The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) | Unveiled the Development of a 250 - Key Taj Hotel in Guwahati, Assam, India

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), part of Tata Group and headquartered in Mumbai, has unveiled the signing of an agreement to develop a 250 - key Taj hotel in Guwahati, sprawling city beside the Brahmaputra River, in the northern Indian state of Assam.

Guwahati is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage with holy sites like the hilltop Kamakhya Temple, featuring shrines to the Hindu deities Shiva and Vishnu, its excavated archaeological site at Ambari in the heart of the city, and its adjoining areas provide myriad attractions for tourists with 11 forest reserves, several wetlands including Deepor Beel,  a Ramsar site and hill ranges.

Marking the brand’s debut in Assam’s capital, the agreement was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma.

The project will involve a comprehensive renovation and reposition of 150 keys and the addition of 100 new keys, resulting in a total of 250 rooms.

The Taj Guwahati on a land parcel of over 9 acres will be located in the heart of the city, offering an easy access to major attractions like Assam State Museum that showcases the culture and history of the region, Dighalipukhuri Park, Brahmaputra Riverfront, popular for guided walking tours and sunset boat rides, Umananda Temple located on the “Peacock Island” in the middle of the river and the iconic Kamakhya Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site on Nilachal Hill.

The property will feature specialty restaurants, the brand’s J Wellness Circle serving both business and leisure travellers and expansive banqueting and meeting facilities.

The hotel will join the emblematic Taj brand, characterized by its deep Indian heritage and authentic cultural experience, world - class service and a strong commitment to sustainability.

The brand also focuses on preserving Indian culinary traditions and craftmanship, maintaining an iconic luxury image, and expanding its global presence highlighting responsible tourism.

With this addition, The Indian Hotels Company Limited will boast five hotels in Guwahati, including three currently under development.

Links

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140398.html

Corinthia Hotels | Signed an Agreement to Develop, Lease, and Operate a Luxury Resort in Massa Marittima, Tuscany, Italy

Corinthia Hotels, a luxury brand based in London, England, UK,  known for its “Grand Boutique” style, blending historic landmark buildings with modern, bespoke luxury, exceptional dining, and comprehensive wellness has signed an agreement to develop, lease, and operate a luxury resort in Massa Marittima, a lively town and commune of the province of Grosseto in southern Tuscany, Italy.

Massa Marittima is a well - preserved medieval hilltop town near the Metalliferous Hills, renowned for its 13th - century Romanesque - Gothic Cathedral,  triangular Piazza Garibaldi square, ancient walls, a Sienese fortress, the unique, controversial “Tree of Fertility” fresco and rich mining history.

The establishment is Borgo di Perolla, located at the heart of the 13^th  - century Perolla Estate, a 1.300 - hectare property featuring olive groves, woodland, vineyards, historic sites, and ancient trails, set in the picturesque Tuscan countryside  within easy reach of Massa Marittima centre, the Tyrrhenian coast, the beaches of Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala,  and the region’s celebrated hot springs, in a setting that combines rural seclusion with exceptional access to some of Tuscany’s most desirable attractions. 

The Corinthia Borgo di Perolla scheduled to open in 2030,  will transform a collection orf vintage, historic buildings into a 80 - key luxury resort experience that brings together heritage, nature and contemporary elegance.

The development will include suites and private villas and is in partnership with entrepreneur  Gaetano Buglisi and his BGenera Group of companies, with support from Fortvny and Harry Mills Sciò, a leading hospitality industry expert in the European and North American markets with more than three decades of experience, a bespoke consultancy with a noted presence in the Rome area of Italy and Montenegro.

Milan - based alErta design studio is leading the design effort to restore and repurpose historic structures, creating a Tuscan village - style retreat centred on a piazza.

The resort will include restaurants and amenities focused on local cuisine, seasonal produce with food and beverage featuring locally produced ingredients. The culinary program will emphasize a farm - to - table approach, using organic farming on the estate to provide ingredients such as olive oil, wine and honey.

The property will also offer wellness and event spaces, including a restored historic chapel for weddings and private events. A branded residential component will be pat of the development.

Corinthia Borgo di Perolla, will be the third property for Corinthia Hotels in Italy, following the opening of  Corinthia Rome and Corinthia Lake Como, scheduled to open in 2028.

Links

https://www.corinthia.com/en-gb/latest-news/corinthia-borgo-di-perolla-announcement/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140687.html

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center Has Opened its Doors in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S.

Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conference Center has officially opened ots doors in Charlottesville, a charming, historic city in the U.S. state of Virginia, nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, a centre renowned for its intellectual vide, presidential history and vibrant, walkable Downtown Mall.

As the home of the prestigious University of Virginia (UVA) and UNESCO sites like Monticello, Charlottesville is a blend of rich culture, top - tier vineyards, scenic landscapes, and a strong culinary scene, boasting attractions like Highland, President James Monroe’s home, which retains many original furnishings and the city is a gateway to Shenandoah National Park, along a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The property is owned by the University of Virginia and managed by Pyramid Global Hospitality, a leading hotel management company based in Boston, Massachusetts, operating in the U.S., Caribbean and Western Europe, as part of Pyramid’s independent collection, Benchmark Resorts & Hotels.

The hotel is located at 2017 Ivy Road along the University of Virginia’s Corridor, within 2 km of Davenport Field, University and University of Virginia Hospial, 10 minutes from Sheridan Snyder Tennis Centre and Heritage Repertory Theatre, and Charlottesville Station is 28 minutess by foot. 

The Virginia Guesthouse Hotel & Conferencl features 214 comfortable rooms with dining options include Poplar, a full service restaurant with indoor and outdoor terrace seating; The Perch, a rooftop bar and café with panoramic views and a selection of cocktails and a grab - and - go eatery.

The hotel is designed to accommodate a range of events, including academic gatherings, conferences, and celebrations, boasting 25.000 square feet of meeting space and event facilities.

The property also includes an integrated University of Virginia Welcome Centre, which provides university -guided tours, historic information, and resources for prospective families and visitors. Several vintage points offer views of the university Grounds and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A calendar of cultural programming aligns with university and community events such as game days, reunions, and seasonal celebrations.

Links

https://www.virginiaguesthouse.com/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140789.html

Marriott International | Officially Opened a 256 - Room Series by Marriott Hotel in Osaka, Japan

 Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, has officially opened a 256 - room Series by Marriott hotel in Osaka, large port city and commercial hub on the Japanese island of Honshu, a vibrant centre known for its notable cultural heritage,  historic landmarks like Osaka Castle, modern architecture, hearty street food and lively districts such as Dotonbori.

The company has expanded its Series by Marriott brand making the debut in Japan, opening its first hotel, Sugata Osaka Shinsaibashi, marking a significant milestone in the group’s growth in the Asian market, following the debut in India.

The property is  operated by EastGate Hospitality (EGH), a Japanese - based firm with over 40 years of experience, focusing on innovative hotel management, sustainability, and tailored client services.

The hotel is located in the heart of Osaka’s Shinsaibashi district, offering immediate access to Shinsaibashi - suji Shopping Street, Amerikamura, and the Dotonbori entertainment area,  approximately 25 minutes’ walk from Osaka Museum of History and the lined Nozaki Park.

The establishment  is 300 metres from Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji Subway Line, Hozenji Temple, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Namba Yasaka Shrine, and the wide Namba area are all within a two - kilometres radius., with Osaka Itami International Airport 15 kilometres away and Kansai International Airport 48 kilometres away.

The hotel design is based on the Japanese concept of “sugata”, referring to the form, shape, appearance, or figure of something, often encapsulating its overall presence, character and atmosphere.

Interiors use materials loke muted tones, and refined textures. Art panels inspired by the ginkgo -  lined Midosuji boulevard and sculptural pieces reflecting the Sugata theme, present throughout the property.

The hotel features 256 rooms designed to reflect Osaka’s culture and providing contemporary comfort.Public spaces are intended to foster connections among guests and encourage engagement with the destination.

The property offers Ampere Coffee & Kitchen, providing all - day dining, a breakfast buffet, and a menu that includes locally inspired dishes and international options.

 The hotel joins the Series by Marriott collection, a midscale/upscale soft brand focused on “well - executed basics,”allowing independent regional hotels to join the Marriott portfolio while retaining their local identity, offering clean, comfortable rooms and modern amenities.

Lihks

https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/offers/breakfast-offer-off-220922/osass-osass-sugata-hotel-osaka-shinsaibashi-series

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140706.html

Surxondaryo, Uzbekistan | An Archaeological Team Discovered a 3.000 - Year Old City

A joint Chinese - Uzbek archaeological team has discovered in Srxondaryo , the southernmost province of Uzbekistan, bordered by Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, a 3.000 - year - old city that sheds new light on urban layout, construction and daily life during the early Iron Age as reported by Global Times, a daily tabloid based in Beijing,

The site of the discovery is known as Bandikhan II, a settlement founded in the 10^th century BC and used until the 8^th century B.C., situated within the Bandikhan Oasis, a key archaeological area in Central Asia.

The excavation, initiated in 2023 by Northwest China University, Termez State University and the Termez Museum of Archaeology, have made it possible to identify the structure of the city, including its eastern walls, a storage space and five interconnected rooms with evidence of use of fire.

The find reveals urban structures as the well - preserved, trapezoidal eastern wall, 6.15 metres wide at the base, 4.3 metres at the top and 2.1 metres high, built on compacted earth on a level layer of yellow soil.

This type of construction reflects the evolution of urban designs since the Bronze Age and shows similarities to other sites in the area of Bandikhan oasis, although it differs from contemporary localities such as Talashkantepa.

The findings provide key insights into life, building techniques and urban organisation in South Central Asia during the early Iron Age. So far, only a small part of the approximately 10.000 square metres that the city occupies has been explored, and the researchers plan to expand the excavations in future seasons.

The discovery alongside  urban structures also reveals finds like bronze and ceramic objects, a lamp niche, a bed and remains of pottery, and stone tools , offering clues about life and organization in the early Iron Age.  

The find is related  to the Yaz culture, an early Iron Age civilization settled in Margiana, Bactria, and Sogdia (modern Turkmenistan/Uzbekistan), marking a transition from the Bronze Age with advanced multi - brick architecture, intensive irrigation, and distinctive hand - made or wheel - throw painted ceramics, often featuring friezes of triangles.

In parallel, the collaboration between the Universities  and the Termez Museum of Archaeology includes an educational program in Termez on Silk Road archaeology, heritage conservation and scierntific techniques, with classes, laboratories and fieldwork for researchers from China and Uzbekistan.

According to experts, this initiative strengthens the protection of the heritage of the Silk Road and promotes cultural exchange between the two countries.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/equipo-arqueol-gico-chino-uzbeko-descubre-una-ciudad-de-3-000-a-os-en-asia-central/

Medenine, Tunisia | Inaugurated Four New 2MW Solar Photovoltaic Plants

Four new 2MW solar photovoltaic plants were inaugurated in Medenine Governorate in southeastern Tunisia, a diverse region known for the stunning beaches on the  island of Djerba and Zarzis, ancient Berber, and Islamic cultural heritage, traditional ksour (fortified granaries) like Ksar Hallouf and a mild climate ideal for year - round tourism, according to Tunis Afrique Press agency.

The four plants totalling 8MW, are part of Tunisia fifth round of renewable energy licensing to diversify its power mix. These projects, costing 16 million Tunisian dinars (approximately $5.12 million), reduce electricity costs by 1.5 million dinars (approximately $480.000)  annually and cut natural gas imports are expected to decrease by about 4.5 million dinars (about $1.44 million) per year. 

The projects are part of the national energy strategy which plans to increase the share of electricity from renewable sources to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2035.

Tunisia’s Secretary of State for Energy Transition, Wael Chouchane, stressed that the new plants will help diversify the region’s energy matrix, boost its economic and social development, ensure a stable energy supply and contribute to the modernisation of the electricity grid, strengthening resilience to climate change.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/t-nez-inaugura-4-nuevas-plantas-solares-fotovoltaicas/

Vitebsk, Belarus | A Seventeenth - Century Stone Cross Was Found During an Excavation Work

A stone cross from the 17th - century was  during excavation works in the district of Vitebsk, a city in northern Belarus,  a historic centre iknown as a major cultursl centre with a rich artistic history, famously associated with artist Marc Chagall and the annual “Slavianski Bazaar” arts festival, highlighted by stunning churches like the Holy Assumption Cathedral, Annunciation Church, the 18th - century City Hall, and the scenic Dvina River. 

The discovery was made by employees of Vitebskvodokanal, the primary utility provider responsible for water supply and sanitation services in Vitebsk, near a road, at the depth of  1.5 metres. 

The object, in good state of preservation was later handed over to the regional museum of local history, according to BelTA, Belarus’ largest news agency, and will soon be incorporated into the museum exhibition along with other stone objects found in the Vitebsk region. 

The piece is preserved in very good conditions, which make it possible to identify inscriptions on its surface. Thanks to them specialists determined that the cross marked the tomb of Gerasim Ignatovich Ushákovic - Korovchinsky, a member of the privileged “armoured gentry”, belonging to a lineage of armoured nobles whose names appear in written sources from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.  

From the spelling of the numbers, an expert from Minsk established that the cross dates from 1639 and will provide new data on the local nobility of that period. 

According to the museum, in the 17th century the lands of the current Zadubrovie Rural Council belonged to the noble family  Ushákovic – Korovchinsky. 

The cementery where the cross have originally stood is located about 500 metres from the site of the discovery, so it believed that meltwater moved it to the road.

The piece measures 125.5 cenimetres high and 81 centimetres wide. Specialists point out that that this type of funerary monuments used to be placed in the tombs of nobles, and since both the material and the artisanal work required a considerable investment. 

Key details of the find include : 

•    Location: Discovered 1.5 metres deep during excavation work near a road in Vitebsk District.
•    Inscription:  Features the name “Harasim Inhatavich” and a date in Cyrillic lettering, with a “titlo” (superscript) indicating the year. 
•    Significance: It was a grave marker for the armoured gentry” (Pancymyja Bajary), a specialized, armed and wealthy class of military service members.,
•    Preservation: The cross is well – preserved enough to allow for the reading of engraved text. 

Link
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/cruz-de-piedra-del-siglo-xvii-hallada-en-bielorrusia-durante-obras-de-excavacion/