Marriott International | To Launch its New Brand, Series by Marriott in South Asia, with the Future Opening of 26 Properties in India

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland has announced the launch of its new brand, Series by Marriott in South Asia, with the future opening of 26 properties in India, marking the global debut of the brand part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio.

The hotels are launched in collaboration with Concept Hospitality Private Limited, a leading hotel management company established in 1996 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, under the Fern Hotels & Resorts brand, characterized by its commitment to eco - sensitive and sustainable hospitality, offering a mix of upscale and mid - tiered (The Fern Residency) options.

The iniatial phase of openings includes over 1.900 rooms across 23 cities in India. Some of the locations include Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhiwandi, Bodhgaya, Daman, Dapoli, Dharampur, Ekta Nagar, Gandhinagar, Hatgad, Jaipur, Jambughoda, Hamnagar, Jim Corbett, Kochi, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Mussoorie, Pune, Rajkot, Solapur, Surat, and Vadodaara.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott, is positioned to cater to both business and leisure travellers. The properties offer amenities such as grab - and - go breakfast, recognition for single lady travellers, and evening turndown services. The brand aims to provide regionally relevant experiences while maintaining Marriott’s global standards.

Series by Marriott is a new soft brand focusing on “well executed” basics which includes clean and comfortable rooms, free Wi – Fi, and daily coffee or tea. The brand aims to affiliate with established regional hotels, and while not all properties have the same amenities, some offer breakfast, fitness centres, and spaces.

The launch in India is part of a broader expansion plan of Marriott International, with over 100 additional openings anticipated in the coming year. This strategic move targets India’s growing domestic travel market and the demand for reliable and affordable accommodations.

All properties under the Fern Hotels & Resorts, Series by Marriott, are part of the Marriott Bonvoy travel program, allowing members to earn points for stays and access various benefits.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139026.html

Hilton | Adding to its Curio Collection by Hilton The BoTree Hotel, Located in London, England, UK

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia has announced the addition to its Curio Collection The BoTree hotel located in Marylebone, a chic residential area with a village feel in central London, located in the City of Westminster and part of the West End, an area highlighted by elegant Georgian architecture, smart restaurants, cozy pubs and indie boutiques.

This addition is part of Hilton’s strategy to expand its lifestyle hotel portfolio in key urban locations and expanding its presence in the UK market.

The hotel, which initially opened in 2023 is located at 30 Marylebone Lane close to the bustling Marylebone High Street and Chiltern Street and significant cultural sites like The Wallace Collection, Madame Tussauds, Sherlock Holmes Museum, and proximity to Regent’s Park, in an area offering a blend of sophisticated shopping, rich history, and green spaces.

With excellent transport links via Marylebone Station, the hotel’s location provides guests with access to the captivating surrounding neighbourhoods of Mayfair and Soho, known for their cultural landmarks, shopping opportunities, and gourmet food spots. The proximity to Bond Street Station and the Elizabeth Line allows for convenient travel to various boroughs of the British Capital, including providing an easy connection to the City of London and Heathrow Airport.

The BoTree London is a luxury boutique hotel, known for its “Conscious Luxury” with eco - friendly design, art - focused lobby, and lavish amenities like Jo Loves products, Nespresso Machines, and Dyson dryers in rooms, plus a two - storey restaurant named LAVO, which focuses on coastal Italian cuisine, and the BoTree Bar, which serves signature cocktails, a social hub throughout the day and night.

Additionally, the hotel includes a 24/7 gym and a cultural venue called 77, which hosts events and private gatherings, as well as a 33 - seat screening room for intimate events.

The property joins the Curio Collection by Hilton, a global portfolio of unique, upper - upscale hotels hand - picked for their distinctive character, history and local immersion, offering guests bespoke stories through unique architecture, curated located experiences, and world - class dining.

The BooTree hotel will participation in Hilton Honors, the company’s guest loyalty program, offering benefits such as earning points, member perks, flexible payment options and complimentary Wi-Fi for members who book directly through Hilton channels.

Links

https://stories.hilton.com/emea/releases/curio-collection-by-hilton-strengthens-its-london-roots-with-the-botree-signing

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139168.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Expanding its Presence in the Middle East with the Future Opening of Two New Hotels in Al Khobar and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK is continuing to expand its presence in the Middle East with the future opening of two hotels in Al Khobar and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia.

The British company has entered into a management agreement with Mosa bin Abdul Aziz Al Mosa and Sons Real Estate Holding Co., one of the top real estate companies in Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh, established in 1994, nationally achieved benchmarks in Top Real Estate services all over the countries to open two new properties in the Saudi Kingdom.

The agreement includes the development of Crowne Plaza Al Khobar Al Bandariyah and Holiday Inn Riyadh Rose Yard, which will collectively add over 330 rooms to IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio in the region.

The Crowne Plaza Al Khobar Al Bandariyah by IHG – The hotel will be located at King Abdullah Street, Al Thuqbah in Al Khobar, vibrant city and governorate in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on the coast of the Arabic Gulf near the corniche in Al Khobar, a large waterfront area, includes Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sea Park, with cafes and playgrounds.

The hotel scheduled to open in 2027 offering convenient access to the city’s island Water Tower, the Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Science & Technology Center (SciTech), the Aramco Exhibit, the city of Damman and King Fahd International Airport will feature comfortable rooms, meeting spaces and social areas designed to accommodate business and leisure activities.

The Holiday Inn Riyadh Rose Yard - The hotel nestled in the Al -Suwaidi, a neighbourhood part of Baladiyah - al - Urayja, one of the 16 baladiyahs of Riyadh is located on the right Wadi Hanifa in southwestern Riyadh, offering access to locations such as Diriyah Gate and the Diplomatic Quarter part of Rose Yard complex, a 113.000 square metres mixed - use destination that seamlessly blends lifestyle, convenience and hospitality. The 3 - floor Holiday Inn hotel is expected to open in late 2026 and will feature comfortable rooms incorporating the brand’s Open Lobby concept, which integrates work, dining, and relaxation spaces.

These developments align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and enhance the tourism sector. Riyadh and Al Khobar are key markets for this expansion, with the Saudi Kingdom capital serving as a hub for finance, real estate, and tourism, and at the same time, Al Khobar benefits from its coastal location and proximity to corporate centres.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 46 hotels across six brands in Saudi Arabia, with an additional 60 hotels in the development pipeline set to open in the next three to five years.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/in-strategic-dual-signing-with-al-mosa-and-sons-ihg-hotels-and-resorts-strengthens-saudi-footprint

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138938.html

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | Planning to Open a Hotel in Berlin, Germany

Four Seasons Hotels Limited, trading as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hotel and resort company based in Toronto, Canada, which has transformed the hospitality industry by combining personalized and genuine care with a commitment to excellence,is planning to open a 140 - room hotel in Berlin, the capital of Germany, located at the heart of the North German Valley bisected by the Spree River and its lakes,  famous for its rich history, iconic landmarks including Brandeburg Gate, and Reichstag, world – class museums, vibrant arts & nightlife, diverse culture, and its status as a major European capital, hub for startups and green city with many parks.

In partnership with Gruppo Statuto, a prominent real investment firm specializing in luxury hotels, offices, retail, and residential properties headquartered in Rome, Italy, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will open in late 2027 its new establishment in the historic Hotel de Rome, originally the Dresdner Bank headquarters, hosted in a building developed in the late 1800s that was converted into a hotel in 2006.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Gruppo Statuto have previously collaborated projects in Italy, including properties in Milan and Taormina. This project marks Four Seasons’ return to the German city after a 20 - year absence and the expansion of the company in key destions within the European market.

Nestled in Berlin’s lively Mitte District, the hotel is situated at Behrenstraße, 37, right on Bebelplatz square, close to Humboldt University and the State Opera Unter den Linden, The hotel’s location places it near other several cultural and historical landmarks including the Brandeburg Gate, Sr. Hedwig’s Cathedral, and Museum Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The hotel is easily accessible from Berlin Brandenburg Airport and Berlin Central Station, facilitating travel to other major cities in Germany and Europe.

The property will undergo a significant renovation led by architectural firm Humbert & Poyet ,an interior architecture firm based in Monaco, specialised in hospitality and residential, focusing on preserving the building’s historical features such as the original façade while updating the interior, introducing contemporary elements.

During the renovation period, select services and amenities will remain available to guests. The future Four Seasons hotel will feature approximately 140 rooms and suites, three restaurants and bars, and a rooftop terrace offering views of the city.

The hotel will be managed by Christian Poda, a Berlin native, who has been with Four Seasons since 1999 who will oversee the hotel’s transition and operations.

Links

https://press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/2025/new-four-seasons-in-berlin/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139116.html

Malawi | Proposed a Reciprocal Visa Policy

Malawi,  a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, defined by its topography of highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi, through its government has proposed a reciprocal visa policy that will revoke visa - free access for travellers from some countries that do not grant visa - free entry to Malawians.

The proposal announced on 21st November 2025 by Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha as part of of non – tax measures to bolster the economy through a new revenue stream and is intended to create diplomatic parity.

The change requires parliamentary approval and would partly reverse the 2024 addition of 79 countries to Malawi’s visa - exempt list.

The proposed changes would require citizens from affected nations, including the US and UK and other European countries to obtain a visa on arrival and pay a reciprocal fee based on what their county charges Malawians.

Current fees range from US$50 for a seven - day transit visa to US$75 for a single - entry visa valid up to 90 days. The Tourism Ministry expects minimal impact on arrivals, while industry operators warn the higher costs or a cumbersome process could divert itineraries in a competitive Southern and East African market.

For context, Namibia introduced reciprocity on 1st April 2025 alongside visa - on - arrival and reported hotel occupancies above pre - COVID levels in the July - October high season.

Key features of the proposed reciprocal visa policy:

·    Revocation of visa free entry: Visa - free access will be removed for citizens of countries that require visas for Malawians, with a potential list including the UK, the United States and other European countries.

·    Visa on - arrival fees: Travellers from these nations will be required to obtain a visa upon arrival.

·   Reciprocal fees: The fee will be applied on a reciprocal basis, meaning the cost will be equal to what Malawi’s citizens pay to enter the traveller’s home country.

·   Economic motivation: The policy is part of a set of non - tax measures to boost the economy, with the government viewing it as a good source of revenue.

·   Parliamentary approval: The proposal is set to be sent to Malawi’s Parliament for approval before it can be implemented.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/malawi-proposes-reciprocal-visa-policy.html

China | Archaeologists Unveiled Major Finds at the Great Wall

Archaeologists during ongoing excavations at the Jiankou section of the Great Wall ribbons over the top of jagged green mountains for 20 kilometres, a famously wild, unrestored, and challenging section near Beijing, unveiled major finds and new discoveries, among them the largest Ming Dynasty cannon ever found in the area and various artifacts providing insights into ancient military technology and early cultural exchange in the region. 

At a press conference in early December 2025, researchers from the Beijing Institute of Archaeology announced these findings from recent excavations that focused on three beacon towers and their connecting walls.

The most significant find was a large, well - preserved cannon from the late Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644). The iconic Ming Dynasty was a era of native Han Chinese rule after Mongol dominance, known for its powerful centralized government, vast economic and cultural growth, and significant architectural feats like the Forbidden City and extended Great Wall of China. Founded by Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu Emperor), it saw flourishing arts, trade, and a perfected civil service system.

This imposing artillery piece measures 89.2 centimetres in length and weights 112.1 kilograms, being the largest firearm discovered so far in that section of the Great Wall. 

According to a research associate at the Beijing Institute of Archaeology, Shang Heng, the well - preserved inscription on the cannon offers crucial new evidence and a key new perspective for research on firearms manufacturing and the exchange of military technology during that period as reported by Xinhua News Agency. 

The excavation also uncovered storage rooms used by frontier garrison troops, along with three previously unknown watchtowers and connecting walls, and other unearthed items include weapons, architectural components, and objects of daily use.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/arque-logos-chinos-anuncian-importantes-hallazgos-en-la-gran-muralla/

The United Arab Emirates | To Issue a Commemorative Coin Designed with AI

The United Arab Emirates’ Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, together with the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), launched a pioneering initiative that invites citizens to create the design of a commemorative coin using artificial intelligence (AI) as rep[orted by Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The initiative coincided with the country’s National Code Day celebrated annually on October 29 to honour coders and programmers and to mark the anniversary of the launch of the region’s first e - government in 2001 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The date also coincides with the founding of Dubai Internet city in 1999, and the initiative aims to encourage a new generation of coders with the aim to support the nation’s digital transformation and innovation.

Contest participants must create the coin’s design using generative AI tools, ensuring a circular shape suitable for minting and complying with general ethical and legal standards.

The goal is to blend tradition with cutting - edge technology and empower the community to shape the nation’s digital future.

The design must symbolise the United Arab Emirates’s progress and innovation in technology, reflecting its journey across the past, present, and future and this coin will become a symbol of the UAE’s leadership in the digital age.

The winning design will be embodied in the commemorative coin that will be issued by the the Central Bank of the UAE.

The United Arab Emirates Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Omar Sultan Al Olama said that the initiative reflects the country’s aspiration to consolidate its position as a global hub for innovation and technology.

The Ministry added that the nation is reinforcing its leadership in the fields of AI and programming, driving its vision of a digital future based on innovation, knowledge and meaningful participation of society.  

Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama stated that the country is using AI to create the technologies of the future and build a competitive knowledge based - economy. The commemorative coin design competition serves as a model to deepen society’s participation and the development of innovative skills.

Link 

 https://tvbrics.com/es/news/eau-emitir-una-moneda-conmemorativa-dise-ada-con-inteligencia-artificial/