing on behalf of Suburban Capital, simultaneously refinancing four existing WoodSpring Suites properties and funding the acquisition of a fifth asset, expanding the sponsor’s Virginia extended-stay portfolio to 610 keys across five markets. A national life insurance company served as lender on the transaction.

Driftwood expands partnership with Flywire

 

Driftwood Hospitality Management has expanded its partnership with Flywire Corporation to deploy the technology company’s hospitality solutions at nearly 90 U.S. hotels.

Drury Inn & Suites Destin Miramar Beach debuts

 

Drury Hotels has opened its sixth hotel in Florida. The Drury Inn & Suites Destin Miramar Beach features 116 suites with in-room kitchens.

Bakuun launches B-Portal for hotel and agency bookings

 

SINGAPORE – Bakuun has launched B-Portal, a white-label direct booking platform designed to provide hotels with a self-service channel for their contracted offline travel agencies.

Cruise.co.uk unveils cruise and rail programme

 

Cruise.co.uk has launched a ‘Cruise & Rail Collection’ for 2027. Six exclusive itineraries are available, with the packages combining rail journeys, tours and a cruise.

All departures can be booked now, with most available for a maximum of 25 guests. Highlights include:

GBTA: Gaps stall progress toward ‘perfect business trip’

 

The convergence of AI innovation, the realities of managing global travel programs and shifting hotel distribution models are shaping the next era for business travel—yet key gaps remain, including limited AI adoption, fragmented data and inconsistent traveler experiences across global markets toward fully realizing the industry’s vision of the “perfect business trip.”

Discover Santorini at its Most Peaceful at Santo Collection

 

May brings a different rhythm to Santorini. The island feels more personal, mornings unfold a little slower, and every experience leaves room to truly be present.