Minor Hotels | To Manage Two Resorts in Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Thailand

Minor Hotels, an international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry founded in 1978 and based in Bangkok, Thailand has signed agreements with Rasa Group, a Bangkok - based hospitality company, that owns and operates hotels and resorts to manage two resorts in Koh Samui, marking the debut of the Colbert Collection brand  in Asia and on Koh Phangan, establishing a new Avani property, expanding its presence in Thailand.

The Colbert Collection Koh Samui – The property is located in Koho Samui, a popular tropical destination known for palm - fringed beaches, dense rainforests, and luxury resorts, highlighted by attractions include the 12m - tall Big Buddha Temple, Fisherman’s  Village, and the scenic Ang Thong National Marine Park, offering a  mix of lively areas like Chaweng Beach snd tranquil spots like Choeng Mon and Bang Por.

The 32 - key beachfront resort, transitioned to Minor Hotels management on May 1, 2026 with a rebranding to Colbert Collection Koh Samui planned for the first quarter quarter of 2027, following an extensive renovation and wll become the first property under the Colbert Collection in Asia, following the recent announcement of The WestDill Mayfair Hotel London,   Colbert Collection.

The resort is situated on Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui’s most popular destination, in an area offers a 7km stretch of fine white sand, turquoise waters and a bustling nightlife, about 15 minutes from Samui International Airport. The establishment will offer 32 comfortable guest rooms, multiple dining options, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a spa.

The property will join other other Minor Hotels on Koh Samui, including Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, Avani Chaweng Samui Hotel & Beach Club, Avani + Samui Resort, and NH Collection Samui Peace Resort.

The resort will be part of the Colbert Collection, a new premium “soft brand” by Minor Hotels launched in 2026, featuring independent, unique, luxury properties 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.

Avani Koh Phangan - This 63 - key beachfront resort is located on Koh Phangan, a stunning island in Thailand’s Gulf of Siam, famous for its monthly. 30.000 - person Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Beach. Beyond nightlife, Koh Phangan offers serene white sand beaches, lush jungles, hiking, and premier diving at Sail Rock and it is also a hub for yoga, wellness, and sustainable organic farming.

 The resort is located adjacent to Anantara Rasamanda Koh Phangan Villas  on Thong Nai Pan Noi, a picturesque, upscale, and tranquil crescent - shaped beach on Koh Phangan’s northern coast, known for its fine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and lush mountainous surroundings, offering a sophisticated yet laid - back vibe with high - end resorts, cozy beachfront dining, and easy access to a charming village, making it perfect for couples and families. 

 The property will feature various room categories, including pool - access and oceanfront options, as well as dining venues, a beachfront swimming pool, an AvaniKids club, and an AvaniFit gym.

 The resort that operated as Buri Rasa Village Phangan transitioned to Minor Hotels’ management on May 1, 2026, with a full rebrand to Avani planned for the first quarter of 2027 following a phased renovation.

 The establishment joins Avani Resorts & Hotels portfolio, becoming part of an upscale stylish brand launched by Minor Hotels in 2011, focused on offering a balance of comfort and style for guests, particularly for whose who appreciate good design and value and representing a very performing brand in a market in continuous growth.

Both properties are owned by Rasa Group and the partnership between Minor Hotels and Rasa Group also includes Anantara Koh Phangan Villas. The new signings expand the collaboration and resort portfolio between the two companies in key Thailand destinations

Links

https://media.minorhotels.com/en-GLO/264702-minor-hotels-signs-first-colbert-collection-in-asia-and-new-avani-resort-in-koh-phangan/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141096.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed Management Agreements to Operate Two New Holiday Inn - Branded Properties in Aswan, Egypt

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windsor, England Berkshire, UK, has signed management agreements with Misr Holanda and Avenue for Development, a real estate developer and hospitality based in Mostafa El - Messeidi, Egypt to operate two new Holiday Inn branded properties in Aswan, a historic city on the Nile River, has been southern Egypt’s strategic and commercial gateway since antiquity.

Aswan is a serene, sun - drenched city renowned as the ancient fronter town of Nubia and a major winter tourist destination. Located on the Nile River, it is famous for its granite quarries, stunning river landscapes with felucca boats and rich Nubian culture, highlighted by several attractions include the Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Nubian Museum.

The agreements will introduce Holiday Inn Aswan and Holiday Inn Resort New Aswan marking the brand’s entry into the city and expanding IHG Hotels & Resorts in the North African country.

 Details about the two new Holiday Inn branded properties:

Holiday Inn Aswan: The property will be located near the city centre of Aswan and major attractions. Scheduled to open in 2029 the hotel will feature 200 comfortable rooms, three dining options and meeting spaces across five venues.

The hotel will join the Holiday Inn brand, a well known, full - service brand focused on family - friendly and business travel. These properties  designed to offer a reliable, comfortable experience include the “Open Lobby” concept, on = site restaurants, swimming pools, 24 - hour fitness centres, and meeting spaces.

Holiday Inn Resort New Aswan: The resort will be situated in the newly developed area of New Aswan, a modern fourth - generation urban area featuring a 6 - km waterfront park, a 3.000 - seat open - air theatre, and a tourist walkway with bike tracks and commercial shops.The property is planned to open in 2030 and will feature 200 keys and various amenities.

The resort will join the Holiday Inn Resort brand, a group of properties that are family - friendly, full - service destinations offering “Kids Stay & Eat Free” (for children 11 and under) . They feature relaxed vacation - oriented amenities, including swimming pools, on - site dining, and entertainment, situated in popular locations like beachsides or mountain retreats.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 10 hotels in Egypt under the Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Staybridge Suites, and voco Hotels brands. Tin addition the company has a pipeline of 23 hotels scheduled to open in the North African country in the coming years.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-accelerates-growth-in-egypt-with-dual-holiday-inn-signing-and-marks-entry-into-the-city-of-aswan

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141130.html

Hilton | Unveiled the Future Opening of a 800 - Room Signia by Hilton Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia has unveiled the future opening of a 800 - room Signia by Hilton hotel in Indianapolis, capital city of the U.S. state of Indiana and the county seat of Marion county, situated in a plain along the west fork of the White River.

Indianapolis is a vibrant Midwestern hub known as the “Racing Capital of the World,”featuring the iconic Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, also famous for the extensive White River State Park with its canal walks, the world’s largest children’s museum, and a rich collection of monuments second only to Washington D.C.

The Signia by Hilton Indianapolis, a new - built hotel, is located along the Georgia Street pedestrian promenade connected to the Indiana Convention Center in the Wholesale District, a highly walkable, historic hub in downtown Indianapolis, known for its dense concentration of 19th  century architecture, vibrant nightlife, top - tier dining, and major entertainment attractions, as well as home to ,  Circle Centre Mall, and the iconic Artsgarden and offering an easy access to Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Owned by the City of Indianapolis and operated by the Capital Improvement Board of Managers of Marion County, the establishment is now accepting reservations for stays beginning February, 1 2027. The hotel  will be the tallest hotel in the city and will serve as the newest headquarters hotel for the Indiana Convention Center with direct skywalk access.

The hotel design is by RATIO Design, an interdisciplinary architectural and design firm based in Indianapolis, known for creating community – focused, sustainable, and high – impact environments, with interiors by Rottet Studio Architecture and Design, a WBE - certified international architectural and design firm headquartered in Houston, Texas, known for creating luxurious, light – filled spaces that merge modernism with nature.

The property will feature 800 comfortable rooms, including 70 suites ranging from 450 to 1.900 square feet.

Dining options at the hotel will include seven concepts: a lobby bar, an all - day restaurant, a 28th - floor bar and lounge, a signature restaurant, rooftop poolside dining, a market café, in - room dining, and Club Sirena, which offers access to a private lounge with made - up - to order dishes and a full bar.

Amenities will include a rooftop pool, firness guest rooms, and a wellness and fitness centre featuring recovery technology and a fitness environment.

The hotel will also feature a museum - quality public art collection curated by Art Strategies, and 100.000 square feet of meeting and event space across 42 rooms, including Indiana’s largest ballroom at 50.000 square feet, divisible into 12 sections.

Additional venues include two ballrooms of 16.000 and 9.000 square feet, and a 7.500 square - foot outdoor event deck. 

The property will join Signia by Hilton brand offering a sophisticated travel experience through distinctive design, chef - driven restaurants, signature bars, premium wellness amenities, and flexible, tech - enhanced meeting and event spaces.

The brand emphasizes a vibrant atmosphere, personalized service, and integrates smart technology, providing luxury and an elevated guest experience in gateway cities and resort destinations worldwide, all backed by the Hilton Honors programme.

Links

https://stories.hilton.com/releases/signia-by-hilton-indianapolis-now-accepting-reservations-for-february-2027

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141036.html

Bahir Dar, Ethiopia | Attracting Major Tourism Investment with the Development of a Four Points by Sheraton Hotel and the Opening of Felege Ghion Eco Resort

Bahir Dar, the capital city of the Ahmara region in northern Ethiopia, an active port on the south shore of the huge inland Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, a centre known for its wide, palm - lined avenues and vibrant culture, serving as a major tourist hub for exploring ancient island monasteries like Ura Kidane Mehret, the impressive Blue Nile Falls, and diverse birdlife is attracting major tourism investment with the development of a Four Points by Sheraton hotel and the opening of Fedege Ghion Eco Resort launch.

Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh launched the Four Points by Sheraton Tana Hotel project in Bahir Dar on 4 May, 2026, signalling a significant push to position the city as a leading tourism destination in the region.

The hotel will arise on the site of the former Tana Hotel, developed by MIDROC Investment Group (MIG), the largest private business entity in Ethiopia, serving as a cornerstone of the national economy and a pivotal component of the global MIDROC International group owned by Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Ali Al - Amoudion the site of the former Tana Hotel.

The 3.3 billion birr project will span 32.400 square metres and will include 120 rooms, four international restaurants, a conference hall for over 1.000 guests, and leisure facilities.

The property is expected to be completed within 18 months and will join Four Points by Sheraton, a Marriott international brand focused on “honest uncomplicated comfort” for business and leisure travellers. Key features include stylish, functional rooms, reliable free Wi - Fi, the signature Best Brews®craft beer program, and approachable service in a casual, modern environment.

At the same event Deputy Prime Minister also inaugurated the Felege Ghion Eco Resort, located on the scenic southern shores of Lake Tana, a project highlights the vital role of private investment in elevating Ethiopia as a world class destination.

Developed under the government’s Gebeta Le Hagger Initiative the eco - resort includes entertainment facilities, retail spaces, an amphitheatre, and riverfront infrastructure.

​The dual launch form part of a broader government strategy to develop tourism as a strategic economic sector, with Bahir Dar’s location at the confluence of Lake Tana and the Blue Nile central to its growing appeal, aiming to create a leading destination  in the region and attracting further major tourism investment.

MIDROC Investment Group CEO Jamal Ahmed cited an improving investment climate as a key driver of private - sctor engagement, while the Deputy Prime Minister urged investors who have already secured land in Bahir Dar to begin implementation without delay.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-s-bahir-dar-attracts-major-tourism-investment-with-sheraton-hotel-launch.html

Manantiales Serranos, Uruguay | Officially Designated by UNESCO as a New Global Geopark

On April 23, 2026, UNESCO officially designated Manantiales Serranos, a vast protected area in the Lavalleja department of southeast Uruguay as a new new Global Geopark. This designation representing a milestone for the South American country highlights over 500 million years of geological history, featuring ancient mountain range, metamorphic rocks, and vital water springs, boosting local sustainable tourism and environmental conservation.

The distinction also implies its classification as a geological and heritage site of scientific, historical and cultural relevance with international projection. The designation also represents a strategic opportunity for the country’s tourism development. In particular, it promotes the diversification of the offer through experiences linked to geotourism, aimed at an increasingly aware visitor profile, interested in nature, environmental education and respect for the territories.

In this framework, the recognition strengthens public conservation policies and promotes responsible hetitage management models, alitgned with the principles of sustainable development.

The Manantiales Serranos geopark covers more than 2.000 square kilometres in Lavalleja department in southeast Uruguay, characterized by a rugged countryside, granite hills, caves and rivers.

The geopark includes key areas such as the city of Minas, the municipality of Solís de Mataojo, Villa Serrana, Salus Park and the Aguas Blancas area. Its territory is defined by ancient mountain ranges, rocky outcrops and valleys, with over 80% composed of metamorphic and igneous rocks,with in addition critical aquifer systems and natural springs. 

The Manantiales Serranos geopark offers geotourism, hiking, rural tourism, adventure activities like ziplining and climbing as well as educational experiences and nowadays recognized by UNESCO as a new global geopark it becomes a key conservation area, providing visitors opportunities for learning and experiencing natural, 500 - million - year old landscapes.

Lavalleja Government said that this international recognition puts Uruguay on the global map of sustainable tourism and highlights what makes this territory unique: its geological wealth, its landscape, its culture and, above all its people. Geoparks are not just places to visit, they are spaces where science, education, and responsible tourism meet, where the geological past of the territory, because a concrete opportunity for development for those who inhabit it today.

Link

https://www.elobservador.com.uy/cafe-y-negocios/un-hito-el-turismo-uruguay-unesco-aprobo-la-designacion-manantiales-serranos-como-nuevo-geoparque-mundial-n6040861

Holguín, Cuba | Actively Integrating Artificial Intelligence to Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change

 
The Provincial Meteorological Center of Holguín, a city in eastern Cuba, known as the “City of Parks”, characterized by a meticulously designed, grid - based ciy centre, rich cultural history, a blend of colonial, eclectic, and neoclassical architecture,  and offering stunning panoramic views from Loma de la Cruz, is  actively integrating artificial intelligence (AI to tackle climate change and mitigate its environmental impacts, supported by plans push toward digital transformation and specialized technological tools.

The centre is developing scientific and technological projects  aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change and addressing local problems through the use of artificial intelligence.

 These initiatives focus on improving climate forecasting, enhancing coastal resilience with accurate studies, strengthening agricultural security in response to increasing environmental hazards, particularly in the northeast of the country.

The Provincial Meteorological Center of Holguín deputy director, Zulema Reyes, reported that since the beginning of 2025, research has been carried out on the integrated management of coastal ecosystems in the northeast of the province of Holguín, in coordination with the University of Moa.

The deputy director pointed out that the center is actively working on the development of models aimed at reducing the impact of drought on strategic crops such as sugarcane and robusta coffee, based on climate variability indicators.

According to Crónica Digital news agency, these initiatives are complemented by information models for agroecological zoning, designed to improve the accuracy and speed of agrometeorological services in the region.

Likewise in the municipality of Gibara, known as “La Villa Blanca” (The White Town), a charming, laid - back fishing town, roughly 33 kilometres from Holguín, a pilot programme is being implemented with the aim to optimize the use of meteorological information to strengthen decision - making in the face of adverse phenomena.

Similarly the insititution has also developed a management plan for the Bahía Naranjo protected area located on the northern coast of the Holguín province, renowned for its ecological biodiversity and eco - tourism opportunities, covering 4.2 square kilometres of marine area and surrounded by over 1.200 hectares of forest land, which includes environmental education programs and the definition of the baseline of this biological community. 

Among the most recent results, the Provincial Meteorological Center of Holguín deputy director highlighted the updating of atmospheric forecast scenarios at the local level with projections of up to a century, considered a key tool for the scientific - technical services of the territory.

Link
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/cuba-impulsa-proyectos-con-inteligencia-artificial-para-mitigar-los-efectos-del-cambio-clim-tico/

Hanoi, Vietnam | Strong Tourism Growth in Q1 2026 with an Increase of 20,9% from Last Year

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, a huge metropolis located on the western bank of the Red River, known for its centuries - old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences, highlighted by an urban landscape characterized by the presence of numerous lakes, as well as several religious buildings, primarily Confucian and Taoist temples, Buddhist pagodas, but also Catholic such as St. Joseph Cathedral and a bustling Old Quarter where narrow streets are roughly arranged by trades saw a strong tourism growth in Q1 2026.

The Vietnamese city received in the first four months of 2026 an estimated 12.14 million visitors, an increqse of 20.9% from last year. Total revenue exceeded VND 50.8 trillion (spproximately $1.93 billion), up 22.8%, according to the Municipal Department of Tourism.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), in April alone, Hanoi recorded 3.09 million visitors, including 780.000 internationals, with revenues of VND12.65 trillion (approximately $503.9 million), an increase of 11.2% from the previous year.

This relevant growth reflects the recovery of the Vietnamese capital's tourism sector, which aims to attract more than 12 million international visitors annually by 2030.

Hanoi boasts 3.761 establishments of various categories and more than 71.000 rooms, with an average occupancy in April close to 70%, 61 certified food, shopping and entertainment sites, almost 2.000 international travel agencies, 10.000 tour guides operate, and the tourism department guarantees the quality of the services during visitor peaks.

In addition, the city is actively working on innovative tourism development plans, promotion strategies 2027 - 2030 and boosting rural tourism.

These excellent performances, tourist growth, improved services, new strategies and diversification of its offer consolidate Hanoi as one of the Southeast Asia's most dynamic emerging destinations.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/han-i-registra-un-fuerte-crecimiento-tur-stico-en-los-primeros-cuatro-meses-del-a-o/