Sahkar Hospitality Corporation | Acquired a 90 - Key Property in Humble, Texas, U.S.

Sahkar Hospitality Corporation, a commercial real estate and hotel investment group based in La Mirada, California has acquired a 90 - key property in Humble, a historic, family - friendly city located in the Houston metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Texas, known for its oil boomtown history, convenient access to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and a mix of small - town charm with big – city retail convenience,  also highlighted by Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, the Humble Rodeo and Deerbrook Mall. 

HSV (hospitality Valuation Services) Brokerage & Advisory , a major firm in the hospitality sector has announced the sale of the 90 - key Staybridge Suites Houston - Humble Beltway 8 East to the Californian group, a property operated under the brand Staybridge Suites, an all - suite, residential - style brand owned by IGH Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor,  Berkshire, England, U.K.

The property built in 2018, was sold by Houston – based Fresh Start Hospitality LLC. The sale followed a previous unsuccessful attempt to sell the property with another broker in 2022 amd HVS Brokerage & Advisory provided a broker opinion of value and completed the sale within the initial pricing range. The buyer retained the existing management company fo the property.

The transaction generated five competitive offers, four from West Coast buyers and one from a buyer in Dallas. The selected buyer as a 1031 - exchange investor. The buyer used an SBA loan, and the sale was completed with no changes to the contract price.

HVS Brokerage & Advisory team members Eric Guerrero, James Rebulllida, Kyle Peterek, Fadi Rawashdeh, and Daneen Godinet participated in the transaction. Aseem Tandon with Cushman & Wakefield represented the buyer.

The establishment is located at 4819 Canyon Lakes Trace Drive within the Canyon Lakes Shopping Centre, near the Wilson Road Exit of Sam Houston Tollway 8, in an area offering several dining, entertainment, and retail options, approximately 6.4 km from Generation Park, in a 4.200 acre mixed - use district featuring industrial , office, residential, and retail components, as well as parks and trails.

Local demand generators include the Golf Club of Houston, Lake Houston, Kingwood Medical Center, the Port of Houston, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

The area is expected to see additional demand from developments such as Eli Lilly & Company’s $5.9 - billion pharmaceutical bio - manufacturing facility, scheduled to break  ground this year, and HTX Surf, a surfing destination within Generation Park projected to attract over 200.000 visitors annually once operational in 2027.

The property is an extended – stay hotel featuring 90 modern, air-conditioned studios and one-- bedroom suites providing fully equipped kitchens with a stovetop, dishwasher, microwave, and full - sized refrigerator/ freezer. Rooms also include flat - screen TVs, work desks, and seating areas.

Facilities at  thr hotel include, a year - round outdoor pool, a 24/7 fullly equipped fitness centre,  complimentary laundry facilities, free WiFi and pet - friendly rooms. Guests can enjoy evening social receptions and utilize the one – site barbecue grills.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141240.html

Miraval Resorts & Spas | Unveiled the Opening of its First International Resort at the Red Sea on Shura Island, Saudi Arabia

Miraval Resorts & Spa a hospitality group offers luxurious, all inclusive wellness retreats that focus on transformative experiences, part of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago Illinois, has unveiled the opening of its first international resort at the Red Sea on Shura Island, also known as Shurayrah, an island facing the Red Sea coast of Tabuk province in Saudi Arabia.

Shura Island is the vibrant, dolphin - shaped heart of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea mega - project. Designed as an ultra - luxury, eco – friendly mega - resort hub, connected to the mainland by a 1.2 km water bridge,  it hosts 11 five- star hotels, exclusive private residences an 18 - hole championship golf course designed by Brian Curley, a yacht marina, and an extensive water sports offering ranging from kayaking, sailing, and stand – up paddleboarding for high - adrenaline e - foiling and PADI scuba diving.

Miraval The Red Sea opened its doors on 15 May, marking the brand’s first resort outside of the U.S., easily accessible via Red Sea Inteernational Airport (RSI), which is a short 25 - 30 minute EV transfer away.

Developed by Red Sea Global, a leading real estate development company based in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, this adults - only, all inclusive wellness retreat adds 180 thoughtfully rooms and suites feature meditation nooks, cloud - like bedding and in - room Tibetan singing bowls, blending desert tones with natural textures.

Every stay covers gourmet dining, healthy snacks, non - alcoholic beverages, and a daily resort credit to be used toward specialty spa services of fee - based private sessions.

At the earth of the resort is the massive 3.000 square - metres sanctuary Life in Balance Spa, the largest of Shura Island, with 39 indoor - to - outdoor trearment rooms, salt rooms, a hammam, a vitality pool, and the Majlis suite for group wellness that anchors to Serenity Center.

Further highlights are Body Mindfulness Center that provides state - of - the - art Technogym equipment, HIIT rooms, barre/Pilates studios, and open - air fitness decks overlooking the Red Sea, Miraval Challenge Course, and Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen, respectively offering expert - led programming across integrative wellbeing, outdoor activities and interactive nutrition.

Guests at the resort will experience restorative journeys characterized by mindfulness, connection, and intention. Each stay presents personalized daily itineraries spanning wellness guidance, aerial yoga, meditation, creative expression, equestrian activities, outdoor adventure courses, and locally inspired cuisine.

The resort aligns with Red Sea Global’s commitment to regenerative tourism, integrating sustainable design and operations that reflect the organization’s broader ambition for a 30% net conservation gain by 2040. This includes being powered solely by renewable energy and implementing advanced waste and water management systems to minimize environmental impact while enhancing biodiversity. 

CEO of Red Sea Global, John Pagano, said that welcoming Miraval Resorts & Spas, a globally respected wellness brand, to the destination, reflects ongoing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s tourism offering. Demand during Ramadan and forward bookings for Eid - Al - Adha point to strong momentum for the destination. Whether to celebrate Eid or simply enjoy a luxury getaway, the aim is to look forward to welcoming guests across the Kingdom and around the world to experience Saudi Hafawah.

To support the increase in visitors this Eid, an additional 32 flights to RSI have been added. The destination is hosting a curated program of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences for guests staying during the festive period.

Red Sea G?lobal is expanding the offering at The Red destination after occupancy reached 82% during the final 10 days of Ramadan. Anticipating even stronger demand for the peak Eid - Adha travel period, the company is opening a new resort on Shura Island.

Further expanding Shura Island’s luxury offering, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island is also preparing to open and is accepting reservation from 20 May.

The Red Sea hub now has 11 hotels opens, with six more due to open on Shura Island in the coming months.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141265.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened its First voco Hotel in Australia, Located in Darwin

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windsor, England UK, has officially its first voco hotel in Australia, located in Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, a former frontier outpost and also a relevant gateway to massive Kakadu National Park 

Darwin is Australia’s only tropical capital city, highlighted by a massive picturesque harbour, a popular waterfront area with several beaches and green areas like the Bicentennial Park, boasting a vibrant multicultural culinary scene famous for laksa, and a resilient, laid - back outdoor lifestyle shaped by its rich indigenous culture and geographical proximity to Asia.

voco Darwin Suites has opened in the city centre of Darwin, marking the first appearance of the voco Suites product in Australia as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts strategic expansion in the Pacific - Asia region in key destinations like the capital of Northern Territory.

The property is located at 87 Mitchell Street near attractions such as Crocosaurus Cove, the Waterfront Precinct, Mindil Beach, Cullen Bay, the Darwin Entertainment Centre and various dining and bar venues, with access to day trips in the Northern Territory.

The new - build hotel features 88 - one - and two bedrooms suites, each equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette, a dedicated work area, a lounge space and elevated bathroom amenities. Many suites offer private balconies with views of the ocean or city skyline.

The hotel lobby includes a Marketplace with locally sourced items for guests to use or cook in their suites.

Dining options at the property includes the Aviary Bar & Brasserie which serves modern Australian cuisine and regional flavours, while the Aviary Bar near the lobby offers cocktails, wine, and beverage.

Amenities at the hotel include an outdoor plunge pool, a 24 - hour fitness centre, and a meeting and event space with natural light. The property also provides in - room technology, and fast Wi - Fi.

voco Darwin Suites joins voco,a brand accurately designed to stand out from the crowd, known as the IHG’s fastest growing premium brand, offering a hotel experience that is consistently thoughtful and distinct.

Each voco’s  property is characterized by its individual charm providing guests something different while also ensuring the reliability of a global brand. Centred around the brand hallmarks “Come on in”, “Me Time”, and “voco life” voco hotels are renowned for their  for their bold identity and thoughtful touches.

The opening expands the voco portfolio in Australia and New Zwaland joining properties on the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Gosford, Melbourne, the Hunter Valley, and Queenstown and surpassing 100 open hotels worldwide.

Rooms voco Darwin Suites are availabler from AUD$230 per night.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/voco-darwin-suites-opens-in%20australias-northern-territory-marking-a-new-era-for-premium-accommodation-in-the-top-end

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141268.html

Antofagasta, Chile | Approved the $5 Billion Aguas Marítimas Project, the Country’s Largest Desalination Plant

Chile approved the $5 billion $5 Billion Aguas Marítimas project, the country’s largest desalination plant located in Antofagasta, a amjor port city and regional capital in northern Chile, famous for its extreme, hyper arid climate, its vital role as a global mining giant, and its proximity to a world - renowned atronomical area and stunning natural landscapes in the Atacama Desert.

The Environmental Assessment Commission (Coeva) of Antofagasta gave the green light to the Environmental Impact Study of the Aguas Marítimas project for the construction of the largest desalination plant in the South American country, according to information from El Maipo news agency.

The plan consists to build the infrastructure in the Caleta Bolfín, about 15 kilometres south of downtown Antofagasta and distribute treated water to the communities of Antofagasta, Calama, Sierra Gorda and La Negra industrial zones.

Construction start is expected in the first half of 2027 and commercial operations are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2029.

The initiative, which entered the evaluation system in March 2022, positioning itself as the largest economic project approved by the agency since 2018.

The infrastructure includes four water intakes, 18 pumping stations, a pipeline system of almost 480 kilometres and more than 300 kilometres of electricity transmission lines with a capacity of 700.000 cubic metres per day. 

The desalinated water will be destined both for human consumption and for productive activities such as mining, agriculture and industry, with the aim of covering the demand in areas that currently have limitations in access to drinking water.

This relevant environmental nod marks a major milestone in securing water infrastructure for northern Chile’s drought - prone, copper - rich regions.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/chile-aprueba-ambientalmente-la-mayor-planta-desalinizadora-del-pa-s/

Majagua, Cuba | Inaugurated a Solar Park with Battery Storage, the First of its Kind in the Country

Cuba has inaugurated a solar park with battery storage, then first of its kind in the Caribbean country, located = in the municipality of Majagua in Ciego de Ávila Province, a centre known for its strong rural traditions, cultural “fiestas guajiras” (red vs blue brands) and agricultural focus, particularly tobacco in an area bisected by the the Carretera Central highway. 

 According to information from Prensa Latina, the official state news agency, headquartered in Havana, the development is located at the Mayor General Ángel del Castillo Agramonte Solar Park, a facility, which now contributes five megawatts (MW) to the national power grid, marking a significant milestone as the first in Cuba to be backed up by one megawatt of energy storage through batteries.  

The project represents the beginning of the second stage of a 120 - ,egawatt donation made by the government of the People’s Republic of China to Cuba. 

During the process of construction and commissioning of the park, about twenty Chinese specialists participated together with Cuban constructions force. 

This development represents a technological innovation that reinforces the stability of the electricity grid in the area, marking a significant advance in the Cuban strategy of incorporating renewable energy sources with efficient backup solutions. 

Key Details of the Project and Strategy: 

•    Capacity: 5 MW photovoltaic plant with a 1 MW BESS component, designed to store energy and manage its discharge. 
•    Purpose: To smooth solar intermittency, bolster grid stability, and reduce the frequency of power outages. 
•    Broader Context: This is part of a large - scale initiative to move away from heavy reliance on imported fuels (with over 80% of power currently from oil products). 
•    Goal: The project serves as a model for future developments across the country. 

This development is part of a massive, Chinese - supported expansion to add 1.000 MW of solar power started in 2025 and continuing in 2026, featuring 55 new solar parks, with a goal of 2.000 MW total by 2028, supported by increased storage to combat daily power failures. 

As explained by the Director of the Integrated Project Directorate of the Electric Company of Ciego de Ávila, Daniel Carrasco Camejo, the system battery is used to guarantee the quality of the voltage, the regulation of the frequency and allows local autonomy in the event of failures in the electricity supply. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/cuba-estrena-parque-solar-con-almacenamiento-en-bater-as/

Nairobi, Kenya | Unveiled Plans to Develop Africa’s First Dedicated Sustainable Aviation Fuel Refinery

Kenya Airways, the flag carrier airline of Kenya, founded in 1977, after the dissolution of East African Airways, with its head office located in Embakasi, Nairobi, and its hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Rubis Energy Kenya, part of the leading Pan African oil marketing company, Rubis Energie, have signed an agreement to develop Africa’s first dedicated Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) refinery in Nairobi  near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) located in the Embakasi suburb, approximately 18 kilometres southeast of Nairobi city centre.

The planned facility with the support of technology provider Dragonfly targeting a 24 - month timeline to become operational, aligns with net  - zero 2050 goals with an investment of $70.5 to $82.2 million is designed to produce 32.000 metric tonnes of low - carbon fuel annually from local waste including used cooking oil, animal fats, and agricultural residues,  and strengthen Kenya’s ambitions to become a regional green aviation hub.

The objective is to reduce dependence of imported fuel, lower aviation emissions and provide a steady supply of SAF for KQ flights.

The deal was supported by Kenyan President William Ruto and French President Emanuel Macron during the Africa Forward Summit which took place in Nairobi.

The development comes as global airlines face mounting pressure to decarbonise operations and increase SAF adoption. For East African  tourism and aviation stakeholders, the project signals long potential for more sdustainable regional connectivity and lower - emission travel.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/kenya-targets-africa-s-first-dedicated-saf-refinery.html

Shanghai, China | ITB China - Leading Trade Fair in the Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Industry - From 26th to 28th May 2026

Shanghai, sprawling city on China’s central coast, a vibrant metropolis highlighted by a mix of historic architecture and futuristic skyscrapers, a major hub for business, culture, finance and technology, as well as a world - class shopping destination, often called the “Magic City” or “Paris of the East” for its dynamic international feel of old and new,  will host from 26th to 28th May 2026 , ITB China, a leading trade fair in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. 

The fair is held at the Shanghai World Exhibition & Convention Center located at 1099 Guozhan Road, a venue equipped with state - of - the art infrastructure and technology, meeting the diverse requirements of exhibitors and visitors. Its central location in Shanghai makes ITB China highly accessible internationally and provides an attractive backdrop for the global gathering of the travel and tourism industry.

Organized by MB Exhibition Shanghai Co, since its launch in 2017 the fair has established itself as an indispensable B2B platform attracting exhibitors and professionals from around the world who come to network, explore business opportunities and exchange the latest trends and developments in the industry.

This three - day event connects over 900 global travel suppliers from 85 countries with thousands of top - tier Chinese and International buyers, offering deep insights into the various aspects of the global travel and tourism sector, enabling participants to discover the latest products, services, and innovative concepts and trends.

The fair showcases a wide range of the travel sector, from countries and destinations to tour operators, booking systems, and transportation, extending to hotels and other service providers aiming to enhance their customers’ travel experiences.

A significant focus is on Business Travel, which along with Leisure Travel, forms a central and profitable segment. With the globalization of the economy, business travel has increasing importance and IBT China serves as a strategic platform for exploring new trends, concepts, and collaborative opportunities in this area.

A state - of – the - art matchmaking system pre - schedules over 46.000 targeted business appointments between international suppliers and thousands of hand - selected hosted buyers.

The parallel ITB China Conference program features over 70 sessions across seven core tracks: China Outbound Travel, China Inbound Travel, Luxury Travel, Themed & Customized Travel, Hotel Accommodation, MICE Travel, and Travel Innovation. 

 The exhibition floor is categorized by major travel sectors, including National Tourism Boards (DMOs), airlines, cruise lines, luxury travel brands, MICE segment organizers, and urban mobility providers.

 A rich lineup of networking formats, such as the Opening Dinner, Aftershow Sundower, themed cocktail events, and exclusive tech gatherings like the Travel Innovators’ Gathering provide continuous relationship - building opportunities.

 In essence, IBT China is of great importance both for trade visitors and the general public, providing a unique opportunity to learn directly about travel destinations and gather inspiration for future trips.

 Links

https://platform.itb-china.com/#/home

 https://www.tradefairdates.com/ITB-China-M13546/Shanghai.html