Singita Management Company Ltd | Set to Open an Ultra - Luxury Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Singita Management Company Ltd, a luxury ecotourism and conservation brand based in Cape Town, South Africa which operate private, exclusive lodges and camps across southern Africa is set to open an ultra - luxury lodge in Botswana's Okavango Delta, located in northern Botswana, the world’s largest inland delta, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, characterized by a unique, pristine ecosystem formed where the Okavango River drains into the Kalahari Desert.

Singita Elela lodge expected to open to open in December 2026, marks the brand’s first property in Botswana, located in the 170.000 - hectare Abu Concession in the north - western Okavango Delta, will offer exclusive access to one of Africa’s most ecologically rich and biodiverse region.

The lodge features 8 individualized retreats (five 1 - bedroom, two 2 - bedroom, one - 4 bedroom) featuring private lounges, kitchenettes, private heated plunge pools, and expansive decks with firepits.

Designed to mimic the Delta’s “flow” each suite features a private vehicle, guide, tracker, and a dedicated host to customize the safari experience. 

Amenities and services at Singita Elela include a specialized wellness space, a fitness area, private in -  room wellness treatments, private dining room and a personal chef at the four - bedroom camp. Activities at Singita Elela include boating, Mokoro trips, bush walks, game drives, fishing, helicopter flips, and specialized stargazing.  

The lodge is positioned to deliver a highly exclusive safari offering while supporting conservation and community initiatives within the Okavango Delta ecosystem.

The development reflects a broader trend toward low - impact, high - value tourism in remote wilderness area, personalized guiding and a unique immersive wildlife experience in one of the most attractive Botswana's destinations.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/singita-to-open-ultra-luxury-elela-lodge-in-botswana-s-okavango-delta.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed a Management Agreement for the Development of a 150 - Room Holiday Inn Resort in Alwar, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed a management agreement with Yash Hotels & Resorts LLP for the development off a 150 - room Holiday Inn Resort in Alwar, a historic city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan within the Aravalli range.

Alwar is renowned as “tiger gateway” featuring the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the haunted Bhangarh Fort, and the commanding Bala Qila, showcasing a blend of Rajputana and Islamic architecture including other attractions like the City Palace and Siliserh Lake, while offering famous culinary specialties such as Alwar milk cake and Alwar Machchi.

The development of Holiday Inn Resort Alwar, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2030 will mark IHG Hotels & Resorts entry into Alwar, a popular tourism hub highlighted by forts, lakes, nature reserves and heritage havelis. 

The agreement aligns with IHG Hotels & Resorts’ strategy to expand across high - potential leisure and emerging destinations in India.

The resort is located against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills, a mountain range in north - western India, running approximately 670 km in  south - west direction, strategically positioned to serve guests from Delhi NCR and Jaipur, as well as visitors to the iconic Sariska Tiger Reserve.  

The property is designed to cater to weddings, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), as well as leisure demand in Alwar.

Holiday Inn Resort Alwar will feature 203 comfortable rooms, multiple dining options, and dedicated meeting and event spaces, targeting leisure stays, social celebrations, and corporate gatherings.

The resort will join the Holiday Inn Resort brand, a group of properties that are family - friendly, full - service destinations offering “Kids Stay & Eat Free” (for children 11 and under) .They feature relaxed vacation – oriented amenities, including swimming pools, on - site dining, and entertainment, situated in popular locations like beachsides or mountain retreats.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates more than 50 hotels in India, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Exporess, Holiday Inn Resort, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Six Senses, and voco Hotels, with a pipeline of 89 hotels expected to open in the next three to five years.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-strengthens-its-resort-offering-in-india-with-signing-of-holiday-inn-resort-alwar

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141129.html

Omni Hotels & Resorts | Started the Development of a 143 - Room Hotel in Midland, Texas, U.S.

Omni Hotels & Resorts, American hospitality company founded in 1958 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, a group focuses to create genuine, authentic guest experiences boasting a portfolio of hotels and resorts in leading business gateway and leisure destinations across North America started the development of a 148 - room hotel in Midland, known as “The Tall City”,  a vibrant city in Western Texas, seat of Midland County, part of the Permian Basin area, located halfway between Dallas and El Paso on I - 20.

Midland is a relevant energy centre, featuring a strong oil and natural gas production, a high per capita GDP, and also notable attractions like the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, Museum of the Southwest, Centenniasl Park, I - 20 Wildlile Preserve, Sibley Nature Center, and the George W. Bush Childhood Home.

Omni Hotels & Resorts and Midland Downtown Renaissance, LP, a collaborative partnership of Midland - based companies, investors, and foundations, have begun construction of the Omni Midland Hotel following a groundbreaking ceremony.

The property is planned to open in late 2027 and will be the twelfth Omni Hotels & Resorts property in Texas, located at 300 West Texas Avenue,  within walking distance of the George H.W. Bush Convention Center and Centennial Park.

The project involves several design partners like HKS Architects, an award - winning global architecture, interior design, planning and advisory firm based in Dallas, serving as the architect for the hotel, while Looney & Associates, an interior design firm specializing in projects for the hospitality industry with offfices in Dallas, Chicago and Honolulu is responsible for the interiors.

The DesignAgency, an international design consultancy with its flagship headquarters located in Toronto, Canada, and additional studios in Los Angeles, California, Washington, D.C, U.S., and Barcelona, Spain, specializing in interior design, architectural concepting, and strategic branding has been engaged to design the hotel’s restaurant and bar.

The Omni Midland Hotel will feature 143 rooms, including a presidential suite. Dining options at the hotel will consist of three venues: a lobby bar, a coffee shop serving breakfast and lunch, and Bob’s Steak & Chop House.

Amenities will include a rooftop pool deck and a full - service spa with a sauna, steam room, hot tub, cold plunge, locker rooms, relaxation lounge, and treatment rooms for individuals and couples.

The property will offer approximately 16.000 square feet of meeting and event spaces, including a 5.640 - square - foot ballroom. Additional meeting facilities will include an executive boardroom with park views and an outdoor terrace connected to the function space.

An 800 - space parking garage will be constructed to serve both hotel guests and Convention Center attendees.

Links

https://www.omnihotels.com/media-center/recent-news/2026/04/02/16/08/omni-hotels-resorts-holds-groundbreaking-ceremony-of-new-143-room-luxury-hotel-in-midland-texas#

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140691.html

Indonesia | Set an Ambitious Target to Achieve Energy Self - Sufficiency by 2029

Indonesia has set an ambitious target to achieve energy self - sufficiency by 2029 though a series of large --scale reforms in its energy sector. 

The Asian country focuses on maximizing domestic resources and reducing imports. Key features include a massive 100 - gigawatt (GW) electrification program, aggressive biofuel expansion (B50), decommissioning 13 diesel power plants, which consume large volumes of fuel and accelerating renewable energy sources like geothermal, solar, and bioenergy. 

 Initiatives also include the conversion of palm oil and used cooking oil into aviation fuel, as well as the production of biodiesel and bioethanol to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

In addition, the Indonesian government is promoting electric vehicles and expanding the use of renewable energy sources. 

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto said that the country’s goal is energy self - sufficiency by the end of 2029 at the latest, If possible sooner, and working quickly. 

Earlier the President had announced plans to halt all fuel imports within two to three years, stopping up efforts to strengthen energy independence.

Key Features of the 2029 Energy Self – Sufficiency Plan: 

•    100 GW Electrification Program: Rapid expansion of domestic power generation capacity. 
•    Fuel Import Phase - Out: Halting fuel imports within two to three years. 
•    Biofuel Acceleration (B50): A national rollout of B50 (50% palm – based biodiesel) by 2026, with plans to expand to B60, aimed at ending diesel imports. 
•    Bioenergy Expansion: Utilizing agricultural products such as cassava, palm oil, sugarcane, and corn for ethanol and other alternative fuel production. 
•    Renewable Energy Development: Utilizing Indonesia’s vast geothermal, hydro, solar, and ocean energy potential. 
•    Decommissioning Fossil Fuel Plants: Phased shutdown of 13 diesel power stations operated by PLN. 
•    Electric Vehicle (EV) Growth: Promotion of electric vehicles to reduce oil demand. 

The strategy emphasizes utilizing natural resources and agricultural commodities to enhance energy security, reduce dependency on global oil price volatility, and support long - term economic growth. 

 With these measures, Indonesia seeks to ensure its energy sovereignty and reduce its exposure to global geopolitical tensions. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/indonesia-apunta-a-la-autosuficiencia-energ-tica-para-2029/

Zimbabwe | Tourism Receipts Rose 14% in Q1 2026

Zimbabwe’s tourism sector has performed very well in the first quarter of 2026, with tourism receipts rose 14% to US$251 million from US$221 million and international arrivals rising 11%, to 384.561, marking one of the strongest posts - pandemic recoveries for a key foreign currency earner, reflecting continued momentum in the country’s tourism growth.

Driven by regional African arrivals (75% of total) particularly from Mozambique, South Africa, and Mauritius with Asian and European markets that also saw growth, and a 35% surge in domestic trips indicating strong local demand, the industry saw massive investment growth, despite a 12% drop in March arrivals due to high fuel costs.

This relevant rise in Q1 2026 has been attributed to increasing international arrivals, stronger regional travel demand, diversification of the offer, government ongoing efforts, targeted strategies based on promotion and aggressive campaigns to position Zimbabwe as a verry competitive destination in the African continent.

Nowadays tourism sector remains a key contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy, supported by investment in tourism infrastructure, destination marketing and improved connectivity.

Officials continue to position tourism as a strategic pillar for economic development under the country’s Vision 2030 agenda, with growing focus on sustainability, hospitality investment and exapanding the country’s appeal across leisure, culture and nature - based tourism segments.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/zimbabwe-tourism-receipts-rise-14-in-first-quarter-of-2026.html

China | Created over 80 New Colours of Rapeseed Flowers Designed to Boost Rural Tourism

A research team at Jiangxi Agricultural University located in the northern suburbs on Nanchang, the capital city of Jiangxi province, China, situated in the hinterland of Poyang Lake Plain, bounded on the west by the Jiuling Mountains, and on the east by Poyang Lake has created over 80 new colours of rapeseed flowers, expanding beyond traditional to include shades designed to boost rural tourism. 

These engineered flowers are being cultivated in over 300 scenic areas across 233 Chinese counties to revitalize rural economies and combat tourist “aesthetic fatigue”, creating with these new rapeseed varieties with innovative colours more attractive fields.  

Through hybridization, backcrossing, and self - pollination, the researchers achieved unprecedented combinations, Among the new colours are “deep pink red”, “tiger striped orange”, “metallic purple”, “lavender purple”, and “glutinous rice red”, all colours vwith more intense tones and better ornamental qualities. 

Future projects include other colours such as blue and black, expanding the potential of rapeseed in agricultural tourism and also home gardening. 

Key Details on the Development: 

•    Colour Range and Variety: The new varieties offer diverse colours, enhancing the visual appeal of farmland. 
•    Development Process: The team used hybridization, backcrossing, and self – pollination, sometimes screening up to 150.000 plants monthly to select the best traits.
•    Tourism Impact: Demonstratins show high visitor interest, and the initiative aims to promote sustainable rural development through scenic agricultural, also known as “agritourism”.

 This 12 - year research effort creates the most comprehensive coloured rapeseed germplasm resource in China, improving both the scenery and potential for agricultural income. 

A researcher at Jiangxi Agricultural University, Fu Donghui, explained that this year the team developed five new colours, expanding the palette from 75 to 80. Most rapeseed flowers are yellow, which can cause aesthetic fatigue in tourist and the new colours seek to maintain the attractiveness of the fields and support the sustainable growth of the industry. 

Rapeseed tourism has grown in regions such as Hangzhong, Shaanxi, Jingzhou, Hubei, Luoping, Yunnan and Wuyuan, Jiangxi. The new varieties have been tested at more than 10 rural tourist sites and the team collaborates with more than scenic areas in 233 counties to promote their cultivation. 

Beyond rapeseed colours, researchers have developed fragrant oversized blooms, larger jasmine - scented flowers, dwarf potting plants, as well as lines with colourful leaves and stems have developed. This to stabilise the new colours, improve yield and resistance, and transform rapeseed and other specimens into outstanding ornamental plants without losing their agricultural value.  

Link
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/china-desarrolla-80-variedades-de-colza-con-nuevos-colores-para-potenciar-el-turismo-rural/

Egypt | Launched Africa’s First Sustainable Medical Tourism Label Programme

Egypt launched Africa’s first Sustainable Medical Tourism Label Programme in May 2026, spearheaded by the Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality (EOS) and the African Organization for Standardization (ARSO). 

The initiative set regional standards for high - quality, sustainable, and eco - friendly medical services to boost trust and competitiveness in medical tourism across the continent while reinforcing Egypt’s ambition to position itself as a leading medical tourist destination. 

The certification process will be overseen by EOS’s Certification Unit for Operations and Services as an independent body, assessing compliances with African standards aligned with instrumental medical tourism specifications. 

Key Features and Objectives of the Programme: 

•    Sustainability and Standards: The label focuses on integrating environmental and social responsibility into medical institutions and spas, ensuring compliance with international quality standards. 
•    Independent Certification: The EOS Certification Unit for Operations and Services evaluates medical institutions, ensuring they meet African and international standards for patient safety and sustainability. 
•    Regional Credibility: By establishing the “African Sustainable Medical Tourism Label,”the initiative seeks to increase the trust of international insurance companies and medical tourism organizers in African healthcare providers. 
•    Digital Integration: This initiative works alongside the “We Care for You in Egypt” platform, a digital multilingual system launched for scheduling telehealth, and medical logistics for international patients. 
•    Support for Strategy 2030: The programme is a core component of Egypt’s National Health Tourism strategy 2030, which aims to leverage the country’s medical, wellness, and tourist assets to become a premier medical hub.
•    Institutional Benefits: Participating organizations gain access to regional marketing platforms, optimized resource usage, improved operational efficiency, and increased access to international funding.  

The label promotes a comprehensive, high - quality and sustainable medical travel experience, combining advanced healthcare with Egypt’s existing tourist attractions. 

According to EOS head Dr Khaled Soufy, the program goes beyond certification by seeking to build an integrated support system for medical institutions and spas, helping them improve competitiveness in global markets.

Officials said the label is expected to improve institutions’ access to regional and international markets, enhance operartional efficiency, strengthen credibility with insurers and medical tourism organisers, support alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030 includes the Sustainable Development Goals of the country. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/egypt-launches-africa-s-first-sustainable-medical-tourism-label-programme.html