Hilton | Announced Plans to Develop a Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Residences in Dubai Islands, UAE

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American hospitality company headquartered in Tysons, Virginia,  has announced plans to develop a Waldorf Astoria hotel and residences in Dubai Islands (formerly Deira Islands), a set of five, man - made, waterfront, mixed - use islands off the coast of Deira, in Dubai, UAE, designed to redefine coastal living, developed by Nakheed Properties, a real estate development company based in Dubai, featuring luxury hotels, resorts, beaches, and high - end residential developments, aiming for completion in the late 2030.

For the development Hilton has signed an agreement with Avenew Development, a Dubai - born real estate innovator crafts modern lively spaces that seamlessly integrate technology, sustainability, and thoughtful design, a firm characterized by a philosophy to redefine real estate by anticipating future trends.

The project will bring the Waldorf Astoria brand to Dubai Islands and marks a significant scaling of Avenew Development’s development portfolio, representing the second company branded residential on Dubai Island and its sixth overall development within the master- planned waterfront community.

The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Islands hotel will feature 150 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites complemented by a curated selection of dining experiences including a rooftop restaurant, an all - day dining venue, a specialty restaurant, a signature bar, a pool lounge, and the celebrated Peacock Alley. Additional facilities will include an outdoor pool, a dedicate’ kids’ pool and club, a fitness studio, as well as a spa.

Waldorf Astoria Residences Dubai Islands will consists of 120 brandesd residences, offering ultra - luxury, fully serviced living, combining private, high - end residential units with the amenities and services of a 5 - star Waldorf Astoria hotel. Features typically include 24 0 concierge, in - residence dining, valet, private, secured entry, and access to exclusive spa, lounges and fitness centre. These furnished apartments will provide owners with access to personalized services and amenities, as well as full use of the hotel’s facilities.

The hotel and residences will join the Waldorf Astoria Brand, which features a sense of “place” that reflects local culture, excellence in service, and luxurious amenities, combined with stunning architecture, curated art, and fine dining, offering unique and memorable experiences. 

No specific timeline or opening date for the hotel or residences was provided in the announcement.

Links

https://stories.hilton.com/emea/releases/avenew-development-and-hilton-announce-waldorf-astoria-dubai-islands-and-waldorf-astoria-residences-dubai-islands

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139757.html

Corinthia Hotels | Revealed Plans to Develop a 58 - Key Luxury Resort in Menaggio, Lake Como, Italy

Corinthia Hotels, a luxury brand based in London, England, UK,  known for its “Grand Boutique” style, blending historic landmark buildings with modern, bespoke luxury, exceptional dining, and comprehensive wellness revealed plans to develop a 58 - key luxury resort in Menaggio, an elegant and stylish town on the western shore of the idyllic Lake Como.

Menaggio is a verry popular destination serving as a central, bustling hub on the Lario known for its scenic, flower - lined promenade,  a renowned lido with swimming pools, the charming square Piazza Garibaldi with its captivating cafes, gelaterias and fine restaurants, stylish villas like Villa Mylius - Vigoni, abn iconic course, excellent ferry connections, close access to hiking in the surrounding Pre - Alps mountiainous landscape and facing the stunning Bellagio.

For the operation of the resort, named Corinthia Lake Como, the hotel company has entered into a partnership with RoundShield Partners, a leading credit investment manager based in London, Egland, UK, focused on European asset - backed credit opportunities and private capital solutions, and Kervis SGR S.p.A, a real estate investment specialist established in 2011 headquartered in Milan, Italy, a group that invests, develops and manages investments across multiple assets classes on behalf on international investors.

The property is owned by the Putter Fund, a specialised real estate investment focused on acquiring, developing, and restoring high - value properties, and is being developed by Kervis SGR S.p.A., the asset manager of the Putter Fund, which is fully invested by RoundShield entity. According to the announcement, Kervis SGR S.p.A. manages over €1.5 billion in asset.

Construction of the resort is expected to begin after final planning approvals are obtained and the Corinthia Lake Como will be the second property for the Corinthia Brand in Italy, joining the Corinthia Rome.

The resort is scheduled to open in late 2028 and will be located next to Italy’s second - oldest golf course, the Menaggio & Cadenabbia Golf Club, an 18 – hole course surrounded by greenery in atmosphere of English tradition, situated in the foothills of the suggestive and scenic Pre - Alps.

The luxury property described as a fully integrated resort with a design that is intended to provide views of surrounding mountains and lake will feature 58 rooms and suites planned to be integrated into the natural countours of the land, three branded residences, with public spaces distributed across three villas that will house the lobby, lounge and golf club.

Plans for the resort also include dining facilities, spa, wellness and a lakefront beach club with direct access to the water at the widest part of lake Como.

Links

https://www.corinthia.com/en-gb/latest-news/corinthia-lake-como-announcement/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139690.html

My Place Hotels of America, LCC | Unveiled the Opening of a New Property in Mesa, Arizona, U.S.

My Place Hotels of America, LLC, an extended stay hotel franchisor based in Aberdeen, South Dakota, U.S., focusing on franchising clean and comfortable hotels with modern rooms, amenities, and excellent customer service, all at an affordable price, has unveiled the opening of a new hotel in Mesa, a lively city and a thriving hub of technology and industry just east of Phoenix in the U.S. state of Arizona.

Mesa is also known to be the gateway to the the stunning Sonoran Desert and Tonto National Forest, inviting travellers to explore its scenic waterways, enjoying kayak through winding canyons, or paddleboard along the Salt River and for a one - of - a kind desert adventure, riding the waves at Revel Surf at Cannon Beach, the country’s first surf park of its kind.

In the fast growing market of Mesa, the company has opened My Place Hotel - Phoenix East/Mesa, AZ marking the third My Place Hotel in as many year, developed by Opwest Partners, a multidisciplined real estate investment and development company based in Phoenix, AZ in collaboration with Iridius Capital, a real estate firm, involved in the acquisition of real estate assets headquartered in Tucson,AZ. 

The property is  managed by Legacy Management, a company based in Aberdeen, SD, providing operational support to their portfolio of hotels and managing processes on behalf on the hotel owners.

Located along U.S. 60, at 1555 South 105th place, the hotel provides convenient access to the Mesa Gateway Airport, Loop 101, and many more attractions throughout the Valley of the Sun.

The 86 - key property showcases My Place Hotels’ latest prototype innovations combined with the proven, practical guest experiences features that make the brand an industry leader in consistient guest satisfaction.

Guest rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat - screen TV and full kitchens in every rooms alongside a private bahroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Signature amenities include a 24 - hour My Store, guest laundry, and  grilling pavilions.

Co - founder & CEO of My Place Hotels, Ryan Rivett said that the Opwest/Iridius joint venture is a diligent, professional team with diverse development interest, and they execute well. After opening three locations relatively quickly, is a pleasure to see about them hitting their goal of 20 in the next several years. This partnership, this market, and the operating team running this location are a recipe for success.

Principal and managing director at Opwest Partners, Tyler Kent, stated that there are a lot of options in the hotel space today and balancing market availability with product - fit can be challenging. Every aspect of this product in this market just makes sense, and the company is confident that its guests will feel the same.

EVP of Legacy Management Tony Lunzman, said that My Place Hotels is known for delivering an exceptional guest experience, and Mesa’s group  team is ready to uphold that promises. This is a diverse and growing market, attracting both business and leisure travellers and the company is excited to welcome them and build lasting relationships.

My Place Hotels continuing its growth nationwide has established its presence across 31 states with over over 120 hotels in the pipeline, offering two hotel brand options to current and potential franchises.

Links

https://www.myplacehotels.com/travel-blog/my-place-and-opwest-partners-open-third-extended-stay-hotel-in-three-years-with-new-mesa-az-property

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139658.html

Muna Island, Indonesia | Archaeologists Discovered World’s Oldest Known Cave Art

A team of archaeologists, have discovered the world’s oldest known cave art on Muna Island, an idyllic island in the Southeast Sulawesi province of Indonesia, known for its diverse culture, limestone karst formations, hilly terrain, dense teak forests, along with stunning natural features like Meleura beach, Napabale saltwater lagoon, and various freshwater springs.

The discovery was made in the Liang Metanduno limestone cave, believed to be the world’s oldest known example of cave art, dated at least 67.800 years old, as reported by Xinhua News Agency. 

The artwork consists of reddish - coloured hand stencils with uniquely modified, claw - like, or pointed fingers. 

The found hand stencil is considered globally distinctive due to its modified appearance: the finger outlines were deliberately narrowed after the image was created. Scientists suggest this alteration may reflect a much earlier and deep tradition of symbolic practices, human expressions or cultural meaning among early human populations in the region than previously known.

Scientists determined the artwork’s minimum age using uranium - series dating of microscopic layers that formed on and beneath the pigment. 

According to an accurate study, the newly dated hand stencil is more than 15.000 years older than prervious rock art discoveries in the region, and older than the previous recorded holder, a hand stencil in Maltravieso cave in western Spain that shows some paintings dated over 66.000 years ago, suggesting they were created by Neanderhals.

Evidence also indicates that the cave was used repeatedly for artistic expression over a prolonged period, with paintings created across at least 35.000 years. 

Archaeologists state the find provides critical insight into early human migration in Southeast Asia and the settlement of Sahul, the Pleistocene continent comprising Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania, occurred via maritime migration from Southeast Asoa, likely between 50.000 and 65.000 years ago.

Key Discovery Details: The rock art, discovered in the Liang Metanduno cave is much older than the previous record - holder, a hand stencil uncovered in 1951 in  the Cave of Maltravieso in Cáceres, Extremadura, Spain, showing traces of human occupation from the Middle Palaeolithic. 

•    Artistic Features: The paintings, identified as hand stencils, show human hands placed on the wall with pigment blown over them. The fingers appear deliberately narrowed, suggesting a specific, possibly symbolic claw – like style. 
•    Methodology: Researchers used modern uranium - series dating techniques on small layers of calcium carbonate (cave popcorn) that had grown over the art to determine the minimum age. 
•    Implications: These findings, published in the journal Nature, suggest that the human capability for, or practice of producing cave art was already established, potentially even before early, modern humans entered Europe. 
•    Broader Context: While this is the oldest, other nearbu sites in Sulawesi province also revealed incredibly old art, including a 45.500 - year - old cave painting of a watry pig. 

This discovery reinforces the idea that early artistic traditions were widespreaf across Asia, not just in Europe. 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/archaeologists-discover-world-s-oldest-known-cave-art-in-indonesia/

San Pedro de Macorís, the Dominican Republic | Initiated Remodelling Works at El Faro Fishing Area to Drive Urban Renewal and Strengthen Tourism Activity

The Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) via the Executive Committee for Infrastructure of Tourism Zones (CEIZTUR) has initiated remodelling works at El Faro fishing area in San San Pedro de Macorís, a southeasterm coastal city in the Dominican Republic on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, and on the eastern bank of the mouth of the Higuamo or Macorís River. to drive urban renewal and strengthen tourism activity. 

San Pedro de Macorís boasts a rich cultural and the historical heritage, known as "Little Paris" in the 1920s, it boasts a unique historic architecture that blends Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Caribbean Victorian style, characterized by balconies, wrought iron, and gingerbread details, famous for the Cathedral San Pedro Apostol, its popular Malecon seafront promenade, and popular beaches like Juan Dolio, and the Cueva de las Maravillas.

 This Dominican centre is also famous as the “City of the Guloyas” a UNESCO  recognized, vibrant dance tradition, also known as the “Cradle of Poetry”, the “Sultana del Este”, (The Sultan of the East) and the “Granary of Baseball”, for producing professional baseball players at an exceptionally high rate per capita rate.

This infrastructure project aims to modernize the site, enhance the area’s, tourist appeal and urban development, an initiative that is part of the government’s strategy to revitalize coastal zones and promote local tourism by improving infrastructure and conditions for fishermen, merchants, and tourists. 

Authorities emphasized that the project will enhance the area’s functionality while preserving its role as a traditional fishing zone.

The area of El Faro is an iconic and welcoming space, renowned as a corner where the sea embraces history. It is characterized by its beautiful sunsets and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, making it a standout place to visit and enjoy the local warmth. It is undoubtedly an emblematic part of “La Sultana del Este”, a corner that combines the city’s history with natural beauty.

San Pedro de Macorís Mayor Rafa Ortiz noted that the project is the result of sustained efforts by the Municipal Coucil to foster comprehensive community development and position the city as a tourism destination with a distinct identity and long - term vision.

Municipal officials also thanked President Luis Abinader and the Ministry of Tourism for their support, highlighting that the intervention represents another step forward in strengthening the city’s tourism offering.

Link

https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2026/01/09/mitur-launches-remodeling-of-fishing-area-in-san-pedro-de-macoris/

Durban, South Africa | Listed as One of the Top Destination to Visit in 2026

Durban, a vibrant coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu - Natal province, known for its significant Zulu heritage, Indian and colonial influence, visible in architecture, local cuisine, and markets, subtropical climate, warm seas, safe pristine beaches, wildlife adventures, its variety of restaurants and nightlife and many sporting facilities is emerging as a leading travel destination for this year.   

 According to Durban TV, the city has been listed by TimeOut Wordwide, digital platform part of Time Out Group, leading British media and hospitality company founded in 1968 and based in London, as one of the top destinations to visit in 2026, thanks to its combination of coastal scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities and cultural attractions. 

With its vibrant, multicultural, blending urban energy, the city refurbished for fooball’s 2010 World Cup its seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium, the Durban Botanical Gardens shovcasing a stunning variety of African plant species, and offers accessible sandy beaches along the Golden Mile, attracting a multitude of tourists and locals. 

Durban also offers access to several traditional cultural sites like museums  and experiences, while the surrounding region is home to many wildlife reserves, allowing visitors to observe various African species.

Marine tourism is a highlight of the South African city, with renowned sites for diving and seasonal events such as the winter sardine migration, which attracts, dolphins, seabirds, sharks, and whales.

Thr city hosts major events, like the Durban horse race and the Durban International Film Festival and offers competitive pricing on accommodation and dining compared to other major South African cities.

Durban receives approximately 186.000 international visitors and 2.8 million domestic tourists annually. The city’s tourism infrastructure supports both leisure and wildlife tourism, and contributes significantly to the regional economy.

With its unique combination of coastal, cultural and wildlife resources, urban attractions, and vibrant atmosphere, Durban also with the support of this significant recognition is projected to remain a top destination in the African tourism landscapes in 2026 and beyond.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/ciudad-de-durban-se-consolida-como-destino-tur-stico-destacado-para-2026/

Riga, Latvia | Balttour - International Tourism Trade Fair - From 06 to 08 February 2026

Riga, the captivating capital of Latvia and largest city in the Baltics, a vibrant, walkable destination located at the mouth of the Daugava River on the Baltic Sea, renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and a UNESCO - listed medieval Old Town, offering a mix of rich history, modern culture, and a top - tier culinary scene will host from 06 to 08 February,  Balttour, the largest annual Baltic travel fair, offering three days of, travel deals, tourism and tourism insights. 

Since its inception in 1994, Balttour has established itself as an annual gathering of relevance for the travel industry professionals seeking to stay updated with the latest trends, networking, establishing strategic partnerships, knowing new proposals and destinations and also for travel enthusiasts looking for inspiration for their next vacation. 

Held at Kipsala International Expo Centre, a modern and well - equipped exhibition site ideally suited for the size and significance of the fair, the venue offers ample space for the diverse exhibitions and activities that take place during the fair. 

Organized by Exhibition Company BT.1 a renowned company for planning fairs and events of international relevance, in cooperation with the Association of Latvian Travel Agents and Operators (ALTA), the fair serves as a platform for presenting travel destinations, new tourism and travel proposals, routes, tailor made itineraries, tours and ideal conditions for networking, forging new business contacts and concluding deals. 

The exhibitor list of Balttour is diverse, including hoteliers, tourism organizations, tour operators, travel agencies, transport companies, authorities, other operators linked to the tourism & travel industry, as well as financial service providers are represented. 

The themes of the fair vary but often on innovative travel options showcasing innovative tours, solo travel proposals, new hotels and other kinds of accommodation, presentations of the treasures of Latvia, travel gems in the Baltics, exceptional destinations with a rich cultural and historical heritage, various experiences in diverse segments, interactive experiences and top offers. 

A distinctive feature of Balttour is the great opportunity for professionals to participate in conferences, business meetings and seminars held during the fair, providing additional insights and learning about new, innovative products and services.  

Balttour Key Features: 

•    Diverse Travel Options: Attendees can explore a wide range of international and local destinations, with a strong focus on Baltic travel (Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania). 
•    Special Deals: The fair offer exclusive, fair – only prices, travel vouchers, and discounts on flights, and particularly from popular operators like Aza Tours and specialized travel agencies. 
•    Interactive Experiences: Visitors can enjoy cultural performances, and hands – on workshops (papermaking, clay modelling). 
•    Networking and Education: Balttour serves as a meeting point for tourism professionals featuring various presentations on industry trends. 
•    Comprehensive Offerings: Exhibitors include national tourism boards, airlines, hotels, and local municipalities showcasing regional attractions and introducing culture and history of the destinations. 

Overall, Balttour is a highlight in the calendar of every tourism professional looking for new ideas, inspirations, partnerships, and business opportunities in the Baltic region and beyond. 

Links 
https://www.balttour.lv/
https://www.tradefairdates.com/Balttour-M3215/Riga.html