Chikunto Safaris | To Open an Exclusive Use - Villa in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

Chikunto Safaris will open a two - bedroom exclusive - use villa, in South Luangwa National Park. the country’s most famous safari destination, tropical, wild, beautiful and full of game, located in east Zambia’s Luangwa River Valley, flanked by the Muchinga escarpment to the west and the meandering Luangwa River to the east.

Nthawi House is scheduled to open in September 2026, a launch that adds private, upmarket capacity in one of Zambia’s flagship wildlife destinations, targeting families and small groups seeking privacy and flexible scheduling.

This spacious, private, two bedroom luxury villa with en - suite bathrooms and personal lounging areas is located in a wildlife rich area, features 220m2 of indoor space, 340 m2 deck, a counter - current saltwater private pool,  in - room massages, indoor and outdoor dining and lounging as well as  views of a permanent waterhole.

The name “Nthawi” means “time” in Nyanja/Chichewa, reflecting a focus on slow, bespoke safari experiences, with incentives for longer stays, such as  Pay, 4 Stay 5 long - stay offer provides a 20% discount, and parties of four to six receive complimentary use of a private game - drive vehicle. A dedicated photographic hide, lodge photo studio and an elevated sleepout complement guiding that avoids the busier Mfuwe Gate area in peak season.

About South Luangwa National Park:

The South Luangwa National Park is a premier, untamed safari destination and the birthplace of walking safaris. The landscape consists of open plains, riverine forests, mopane woodlands and the woodland savannah boasting over 400 of bird species, and diverse, seasonal habitats, offering an authentic, high - density game view experience.

Known for its abundant wildlife, inside the Mfuwe Gate entrance, the life - sustaining Luangwa River is home to crocodiles, snd is often crowded with hippos. The river acts as a vital, perennial water source, creating fertile, lush, and during the dry season, concentrated wildlife viewing opportunities.

Recognized as one of the best parks in Africa to encounter the elusive leopard, in the South Luangwa National Park elephants abound and expansive herds of buffalo rare Thornicroft’s giraffes are often seen. Exceptional, year - round sightings of lions, spotted hyena, and increasingly see African wild dog is a further highlight..

Walking tours are a signature, representing an intimate way to explore the bush and spot smaller wildlife guided by knowledgeable locals.

A dry, exposed landscape from June to November makes for easy wildlife viewing, while the rainy season brings lush green scenery and a surge of migratory birds.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/chikunto-safaris-to-open-nthawi-house-in-south-luangwa-from-september-2026.html

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts | Announced Plans for New Hotel, Resort, Residential Openings and Developments in the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East for 2026

Four Seasons Hotels Limited, trading as Four Season Hotels and Resorts, a luxury and resort company based in Toronto, Canada, which has transformed the hospitality industry by combining personalized and genuine care with a commitment to excellence in service and details has announced plans for new hotel, resort, and residential openings and developments in the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East for 2026. 

The company currently operates 135 hotels and resorts and 61 residences in 47 countries, with approximately 60 additional projects at various stages of development and has outlined a series of projects and openings across multiple regions scheduled for this year. 

Americas Plans: 

•    Brazil: Planned the development of Four Seasons Rio de Janeiro at Leblon Beach. 

 •    The United States: The company announced the reopening of Four Seasons Resort Biltmore Santa Barbara, California. The Additional projects are planned in in the United States with new developments in Charleston, Telluride, and Deer Valley.Charleston, South Carolina, Deer Valley, Utah, and Telluride, Colorado.

Asia Plans: 

•    Vietnam: As part of the expansion in the Asia Pacific region, the company will open Four Seasons Hotel Hanoi at Hoan Kiem Lake, making its debut in Vietnam’s capital. 

Europe Plans: 

•    Germany: The company has announced its return in the German capital, Berlin, with the reimagination of a new hotel into a new property.

•    Greece:  Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos, opening will be the company’s second property in the country.  

•    Italy: Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will open Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel in Venice.

•    Switzerland: The Park Gstaad, A Four Season Hotel is scheduled to open in the region. 

The Middle East Plans: 

•    Saudi Arabia: Four Seasons will open Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island and is also planning to open Four Seasons Hotel Madinah in the heart of Madinah, near the Prophet’s Mosque.

In addition to this large expansion of hotels, resorts, and vacation properties Four Seasons Yachts scheduled to begin its inaugural sailing in 2026, with voyages planned across the Adriatic, Caribbean, and the Mediterranean and Four Seasons Private Jet Experience will continue to add new itineraries and destinations. 

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts currently manages 61 residential properties in 20 countries, with 65% of its development pipeline including a residential component.  

Recent and upcoming residential openings include properties in AMAALA Triple Bay, Bahrain Bay, Cartagena, Istanbul, Mumbai, Naples Beach Club, Orlando, Mumbai, Puerto Rico, Shura Island, and penthouses in Gstaad. 

 Finally, Standalone Residences are planned for Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat Beach, Coconut Grove in Miami, Dubai International Financial Centre, Las Vegas, and Washington, DC. 

Link 
https://press.fourseasons.com/news-releases/2026/strategic-growth-and-expansion/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139744.html

Nobu Hospitality LCC | Unveiled its First Project in the Maldive with a Hotel, Residences, and Restaurant on the Private Island of Munyafushi in Laamu Atoll

Nobu Hospitality LCC, American hospitality company based in Miami Beach, focuses on modern luxury and minimalist Japanese tradition in its lifestyle and properties, a group founded by renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy winner Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper has unveiled its first project in the Maldive with the future opening of a Nobu hotel,  residences and a restaurant on the private island of Munyafushi in Laamu Atoll.

Munyafushi island is located in the remote Maldivian northwestern Laamu Atoll, also known as Haddhunmathi Atoll in southern Maldives,  known for its untouched marine life, 82 islands (11 inhabited) and historical Buddhist ruins. and to be is the largest atoll in the country, offering top - tier diving, and surfing.

The project in partnership with Sarat International and Sarat Investments Holdings, a privately - owned Saudi Arabian company based in Riyadh will feature 26 one - and  two - bedroom beach villas, and two - bedroom overwater villas, each reflecting Nobu’s signature style with clean lines, natural textures, and a calming colour palette.

The development will also include 10 Nobu Island Estate Residences, each on its own private island, offering private beachfronts, direct ocean access, private yachts, and access to Nobu’s hospitality, dining and resort amenities, accessible by boat to the hotel’s restaurant, spa, fitness, facilities, and curated experiences.

Architecture and interiors will draw inspiration from Nobu’s Japanese heritage, with angular forms and a harmonious integration with the island’s landscapes and ocean views.

The complex will also include a restaurant featuring a bar and lounge and serving Chef Nobu’s Japanese Peruvian cuisine.

Additional amenities will include state - of – the - art fitness facilities, a full service spa, a  main swimming pool, a diving centre, tennis courts, and event spaces.

For the development Sarat International partnering with Sarat Investment on the project has appointed Engr. Abdulaziz Bin Mohammed, as chief Advisor.

Links

https://www.nobuhotels.com/hotel-collection/maldives/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139959.html

Parque Nacional Marino de Abrolhos, Brazil | Officially Included by the Country in the Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Natural Sites

Brazil has officially included the Parque Nacional Marinho de Abrolhos, a National Marine Park located on the Abrolhos Bank, a hotspot for marine wildlife off the central coast of the Brazilian mainland in the state of Bahia, on its tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Natural Sites, within an updated listing note as of 2025, according to the official website of the Brazilian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. 

Established in 1983, the Parque Nacional Marinho de Abrolhos is the first National Marine Park in the country, is part of the Abrolhos Archipelago area and of the largest reef complex in the South Atlantic. This nomination seeks to recognize the area as a “Natural Heritage of Humanity."

The candidacy is based on the uniqueness of its ecosystems, the richness of its biodiversity and its key role as a breeding area for the humpback whale, a large baleen whale, reaching up to 18m long, they travel great distances every year and have one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet, representing a migratory species of notable relevance at a global level.

With the delivery of the dossier, the site enters the formal evaluation process of the World Heritage Convention,  and the final decision of which is expected in July 2027. 

Key details regarding the designation: 

•    Significance: Located in the state of Bahia, the Abrolhos Marine National Park is recognized as having the highest marine biodiversity in the South Atlantic Ocean. It features unique column – shaped coral reefs known as “Chapeirões, which can reach 25 metres in height. 
•     Biodiversity Hotspot: It is a crucial breeding ground for humpback whales and a nesting site for several threatened sea turtle species, including the critically endangered Leatherback and Hawksbill turtles. 
•    UNESCO Criteria: The nomination highlights the area under natural criteria (vii, ix, x) recognizing it for its superlative natural phenomena, significant ecological processes, and importance to biodiversity conservation. 
•    Protection Status: The park is already a recognized Ramsar site (wetland of international importance) since 2010. 
•    Current Status: As of late 2025, it is in the “tentative list” phase, a mandatory step before being considered for the final UNESCO World Heritage list. 

This effort is part of a broader push by Brazilian environmental authorities and NGOs to strengthen the protection of the Abrolhos Bank against threats such as illegal fishing and oil exploration.

The authorities emphasize that the application reinforces environmental governance and the international projection of Brazilian marine ecosystems, in addition to aligning with the country’s commitments in terms of biodiversity conservation and international cooperation. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-postula-el-parque-marino-de-abrolhos-como-patrimonio-natural-de-la-humanidad/

Havana, Cuba | “Muralla de La Habana”, One of the Great and Widely Photographed Attractions of the City

Havana, the capital of Cuba, located on La Habana Bay on the island’s north coast, defined by its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique, often crumbling, colonial architecture, highlighteds by the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the “ Habana Vieja”, the old Havana, the scenic 8 kilometres Malecón seaside promenade, vintage American cars, and known for its lively arts scene,  including the “Fabrica de Arte Cubano” and historical sites like the Capitolio, Plaza de la Revolución square and also the “ Muralla de La Habana” the Walls of Havana, one of the great and widely photographed attractions in the city.

During the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Havana was consolidated as the most important port of the Spanish Empire in the New World, its strategic bay, with a pocket and a narrow and easily defined entrance channel became the obligatory meeting point for the Fleets of the Indies.

Galleons laden with the riches of Mexico, Peru and other countries of Central and South America, gems, gold, hides, silver, agricultural products and several other goods stopped in Havana to stock up on supplies and organize themselves before embarking on the perilous crossing of the Atlantic with destination Seville, Andalucia’s capital and largest city in southern Spain.

This concentration of treasures made Havana a magnet for corsairs, pirates, and enemy powers, who saw in their capture or looting a devastating blow to the Spanish crown. The attacks on Havana were the definitive trigger. The most famous occurred in 1555, when the French corsair Jacques de Sore sacked and burned the city, demonstrating vulnerability.

The response to this constant threat was the project of the construction of one of the most ambitious works of military engineering in colonial America, the “Muralla de La Habana”, the Havana Wall.

The Spanish Crown authorized its construction in 1603, but the works did not begin effectively until 1663, during the mandate of Governor Francisco Dávila Orejón. The process was slow, discontinuous and costly, financed in part by a special tax on port trade but experienced several delays for its development.

The “ Muralla de La Habana” was built over almost a century, between the late 17th and 18th centuries, to protect the city by land and as a continuation of the fortresses of El Morro, La Punta, and the Castillo de la Real Fuerza, the older and more inland fortress on the bay, representing a guardian and necessary fortification in the golden age of Habana, when the Cuban city was one of the most important cities in the Caribbean and in the Americas.

Its initial layout was expanded over time, started from the area of La Punta, where the Castle of San Salvador de la Punta would later be built, and ran along the urban perimeter of Havana to the mouth of the then Arroyo Chorro, a stream near the current Avenida Bélgica, an  avenue linking the area of Parque Central to Plaza de la Catedral square and Plaza de los Mártires del 71.

The wall was built following the principles of bastioned military architecture, designed to resist artillery, developed mainly with stone extracted from local limestone quarries such as those of San Lazáro, located near present - day Calle Hospital and Principe Street in Cayo Hueso, a “consejo popular” (ward) in the municipality of Centro Habana, a traditionally working - class neighbourhood populated by Afro - Cubans, and known for its many cultural landmarks such as the Callejón de Hamel, the Fragua Mariana Museum and the Parque de los Mártires Universitarios park.

The final wall was a formidable defensive structure reached a length of approximately 4.6 kilometres and enclosed an area of about 143 hectares. Its height varied between 10 metres at some points, and a thickness of up to 1.4 metres at the base. The wall in different stages was reinforced by numerous bastions, nine main ones, among them those of Ángel. Santo Domingo and La Tenaza and adding guard boxes.

By the mid - 19th century the “Muralla de La Habana” for various reasons lost its original military and defensive functions. After long debates, its demolition began in 1863, a process that was gradual and lasted for several decades.

Although physically it has almost disappeared, its layout continues to be visible, marking with precision the Historic Centre of Old Havana, declared a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1982, and what remain of this wall is historical, significant, and evocative, narrating the history of Havana and of the country.

Therefore the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cutlural Organization (UNESCO) recognized a structure that is currently discovered by several tourists when they are walking through the streets of the Cuban capital, admiring and photographing the fragments of this wall located at Avenida del Puerto, Avenida de Bélgica, in Old Havana, particularly near the Museo de la Revolución or those still visible close to the Railway Station.

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/una-muralla-que-atrae-a-los-turistas-en-cuba/

Mount Hampden, Zimbabwe | Advancing Plans for a State - of - the - Art National Stadium as a Catalyst for Urban, Jobs and Tourism Growth

Zimbabwe’s Ministry of finance has held a high – level meeting with Mabetex Group, a civil engineering and construction company headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, specialises in the construction and renovation of large buildings to advance plans for a state - of - the - art National Stadium in Mount Hampden, the parliamentary seat and new administrative capital of the country,  located in Mashonaland West Province about 18 kilometres from the main capital, Harare.

Talks with Mabetex’s founder Behgjet Pacolli and general counsel Korab Toplica centred on technical and financial frameworks, with FIFA - aligned experts involved to ensure the venue meets global standards, a new modern, innovative stadium will be developed in Mount Hampden with the aim to increase the city’s international visibility, create jobs and attract tourism in occasion of sporting and large events.

A proposed long - long term financing model of up to 30 years aims to limit immediate pressure on the national treasury, focusing on sustainability and diversified revenue streams.

The mixed - use design will include a retractable roof, would allow international football and rugby, major concerts and other large events, with government positioning the project as a catalyst for urban expansion, job and youth opportunities, boosting tourism and global visibility within the new capital precinct.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/zimbabwe-advances-mount-hampden-national-stadium-plan.html

Madrid, Spain | Tourism, a Major Driver for the City Economy, Generating almost 9% of the Community GDP

Tourism is a major driver of the Madrid economy, with the sector generating approximately 9% of the Community of the Spanish capital GDP, contributing €28.5 billion per year of income in the region, and employs some 300.000 people directly as reported by Exceltur, a non - profit association comprising the chairmen of 32 leading Spanish tourism companies, founded in 2001 to elevate the sector’s socioeconomic impact, sustainability, and competitiveness.  

This Madrid’s brilliant performance is fuelled by high - spending international visitors that in 2025 grew by 71% compared to 2019, significant luxury tourism expansion, and a robust, year - round business travel market.

The sector has fully recovered to and surpassed 2019 pre - pandemic levels and the Spanish capital is a hub for luxury shopping, high - end hotel developments and cultural attractions like the “Golden Triangle of Art”,  a high – density, world renowned concentration of three major museum in Madrid such as the Prado Museum, the Thyssen - Bornemisza Museum and the Reina Sofia Museum, housing extensive collections ranging from classical, European, to modern and contemporary masterpieces.

Exceltur’s report on tourism in Madrid highlights that there are several factors that explain this success. The most notable is probably that the income per visitor is one of the highest, largely because the whole year, for one reason or another, is high season, and therefore prices are higher. That of course, is the result of many parallel actions such as congresses, fairs, sporting events, concerts, and the appeal of the city itself.

One of the strengths that reveal Madrid’s success is that the average expenditure of international visitors is €306 per day, which explains the growth in the number of luxury hotels in the city.

This formula, according to the data collected in the report, causes an increase in income, bur not in pressure because the total number of tourists compared to the inhabitants of Madrid has remained stable for several years.

Exceltur states that in the city there are 3.3 tourists per hundred inabitants while the country’s average is 7.3. In addition every hundred euros spent by a tourist generated another 53 derived to other non – tourism sectors.

Following this relevant performance, the outlook for Madrid is positive to continue this trajectory,, with the city’s strategy emphasizes attracting high - impact, long - haul visitors, with a 2026 focus on further decentralization and enhancing luxury, bespoke experiences.

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/el-turismo-ya-representa-el-9-de-la-riqueza-de-madrid/