IHG Hotels & Resorts | Set to Expand its Portfolio in South Asia with the Addition of New Holiday Inn Hotel in Ahmedabad, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK is set to expand its portfolio in South Asia with the addition of a new Holiday Inn hotel in Ahmedabad, the second largest city in the state of Gujarat located near the banks of the Sabarmati River in Western India.

This new development is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts's broader strategy to increase its presence in high - potential markets across India.

The hotel which is scheduled to open in third quarter of 2028, will be developed with Atihi Gokul Hotel Inns Pvt Ltd, a local hospitality company and will enter in the Holiday Inn brand, known for its welcoming spaces, heartfelt hospitality, and reliability, offering a consistent and comfortable stay for leisure guests, business travellers and families.

The upcoming Holiday Inn Ahmedabad will open its door in Ahmedabad, a city that has emerged as a major commercial, manufacturing and economic hub in India. It is the second largest producer of cotton of the country, due to which it was known as the "Manchester of India" along with Kampur.

The city contributes economically to various sectors, including automobiles, chemicals, textiles, petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals ,very active in the tertiary sector activities such as commerce, communication and construction and a leading gems and and jewelry exporter.

Ahmedabad also boasts a rich cultural and historic heritage with its historic centre, the old Ahmedabad declared a UNESCO World Heritage City in July 2017.

The hotel strategically located along Sarkhey - Gandhinagar Highway, aims to cater to business and transient travellers, offering proximity to corporate offices, educational hubs, government institutions, and IT parks.

The property will feature 150 rooms, part of Highline, a mixed - use development that includes residential and commercial spaces.

Facilites will include three dining options, an all – day dining restaurant, a Lobby Lounge, and one additional dining venue. The hotel will also offer a ballroom, fitness centre, swimming pool, and ample parking space.

Currently IHG Hotels and Resorts operates 50 hotels across six brands in India and with a strong pipeline of 63 hotels slaed to open in the next three to five year.

Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136825.html

Hilton | Opened a New Canopy by Hilton Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.

Hilton Worlwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia opened a new hotel of its brand Canopy by Hilton in Nashville, the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the seat of Davidson County, located on the Cumberland River, often known as "Music City", a centre with a creative spirit that flows into the area's myriad art galleries,  up - and coming fashion scene, historic landmarks, home of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Johnny Cash Museum, Ryman Auditorium, the famous "Grand Ole Opry" stage and radio show and the remowned Vanderblit University.

Canopy by Hilton Nashville Downtown The Gulch opened its doors on 16th June 2025 in the Nashville's Gulch neighborhood on the southwest border of the city's Central Business District, a vibrant upscale urban area known for its cultural attractions, chic hotels, high - end - fashion boutiques, trendsetting restaurants and urban development and redevelopment.

Located at the intersection of the lively Division Street and Overton Street the hotel enters in Canopy by Hilton brand characterized by comfort, vibrant dining, sophisticated spaces, and rooms designed for rest. 

The new establishment is designed to reflect the local character incorporating elements such as reclaimed metal for interior doors, denim - and - leather headboards, and concrete ceilings.

The property features 181 rooms and suites, accurately designed to integrate the local industrial heritage and urban sophistication into its aesthetic, every guest room feature a wooden canopy over each bed, a signature design element of the Canopy brand.

The new hotel offers a variety of culinary experiences, with five distinct dining options available on - site include a local brewery revival, a rooftop garden specializing in agave plants, and a range of dining establishments serving local and international cuisine.

Silo, a modern gastropub, is set to open shortly and will feature the largest ground – floor patio in the Gulch area, while COA is a rooftop restaurant offering traditional Mexican cuisine with an agave spirit selection, expected to open later this year.

Canopy by Hilton Nashville Downtown The Gulch also offers high - end amenities, including Apotheke bath products and artisanal mini - bars.

Guests can access a large fitness centre and discounted classes at a nearby boxing gym. The hotel has partnered with American Paint Hat to offer custom handcrafted hats displayed around the front desk and available for purchase.

The property provides complimentary downtown shuttle service in a Rivian house car for transportation. 

The new Canopy by Hilton hotel is part of the Hilton Honours programme, allowing members to earn points through their stays and enjoy benefits such as flexible payment options and free Wi – Fi when booking through Hilton's channels.

Link 
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bnaglpy-canopy-nashville-downtown-the-gulch/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136944.html

Scandic Hotels | Opened The Dock 69°39 by Scandic, a New Hotel in Tromsø, Norway

Scandic Hotels, a renowned Swedish hotel chain based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1963 as Esso Motor with in its operations mainly in the Scandinavian countries, a pioneer within sustainability with the majority of its hotels certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel requirement opened the The Dock 69°39 by Scandic, a new hotel in Tromsø, famous city located on the island of Tromsøya situated in the Tromsø,ysundet strait, just off the mainland of Northern Norway, a renowned gateway to discover the stunning islands of Kvaløya and Ringvassøy and the beautiful Lyngenfjord region.

This opening marks Scandic's third signature hotel in Norway adding 305 rooms to its existing operations in the Norwegian city, a development that nearly doubles the company's presence in Tromsø, where it already operates two hotels with a combined total of 390 rooms.

The hotel is located at Skansegata 7 in the Vervet district, a historic site that previously housed Tromsø Shipyard, where the ships used in the polar expeditions undertaken by Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen amongst other explorers, were maintained and prepared for the polar expeditions and it is now an area in transformation with a project includes 400 new flats, outdoor spaces, a public park into the tidal zone and a public plaza branching out into a seafront promenade.

The Dock 69°39 by Scandic spans 12 floors with a total area of 17.300 square metres featuring 305 comfortable rooms, The Upper Dock Brasserie & Bar located on the 10th floor, a rooftop bar, a wellness area with sauna, 8 conference and meeting rooms with capacity for 8 - 200 people. 

The establishment is built according to the BREEAM Excellent environmental certification standards, signifies a building's outstanding sustainability performance, achieving at least 70% across all BREEAM categories. This tier goes beyond basic sustainability, requiring innovative solutions and significant improvements in areas like energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management.

The hotel is certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, the official sustainability ecolabel from the Nordic countries introduced by the Nordic Council of Ministers in 1989 covering different product groups , from hand soap to furniture to hotels, a voluntary license system in which the applicant agrees to follow criteria outlined by the Nordic Ecolabelling include environmental, quality and health arguments.

The property incorporates several sustainability features, including carpets made from recycled fishing nets and a heated rooftop running track designed for year - round use.

 This opening marks Scandic's third signature hotel in Norway. Other signature hotels in the company's portfolio include Hotel Norge by Scandic in Bergen, and Grand Hotel Oslo by Scandic in Norway, as well as Downtown Camper by Scandic and Haymarket by Scandic in Sweden, and Marski by Scandic in Finland.

Links 
https://www.scandichotels.com/en/hotels/the-dock-69-39-by-scandic
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137015.html

Jalisco, Mexico | Announced a $1 Billion Investment in Constructing 38 New Hotels Across the State

Jalisco, a western Mexican state fringed by the Pacific Ocean and highlighted by the unique landscapes of the Sierra Madre Occidental that with jagged mountains dominates rolling agave fields and picturesque villages and hamlets, a land boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage visible in its outstanding colonial architecture and relevant archaeological sites, announced a $1 billion investment in constructing 38 new hotels across the state.

 Private investors have committed to investing this very relevant sum to add 4.578 rooms across the Mexican state, an initiative, set to unfold between 2025 and 2028 that will increase Jalisco's hotel capacity, a significant development for the local tourism and hospitality sector.

The investment will be distributed among several global and local brands, as well as independent properties.

InterContinental Hotels Group also known as IHG Hotels & Resorts, renowned British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK is set to operate seven new hotels with an investment of $165 million.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American hospitality group headquartered in Tysons, Virginia plans to spend $90 million on four properties and Marriott International, American hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland has allocated for its expansion $65 million.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation another hotel group from the United States headquartered in Chicago, Illinois will invest $295 million in three properties in Puerto Vallarta,  famous resort town on the Pacific coast.

Additional investment include $45 million by ME, brand of Meliá International, Spanish hotel chain based in Palma de Mallorca, $26 million by NH Guadalajara Suites, part of Minor Hotels,operator headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand.

$15 million will be invested by Four Points by Sheraton linked to Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, American international hotel chain owned by Marriott International and $230 million by Chablé El Tezcalame Tomatlán,  linked to Chablé Hotels, a Mexican collection of luxury hotels and residences that focuses on redefining wellness and honouring the natural landscapes where they are located.

The Brada Collection often associated with the CDSHotels brand, offering various amenities, including spas and wellness centre will invest $8 million in two hotels.

Other investments include Serenzzo Tapalpa at $2 million, Shaalam San Juan Cosalá at $6 million, Suite Liveup at $20 million, and World Hotels at $13 million. Furthermore, eight independent hotels will collectively invest $100 million.

These investments are strategically located across various key destinations within Jalisco state, including the Guadalajara metropolitan area, Puerto Vallarta and Costalegre.

This expansion is part of a broader economic growth strategy led by the state government, aiming to bolster Jalisco as a leading destination for domestic and international tourists, with the state that is experiencing a tourism boom with significant increases in visitor numbers and economic impact.

In the first four months of 2025, the state welcomed 11 million of visitors, recording a 1.6% increase year - over - year.

Jalisco's tourism sector is expected to play a crucial role in its economic development, to exceed 90,000 hotel rooms 2030. 

The state also benefits from a strong infrastructure, including two international airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, which support domestic and international travel.

The timing of these hotels opening is strategically planned to coincide with major upcoming events, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to attract over 2.5 million visiotrs to the region. 

12 of the 38 hotels are scheduled to open before the tournament begins, positioning Jalisco to capitalize on the influx of international visitors and starting a further step to elevate itself as a tourist hub of notable relevance in the region.

Link
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136846.html

Akagera National Park, Rwanda | Targeting $4.9 Million in Tourism Revenue This Year

Akagera National Park, Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah - adapted species in Rwanda, hugging the border with Tanzania, characterized by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah, highlighted by varied terrain shelters including elephants, lions, zebras and hundreds of bird species is targeting $4.9 million in tourism revenue according to a report by Africa Parks, the organisation that manages this protected area.

The projection follows a 3% decline to $4.7 million in 2024, despite recording some 2.000 more visitors than in the previous year. The decrease was mainly attributed to reduction in average spending per visitor, impacted by health concerns and temporary facility closure.

The Funding and Reporting Manager at Akagera National Park, Jean - Paul Kariganire explained that the outbreaks od Marburg and Monkeypox diseases in the last quarter of 2024 led to cautions visitor behavior, with tourists spending less during their stays and the temporary closure of Karenge Bush Camp for three months due to facility upgrades further affected earnings.

The Manager told The New Times newspaper that Akagera National Park commend the swift and coordinated response of the Rwanda Government, especially the Ministry of Health, in carefully handling these outbreaks and minimizing their impact on tourism.

Data provided reflect that in 2023 the park had welcomed more than 54.000 visitors, including 3.000 community guests who generated $4.8 million in tourism revenue, while in  2024 Akagera National Park received more than 56.000 visitors, including more than 48.000 paying guests, Rwandian citizens made up 45% of the paying visitors and the park generated $4.7 million in revenue.

The Funding and Reporting Manager at Akagera National Park said that the efforts by RDB, the Rwanda Development Board and the Visit Rwanda initiative played a key role in boosting visitor numbers.

The increase in visitors shows a strong interest in Akagera National Park, and these challenges highlight the resilience and adaptability of the national tourism industry.

 The Manager stated that to achieve the revenue target of $4.9 million in 2025, the park plans to focus on improving the quality of visitor experiences, encouraging longer stays, and promoting leisure activities within the park and the aim is to foster meaningful connections between visitors and the natural environment.

A local Tour Operator, Jeanette Rugero Murekateke to encourage tourists to stay longer said that consistent innovation and quality service are essential explaining that as tour guide is important visitors receive full information and the best service possible about the beautiful Rwanda so that they become country’s ambassadors.

The Tour Operator stressed that while these additions help extend tourists’ stay that conserving existing sites and making them sustainable is key to ensuring Rwanda remains a desirable destination for generation to come.

Concerning other information about the park, the New Times has recently learnt about the plans which are underway to translocate white rhinos to Akagera National Park.

According to the African Parks organisation, in late 2023 it acquired the world’s largest captive rhino breeding operation in South Africa and launched the Rhino Rewild Initiative, an effort top relocate over 2.000 rhinos to safe, protected areas across the African continent.

Rwanda’s tourism generated $647 million in 2024, and the Government targets some $700 million in 2025 and the national parks are an important resource of income for the country. 

The national parks experienced a 10.7% increase in visitors and 8.5% growth in revenue, reaching 138.000 visitors and $38.8 million in park - generated income. Nyunwe National Park led the growth with a 20% increase in visitors, followed by Volcanoes and Akagera National Park.

Link 
https://allafrica.com/stories/202506060021.html

Cascais, Portugal | Digital Sustainability Platform to Reduce the Ecological Footprint of all Tourists Visiting the Municipality Launched

Cascais, famed town in the Lisbon district, located on the Estoril Coast, well known for its stunning beaches, and historic role as a seaside resort for the Portuguese royal family and nobility, a very lively and cosmopolitan centre that still preserve a great deal of its earlier aristocratic atmosphere launched a digital sustainability platform to reduce the ecological footprint of all tourists visiting the municipality.

The Cascais For Tomorrow project, which has just been presented by the municipality, has the goal to turn each visit to Cascais into an opportunity to generate positive impact and reinforce the commitment to sustainable development.

Cascais Tourism, in partnership with Breeze, a company specialising in sustainable tourism solutions, known for its comprehensive platform for enhancing climate impact through data automation, accurate calculations, and streamlined reporting launched this project that aims, in addition to tourists, to also support event organisers to take advantage of this service to measure the environmental impact of their stay and compensate it by supporting local projects in Cascais.

Created with with technology provided by Breeze, the calculator converts users' travel choices into a certain cost per ton of emissions, offering a personalized service for each user, with the specifics  of their trip or event. 

Cascais City Council revealed that through this digital platform, they will be able to calculate precisely what they can manage to help with environmental protection during stays tourists considering factors such as accommodation, food and transport.

In addition it will be possible to take concrete measures to reduce this environmentgl impact through investment in projects managed by Cascais Ambiente, organization that develops consistent work in the area of innovation and operational optimization in the environmental sector, which include, reforestation, biodiversity restoration, conservation and sustainable use of the soil in the municipality.

Link  - https://www.publituris.pt/2025/06/02/cascais-lanca-plataforma-digital-da-sustentabilidade

Samaná, the Dominican Republic | Construction Work Progresses to Enhance the Destination's Appeal

Samaná, a province on the Dominican Republic's northeastern Atlantic coast, primarily encompassing an idyllic Caribbean peninsula, an eden of natural beauty and biodiversity, distinguished by its lush, mountainous terrain and white – sand beaches among them the world renowned Playa Rincón considered among the best in the world, framed by coconut trees that invite relaxation is experiencing constructions work progresses to enhance furthermore its unique appeal as a leading destination in the region.

President Luis Abinader and the Minister of Tourism, David Collado, inaugurated some relevant works in Samaná, including the emblematic Malecón, the boardwalk of the Santa Bárbara de Samaná with an investment that exceeds RD$553 million.

This intervention included the works of the entire 1.3 kilometre seafront of the municipality of Samaná, as well as the sanitation of the ravines, a set of hydraulic solutions in order to mitigate the floods that occur in this area in times of heavy rainfall, a project that also contemplates the comprehensive rescue of the urban and leisure space of the boardwalk.

The construction of the Urban and Maritime Promenade includes 1.115 metres of bicycle path, polished concrete benches and chairs, polypropylene fiber concrete waxes with universally accessible ramps, renovation of the existing central island and viewing platforms, as well as the construction of sandbanks for children's enjoyment and vertical and horizontal signage.

The development also integrated a service area with sales modules measuring 10 square metres each, equipped with a stove, sink, freezer, oven, griddle, gas tank, tables, chairs and umbrellas.

Further works part of the developmemt created two restroom modules, each measuring 16.80 square metres, a Politur office, two warehouses and the Bay of Lights has also been built as a recreational area among other facilities.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Santa Bárbara boardwalk, President Luis Abinader highlighted the works and investments that the government has made in the province of  Samaná.

The Minister of Tourism, David Collado after recommending taking care of the works that the government executed such as the reconstruction of the Malecón in its main municipality said that the future of Samaná, highlighting the impact of the works on the growth of tourism in the municipality of Santa Bárbara and the rest of the province of  Samaná.

The Minister added that the presence of the institutions is to fullfill the government commitment thanks to the decisive support of President Luis Abinader Corona, marking from now on, a before in the development of tourism in Samaná.

In addition to the boardwalk, President Abinader and Minister Collado also inaugurated the remodelling of the Santa Bárbara de Samaná parish church, whose reconstruction costs RD$ 24.042.045.

The reconstruction of the church consisted of the intervention of the physical infrastructure and exterior areas of the iconic church, to revalue this work in a surface area of 2.240 square metres in turn to contribute to the Religious Tourism of the province.

The development included mahogany presbytery cladding, stained glass windows on main access doors allegorical to the 12 apostles, manufacture of religious images, creation of a new space for sacristy, and air conditioning in the sacristy and chapel.

On the outside, waxes and containments were built, and other works included the completion of the perimeter fence and lighting, stone grottos and allegorical image of San José and the Santa Bárbara, cobblestones of the vehicular access, as well as ramps for the disabled in the main access, the creation of internal pedestrian paths and implementation of solar panels.

These projects demonstrate the Dominican government's commitment to the development of the tourism sector and the improvement of infrastructure in different areas of the country, in this case Samaná, seeking to enhance the destination's appeal, attracting more visitors and generating a positive impact on the economy.

Link
https://acento.com.do/turismo/presidente-abinader-y-ministro-collado-inauguran-reconstruccion-de-malecon-y-otras-obras-en-samana-9505621.html

Istanbul, Turkey | Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Dome is Undergoing a Complete Restoration

According to TGA, the Turkish Tourism Promotion, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque dome is undergoing a complete restoration, the interventions in the iconic building, a former church serving as major cultural and historical site in the capital of Turkey, Istanbul correspond to the most ambitious phase that the monument has been targeting.

Hagia Sophia, an important Byzantine structure in the largest Turkish city, and one of world's great monuments was built as a Christian Basilica in the 6th century under the direction of the Emperor Justinian I. In subsequent centuries it has seen the arrival of various civilizations, cultures and eras of history, it became a mosque, a museum, and a mosque again and is part of the Historic Area of Istanbul, a property inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

The building reflects the religious changes that have played out in the region over the centuries, with the minarets and inscriptions of Islam as well as the lavish mosaics of Christianity. 

With almost 1.500 years of history, this jewel in the beating heart of Istanbul became the quintessential model for Eastern Orthodox church architecture and its architectural style was emulated by Ottoman mosques a thousand years later. It served as an architectural inspiration for many other religious buildings including the Hagia Sophia in Thessaloniki, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, the Sehzade Mosque,  the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the Kiliç Ali Pasha Complex.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque has already managed, in just three years, to renovate and reinforce a large part of of the architectural mass of marble and today, the project continues with the ambitious phase yet: the complete restoration of its flagship dome, which is 31.7 metre in diameter and 55.6 metre high from floor level, supported by the arches between piers called pendentives which were unique at those times.

Renowned for its stunning mosaics and beautiful Islamic calligraphy, showcasing the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who created this masterpiece, the soil mixture of the dome consists of only mortar and brick. From time to time, restorations have been done to strengthen the structure.

The current interventions in the Hagia Sophia are structural in nature and are being promoted through the Turkish Government's heritage conservation programme, aimed at ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The restoration of the dome will reinforce the structure, in order to make it more resistant to earthquakes, keeping intact its original shape and the integrity of its Byzantine elements.

The TGA explained that this intervention is part of an ambitious conservation project that began three years ago with the restoration of other structures of the monumental complex, such as the tombs of Sultans Mehmed III, Selim II and Murad III, the Sibyan Mektebi, the Ottoman children's and Muvakkithane, the clock room, revealing that the upper gallery has already been reopened to the public after a cleaning and maintenance.

In addition, a complete digital replica of Hagia Sophia was also created using 3D technology, which will allow a more accurate documentation of the evolution of Hagia Sophia and facilitate future conservation work.

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/06/27/cupula-da-hagia-sophia-recebe-restauracao-completa