Hilton | Planning to Expand its DoubleTree by Hilton Brand in Africa with the Future Opening of three New Properties in Morocco, Republic of Congo, and Togo

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons,Virginia, is planning to expand its DoubleTree by Hilton brand in Africa with the future opening of three new properties in Morocco, Republic of Congo, and Togo marking Hilton’s entry in the Togolese market.  

These developments are part of Hilton’s strategy to expand its presence in the African continent, where the company currently has more than 100 hotels in its pipeline. 

The new DoubleTree by Hilton properties will join the brand’s global portfolio, which includes over 700 hotels across 61 countries and territories.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Marrakech La Palmeraie, Morocco: Set to open in  2028 this resort - style establishment will be situated in the Palmeraie district of Marrakech, a vast, lush oasis of palm trees north of the city, famous for luxury resorts, tranquil escapes, and outdoor activities like camel rides, and quad biking, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling medina of the “Red City” while still being a short taxi ride away. It’s a premier area for upscale living and relaxation, featuring high - end hotels, private villas, and cultural spots like museums, making it ideal for a relaxing holiday. 

The property will feature 228 comfortable rooms, multiple dining options. pools, a gym, a spa, a paddle court, landscaped gardens, and meeting facilities like a ballroom, offering a contemporary oasis with Hilton’s signature warm welcome. 

The DoubleTree by Hilton, Kintele, Republic of Congo: The property will be located in Brazzaville’s Kintele district, a rapidly developing area on the northeastern outskirts of the city, strategically situated by the Congo River, known for major infrastructure projects like the Kintele Sports Complex and the Kintele Congress Centre, serving as as modern urban expansion with new housing,  university facilities, and upcoming hotels. 

The hotel expected to open in 2026 will provide 220 comfortable rooms and suites, a lobby bar, a pool and bar, two specialty restaurants, a fitness centre, a spa, a beauty salon, and a 75.000 - square - metre conference centre, featuring an auditorium for 1.500 guests, banquet halls, a VIP lounge, and a museum hall.  

The DoubleTree by Hilton Lomé Airport, Togo: The hotel will be developed in partnership with SODEXH SA.,located opposite Lomé International Airport (LFW), also known as Gnassingbé Eyadéma International Airport, situated northeast of downtown Lomé in the Tokoin neighbourhood, a lively and culturally rich area home to significant facilities, including the Tokoin Teaching Hospital, known for its artisan shops,  local markets, and a variety of dining options that offer authentic Togolese cuisine.  

The hotel will be the first internationally branded airport property in the country and will feature 165 comfortable rooms and suites, a signature restaurant, a lobby café, an outdoor pool, spa, fitness centre, and flexible meeting spaces, including a ballroom and three meeting rooms. With construction underway as of late 2025, thoigh specific dates aren’t finalized.

The three properties join the DoubleTree by Hilton brand focused on comfort and warm hospitality, offering modern fitness, business centres, meeting and event spaces, contemporary accommodations, unique food and beverage options. The brand emphasises pleasant stays through its “human moments” and special comforts, catering to both business and leisure travellers. 

Links 
https://stories.hilton.com/emea/releases/hilton-expands-full-service-portfolio-across-africa-three-new-doubletree-by-hilton-signings
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139355.html

Club Med SAS | Announced Plans to Develop a New Resort in Mont - Tremblant, Canada

 Club Med SAS, commonly known as Club Med, previously named Club Méditerranée SA, a French travel and tourism operator founded in 1950 and based in Paris, specializing in all inclusive holidays has announced plans to open a new resort in Mont - Tremblant, a municipality in the Canadian province Québec, set within the Laurentian Mountains, northwest of Montréal.

The year - round Mont - Tremblant Ski Resort, on the shores of Lake Tremblant, features acclaimed winter sports, stunning ski trails across four mountain faces, golf courses and a pedestrian shopping village. North of town, expansive Mont - Tremblant National Park. the local area offers forested hiking trails and lakes for canoeing, along with winter activities, a centre known as a premier Eastern North American destination that attracts families and adventure - seekers.

The development of the resort, named Club Med Tremblant follows the opening of Club Med Québec Charlevoix in 2021 expanding the company’s presence in Canada and represents a strategic move to enhance the group’s footprint in North America.

The future opening of the resort is expected to support Mont - Tremblant tourism industry, which attracts over 3 million visitors annually.

The project is a collaboration between Club Med SAS, Alderan and Station Mount - Tremblant. Club Med will operate the resort under a long - term lease and serve as the Delegated Project Manager, overseeing the design, planning and execution.

The agreement also includes a partnership with Station Mont - Tremblant to enhance ski school offerings and improve mountain amenities.

Scheduled to open in December 2028 the new resort will be located in the Laurentians, a popular four - season destination known for its skiing and natural surroundings.

Mont - Tremblant named from local Algonquins who called it the “trembling mountain” is a major ski destinations with 102 trails for all levels, spread across South, Sunside (Versanht Soleil) North, and Edge faces, plus a vibrant pedestrian village and is part of the larger Mont - Tremblant National Park.

Club Med Tremblant will feature gourmet dining options, wellness experiences, including a spa age - specific kids’ clubs, a variety of summer activities, including hiking and water sports, and a ski - in /Ski - out experience, with daily lift tickets included for guests.

The resort aims to integrate responsibly into the local environment, with plans to achieve LEED certification and Green Globe operational certification.

This expansion is part of Club Med’s broader strategy to grow its North American presence. The company aims to position Club Med Tremblant as a flagship ski destination in the region, contributing to economic and tourism growth in this very captivating Canadian destination.

Links

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139201.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed a Management Agreement to Open a 100 - Room Holiday Inn Resort in Lonavala, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, England, UK, has signed a management agreement to open a 100 - room Holiday Inn resort in Lanavala, a popular hill station nestled in the Sahyadri range of Maharashtra, surrounded by green valleys near Mumbai in western India.

Lanavala is a haven for nature lovers, adventure seekers and history enthusiasts. Renowned for its lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, mid - covered hills, the Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves, ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rock and forts such as Lohagad Fort, this centre offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The resort is part of IHG’s strategy to expand its presence in India’s leisure destinations and its future opening is the result of a management agreement between IHG Hotels & Resorts and Emproy Hospitality LLP, a firm engaged in the field of hotels & hospitality, infrastructure and construction activity for over 30 years and based in Mumbai.

The agreement marks IHG Hotels & Resorts’ continued effort to strengthen its presence in the essential category in the Indian market and the company’s expansion in India aligns with the growing demand for leisure and corporate retreats in the region, particularly along the Mumbai - Pune corridor.

The property, scheduled to open in 2027, will be located near the NH - 48 Expressway, a major, crucial National Highway of India that starts at Delhi and terminates at Chennai, traversing through seven states of the country, providing an easy access for travellers.

The establishment will feature 100 comfortable rooms, three dining options, a swimming pool, a spa, and a fitness centre.

The resort will join the Holiday Inn Resorts brand which offer family - friendly escapes with features like pools, kids  stay - and - eat free programs, destination focused activities, live entertainment, and comfortable, functional rooms with dedicated work/relax zones and modern amenities, all designed for accessible relaxation and memorable moments in popular vacation spots.

Brand’s key features include flexible spaces, all - day dining, on - site recreation, and a warm, hone - like atmosphere with contemporary comforts for both families and business travellers.

This development is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ broader expansion plan in India, where the company currently operates 51 hotels across six brands. In addition the group has a pipeline of 72 hotels, with opening expected over the next three to five years.

Link

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-signs-new-holiday-inn-resort-in-picturesque-lonavala

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139218.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Expanding its Presence in the Caribbean with the Opening of its First Centric - Brand Hotel in Puerto Rico, Located in Isla Verde, San Juan

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois, has announced the opening of its first Centric - brand hotel in Puerto Rico, located in Isla Verde, a bustling neighbourhood of the capital San Juan expanding its presence in the Caribbean.

The Hyatt Centric San Juan - Isla Verde opening marks the sixth Hyatt hotel in Puerto, joining Hyatt Place San Juan, Hyatt House San Juan, Hyatt Place Bayamon, Hyatt Place Manati, and Hyatt Regency Regency Grand Reserve Puerto.

The hotel was developed following a $30 million renovation of the former Verdanza hotel and is managed by Highgate Hotels, an American management firm headquartered in New York City with a portfolio spanning North America, the Caribbean, Latin America and Europe.

This tropical property is just steps from Isla Verde Beach close to The Mall of San Juan and Museum of Contemporary Art, 2 km from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport in Isla Verde, a lively upscale coastal neighbourhood of San Juan. 

Isla Verde is  famous for its white - sand beaches, calm waters, resorts, restaurants, shopping areas and vibrant nightlife,  offering a blend of relaxation and entertainment, though technically part of Carolina but closely integrated with the San Juan metro area, making it a popular spot near the Old San Juan and the airport.

The newly refurbished hotel provides 223 comfortable rooms suites, featuring city and partial ocean views. The guestroom design incorporates elements inspired by Puerto Rico’ s natural environment, including the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and the local mountains.

The property features two dining options with culinary operations oversee by Executive Chef Efraín Cruz such as Alba, a full - service restaurant serving Puerto Rican cuisine, and Espresso Lab, a coffee shop offering local and artisanal coffee.

On - site amenities at the hotel incluse a resort - style pool deck with a jacuzzi, a 24 - hour fitness centre, an open air - restaurant and bar, and a splash pad for children.The establishment is pet - friendly and offers pet amenities.

Hyatt Centric San Juan - Isla Verde includes over 16.000 square feet of meeting and event space, which comprises indoor and outdoor venues, including a rooftop terrace with ocean views. The facilities are designed to accommodate corporate events, social gatherings and meetings.

Guests of the hotel have access to Vivo Beach Club, an oceanfront private beach club offering amenities including three pools, four dining and bar options and an outdoor concert stage with a capacity of 3.500. In addition the hotel provides a shuttle service to this facility.

The new property joins the Hyatt Centric brand, a family of full - service modern boutique hotels in prime locations, designed to put guests “at the centre of the action” and connecting them with the local culture.

Brand’s key features include a modern design, social lobby spaces, local hot spots for food and drinks, and a knowledgeable staff that can provide expert recommendations on the area’s best activities.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/en-US/sjuct-hyatt-centric-san-juan-isla-verde

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139315.html

Mozambique | Licensed Solenta/Fastjet for Domestic Air Services

Solenta Aviation Mozambique has received a scheduled service license in Maputo from the Mozambican Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority (IACM) paving the way to launch regular domestic flights under a revived Fastjet Mozambique brand, a Mozambican low - cost airline based in Maputo that operated on major domestic routes.

Solenta Aviation Mozambique is an airline and a subsidiary of the South Africa - based Solenta Aviation Group, primarily specialized passenger and cargo charter services for the oil and gas industry, and other clients.

The airline that has a long – standing relationship with DHL Aviation for cargo operations,  has been fully licensed to operate scheduled passengers services, with flight planned between Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Tete, and Quelimane.

The move follows a new legal framework adopted by the Council of Ministers aimed at opening the market, a step expected to strengthen internal connectivity important for tourism.

The decree grants the Mozambican Civil Aviation Regulatory Authority (IACM) broader supervisory powers and introducing fare limits for airlines operating domestically as reported by Domingo, a national newspaper associated with Sociedade Notícias, covering a range of topics, from government policy and economic news to social issues and politics.

By enabling new entrants and regulating pricing, the measures seek to make air travel more accessible across the country, supporting smoother movement for residents and visitors alike.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/mozambique-to-license-solenta-fastjet-for-domestic-flights.html

Brazil | To Create a Thematic, Scientific Centre for Renewable Energy in the Ocean

Brazil, through the National Institute for Oceanographic Research (INPO), organization with the mission to promote transformative ocean science to overcome national challenges, integrate local, national, South Atlantic, and global actions and expand the South American country’s role in the global scenario will begin the creation of a thematic, scientific centre specialized in renewable energy in the Ocean.  

INPO also aims at subsidizing the implementation of public policies that benefit Brazilian society and enable the country to contribute to the international agenda for a sustainable ocean according to Agência Brasil, a nationwide public news agency based in Brasilia, run by the Empresa Brasil de Comunicação (EBC) is developing a project on four key areas:   

•    Conversion of wave energy. 
•    Harnessing tidal currents. 
•    Technologies based on the ocean thermal gradient (OTEC). 
•    Production of green hydrogen at sea. 

The new scientific centre will focus on developing technologies for sectors that face greater difficulties in adopting clear energy, such as the oil, gas, metallurgical and cement industries.

Particular attention will be paid to the production of hydrogen, a technology that solves the key problem of wind energy,  for example its intermittency, by storing excess energy in the form of hydrogen, ensuring the stability and reliability of the energy supply. 

Of the $2.85 billion allocated to fund the project, $817.000 will go to scholarship for students and researchers at four Brazilian universities, with the aim of training specialized personnel. 

The General Director of INPO, Segen Estefen said that the development and testing of equipment prototypes is also planned. At the end of the project, the corresponding prototypes will be delivered for installation at sea.

INPO Head  highlighted the strategic potential of this initiative stating that the availability of renewable resources in the ocean and Brazil experience in activities on the continental shelf are great advantages, turning the ocean into a strategic ally in the energy transition.

Brazilian authorities believe that the future of energy lies in the ocean, and the country plans, to take advantage of, its main advantage : its vast coastline and its experience in building offshore platforms for oil extraction and other activities.

At the same time, licensing projects for offshore wind energy with a total capacity of up to 250 gigawatts are underway. If at least 20% od the plan is realized, the Brazilian power grid could receive an additional 50 gigawatts, almost a quarter of the current national capacity.

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-crear-un-centro-tem-tico-de-energ-a-renovable-en-el-oc-ano/

Italy | Showing the Highest Global Growth in Congress Tourism, Consolidating itself as Top European Destination in the Sector

Italy shows significant and high global growth in congress tourism, ranking as the #1 country in Europe and 2# worldwide in recent ICCA ranking, behind only the U.S.,, with impressive year - over year increases in hosted congresses, driven by strong performances from cities like Rome and Milan, cementing its status as a leading MICE tourism (Meetings,  Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination. 

The country consolidated in 2025 as the nation with the highest growth worldwide in scientific congress tourism.  

Between 2021 and 2025, the number of such events in Italy increased by 19.98%, according to a report released by the website of the specialized publication Gist, which cites the result of an analysis carried out by the office in this nation of GainingEdge, a global consulting firm based in Melbourne, Australia, dedicated to advancing the business events and tourism industries,  partnering with destinations, convention bureaus, venues, and associations to drive growth, competitiveness, and long – term impact. 

The study reflected that this is an unparalleled result, which far exceeds that achieved by the main competitors at the international level, and which consolidates Italy's position as a global center of knowledge tourism.

The noted points out that between 2021 and 2025, 204 more international scientific congresses were held in Italy, compared to the previous four - year period, while worldwide there is a stagnation in this sector. 

Key Highlights of Italy's Congress Tourism Growth: 

•    Top European Destination: Italy became the leading country in Europe for congresses in 2023, hosting more than its competitors like France, Germany, and the UK. 
•    Global Second: In 2024, Italy hosted 635 international congresses, placing it second globally, just behind the United States.
•    Fastest Growth: Italy recorded the most significant growth among major European competitors in the period leading up to the 2024 rankings, adding 82 more congresses than the previous year. 
•    Strong City Performance: Italian cities are climbing global charts, with Rome in the top 10 worldwide, Milan rising significantly, and Bologna, Florence, Naples, Turin, and Venice also featuring prominently.
•    Economic Impact: This growth in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism contributes significantly to Italy's economy, driving deseasonalisation and attracting high-value tourism.
Why This is Happening: 
•    Strategic Value: The sector is recognized as a vital lever for economic development, prompting focused efforts from the country's Convention Bureau. 
•    Post - Pandemic Boom: A strong recovery and renewed interest in in – person events have accelerated Italy's performance.
•    Diverse Offerings: Italy's ability to offer rich cultural experiences alongside modern infrastructure makes it a prime choice for international events.

The Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè said that Italy is not only a country of art, landscapes, gastronomy and wines: it is a benchmark in knowledge, and considered that congress tourism activates high - quality supply chains. 

The Minister added that this type of event can be planned well in advance, involves people with a high level of spending and promotes local products, which is fully consistent with the national strategies of deseasonalization and improvement of tourist flows. 

From her part, the President of the Italian Convention Bureau (CBI), Carlotta Ferrari appreciated that the figures show a mature potential and emphasised that the results obtained show that the congress tourism system has the skills, credibility and resources necessary to compete at the highest international level.  

CBI's President added that to consolidate this position, structural and continuous support is essential, which allows the country to plan in the medium and long term, to compete on equal terms with its main global competitors.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/italia-muestra-el-mayor-crecimiento-global-en-turismo-de-congresos/