The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts | Unveiled the Future Opening of a New Luxury Resort in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, an Indian luxury hotel chain founded in 1986 and headquartered in Mumbai, known for its “True Indian Luxury” brand blending modern sophistication with Indian hospitality, heritage and service announced the signing of a management agreement with The Godwin Group, an Indian hospitality company managing various properties across the country, unveiling the future opening of a new luxury resort and spa in Jaisalmer,  an iconic city in the state of Rajasthan close to the Pakistan border and in close proximity to the Thar Desert. 

Jaisalmer is a former medieval trading centre with a relevant historical significance, known as the “Golden City”, characterized by its yellow sandstone architecture, a centre acting as the guard to western Rajasthan and India’s frontier, highlighted by prominent landmarks as the Jaisalmer Fort, also called Sonar Qila (Golden Fort), a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting in a  sprawling hilltop citadel buttressed by 99 bastions and behind its massive walls stand the ornate Maharaja’s Palace and intricately carved Jain Temples.  

This project is part of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts’ strategy to expand its presence in Rajasthan, a region with high demand for leisure travel. The company aims to create connections with its existing properties in Udaipur and Jaipur, enancing its offerings in the state.

The resort is scheduled to open in 2026 and is located near Jaisalmer Fort, and is easily accessible from Jaisalmer Airport and Jodhpur. 

The property will cover 30 acres and feature 80 comfortable rooms, dining venues, a spa, salon, swimming pool, a ballroom, kid’s club, a man – made lake, and outdoor spaces suitable for events.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts currently operates 13 properties across India, with plans to increase this number to 23 over the next three years. The expansion includes locations in Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Mumbai, Ranthambore, Sikkim, Srinagar, Dubai, UAE, and Jaisalmer. 

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138821.html

Hilton | Signed an Agreement for the Development of its First Waldorf Astoria Property in Greece, Located in the Peloponnese Peninsula

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia has signed a management agreement with Royal Group Holding LLC, a conglomerate of various large and medium sized companies providing asset management, bonds, funds, financial planning and advisory services headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE for the development of its first Waldorf Astoria property in Greece. 

The Waldorf Astoria Scarlet Bay will be located in the Peloponnese Peninsula, a geographic region in Southern Greece, the southernmost region of the Balkans connected to the central part of the country by the Isthmus of Corinth land bridge, which separates the Gulf of Corinth from the Saronic Gulf, a large, mountainous body of land jutting southward into the Mediterranean that since antiquity has been a major hub of Greek civilization,  known for its historical significance and unique landscapes.

The resort. will cater to guests seeking unforgettable experiences with elegant service, including a personal concierge to attend to every detail, ensuring they can create memories to last a lifetime.

The property is set to open open in 2029 and will feature 121 rooms and suites, all offering views of the sea and 13 branded residences. 

Amenities will include several restaurants and lounges, including a signature restaurant and a beach club restaurant, a spa, indoor and outdoor pools, a firness centre, a tennis court, and a kids’ club. 

The establishment will enter into the Waldorf Astoria brand which features a sense of “place” that reflects local culture, elegant service, and luxurious amenities, including stunning architecture, curated art, and dining. Each hotel provides unique experiences and the brand also include a global residential portfolio with exclusive, high - touch services.

This future opening is part of Hilton expansion in key destinations like Greece, where the company operates over 60 hotels.

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138849.html

Meliá Hotels International | To Introduce its First Branded Residences in the U.S., located in Miami, Florida

Meliá Hotels International, a Spanish hotel chain founded in 1956 and based in Palma de Mallorca has announced plans to introduce its first branded residences in the U.S. in Miami, located in Brickell, the city’s financial centre, where glittering business towers condos tower over Biscayne Bay, known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, a Miami’s areas blends urban living with a neighbourly charm,  offering everything from diverse dining options to scenic waterfront views.

The Meliá Miami Bricknell project is a collaboration with Urban Network Capital Group, a real estate developer focused on branded residences, building eco - friendly and family communities headquartered in Cuajimalpa de Morelos, Mexico City with also a presence in North Miami, Florida.

This project is part of Meliá Hotels International’s strategy to expand its branded residences model, which merges real estate with hospitality, a concept that the Spanish group has implemented in locations such as Dubai, UAE and Seychelles.

The property is located at 1120 SW 3rd Avenue in the heart of Miami’s Brickell district, strategically positioned near I - 95 Brickell City Centre, an area where rooftop bars and surf’n’turg grills cater to the banking and business crowd, while the art galleries and fashionable boutiques attract chic locals and visitors.

The development aims to combine private homeownership with hotel services and will feature 110 residences. Amenities planned will include dining options, an infinity pool, wellness centre, and concierge service. 

Adriana Hoyos Design Studio, a firm based in Miami with additional offices and manufacturing facilities in Quito, Ecuador will handle the design of the common areas, while Concepto Taller de Architectura, an architecture, design and real estate development company founded in Mexico in 2011 will oversee the residences.

Meliá Hotels International’s expansion into the United States branded residences market adds to its existing presence in the country, which includes properties in New York and Orlando. 

Links 
https://www.meliahotelsinternational.com/en/newsroom/our-news/melia-hotels-international-returns-to-miami-first-branded-residences-us-melia-miami-brickell
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138507.html

Namu’a Island, Samoa | Enhancing Travel Experience with the Launch of a New Electric Boat

Namua’s, a small, uninhabited island off the east coast of Upolu island in Samoa, in central South Pacific Ocean, one of the four small islands in the Aleipata Islands grouping, an idyllic destination and popular spot for family getaways or private escapes, has lauched a new electric boat to enhance the travel experience for visitors by providing a more comfortable and convenient way to reach the island from the mainland.

This new service is part of an effort to improve accessibility, and is a state - of - the art addition that offers a smoother more comfortable and pleasant journey to visit one of the most visited remote destinations in the Pacific due to its secluded location and beautiful sandy beaches, offering stunning swimming and snorkeling, sometimes among turtles, fishing and hiking to the top of the local hill to see the resident bat colony and the stunning coastal views.

The electric boat, received through the collaborative efforts of the government via the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development and the Ministry of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, represents a pivotal advancement in Samoa’s commitment to sustainable tourism.

The initiative is part of the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport (CAP - IT) project funded by the government through JICA’s Green Transformation initiative, which aims to promote sustainable transport solutions across Pacific nations.

The new electric boat provides a more comfortable and convenient mode of transportation compared to older, smaller dinghies, making it easier for guests and tourists to access Namu’a Island from the main island and by using electric power, the new boat is a more sustainable and eco - friendly option for tourism on the island.

The owner and director of Namu’a Island site Levasa Ieti Taisa. stated that the new electric boat will undoubtedly enrich the experience for the tourists flocking to discover the beauty of Namu’a Island. 

Link
https://www.samoatourism.org/articles/566/namua-island-enhances-travel-experience-with-new-electric-boat

Playa del Carmen, Mexico | Tourists and Digital Nomads Investments in Local Projects are Growing

Playa del Carmen, a vibrant coastal city located along the Yucatán Peninsula’s Riviera Maya strip of the Caribbean shoreline in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, known for its beautiful palm – lined beaches, coral reefs, lively atmosphere and proximity to relevant Mayan historical sites is experiencing the phenomen of digital nomads, who are increasingly choosing this destination, not only to live temporarily, but also to invest and develop local projects. 

Tourists investments in local projects in Playa del Carmen is growing, driven by infrastructure upgrades like the Maya Train, a booming tourism industry and a strong real estate market. Significant investments are being in hospitality, real estate, and sustainable development which are attracting both domestic and much more international capital, and the government is also promoting tourism through infrastructure projects and marketing campaigns. 

This growth was highlighted by the President of Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Coparmex Riviera Maya, Luis Zamora, who pointed out that the intention is that tourists not only come on vacation or seasonally, but that they stay actively in the economy, that is, that they buy land, properties, generate employment and use local talent. 

On the other hand, according to the businessman, the high winter season presents an encouraging outlook, with a constant influx of Canadian and American tourism, which augurs a good occupancy in both Playa del Carmen and Tulum and there is enthusiasm to continue improving and optimizing the visitor experience.

The President of Coparmex Riviera Maya added that among the challenges facing the region is the sargassum, a phenomenon that recurrently affects the entire Riviera Maya, and he pointed out that joint work is maintained between authorities and businessmen to promote more effective solutions.

In terms of security the entrepreneur highlighted the importance of replicating the video surveillance model implemented in Cancun, where the use of cameras in police units and elements has had good results. The idea is is that the model will be extended to more tourist areas to provide greater confidence to both visitors and residents.

As reported by REPORTUR.mx, Playa del Carmen plans to become the epicentre of international events in the state of Quintana Roo, with the construction of an arena to attract international shows. With this they foresee that tourism will leave an important economic spillover.

Linked to this topic the Municipal President of Playa del Carmen, Estefanía Mercado stated that these events will generate spillover for small and medium - sized businesses, while with the big ones there is a collaboration and constant communication of what are the strategies that the institutions are going to implement for the following year.

Link 
https://www.reportur.com/agencias/2025/11/06/playa-del-carmen-crece-inversion-de-turistas-en-proyectos-locales/

Chachapoyas, Peru | Attracting Investment for its Expanding Tourism and Significant Infrastructure Improvements

The city of Chachapoyas, the capital and first tourist destination of the Amazonas region in northern Peru, known for its ancient Chachapoyan archaeological sites, most notably the fortified city of Kuélap, boasting a rich culture, known for its distinctive architecture, bold spirit, mastery of cloud forest living and natural wonders like the Gocta Waterfall is attracting investment for its expanding tourism and significant infrastructure improvements.

 This Peruvian centre offers a stunning combination of unique landscapes, a relevant cultural heritage, a rich biodiversity, improved connectivity, and growing formal supply opens an early window for those prioritize limited risk and potential for valorization and is starting to appear on the radar of investors looking to diversify their business activities outside the capital of the country Lima. 

Chachapoyas is attracting investment for its increasing tourism due to significant infrastructure improvements, such as the Kuélap cable car system, which has dramatically improved visitor access and satisfaction. Its installation, the first of its kind in the country, cut the travel time to Kuélap archaeological complex from two hours of hiking to just twenty minutes and the addition of signposting, infography, and resting areas at key sites to enhance the tourist experience.

Public and private partnerships are focusing on enhanced connectivity, investments were made to redevelop and refurbish the Chachapoyas and Jaen airports, which led to commercial airlines operating regular flights to these locations.

Other developments include the State’s investment in urban works such as the projects of tracks and sidewalks of the Eje Vials Consortium, close to S/250 million, which improves connectivity, services and quality of life.

In addition digital platforms are being developed to provide local and international tourists with information and to help customize travel packages, with the goal of a more sustainable tourism model, and efforts are being made to develop community - based products and services to ensure the residents benefit from the increase in visitors.

An expert in real estate investments in Lima and the provinces, Carla Cipriani said that when an area begins to be organized, public and private investment becomes a driver of valorization and in Chachapoyas this is noticeable. The ticket from s/120 per square metre opens the door to different strategies : Villaverde as a residential planned to live and rent in a sustained way, and Vista Herrmosa, as resort - type condominium with ample footage and emphasis on nature and rest for rotation and stable rent.

The combined effect is clear : a more active and formal market where, depending on the location, the square metre has doubled in value in approximately two years.

Likewise, the expert stated thart, for the prudent investor, the key is due diligence. Reviewing registry items, water and electricity feasibility, and soil studies, in addition to veriftying a commercial scheme by sections that orders price adjustments, helps reduce uncertainly. 

Those who seek rotation can average costs with smaller lots, and those who prioritize lifestyle find alternatives with seasonal rental potential. Avoiding informality and comparing locations is decisive to capture capital gains without surprises.

The specialist added that in this area there's an informal market that increases costs, time, and incertainty. What is different here is that we're talking about developments that have done their homework :  municipal permits, committed services and a transparent sales plan. 

Villaverde offers smaller lots suitable for first home or stable rental, while Vista Hermosa offers larger footage and a product oriented towards rest and nature. They are complmentary routes in the same square that today still offers low entrance prices.

Chachapoyas offers an attractive equation for the next stage of the real estate market in the provinces. With entry prices still low, a tourist story on the rise and projects that set clear rules, the time to evaluate and take a position is now. The opportunity is to enter with method, sustain the discipline in the documentation and let the development of the environment do its part.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/chachapoyas-atrae-inversiones-por-su-turismo-en-expansion/

Copenhagen, Denmark | Approved a Record - Breaking Budget for Cycling Infrastructure

Copenhagen, Denmark’s capital and largest city has approved a record - breaking budget of DKK 602.5 million for cycling infrastructure in 2026, a significant increase from the DKK 174 million allocated for 2025. 

The Nordic city is doubling down on its reputation as the the world’s premier cycling capital and this new funding is setting aside more than $86 million in its latest budget, representing the largest - ever allocation for cycling - related projects.

The new budget will support projects like a new bicycle bridge, underground parking at metro stations, and improved “green wave” traffic signals to make cycling safer, more efficient, and more accessible for all residents and travellers and a portion of the budget will also go toward creating safer school routes for children. 

The key projects and goals are : 

•    A new bicycle bridge will connect Østerbro, a sprawling neighborhood known for its upscale, family – oriented community, highlighted by exclusive design stores, luxury boutiques and fine dining options to Refshaleøen, a trendy district known for its food market and cutting – edge restaurants.

•  Established a project for underground bike parking at future metro stations of Sundbyøster Plads and Lergravsparken part of the M5 line. 

•    DKK 30 million has been designated for school routes, including a dedicated path in Nørrebro, and separated bike lanes leading to Refshaleøen to protect riders from car traffic. Specific upgrades are also planned for Mimersgade as part of a broader effort to make cycling safer for children.

 •    Projects also include implementing “green wave” traffic signals to reduce stops for cyclists during rush hours and improving lighting on key cycling routes.

Mayor of Technical and Environmental Affairs, Line Barfod expressed her enthusiasm for these initiatives stating that the city gained more momentum for cyclists with the largest cycling budget Copenhagen has ever seen. There’s more funding for safe school routes, green waves for cyclists, and better bike connections. More cycling means better climate protection, more greenery and less traffic.

The official emphasized that the substantial investment is necessary to preserve Copenhagen’s cycling legacy. The city institutions spend large sums every year supporting cars, about DKK 200 million ($29 million) just for road restoration. It’s only fair and long overdue that the municipality invests more in bicycles, and continuing in this way in future budgets.

From 2016 to 2025, Copenhagen has allocated an average of $23 million (DKK 160 million) per year toward cycling initiatives, including infrastructures upgrades, safety programs, and school route improvements, often  supported by external funding.

 In 2025 alone, $25 million (DKK 174 million) has been granted for cycling - related efforts, underscoring the city’s long - term commitment to sustainability mobility.

Link 
https://www.travelmole.com/news/copenhagen-cycling-budget/