The Indian Hotel Company Limited (IHCL) | Unveiled Plans to Open a New Ginger Hotel in Dimapur, Nagaland, India

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has unveiled plans to open a new Ginger hotel in Dimapur, the largest city and municipality in the Indian state of Nagaland, located along the banks of the Dhansiri River, a centre with a relevant historical significance, highlighted by the Kachari Ruins, renmants of the 10^th  - century Kachari civilisation, a Tibeto - Burmese people which thrived before the 13^th century until its falls at the ends of the Ahom invaders in the 19^th century.

Dimapur is a perfect blend of ancient history, rich culture and modern life, offering a unique mix of experiences for all travellers and today it also serves as a key economic hub, with activities spanning trade, manufacturing, services, and transportations.

For this greenfield project IHCL signed an agreement with T.K. Enterprises, a development that marks the initial entry for The Indian Hotels Company Limited into the Nagaland market and its part od its broader strategy to expand its footprint in Northeast India.

The new Ginger Hotel expected to cater the increasing travel demand and infrastructure growth in the region will be situated near Dimapur Airport between the districts of Chümoukedima and Dimapur, from where National Highway 29 passes.

The property will feature 90 comfortable rooms, an all - day dining restaurant, a bar, a fitness centre, and meeting spaces designed to accommodate both business and social events.

The hotel will join the mid - scale Ginger brand reimagined to offer a “smart, vibrant and energetic experience", focusing on a blend of comfort, convenience, and a lifestyle approach for modern travellers. This includes new designs with bright colours and art, a focus oon food, and smart spaces that balance work and leisure.

With the addition of the Dimapur property, The Indian Hotel Company Limited will have 19 hotels hotels in Northeast India, with 10 currently under development and the expansion into Nagaland state aligns with IHCL’s strategy to enhance its presence in the region.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138964.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Launched its First Vignette Collection Hotel in Africa, Located in Nairobi. Kenya

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK,  has announced the launch of its first Vignette Collection in Africa, located in Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya located in the south - central part of the country and nicknamed the “Green City in the Sun”, for its expansive verdant spaces all around its boundaries.

Nairobi is a vibrant, energetic metropolis, blending modern urban life with close - up wildlife encounters,  serving as a gateway to East African safaris, boasting relevant attractions the Giraffe Centre, Nairobi National Park (Nairobi is well known to be the only capital city in the world that hosts a national park within its boundaries), Karen Blixen Museum and lively markets.

The addition of Fairview Hotel Nairobi, one of Africa’s most cherished heritage hotels to the Vignette Collection, marks the brand’s first entry into the African market and becoming part of IHG’s Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio.

The hotel set on 2 hectares of leafy grounds is located at Bishop Road, 7 minutes’ drive from Kenyatta International Conference Centre, 3 km from Nairobi National Museum and 18 kilometres from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, strategically positioned to offer an easy access to the major attractions and landmarks of the city.

The property, known for its early - 20th century architecture features 99 comfortable rooms, three restaurants, such as Giuseppe, Mukutani, and Pwani, as well as the Atrium Coffee and Nthome Fireplace, a scenic swimming pool, a fitness centre, and nine meeting and event spaces.

Fairview Hotel Nairobi joins the Vignette Collection brand, an upscale family of hotels and resorts where guests can indulge a growing passion for stays that are authentic, experiential and special, proudly independent establishments which emboly comfort, excellence in service and luxury.

The brand aims to reach 100 hotels within ten years. With the addition of Fairview Hotel Nairobi, the collection now includes 27 hotels globally, with 41 more in development.

The hotel will participate in Vignette Collection’s initiatives, such as Means for Good partnering with the Kenya National Library Service to support literacy programs, and Memorable Rituals, which include an interactive storytelling experience.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/ihg-vignette-collection-debuts-in-africa-with-the-introduction-of-fairview-hotel-nairobi

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139339.html

Omni Hotels & Resorts | Opened a 801 Room Hotel as Part of Broward Convention Center Expansion in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.

Omni Hotels & Resorts, America hospitality company founded in 1958 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, a group focuses to create genuine, authentic guest experiences boasting a portfolio of hotels and resorts in leading business gateway and leisure destinations across North America, has opened a 801 - room hotel as part of of Broward Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S. 

 Fort Lauderdale is a  bustling city on Florida’s southeastern coast, 48 km north of Miami, the county seat and most populated centre in Broward County, known for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, a vibrant arts scene, exciting events and highlighted by boating canals, taking for that the title as the “Venice of America”.

The development the Omni Fort Lauderdale hotel is part of a collaborative effort among Omni Hotels & Resorts, Broward County, Visit Lauderdale, and developer Matthews Southwest marking a very significant addition to the Broward County Convention Center District, expected to generate over $450 million for the local economy and create more than 3.000 jobs.

The property is located on the Intracoastal Waterway integrated in the Broward Convention Center (BCCC) situated at 950 Eisenhower Boulevard, a venue opened in 1991 which offers extensive, flexible event space, modern tech, waterfront views, over 1.2 million square feet of total space after a major expansion, plus LEED certification goals, making it a prime South Florida venue and offering a very easy access to Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood Airport and Port Everglades Cruise Terminal.

The hotel features 801 comfortable rooms, including 82 suites, and seven dining venues led by Executive Chef Cristian Mosquera such as Fair Ketch, a sports bar with a Topgolf Swing Suite, Reef 76 Kitchen & Bar, which offers coastal cuisine with Caribbean flavours, Ibis Sky Lounge, Hidden Key, Tide Coastal Kitchen, and Leeward Market.

Additional amenities include a full - service Mokara Spa which spans over 8.500 square feet and features eight treatment rooms, a Hammam, and a relaxation lounge, a large pool deck which offers views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Atlantic Ocean, and the city, and a fitness centre.

The property provides over 120.000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the 30.000 - square - foot Waterway Ballroom, the largest in Greater Fort Lauderdale, and the facility also includes the 15.000 - square - foot Port Everglades Ballroom and 47 distinct meeting spaces.

Links

https://www.omnihotels.com/media-center/recent-news/2025/12/18/19/25/omni-fort-lauderdale-debuts-as-landmark-of-coastal-sophistication

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139342.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Officially Opened a New Hotel Part of its The Unbound Collection by Hyatt Brand in Frankfurt, Germany

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois has officially opened a new hotel part of its Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Frankfurt, vibrant city in Central Germany on the banks of the Main River, a very relevant centre for commerce, culture, education, exhibitions and finance, site of many global headquarters, home to the European Central Bank, and birthplace of the famed writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

The development of the Kennedy 89 - The Unbound Collection by Hyatt hotel marks the introduction of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in Germany, expanding Hyatt's presence in a key destination like Frankfurt and is part of the group's strategy to grow its luxury portfolio across Europe.

The hotel is well positioned to attract both business and leisure travellers located at Stresemannallee 28 near the Main River Promenade and Städel Museum, within 2 km of Museumsufer and Römerberg, in the stylish and upscale Sachsenhausen district, offering guests unparalleled access to the city's rich tapestry of cultural landmarks and Frankfurt International Airport. 

The new establishment features 180 comfortable rooms, including 69 suites, each equipped with a kitchen and a private balcony overlooking the captivating skyline.

The property includes several dining options like The Heighty Nine Restaurant & Bar which serves Levantine Cuisine, the KaSa Lounge & Bar, offering classic dishes and cocktails inspired by John Fitzgerald Kennedy. A Rooftop bar, Jack's Rooftop Bar, is scheduled to open in July 2026 and will offer views of the city.

The hotel also offers a 24 - hour fitness studio featuring a range of exercise equipment, planning to incorporate Peloton bikes, and meeting & events facilities, with four flexible rooms equipped with modern audiovisual technology.

The property joins The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, characterized by unique, independent hotels with distinct stories, blending luxury with local character, offering story - worthy experiences, and ensuring quality with Hyatt's standards like modern amenities (smart TVs, Wi-Fi, quality bath products) and often unique features like historic architecture, local art, or extensive wellness facilities to cater to curious travellers seeking memorable,  authentic stay.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/unbound-collection/en-US/fraub-kennedy-89

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139336.html

Changzhou, China | "Reading the City", an Initiative Invites the Public to Explore the City through Culture Launched

Changzhou, a prefecture - level city in southern Jiangsu, China, located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River in the Yangtze Delta region within the northwestern part of the Taibu Lake Plain, through the Publicity Department of the Changzhou Municipal Committee, in collaboration with other municipal agencies has launched the "Reading the City" initiative.

The Chinese city os a centre blends rich history with modern dynamism featuring ancient canals, historic temples like Tianning Temple, lush parks such as Hongmei and Dongpo, and a strong cultural heritage,  highly famous for its delicate bamboo combs, alongside being a manufacturing/tech hub and with attractions like the unique Dinosaur Park, offering a mix of traditional charm, natural beauty, and modern entertainment.

Since November, a series of public cultural activities invites residents and visitors to connect with Changzhou history and urban identity. 

 Under the slogan "Tracing the Roots of City. Exploring Changzhou," the program offers a variety of options, including a citywide cultural exploration plan, the "City Reading Ambassadors" initiative, and six themed bus routes designed to connect participants to key cultural sites.

The Chinese city has long been recognized for its deep cultural roots and economic development. The new initiative seeks to promote cultural awareness by connecting people with pivotal aspects of the city. 

Changzhou's focus is on five cultural themes: such as architecture, place names, established local brands, books and visual media. Each one offers a different way of understanding the city's past and present. 

•    Changzhou in in Architecture: The theme combines guided city walks, drawing sessions in historic buildings, and garden tours with augmented reality. 

•    Changzhou in the Place Names: This section offers talks and curated cultural routes that trace the historical origins of traditional street and district names. •    Changzhou in Established Local Brands: This initiative highlights long – standing local businesses through themed markets and selected store visits, featuring traditional brands in contemporary settings. 

•    Changzhou in Books: This theme builds on the Dongpo Cultural Alliance and writers' residency programs to highlight the city's literary heritage. 

•    Changzhou in Visual Media: This section uses public film screening and digital art exhibitions to explore the city has been visually represented over time. 

As part of the program, participants can travel on six bus routes dedicated to "Reading the City": 

•    Cultural Roots. 
•    Artisanal Heritage.
•    Charm channel. 
•    Rural Beauty. 
•    Yangtze River Views. 
•    Industrial Legacy. 

Each of these themes connect neighbourhoods, landmarks, and cultural spaces. To encourage greater citizen participation, the program also offers a variety of everyday benefits, from incentives for public transportation to movie tickets, book promotions, and in - store deals. 

By combining cultural programming with everyday activities, the initiative encourages people to experience Changzhou first - hand and develop a deeper connection with the city through exploration, observation, and participation. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/changzhou-invita-al-publico-a-explorar-la-ciudad-a-traves-de-la-cultura/

Thessaloniki, Greece | Significant Transformation with New Transport and Urban Projects to Elevate the City as a Modern Tourism Hub

Thessaloniki, a vibrant Hellenic port city located on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea in Northern Greece, a major economic, industrial and commercial centre highlighted by a rich cultural and historical heritage with evidence of several Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman history remains, especially around the upper town of Ano Poli, and a renowned destination for festivals, events and cultural proposals is experiencing a significant transformation with new transport projects to elevate the city as a modern tourism hub.

A series of large - scale transport and urban developments are reshaping mobility, public space and the city’s appeal as tourism destination of relevance. Greek Infrastructure and Transport Minister Christos Dimas recently outlined the portfolio of works now underway, signalling a new era for Northern Greece’s largest city.

A central project is the city’s metro extension toward Kalamaria, scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026, adding 4.6 kilometres and five stations, bringing the total to 18 stations.

The new line developed on the impact of the main metro system, has already reduced private car traffic by up to 15%. For visitors, the extension is expected to provide faster and easier connections between coastal districts, cultural sites and the city centre.

Progress is also advancing on Thessaloniki Flyover expressway, currently 36% complete and stated for delivery in 2027. The project will create an elevated corridor designed to ease congestion, improve access between the airport, the port, major hotels and key tourism areas, and reduce travel times across the metropolitan area.

A new vertical rail/road axis to Bucharest is planned, improving links with Romania, and broader railway modernizations are underway as part of the Thessaloniki 2030 strategy PRO. The metro and these new corridors will make it easier for tourists to explore the city and other regions.

At the port of Thessaloniki, upgrades including the expansion of Pier 6 and a strengthen rail connection aim to position the city as a more competitive node for cruise tourism and city break travel. These investments also support the region’s growing role within the emerging “Baltic - Black Sea – Aegean” transport corridor, which is raising the city’s profile as a strategic gateway for trade and travel in Europe.

A further project is the waterfront development with a new 1.1 wooden deck and the expansion of the seaside pedestrian zone that will redefine the seafront by 2026, creating a more appealing visitor experience.

Across the wider city landscape, complementary projects are taking shape. Green spaces and pocket parks are being added and the development of new park in Harilaou is moving forward.

Also investments in smart mobility and sustainable transport reinforce Thessaloniki’s image as a contemporary hub.

Hotel capacity in the city is also set to grow with new properties planned around the redevelopment of the historic FIX complex by DIMAND, a massive urban regeneration project transforming the abandoned FIX brewery into a vibrant, mixed - use district featuring homes, offices, cultural venues like the MOMus Museum & State Orchestra, the upcoming Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center and public green spaces.

Together, these developments signal Thessaloniki’s move toward a more functional, accessible and contemporary cityscape, one that strengthens both quality of life residents and the visitor experience.

As the projects progress over the coming years, Thessaloniki is increasingly positioned to compete among the Mediterranean’s most attractive urban destinations.

These developments undoubtedly strengthen the city’s position as a key tourism hub in southern  Europe, focusing on accessibility and a modern visitor experience.

Link

https://news.gtp.gr/2025/11/27/new-transport-projects-set-to-elevate-thessalonikis-role-as-a-modern-tourism-hub/

Luxor, Egypt | Unveiled the Restored Colossi of Memnon, Two Colossal Alabaster Statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III

Luxor, an iconic city on the east bank of the Nile River in southern Egypt, developed on the site of ancient Thebes, the pharaohs’ capital at the height of their power, during the 16th - 11th centuries B.C., famous as the “world’s greatest open – air museum”, packed with monumental ancient Egyptian temples and tombs, including the vast Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor Temple, the royal burial ground of the Valley of the Kings, home to Tutankhamun’s tomb has unveiled the restored Colossi of Menmon. 

These two colossal alabaster statues depict Pharaoh Amenhotep III, also known as Amenhotep the Magnificent or Amenhotep the Great, the ninth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, king of Egypt in a period of peaceful prosperity that marked the zenith of the ancient Egyptian civilization, both in terms of political power and cultural achievement, famous to expand diplomatic contacts and to extensive building in Egypt and Nubia.

Following a two - decade conservation and reassembly project to reassemble pieces scattered by earthquakes and neglect, the two giant statues now shine and highlighting details like the pharaoh wife Queen Tiye at his feet.

The restoration project, launched in 1998, marks a major archaeological success for Egypt. The operations were led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities with a an Egyptian - German mission chaired by Egyptologist Hourig Sourouzian.

Carved from Hatnub alabaster, the seated figures face east towards the Nile and work aims to revive the appearance of the pharaoh’s mortuary temple on the city’s west bank and forms part of wider efforts to attract visitors.

The statues, 14.5 metres and 13.6 metres high, were toppled by ancient earthquakes around 1200 BC and later quarried, with their blocks reused at Karnak in other structures, before archaeologists reassembled them on their original pedestals.

Key Features of the Restoration: 

•    Reassembly: Hundreds of fragmented alabaster pieces, buried under silt, were painstakingly pieced back together on their original pedestals. 
•    Material: Modern, compatible materials were used alongside the original Hatnub alabaster for long - term preservation.
•    Water Management: An integrated system was installed to protect the statues from rising groundwater levels.  
•    Details: The statues depict the pharaoh Amenhotep III seated, wearing royal regalia (memes, headdress, double crown, kilt) with his wife Queen Tiye and Princess Isis carved at his feet. 
•    Polychromy: The thrones feature remnants of original paint, symbolizing the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. 

The unveiled restoration follows the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza and comes as Egypt reported a record 15.7 million in 2024; authorities expect about 18 million this year with a goal of 30 million by 2032.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/restored-colossi-of-memnon-unveiled-in-luxor.html