Shearzone Safaris | Announced the Upcoming Launch of a New Luxury Camp, Located Along the Nkalange Channel, Zambia

Shearzone Safaris, a company offers immersive wildlife experiences, including camps, game drives and boat cruises, known for running its safaris in various locations within Zambia, include Kafue National Park and the Lower Zambezi National Park has announced the upcoming launch of its second property in Zambia, a new luxury camp along the Nkalange Channel in Zambia,  marking another significant milestone in the group’s continued growth within the country’s tourism industry. 

Following the success of Mozhi Bushcamp in Kafue National Park, Shearzone Safaris will launch Nzovu Rundu Luxury Camp in April 2026, an exclusive 5 - star bush lodge, offering unparalleled luxury property amidst the wild.

 The name Nzovu Rundu pays homage to the elephants that roam this part of the Lower Zambezi, as well as the striking escarpment that forms the lodge’s dramatic backdrop.

Nestled along the serene Nkalange Channel and be framed by the dramatic backdrop of the awe - inspiring Zambezi escarpment, and just 7 kilometres from the Low Zambezi National Park gates, the luxury camp lies in an area offering breathtaking river views, pristine wilderness and all the essence of true, fascinating Africa. 

This tended property with just eight luxurious en - suites chalets and two spacious family chalets, will ensure privacy and l,uxury. Each unit will be equipped with a private plunge pool, air - conditioning, and outdoor showers, blending comfort with the natural beauty of the landscape.

The camp will also offer a luxury spa and an impressive wine cellar, ensuring that both adventure and relaxation are at the heart of the guest experience, immersed in the soothing sounds of peaceful waters of the channel as it flows to the mighty Zambezi River.,

Nvozu Rundu offers front - row access to an area renowned for its abundant wildlife. With constant movement along the channel and across the surrounding wilderness, guests can expect exceptional sightings and an immersive safari experience and they will enjoy a diverse selection of activities, including game drives, canoeing on the Zambezi River, and boat cruises. 

Shearzone Safaris continues to build its reputation by creating safari experiences deeply rooted in both wildlife encounters and the heritage of the region in which its properties operate.

With the opening of Nzovu Rundu Luxury Camp, Shearzone Safaris reinforces its commitment to showcasing Zambia’s rich natural beauty while offering world - class hospitality that reflects the spirit of the region.

Links 
https://shearzonesafaris.com/
https://atta.travel/resource/shearzone-safaris-announces-opening-of-new-luxury-camp-in-zambia.html

Accor S.A. | Revealed the Future Opening of a 1.141 Room Sofitel Hotel in Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Accor S.A., French multinational hospitality company headquartered in Issy - les - Moulineaux, has revealed the future opening of a 1.141 room Sofitel hotel in Mecca, officially known as Makkah - Al Mukarramah or simply Makkah, considered the birthplace of Islam and of the prophet Muhammad and where the Quran was revealed, located in the  Sirāt Mountains, inland from the Red Sea within the Hejaz region at the centre of seven hills in western Saudi Arabia,  known to be a prominent annual destination for several Muslim pilgrims.  

The Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah is a project developed in partnership with Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC), one of the largest leading real estate companies in the Middle East and among the major groups listed in the Saudi stock markets, a firm headquartererd in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

This collaboration aims to enhance the hospitality sector in Makkah and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which focuses on economic diversification and boasting tourism and is also part of Accor S.A.’s strategy to expand its luxury portfolio in the Middle East.

Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah will be located within the Jabal Omar development area, situated next to the holy Al - Haram mosque, a large - scale mixed project designed to provide modern hotel accommodations, commercial spaces, residential towers, an extensive parking, with a total area of approximately 230.000 square metres, all designed to support the religious and social activities of the city’s visitors.

The hotel will consist of two towers, Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah North and Sofitel Jabal Makkah South, offering views of the Holy Mosque and the surrounding area, and will integrate French and Saudi cultural elements in its design and services. 

The property set to open in 2026 will be the largest Sofitel in the world with 1.141 elegant rooms and suites. The hotel will include six dining venues, including all - day dining restaurants and a fine dining destination, a Club Millésime executive lounge, fitness centres and executive meeting facilities.

The establishment will join the Sofitel brand, highlighted by a  unique “Cultural Link” concept, blending French art with local culture of each destination through design, gastronomy, and experiences.

The brand emphasizes the “joie de vivre” or French zest in its luxurious, elegant, and sophisticated settings, aiming to create heartfelt, memorable encounters for free - spirited travellers who appreciate authencity and discovery. 

Links 
https://press.accor.com/accor-expands-its-luxury-portfolio-in-saudi-arabia-with-the-signing-of-sofitel-jabal-omar-makkah?lang=eng
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138696.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Unveiled Plans to Open its First Andaz Hotel in Hong Kong, China

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois has unveiled plans to open its first Andaz hotel in Hong Kong,vibrant city and special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China situated on China’s southern coast to the east of the Pearl River estuary just south of Shenzhen, consisting of Hong Kong Island,  Kowloon, and the New Territories.  

For the future opening of the Andaz Hong Kong Central, expected to open in 2027 Hyatt Hotels Corporation has entered into a management agreement with Wing Tai Properties Limited, an investment holding company principally engaged in property business based in Hong Kong and CSI Properties Limited, a group also headquartered in Hong Kong, specializes in the property development,  leasing and investment activities in Hong Kong, Macau and China. 

The property will be part of the Central Crossing project located at 118 Wellington Street in Hong Kong’s Central District known for its business and financial activities, slated for completion in mid - 2026, a significant mixed - use placemaking development, with a gross floor area of approximately 433.000 square feet, integrating Grade A offices, a bespoke lifestyle hub,  green open space and heritage preservation, a site that will provide a striking new addition to the city’s urban landscape. 

The hotel will be located close to cultural sites such as Central Market, Tai Kwun and PMQ, in an area easily accessible via the city’s central walkway system and near the MTR and Airport Express stations. 

Andaz Hong Kong Central will feature 125 comfortable guestrooms and suites, with some rooms designed for events. 

Amenities at the hotel will include an all - day restaurant, a fitness centre,a Living Room for social interaction, and the first Andaz Village, a retail hub featuring a range of brands and wellness experiences.

The hotel will join the luxury lifestyle Andaz brand part of Hyatt Lifestyle group focuses on local culture, immersive experiences and a “casual luxury vibe”. Key features of the brand include dynamic, locally inspired design and art, freshly sourced food and beverages, vibrant lounge spaces, and unique cultural programming.  

The Andaz brand is expanding its presence in Asia Pacific and other upcoming openings include Andaz Shanghai ITC, China, Andaz One Bangkok, Thailand, and Andaz Gold Coast, Australia.

Links 
https://newsroom.hyatt.com/102725-Hyatt-Announces-Plans-for-First-Andaz-Hotel-in-Hong-Kong
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138651.html

Hilton | Announced the Official Opening of a 98 - Room Tru by Hilton Hotel in Huntsville, Alabama, U.S.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Tysons, Virginia in partnership with Peachtree Group, an investment firm driving growth with a diverse portfolio of commercial real estate assets and other ventures with a focus on real estate acquisition, development qand lending, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has announced the official opening of a 98 - room Tru by Hilton hotel in Huntsville,  the most populated city in the U.S. state of Alabama, and the county seat of Madison County located in the Appallachian region of northern Alabama, south of the state of Tennessee. 

Huntsville is a city which reflects the heritage of Alabama’s first English - speaking city, the strife of the American Civil War and its strong connection to space and technology, earning it the nickname of “Rocket City” for its close history with U.S. space missions. 

The city also has a vibrant arts scene, with locations like Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, numerous galleries and museums, is known for its abundant green spaces, including parks, gardens and trails, as well as a lively downtown area with restaurants, shopping, and historic districts like Twickenham. 

The opening of Tru by Hilton Huntsville Research Area marks the sixth property Peachtree Group has completed and opened this year and Peachtree’s hospitality management division will manage the new hotel adding this unit to a range of branded hotels across various segments, with a portfolio of 113 hotels nationwide under 29 brands.

Tru by Hilton Huntsville Research Area is conveniently located off I - 565 in the Research Park at 7206 Cabela Drive within a 15 - minute walk of Cummings Research Park and Bridge Street Town Centre, 5 kilometres from University of Alabama, 10 km from Southern Adventures, a 15 - minute drive of US Space and Rocket Center and Von Braun Center and 13 kilometres from Huntsville Airport.

The location is adjacent to an office park that includes government contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, as well as the United States Army base, Redstone Arsenal, and within proximity to major entities such as Boeing, NASA, and the FBI’s Huntsville campus. 

The hotel is constructed within a Qualified Opportunity Zone, an area designasted for economic development under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. 

Peachtree’s involvement in Opportunity Zones is part of its strategy to invest in areas with strong economic growth potential. The company has been active in developing hotels in these zones, with 12 hotels opened, three under construction, and three more planned. 

The hotel feature 98 comfortable rooms, a fitness centre, a business centre, vibrant social spaces, and electric vehicle charging station. 

The property joins Tru by Hilton hotels, a midscale, value - focused brand launched in 2016 and targets younger, tech - savvy travellers. The brand features a modern “spirited” design with vibrant lobbies and functional, minimalist rooms, plus amenities like free hot breakfast and pet - friendly options and it aims to provide a simplified, modern, and affordable experience, often with digital - first features and a lively, social atmosphere.

Links
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hsvparu-tru-huntsville-research-park-area/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138979.html

Guanajay, Cuba | Inaugurated the Mártires de Barbados Solar Park Donated by China

The President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz - Canel inaugurated the Mártires de Barbados Solar Park donated by China in Guanajay, a town and municipality in Artemisa Province in western Cuba, located about 58 kilometres southwest of Havana, known for its vibrant culture, unique architecture, filled with colourful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, beautiful churches, also highlighted by a beautiful countryside with lush rolling hills and forests,  a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.

 This project is part of the collaboration between the two countries and of Cuba’s strategy to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and address persistent energy shortages.

 Completed with a capacity of 120 megawatts, the solar park aims to contribute to the island’s energy development, according to information from Prensa Latina, the official state news agency of Cuba and headquartered in Havana.

 The solar park is already connected to the National Electro - Energy System, and with its activation is part of a network includes seven installations located in different Cuban provinces such as Gramma, Holguín, Las Tunas, Matanzas and Pinar del Río.

 With the connection of this park, these seven 5 MW parks constructed during the first phase of Chinese donation program will generate a total capacity of 35 MW.

Each 5 MW plant is expected to generate 8.000 MWh annually, contributing to a total of 56.000 MWh per year across the first phase of the project. This is intended to increase installed generation capacity and reduce service disruptions, particularly during the day.

 China’s Ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, stressed that the solar park will allow an annual saving of approximately 18.000 tons of imported fuel, which is equivalent to about $7 million.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/cuba-inaugura-parque-solar-donado-por-china/

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Recognized as the World’s Number One Destination for Christmas and New Year’s Eve by Travel + Leisure

Rio de Janeiro, vibrant seaside metropolis in Brazil, one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere, well known for its cultural diversity, natural settings, iconic beaches include Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Tijuca, samba, bossanova, outstanding landmarks and its emblematic carnival has been recognized as the world’s number one destination for travel searches for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

This recognition has been established according to a Google Flights survey published by Travel + Leisure, a renowned travel magazine based in New York City, U.S., published 12 times a year, boasting 4.8 million readers, according to its corporate media kit.

The study analysed trends in the search for airline tickets by the end of the year, placing Rio ahead of destinations such as New York, Paris and Tokyo and the publication in its note highlighted that the Brazilian city is known for its iconic beaches, more than 300 trails, cultural treasures, and its sunny weather throughout December. 

The city’s popularity is driven by its mild climate all year round, famous tropical beaches, and large - scale celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve , including spectacular fireworks on Copacabana Beach with a multitude of people participating in a massive beach party, and cultural attractions like the massive floating Christmas tree at Rodrigo tree at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. 

Christmas  and New Year's Eve Celebrations in Rio are also highlighted with nightly music at Christ the Redeemer, the iconic, colossal statue of Jesus Christ which is 30 metres tall and weights 1.145 tons located at the summit of Mount Corcovado, an emblematic monument named as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World’ in 2007.

Beyond the major celebrations and its beaches, Rio de Janeiro offers numerous attractions, including visiting the cultural and historic Lapa neighbourhood, shopping at the Saara Market, and exploring the stunning Tijuca National Park.

In addition to this recognition the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (the marvellous city) as is nicknamed Rio shone at the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA) for South America, considered the Oscars of Tourism. Rio de Janeiro won awards for Best Beach Destination, Best Destination for City Break, Best Desitnation for Events and Festivals and the Penthouse of the hotel Copacabana Palace was awarded as the Best Hotel Room in the South American conrtinent.

Rio de Janeiro is a leading destination that stands out for its booming tourist season with 1.630.927 international travellers arrived in the city in the first nine months of 2025, an increase of 51.7% compared to the same period last year, according to data released by Embratur, the Brazilian Tourist Board. 

For those who want to keep up to date with all the news concerning Rio de Janeiro, recommendations and the agenda of events in the city, the website of Visit Rio, a private foundation dedicated to promoting tourism in the Brazilian metropolis, offers updated information every weekend at  https://visitrio.com.br/and as for the Big New Year’s celebration,  Réveillon, all the details and full schedule will be shared soon. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/rio-de-janeiro-el-destino-numero-1-del-mundo-para-navidad-y-ano-nuevo/

Cairo, Egypt | To Launch an Amphibious Tourist Bus to Modernise the Intelligent Transport System and Develop Sustainable Tourism

Cairo, Egypt's capital and largest city will launch an amphibious tourist bus starting operations in early December as reported by Sada - El Balad, an Egyptian news website and satellite television channel established in 2011 and based in Giza.  

This project is part of the government program of the Ministry of Transport to modernise the intelligent transport system and develop sustainable tourism.

The amphibious bus was entirely manufactured in Egypt and the drivers received special training and obtained licenses to operate river transport. 

Designed for both land and water travel on the Nile River, the bus, which seats about 43 passengers, will offer a 90 - minute tour in the capital of the country Cairo, staritng with a connecting Athar Al Nabi, a site south of the city with a rich cultural history features historical mosques with stunning Islamic architecture,offering a glimpse into its daily life with charming alleys, serene courtyards, lively cafes and street vendors, reaching the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) located in Old Cairo, and passing through other important historical attractions of the North African metropolis.
The bus initially run by road and then enter the Nile River to tour the water part, before to return to the mainland and has the purpose to enhance tourism mobility by providing a unique land and water experience, reducing traffic congestion and modernizing transport. 

During the first week of December 2025, initial trials will be free for everyone. Subsequently, the cost of the ticket will be EGP 100 Egyptian citizens and $25 for international tourists.

The project is part of a larger plan to upgrade river transport, with potential expansion of this tourist service to other Nile cities like Luxor and Aswan in the future.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/egipto-lanzar-el-primer-autob-s-anfibio-en-oriente-medio/