Andenne, Belgium | Designated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art

 Andenne, a historic Belgian city of Wallonia, located along the Meuse River between Huy and Namur, celebrated for its medieval roots, rich pottery heritage, and scenic, hilly, woodland surroundings is a newly designated UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

UNESCO welcomed Andenne into the Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for its dedication to fostering local crafts, especially ceramics, highlighting the city’s commitment to using creativity, heritage, and artistic skills for sustainable urban development.

The recognition emphasizes the city’s strong historical ties to ceramics joining other prestigious centres, such as Faenza, Italy and Limoges, France, in, enhancing, European, ceramic, culture and collaboration and as part of the UCCN, this title allows Andenne to cooperate internationally, sharing best practices in crafts, folk art, and cultural development.

Andenne, rooted in a century - old tradition boasts a rich history of pottery production from the Middle Ages to the present, thanks to the presence of high - quality clay deposits along the banks of Meuse River used since medieval times.

The pottery industry in this centre of Wallonia dates back to the 6^th – 10th centuries, with rapid expansion during the high Middle Ages. Historical production included both functional and decorative items, many of which are displayed today in the Musée de la céramique d’ Andenne.

Archaeological excavations all around Andenne have revealed significant pottery finds that show the evolution of techniques over centuries, confirming the tradition and culture rooted in Andenne about ceramics.

Pottery production in the Belgian city is characterized by a blend of functional, historical pieces and contemporary artistic, innovative, and sometimes abstract sculptures.

The city is also famous to hosts the internationally, renowned, Ceramic Art Andenne festival, attracting artists coming from various countries.

The event features numerous, high - profile exhibitions, such as “Authentique”, an international open competition and “Talisman”, a thematic competition. Exhibits range from figurative, to abstract, with featured artists like Nathalie Doyen, and guest countries highlighting diverse, international approaches.

The Espace Muséal d’ Andenne (EMA) is a museum that serves as key cultural hub displaying various pieces, highlighting local ceramic culture and heritage In addition the Belgian city  for its iconic history and tradition awards prizes like the prestigious City of Andenne Art Acquisition Prize to support contemporary ceramic artists.

The upcoming Ceramic Art Andenne scheduled for May 24 - 25 features French ceramist Héléne Lousssier as the guest of honour, an event in which Andenne as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art will show with pride this title awarded by UNESCO, continuing to be a relevant hub within the ceramic industry and pottery production.

 Link

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/world-cities-day-2025-unesco-creative-cities-network-welcomes-58-new-member-cities

Da Puch, Vietnam | Launched a Program to Boost Sustainable Tourism and Strenghten Local Economy

Da Puch, a Hanoi’s commune known for its rich water resources, including 15 kilometres of the Can River, 25 kilometres of the Ca Lo River, and 600 - hectare of Lai Cach lagoon, a locality featuring 92 historical/religious sites, and six national relics, launched a program to boost sustainable tourism and strenghten local economy. 

This tourism model launched on 24th and 25th January 2026 is a project thar combines river landscapes, cultural identity, historical heritage and sustainable agriculture, following recent administrative changes as reported by Vietnam News Agency (VNA). 

The project includes a camping area by the Ca Lo River, visits to heritage sites such as the Ba Temple and the Nhu Nguyet River Defensive Line, participation in traditional rituals, artistic workshops, games, as well as spaces for interaction with hot air balloons and bamboo mill, and integrating nature, heritage and community based - activities.

This initiative also features hands - on farming, fishing, and cultural, environmental, or educational activities to enhance livelihoods, with in addition a focus on green tourism routes along the Ca Lo River.

Key aspects of Da Puch Program include: 

•    Targeted Activities: Visitors in areas like Da Puch can engage in farming, water sports, camping, and cultural activities, such photography, exploring the local territory and learning history and culture of the commune. 
•    Community Focus: The initiative emphasize community – based, sustainable development, allowing residents to diversity income sources and gain pride in their cultural and natural heritage. 
•    Growth Strategy: Da Phuc is leveraging its rural potential to connect with urban demand for nature - based, hands - on, experiences. 
•    Targeting Audience: Activities are designed to cater to both tourists seeking, relaxation and a deep connection with a new culture as well as schools, and families for educational experiences.

Da Puch formed by the merger of seven communes and with more than  83.600 inhabitants, seeks with this project to combine historical preservation, agricultural development and promotion of local identity within a broader tourism strategy. 

This initiative aims to transform a site in the suburbs of Hanoi with its  local agricultural practices and nature in the outskirts of a large metropolis into tourism products, creating a sustainable model for rural development boosting sustainable tourism and strengthening its economy.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/vietnam-impulsa-turismo-sostenible-en-han-i-para-fortalecer-la-econom-a-local/

Istanbul, Türkiye | EMITT - East Mediterranean International Tourism & Travel Exhibition - From 05 to 07 February 2026

Istanbul, a major, transcontinental city in Türkiye , straddling the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia, a metropolis with a rich cultural and historical heritage, with an old city reflects cultural influences of the many empires once ruled here, offering a vibrant blend of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Roman history, will host from 5th to 7th February 2026,  EMITT - East Mediterranean International Tourism & Travel Exhibition, one of the world’s leading and largest tourism trade fairs, serving as an essential meeting point for industry professionals and travel enthusiasts alike.

EMITT is a premier annual event and a long - standing international tourism exhibition that brings together global travel professionals, national pavilions, tour operators, hotel companies, and specialized tourism sectors like health, winter and outdoor travel, featuring over 600+ hosted buyers, keynotes on AI and sustainability in tourism, early booking deals, and thousands of travel enthusiasts.   

The Istanbul Expo Center ( İFM) also known as Tüyap Fair Convention and Congress Center, located at Yeşilkoy Mahallesi, Atatürk Cd. 5/5 hosts the event, standing out as an ideal site due to its strategic location near the airport and its modern infrastructure. It is easily accessible via public transportation, taxi, or shuttle services, making it an ideal location for a trade fair of international standing. 

Organized by ICA Events, a globally active company based in London, England, UK, a firm with extensive experience in B2B events, EMITT is a unique platform brings together the latest global tourism trends under one roof while offering a comprehensive overview of the industry’s diverse offerings, from traditional summer and winter holidays to city breaks, tours, outdoor adventures, and niche segments such as balloon, diving, and medical tourism.

With around 30.000 professionals visitors annually, including decision - makers from travel agencies, tourism associations, government bodies, municipalities, the media, and the transport and leisure industries, EMITT serves as an effective business platform and a catalyst for new partnerships, collaborations and innovative business models. 

The wide range of exhibitors representing a broad spectrum of sectors includes boutique and eco - hotels, hotel management systems, tour operators, online travel agencies, destination management companies, tourism organizations, amusement parks, cultural sites as well as providers of IT solutions, catering services, transportation companies, logistic providers and medical institutions such as clinic, hospitals, and aesthetic treatment providers. 

Event highlights include interactive expert forums, conferences, panel discussions, targeted networking formats, and exclusive business programs designed to foster dialogue between international exhibitors, international buyers and Turkish industry stakeholders.  

What sets EMITT apart ad special in its kind is its strong connection to its host city Istanbul, and Türkiye, one of the world’s most diverse travel destinations occupying the high ranking in the international tourism landscape. The fair undoubtedly play a significant role in strengthening the country’s position as a leading player in the global tourism market.

The fair also showcases numerous destinations for every taste highlighting their offerings through elaborately designed national pavilions and regional presentations, attracting professionals looking for new proposals to insert in their portfolio, creating new tailor made tours and itineraries and enthusiast travellers seeking new ispirations to plan their next vacations.

As unique platform to forge new business contacts, explore emerging markets, discover new captivating luxury destinations and experiences, or finalize concrete deals, attending EMITT is undoubtedly a form to look for investment in the future of the tourism & travel industry. 

Key Features of EMITT:

•    Industry Focus : The Exhibition is a hub for tourism professionals, offering B2B networking opportunities, including a Hosted Tour Operator Program that facilitates thousands of scheduled meetings between exhibitors and international buyers. 
•    Sector Representation: It covers a wide range of tourism sectors, including national pavilions, hotels, tour operatoirs, travel agencies, health tourism, and winter/outdoor tourism. 
•    Relevance: Considered one of the top four or five tourism exhibitions in the world, attracting thousands of exhibitors and visitors annually.

Event Highlights and Activities: 

•    Educational Sessions: The event features conferences, panel discussions, and keynotes focused on industry trends, such as AI, sustainability, and the future of travel. 
•    Networking and Promotion: The fair serves as a platform for launching new travel products, networking with key industry players, and exploring new markets. 
•    Cultural and Specialized Showcases: Attendees can explore diverse, unique and cultural, as well as luxury, tourist destinations and experiences.
•    Consumer Opportunities: The event also attracts consumers looking for discounted vacation packages and early booking campaigns. 

Links 
https://emittistanbul.com/
https://www.tradefairdates.com/Emitt-M14657/Istanbul.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | East Asia Expansion with the Opening of a Series of New Hotels in Greater China by Mid - 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced an East Asia expansion with the opening of a series of hotels in Greater China by mid - 2026 including properties in major cities such as Beijng, Chengdu,  Chongqing, Hefei, Huzhou, Jinan, Ningbo, Nanjing, Shanghai, and Taipei, a move to expand its multi - brand strategy to cater to diverse travel trends across different cities. 

The company currently has more than 1.400 open and pipeline hotels across over 200 cities in the Asian country and will add more units to its portfolio of 13 brands in Greater China, aiming to diversify its offerings, with a focus on both short and extended stay.  

The upcoming openings include:  

•    TFT Cohongqing Vignette Collection, Chongqing.
•    Intercontinental Huzhou South Taihu, Huzhou.
•    Atwell Hefei Downtown, Hefei. 
•    Holiday Inn Ningbo Ninghai, Ningbo. 
•    Holiday Inn Jinan Daning Lake, Jinan. 
•    Holiday Inn Express Nanjing Confucious Temple, Nanjing.

These properties are intended are intended to expand IHG Hotels & Resorts presence in both established and emerging cities, including tier - one and tier - two locations. 

In addition InterContinental Taipei, located near Taipei Dome and Holiday Inn Shanghai Tourism Zone situated near Shanghai Disney Resort are scheduled to open in the first half of 2026. Both hotels are positioned to serve travellers seeking leisure and entertainment experiences. 

Other openings in the city include THE ONE Shanghai Vignette Collection , set to open adjacent to Shanghai core commercial and lifestyle districts, and Kimpton Shanghai 9 Tree Art Center that will open in a suburban area of the city, targeting guests interested in arts, culture, and nature.  

Further opening include Palm Springs Hotel Chengdu Vignette Collection in Chengdu, Hotel Indigo Chongqing Chaotianment in Chongqing, and voco Beijing Temple of Heaven in Beijing. These hotels are designed to incorporate local cultural elements into their design and guest experience. 

No additional details regarding the number of rooms or specific opening dates for each property were provided.

 IHG Hotels ^ Resorts ' Strategic Focus: 

•    Multi Brand Approach: Catering to different guest segments and travel motivations (business, leisure, short stays, longer stays). 
•    Local Adaptation: Implementing a “In China for China” strategy with local expertise and designs. 
•    Growth in Key Regions: Expanding in major cities and emerging tourist destoinations. 

The launch of these hoitels reflects IGH Hotels & Resorts’ ongoing investment in China’s growing travel market, aiming to provide a wide array of choices with new brands like Atwell Suites and strengthening its luxury portfolio.  

Link
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139625.html

Lopesan Hotel Group | Redefining Luxury Through Major, High - Investment with International Expansion in Madrid and Punta Cana

The Lopesan Hotel Group, based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria,, a major multidisciplinary Spanish company in hospitality, tourism and construction with a significant presence in the Canary Islands and internationally is redefining luxury through major, high - investment and with international  expansions in Madrid, Spain and Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, aiming for completion by 2026.

At the 2026 FITUR International Tourism Fair which took place in Madrid, the group unveiled an ambitious roadmap that signals a historic turning point for the company with the renovation of the Hotel Miguel Ángel in Madrid, marking a a high - profile entry into the urban ultra - luxury market with the upcoming reopening of this emblematic establishment situated in a privileged location near Madrid’s financial district and the in the exclusive Salamanca nedighbourhood, one of the most elegant areas in the Spanish capital.

To lead this flagship project, the Lopesan Hotel Group has appointed Nayra González as the new General Manager, recognized by Forbes Women as a leading figure in the hospitality industry, returns to the iconic hotel to oversee its transformation into a premier destination for luxury travellers in the Spain’s capital and largest city.  

In the Caribbean the group is currently developing a €320 million mega - resort with a man - made cenote, a revolutionary vacation ecosystem in the Dominican Republic, concretely at Playa Bávaro, a famed area of beach resorts in Punta Cana, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean on the island’s east coast, moving away from traditional Caribbean hospitality models.  

This massive project, set top open between April and May 2026, will introduce over 1.000 new rooms across three specialized resorts: 

•    The premium Caoba Lagoon. 
•    The adults – only Serenity Bay. 
•    The family – oriented Splash Cove Resort. 

A key differentiator for Lopesan Hotel Group is its handcrafted approach to development. CEO José Alba emphasized that the company avoids the standardized models of large publicity traded chains, opting instead for a bespoke design process where the ownership is directly involved in every detail, from the initial architectural concept to the final interior finishes.

This philosophy is reflected in the new Punta Cana complex, which features avant - garde landscaping such as an artificial cenote and pools that mimic the local Dominican topography and identity. 

Sustainability remains at the core of the company’s 2026 agenda. The Lopesan Hotel Group officially joined the Alliance for Regenerative Tourism of the Canary Islands, a high - level partnership with the regional government aimed at social and environmental restoration. 

This aligns with the group’s broader “Lopesan for Good” initiative, which targets total decarbonization by 2030 and utilizes renewable energy sources that already produce more power than its Gran Canaria hotels consume. 

Innovation is also driving the guest experience, with the company integrating Lopesan Artificial Intelligence (LIA) to personalize travel and optimize operations. Noteworthy successes include the Buffet Waste programme, which has already slashed food waste by 22%. 

By combining high - tech efficiency with a commitment to regenerative tourism and luxury craftmanship the Lopesan Hotel Group is positioning itself, as a leading, forward - thinking player in both the international resort and urban hospitality sectors. 

Key Expansion Highlights: 

Hotel Miguel Ángel, Madrid, Spain: The €250 million total renovation of the iconic hotel is underway on Paseo de la Castellana, with a projected opening in late 2026, targeting the urban luxury market. 
•    The Renovation: Led by Lopesan Hotel Group and Stoneweg Hospitality, the renovation aims to transform the hotel in a premier luxury destination in the Spanish Capital. The project aims aims to fully overhaul the 241 rooms to offer a contemporary, high – end, and “cutting – edge” guest experience. Refurbishment focuses on enhancing the property’s architectural and decorative concepts, upgrading to high – end modern luxury standards while prioritizing exclusive, high quality gastronomic offerings and specialized services. 

Resort in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic: A second massive, 1.000+ room resort is under construction next to the existing Lopesan Costa Bávaro Resort, Spa & Casino. This major €320 million development in Punta Cana targeted to open in 2026  features over 1.000 rooms, an artificial cenote, a waterpark designed by Amusement Logic, and a focus on luxury, family, eco - friendly amenities and will provide a 1.000 – guest convention center. 

Expansion Scope: The project includes three distinct hotel concepts: Lopesan Caoba Lagooin (Upscale, immersive design), Lopesan Serenity Bay (Luxury adults – only), and Lopesan Splash Cove Resort (family – oriented). 

Strategic Goals: 

•    Urban Luxury: Advancing in the Spanish capital, Madrid, with a high - end renovated property. 
•    Caribbean: Consolidating presence with a relevant investment in a very demanded destination like Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. 
•    Completion: Both projects are slated to be operational in 2026.

Link 
https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2026/01/21/lopesan-hotel-group-redefines-luxury-with-major-expansions-in-madrid-and-punta-cana/

AvantStay | Officially Opened a New 152 - Unit Hotel and Residential Property in Austin, Texas, U.S.

AvantStay, a short - term rental hospitality company and a full - service rental management group based in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, in collaboration with Pearlstone Partners, a real estate firm based in Austin, Texas that focuses on the development, investment, and management of real estate assets, has officially opened a new 152 - unit hotel and residential property in Austin, vibrant capital city of the U.S. state of Texas bordering the Hill Country region, located on the Colorado River between Travis, Hay, and Williamson counties, as well as with three lakes within the city limits : Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and Lake Walter E.Long.

The Code, a hybrid hotel and residential property, managed by AvantStay, providing professional management and concierge services is located at 2323 South Lamar Boulevard in the Zilker neighbourhood, a premier, highly walkable South Austin area, renowned for its immediate access to the 350 - acre Zilker Metropolitan Park, Barton Springs Pool, and Lady Bird Lake.

Located minutes form downtown, the neighbourhood offers a vibrant, outdoorsy lifestyle with upscale dining on South Lamar, coffee shops, boutiques, music venues, firness studios, diverse housing, and famous for iconic events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

The opening date of The Code was scheduled for February 23, a property accurately designed for both ownership and short – or extended - stay accommodations.

The establishment, marking the latest development for Pearlstone Partners and AvantStay in the Austin market, is positioned as an option for both travellers and buyers seeking flexible accommodations or investment opportunities in the Texas’ capital. 

The Code features 152 fully furnished boutique residences, including studios, one - bedroom, and two - bedroom units that include a full kitchen, in - unit laundry, and dedicated living spaces.

The property also includes two themed live - work suites, Montage and Zephyr, developed for larger groups and shared stays. Montage is designed as a gathering space for group and creative retreats, while Zephyr is oriented toward wellness and longer visits.

For extended stays, the establishment offers a collection of fully furnished residences available with a 30 - day minimum stay. Owners can place their residences in AvantStay’s management program to generate rental revenue when not in use.

The Code offers amenities and services include temperature - controlled pool an outdoor kitchen, a rooftop terrace, a 24 - hour concierge and check - in, secure parking, a dog wash and a pet park.

The ground floor includes a lobby lounge serving coffee and cocktails by Cuvée Coffee, retail spaces and areas focused on health and wellness, as well as a corner restaurant space planned to open later in the year.

Guest stays at the Code are now available for booking, and residences are currently being sold, with studios starting in the low $400.000s, one bedroom is the mid - $500.000s, and two bedrooms from the $800.000s. Three interior design palettes are available for buyers.

Link

https://www.thecodeaustin.com/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139645.html

Saudi Arabia | The National Centre for Wildlife Moved Endangered Species of Animals and Birds to a Sanctuary for Restoring and Conserving Biodiversity

The National Centre for Wildlife (NCW) in partnership with Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authorities moved 35 endangered animals and birds, including 10 Arabian oryx, 5 ostriches, and 20 houbara bustards to the Prince bin Salman Royal Reserve located between NEOM Project and Red Sea Project, in northwest Saudi Arabia, one of the six royal reserves which were established by royal order in June 2018.

 This Royal Reserve is home to dramatic landscapes, exceptional plant and animal biodiversity, and an 85.000 - year - old rich cultural heritage. The reserve spans about 23.500 sq. km, encompassing 15 ecosystems, covering 1% of Saudi Arabia’s terrestrial area and 1.8% of its marine area, hosting over of 50% of the Kingdom’ s marine and terrestrial species, making it one of the most biodiversity - rich regions in the area. 

 The sanctuary conducts research on the lives of rare species, using advanced tracking technologies to monitor the animals’ adaptatation, breeding, overall health within their natural habitat, and data collection to assess potential threats to wildlife.

 This initiative aims to restore and conserve biodiversity, reintroducing native species to their natural habitats, as part of a breeding program for endangered species, complying with the strictest international standards to upport long - term ecological balance and promote sustainable development as reported by Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The project aligns with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 enhancing eco - tourism and environmental protection, an initiatives that underscores the Saudi Kingdom’s commitment to restoring its natural landscapes and preserving its ecological heritage.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/arabia-saudita-traslada-35-especies-de-animales-y-aves-a-un-santuario-para-conservar-la-biodiversida/