Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Unveiled Plans for the Development of a New JdV Hotel in Kanpur, India

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has unveiled plans for the development of a new JdV hotel in Kanpur, the largest city of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, primary financial and commercial centre of northern India, situated on the banks of the Ganges River, famous for its colonial architecture, gardens, and formerly known as “Manchester of the country”, due to its prominent its cotton, woolen textile and leather industries. 

The future Landmark Kampur owned by Som Datt Landmark Hotels and Recreation Private Limited  is undergoing restoration to align with the design and experience standards of the brand and is scheduled to open in early 2026.

The hotel aiming to cater to both corporate travellers and social groups will be located in a prominent neighbourhood of the city, offering guests an easy access to Dwarkaddhish Temple, Phool Bagh, Z Square Mall and Green Park International Stadium.

The property will feature 170 comfortable rooms, four dining venues and various event facilities, among them, a 7.200 - square - foot lawn situated on the 21st floor.

The development of the Landmark Kanpur is part of Hyatt’s strategy to expand its portfolio of lifestyle hotels in key cities across India, and a step in the company’s plan to strengthen its presence in India’s commercial and industrial hubs with the JdV by Hyatt brand that focuses on providing independent, experience - driven lodging options. 

JdV brand is a collection of independent boutique hotels, well known for their unique character, reflecting the spirit and identity of neighbourhoods they are located in. The brand emphasizes celebrating the “joie de vivre” and encourages guests to experience each hotel with the essence of its local surroundings.

Links 
https://newsroom.hyatt.com/093025-Hyatt-Announces-Signing-of-Indias-Second-JdV-by-Hyatt-Hotel
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138280.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Announced a Management Agreement to Open a 120 - Room Hotel Indigo in New Cairo, Egypt

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has announced a management agreement with Jadeer Group, a renowned real estate developer committed to creating exceptional projects across Egypt and the Arab world to open a 120 - room Hotel Indigo in New Cairo. 

The agreement is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ strategy to expand its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in Northern Africa and is scheduled to open open in 2031 and marks a significant step in IHG’s expansion plan in Egypt, aligning with the country’s National Tourism Strategy.

New Cairo is a satellite city, situated approximately 20 - 35 minutes from Old Cairo depending of the specific location within both cities, developed to relieve congestion and pollution in the older part of Cairo, with a goal of housing millions of people in a more spacious environment, featuring a modern, suburban feel with green spaces, luxurious residences,  and extensive shopping malls, contrasting with the historic city centre. 

The property will part of the Red (G) mixed - used development that will include residential, retail, and hospitality components, located on North 90 street near the New Administrative Capital and the American University in Cairo, as well as other emerging business and leisure destinations.

The planned 120 - room hotel is expected top cater to both local and international travellers, offering a hospitality experience that highlights the area’s cultural and design elements.

The establishment will enter into the Hotel Indigo brand that focuses on providing a unique, locally - inspired experience at each property. Unlike a traditional chain, every Hotel Indigo is designed to reflect the local culture and character with no two hotels being alike.

Key features include locally - inspired design, a “renewal program” that adapts to local culture, and a focus on local food and beverage experiences, and the New Cairo location aims to seamlessly integrate the city’s heritage and contemporary culture into the guest experience.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates eight hotels in Egypt under four brands : InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites. The British company has a pipeline of 22 additional hotels planned for the country, indicating a long - term commitment to the Egyptian hospitality.

Links 
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/ihg-to-grow-luxury-and-lifestyle-portfolio-in-egypt-with-hotel-indigo-new-cairo
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138172.html

Travel + Leisure Co. | Planning to Open a Sports Illustrated Resorts Location in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Travel + Leisure Co., an American timeshare company headquartered in Orlando, Florida, developing, selling and managing timershare properties under several vacation ownerships clubs has announced plans to open a Sports Illustrated location in Chicago, vibrant metropolis on Lake Michigan, in Illinois, among he largest cities in the U.S., famed for its bold architecture, a skyline punctuated by iconic skyscrapers,  emblematic museums, and also recognized as a major financial and transportation hub.  

The new resort, a transformation of an existing hotel into facility inspired by the Sports Illustrated brand will be situated in the vibrant Loop area, bounded by Chicago River to the west and north, Lake Michigan to the east, and Roosvelt road to the south, well known for its eclectic eateries, trendy shops, renowned theatres and large parks, including Millenium Park and Grant Park and also home to the 108 - story Willis Tower, and the renowned Art Institute of Chicago. 

The future Sports Illustrated establishment, currently operating as a hotel, will undergo renovations to incorporate Sports Illustrated - themed elements. 

 Renovations will be carried out while the property remains operational, allowing sports fans to visit during the construction phase, which is expected to be completed by late 2026. 

The development is part of the company’s strategy to expand its portfolio of vacation experiences and will feature approximately 250 units. The lobby will retain its historic grand staircase while integrating sports - inspired design features.

New amenities planned for the resort include an owner’s lounge, a signature fitness centre, and various F&B options such as a street - level coffee shop, a full - service restaurant, and a sports bar.
The resort will offer flexible, points - based ownership options, with sales anticipated to begin early next year.

This development is part of Travel + Leisure Co.’s multi brand strategy to expand its national footprint and cater to lifestyle travellers launching in Chicago Sports Illustrated Resorts, a brand that offer unique accommodations and immersive experiences in significant sports destinations with access to a host of attractions from live action sports and entertainment to quality dining,  wellness, and relaxation.

The Chicago location will join other Sports Illustrated Resorts in Nashville, Tennessee and Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138117.html

China | Launched a Nationwide Initiative to Promote Science Education Through Cinema

 China has has launched a nationwide initiative to promote science education through a variety of media, including cinema, aiming to make scientific learning more engaging and accessible to the public as reported by CCTV+, a video news agency specializing in video on demand based in Beijing belonging to the state – owned China Central Television televised news network. 

This move involves a broad coalition of organizations, including national and local science associations, universities, research institutes, museums, and academies of science.

The launch event at the China Science and Technology Museum in Beijing showcased immersive technologies and interactive exhibits designed to merge cinematic storytelling with educational content.

The campaign uses a combination of activities, including cinematic tools like science education films and film production competitions, alongside exhibtions, lectures, and interactive events to make science more engaging, fostering a culture of scientific curiosity of innovation across the country.

The initiative works as a creative medium to explain complex scientific ideas, particularly in areas such as space exploration and technological innovation. 

High - definition productions will be adapted for dome and giant - screen formats, allowing planetariums and science museums across China to offer visually striking and informative experiences.

Specific programs, such as a youth film production competition, aim to get students involved by encouraging them to create their own science - related films about topics such as biodiversity and sustainable development. 

According to organisers, the project reflects China’s growing commitment to strengthening public understanding of science and promoting national innovations.

Officials described the campaign as a major step in integrating art and education, using film’s emotional and visual appeal to foster a deeper appreciation of science while advancing the country’s broader goals in science literacy.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/china-launches-national-drive-to-promote-science-education-through-cinema/

The Dominican Republic | Planning Projects to Guarantee 80.000 Additional Cruise Passengers to the Country

Cruise tourism in the Dominican Republic is booming and has shown a strong performance with cruise passenger numbers reaching 2.6 million in 2024, a significant growth from previous years, representing a 141% increase compared to 2019, establishing the Caribbean country as one of the leaders in the region thanks to increased demand, the expansion of port infrastructure with new modern facilities and the success of existing ports like Amber Cove and Taino Bay in Puerto Plata.

This growth supported by record visitor numbers, tripling cruise passenger arrivals in the last decade and projecting even higher figures is also due to a strategic approach driven by a cooperation agreement with Florida Caribbean Association (FCCA) and the country is committed to further growth and aims to become a regional leader in the cruise sector through new projects and partnerships.

For this reason, Tourism Minister David Collado held several meetings with the leading CEOs of various cruise lines to plan projects to guarantee 80.000 additional cruise passengers to the country.

The meetings included Michael Bayley, CEO of Royal Caribbean; Dan Farkas, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Norwegian Cruise Line,; and Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Lines.

The Minister of Tourism in a post on his social media stated that to continue strengthening cruise tourism, with these ongoing meetings, the Dominican Republic guarantees 80.000 additional cruise passengers with the support of the private sector, always thinking about jobs for the Dominicans.

Link

https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2025/10/11/dominican-republic-tourism-projects-80000-additional-cruise-passengers/

Nigeria | Implemented a Nationwide Cashless Payment System at Major Airports

Nigeria’s Federal Airports Authority (FAAN), a public service organization which is statutorily charged to manage all commercial airports in the country and providing service for both passenger and cargo airlines has implemented a nationwide cashless and contactless payment system, starting at major airports Murtala Muhameed International Airport located in Ikeja, Lagos State, the major air hub serving the entire country and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport serving Nigeria's capital Abuja.

The initiative aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and customer experience at airport entry points such as gates, VIP lounges, and car parks.

The move responds to long - standing concerns over revenue leakage from non - aeronautical sources and aligns with global digital trends and standards for seamless, secure transactions.

Expected to increase revenue by up to 75% as it scales, the system marks a significant shift in the country’s airport operations and set a benchmark for digital transformation across the African aviation sector.

As all payments become electronic and traceable, Nigeria’s Federal Airports Authority anticipates broader benefits, including financial inclusion, reduced congestion, and improved data accuracy.

In addition plans are in place for a national rollout by early 2026 with continuous improvements, and this cashless policy will be expanded to other airports nationwide in phases, supported by extensive public education campaigns.

The development is being closely watched by regional stakeholders as a potential model for modernizing airport infrastructure and enhancing competitiveness across Africa’s travel industry.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/nigeria-rolls-out-cashless-payment-system-at-major-airports.html

Brazil | Launched National Strategy for a Plastic - Free Ocean

Brazil’s Federal government has launched the “Estratégia Nacional para um Oceano sem Plástico”, the National Strategy for a Plastic - Free Ocean (ENOP), a six year plan (2025 – 2030) to prevent, reduce, and eliminate marine pollution caused by plastic waste.

The plan aims to cut marine plastic pollution by 2030 through coordinated policies, innovation, and public engagement, with a strategy that is an ambitious, government - led effort replacing a previous program focused on beach cleanups with a more comprehensive plan to address plastic at its source.

According to Brasil 247, a Brazilian news and political analysis website, the initiative sets national guidelines and promote cooperation across sectors, covering the entire cycle of plastics, from production to disposal.

The strategy is based on eight pillars : 

•    Regulation. 
•    Prevention.
•    Removal. 
•    Education. 
•    Innovation.
•    Training. 
•    Monitoring.
•    Financing.  

Key initiatives include regulating plastic production, targeting single - use plastics, banning microplastics in cosmetics, and valuing the work of waste pickers.

Director of the Department of Ocean and Coastal Management at the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change Ana Paula Prates said that Brazil has a strategic role in global marine protection, highlighting that plastic waste affects biodiversity, human health, fishing, tourism, and the climate. 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/brazil-launches-national-strategy-for-a-plastic-free-ocean/