Orient Express | Opened its Second Hotel in Italy, Located in Venice

Orient Express hotels, a brand boasts ultra - luxury properties located in historic, architectural landmarks into opulent, modern spaces with interiors designed by by renowned artisans, part of the Accor Group, a French multinational hospitality company based in Issy - les - Moulineaux, has opened its second hotel in Italy, located in Venice ,a wonder built on a group of 118 islands that are separated by expanses of open water and by canals, in an ample lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, one of the most charming and romantic destinations globally, highlighted by an incomparable cultural and historical heritage, a unique architecture and a magic aura surrounding its picturesque alleys, iconic bridges and stunning Renaissance palaces.

The property named Orient Express Venezia is the brand’s second hotel in Italy after the opening of Orient Express La Minerva in Rome.

The hotel is located in the restored Palazzo Donà Giovannelli, situated at Strada Nova, 2292, a short 18 - minute walk from St. Mark’s Square in the Cannaregio district, the largest and second most populous district (sestiere) in Venice, stretching from the Santa Lucia railway station in Piazza Roma to the iconic Rialto Bridge. Renowned for its authentic, quieter residential feel compared to San Marco, Cannaregio boasts landmarks like the historic Jewish Ghetto, the picturesque Fondamenta della Misericiordia, the stunning Ca’ d’ Oro Palace, and the house of Renaissance painter Tintoretto. 

Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is a 15th - century landmark blending Neogothic and Baroque styles, a palace built in 1436 at the intersection of two canals. The palazzo is attributed to the Palazzo Calendario, architect of the Doge’s Palace.

Its façade feature a motif similar to the iconic Palazzo Ducale, a masterpiece of Venetian gothic architecture, former seat of government and Doge’s residence located in Piazza San Marco, and includes seven Gothic windows overlooking the Rio de Noale, a charming, narrow canal, known for its picturesque views, and the historic Ponte Pasqualigo o de Noal bridge.

The building has passed through several owners, including the Donà and Giovannelli families, and previously served as a picture gallery before its conversion into a luxury hotel.

The property includes an octagonal staircase added in the 19th century by Giovanni Battista Meduna, who also renovated the emblematic Venice Ca’ d’ Oro Palace and the iconic Fenice Theatre.

The eight - year restoration was led by architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’ Amman. The project preserved original frescoes by Italian artists, mosaic floors, and the buildoing’s Neo - Gothic and Baroque architectural elements.

Orient Express Venezia features 47 stylish, elegant rooms and suites, including six signatures on the piano mobile and first floor, as well as apartments in an adjacent building with canal views. Room sizes range from 30 - square metre Classic Rooms to 148 - square - metre apartments.

Interior features include Venetian sliding doors, hand - painted scenes, Art Deco fixtures, Murano glass accents, vaulted ceilings, and original frescoes.

Facilites at the hotel include a fine dining restaurant, an all - day dining space overlooking the courtyard and garden, a Wagon Bar inspired by rail travel, a lobby bar, and the building retains original passageways and ballrooms.

Guests arrive by private boat, entering through a 15th century Gothic portal on the canal or through a doorway into the Santa Fosca garden.

The opening of Orient Express Venezia, Palazzo Donà Giovannelli is part of a broader strategy to expand the Orient Express brand across hotels, trains, and sailing yachts.

The brand previously opened Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and La Dolce Vita Orient Express luxury train. A Guerlain Spa aboard Orient Express sailing yachts is scheduled to launch in June 2026.

Links

https://www.orient-express.com/en/hotel/europe/italy/venice/orient-express-venezia

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140693.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened a New Garner Hotel in Beijing, China

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has officially opened a new Garner hotel in Beijing, Chna’s sprawling capital and a top global metropolis, defined by a by a unique blend of ancient imperial history, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and hyper - modern architectural advancements, featuring iconic sites like the Forbidden City complex the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties,  the Great Wall, and traditional hutong alleyways, alongside major economic zones like the CBD and tech focused Zhongguancun.

With the opening of Garner Beijing 798 Art District by IHG, IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced Garner hotels as its 14th brand in Greater China, a property that serves as a flagship example of the brand’s conversion focused model, progressing from owner engagement to soft opening in a short timeframe.

The hotel is located at and, Building 1,5 Jiangtai Road, in the heart of the Bejing 798 Art District part of Chaoyang urban area, within a 15 minute - drive of the lively Santilum Road and Wangfuijing Street, 10 km of Yonghegong Temple and 11 km of Beijing National Stadium.

The Beijing 798 Art District is a premium cultural hub, renowned for transforming decommissioned 1950s - era Bauhaus style factory buildings into a vibrant space doe contemporary art. It features over 250 galleries, artist studios, and unique boutiques, an area characterized by industrial architecture, mural art, graffiti, and outdoor art installations like red, blue, and stainless steel large - scale sculptures.

The hotel offers a stylish stay featuring modern style guestrooms boasting premium matresses and high - end thread - count bed linens, offering stable support and a comfortable sleep experience, complimentary Wi - Fi, a communal living room and a vending machine is available for quick snacks and drinks.

The property joins Garner hotels, an affordable, midscale brand focused on guest - centric features like convenient locations, a flexible design with character, offering complimentary hot breakfast, comfortable beds, and pet - friendly options.

Since its global launch in 2023, Garner has expanded to more than 100 hotels worldwide. The brand’s entry into Greater China marks the next phase of its international growth.

 Multiple Garner projects have been signed in key locations across Greater China, including Chongqing, Hangzhou West Lake, Jiefagbei, and Shanghai Lujiazui. The brand is designed to support various project types, allowing hotels to develop distinctive identities while maintaining brand standards.

Garner hotels are integrated with IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global platform, providing access to IHG One Rewards and the company’s distribution and revenue management systems.

The guest experience is structured around three pillars: extended breakfast hours and 24 - hour delivery services, self - serve beverage stations and diverse breakfast options; and interactive elements such as welcome treats and community voting.

Following the opening in Beijing ,Garner hotels will continue to focus on locations in key cities and work with owners to convert existing assets.

Links

https://www.ihg.com/garner-hotels/hotels/us/en/beijing/bjsar/hoteldetail

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140694.html

Marriott International | Unveiled the Opening of the Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente Resort in Mindelo, Cape Verde

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland, has unveiled the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente, located in Mindelo, a port city on São Vicente Island in the archipelago of Cape Verde, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture characterized for its music, nigh ife and lively, Brazilian - influenced Carnival celebrations.

Mindelo is a very attractive destination, highlighted by colourful colonial houses line the shores of the bustling Porto Grande harbour, which is set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, the Torre de Bélem, a scaled - down replica of a centuries old tower in Lisbon, Portugal, 19th - century buildings, such as the President Palace and the municipal market.

The opening marks the company’s entry into Cape Verde, representing its 500th select hotel in the Europe, Middle East & Africa region and the first Four Points by Sheraton resort in Africa.

The property is located at Avenida Marginal on the waterfront, a short 16 - minute walk from Cultural Centre of Mindelo, above the sandy Laginha Beach, on the northeast part of São Vicente island.

The resort features 127 comfortable rooms and suites with wooden furniture, crafted light fixtures, decorative wall plates, and patterned cement tile flooring.

The interiors feature an art collection that includes paintings by Raya Salman and photographs by Joe Wuerfel. Select works by two Cape Verdean artists are also displayed at the property.

Four Points by Sheraton São Vicente offers three dining venues: Bayview, serving food throughout the day; Ocean Lounge, a poolside venue; and the Skybar, scheduled to open and offering rooftop views.

The property provides direct access to Laginha Beach via a skybridge on the first floor, which also features an infinity - edge pool and pool bar.

Facilities at the resort include a fitness centre with ocean and pool views, a spa with four treatment rooms, a sauna, Turkish steam bath, and Jacuzzi, a conference center with three meeting rooms and additional multi - purpose event spaces. The resort also offers Four Points by Sheraton’s Best Brews programme, featuring a local craft beer.

The property joins Four Points by Sheraton, a Marriott international brand focused on “honest uncomplicated comfort” for business and leisure travellers. Key features include stylish, functional rooms, reliable free Wi - Fi, the signature Best Brews®craft beer program, and approachable service in a casual, modern environment.

 Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/vxefp-four-points-sao-vicente-resort/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140666.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Announced the Opening of a New Hyatt Regency Hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in  Chicago, Illinois has announced the opening of a new Hyatt Regency hotel in Niagara Falls, a world - renowned Canadian city on the Niagara River in the province of Ontario, famous for providing the best views of all three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Fal Veil Falls, a destination offering various attractions include boat tours, the Jouney Behind the Falls, Skylon Tower, and a vibrant nighlife in the Fallsview district, making it a major tourist destination in North America.

The opening of Hyatt Regncy Niagara Falls Folloview marks the debut of Hyatt in the city and is part of a strategic expansion in key destination in Canada, and the property has been added to the World of Hyatt loyalty program and the Classics portfolio.

The hotel is located at 6700 Fallsview Boulevard in the heart of the vibrant Fallsview district of Niagara Falls, on top of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and is the closest Canadian hotel to the falls, a short drive from Toronto, Buffalo and  N.Y., and is accessible from major highways and border crossings.

The property providing an easy access to dining, entertainment and casino attractions in the Fallsview district features 42 floors and 611 newly renovated rooms and suites with amenities include contemporary furnishing, lighting, a large flat - screen television, Nespresso machine, beverage station, mini fridge, and in - room - amenities.

Many rooms provide views of the Horseshoe and American Falls, as well as the city skyline. Suites offer additional space, separate living and sleeping areas, as well as enhanced amenities.

Dining options at the hotel include STK Steakhouse Fallsview and TGI Fridays. Amenities include an indoor pool, fitness centre, laundry facilities, a business centre, and more than 20.000 square feet of on - site meeting and banquet space. Event space are available for meetings, conferences, and special occasions.

The hotel joins Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Hotels Corporation ‘s flagship brand, known for connecting travellers with what matters through a blend of productivity and relaxation, offering modern yet, functional, comfortable rooms, spacious lobbies, diverse culinary experiences, ample workspaces, and meeting facilities.

The brand catering to both large conventions and family vacations, has a focus on seamless, tech - enabled experiences and dedicated event planning, and often provides a Regency Club lounge for elite members, positioning them as central hubs in urban and resort destinations.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/ca101-hyatt-regency-niagara-falls-fallsview

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140654.html

Vietnam | Partnering with China to Boost Rail Cooperation with New Standard Gauge Projects

Vietnam is partnering with China to boost rail cooperation with new standard gauge projects.The two countries are advancing rail connectivity and consolidate a strategic alliance in the railway sector by developing standard - gauge (1.435 mm) projects.

Technical agreements signed in March 2026 focus on placing three key key routes such as Hanoi - Dong Dang, Hai Phong - Ha Long - Mong Cai, and Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong aimed at improving freight transport, boosting cross - border trade, upgrading Vietnam’s infrastructure, and marking a significant breakthrough in bilateral rail connectivity according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) . 

During a meeting between Vietnam's Vice Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy, and representatives of the International Economic Cooperation Agency of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the Chinese side handed over to Vietnam the draft of the preliminary feasibility study of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong project. 

In addition during the event the Vietnam Railway Authority and Chinese agency co - chaired discussions on the implementation of technical assistance projects, exchanging views and reaching broad consensus on outstanding issues. 

The parties agreed to strengthen coordination in the future to consolidate further railway cooperation as a strategic and symbolic axis of the solid bilateral relationship. 

 Key details of the rail cooperation include: 

•    Key Projects: The primary focus is developing standard – gauge links to replace or augment Vietnam’s existing narrow – gauge, aligning with China’s network, with the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong as flagship project estimated to cost over $11 billion.
•    Strategic Goal: The rail links are designed to connect landlocked Southwest China to Vietnamese ports, while accelerating Vietnam’s industrial growth. 
•    Technical Cooperation: China is providing expertise in signalling, high – speed technology, and funding to build these routes, connecting Vietnamese provinces to Chinese border cities like Kunming and Nanning. 
•    Future Scope: Vietnam is planning a broader 1.541 km north – south high – spped railway to connect with these standard – gauge lines, with construction anticipated by 2026 – 2027. 

These projects are expected to enhance trade efficiency and facilitate faster, more efficient transport between the two nations. 

Vietnam's Vice Minister of Construction said that Vietnam and China have signed several cooperation documents in the railway sector, noting that the relevant agencies will actively coordinate to implement regulations, procedures and cooperation contents, achieving encouraging initial results. 

Director General of the Cinese agency Zhang Guarbin stressed that the Lao - Cai -  Hanoi - Hai Phong line is a key project in bilateral cooperation and that the new projects will follow the same model, ensuring quality, adherence to deadlines and a high level of responsibility. 

Link
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/vietnam-y-china-impulsan-la-cooperaci-n-ferroviaria-con-nuevos-proyectos-de-v-a-est-ndar/

Liberia | Launched a Nationwide Campaign to Formalise its Tourism Sector

Liberia is actively working to promote its tourism sector through the newly established Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), and has launched a nationwide campaign focused on registration for tourism businesses, restructuring regulations, improving service standards, and regulatory compliance.

Unveiled during a high - profile roadshow across the capital of the country, Monrovia, the initiative marks a shift towards a more structured, results - driven approach under the 2025 Liberia National Tourism Act, which established the Liberia National Tourism Authority as a standalone regulatory and promotional body to formalize the tourism sector.

The 2025 Liberia National Tourism Act establishes the Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) as a standalone regulatory and promotional body to formalize the sector with key actions include a 90 - day grace period for businesses, such as hotels, travel agencies, entertainment centres, car rental services to register and comply with new service standards, or face potential closure that will apply to non - compliant operators.

Director General Princess Eva Cooper has emphasised that the campaign’s primary objective is to raise service standards across the industry, stating that the businesses must consistently deliver on their rated classifications.

 Following the Monrovia launch, the campaign will extend to other areas such as Bomi, Grand Bassa, and Grand Cape Mount counties, targeting key tourism corridors and emerging destinations.

 The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) stated that stronger compliance will also support efforts to rebrand Liberia internationally, positioning the country’s beaches, historic sites and cultural heritage as competitive drawcards, with the broader aim of increasing tourism revenue and creating employment opportunities.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/liberia-launches-nationwide-campaign-to-formalise-tourism-sector.html

Bolivia | Signed a MoU with Brazil to Integrate Their Air Transport System

Bolivia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Brazil, with the aim of enabling the fifth freedom of the air within the framework of the implementation of an open skies policy.

Based on recent developments in early 2026, the two South American countries are actively strengthening their bilateral integration, including initiatives to boost air connectivity as part of a broader agenda aimed at infrastructure, energy, and transportation development. 

With this measure integrating their tramsport system, air operators from both nations will be able to fly to any destination within their respective territories, without frequency or capacity limitations, according to Vision 360, a news agency based in La Paz.  

The agreement enables the transport of passengers, cargo and mail to third countries, generating new opportunities for tourism and foreign trade. In a first stage, it is estimated that the growth of cargo and passengers on these routes could increase by 20%.  

Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a document that pays particular attention to the creation of a predictable, secure and integrated business environment, as well as to the development of transport, energy, agriculture, environment, trade, investment and tourism infrastructure. 

In addition, Bolivia is seeking to promote similar legal instrument with Chile and Paraguay, and the country also participated in the tender for the Rio de Janeiro Airport. 

Key Details of the Agreement: 

•    Purpose: The agreement aims to boost air connectivity, enhance tourism, and stimulate economic growth within the region. 
•    Fifth Freedom Rights: Fly from Bolivia, stop in Brazil, and continue to a third country for example Argentina or beyond, carrying revenue traffic between them. 
•    Policy Shift: This move aligns with broader efforts in Latin America to modernize the aviation sector and move away from restrictive bilateral agreements toward open, competitive markets. 
•    Broader Content: Brazil has been actively expanding these rights, previously signing similar agreements with other nations to improve regional connectivity. 

Bolivia Minister of Public Works, Mauricio Zamora, explained that this MoU releases all trade restrictions between the two countries, allowing Bolivian and Brazilian air operators to operate any destination without restriction or frequency and capacity. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/bolivia-y-brasil-firman-memorando-para-integrar-sus-sistemas-de-transporte-a-reo/