Virgin Hotels | To Open a 261 - Room Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.

CIM Group, a real estate and infrastructure owner, operator, lender and developer based in Los Angeles, California, Centennial Yards Company, a partnership between an affiliate of CIM Group and a group led by Terry Ressler, headquarter in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Drew Company, a privately held, real estate development, management and consulting firm based in Boston, Massachusetts,have announced a partnership to open a 261 - room Virgin Hotel in Atlanta, the vibrant capital and most populous city of the US state of Georgia, and the county seat of the Fulton County.

Atlanta known as “The City in a Forest”,is  a major hub and a centre for culture, civil right history, and commerce, featuring relevant attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Atlanta History Center.

The property is part of Virgin Hotels, a luxury lifestyle hospitality brand owned by Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group, based in London, England, UK, offering heartfelt service and vibrant design is scheduled to open in 2027.

The Drew Company is involved in the development and previously completed the nearby by Hilton Atlanta, while Centennial Yards company was created by CIM Geoup to act as the owner and master developer of Centennial Yards where the hotel is located.

Centennial Yards is a $5 billion, 50 - acre mixed use development transforming downtown Atlanta’s “Gulch” into a premier entertainment and residential district, situated near Mercedes - Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, featuring an 8 - acre entertainment hub with dining and retail.

Additional openings in this Atlanta's area are planned, including Cosm’s immersive venue, Shake Shack’s first downtown Atlanta location, The Irish Exit and Khao Thai at the Mitchell residential community are all scheduled for 2026. A 5.300 - seat Live Nation venue and The Busy Bee Café are expected to open in 2027, while Zephyr, the Southern Brasserie at at the Hotel Phoenix, have recently opened.

The planned Virgin Hotel will feature 261 rooms, including 21 Grnd King Chambers, 21 One - Bedroom Suites, a Penthouse Suite, and a space called “Richard’s Flat.”

The hotel will incorporate the brand’s “Chambers” concept, designed for multiple uses, to feel more kike a home than a traditional hotel room, and the upper floors will house the hotel’s most prestigious accommodations.

The property will offer three culinary and cocktail venues, a ground - floor lobby bar with an outdoor patio, a signature restaurant and pool bar with a private dining room and covered terrace overlooking the neighbouring sports and entertainment district while Chops Lobster Bar will open on the ground floor of the hotel in 2027.

Links

https://www.virgin.com/about-virgin/latest/virgin-hotels-is-bringing-a-splash-of-red-to-atlanta

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141026.html

Hilton | Officially Opened its First Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Morocco, Located in Rabat - Salé

Hilton Worldwide Holdings,Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia has officially opened its first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Morocco, located in the iconic Mohammed VI Tower, the country’s tallest building, where the capital of the North African kingdom, Rabat meets Salé, a vibrant residential and fishing city situated on the right bank of the Bouregreg River,  known for its attractive medina, 14th - century madrasa, and a tradition of pottery.

The Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé boasts a more than strategic ubication, located near UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the iconic Kasbah of the Udayas, developed in the 12th century, acting as a fortified, residential neighbourhood known for its blue - and white painted buildings, Andalusian gardens and picturesque alleys, Hassan Tower, an emblematic 12th century unfinished minaret, standing 44 metres tall, built with red sandstone,  the historic medinas of Rabat and Salé, as well as other cultural landmarks including the Grand Theatre of Rabat.

The hotel is easily accessible from Rabat - Salé International Airport and is connected to Casablanca and Tangier by high - special rail.

This luxury hotel providing panoramic views of the Bouregreg River and the Atlantic Ocean features 55 designed rooms and suites with Moroccan, celestial - themed décor.

The property features five dining venues, including Peacock Alley, Aldabaran, the signature restaurant by chef Alain Ducasse and Brasserie Magnolia by chef Laheen Hafid, The Sapphire Room, and Après are upcoming openings.

The hotel includes a 31st - floor Waldorf Astoria Spa overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering treatments rooted in Moroccan wellness traditions, such as the hammam. Spa facilities include six treatments rooms, a detoxifying Iyashi dome, a heated quartz sand table, an ice room, and a sauna.

Addition amenities at The Waldorf Astoria Rabat Salé include an indoor pool, an ocean - facing infinity pool, a 24 - hour gym, and a relaxing lounge.

The property provides approximately 1.300 square metres of event space, including a grand ballroom and three meeting rooms.

In addition the hotel houses a private art collection with nearly 7.000 works, described as one of the largest in North Africa. Art and aritfacts are displayed throughout the hotel.

The establishment joins the Waldorf Astoria Brand, which features a sense of “place” that reflects local culture, excellence in service, and the presence of luxurious amenities, combined with stunning architecture, curated art, and fine dining, providing unique and memorable experiences.

Links

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/rbartwa-waldorf-astoria-rabat-sale/?SEO_id=GMB-EMEA-WA-RBARTWA

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141165.html

India | Launched a Real - Time Disaster System to Deliver Emergency Warnings Directly to Mobile Users

The Government of India has launched a real - time disaster system to deliver emergency warnings directly to mobile users, enhancing preparedness and public safety communication across the country.

India’s Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia has announced the launch of the “Cellurar Broadcast Alert System” developed with the support of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This advanced system is designed to send critical information on disasters, emergencies and public safety directly to citizens’s mobile phones in real time, according to information from Asian News Service (IANS), a private Indian news agency based in New Delhi.

Alerts are transmitted through the integrated indigenous system 'SACHET', developed by the Centre for the Development of Teleinformatics (C-DOT), based on the Common Alert Protocol recommended by the International Telecommunication Union. 

The system aims to deliver alerts related to disasters and emergencies, including tsunamis, earthquakes, lighting strikes and man - made hazards such as gas leaks or chemical incidents.

Individuals receive a specific notification accom,panied by a distinct vibration message. This timely notification, as planned by the Cell Broadcast test, enables individuals to reach safe zones in case of any hazardous areas. In addition, the portal SACHET, gives emergency information for that area.

As part of the rollout, a nationwide test was successfully conducted during which users received emergency alert message accompanied by a loud alarm tone and a flashing message on the phone screens.

The officials noted that this initiative represents a significant step to ensure the rapid and effective dissemination of information during natural disasters, severe weather events and other emergency situations, strengthening the preparedness and safeguarding of citizens in the face of natural calamities.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/india-lanza-sistema-de-alerta-de-desastres-en-tiempo-real/

The Dominican Republic | Construction of the Amber Highway, a Key Corridor for Tourism Development Will Start Soon

The President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader reported that the Government already has 30%  (in banks) of the budget needed for the construction of the “Autopista del Ámbar” (the Amber Highway) , a key corridor for tourism development by reducing the travel time between Santiago de los Caballeros, the second - largest city in the Dominican Republic in the north of the country and Puerto Plata,  a famed destination known as the "Port of Silver", located on the Dominican Republic's Amber Coast.

the “Autopista del Ámbar”is a planned 32.7 km, four lane highway designed for a speed of 100 km/h to connect Santiago’s Circunvalación Norte, the city’s north ring road near Tamboril to the Grand Parada area in Puerto Plata in under 30 - 45 minutes.

The highway features two major tunnels through the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range, traversing this mountainous terrain to create a more direct route, effectively replacing older, slower routes.

Benefits of this development include boost to the Puerto Plata tourism hub, fuel savings, reduced logistics costs, and improved airport connectivity, a project considered key to the socio - economic growth of the northern region of the Dominican Republic.

The project of this strategic road infrastructure that both provinces need to continue exploiting their tourism, economic and agricultural development is expected to cost approximately RD$32 billion.

The Dominican Republic President recalled the project of the aforementioned highway is in the process of being awarded and that when there is a winner, the initial of the budget will be awarded.

The call for national public building for the design and construction of the "Autopista del Ámbar”is registered under the procedure FIDEICOMISO – CCC - LPN - 2025 - 0010, published by the RD - Vial Trust.

The President of the Caribbean country emphasized that the highway is in the process when there will be 30% of the budget in banks to grant it to whoever decides to win, adding that with this connectivity project, the Government seeks to achieve order in all destinations with an emphasis on tourism but also in other industries so that the economic spillover can reach all sectors in multiple localities.

Link

https://www.arecoa.com/destinos/2026/05/01/autopista-del-ambar-clave-para-el-turismo-arrancara-en-breve/

Oman | Started a Project to Ensure the Sustainability of its Marine Resources

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources of Oman started a project to ensure the sustainability of its marine resources in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.

The initiative in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is part of the country’s efforts to ensure the sustainability of its marine ecosystem and strengthen food security, in line with the objectives of the “Oman Vision 2040”, the national reference for economic and social planning for the period of 2021 - 2040, and the source of national sector strategies with a five - year development plan, according to Al Shabiba, the fastest growing Arabic newspaper in the Sultanate of Oman.

The main objective of the project is to support the sustainable management of fisheries by collecting accurate and updated scientific data on fish biomass, estimation of target species populations and their distribution in Omani waters.

This information will allow the development of policies and plans based on scientific evidence that ensure the optimal use of marine resources and their protection overexploitation.

Activities include field monitoring programs, biological studies, assessments of fish stocks, marine environmental research and oceanography, as well as the analysis of fishing techniques and equipment.

In addition, environmental data such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity and chlorophyll, among other key indicators of marine ecosystems, will be collected and analysed.

The project seeks to create a national database that supports the strategic management of fisheries, the protection of marine biodiversity and the opening of new investment opportunities in the fisheries sector.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/inicia-proyecto-de-investigaci-n-sobre-recursos-pesqueros-en-el-mar-de-arabia-y-el-golfo-de-om-n/

Nigeria | Federal High Court Affirms Consumers Protection Authority Over Aviation Industry Operations

Nigerian Court affirmed consumer protection authority over aviation industry operations, a landmark legal decision handed down in the capital of the country, Abuja that has significantly strengthened the position of consumer watchdogs within the nation’s aviation landscape.

The Federal High Court of the African country has rejected an attempt by a major domestic carrier to limit regulatory oversight, sending a powerful message to airlines operating across Nigeria, and, by extension offering valuable lessons for the broader African travel industry.

The ruling centres on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commissions (FCCPC), the body tasked with safeguarding consumer interests across multiple sectors in Nigeria,.

The Commission had been investigating a series off passenger grievances lodged against Air Peace Limited,  a private – owned Nigerian airline founded in 2014 with its head office in Ikeja, Lagos State. Complaints ranged from unreturned ticket payments to abrupt flight cancellations and various service shortcomings that left passengers frustrated and out of pocket.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/nigerian-court-affirms-consumer-protection-authority-over-aviation-industry-operations.html

Colombia | Enhancing Tourism Management in its Heritage Towns with the Support of UNESCO

The Government of Colombia is enhancing tourism management in its “Pueblos Patrimonio” (Heritage Towns) through sustainable practices, community involvement, and infrastructure investment to boost cultural preservation and economic growth, through the implementation of a UNESCO tool designed to balance the arrival of travellers.

The project focuses on visitor management and aims to optimize the flow, behaviour and experience of visitors in the territories of the Heritage Tourism Network, currently made up of 18 municipalities.

The Network of the “Pueblos Patrimonio de Colombia” comprises 18 destinations selected by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism for their historical, architectural, and cultural value, offering a journey through the colonial era and national identity. These towns stands out for their well - preserved architecture, deep - rooted traditions, and scenic beauty, making them key destinations for cultural tourism.

These centres, which includes places like Barichara, Mompox, and Villa de Leyva, seek to promote sustainable tourism and preserve the rich country’s cultural heritage. They stand out for their cobblestone streets, colourful facades, colonial balconies and well - preserved structures from the 16th to 19th centuries.

Msny of these towns were crucial sites in the independence movement or key colonial centres, such as Guaduas or Santa Fe de Antioquia. They combines their heritage with Andean ladscapes, rivers such as the Magdalena, or proximity to relevant natural attractions, and they preserve traditions, crafts as in Jericó and authentic local cuisine.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, the goal is to ensure the physical, cultural and environmental integrity of these sites and offer a quality experience for visitors, without undermining the well - being of the local community and the social and environmental sustainability of the economic activity.

In this sense, the agency pointed out, some key aspects for the management of visitors to heritage sites include the active participation of local actors in decision - making and the definition of clear objectives on the type of tourism to be promoted and its sustainability standards.

Other axes to be taken into account are the proper interpretation and communication of heritage values; a digital presence consistent with the identity of the destination; the ordering of the influx of visitors and the use of data for monitoring and forecasting demand.

The entity stressed that adequate, efficient and effective visitor management contributes to preserving and sustaining natural and cultural heritage, improving the quality of the tourist experience, reducing conflicts between vacationers and local communities, strengthening tourism goveernance and supporting evidence – based decision – making.

The leisure industry in Colombia experienced historic growth between August 2022 and December 2025, with the arrival of 21 million non - resident visitors, which marked in this period a growth of 134%, according to official data. 

Colombia tourism sector is experiencing a record - breaking boom in this part of 2026, with over 7 million international visitors projected for the year. Growth is driven by strong demand from North America and Europe, with Cartagena de Indias and Medellin recognized as global destinations.

Key trends also include eco - tourism, sustainable travel to areas like the Coffee Triangle, and this initiative supported by UNESCO highlighting the “Pueblos Patrimonio de Colombia”as relevant destinations is undoubtedly a strategic move to diversify the offer with further captivating tourist proposals for 2026 and beyond.

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/colombia-buscar-mejorar-gestion-turistica-en-pueblos-patrimonio/