Giza, Egypt | Designated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Film

Giza, a city in Egypt located on the west bank of the Nile River near Cairo, most famous as the location of the emblematic Giza Plateau, the site of some of the most impressive Egyptian royal mortuary and sacred structures, among which are the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, a number of other large pyramids and temples and home of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Film for 2025.

The announcement coincided with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum on November 1, 2025 and this prestigious recognition celebrates the rich cultural heritage and historic role of the Egyptian city in the film industry that joins the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the film category highlighting its enormous potential .

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) membership provides access to collaborative projects, capacity – building and global visibility for local creative sectors. Giza’s cultural and film - industry assets, such as studio clusters, the National Centre for Cinema and major production sites were cited during the application process as part of the justification for the film - category recognition.

This honour supports government plans to develop furthermore a state - of - the - art film production city near the iconic pyramid and around the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) featuring advanced studios and integrated facilities creating a comprehensive cultural and creative destination and aiming to attract international shoots solidifying Egypt’s position as a global media centre.

The initiative is part of Egypt Government vision and strategy to leverage Giza’s cultural heritage, enhance tourism, and placing the city as a regional hub for filmmaking, streamlining processes for foreign crews. Giza will welcome private - sector investment with the government encouraging partners to join in shaping Egypt’s next filmmaking landmark.

This designation and development project also aim to elevate Giza’s status, attracting global talent, and foster international collaboration in the film industry, capitalizing on its unique blend of ancient wonders and modern ambitions.

Following the recognition, the Giza Governorate plans to implement a comprehensive action plan to capture the benefits of this distinction to support youth, filmmakers and media professionals in the region.

Link

https://cairoscene.com/Buzz/Giza-Joins-UNESCO-Creative-Cities-Network-for-Film

Nova Gorica, Slovenia | The EPIC Centre, a New Cultural Venue Dedicated to Life Opened on the Border

Nova Gorica, a town in wester Slovenia crossed by the Isonzo River, on the border with Italy, a unique blend of Slovenian and Italian cultures, modern architecture, rich history, and stunning nature, serving as a gateway to the Soča Valley and Vipava wine region, with vibrant as the 2025 European Capital of Culture focusing on art,  tech, and borderless unity, has a new cultural venue dedicated to life.

The EPIC Centre (European Platform for Interpretation of the 20th Century) located near Europe Square, is a key project for the European Capital of Culture 2025, which opened with the permanent exhibition “City on the Border: Goriška in the 20^th Century” focusing on personal stories and the shared history of the Slovenian - Italian border region.

For the opening of the venue the €6.38 million was financed by the municipality o Nova Gorica, the Slovenian government and the European Regional Development Fund.

The site is the result of the transformation of a former railway depot on the Slovenian side of the border between Nova Gorica and Italy’s Gorizia, a town and municipality in the autonomous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia located at the foot of the Julian Alps in northeast Italy has been turned into a new cultural venue,  a vibrant hub for events, education, and reflection on cross – border identity.

The curator of the exhibition, historian Kaja Širok said at the 26^th November launch that “City on the Border”,offers visitors a look into the future through the understanding of a shared past.

The historian added  that “City on the Border” is dedicated to individual and collective stories of people on both sides of the border, told through Slovenian, Italian, as well Friulian and German experiences to enrich the understanding of the area’s history through different viewpoints. 

EPIC Centre aims to go beyond national narratives, creating a shared space for reflection, cultural exchange, and understanding the complex history that shaped this unique borderland, inviting visitors to contribute their own memories.

The exhibition aims to highlight the region’s multiculturalism and show how important multicultural hubs started disappearing after the world wars and made way for nation focused storytelling.

The exhibition is structured chronologically, featuring personal stories, objects, and videos testimonies as part of the narrative, offering an intimate look at life, before, during, and after the World Wars and it shows how the same events were interpreted in different ways, including by how they were termed such as the occupation or liberation of Gorizia.

As visitors walk through the rooms the interiors change to show how styles, design and architecture changed. One ois for example in the Biedermeier style, an early 19^th century. a  Central European design style that emerged from a reaction to the opulence of earlier styles, prioritizing simplicity, functionality, and domestic comfort for the rising middle class, and characterized on clean lines, geometric shapes, restrained elegance, and the use of lighter, local wooids like cherry and maple that highlight the natural grain.

A separate display curated by journalist Ali Žerdin features front pages of newspapers to show how the same events were reported in Italy, Slovenia and other countries.

This way, the exhibition portrays the complexity of history and relationships in the 20th century, not only in the region but throughout Europe.

Guided tours are available in Slovenian, Italian and English and an accompany catalogue will be published next year featuring reflections by authors from both countries and how they experience and understand the border and the border region.

 EPIC Centre located just a stone’s throw away from Europe Square straddling the border, also includes a multifunctional conference hall, a  gallery, a café and is designed as a new urban meeting point and creative venue.

Link  

https://sloveniatimes.com/45803/new-cultural-venue-in-nova-gorica-dedicated-to-life-on-the-border

Malindi, Kenya | Reopened Talks to Revive the Long - Stalled Expansion of the International Airport

Kenya Government and Kilifi County have reopened talks to revive the - long stalled expansion of Malindi International Airport, located west of the central business of the town of Malindi, in southeastern Kenya, at the Indian Ocean coast, an air hub thar serves Malindi, Mambrui and Watamu, an initiative confirmed by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.

The project sits within Kenya wider aviation and tourism agenda aims to improve air access to the coast, addressing current constrains that limit the the airport to small aircraft and require international travellers to route via Mombasa or Nairobi.

The expansion aims to attract direct international flights, boost tourism, support regional trade by extending the runway to handle larger aircraft such as Boeing 737s, modernising terminals, upgrading navigation systems, adding infrastructure like a large a apron and parking, potentially overcoming past land compensation issues to tran,form the airport into a major coastal gateway.

The upgrades are expected to enable potential services form Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, ease pressure on Mombasa’s International Airport and stimulate higher - value tourism and investment.

Key Features and Goals:

·       Runway Extension: Lengthening Runway 17/35 to about 2.500 metres to handle long – haul and larger aircraft.

·      Terminal Modernization: Upgrading passenger facilities, security, and immigration to international standards.

·       Increased Capacity: Enlarging the apron for more planes and building a 500 – vehicle parking lot.

·      Enhanced Security: Constructing a 7.5 perimeter fence.

·       Economic Boost: Attracting direct charters from Europe, Middle East and Africa, creating jobs, and stimulating local hotels and investment.

·       Regional Connectivity: Supporting Kenya’s goal to offer integrated East African travel experiences.

Industry stakeholders, including Pollmans Tours’ Mohamed Hersi, HotelOnline’s Håvar Bauck and Ocean Beach Resort’s Roberto Marini, have welcomed the momentum but stress timely, transparent delivery after earlier delays tied to compensation disputes and bureaucracy, noting interest from carriers such as Flydubai once runway are resolved.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/malindi-airport-expansion-revived-kenya-and-kilifi-resume-upgrade-talks.html

Athens, Greece | ATH. ENA GO App, Making City’s Public Transport Easier for Residents and Visitors Launched

Athens, Greece’s capital and largest city is making public transport simpler and more convenient for residents and visitors alike with the launch of ATH. ENA GO, a mobile app that replaces paper tickets and plastic ATH. ENA Card.

Designed for both Greek and English speaking users the app aims to streamline travel across Athens public transport network by letting you buy tickets, manage virtual/physical cards and pay by mobile phone city’s bus, metro, tram, trolley and suburban rail networks.

Android users with NFC - enabled devices that can issue a fully transport card on their phone, which can be topped up, validated and used across all public transport modes without the need for a plastic card.

Available on iOS and Android, ATH. ENA GO enables passengers to manage their journeys digitally, offering a smoother, more efficient experience,  getting instant virtual cards and best fares and resulting particularly useful during peak tourism periods.

App’s features include managing card info, language settings, buying products and loading onto cards. The app reduces queues at ticket counters, simplifies fare purchases and aligns Athens with the smart mobility trends seen in other major European capitals. 

According to the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA), personalized digital cards will soon be introduced, expanding functionality and catering to frequent users.

OASA said in an announcement that ATH. ENA GO represents a key step in Athens’ broader digital transformation efforts, reinforcing the city’s goal of a modern, user – friendly urban transport system.

Link

https://news.gtp.gr/2025/12/02/ath-ena-go-app-makes-athens-public-transport-easier-for-residents-and-tourists/

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