Marriott International | Completed a $25 Million Renovation Project of one of its Properties in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

Las Vegas Marriott announced the completion of a $25 million reovation project. The hotel iu located at 325 Convention Center Drive in Las Vegas, Nevada, situated near the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, within ten minutes of Sphere Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Strip, and 3.2 kilometres form Caesar Palace and Downtown Art District.  

The renovation of the 16 - story hotel includes various updates. All 274 spacious, apartment - style rooms were updated with thoughtful design elements catering to both business ad leisure travellers. 

Contemporary finished, new bedding, king and two - queen layouts include streamlined seating areas, refined workspaces, and modern bathrooms with walk in - showers, totally refreshed the hotel rooms.

Public spaces throughout the hotel have been redesigned, including the lobby and Greatroom, now serving as areas for guests to relax, work, or connect.

A new signature restaurant and bar, Sagebrush - American Public House, has opened as part of the renovation. The restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner features a “fresh culinary concept” inspired by modern flavours and local influences led by Chef Alejandro, and the hotel also introduced the SB Market, which offers coffee and grab - and - go items.

A renovated 24 - hour fitness centre now features a new state - of - the - art new equipment and modern layout. For meeting and events, the property now includes seven meeting rooms totalling 3.731 square feet of versatile event space, with the addition of a new meeting room, St. George, which offers flexible functionality and modern technology.

Additional amenities at the Las Vegas Marriott include The Garage, an outdoor venue, a business centre, an outdoor swimming pool, and whirlpool spa and the Las Vegas Marriott also provides a team of planners for event coordination and personalization.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139823.html

Whitbread PLC | Plans to Expand its Premier Inn and Hub by Premier Inn Brands by Adding Over 2.200 Rooms in Outer London, England, UK

Whitebread PLC, a British multinational hotel and restaurant company headquartered in Houghton Regis, has unveiled plans to expand its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands by adding over 2.200 rooms targeting 17 locations in Outer London, England, UK.  

This growth strategy in specific locations is driven by high demand from business and leisure travellers and a lack of new openings since 2022, a growth strategy focuses on areas including Peckham Rye, Canada Water, Acton and Golders Green. 

This major expansion that is part of Whitbread PLC’ broader strategy to grow its presence in key markets will utilize both new - built and converted, versatile, and sustainable sites to meet demand from leisure travellers.

The company has identified strategic growth in Outer London, and Whitbread’s Acquisition and Development Manager, James Hall will lead the the initiative collaborating with local councils, landowners, investment agencies, and developers to secure suitable sites for new hotel developments.

Key Locations and Expansion Details: 

•    Targeted Areas: The 17 locations include suburban hotpots such as Surrey Quays in Southwark, Acton and Greenford Station in Ealing, Stockwell Station and Streatham in Lambeth, Silvertown and Stratford in Newham, Abbey Wood, Beckenham, Clapham Junction, Finchley, Old Oak Common, Twickenham, Walthamstow, West Hampstead, and Woodford Green. 
•    Target Audience and Strategy: The expansion is driven by strong demand for affordable, high-quality rooms outside the city centre.
•    Management: Acquisition and Development Manager at Whitbread PLC, James Hall, leads the initiative collaborating with local councils, landowners, and developers, with a strategy involves leveraging the company existing relationships and building new partnerships to drive this growth.  
•    Development Types: The plans include a mixture of purpose – built hotels and conversion of existing buildings, with a focus on modern efficient design.

This expansion aligns with Whitbread PLC’s broader goal to grow its, mainly Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn brands for new accommodations in various locations and to reach 98.000 rooms by 2030. The initiative also by the company’s commitment to supporting the “Force for Good” sustainability program, aiming for net - zero emissions. 

In addition to the Outer London expansion, Whitbread PLC has commissioned from IPSOS and Turkey Economics to assess the economic impact of Premier Inn customers on local economies in the UK and Ireland. The findings indicate that guests typically spend £143 per bedroom per night in the local community, with city centre and inner London locations seeing the highest spending due to proximity to dining and entertainment options. 

Currently, Whitbread PLC operates over 85.500 Premier Inn rooms across the UK and Ireland. The company has set a goal to expand its network to 98.000 rooms by 2030, including plans to add 3.500 rooms through extensions of existing properties and the croup’s long - term objective is to reach 125.000 rooms. 

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139487.html
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Indonesia | Revitalized 152 Cultural Heritage Sites and Museums Nationwide

Indonesia revitalised 152 cultural heritage sites and museums nationwide in 2025, marking one of the country’s most extensive preservation efforts in recent years reinforcing culture as a strategic pillar of national development, and promote cultural wealth as reported by ANTARA, a news agency that delivers real time information on various events from Indonesia and around the world. 

The ministry’s director - general of Cultural and Traditional Protection, Restu Gunawan, said that the initiative is part of a broader plan to safeguard the country’s culture by restoring historic sites and museums. Among the restored venues are the Harimau Cave Museum in South Sumatra, the Belitung Maritime Museum located on Belitung Island, and other prominent cultural sites.  

In addition to museums, restoration and revitalization works have been carried out on heritage sites such as at the Kayu Jao Mosque in the Solok Regency, West Sumatra, the Gunongan Site in Aceh, Sumatra,  the Arjuna Temple located in Dieng Plateau, Central Java, and other sites managed by the Cultural Preservation Centres in various regions. 

The ministry’s director general stressed that these efforts were strengthen through public - private partnerships (PPPs) and the participation of students from vocational technical schools, which allowed the restoration to be accelerated despite budgetary and human resource constraints. 

Key projects include the renovation of the Sangga Buana tower of the Kasunanan Palace in Surakarta and the Ranggawarsita Tomb in Klaten. 

The official also rep[orted that the Public Services Agency for Museums and Cultural Heritage exceeded its goal in museum management, reaching revenues of 62 billion rupees (about  US$3.5 million), 145.4% of the establishing target. 

Looking ahead, the ministry will continue to optimize the use of heritage sites and museums responsibly, generating economic and social benefits for communities and preserving the country’s cultural values. 

Finally, the ministry’s director - general of Cultural and Traditional Protection emphasised that the potential of museums remains enormous and their sustainable development will be a priority. 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/indonesia-revitaliz-152-sitios-de-patrimonio-cultural-y-museos-en-2025/

Sierra Leone | Cooperation with UN Tourism to Unlock the Country’s Tourism Potential

Sierra Leone is accelerating the growth of its tourism sector through strategic, sustainable initiatives aiming to become a premier global destination.

The government of the African country represented by the President Julius Maada Bio on the sideline of the World Governments met UN Tourism Secretary - General Shaikha Almuwais, the first woman to lead the United Nations World Tourism Organization,  specialised agency of the United Nations which promotes responsible, sustainable, and universally - accessible tourism, pledging support for the development of the country’s tourism sector. 

The meeting focused on cooperation to unlock Sierra Leone’s tourism potential and strengthen the sector’s role in the economy, with the African country already active to promote eco - tourism, its rich cultural heritage, and pristine beaches, driven by the “Tourism for All” campaign, 2026 Year of Culture and Creativity, and improved infrastructures. 

Sierra Leone President set out five priorities: 

•    Sustainable, responsible growth. 
•    Digital transformation and data – driven tourism. 
•    Economic inclusion and local empowerment. 
•    Infrastructure, connectivity and enabling factors. 
•    Transparency and global trust. 

UN Tourism Chief referenced recent engagement with Sierra Leone’s Tourism Minister Nabeela F. Tunis, while President Bio welcomed her election, noted strong UAE - Sierra Leone ties and and affirmed full government backing. UN Tourism Secretary - General signalled plans to visit Sierra Leone in the near future.

Cooperation key highlights and features include: 

•    Strategic Partnership between Sierra Leone and UN Tourism: The new UN Tourism Secretary - General Ahaikha Almuwais, pledged institutional support to Sierra Leone’s tourism sector in February 2026, focusing on policy alignment and investment to unlock its potential. 
•    Focus on Sustainability and Culture: Led by Minister Nabeela Tunis, Sierra Leone is focusing on sustainable tourism, with 2026 designated as the “Year of Culture and Creativity,” following previous initiatives like the 2025 Year of Ecotourism. 

Sierra Leone Key Tourist Attractions: 
•    Beaches: Renowned for white sand beaches like River Number Two. 
•    Eco - Tourism: Diverse, including the Tiwai Island, and chimpanzee sanctuaries, notably Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary. 
•    Adventure and Heritage: Hiking, surfing, and historical sites like Bunce Island. 
Infrastructure and Investment: 

Projects: Development includes a new airport terminal, increased regional offices in Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and a completed Cultural Village at Mabala. 

Inclusivity: 
Initiatives: The country hosted its inaugural Women in Tourism Regional Congress to enhance the role of women in the sector. 

These efforts aim to position Sierra Leone as a diverse, untapped destination, for adventure, culture, and relaxation.  

Link
https://atta.travel/resource/un-tourism-chief-meets-president-bio-pledges-support-for-sierra-leone-s-tourism.html

Brazil | Launched a Program Based on Five Strategic Routes for South American Integration

The Government of Brazil has launched the South American Integration Routes Program, a strategic initiative designed at planning and coordinating actions that promote the integration of physical, digital, social, environmental and cultural infrastructure in the region, accurately developed to cut transportation times and costs, increasing trade efficiency, and improving continental connectivity between Brazil snd its South American neighbours .

The initiative is backed by roughly US$10 billion in potential financing from regional banks including IDB, BNDES, CAF, and FONPLATA, it stems from the Brasilia Consensus and is coordinated by the Ministry of Planning and Budget, with projects integrated into the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC).

The aim of this programme is to consolidate Brazil as a strategic logistic hub and strengthen cooperation with counterpart organizations in the region as well as with international entities to enable integration projects, promote technical studies and applied research on South American development. 

The program establishes five primary logistical, digital, and energy route facilitated by 124 projects connecting Brazilian states to neighbouring countries, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela, with access to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enhancing regional competitiveness and fostering sustainable, economic integration. 

The five key strategic strategic integration routes are: 

•    Guianas Shield: Connects Amapá and Roraima to Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and Venezuela. 
•    Manta - Manaus, Amazon Route: Uses rivers and roads to link the Amazon region with Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.  
•    The Rondón Quadrant Route: Connects Acre, Rondônia, and Mato Grosso to Bolivia and Peruvian ports.
•    The Capricorn Route: Links Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, and Santa Catalina to Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay.  
•    Porto Alegre - Coquimbo Route: Connects Rio Grande do Sul to Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.  

Among its main objectives, the program promotes the multimodality of transport, bioceanity, 
the geoeconomic unity of South America and integration of borders, all under the principles of shared governance, socio - environmental responsibility and joint planning. 

The Brazilian government stressed that the program will ensure that the works and policies derived from it respond not only to technical and economic criteria, but also to the social and environmental needs of the peoples of the region, and consolidating Brazil as a key point of continental logistical articulation. 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-lanza-un-programa-de-cinco-rutas-estrat-gicas-de-integraci-n-sudamericana-/

Malta | Visit Malta and Wego Renewed Their Partnership to Expand the Country’s Reach in the MENA Travel Market

Visit Malta, the marketing brand of the Malta Tourism Authority that aims to showcase Maltese Islands to the world, highlighting the country unique blend of culture, history, hospitality and nature and Wego, the most important and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa, headquartered in both Dubai and Singapore, have renewed their partnership for a second consecutive second year to boost tourism from the MENA region to Malta.

The collaboration uses a targeted multi - channel marketing strategy across Arabic and English language platforms aimed to expand the country’s reach in the MENA travel market, focusing on showcasing the island’s Mediterranean distinctive combination of culture, heritage, history, landscapes lifestyle, and major events, promoting Malta as a year - round destination for the travellers coming from the Middle East and North Africa. 

The campaign activation includes digital advertising, personalized content marketing, and dedicated landing pages that bring Malta experience to life. Travellers will discover everything from cultural attractions and hidden gems to travel tips and booking options, all carefully curated to inspire and inform at every stage of their journey.

This partnership reflects the shared commitment to enrich the travel experience of MENA audiences by combining Wego’s powerful travel reach and intelligence with the support of Visit Malta to showcase  the diverse offering,, and new travel opportunities open up for curious and experience - passionate travellers across the region. 

Malta located in the heart of the Mediterranean, with its appeal, captivating with its timeless charm andappeal  as a premier destination,s charm, boasts 7.000 years of history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a popular, accessible, and safe choice for tourists, offering a mix of ancient sites, a vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine.

With over 300 days of sunshine and stunning clear - water beaches, and a pristine nature, the islands of Malta, Comino and Gozo offer a harmonious blend of culture, adventure and luxury, complemented by world - class wellness and rejuvenation experiences, all just a few hours’s flight from the Middle East. 

Key features of this collaboration include: 

•    Targeted Marketing Campaign: A comprehensive campaigns across Wego’s platforms aimed at increasing Malta’s visibility and bookings from the MENA region. 
•    Showcasing Events and Culture: Promotion of major Maltese events, including the Malta International Fireworks Festival, the Rolex Middle Sea Race, and musical highlights.
•    Tailored Context: Wego provides specialized content, curated travel guides, and insider tips to highlight Malta’s unique experiences, such as its stuning coastlines and cultural heritage. 
•    Focus on Diversity: The campaign highlights the three main islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, as a premier destination for diverse travellers. 
•    Strategic Objective: The partnership aims to build on the first year’s success to further increase visitor numbers and drive engagement in the growing MENA travel market. 

Through this collaboration, Wego consolidates its position as a leading travel platform in MENA, offering travellers personalized recommendations, intelligent search tools, and curated itineraries based on real - time information and user behaviour across the region leading a campaign that connects Malta’s history with the preferences of today’s MENA traveller, who seeks authenticity, memorable experiences and comfort. 

Commercial Director at Wego, Mamoun Hmidan commented that Malta is a destination that deeply connects with travellers from the Middle East and North Africa, offering the perfect blend of history, tranquil getaways in timeless settings and a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle. Wego is proud to partner with Visit Malta to showcase this unique destination to millions of users on its platform. The company’s goal is to generate interest, increase visits, and provide travellers with a seamless experience, from inspiration to booking. 

Chief Marketing Officer at the Malta Tourism Authority, Arthur Grima stated that Visit Malta is excited to collaborate with Wego to connect with travellers across the MENA region. Malta offers a rich variety of cultural experiences, stunning coastlines and first - class hospitality. 

Visit Malta’ CEO also highlighted that the country is also home to major international events, from the Malta International Fireworks Festival to annual musical events and prestigious orchestral concerts, the renowned Rolex Middle Sea Race, the Malta Classic, which celebrates classic cars, and many more, all of which further enhance Malta’s dynamic appeal. Visit Malta aims to bring the destination closer to the hearts of travellers in the region, inspiring them to discover Malta’s islands and create memories to last a lifetime.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/wego-y-visit-malta-avanzan-en-su-segundo-ano-de-colaboracion-en-mena-para-inspirar-viajes-a-malta/

South Africa | Signed a MoU with Indonesia to Drive Sustainable Growth and Deepen Bilateral Tourism Ties

On February 5, 2026, in Jakarta, South Africa and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to cooperation across seven strategic areas to drive sustainable growth and strengthen bilateral tourism ties, establishing a partnership that focuses on increasing travel by addressing connectivity, creating joint promotions, as well as fostering cooperation in gastronomy and fashion. 

Signed by South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille and Indonesia Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, the MoU covers sustainable tourism, human resource development, marketing, destination promotions, tourism investment, safety and service standards, research and development among other  initiatives. 

The ministers stated that the partnership will prioritize connectivity, visas and joint promotion to increase two - way flows, with the South African Minister calling for more direct flights between the two countries. 

Key Features about the MoU: 

•    Seven Strategic Areas: Cooperation focuses on sustainable tourism, human resource development, marketing/promotion, investment, safety/service standards (crisis management), and tourism studies. 
•    Mutual Visa - Free Access: A major component is the abolition of visas for citizens of both countries, aimed at boosting tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and trade. 
•    Increased Air Connectivity: South African Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille emphasized enhancing direct flights to boost tourism flows. 
•    Targeted Marketing and Collaboration: The pact includes joint promotions for both countries’ top destinations, exploring hidden gems, and focusing on cultural, culinary, and fashion exchanges.
•    Halal Tourism Focus: South Africa is working to increase its appeal to the Indonesian market by improving halal tourism options. 
•    Implementation Structure: A working group meeting was established to be held within three weeks of the signing to ensure the swift implementation of these initiatives. 

In 2025, 36.548 South African travellers visited Indonesia, while about 3.000 Indonesians travelled to South Africa, highlighting scope for growth. Officials expect the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism ecosystem. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/indonesia-and-south-africa-sign-tourism-mou.html