Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Strategic Master Franchise Agreement with Homeinns Hotel Group to Introduce 50 Hyatt Studios Across China

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, has announced a strategic master franchise agreement with Homeinns Hotel Group, a Chinese hotel chain part of BTH Hotels based in the Xuhui District, Shanghai to introduce the Hyatt Studios brand in China.

This partnership aims to introduce 50 extended - stay Hyatt Studios across various Chinese cities over the next several years, as part of a broader strategy to expand of Hyatt’s presence in the upper - midscale segment in China, a key market for the company’s global growth.

The collaboration with Homeinns Hotel Group builds on previous successful partnerships, such as the launch of the UrCove brand, and aims to offer localized experiences tailored to the Chinese market.

The first Hyatt Studios hotel was announced in 2023, and this new agreement with Homeinns Hotel Group represents a significant step in expanding the brand’s footprint in Asia.

The Hyatt Studios brand part of Hyatt’ s Essential portfolio includes upper - midscale, extended - stay properties featuring apartment - style studio suites with fully equipped kitchens and workspaces. Key features include a complimentary grab - and - go breakfast, a 24 - hour market with ready - to - heat meals, free Wi-Fi, pet friendly accommodations, and on - site fitness and laundry facilities.

The brand is designed to be a more affordable, higher - quality option in the extended - stay market for travellers who need longer - term comforts and flexibility and the expansion planned by Hyatt Hotels Corporation aims to cater to the growing demand for this kind of accommodations in China.

The planned propertoies will be located in first and second - tier cities, reflecting confidence in China’s long - term potential as a hospitality market.

The agreement is expected to strengthen Hyatt’s ability to serve a wider range of stay occasions and broaden the choices available to members of the World of Hyartt loyalty program.

In this operation Homeinns Hotel Group will leverage its local market expertise to develop the Hyatt Studios, focusing on vibrant business and travel destinations through the country.

 The development plan includes a robust pipeline to support future growth, aiming to enhance the availability of extended - stay options in China’s high - growth markets.

Links

https://newsroom.hyatt.com/Hyatt-and-Homeinns-Hotel-Group-Expand-Strategic-Relationship-With-Plans-To-Bring-Hyatt-Studios-Brand-To-China

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138601.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Revealed the Development of a 150 - Room Hotel Indigo in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK has revealed the development of a 150 - room Hotel Indigo in Jeddah, a vibrant Saudi Arabian coastal city on the Red Sea, a governorate and the largest centre in Mecca Province, a  modern commercial hub and gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities Makkah and Medina,  famous for its historic Al - Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attractions like the world’s tallest King Fahd’s Fountain, the modern Jeddah Corniche along the Red Sea, and a rich seafood - based food culture.

For the development of the Hotel Indigo Grand Square Jeddah, IHG Hotels & Resorts has entered into a management agreement with SEDCO Capital, a Shariah - compliant, ESG led asset management, and investment advisory firm based in Jeddah, involved in the project as part of its strategy to create real estate assets that contribute to urban and economic development in Saudi Arabia.

The signing of this agreement aligns with IHG Hotels & Resorts’ strategy to expand its lifestyle hotel portfolio in Saudi Arabia. The company currently operates 46 hotels across six brands in the country, with plans to open 60 more establishments over the next three to five years.

This strategic partnership marks the first collaboration between the two companies and also involves Ajdan Real Estate Development Company, a subsidiary of Al Oula Holding, a leading Saudi Arabian real estate developer headquartered in Al Khobar and MASIC Investment Company, a family - owned diversified investment group based in Riyadh, aiming to integrate hospitality, retail, and office spaces within a single destination in Jeddah and the hotel Indigo will serve as a central component of this project.

The Hotel Indigo Grand Square Jeddah’ s development aligns with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s tourism and hospitality offerings and is intended to enhance the hospitality experience within the Grand Square project, supporting Jeddah’s position as a key urban and tourism hub.

The property will feature 150 rooms reflecting the brand’s signature design approach, immersing guests in a neighbourhood - inspired stay shaped by the culture, character and energy of its surroundings.

The hotel will be part of the Grand Square mixed - use development on King Abdulaziz Road, also known as the Malek Road, a bustling thoroughfare in Jeddah situated near the Corniche, renowned  for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of attractions, a major artery leading to iconic developments, most notably the futuristic Jeddah Economic City (JEC) area,  home to the under - construction Jeddah Tower (Kingdom Tower) destined to be the world’s tallest, featuring luxury hotels, residences, offices, and the highest observation deck.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-partner-with-sedco-capital-to-strengthen-lifestyle-offering-in-jeddah-with-signing-of-hotel-indigo-grand-square-jeddah

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139173.html

Whitbread PLC | Submitted a Planning Application for a New 104 - Room Premier Inn Hotel in Carlisle, England, UK

Whitbread PLC, a British multinational hotel and restaurant company headquartered in Houghton Regis, England, UK has submitted a planning application for a new 104 - room Premier Inn hotel in Carlisle, a city located in the Cumberland district in northern England at the confluence of the rivers Eden, Caldew and Petteril, 16 km from the Scottish border.

Carlisle is a centre well known for its deep historical significance as a border city, particularly for the medieval Carlisle Castle and its role in conflicts between England and Scotland as well as its proximity to Hadrian’s Wall. The city is also famous for its Roman history as the fort of Luguvalium, as well as the location of Carlisle Cathedral, founded as an Augustinian priory and became a cathedral in 1133.

Subject to planning approval, Whitbread PLC plans to commence construction in 2026, with the hotel expected to open before the end of 2028. 

The hotel will be located on Victoria Viaduct near Carlisle train station and between the bustling James Street and Lowther Street and its development is part of the Whitbread PLC growth plans for northern England.

The site of the new hotel is the former Central Plaza location, which Whitbread PLC acquired from the Cumberland Council in 2025 that has historical ties to the hospitality industry dating back to 1881, but was left vacant after the previous structure was demolished between 2019 and 2020.

The development includes a five - story building that will feature 104 guestrooms both “Standard”  and “Premium Plus” rooms along with a restaurant and will be accessible from Victoria Viaduct, with public parking nearby at West Walls car park. 

The property will align with Whitbread’s sustainability initiatives, using electricity from renawable sources and incorporating heat recovery systems and air - source heat pumps to reduce energy demand.

Whitbread PLC estimates that the new Premier Inn hotel will accommodate approximately 30.000 guests annually once it reaches full operational capacity.

An economic impact assessment included in the planning application suggests that these guests could contribute to over £4 ,million annually to the local economy, benefiting the leisure and tourism sectors.

The development is expected to create around 25 permanent hospitality jobs upon opening and additionally, approximately 45 jobs in the construction supply chain are anticipated supported during the £12 million construction phase.

Links 

https://www.whitbread.co.uk/whitbread-submits-plans-for-carlisle-city-centre-premier-inn/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139092.html

Balfour Miami Beach Joins Wyndham’s Registry Collection Hotels

Balfour Miami Beach, a stylish hotel located in Miami’s Art Deco District joins Wyndham’s Registry Collection Hotels, a special brand owned by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, an American hospitality company known as one of the largest franchisors globally, founded in 1981 in Dallas, Texas and based in Parsippany, New Jersey.

Wyndham’s Registry Collection Hotels offer unique, luxury experiences with elegant designs, personalized service with an attentive staff, memorable touches, and a focus on individual guest needs,upscale amenities, in desirable locations, focusing on individuality, world - class dining and unique local excursions, often within an all – inclusive or resort setting.

Brand’s key feature include bespoke architectural details, fine cuisine, tailored wellness (spas), flexible event spaces, and seamless booking with bundled options for rooms, flights, and activities.

The Balfour Miami Beach is an Art Deco hotel in South Beach (South of Fith) located in an upscale area known for its vibe and proximity to the ocean, a very short walk to Lummus Park and its location offers easy access to Ocean Drive’s dining/nighlife, Collins Avenue shopping and Espanola Way.

The 82 - room hotel, originally designed by architect Anton Skislewicz, features two restored buildings connected by a courtyard and offers amenities such as a pool, a terrace, an on - site restaurant named Laurel, and a coffee shop. Guests have access to complimentary beach chairs and bicylcles and it offers pet - friendly accommodations.

The hotel joins in the prestigious Registry Collection Hotel portfolio which includes independent properties that emphasize design and a sense of place. Recent additions to the portfolio include The Mining Exchange in Colorado Springs and Ajul Luxury & Spa in Halkidiki, Greece.

The Registry Collection Hotels brand continues to expand globally, with plans to enter the Indian Market next year.

Links

https://investor.wyndhamhotels.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/402/where-deco-dreams-meet-ocean-breezes-balfour-miami-beach

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139288.html

Algeria | Air Algérie Restructures Itself into a Holding Company Model

Air Algérie SpA, the flag carrier of Algeria, with its head office based in El - Djazair office block in Algiers, member of the Arab Carriers Organization is restructuring itself into a holding company for better performance and tax benefits as CEO Hamza Benhamouda has confirmed.

The reform includes spinning off the maintenance department into an independent subsidiary, creating ground operations, launching a tour operator operating as new business line for organizing tourist flights, , adding tax/benefits, backed by increased state funding, fleet expansion to boost competitiveness against rivals and establish Algiers as a relevant hub in the African continent and in the Mediterranean basin.

In addition to these moves, two new entities, Air Algérie Ground Operation and the Aviation Academy will play a relevant role, handling training needs will start to be operative in January 2026, with the changes aimed at improving operational efficiency.

Government subsidies for 2026 are set at nearly DZB 20 billion, about US$154 million up from DZD 12.6 billion in 2025, while the airline plans to acquire around 18 aircraft and has already taken delivery of an Airbus A330 - 900neo on 13th November 2025 for long - haul operations.

The moves come amid rising regional competitions from Royal Air Maroc, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines and Gulf long - haul low - cost carriers, as Algeria seeks to positions Algiers as a strategic and relevant transit hub between Europe, sub - Saharan Africa and Asia.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/air-alg-rie-to-adopt-holding-company-model.html

India | The Indian Diwali Festival, Officially Inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Indian Festival Diwali was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, marking a significant recognition of its cultural importance, as announced at the Intergovernmental Committee session in New Delhi. 

Diwali Festival is India’s 16^th cultural element to receive this honour, joining other famous traditions in India like Durga Puj Festival of Kolkota, Garba, a Gujarati folk dance, the Hindu pilgrimage of Kumbh Mela, Vedic chants, and Yoga, that famous group of mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that originated with its own philosophy in ancient India.

The official announcement took place during the 20^th session of UNESCO’s committee in New Delhi, recognizing Diwali Festival as a shared heritage that strengthens social bonds, promote inclusivity, and embodies values like kindness, hope, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The nomination process highlighted the deep community involvement, with elders passing traditions to younger generations through stories and participation, ensuring its continuity.

Diwali in rooted Indian culture and beliefs symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, it occurs on the new moon day in either late October or November and extends over several days, each of which is associated with specific rituals.

During this holiday homes are cleaned and decorated with oil lamps (diyas), electric lights, candles, emphasizing prosperity, family gatherings, the success of new beginnings, a fresh start for the new year, with celebrations varying across cultures but centred on light, joy and community. Fireworks and firecrackers light up the nights, symbolizing happiness and the victory of good.

During Diwali Lakshmi Puja is a central ceremony involves praying to Goddess Lakshmi, a principal Hindu deity of wealth, fortune, and prosperity, known as the consort of Vishnu, often depicted as a beatiful woman on a lotus with four arms holding lotuses or gold coins, with elephants aoinnting her, symbolizing abundance and purity. The deity represents both material and spiritual wealth, forming the Tridevi with Saraswati and Parvati and the ceremony is often taking place on the main Diwali day. 

One of the iconic symbols of Diwali is the “rangoli”, a traditional, intricate, colourful patterns made from powders, rice or petals creates on floors. It usually depicts lotus flowers or ornamental motifs whose purpose is to bring good fortune and also “confuse” evil spirits.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali’s inclusion on the UNESCO list, calling the holiday “the soul of Indian civilization.”

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/festival-indio-diwali-es-incluido-en-la-lista-del-patrimonio-cultural-inmaterial-de-la-unesco/

Nicaragua | Inaugurated the First Section of the Pacific Coastal Highway

Nicaragua has inaugurated the first 30 kilometres of the “Carretera Costanera”, the Pacific Coastal Highway, a major infrastructure project connecting the Playa El Naranjo beach to Pjaya El Remanso beach in the area of San Juan del Sur, a town on southwest coast , boosting tourism, trade, and regional development by improving access to numerous Pacific beaches and laying groundwork for future connections.  

This first section reduces travel time from 45 to 8 minutes, an upgrade that improves the accessibility of the coast for local residents and tourist, boosting the region’s economic growth.

About Carretera Costanera / Pacific Coastal Highway : 

The “Carretera Costanera”, the Nicaraguan Coastal Highway is an ambitious project that hugs the Pacific coast of the Central American country, connecting numerous beaches and communities planned to boost tourism, economy, and regional development. 

The first phase, spanning 119 km, will connect El Naranjo (Rivas) to Masachapa (Managua), and a 30 km section has already been inaugurated, facilitating access to key beaches in San Juan del Sur areas. 

The second phase includes the connection between Masachapa and Poneloya (León), financed by China, while Phase 3 is planned to run from Poneloya to Potosí, completing the circuit.

The ultimate goal is to create a 335 km corridor that will strengthen connectivity and attracting investment in the area. The objective is to transform Pacific connectivity, boost tourism, connect more than 60 beaches, enhance fishing and trade activities and facilitate access to previously isolated areas.  

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/shows/nicaragua-inaugur-el-primer-tramo-de-la-carretera-costera-del-pac-fico/