Antofagasta, Chile | Approved the $5 Billion Aguas Marítimas Project, the Country’s Largest Desalination Plant

Chile approved the $5 billion $5 Billion Aguas Marítimas project, the country’s largest desalination plant located in Antofagasta, a amjor port city and regional capital in northern Chile, famous for its extreme, hyper arid climate, its vital role as a global mining giant, and its proximity to a world - renowned atronomical area and stunning natural landscapes in the Atacama Desert.

The Environmental Assessment Commission (Coeva) of Antofagasta gave the green light to the Environmental Impact Study of the Aguas Marítimas project for the construction of the largest desalination plant in the South American country, according to information from El Maipo news agency.

The plan consists to build the infrastructure in the Caleta Bolfín, about 15 kilometres south of downtown Antofagasta and distribute treated water to the communities of Antofagasta, Calama, Sierra Gorda and La Negra industrial zones.

Construction start is expected in the first half of 2027 and commercial operations are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2029.

The initiative, which entered the evaluation system in March 2022, positioning itself as the largest economic project approved by the agency since 2018.

The infrastructure includes four water intakes, 18 pumping stations, a pipeline system of almost 480 kilometres and more than 300 kilometres of electricity transmission lines with a capacity of 700.000 cubic metres per day. 

The desalinated water will be destined both for human consumption and for productive activities such as mining, agriculture and industry, with the aim of covering the demand in areas that currently have limitations in access to drinking water.

This relevant environmental nod marks a major milestone in securing water infrastructure for northern Chile’s drought - prone, copper - rich regions.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/chile-aprueba-ambientalmente-la-mayor-planta-desalinizadora-del-pa-s/

Majagua, Cuba | Inaugurated a Solar Park with Battery Storage, the First of its Kind in the Country

Cuba has inaugurated a solar park with battery storage, then first of its kind in the Caribbean country, located = in the municipality of Majagua in Ciego de Ávila Province, a centre known for its strong rural traditions, cultural “fiestas guajiras” (red vs blue brands) and agricultural focus, particularly tobacco in an area bisected by the the Carretera Central highway. 

 According to information from Prensa Latina, the official state news agency, headquartered in Havana, the development is located at the Mayor General Ángel del Castillo Agramonte Solar Park, a facility, which now contributes five megawatts (MW) to the national power grid, marking a significant milestone as the first in Cuba to be backed up by one megawatt of energy storage through batteries.  

The project represents the beginning of the second stage of a 120 - ,egawatt donation made by the government of the People’s Republic of China to Cuba. 

During the process of construction and commissioning of the park, about twenty Chinese specialists participated together with Cuban constructions force. 

This development represents a technological innovation that reinforces the stability of the electricity grid in the area, marking a significant advance in the Cuban strategy of incorporating renewable energy sources with efficient backup solutions. 

Key Details of the Project and Strategy: 

•    Capacity: 5 MW photovoltaic plant with a 1 MW BESS component, designed to store energy and manage its discharge. 
•    Purpose: To smooth solar intermittency, bolster grid stability, and reduce the frequency of power outages. 
•    Broader Context: This is part of a large - scale initiative to move away from heavy reliance on imported fuels (with over 80% of power currently from oil products). 
•    Goal: The project serves as a model for future developments across the country. 

This development is part of a massive, Chinese - supported expansion to add 1.000 MW of solar power started in 2025 and continuing in 2026, featuring 55 new solar parks, with a goal of 2.000 MW total by 2028, supported by increased storage to combat daily power failures. 

As explained by the Director of the Integrated Project Directorate of the Electric Company of Ciego de Ávila, Daniel Carrasco Camejo, the system battery is used to guarantee the quality of the voltage, the regulation of the frequency and allows local autonomy in the event of failures in the electricity supply. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/cuba-estrena-parque-solar-con-almacenamiento-en-bater-as/

Nairobi, Kenya | Unveiled Plans to Develop Africa’s First Dedicated Sustainable Aviation Fuel Refinery

Kenya Airways, the flag carrier airline of Kenya, founded in 1977, after the dissolution of East African Airways, with its head office located in Embakasi, Nairobi, and its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Rubis Energy Kenya, part of the leading Pan African oil marketing company, Rubis Energie, have signed an agreement to develop Africa’s first dedicated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) refinery in Nairobi  near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) located in the Embakasi suburb, approximately 18 kilometres southeast of Nairobi city centre.

The planned facility with the support of technology provider Dragonfly targeting a 24 - month timeline to become operational, aligns with net  - zero 2050 goals with an investment of $70.5 to $82.2 million is designed to produce 32.000 metric tonnes of low - carbon fuel annually from local waste including used cooking oil, animal fats, and agricultural residues,  and strengthen Kenya’s ambitions to become a regional green aviation hub.

The objective is to reduce dependence of imported fuel, lower aviation emissions and provide a steady supply of SAF for KQ flights.

The deal was supported by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emanuel Macron during the Africa Forward Summit which took place in Nairobi.

The development comes as global airlines face mounting pressure to decarbonise operations and increase SAF adoption. For East African  tourism and aviation stakeholders, the project signals long potential for more sdustainable regional connectivity and lower - emission travel.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/kenya-targets-africa-s-first-dedicated-saf-refinery.html

Shanghai, China | ITB China - Leading Trade Fair in the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry - From 26th to 28th May 2026

Shanghai, sprawling city on China’s central coast, a vibrant metropolis highlighted by a mix of historic architecture and futuristic skyscrapers, a major hub for business, culture, finance and technology, as well as a world - class shopping destination, often called the “Magic City” or “Paris of the East” for its dynamic international feel of old and new,  will host from 26th to 28th May 2026 , ITB China, a leading trade fair in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. 

The fair is held at the Shanghai World Exhibition & Convention Center located at 1099 Guozhan Road, a venue equipped with state - of - the art infrastructure and technology, meeting the diverse requirements of exhibitors and visitors. Its central location in Shanghai makes ITB China highly accessible internationally and provides an attractive backdrop for the global gathering of the travel and tourism industry.

Organized by MB Exhibition Shanghai Co, since its launch in 2017 the fair has established itself as an indispensable B2B platform attracting exhibitors and professionals from around the world who come to network, explore business opportunities and exchange the latest trends and developments in the industry.

This three - day event connects over 900 global travel suppliers from 85 countries with thousands of top - tier Chinese and International buyers, offering deep insights into the various aspects of the global travel and tourism sector, enabling participants to discover the latest products, services, and innovative concepts and trends.

The fair showcases a wide range of the travel sector, from countries and destinations to tour operators, booking systems, and transportation, extending to hotels and other service providers aiming to enhance their customers’ travel experiences.

A significant focus is on Business Travel, which along with Leisure Travel, forms a central and profitable segment. With the globalization of the economy, business travel has increasing importance and IBT China serves as a strategic platform for exploring new trends, concepts, and collaborative opportunities in this area.

A state - of – the - art matchmaking system pre - schedules over 46.000 targeted business appointments between international suppliers and thousands of hand - selected hosted buyers.

The parallel ITB China Conference program features over 70 sessions across seven core tracks: China Outbound Travel, China Inbound Travel, Luxury Travel, Themed & Customized Travel, Hotel Accommodation, MICE Travel, and Travel Innovation. 

 The exhibition floor is categorized by major travel sectors, including National Tourism Boards (DMOs), airlines, cruise lines, luxury travel brands, MICE segment organizers, and urban mobility providers.

 A rich lineup of networking formats, such as the Opening Dinner, Aftershow Sundower, themed cocktail events, and exclusive tech gatherings like the Travel Innovators’ Gathering provide continuous relationship - building opportunities.

 In essence, IBT China is of great importance both for trade visitors and the general public, providing a unique opportunity to learn directly about travel destinations and gather inspiration for future trips.

 Links

https://platform.itb-china.com/#/home

 https://www.tradefairdates.com/ITB-China-M13546/Shanghai.html

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Links

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

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