Auberge Collection | Unveiled the Development of a New Resort and Residences Project in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, U.S.

Auberge Resorts Collection, an American multinational hospitality group headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland and Mill Valley, California, founded in 1981 in Napa Valley, CA., a company that boasts a renowned portfolio of luxury hotels, residences, resorts and private clubs, has unveiled the development a new resort and residences in Steamboat Springs, the county seat of Routt County, a city located in the upper Yampa River Valley in northwestern Colorado, 241 km northwest of Denver and 72.4 km south of the Wyoming border.

The Stockman estled in the Rocky Mountains along U.S. Highway 40, just west of the Continental Divide and Rabbit Ears Pass, Steamboat Springs is a renowned year - round mountain destination known as “Ski Town, U.S.A.®” for its premier skiing and “Bike Town U.S.A.®” and for summer biking, a centre features aurthentic Western charm, geothermal hot springs,  and ample outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

The development of The Stockman is being led by Stockman Development LLC in partnership with  Marquee Development, a mixed – use real estate developer based in Chicago, Illinois as the managing principal.

The design is being led by OZ Architecture, a Denver - based firm known for comprehensive, sustainable design across diverse sectors, including hospitality, urban living, education, and workplace, with interiors by Nunzio Marc DeSantis Architects,  a top architecture firm and interior designer headquartered in Dallas, Texas, a firm specializes in luxury hospitality environments.

Scheduled to break ground in 2026 , with opening planned for 2030, The Stockman, is a new resort and residence located at 1965 Ski Time Square Drive in prime, walk – to - slope location at the base of the Steamboat Ski Resort, in an area primarily known for its condominiums, easy access to fine restaurants, shopping, and the Wild Blue Gondola.

The nine - story property will features 59 rooms and suites, along with 95 private residences that will range from one to five - bedroom mountain homes and will be offered furnished. The development will also include 13 rooftop “Barn” residences, each with double - eight ceilings and panoramic views, ranging two to five bedrooms.

Amenities at The Stockman will include culinary options with three venues: a destination restaurant, an après bar with an outdoor ski - up deck, a Living Room bar, each with an outdoor patio and al fresco seating, a full - service spa, pool under the Wellbeing by Auberge concept and ski - in, ski - out access to Steamboat Resort. 

The Stockman will offer programming for both winter and warmer months, including butler service, après experiences, and outdoor and poolside activities.

Links

https://auberge.com/press/the-stockman-debut/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140522.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed a Franchise Agreement to Open a 117 - Room Garner Hotel in Jagdalpur, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed a franchise agreement to open a 117 - room Garner Hotel in Jagdalpur, a city located on the banks of the Indravati River in the tribal district of Bestar in Chhattisgarh, a state in central India.

Jagdalpur is a vibrant centre known as a “paradise of tourists” and a “city of squares”, featuring a rich, 75 - tribal heritage centred around the historic Bestar Dussehra festival, lush undulating landscapes, green forests, stunning waterfalls including the massive Chitrakote Falls and Mandawa, and the mesmerizing limestone Kailash and Kotumsar Caves.

The agreement for Garner Hotel Jagdalpur marks the introduction of the Garner brand to the state of Chhattisgarh, a rapidly growing eco - tourism and cultural destination characterized by ancient temples, 44% forest cover, and 3 national parks, offering a unique, offbeat travel experience.

The development is also positioned to benefit from economic activity in Jagdalpur, including infrastructure development, mining, and the expansion of small and medium enterprises, supported by government initiatives.

The hotel scheduled to open in 2029 will be developed by Freedom Hospitality, an Indian development partner active in the hospitality sector, specifically known for partnering with international hotel chains.

Thr establishment will be managed by United Hospitality Management, a global firm offering 360 - degree, owner - centric services for hotels, resorts, and branded residences with primary headquarters and key offices located in Lisbon, Portugal and a significant regional office in Dubai, UAE., under a third - party management arrangement.

The agreement with United Hospitality Management is part of the brand’s expansion into emerging destinations in India.

The hotel aims to provide quality, value - conscious accommodation with dependable comfort, catering to both business and leisure travellers and will feature 117 comfortable rooms and suites, an all - day dining restaurant, and in line with typical Garner brand offerings, well - equipped meeting spaces.

The property will join Garner hotels, an affordable, midscale conversion brand, designed to offer quality stays at an accessible price point for value - conscious travellers, focused on guest - centric features like convenient locations, a flexible design with character, offering complimentary hot breakfast, comfortable beds, and pet - friendly options.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates over 50 hotels across six brands in India, with a pipeline of 89 hotels expected to open in the next three to five years.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-signs-garner-hotel-jagdalpur-with-united-hospitality-management-marking-entry-into-chhattisgarhs-growing-bastar-region

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141212.html

Hilton | Announced the Opening of a 234 - Room Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel in London, England, UK

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia has announced the opening of a 234 - room Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in London, the vibrant capital city of England and of the United Kingdom.

The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton, has officially opened at 5-10 Great Tower Street in the heart of London’s Square Mile, formally known as the City of London within the city’s historic financial district and ancient core of the British capital, just minute walk from Sky Garden,Tower of London  and Tower Bridge,  placing guests just steps from the Thames, St. Paul Cathedral and other iconic landmarks of the British capital.

The property features 234 rooms, including 13 signature suites with views across the City skyline. Dining options at the hotel include Rycrofte’s Restaurant, Coffehouse and Bar, overlooks the ruins of St Dunstan in the East Church Garden. Named after Sir John Rycrofte, Sergeant of the larder to Henry VII and Henry VIII, the restaurant reinterprets classic British dishes.

Amenities at the hotel include a 24 - hour gym, two boardrooms for 10 and 20 guests, a private dining room for up to 30 guests, and an event space for up to 70 guests, all with views of St Dunnstan in the East Church Garden.

A daily “Golden Hour” takes place at 5:10 p.m., inviting guests to enjoy a cocktail of the day. The reception area features a Treasury Wall installation inspired by the building’s former use as a bank and the area’s financial heritage, with select compartments occasionally revealing surprises for guests checking in,

Mercer’s Market, a monthly event at the hotel, showcases local artists and artisans. The market is inspired by Sir Robert Tate, a former Lord Mayor of London and a Freeman of the Mercer’s Company, reflecting the area’s tradition of trade and craftamanship.

The hotel joins the Curio Collection by Hilton brand that features individually remarkable hotels and resorts picked for the their unique character, design, and story.

Each location of the brand offers distinctive architecture,locally inspired design, world - class food and beverage options, and curated local experiences, a soft brand that allows hotels to retain their unique identities within Hilton’s portfolio.while still providing the benefits of Hilton Honors program.

Links

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lonerqq-the-derby-london-city/?SEO_id=GMB-EMEA-QQ-LONERQQ

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141271.html

Egypt | Planning to Increase Hotel Rooms to 300,000 by 2030

To accommodate 30 million annual visitors by 2030, Egypt is planning to expand its hospitality infrastructure to reach 300,000 hotel rooms. The government is utilizing aggressive investment reforms, tax incentives, and streamlined property - conversion regulation to drive this rapid expansion. 

The chairman of the Egyptian Tourism Development Authority, Mostafa Mounir, announced an ambitious plan to expand tourism infrastructure in the North African country with s strategy that aims to strengthen the country’s tourism position globally.

As reported by Daily News Egypt, the main points of growth are concentrated in South Sinai and the Red Sea coast, which represent the country’s most prominent tourist hubs. 

These Egyptian regions have seen the addition of some 110.000 hotel rooms and more than 106.000 tourist accommodation units over the past 35 years, reaching a total of approximately 250.000 units, which is equivalent to almost half of Egypt’s total hotel capacity. 

To take advantage of the available resources, the authorities plan to convert part of the residential units that suffer from low occupancy into establishments that operate under professional hotel management. 

These units will be connected to hotel management systems and international booking platforms, contributing to more efficient use, increasing their profitability and integrating unused housing into the official tourism system. 

 Key Expansion Details and Initiatives: 

•    Current and Target Capacity: Egypt currently houses approximately 230.000 hotel rooms and aims to add over 200.000 additional units over the next years to meet surging demand. 
•    Primary Hotspots: Development is heavily concentrated in South Sinai, the Red Sea coast (including Nabq) as well as the North particularly in Ras El Hekma, and Greater Cairo around the Pyramids and the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). 
•    Financial Incentives: The government has established a EGP 50 billion (approximately $1.03 billion) funding initiative to provide concessional interest rates for hotel construction and expansion.
•    Alternative Accommodation: To bridge the room gap quality quickly, a new regulatory framework allows property owners to convert residential, administrative, and commercial units into licensed holiday homes and serviced apartments.

These developments coincide with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El - Sisi’s reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to accelerate the pace of growth of the tourism sector with the aim of attracting 30 million tourists annually.  

The President of Egypt emphasized during a high -0 level meeting in Cairo with senior officials and international representatives that the expansion of the tourism sector is a national priority, focusing on strengthening infrastructure, increasing investments and consolidating the country as a leading global destination. 

Egypt obtained more than 70% of total flowing foreign direct investment to the countries of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) in 2024. This achievement is largely due to the “Ras Al – Hikma” project, a new resort on the Mediterranean coast that represents a comprehensive urban development, including advanced infrastructure and tourist and educational facilities.

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/egipto-busca-aumentar-habitaciones-de-hotel-a-300-000-para-el-a-o-2030/

The Dominican Republic | Launched the “Tourism Training for Diplomats” Course to Promote the Country Globally

The Dominican Republic launched the “Tourism Training for Diplomats” course to equip foreign service members with the tools to promote the country globally, an initiative organized by the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) together with the Ministry of Foreign Affair (MIREX), held at the Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training (INESSDYC) started on 12^tth May and continuing until 21st May 2026.

Championed by Tourism Minister David Collado, the initiative reflects the government’s strategy to leverage international diplomacy to drive ongoing social and economic development.

The training is designed to strengthen the ability of diplomats to attract foreign investment, expand air routes, and solidify the Dominican Republic as a leading global tourism destination with a program featuring workshops and lectures covering tourism governance, air connectivity, sustainability, investment strategies, and strategic communication.

The first day of the course included a presentation by the Technical Deputy Minister of Tourism, Jacqueline Mora, focused on the evolution, leadership and strategic priorities of Dominican tourism, one of the most important economic sectors in the Caribbean country.

During the inauguration of the training the Minister of Tourism, stressed that the tourism sector is an important pillar of economic and social development adding that the diplomatic missions are key platforms to attract investment and generate new opportunities.

The Deputy Minister of International Cooperation of MITUR, Carlos Peguero, assured that the diplomatic bodies have a determining role in the international projection of Dominican tourism, a they are the first interlocutor before governments, airlines and multilateral organizations.

The Deputy Minister of Bilateral Foreign Policy of MIREX, Francisco Caraballo, said that tourism is an essential part of the image that other countries have of the Dominican Republic.

For his part, the Rector of the Institute of Higher Education in Diplomatic and Consular Training, José Rafael Espaillat, defended the concept of “tourism diplomacy” as an effective tool to strengthen international cooperation and dialogue between countries through culture and the exchange of experiences, pointing out, tourism has become an increasingly relevant element within foreign policy.

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/republica-dominicana-pone-en-marcha-formacion-en-turismo-para-sus-diplomaticos/

Greece | Retaining World’s No.2 Ranking in 2026 Blue Flag Awards

Greece has once again secured second place globally in the prestigious Blue Flag Awards reaffirming its strong reputation for high - quality and sustainable coastal tourism. The country secured an  624 beaches, 17 marinas and 17 tourist boats awarded, an impressive haul represents roughly 14% of all awarded beaches, underscoring the nation’s commitment to outstanding water quality and sustainable coastal management.

The awards were announced on May 14 during a special ceremony in Paleo Faliro, Athens, attended by representatives from government, local authorities and the tourism sector. The International Blue Committee awarded a total of 4.378 beaches, 747 marinas and 158 boats globally.

Operated by the Copenhagen – based Foundation for Environnmental Education (FEE) the Blue Flag program is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco - labels, coordinated in Greece by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF) requires that awarded beaches maintain strict “Excellent” water quality among other strict environmental criteria.

Established in 1987, the Blue Flag label is recognized as a benchmark for environmental quality in the tourism sector. To qalifiy beaches must meet 33 criteria, including excellent water quality, environmental education, safety an accessibility. Marinas are assessed against 38 criteria, while sustainable boats must comply with 51.

For the fourth xconsecutive year, Greece ranked second behind Spain, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s leading sustainable coastal destinations. According to the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), Greece accounts for 14% of all awarded beaches worldwide among the 51 countries participating in the program.

Among Greek destinations, Halkidiki, a prominent peninsula in northern Greece, located just south of Thessaloniki, famed for its pine - forested landscapes and turquoise waters, ranked first nationwide with 93 awarded beaches, while the region of Crete maintained the leading position among regions with 154 Blue Flags.

Many of Greece’s world - famous shores made the list, including Koukounaries (Skiathos), Myrtos (Kefalonia), Golden Beach (Thassos), and Astir Beach Vouliagmenis (Athens).

In addition, honorary distinctions were awarded to 18 beaches recognized for 35 consecutive years of Blue Flag awards, alongside one marina with 28 consecutive years, and one tourist boat with nine years of continuous distinction.

Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature President Nikos Petrou said that the Blue Flag Program has served as an international benchmark for beach quality and safety for the past 40 years, reflecting the long - term commitment of local operators and managers.

According to HSPN President, the Blue Flag program will introduce a transitional two - year award system for 2026 - 2027 ahead of stricter environmental and operational criteria set to take effect in 2028.

While annual inspections and monitoring procedures will continue as normal, participating beach managers will submit simplified annual updates for 2027 as part of the transition process.

HSPN head stated that the transitional measure is intended to help operators adapt to revised standards and methodologies while preserving the program’s credibility and monitoring standards.

Link

https://news.gtp.gr/2026/05/15/greece-retains-worlds-no-2-ranking-in-2026-blue-flag-awards/

Tanzania | Signed Eight Agreements with Kenya to Deepen Regional Cooperation

Tanzania and Kenya have signed eight new cooperation agreements during the Tanzania - Kenya Business Forum 2026, held on May 4 at the Julius Nyerere International Conference Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. 

The agreements were signed by Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to Tanzania, who held talks with the Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, with the aim  to deepen regional cooperation renewing their pledge to cultivate closer ties and accelerate economic growth and integration within the East African Community. 

 The leaders of the two countries witnessed the signing of eight Memoranda of Understanding covering: 

•    Improvements in energy connectivity.  
•    Legal cooperation. 
•    Agriculture. 
•    Railway development including plans to revive the Voi – Taveta railway line. 
•    Public service capacity building. 
•    Maritime cooperation. 
•    Sefarer certification. 
•    Streamline certification standards between the two markets.

 The two African countries also committed to removing non - tariff trade barriers by June 2026 to improve the movement of goods and services across borders. 

 Leaders from both nations said the strengthened partnership is expected to support trade growth, investment and tourism across the region. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/kenya-and-tanzania-sign-eight-agreements-to-deepen-regional-cooperation.html