From new properties to brand refreshes, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of growth across the hotel industry. Here’s the latest from Hilton, WorldHotels and Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts.
WorldHotels Launches Outdoor-Inspired Collection
WorldHotels is expanding into the growing outdoor hospitality space with the launch of WorldHotels Backdrop, a new collection of upscale glamping retreats and nature-focused escapes.
The portfolio offers accommodations designed to immerse travelers in scenic environments without sacrificing comfort, from canvas-tented suites to riverside cabins. Properties are set in destinations such as mountain landscapes, coastal regions and near national parks. The launch comes as demand for outdoor-focused travel continues to rise, particularly among younger travelers seeking more intentional and restorative trips. The global glamping market, valued by Grand View Research at $3.79 billion in 2025, is projected to more than double by 2033, marking the growing appeal of combining luxury amenities with natural surroundings.
Initial properties in the collection include Zion Wildflower Resort in Utah, located near Zion National Park and offering safari-style accommodations; Asheville River Cabins in North Carolina, a riverside retreat in the Blue Ridge Mountains; and the upcoming Lodge at Pico Bonito in Honduras, which will provide access to rainforest trails and wildlife-rich environments.
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Bahia Principe‘s new sub-brands will simplify bookings.
Credit: 2026 Bahia Principe Hotels & ResortsBeyond leisure travel, Backdrop properties are also positioned as venues for small meetings, retreats and weddings, with flexible indoor and outdoor spaces designed to blend productivity with scenic surroundings.
Bahia Principe’s New Brand Structure and Identity
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is introducing a refreshed brand identity and new sub-brand structure. The rebrand centers on a more guest-focused approach, replacing the company’s previous categories with two new sub-brands designed to simplify the booking experience.
Bahia Principe Escape will encompass adults-only properties, with a focus on wellness, elevated dining and curated entertainment, while Bahia Principe Explore will include family- and group-oriented resorts centered on shared experiences. This category also includes the brand’s former Fantasia properties, now reimagined with updated identities such as Bahia Principe Explore Legend in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and Bahia Principe Explore Fantasia in Tenerife, Spain.
The changes follow the formation of the Pinero-Hyatt joint venture, which brought Bahia Principe into Hyatt’s Inclusive portfolio.
Hilton Expands Across Europe and Asia
Hilton is marking spring and summer with a wave of openings and renovations, expanding its presence in both Europe and Asia.
Sandblu Santorini is part of LXR Hotels & Resorts.
Credit: 2026 HiltonGreece is a major focal point for growth, with four new properties opening this season. Among them are the Conrad Athens The Ilisian, bringing the luxury brand into the Greek capital as of its April opening, and Conrad Corfu, which will expand Hilton’s presence in the country’s island market with its second-quarter debut. Also opening are Sandblu Santorini, part of LXR Hotels & Resorts, offering a more boutique luxury experience, and Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa in Crete, which blends resort amenities with a historic setting.
Europe will also see a notable debut in Spain, where Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton, is set to open in a restored 1914 Beaux-Arts cinema, combining historic architecture with modern hospitality in a prime coastal destination.
In Asia, Hilton is expanding into Thailand for the first time with three new openings expected in June. Kahavadi Chiang Rai will join the Curio Collection by Hilton, while Nivata Koh Samui will open under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, both emphasizing locally inspired design and natural beauty. Meanwhile, Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit will bring a lifestyle-driven concept to one of the region’s most dynamic cities.
