ROW NYC Will Reopen on May 1, 2026, Following a Multi - Year Closure and Comprehensive Renovation of its 1.300 - Room Property in New York City, U.S.

ROW NYC, a Midtown Manhattan hotel located at the corner of 45th Street and Eight Avenue, steps from Times Square and Broadway, will reopen on May 1, 2026, following a multi – year closure and comprehensive renovation of its 1.300 - room property in the beating heart of New York City, welcoming guests back to one of Time Square’s most recognizable hotels with a refreshed perspective.

The hotel will feature redesigned rooms, updated with new furnishing, custom millwork, and layouts designed for comfort and large windows provide views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.

Public spaces including the lobby have been reimagined to support social gatherings and guest engagement throughout the day. The lobby features tiered seating, informal work areas and various zones for meetings, work, or relaxation.

Percy All Day, a new 90 - seat café and bar named for photographer Percy Claude Claude Byron will open with the hotel in May, offering coffee, pastries, classic dishes, cocktails, beer, and wine, with seating in the café, bar, dining room, and mezzanine, as well as a projector, sound system, and retail area.

Additional details about menus, design elements, and operating hours will be announced closer the opening.

Row NYC will also feature a fitness centre, and will introduce programming initiatives for guests, including neighbourhood - driven welcome experiences, wellness amenities, and seasonal cultural events, with further information to be released in the coming months.

Reservation are now available, with nightly rates starting at $279 and varying by season and room type.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140134.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed an Agreement to Open a 170 - Room Indigo Hotel in Phuket, Thailand

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed an agreement to open a 170 - room Indigo hotel in Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, a very popular destination in Southeast Asia, highlighted by beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, a warm climate, a vibrant culture also well known for its unique Sino - Portuguese heritage, a delicious cuisine and offering a wide range of outdoor and adventure activities.

The development of Hotel Indigo Phuket Nai Yang Beach is in partnership with AssetWise Public Company Limited, a Bangkok - based holding company that has with its subsidiaries’ primary business in the real estate sector and Rhom Bho Property Public Company Limited, a Thailand - based developer specializing in “Leisure Residences” and high – quality condominiums, with a strong focus on Phuket. 

The hotel is scheduled to open in 2030 and marks the second collaboration between IHG Hotels & Resorts and AssetWise Public Company Limited in Phuket, joining voco Phuket Bangtao, which is also in the design and construction stage.

Hotel Indigo Phuket Nai Yang Beach will be located 45 minutes from Phuket Old Town, within walking distance of Nai Yang Beach and Sirinat National Park, and a five - minute drive from Phuket International Airport.

The property will feature 170 comfortable rooms, a restaurant and bar, a spa, and a gym and will join the Indigo boutique hotel brand, known for its vibrant community - focused properties that reflect the unique stories of the neighbourhoods they are located. Each hotel is designed to be a destination in itself, offering a blend of luxury and lifestyle with a focus on local experiences.

The signing brings IHG Hotels & Resorts in Phuket to seven open hotels and five pipeline properties across its brands, including InterContinental, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Vignette Collection, with voco hotels set to debut in the region.

Hotel Indigo Phuket Nai Yang Beach will join 37 other properties in IHG Hotels & Resorts’ development pipeline in Thailand, with figures as of 31 December 2025.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-strengthens-thailand-portfolio-with-hotel-indigo-phuket-nai-yang-beach

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140123.html

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts | Announced the Opening of a Resort & Spa in Dehradun, India

Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts, an American upscale, design - focused international brand, part of Marriott International and based in Bethesda, Maryland has announced the opening of a resort & spa in Dehradun, the capital and largest city of the state of Uttarakhand in Northern India, a famous leisure destination and gateway to Haridwar, Mussoorie, and Rishikesh, marking the brand’s entry in Dehradun.

Dehradun is a lively city surrounded by the Himalayan mountain range in the Doon Valley, a centre nestled between Song River, a tributary of Ganges River and the Asan River. The city is also known as “Adobe of Drona” and headquarters of many National Institutes and Organizations such as ONGC, Survey Of India, Forest Research Institute and Indian Institute of Petroleum among others.

Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa, set along the tranquil Nun River, framed by the foothills of the Himalayas is situated near Tapkeshwar Temple, 15 minutes from Dehradun Railway Station and 45 minutes from Jolly Grant Airport, in a strategic position offering access to cultural landmarks, nature trails and riverfront experiences.

The resort features 103 rooms and suites with views of the river or surrounding hills. The design incorporates mid - century modern elements and references the arches of the Forest Research Institute in Dehradum. Art and décor are inspired by the landscape and culture of Uttarakhand.

F&B options at the resort include Riviera Café, an all day - dining restaurant serving international and regional cuisine, Longitude, which operates as a coffee bar and bakery during the day and transition into a bar in the evening, Aqua Current, a poolside bar, and Le Scoop by Le Méridien offering gelato as part of the brand’s signature programme.

The resort also provides a fitness centre, a swimming pool and the Explore Spa by Le Méridien that offers treatments featuring Hymalayan botanicals, including the Chakra Art Massage and the Himalayan Hot Salt Poultice, and Le Méridien Family Club offering activities such as pottery, pinecone painting, board games, croquet, and riverside picnics.

Le Méridien Dehradun Resort & Spa boasts over 24.000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including riverside lawns, for weddings, social events, and corporate meetings.

A further highlight of the resort is The Unlock Art programme that includes a partnership with the Forest Research Institute, giving access to museums, botanical collections, and forestry exhibits.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dedmd-le-meridien-dehradun-resort-and-spa/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140132.html

Sharjah, UAE | Inclusion of Four New Archaeological Sites of the City in the ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List

The Sharjah Antiquities Authority in the United Arab Emirates announced the inclusion of four new archaeological sites located in  Sharjah, third - largest city in the UAE, situated adjacent to Dubai, recognized as the country’s cultural and heritage capital featuring renowned museums like the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, in the ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage list as reported by Emirates News Agency.

The inclusion of these new archaeological sites brings the total in Sharjag to ten, reinforcing the country’s commitment to preserving its historical and cultural landmarks, promoting research and attracting cultural tourism. 

Newly Inscribed Sharjah Sites (ICESCO): 

•    Wadi Al - Helou: A key site for Bronze Age copper mining and smelting as well as a relevant hub for trade with the Gulf and the Near East located in the Hajar mountain range. 
•    Faya Prehistoric Cultural Landscape: Documents early human settlement and habitation patterns from the Middle Palaeolithic to the Neolithic, showing adaptation to climate change and migratory routes from Africa. 
•    Al Nahwa: A historic mountain area with ancient, documented rock carvings, preserving traditional dwellings, mosques, Islamic cemeteries, and watchtowers, reflecting life in the mountainous environments over the centuries. 
•    Towers and Forts of Khor Fakkan: Part of a 14th – 20th century defensive network, including the Khor Fakkan fort, the Al Rabi and Al Adwani towers, and the unique triangular Portuguese Fort, exemplifying the evolution of defensive architecture and the protection of sea and land trade routes. This inclusion is the result of a the Sharjah Initiatives Implementation Authority (Mudabara). 

The four sites join the ICESCO’s Islamic World Heritage List part of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), an international, non - profit organization established in 1982 and headquartered in Rabat, Morocco, operating under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) , serving 53 member states, specializing in promoting cooperation in education, science, culture, and communication.  

ICESCO concentrates on strengthening educational systems, fostering scientific research, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting dialogue among civilizations. 

The organization operates based on solidarity, innovation, transparency, coexistence, and leadership, it features dedicated centres such as the Center of Foresight and Artificial Intelligence, Center for Civilization Dialogue, Center of Arabic for Non - Arabic Speakers, and a Translation and Publiushing Center.

According to the Director General of the Antiquities Authority Issa Yousef, the inclusion of these sites reflects the emirate’s strategy in preserving archaeological heritage and its universal historical value, while strengthening cultural tourism and scientific research. 

 Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/emiratos-rabes-unidos-incorporan-cuatro-nuevos-sitios-arqueol-gicos-de-sharjah-al-patrimonio-del-mun/

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | “Rio, Escola da Samba”, a Platform that uses Samba as an Educational Tool Launched

The Major Office’s of Rio de Janeiro has launched the platform “Rio Escola da Samba” as an educational tool gathering information on the history of samba and carnival, an initiative which seeks to promote the understanding of cultural identity memory and the sense of belonging according to Agência Brasil, a nationwide public news agency headquartered in Brasilia and run by the Brazilian government.

The project recognizes music and particularly Samba and as a powerful educational tool to explore Afro - Brazilian history, social issues, creativity and identity highlighting its role in cultural production and in the dissemination of knowledge.

 Samba is a vibrant Afro - Brazilian cultural phenomenon, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Originating from African rhytms brought via the slave trade, it is defined by hypnotic 2/4 or 4/4 percussion, syncopated beats, represemting a mix of joy and “saudade” (melancholy) with key aspects include community, Carnival, and also resistance.

 Developed in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas in the early 20th century, Samba is a key symbol of Brazilian national identity, famously associated with the annual Rio Carnival, a genre of music using instruments like the cuica, pandeiro and, surdo, and tamborin, while the dance is characterized by a 2/4 rhytm, a distinctive knee - bending "bounce" action, and fluid, rolling, hip movements.

Beyond Carnival, samba has evolved into various styles such as pagode, samba - reggae, and is known as a powerful mean, unifying element of Brazilian popular culture, used to raise awareness of social issues.

The portal offers materials on samba traditions, cultural movements, and historical figures, and allows users to participate in educational games that teach how to play instruments and explore the rhythms and elements of traditional carnival.  

In addition, the initiative supports the law that makes education about Afro - Brazilian history and culture mandatory in schools, providing resources that can be integrated into the school environment.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/r-o-de-janeiro-lanza-plataforma-que-utiliza-el-samba-como-herramienta-educativa/

Durban, South Africa | Recognized as One of the World’s Leading Cities in Climate Governance

Durban, a vibrant coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu - Natal province, known for its significant Zulu heritage, Indian and colonial influence, visible in architecture, local cuisine, and markets, subtropical climate, warm seas, safe pristine beaches, wildlife adventures, its variety of restaurants and nightlife and many sporting facilities has been recognized as one of the world’s leading cities in climate governance,  after securing a place on the Carbon Disclosure Project’s (CDP) 2025 A List as reported by DurbanTV.

 The South African city achieved the global A - List status for leadership in climate actions and is now one of only three African cities to achieve the CDP’s top A rating, along Cape Town and Tshwane, ranking among Africa’s top areas for environmental transparency and low carbon governance.

 This distinction is awarded to cities that demonstrate international best practices in planning for emission reductions, climate risk management, and public disclosure of environmental data.

Durban earned this recognition after advancing its long - term strategy to reach carbonneutrality by 2050, completing comprehensive climate risk and vulnerability assessments aligned with global standards, and maintaining a municipal greenhouse emissions inventory with transparent public reporting.

This relevant achievement adds to its previous status on the A List in 2019, confirming sustained progress in climate responsibility and governance.

 In parallel, Durban secured its 2025 award from the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM), the world’s largest alliance of cities committed to addressing climate change and accelerating the transition to low - carbon development.

 In addition, this accomplishment follows the Durban’s recognition as a top 100 travel destination for 2026, highlighting the increasing importance of resilience and sustainability in, and the appeal of the city.

Municipal authorities confirmed that climate considerations will remain  central to infrastructure development, investment planning and long - term fiscal sustainability.

 The ongoing implementation and monitoring of local climate programs seeks to strengthen community resilience, support sustainable economic growth, positioning Durban as a leading hub for climate - responsible urban governance on the African continent.

 eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said that this international recognition reinforces Durban’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive and low - carbon urban economy, and he stressed that climate action and economic development must move forward together, with continued investment in resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban planning.

 Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/durban-obtiene-el-estatus-global-de-la-lista-a-por-liderazgo-en-acci-n-clim-tica/

Porto, Portugal | Launched a Tourist Itinerary Dedicated to Camellias

Porto has embraced its heritage as the “City of Camellias”. Considered the flower of the Portuguese city, the camellia is the protagonist of the most recent proposal launched by the Porto City Council through the Department of Tourism and Internationalization, consisting in a tourist itinerary already available in the digital platform “Plan Your Journey”.

This initiative joins the annual Camellia Exhibition often held in early March at locations l.ike Palácio da Bolsa or Parque de São Roque and curated garden tours that showcase the city’s 200 - year - old botanical history, featuring guided visits to historic gardens filled with rare specimen.

Living witnesses of a heritage where nature, history and the culture of the city intersect, the camellias are now protagonists of their own itinerary in “Plan Your Journey”, the digital platform created by the Department of Tourism and Internationalization of the Porto City Council for visitors and locals to explore the city’s lesser - known offer, a statement released by the municipality.

The camellia itinerary is available in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese, and proposes 21 mandatory stops to enjoy this flower. 

Quinta da Bonjóia, Villar D’ Allen, São Roque Park, São Lázaro Garden, Serralves Park or Prado do Repouso Cemetery are some of the points focuses on in the new itinerary.

The camellia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae, known for its glossy, dark green foliage and large showy flowers in shades of white, pink, and red. Blooming from late winter to spring, the camellias thrive in acidic, well - drained soil and partial shade.

This flower is found in tropical and subtropical areas in eastern and southern Asia, in China but also present in Japan, Korea, and in various areas of Indochina, it was introduced to the Western World in the eighteen century and in Portugal in the nineteenth century.

On the subject of camellias, Porto’s municipality takes the opportunity to remember that, on the weekend of March 7 and 8, the traditional Camellia Exhibtion will be held at Palácio da Bolsa, where visitors and those curious about botany and gardening can get to know different specimens and species of flower better.

The initiative is free and has a program that includes a market, workshops, guided tours, wine tastings and even musical moments.

Link

https://www.publituris.pt/2026/02/25/porto-lanca-roteiro-turistico-dedicado-as-camelias