Minor Hotels | To Open its First Colbert Collection Hotel in London, England, UK

 Minor Hotels , an international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry founded in 1978 and based in Bangkok, Thailand, will open in the United Kingdom its first Colbert Collection, located in London, the capital and largest city of England and Great Britain.

Scheduled to open in Q4 this year The five - star WestDill Mayfair Hotel London, Colbert Collection  is the first property under the Colbert Collection brand in the UK  The property is owned by the Royal Group of Companies, a prominent Singapore - based property investment and development firm founded in 1947, foxuses on premium hospitality, commercial, and residential assets.

This project marks the Singaporean group’s first hotel venture in Europe, a company that boast a large portfolio includes hotels in Asia and the Pacific region, as well as shopping malls, offices, industrial, and residential properties. 

The building hosting the hotel, formerly the NatWest Bank and offices was originally designed in 1922 - 23 by Sir William Curtis Green, the structure is now Grade II listed and is being converted into a hotel.

The hotel is located at the corner of Piccadilly and Albermarle Street in London’s Mayfair district, a historic street dating back to the 1690s, renowned as the site of London’s first one - way street and well known for the presenbce of the prestigious Brown’s hotel. Today it is a hub for galleries, fine dining and high - end luxury shopping, featuring brands like Cartier, Aquazzurra and the Royal Institution.

The very convenient and strategic hotel’s location provides access to several London attractions including Bond Street, Buckingham Palace, Green Park, Hyde Park, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus. and London’s West End and theatre district are nearby along with various trendy restaurants, and nightlife venues.

The property is a short walk from Green Park tube station, which offers access to Heathrow Airport, ans is also close to Victoria Srtation.

The WestDill Mayfair Hotel London, Colbert Collection  will feature 50 comfortable rooms and suites across six flooes, along with a restaurant and bar.

The hotel joins the Colbert Collection, a new premium “soft brand” by Minor Hotels launched in 2026, featuring independent, unique, luxury hotels allowing them to join a global  network while retaining their individual identities.

The brand is built on “the art of gathering”, “the art of place,” and “the art of taste,”emphasizing social connection, local heritage, and curated high - end dining experiences.

Minor Hotels currently owns another hotel in the the UK, the nhow London and also The Wolseley Hospitality Group, which operates restaurants in the country, including The Wolseley, The Delaunay, Colbert, and Zedel.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140979.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Portfolio Expansion of its Hyatt Studios Brand with the Opening of a New Property in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company besed in Chicago, Illinois has expanded its Hyatt Studios Brand portfolio with the opening of a new property in Jacksonville,  Jacksonville, vibrant city in the U.S. state of Florida, located on the Atlantic coast, a popular vacation spot since the 1800s, well known for its 35.5 kilometres of beaches, extensive park system, world - class fishing, historic neighbourhoods, family adventures, relevant museums, eclectic street arts scene, creative coastal cuisine, and delicious craft beers.

Hyatt Studios Jacksonville / St. Johns Town Center opening marks the latest addition to the Hyatt Studio Brand and expands the presence of Hyatt Hotels Corporation in a key market in the United States like Florida.

The property is owned by  3 H Group, Inc., a prominent developer of hotels, retail, residential real estate and office space, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and managed by LBA Hospitality, one of the leading hotel management, development, and consulting companies in the US, a group headquartered in Dothan, Alabama, specialized n the extended - stay segment.

The property is located at Gate Parkway and VLG Xing Drive in the Southpoint - Butler district of Jacksonsville, with access to I - 295 and SR - 202 (J. Turner Buther Boulevard), near major corporate ofices, medical facilities, shopping, dining, Jacksonville’s beaches, and the University of North Florida.

EventBank Field, Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, and Veteran Memorial Wall are 17 km away, Theatre Jacksonville and TIAA Bank Field are 18 km from the property, and Jacksonville International Airport is 38 km away.

Hyatt Studios Jacksonville / St. Johns Town Center features studio apartment - style suites with kitchens, complimentary Grab’n’ Go Breakfast, a 24/7 market, free Wi-Fi throughout the establishment,  a 24/7 fitness studio, approximately 600 square feet of meeting space, an outdoor patio with a fire pit and grill, self - service guest laundry, electric vehicle charging area and free - on - site private parking is provided. 

This is the third Hyatt Studios location developed by 3H Group, Inc., and operated by LBA Hospitality, following Hyatt Studios Huntsville and Hyatt Studios Mobile Tillmans Corner.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-studios/en-US/jaxst-hyatt-studios-jacksonville-st-johns-town-center

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140946.html

Radisson Hotel Group | Announced the Opening of a 171 - Room Radisson Blu Hotel in Almaty, Kazakhstan

Radisson Hotel Group, a multinational hospitality company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium  has announced the opening of a 171 - room Radisson Blu Hotel in Almaty, the former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan.

Almaty set in the foothills of the Trans - Ili Alatau Mountains, in southern Kazakhstan near the border with Kyrgyzstan, is a metropolis often regarded as the nation’s cultural and financial heart, known as the “Apple City” and  the “Southern Capital”, featuring a blend of Soviet - era architecture, vibrant green spaces a stunning backdrop of the Tian Shan Mountains, and also highlighted by the wooden Ascension Cathedral, Big Almaty Lake, the scenic Kok Tobe Hill, and a rich, diverse culinary scene.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Almaty Airport is located at Mailin Street 79B, 2.6 kilometres from Almaty International Airpor that recorded 12.5 million passengers in 2025, positioned a 25 - minute drive from downtown Almaty,  along the main route connecting the airport terminal to the city centre.

The property is positioned to serve business travellers, airline crews, government delegations and corporate guests and operates under a ffranchise agreement with NS7 LLP. 

Interior design reflect Radisson Blu’s Scandinavian - inspired aesthetic and the property features 171 comfortable rooms with a range of accommodations options, including junior suites, a presidential suite with panoramic views, and accessible rooms.

Dining options at the hotel include Mezzanine Restaurant, an all - day dining venue: Lobby Lounge & Bar; and F7 Skybar & Lounge, a rooftop restaurant with a terrace.

Amenities at he Radisson Blu Hotel, Almaty Airport include an indoor pool, a fitness centre, the SPA at Radisson, which covers 490 square metres, a dedicated cabin crew lounge, 285 metres of meeting space, a game room for children, and an on - site beauty salon.

The establishment joins the Radisson Blu brand rooted in Scandinavian design principles, blending an iconic, award - winning contemporary architecture with minimalist aesthetic. 

The brand includes upper upscale accommodations and a focus on modern amenities, emphasizing a unique dining experience, multipurpose workspaces and wellness facilities where guests can expect stylish spaces with an emphasis on comfort and a sense of belonging. Radisson Blu is also known for a 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee in Africa, Europe, and in the Middle East.

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Almaty Airport, is the third Radisson Hotel Group property in the city, following the launch of Sadu Hotel, a member of Radisson Individuals, in 2025, and the signing of Radisson Hotel & Residences Almaty.

Links

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-almaty-airport

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140952.html

Mohan, India | A Team of Scientists Discovered Rare 4, 5 million - Year - Old Freshwater Fish Fossils

A team of scientists from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WHG) have discovered rare 4,5 million year old (Pilocene) freshwater fish fossils in the Siwalik foothill near Mohand, a scenic forest area in India’s Uttarakhand state, within the Haridwar district and near Dehradun, a popular destination for eco - tourism, wildlife trekking, and nature stays in proximity of Rajaji National Park.

These fossils include three species such as: gobies, gouramis and snakeheads, found along with otoliths that allow their evolution to be studied. 

The discovery demonstrates that the Shivalik Valley boasted a calm, vegetaded freshwater habitat , marking the first such Pilocene record in the region, revealing ancient aquatic ecosystems and changes understanding of prehistoric biodiversity in northern India, challenging the idea that the land was dominated solely by terrestrial fauna.

Key Features of the Discovery:

·       Fossil Type: The discovery consists of fish otoliths (hard calcium carbonate ear structures) extracted from upper Siwalik sediments.

·       Identified Species: The taxa include Gobiidae indet, Trichogaster fasciata (dwarf gourami and Channa sp. (snakehead).

·       Global Significance: The T. fasciata (dwarf gourami) finding represents only the second known fossil record of the Osphoronemidae family globally.

·       Palaeoenvironment: The fish types suggest that the Pilocene Siwalik region was characterized by stable, calm water bodies surrounded by dense vegetation.

·       Significance for Research: While the Siwaliks are known for terrestrial ffossils, this find helps fill a critical gap in knowledge about South Asia’s past aquatic ecosystems.

The discovery highlights that the region, now known for the Himalayas, was a robust freshwater habitat millions of years go.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/descubren-f-siles-de-peces-de-agua-dulce-de-4-5-millones-de-a-os-en-el-norte-de-la-india/

Hai Phong, Vietnam | Actively Promoting an Internationalization Strategy in Basic Education

Hai Phong , known as Vietnam’s  “City of Flame Flowers” and its third - largest metropolis, a bustling northern port city blending French colonial architecture with industrial development and rich coastal scenery, seriving as a key cultural hub, featuring the historic Du Hang Pagoda, vibrant street life, and nearby Cat Ba island is actively promoting an internationalization strategy in basic education.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) this initiative piloting subjects such as foreign languages, artificial intelligence, and international competitions, is part of Vietnam’s national education reform.

Mathematics, science and chemistry taught in English languages in primary and secondary schools of Hai Phong are already frequent while Chinese and Russian are incorporated into elective system with the aim of strengthening students’ global integration capacity.

With this initiative Hai Phong seeks to maintain its leading position in educational quality at the national level, while ensuring that its academic outcomes are aligned with international standards, especially in key areas such as artificial intelligence, technology, and language learning.

Deputy Director of Hai Phong Education and Training Department Do Duy Hung pointed out that according to the national curriculum, students in grades 2 to 12 must take at least one foreign language. In addition to English, the learning of Chinese and Russian is actively promoted as optional subjects.

The move already achieved brilliant results, as An Dong Primary School, during the 2024 - 2025 school year, students won 148 national awards in international mathematics competitions. At the same time, the school has improved its infrastructure by incorporating “smart classrooms” and AI - assisted teaching tools to optimize educational effectiveness.

According to Vietnamese educator sector officials, local schools prioritize the training of outstanding talents and encourage the participation of students in international academic competitions to forge a new talented generation able to be competitive and successful globally.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/ciudad-vietnamita-de-hai-phong-impulsa-la-internacionalizaci-n-de-la-educaci-n-b-sica-se-centra-en-l/

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa | Emirates and Wesgro Have Signed a MoU to Drive Inbound Tourism to the City and the Province

Emirates, a premier global airline based in Dubai, UAE, known for its young fleet of Airbus A380,  Boeing 777 and its newest A350 aircraft and Wesgro, the official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency for Cape Twon and Western Cape have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of WTM Africa which took place in Cape Town. 

The two entities  formalized a partnership to boost inbound tourism to the city of Cape Town and the Western  Cape province situated on the south - western coast of the country bordering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, focusing on key growth markets including the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), Far East, and India.

The agreement was signed by Wesgro CEO Wrenelle Stander and Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa Afzal Parambil at the Emirates stand at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

The partnership supports Wesgro’s Growth for Job Strategy and complements Emirate’s plans to introduce a third daily frequency to Cape Town this summer operated by its newest aircraft type, the Airbus A350, making South Africa the only African nation served by all three aircraft type in the Emirates fleet, alongside the A380 and retrofitted Boeing 777. 

Emirates first launched services to Cape Town in March 2008 and has steadily expanded operations since, with high volumes of passengers recorded from Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas in recent years.

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) is a relevant priority for Emirates, a top performing global hub, ranked as the #1 airport in the world and best in Africa for 2026 by Skytrax that achieved a record 11.1 million passengers in 2025.

The aim of the partnership is to enhance visitor numbers to Cape Town and Western Cape promoting them  as leading destinations in the African continent.

Cape Town is a vibrant port city of South Africa's southwest coast located on a stunning peninsula facing the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, highlighted by a unique natural setting in the Floristic Region and beautiful landmarks like Cape Point and the Table Mountain.

The city offers a unique blend of urban sophistication, natural beauty, cosmopolitan charm, a notable culrtural scene, vibrant nightlife, and adventure with opportunities for relaxation, world - renowned cuisine and stays in stunning boutique hotels.

Western Cape, a province situated in the southern extremity of the African Continent with coasts bordering the Indian and the Atlantic oceans, is highlighted by diverse landscapes stunning coastlines with beaches and rocky shores, lush vineyards in the Cape Winelands, encompassing lands from the dramatic Cape Peninsula to the scenic Garden Route, known for its forests,  mountains and biodiversity.

Beyond passenger travel, Emirates Skycargo facilitates significant trade flows between South Africa and global markets, transporting fresh produce, including fruit, vegetables, seafood, and cut flowers, with farm - to - shop turnaround times of 24 to 48 hours.

Emirates Regional Manager for Southern Africa Afzal Parambil described Cape Town as one of the most consistently in - demand destinations on Emirates’ African network, adding that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will help unlock new growth opportunities and showcase the breadth of experiences Cape Town and the Western Cape province offer to travellers across, the airline’s global network.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/emirates-and-wesgro-sign-mou-to-drive-inbound-tourism-to-western-cape.html

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Tijuca National Park Confirms its Status as a Leading Tourist Destination in the Country

Tijuca National Park, an urban national park in the mountains of the city of Rio de Janeiro, part of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Preserve, administrated by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) has confirmed its status as a leading tourist destination in Brazil, and its pivotal role as the home of the world - renowned “Cristo Redentor” (Christ the Redeemer),  a majestic statue on Corcovado Mountain, xonsidered an iconic city's landmark. 

Recognized as the world’s largest urban rain forest, the Tijuca National Park is consolidated as the most visited site of its kind in Brazil once again, a condition maintained for the last 18 years, according to official sources.

The National Park covering roughly 15 square miles in Rio de Janeiro, features a vast and dense Atlantic forest, over 30 waterfalls, and dramatic peaks like the Corcovado and Pedra Gávea. The park is a major biodiversity hotspot, hosting over 1.600 plant species,  300+ species of mammals, numerous species of birds, and reptiles, alongside hiking trails, picnic spots., historic ruins, and functioning as a key environmental and tourist asset.

The park has access from various points in the city of Rio de Janeiro, including Alto da Buena Vista, Barra da Tijuca through the Furnas road, and Horto through Pacheco Leão Street. 

Data released by different media outlets, such as Globo and Brasil 247, specified that in 2025 the number of tourists visiting the park reached 4.907.563.

Such an amount, they stressed, confirms the privileged position of this protected space in the urban area of Alto de la Buena Vista in Rio, as one of the main environmental and leisure destinations of the country.

The park concentrates significant public investments aimed at modernizing infrastructure,  with different actions focus on safety and the improvement of tourist experiences in a context of growing dcmand for the main attractions.

According to Agência Brasil (ABr.) , a nationwide public news agenvy, run by the Brazilian government, the flow of visitors in the Alto Corcovado sector, home of the world - famous Christ the Redeemer, increased from 2.3 million in 2024 to more than 2.8 million in 2025.

The same news source said that the modernization plan including the installation of three new imported elevators in this sector of the Tijuca National Park, and the construction of a new panoramic viewpoint overlooking Rio de Janeiro are drivers to increase the visit of the park.  

In addition restoration and maintenance works are being carried out on the buttresses that support the rocky platform, along with containment work on slopes or ramps on the historic railway line and the access roads to the Christ the Redeemer monument.

Such works aims to reinforce structural safety and guarantee the preservation of the facilities in face of the intense flow of visitors.

In the opinion of Tijuca National Park, Director Viviane Lasmar, the management of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation prioritizes the public interest and environmental care, and the works in progress guarantee a technically rigorous and more inclusive modernization.

The Director said that this entity has protected the area for more than 160 years, and the two bodies are working hard to combine conservation in all the areas with an infrastructure that improves the quality of the visitor experience. 

Link 

https://infoturlatam.com/parque-de-la-tijuca-confirma-liderazgo-turistico-en-brasil/