IHG Hotels & Resorts | Unveiled the Development of a Holiday Inn Express Hotel near Bagdogra International Airport in Siliguri, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK has unveiled the development of a Holiday Inn Express hotel near Bagdogra Airport, in Siliguri, a city in the northeast Indian state of West Bengal located in the foothills of the Himalayas and surrounded by tea gardens, a significant commercial gateway and a strategic trade corridor with neighbouring countries,  including Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, as well as famous for its stunning landscapes and vibrant shopping sites.

The development of the Holiday Inn Express Siliguri Bagdogra Airport is the result of the signing of a management agreement with DC Constructions, the construction arm of Urban Oasis Hospitality, an India based firm involved in activities such as hotels, motels, inns, resorts providing short term lodging facilities.

The agreement aims to capitalize on Siliguri’s growing importance as travel and commercial destinations, a development that is expected to enhance the local hospitality landscape and contribute to the regional economy by attracting a diverse range of travellers.

The hotel is expected to open in 2028, marking a strategic expansion of IHG Hotels & Resorts in Eastern India and Holiday Inn Express brand, which includes over 3.200 hotels worldwide, a brand which focuses on providing efficient and comfortable accommodations for both business and leisure travellers and will join the brand’s existing portfolio of 17 hotels in India, with 21 more in development.

The future Holiday Inn Express will be located near Bagdogra International Airport located 12 kilometres south - west from Siliguri centre, in Bagdogra, a settlement in the Naxalbari CD block in the Siliguri subdivision of the Darjeeling district.

The future hotel will feature 100 rooms introducing the brand’s Generation 5 design, which includes flexible workspaces and updated aesthetics.

Currently, IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses and voco Hotels with a pipeline of 72 additional hotels planned to open in the next three to five years.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138722.html

Marriott International | Opened a New Courtyard by Marriott Resort in Phuket, Thailand

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland has officially opened a new Courtyard by Marriott Resort in Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, a popular destination in Southeast Asia, well known for its beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, a warm climate, a vibrant culture highlighted by unique Sino - Portuguese heritage, very famous for its delicious cuisine and offering a wide range of outdoor and adventure activities.

The Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort is located at 44 Thaweewong Road in Kathu, near Phuket Aquarium and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, close to Patong Beach, Phuket’s most famous, bustling resort area, known for its long sandy shore, vibrant water sports (jet skiing, parasailing) lively dining, shopping, and famous nightlife centred around Bangla Road, offering a mix of relaxation and entertainment, and providing convenient access for family outings.

The resort features 445 rooms and suites with private pool access and terraces or balconies offering breathtaking views. The accommodations are designed for families, featuring modern amenities and the option of connecting rooms.

Dining options at the resort include nine restaurants and bars, offering a variety of international and Thai dishes, with specific vegetarian and child - friendly menu options.Amenities also include a Fun Pool with water slides and fountains, an adult pool, and a poolside bar.

The resort is positioned to attract families with children, offering a range of amenities and activities tailored to this demographic offering a Kids Club which provides supervised activities, arts and crafts, and interactive games to engage young guests.

A special package is available at the resort, allowing children under 12 to eat free from the kids’ menu, with a maximum of two children per paying adult. The package also includes daily breakfast for two adults, a daily three - course lunch or dinner with a soft drink from a selected menu at any resort outlet, and one drink per adult only.

The establishment joins Courtyard by Marriott hotels, a mid - priced brand, primarily targeting business travellers but also accommodating families, a select - service brand known for providing a comfortable experience with features such as workspaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, firness centre, event spaces and modern amenities.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hktcp-courtyard-phuket-patong-beach-resort/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139452.html

LUMARA Resorts | Revealed the Opening of an 18 - Key Boutique Hotel in Siesta Key, Florida, U.S.

LUMARA Resorts, a company founded in October 2025 and based in Holmes Beach, FL, a firm created by a team of experienced hoteliers with deep background in hospitality development, management, and operations, with a vision to give independent hotels a new life through thoughtful design, engaging guest experiences, and a strong sense of place has revealed the opening of an 18 - key boutique hotel in Siesta Key, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Sarasota, Florida, U.S. 

Siesta Key is famous for its powdery, cool quartz - crystal sand and clear Gulf waters, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the U.S. for relaxation, family fun (Siesta Beach) , and unique spots like Point of Rocks (Crescent Beach) and Turtle Beach, with a lively Siesta Key Village offering shops, dining and entertainment, plus a free trolley connecting it all to nearby Sarasota for more attractions.

The new Azul Siesta Key, formerly known as The Cottages at Siesta Key, has undergone a full renovation following hurricane damage, is now operational and accepting reservations. The hotel, has been rebranded and refurbished to offer a mix of studio and larger accommodations, ideal for couples, families, and groups.

The property is situated at 1105 Point of Rocks Road, one block from Siesta Key Beach, steps from Crescent beach and within walking distance of the South Village Siesta Key. This location provides guests with convenient access to local beaches, dining options, and shops.

Azul Siesta Key offers a refreshed boutique experience with studios/suites, including a newly renovated Superior One - Bedroom Suite which includes two king beds, a sleeper sofa, a mini fridge, a coffee station, Wi - Fi, a coffee station, Wi – Fi , HDTV, complimentary parking, and pool access.

Facilities at the property include an outdoor pool, outdoor guest areas, free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and pet – friendly options, a hotel offering quiet island vibes, perfect as a serene Florida getaway.

The opening of Azul Siesta Key adds to LUMARA Resorts’ portfolio of independent boutique hotels across the Southeast. The company focuses on revitalizing properties through thoughtful renovations and strategic rebranding efforts.

Links

https://azulsiestakey.com

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139438.html

Riu Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened its Second Hotel in London, England, UK

Riu Hotels & Resorts, a Spanish family - owned chain company founded in 1953 and headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, a group specialized in holiday, urban hotels and all inclusive resorts offering a variety of brands with locations across the world has officially opened its second hotel in London, England, UK, following the Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria, which opened in July 2023.

The current Hotel Riu Plaza The Westminster was previously integrated into the Curio Collection by Hilton brand, part of Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia and owned by businessmen of Czech origin.

The hotel was originally constructed in 2003 and underwent a complete renovation in 2021. After RIU’s acquisition, the property joined the RIU Plaza portfolio and, following a recent refurbishment, requires no more adaptation work.

This high - end and stylish hotel in Central London is located at 30 John Islip Street, a 5 - minute from the Tate Britain art gallery, which overlooks the River Thames, 10 minutes’ walk from Westminster Abbey, 13 minutes away on foot from a tube distance, a short distance from other iconic landmarks such as the London Houses of Parliament,  the London Eye, St.James Park, the Big Ben, 1.6 kilometres from Buckingham Palace and a 15 - minute walk from the Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria.  

The hotel interior design features elements inspired by the world of espionage, reflecting its proximity to MI5 (The Security Service) located at Thames House on Millbank, a historic building near Parliament and MI6 (Secret Intelligence Services- SIS) situated across the Thames River in the distinctive, modern SIS Building at Vauxhall Cross, famously featured in James Bond film.

The property features 464 refined and comfortable rooms and suites with floor - to - ceiling windows, providing flat - screens and minifridges, as well as tea and coffeemaking facilities. Upgrade rooms add Nespresso machines. Suites provide living rooms or sitting areas and upgraded suites offer river views.

Amenities at the hotel include The Westminster Bar & Grill offering modern cuisine with a Bond - esque feel, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Westminster Café, serving pastries, juices and artisan coffee, plus an in - house bowling alley, a 24 - hour fitness centre with city views, meeting rooms, and concierge service.

This opening marks the thirtheen property in RIU’s urban portfolio which includes locations in  Berlin, Chicago, Dublin, Guadalajara, Madrid, Miami, New York, Panama City, San Francisco, and Toronto. Riu Hotels & Resorts continues to focus on expanding in major global cities and is currently constructing a third hotel in New York while exploring additional opportunities in Europe’s major capitals.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139470.html

Kenya | Experiencing a Strong Rebound in its Cruise Tourism Sector

Kenya’s cruise tourism sector is experiencing a strong rebound, marked by a 140% increase in 2025 as reported by the Kenya Tourism Board.

This success is driven by government initiatives like the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), improved infrastructure at Mombasa and strategic marketing operations, attracting luxury liners with tourists seeking diverse experiences from safaris to beaches and culture,  projecting stronger performance in 2026 and positioning the country as a key regional hub.

The Port of Mombasa received the luxury liner Crystal Symphony , a cruise ship owned by Abercrombie & Kent and operated for Crystal Cruises on Sunday 4th January, 2025 the first call of the New Year, carrying more than 600 tourists and 400 crew, signalling renewed confidence in Kenya as a cruise destination. 

About 200 passengers disembarked for coastal excursions during the ship’s 48 - hours call, part of a seven - day voyage from South Africa en route to India.

The Kenya Ports Authority said investments in the Mombasa cruise terminal support efforts to position the port as a regional hub, aligning with Kenya’s wider push to attract five million international visitor by next year.

 Key Features and Drivers of the Rebound: 

•    Significant Growth: A 140% surge in cruise tourism in 2025 signals strong recovery and continued upward trajectory into 2026.
•    Strategic Government Support: Initiatives like the ETA system and open sky policies boost accessibility and appeal. 
•    Mombasa Port Development: Investments in modern cruise terminal position Mombasa as a regional hub, enhancing facilities for arrivals. 
•    Diverse Tourist Appeal: Cruises offer to Kenya’s rich offerings, including wildlife (Maasai Mara), beaches (Diani), and cultural sites (Lamu), complementing sea travel with land excursions. 
•    Luxury Liner Arrivals: Calls from ships like the Crystal Symphony (carrying hundreds of passengers) demonstrate renewned confidence from cruise operators. 
•    Economic Impact: Increased cruise arrivals generate revenue, create jobs, and boost Kenya’s global tourism profile. 
•    Enhanced Facilitations: Easier access to the mainland for cruise tourists encourages longer stays and deeper exploration. 

Authorities expect continued strong performance and more ship calls in 2026, aiming to attract millions of intrnational visitors. The focus remains on developing tailored land - based experiences (safaris, cultural tours and new tourist proposals) to maximize visitor impact. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/kenya-cruise-tourism-rebounds.html

Portugal | Promoting Rural Areas for Investment through its Evolving Golden Visa Program

The government of Portugal has announced a new visa category aimed at international investors and teleworkers : the “Heritage Visa”which refers to one of the pathways of its evolving Golden Visa Program which allows non - Europeans to obtain a visa and residency by investing in the country supporting artistic production, recovery, maintenance of the national cultural heritage in Portugal rehabilitating historic homes in villages located in rural areas and suffering from depopulations.

After curbing real estate routes in major cities, Portugal is promoting rural areas encouraging investment in low - density region via job creation, cultural heritage, research funds, venture capital, sustainable agriculture (like farmland) aiming to redirect funds to less developed areas for social benefits.

Unlike traditional golden visas, this program focuses on urban regeneration and the preservation of traditional architecture, offering tax benefits and permanent residency to those who demonstrate a commitment to the development of the local economy and the cultural preservation of the interior regions.

The program has already aroused the interest of communities of architects and artists fron Brazil and in the United States, who see in the quaint and remote villages of Portugal an opportunity to develop creative hubs.

The Portuguese Ministry of Tourism hopes that this initiative will help balance the tourist pressure suffered by cities like Lisbon and Porto, diverting capitals towards inland tourism.

This strategic move not only seeks to attract foreign exchange, but also to rejuvenate the social fabric of rural areas, turning them in relevant attractions and investors and developers into custodians of Portuguese heritage for the next decade. 

Link 

https://infoturlatam.com/portugal-impulsa-visa-rural/

China | The Lanying R6000, the World’s First 6 - Ton - Class Tiltrotor Aircraft Has Successfully Completed its Maiden Flight in the Country

China’s Lannying R6000, the world’s first 6 - ton - class tiltrotor aircraft, successfully completed its maiden flight in the country, concretely in southwestern China Sichuan Province in late December 2025.

This event  marks a significant advance in the country’s vertical lift aviation, combining helicopter - like takeoff/landing. Its maximum cruising speed is 550 km/h (about twice that of a helicopter),  its range is around 4.000 km (four times longer than a helicopter) and its maximum altitude can reach 7.620 metres (twice that of a helicopter).

Developed by United Aircraft, an international high - tech, Aviation and Aerospace manufacturing engaging in the R&D design, production and sales of UAV, this vehicle offers a 2 - ton payload for passengers (up to 12) or cargo, and aims to revolutionize city - to city, cross - sea routes and mountainous areas, reducing temporal and spatial distances and facilitating the creation of “door - to door” interregional transport networks.

The aircraft’s design combines the vertical take - off and landing capabilities and precise air suspension, like a traditional helicopter, with a large flight range, high payload capacity and cruise speed typical of an aircraft. 

The Lanying 6000 is equipped with an intelligent tilt and flight control system. In terms of power and lift system, the use of high - performance turboshaft erngines and advanced composite blades allows a balance to be achieved between power, efficiency and low noise. 

This innovative convertiplane is expected to be used not only for the traditional air transport, but also to be be useful for emergency, doctors, rescuers, firefighters and police services. The aircraft can transport people or cargo quickly and accurately, and also opens up new opportunities for private travel and sightseeing from the air.

Key Features & Significance:

•    Dual - Mode Operation: Transitions from vertical lift (helicopter) to horizontal flight (airplane) using tilting rotors, notes Interesting Engineering and Anadolu Agency. 
•    Performance: Reaches speeds of 550 km/h and has a range of 4.000 km, far exceeding traditional helicopters according to Anadolu Agency and Interesting Engineering.
•    Payload: Carries up to 2.000 kg of commercial payload, suitable for 12 passengers or cargo, says Anadolu Agency and Militarnyi. 
•    Technology: Uses China’s independently developed AES100 engine, breaking technological barriers in tiltrotor aviation, notes Anadolu Agency. 
•    Application: Designed for urban air mobility, logistics, and emergency response, states CGTN and Militarnyi.

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/primer-convertiplano-del-mundo-de-6-toneladas-realiz-su-vuelo-en-china/