MakeMyTrip | Expanding its Global Booking Options Adding Premier Inn Hotel Chain Portfolio into its Platform

MakeMyTrip Limited, an online travel company, headquartered in Gurgaon, India, founded in 2000, a group that provides online travel services including airline tickets, domestic and international holidays packages, hotel reservations and bus tickets has expanded its global booking options adding into its platform Premier Inn Hotel Chain portfolio.

The India based OTA has inked a deal with with Premier Inn, a British limited hotel chain and the UK’s largest, with a significant presence in Great Britain, Ireland, and growing operations in Germany, owned by Whitebread Plc, British multinational hotel and restaurant company headquartred in Houghton Regis, Dunstable with corporate office in London.

This strategic move enables Premier Inn’s more than 900 hotels in the UK, Germany ad Ireland to be booked on the MakeMyTrip platform giving Indian travellers more choice of accommodations in the mentioned European countries.

MakeMyTrip has been expanding its global hotel booking options over the past year by adding over 2.000 directly contracted hotels in 20 countries and its platform has a large customer base in India and South Asia.

Co - Founder and Group CEO at MakeMyTrip, Rajesh Magow, said that over the past twelve months, the company pursued a focused strategy to deepen its international accommodation offerings across key hubs, particularly in long haul markets such as the UK, Europe and the U.S.

Directr of Sales & Distribution at Premier Inn, Tim Sleep, stated that connecting with MakeMyTrips is an exciting addition to the group OTA partnership and growth. It will drive increased awareness across India and surrounding markets for the Premier Inn hotel chain.

Link 
https://www.travelmole.com/news/premier-inn-portfolio-added-to-india-based-travel-platform-makemytrip/

The Luxury Boutique Hotel Burg has Officially Opened its Doors in Leesburg, Virginia, U.S.

The luxury boutique Hotel Burg has officially opened its doors in Leesburg in and the county seat of Loudoun County, part of both the Northern Virginia region, located along the base of Catoctin Mountain and the Potomac River, this centre is a picturesque burg with a historic downtow highlighted by the presence of restaurants, cafes, bars, breweries, boutiques and chic décor stores.

The property in the heart of Virginia’s renowned wine and hunt country is located at 208 King Street in the core of historic Leesburg close to the lively Royal Street and Loudon Street, offering an easy access to local landmarks such Tally Ho Theatre, Morven Park and Hunting and Leesburg Animal Park, minutes from Catoctin Valley and Dullet International Airport is just 17 minutes away by car.

Hotel Burg stands as a sanctuary of timeless elegance and unparalleled warmth, a perfect blend of sophisitication and intimacy designed with a mix of Federal, Colonial and Italianate architecture styles across three buildings, one of which is a preserved 1885 historic house.

The hotel features 39 stylish, comfortable rooms including eight suites and a fine dining restaurant, The Huntōn, led by Chef Vincent Badice, focuses on open - fire cooking and featuring a menu that highlights local ingredients and seasonal dishes. 

The Diana Lounge, an all – day café and bar offers additional dining options, including signature sandwiches and handcrafted cocktails, while the Rooftop provides views of the captivating Virginia countryside and downtown Leesburg.

The establishment includes The Chase, a private member’s club offering amenities such as a speakeasy, flexible workspaces, and fitness facilities. The club also provides exclusive access to hotel facilities and it hosts events like wine tasting and art exhibitions.

For events Hotel Burg offers the Boardroom and Community Room, accommodating up to 18 and 100 guests, respectively and the Manor 1858, a nearby 22 - acres estate is available for weddings and private events.

The property offers a range of guest experiences, including complimentary transportation to local attractions and events. The hotel provides monthly programming in partnership with local businesses, such as workshops, demonstrations, shows and pop - up events featuring regional artisans.

Finally, Hotel Burg is offering a grand opening package with discounted rates and complimentary cocktails for stay from 1st August to 31st October 2025, subject to availability.

Links 
https://hotelburg.com/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137509.html

YOTEL | To Launch its First Property in Greece, Located in Central Athens

YOTEL, a tech - led hotel group based in London, England, UK, a firm made up of three brands such as YOTEL, YOTELAIR and YOTELPAD, created under the same model being smart by saving space and time to provide guests with a flawless experience will launch YOTELPAD Athens, its first property in Greece, located in the centre of the capital and largest city of the country,  Athens.

This 113 - key aparthotel set across three separate properties centrally located in Athens, marks the brand's debut in Greece, following the opening of YOTELPAD London Stratford in the British Capital and will preced further YOTELPAD developments in Southeast Asia and other key global markets.

Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, the project is being developed in partnership with Valpre Capital, an investment management firm based in London, focused on European Real Estate and Private Equity investments, which is overseeing the transformation of the three properties. 

The development includes these properties : 

•    Mitiadou - Situated steps from Syngatma Square and the historic Monastiraki district, making it perfect for leisure and corporate guests alike.
•    Peiraios - It is the flagship building, located in the fast – evolving Omonoia distrct, a historic hub experiencing a wave of urban regeneration and creative investments.
•    Iras - A property located in Neos Kosmos near Syngrou – Fix metro. It is very suitable for extended – stay business travellers seeking a more residential atmosphere with views of the iconic Acropolis.

Each property will feature YOTELPAD''s signature offerings, including Mission Control. Grab+Go, Wash+Go, and fully equipped gyms.

PAD's, including studios and one - bedroom apartments, will be designed for space efficiency and comfort for both short - terms guests and long - stay residents.

YOTELPAD is the newest concept of the company, located in city centres and resort locations, these condo – style residences are perfect for one - week to one - year stays, a brand characterized to give a feeling of "home" to the guests.

Chief Development Office at YOTEL, Rohan Thakkar said that the market is ready for innovative, branded extended - stay offerings. YOTELPAD Athens reflects the group confidence in this opportunity and YOTEL commitment to delivering smart, efficient spaces in the heart of the world's most exciting cities.

Managing Partner at Valpre Capital, Ahmad Hariri stated that Athens has the profile of a truly global destination with untapped potential in the extended - stay market. Partnering with YOTEL allows Valpre Capital to create something that feels fresh and international, while still staying true to the character of the city's vibrant neighborhoods.

Links 

https://www.yotel.com/en/press/yotel-announces-debut-in-greece-with-yotelpad-athens
https://boutiquehotelnews.com/news/hotel/yotelpad-athens-property/

Lesotho | New Tourism Sector Accreditation Programme to Enhance the Destination Competitiveness Launched

Lesotho, a landlocked country and kingdom encircled by South Africa, the largest of only three sovereign enclaves in the world, crisscrossed by a network of rivers in a scenic land of tall mountains and narrow valleys, an African destination offering adventure, authenticity and beauty, through LTDC, the Lesotho Tourism Development in partnership with Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, has officially launched the Tourism Sector Accreditation Programme. 

The launch of the program took place in Maseru, the capital and largest city of the country located on the banks of the Caledon River directly on the Lesotho - South Africa border and this initiative aims to elevate service standards, promote quality assurance, and enhance the country’s positioning as a competitive tourism destination.

The programme introduces a structured framework to accredit tourism business in line with internationally recognised benchmarks for safety, quality, and hospitality.

Designed to support business development and drive sustainable growth, the programme will provide clear service guidelines, promote accredited operators, and establish consumer protection mechanism. 

LTDC Acting CEO Mamello Morojele speaking at the launch of this relevant move, noted that the programme marks a new era of professionalism for Lesotho’s tourism sector. 

Stakeholders from the ministry and the Lesotho Council for tourism underscored the initiative’s role in aligning tourism services with national development priorities and fostering a trusted, inclusive, and investor - ready tourism environment.

Additionally, Lesotho's tourism development is positively influencing the national economy, particularly in terms of GDP, employment, and investments.

Lesotho is showing signs of recovery and growth, with a focus on enhancing service quality and promoting sustainable development. The country is experiencing a rebound in tourist arrivals, with projections to reach pre – pandemic levels by 2026.

Tourism development is positively influencing the national economy, particularly in terms of GDP, employment and investment and the African country is actively working to improve its tourism infrastructure, particularly roads leading to key attractions like Sehlabathebe National Parks. 

In addition the LOTIS, the online tourism information center is being developed to capture and analyze visitor data, including arrivals, trip characteristics, and accommodation statistics, providing valuable figures for understanding visitor trends and improving tourism planning, serving as a driver to implement new operative strategies.

Finally, the African country with notable efforts and various initiatives is actively working to elevate its competitiveness to be a leading destination in the regional tourism landscape.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/lesotho-launches-new-tourism-accreditation-programme.html

Belize | Announced its First Blu Carbon Pilot Project for Marine Conservation and Driving Climate Solutions

Belize has launched its first carbon pilot project to strengthen marine conservation efforts, and driving climate solutions, an initiative in partnership between the Government of the Central American country represented by the Ministry of Blue Economy and Marine Conservation, Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association and Brightwater, organization specializing on projects prioritize high quality, auditable initiatives focused on protecting, restoring, and expanding ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves and salt marshes to enhance biodiversity, mitigate climate change and provide social and economic benefits.

This initiative to develop the country’s first high – quality blue carbon focuses initially of the Turneffe Atoll, located southeast of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, off the coast of Belize, approximately 32.0 kilometres from Belize City, one of the three atolls of the Belize Barrier Reef, along with Glover’s reef and Lighthouse Reef, considered one of the Caribbean’s most diverse ecosystems. 

The project’s goal announced by a statement of Belize Government aims to be a model for scalable, science - driven climate action that delivers measurable emissions reductions, restoring mangrove and seagrass ecosystems, supporting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening the resilience of Belize’s coastal ecosystems and communities.

Speaking to the press, Minister of Sustainable Development Orlando Habet explained that the program will seek to finance the conservation of mangroves and seagrasses through the sale of certified carbon credits. This is a pilot investment to evaluate how the country can generate funds through the protection of these ecosystems, which are vital to capture carbon and mitigate climate change.

The Minister stressed that while Belize already has a carbon reduction bill pending approval in Parliament, initiatives like this could move forward independently to accelerate climate action.

This model follows the example of other similar mechanism, such as the “Blue Bond” , previously implemented in land projects.

Belize despite its small size possesses a rich biodiversity due to the variety of ecosystems, including rainforests, coral reefs, mangroves, cays, cave system and it is home to a large of species, many of them endemic or endangered.

The Central American’s well - known reef system the second largest in the world, eclared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considered a national icon.

Like the entire region, also Belize has threats derived from a high level of deforestation, pollution by plastics and chemicals, that affect reefs, climate change, coral bleaching and sea level rise, and poaching, especially jaguars and manatees. Despite that the country is very sensitive to preserve its natural heritage considered a national pride having an incomparable value.

Belize is recognized as a global leader in conservation, with over 36% of its land area under protection. This extensive network of protected areas includes national parks, nature reserves, and marine conservation zones. While the high percentage of protected land is commendable, challenges remain in ensuring effective management and connectivity between these areas.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/belice-anuncia-programa-de-carbono-azul-para-conservacion-marina/

Malaysia | Launching 2026 Medical Tourism Campaign to Boost International Healthcare Travel

MHTC, the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council has launched the Malaysia Year of Tourism (MYMT 2026) on 25th July 2025 in an event which took place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre officiated by Malaysia's Minister of Health and MHTC chairman, Dzulkefly Ahmad, who also unveiled its logo and tagline "Healing Meets Hospitality", with the popular Malaysian singer Siti Nurhaliza named as ambassador of the campaign, an initiative aimed to boost international healthcare travel.

This premier medical tourism campaign aims to position the South East Asian country as a premier medical tourism destination for international patients through a blend of medical care and hospitality seeking to attract health travellers coming from abroad by highlighting the nation's advanced medical facilities, infrastructure skilled professionals and holistic wellness offerings.

Recently Malaysia has established itself as a prominent destination for medical tourism, attracting patients seeking high - quality, affordable healthcare services, offering very competitive treatment costs.

The country boasts modern hospitals and clinics equipped with cutting - edge technology and avant - garde medical equipment ensuring patients receive top - notch care.

Compared to other popular medical tourism destinations like Singapore or the United States, Malaysia offers competitive and afforadable treatment options, making it an attractive choice for budget - conscious patients.

In 2024, Malaysia recorded 1.6 million healthcare travellers, a 14% increase year - on - year, generating 2.72 billion ringgit, approximately US$578 million in revenue, a 21% rise compared to 2023.

With the launch of MYMT 2026 the country aims to build on this growth, in line with MHTC's target on achieving 12 billion ringgit in revenue by 2030 in this segment. 

The campaign also featured the Flagship Medical Tourism Hospital Programme, which recognises four shortlisted institutions : Institut Jantung Negara, Island Hospital Penang, Mahkota Medical Centre, and Subang Jaya Medical Centre. 

All these hospitals have been selected for their performance in clinical care, innovation and international patient services and the winner will be announced in December 2025.

Malaysia's Minister of Health and MHTC chairman, said that Malaysia is no stranger as the medical tourism destination of choice, serving an array of healing journeys for healthcare travellers to choose from. 

Now, not only the country is focusing on modern medicine alone but is also exploring a more integrative healthcare, a holisitic ecosystem that blends modern medicine, wellness, traditional & Complementary Medicine and preventive care.

Link 
https://www.ttgasia.com/2025/07/28/malaysia-launches-2026-medical-tourism-campaign-to-boost-international-healthcare-travel/

Egypt | Reaching Historic Milestones with High Expectations for its Travel & Tourism Sector Growth

Egypt’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant boom, with record - breaking visitor numbers and revenue in 2023, 2024 and also in this part of 2025 reaching historic milestones  with high expectations for its Travel & Tourism sector growth.

The North African country is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with a more than relevant economic contribution in the nation GDP and a sustained surge in visitor spending.

This success is driven by a combination of factors, including its iconic history, emblematic historic sites, diverse natural attractions and popular seaside resorts, key elements are the allure of ancient Egyptian sites like the emblematic pyramids and temples, alongside the natural beauty and appeal of the Red Sea coast.

In addition to that the country is actively working targeting marketing campaigns aimed at international audiences to attract visitors, improving its air connectivity and infrastructure, creating a notable hotel offering and constantly in development, focusing on high –-value tourism, diversifying its offerings in terms of destinations, enhancing visitor experiences.

The country is also experiencing a solid collaboration between the Ministry of Tourism and various private sectors, and is focusing on high –-value tourism, diversifying its offerings in terms of destinations, enhancing visitor experiences.

All these factors that are undoubtedly helping to boost tourist arrivals, and they are all moves that represent key drivers for this successful resurgence of the Egyptian tourism industry.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has revealed record - breaking data for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector in 2024 marking the highest - ever contribution to the national economy, and 2025 forecast to surpass this record.

According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) developed in collaboration with Oxford Economics, a leading global economic advisory firm, providing data - driven insights and forecasts, the sector contributed EGP 1.4 trillion to Egypt GDP in 2024, accounting for 8.5% of the national economy.  

With a flourishing tourism and travel industry offering, looking ahead, 2025 is projected to set a new all - time high with a forecast of an annual growth of 4.9% and increase in the sector’s share to 8.6% of national GDP. This underlines the central role of Travel & Tourism in Egypt’s continued economic development and reflecting a very strong recovery.

2024 also marked the strongest year on record for visitor spending. International visitor expenditure reached EGP 726.9 billion, up 36.1% compared to 2019, while domestic visitor spending rose to EGP 449.9 billion, 31.8% above pre – pandemic levels.

This upward trend is set to continue with very high expectations. In 2025 international visitor spending is projected to increase to EGP 768.2 billion, and domestic spending is expected to reach EGP 460.6 billion, maintaining the country’s strong recovery and sustained demand across both international and local travel.

 In addition in 2024, the sector supported 2.7 million jobs, exceeding the 2019 peak. This growth is set to continue, with 2025 employment forecast top rise to 2.9 million, marking a 22.3% increase compared to 2019.

WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson, said that Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with record - breaking economic contribution and a sustained surge in visitor spending. 

These numbers reflect a sector on the rise, dynamic, resilient, and vital to the country’s growth.
With its rich cultural heritage, world - class attractions, and growing connectivity, Egypt continues to captivate travellers from around the globe. The government’s focus on investment, infrastructure, and sustainable tourism is clearly pay off.

In addition WTTC forecasts a decade of sustained expansion for Egypt’s Travel & Tourism sector. By 2035, the Egyptian tourism and travel industry is expected to contribute EGP 2.1 trillion to the national economy, accounting for 8.4% of GDP. Employment is projected to reach 3.8 million jobs, representing 10.5% of the total workforce, and highlighting the sector’s critical role in job creation.

Over the same period, international visitor spending is expected to rise to EGP 1.1 trillion, while domestic spending is forecast to reach EGP 627 billion, reflecting Egypt’s potential to become one of the region’s most vibrant and sustainable tourism economies.

Finally, Egypt’s tourism sector is thriving and with its robust resurgence is projected to continue growing, surpassing previous milestones in 2025 and beyond, driven by strong international and domestic demand. 

Link 
https://wttc.org/news/travel-and-tourism-in-egypt-reaches-historic-milestones