IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed a Management Agreement to Develop a 110 - Room Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Surat, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed a management agreement with Yashvi Greenco LL, a hospitality development company based in Surat, known for partnering with international hotel chains for their expansion in the Indian market to develop a 110 - room Holiday Inn Express hotel in Surat, a large city beside the Tapi River in the west Indian state of Gujarat, a relevant commercial centre for textiles highlighted by the New Textile Market area lined with fabric shops.

Surat is also known as the “Silk City” and “Diamond City” of India, famed for diamond cutting/polishing (cutting~90%of the world supply),  home to over 5.000 diamond manufacturing units including most advanced large - scale diamond cutting factories in the globe, a rapidly growing city with also a rich colonial history, bustling markets, and a vibrant culinary scene.

The development of the Holiday Inn Express Surat Gauravpath scheduled to open in 2029 marks IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first signing in the city.

The hotel intended to serve the city’s corporate, small – and medium enterprise, and transit demand will be part of a mixed - use development in the Gauravpath corridor, an expressway in Piplod, an upmarket locality in the city of Surat, designed and constructed by the Surat Municipal Corporation as part of a plan to connect Surat City with its airport, Magdalla Sea Port and Dumas Village, in an area known for its industrial base and infrastructure.

Holiday Inn Express Surat Gauravpath will feature 110 comfortable rooms and will join Holiday Inn Express, IHG Hotels & Resort’ largest brand globally, with more 3.200 hotels, and the brand’s Generation 5 design that features flexible workspaces and updated aesthetics for both business and leisure stays.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Six Senses and voco Hotels. The company has a pipeline of 89 hotels planned for India over the next three to five years.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-signs-holiday-inn-express-surat-gauravpath-marking-the-groups-entry-into-gujarats-fastest-growing-commercial-hub

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140771.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Unveiled the Opening of a New JdV by Hyatt Property in Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois has unveiled the opening of a new JdV by Hyatt property in Scottsdale, a desert city in eastern Maricopa County in the U.S. state of Arizona, part of the Phoenix metropolitan area.

Hotel Solaya has opened its doors in Old Scottsdale, joining the Jdv by Hyatt Brand, expanding its portfolio in the U.S. market in a very demanded destination.

Scottsdale is known for its spa resorts and golf courses, including TPC Scottdale, Old Town Scottsdale, a world - class  bucket list destination with some of the Southwest’s finest museums and art galleries, restaurants, nightclubs, local retail shops, boutique hotels, and performing arts centers, all within a condensed area, and famous for its trails wind through McDowell Sonoran Preserve, a deserscape of hills, rock formations and cacti.

The new hotel is managed by Dreamscape Hospitality, a company based in McKinney, Texas,  specializes in exceptional hospitality  management, focusing on service excellence, asset value enhancement, and innovation.

The property is located at 4000 N Drinkwater Boulevard in the heart of the Old Town entertainment district in Scottsdale, within walking distance to Scottsdale Fashion Square, Scottsdale Stadium, dining, nighlife, and cultural landmarks in the city, and roughly a 14 - minute drive from Sky Harbor International Airport.

The hotel features 194 redesigned rooms and suites, art - filled common spaces, and multiple dining venues.Ella on the Park, a modern American restaurant overlooking Civic Center Park, scheduled to open in late spring. The restaurant will seat up to 150 guests indoors and on its patio, offer dinner service, and debut a brunch menu in Ocotber. A degree bar with seating for up to 30 guests is also featured.

Common Ground Bistro, located in the hotel lobby, serves American - bistro style cuisine, including coffee, breakfast, and light bites throughout the day.

The property also include an on - site spa and fitness centre, an outdoor pool deck with cabanas, lounge setting, as well as bar and grill services.

The establishment also offers seven event spaces, including a 3.500 - square - foot outdoor lawn for open - air events and large gatherings, and a 2.600 - square - foot ballroom with high ceilings and an open plan for interior events.

The proopery joins JdV by Hyatt brand, 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 emphasises celebrating the “joie de vivre” and encourage guests to experience each hotel with the essence of its local surroundings.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/jdv-by-hyatt/en-US/phxjs-hotel-solaya

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140902.html

Radisson Hotel Group | Officially Opened its First RED Radisson Hotel in Türkiye, Located in Izmir

Radisson Hotel Group, a multinational hospitality company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium has officially opened its first RED Radisson hotel in Türkiye, Located in Izmir, third largest city in the country after Istanbul and Ankara located on the Aegean coast of Anatolia.

Izmir is a  vibrant mix of 8.500 years of history, modern cosmopolitan life, and Mediterranean charm,  highlighted by the historic Kemerali Bazaar, the iconic Konak Clock Tower, scenic waterfront walks along the Kordon, and easy access to coastal beauties, surfing, and ancient archaeological sites.

The opening of the Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova introduces the Radisson RED brand to Türkiye for the first time, a destination is experiencing a record - breaking surge, with 2025 data confirming the country as a top - four global destination, welcoming roughly 64 million visitors and generating $65.2 billion in total tourism revenue.

The hotel is located at Yeşilova, 4174/5 Street 4A integrated with the Point Bornova Shopping Mall in the Bormova district, a key metropolitan hub in Izmir, blends historical charm with modern city life, known for its green spaces, academic significance, and vibrant youthful atmosphere, featuring historic mansions, the scenic Homer Valley, and active, student - friendly spots like Küçükpa.

The establishment is  easily accessible from Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, with a travel time of approximately 20 minutes by car, providing public transportations allowing access to Izmir city centre, and surrounding areas. 

The property features 204 comfortable rooms equipped with modern amenities, RED Bites, which also operates as RED ROOF, a rooftop restaurant and bar offering panoramic city views, and the lobby bar is available for informal meetings and relaxation throughout the day.

Amenities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, a spa with sauna and massage rooms, GYM REDZONE, a 24 - hour fitness centre,  an on - site padel court, flexible meeting spaces, social spaces for guest interactions, and electric vehicle charging stations.

The hotel welcomes guests travelling with pets and als provides concierge services for local recommendation, arrangements, and requests.

 The Radisson RED Izmir Point Bornova joins Radisson RED, an upscale brand offering a playful, social, and stylish for travellers with an “ageless millennial mindset”. Key features include bold, art - infused design in seamless multifunctional social spaces, informal, flexible services, local food and drink, and the integration of music, fashion, and art throughout the guest experience.

Links

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-red-izmir-point-bornova?cid=a:se+b:gmb+c:emea+i:local+e:rdr+d:eerut+h:TRIZMBOR

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140951.html

Angola | Signed a Three - Year Tourism Action Plan and Open Skies Agreement with South Africa to Boost Tourism and Air Connectivity

Angola signed a three – year Tourism Action Plan (2026 – 2029) and an Open Skies agreement with South Africa, effective 24 March 2026, aimed at boosting tourism, investment, and air connectivity. Key features of this partnership include removing passenger and cargo flight restrctions, joint destination marketing, and skills development with the aim of unlocking opportunities across both markets. 

This initiative was launched after South Africa’s Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille concluded a working visit to  the Angolan  capital, Luanda.

The meeting also included bilateral engagements with Angola Minister of Tourism, Márcio de Jesus Lopes Daniel, and attendance at the Luanda El Grand Prix, highlighting the role of major international events in driving destiantions visibility and investment.

Angola, the second – largest economy in SADC, recorded 41.718 visitors to South Africa in 2025, a 10% year - on -  year increase, underscoring is value as a key source market.

As part of the joint marketing commitment, South Africa has also pledged to promote Angolan tourism offerings to South Africa travellers, reflecting a reciprocal approach to growing the bilateral travel economy.

Key Features of the Agreements:

·       Open Skies Partnerships:  Removal of capacity and frequency restrictions on passenger and cargo flights between the two countries, increasing options for travellers and cargo, and boosting trade.

·       Three - Year Action Plan: A framework designed to boost bilateral tourism by implementing initiatives over the next three years.

Key Action Areas:

·       Joint Destination Marketing: Coordinated efforts to promote South Africa and Angola as top travel destinations, positioning the Southern African region as a high – value destination.

·       Investment Promotion: Encouraging investment in tourism infrastructure in both countries.

Improved Connectivity: The agreement aims top increase travel demanbd and ease business travel between Angola and South Africa’s cities, particularly following 41.718 Angolan visitors to South Africa in 2025.

Strategic Collaboration: The deal strengthens regional integration in the SADC region, with Angola, the second – largest economy in SADC, partnering with South Africa to boost tourism revenue.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/south-africa-and-angola-sign-three-year-tourism-action-plan-and-open-skies-agreement.html

Indonesia | Government Plans to Renovate 400,000 Low - Income Housing Units by 2026

The Indonesian Government plans to renovate 400.000 low - income housing units by 2026, driven by the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas, to improve living standards for households in unsuitable housing.  

The government conveyed plans to improve the public renovation program this year, expected to achieve full coverage throughout the country to improve quality and foster economic equality. 

Actions include nation wide expansion, scaling to cover previously overlooked districts utilizing state - owned enterprises (SOE) land, building vertical, mixed use housing for affordability, and public - private partnerships.  

Compared to the previous year, where the goal was 45.000 homes, the jump to 400.000 represents a substantial increase, according to information from ANTARA, a news agency that delivers real time information on various events from Indonesia and around the world.

The program will not only increase in number of units, but will also be implemented on a national scale. The Minister of Housing and Settlements, Marurarar Sirait noted that 220 districts and cities were excluded last year, but it is expected that by 2026 full coverage will be achieved throughout the country. 

According to the Minister, this initiative seeks not only to provide decent houses, but also to promote economic equity in the regions, generating a significant stimulus for the local economy. 

In addition the Indonesian Government has been instructed by President Prabowo Subianto to use State land in urban areas, especially belonging to state - owned railway companies, for the purpose of building popular housing complexes. 

The Minister of Housing and Settlements has recently inspected several potential plots of land, such as Tanah Abang area of Jakarta, which will be developed as vertical dwellings with a mixed - use concept. 
Land is also being explored in Bandung, capital of Indonesia’s West Java province to begin development preparations by the end of the month. 

Key Features of the 2026 Renovation Plan: 

•    Scale and Coverage: The program intends to expand nationally, covering areas not included in previous years. 
•    Target Population: The initiative focuses specifically on improving housing for low – income households, addressing the prevalence of uninhabitable residential properties. 
•    Vertical Housing and Land Use: Under directives from President Prabowo, the government is utilizing estate – oened land, particularly from State – Owned Enterprises (SOEs) like PT KAI (railway operator) to build vertical housing with a mixed – use concept in urban areas.
•    Economic Impact: The renovation program is designed to act as a catalyst for economic growth, promoting equity in various regions.
•    Integrated Approach: The initiative is part of broader housing goals that include building subsizdized homes  and advancing the Stimulant Assistance for Self – Help Housing (BSPS) scheme to improve slum areas. 
•    Stakeholder Involvement: The planning involves collaboration with developer associations, state – run banks, and residents to ensure fairness and efficiency. 

The Minister of Housing and Settlements, Marurarar Sirait, said that this expansion responds to a directive from President Prabowo Subianto to accelerate the population’s access to decent housing. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/gobierno-de-indonesia-prev-renovar-400-000-viviendas-populares-en-2026/

Brazil | Tourism Sector Generated more than 68,000 Jobs in One Year, Marking a Record Growth

Brazil’s tourism sector is experiencing a historic boom, reaching a record - breaking 9.28 million international visitors in 2025, marking a 37.1% increase over 2024 and continuing a relevant, successful traujectory this year.

This post - pandemic rebound is characterized by increased air connectivity, aggressive marketing, a significant diversification of  destinations with the sector generated more than 68.000 jobs with formal contracts in one year, marking a record growth.

At the end of February 2026, the tourism sector had 2.39 million employees, considering its sustainable growth, according to Brazil’s Social Communication Secretariat.

In February 2026 alone, tourism generated 11.442 new jobs, driven mainly by the food and land transport sectors, reflecting the dynamism of domestic tourism during the high season and Carnival.

At the same time, domestic aviation reached an all - time high in the first two months of the year, exceeding 17 million passengers, 8% more than in 2025.

These relevant results undoubtedly consolidate tourism as a strategic - sector for economic growth and job creation in the country.

Currently, tourism accounts for 5% of the Brazil’s workforce. Tourism Minister Gustavo Feliciano stressed that the sector continues to be a key driver of employment and income for millions of Brazilians.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/turismo-en-brasil-genera-m-s-de-68-000-empleos-en-un-a-o-y-marca-crecimiento-r-cord/

The Dominican Republic | The Country Will become a Permanent “Homeport” of MSC Cruises

The Dominican Republic will become for the first time a permanent “homeport” of MSC Cruises, a major European cruise line headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, known for modern, Medciterranean  - style ahips, offering a blend of Italian elegance and high - tech innovation, through the year starting in November 2026.

The operations will be from the port of Puerto Plata,  a renowned destination in the Caribbean, known as the "Port of Silver", located on the Dominican Republic's northern Amber Coast. featuring a blend of unique colonial history, Victorian architecture, natural attractions and stunning beaches.

The announcement was made in Miami, Florida, U.S. by the Minister of Tourism David Collado, within the framework of the Seatrade Cruise Global fair and this achievement represents a milestone for the Caribbean country serving as homeport for MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately held cruise company and the third - largest cruise brand.

The initiative comes after an agreement between MSC Cruises and Costasur Casa de Campo, a residential, commercial, and tourist complex in La Romana, which contemplates the management, operation and development of Isla Catalina ( Catalina Island),  a small inhabited, protected tropical island 2.4 km off the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic near La Romana, in addition to the expansion of the offer of itineraries that will include stop in different Dominican destinations, a ccording to a press release.

MSC Cruises is establishing year - round operations, breaking the traditional seasonality, as part of a long - term strategy in the region.

The MSC Opera will be the primary vessel, operating weekly 7 - night itineraries, with options to extend 14 - night “butterfly” cruises, and the program is expected to bring 120.000 international visitors to La Romana annually.

The agreement seeks to promote investment, job creation, and the growth of tourism in the eastern region with Punta Cana and Puerto Plata drivers of the Dominican Republic’s record breaking tourism success in 2025 - 2026, positioning the country as a top Caribbean destination..

The Director of the Cruise Port of La Romana, Luis Emilio Rodríguez Amiama, highlighted the importance of MSC Cruises establishing a base of operations in the country throughout the year, which will strengthen the positioning of the Dominican Republic in the global cruise market.

The Cruise Port Director added that the new itineraries will not only integrated Catalina Island, but also other ports in the country, which according to the authorities, reflects the confidence of the line in the potential of the Dominican destination.

Meanwhile, the President of CTL Maritime, Gianluca Suprani, also supported the initiative, noting that it is part of a long - term vision to consolidate the country as a cruise hub in the Caribbean. 

Link

https://www.arecoa.com/cruceros/2026/04/16/hito-de-rd-sera-homeport-permanente-de-msc-cruises/