IHG Hotels & Resorts | Announced Plans to Open its First Standalone InterContinental Residences in Bangkok, Thailand

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, England, UK has unveiled plans to open its first Standalone Intercontinental residences in Bangkok, capital and largest city of Thailand announcing an agreement with CG Capital, the fund management arm of Central Group, one of Thailand’s leading business groups, representing a strategic move for IHG as it continues to explore growth opportunities in the region. 

Thailand is a leading market for branded residential projects in the Asia Pacific, accounting for 23% of existing activity, according to a JLL report published in June 2024.

The development of the InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke marks IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first standalone branded residences under the InterContinental brand and the project is set for completion in 2029, a project that is part of IHG’s strategy to expand its presence in the branded residential market, where it currently has over 30 developments either open or in the process of selling properties globally.

The residences will be located on Soi Sukhumvit 16 in the Asoke neighbourhood in proximity to Grade A office buildings, a popular, central area within Bangkok’s Central Business District, known for its vibrant mix of residential and tourist - friendly spaces, convenience, and diverse food scene. 

The neighbourhood is centred around Asoke Junction, a major transit hub where the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway lines intersect, with an easy access to the Terminal 21 Mall and offering many amenities like hotels, upscale and casual restaurants, rooftop bars, but also quiter residential streets, and adjacent areas like Soi Cowboy well known for its nighlife.

The property will include 88 residences providing a range of two, three, and four - bedroom units, with sizes varying from approximately 139 to 547 square metres.

Facilities planned for the InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke include a 25 - metre swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, a fully equipped fitness centre, a pilates andyoga studio, a private function room with a full pantry, co - working spaces, meeting rooms, a game room, an art room, and a residents’ lounge.

The InterContinental brand characterized by a commitment to bold exploration and cultural discovery through unique destinations and immersive experiences, offering a global luxury accommodation experience, emphasizing intentional flexibility, allowing guests to seamlessly their stay.

The brand has 51 hotels in the East Asia and Pacific region, including eight in Thailand and 22 properties in the regional pipeline, with three located in the Southeast Asian country. 

The InterContinental Residences Bangkok Asoke will add to IHG Hotels & Resorts’ existing portfolio of branded residences in the region, which includes properties in Phu Quoc and Halong Bay, Vietnam, and Hua Hin, Thailand. Globally the brand operates 231 hotels across 70 countries, with 105 properties in its development pipeline.

Link 

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138562.html

Whitbread PLC | Securing its Second Premier Inn Location in Bath, England, UK

Whitbread PLC, a British multinational hotel and restaurant company based in Houghton Regis, England,UK has secured a lease agreement for a new Premier Inn hotel in Bath, famous city in Somerset, England, located in the valley of the River Avon, 156 kilometres west of London, special for its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site,  a result of its well - preserved Roman - built bath and remains, Georgian architecture and its history as a relevant spa town. 

As a very important destination in the UK, the city receives approximately six million overnight and day visitors annually, according to Bath and North East Somerset Council. 

This development is part of Whitbread PLC’s strategy to expand its Premier Inn and hub by Premier Inn networks in the UK and Ireland and will increase Premier Inn’s presence in Bath City Centre to two hotels, offering over 250 rooms. 

The site was secured through a competitive bidding process, and planning permission was granted in September 2024.  

Savills, a British real estate services company based in London managed the market engagement for Frank Capital, a privately owned real estate firm also headquartered in the British capital while Sisman Property Consultants, a Bristol based independent property consultancy advised Whitbread PLC.

The planned development will replace the vacant Beazer House office building with a six - story, 68.000 - square - foot hotel. Construction is scheduled to commence in early 2026, with the hotel expected to open in 2028. 

The hotel will be located on Bristol Road, within a 10 - minute walk of Bath railway station and the iconic Roman Baths, close to Thornbank Gardens and Wells Road,  positioning it to attract leisure guests.

The property will provide 153 guestrooms, featuring Premier Inn’s latest room formats, including standard and Premier Plus bedrooms, an on - site restaurant, and a bar on the ground floor. 

The project aligns with Whitbread PLC’s sustainability goals, aiming for a BREEAM Excellent rating and operation solely on electricity from renewable sources. The company has set to reduce carbon emissions from its direct operations to zero by 2040.   

Whitbread PLC currently operates 850 locations with over 85.000 bedrooms, with plans to increase this to 125.000 rooms.

Link
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137844.html

Nobu Hospitality, LLC | Unveiled the Development of its First Serviced Residences and Restaurant in Kuwait

Nobu Hospitality, LLC, American hospitality company based in Miami Beach, Florida, a firm focuses on modern, luxury and minimalist tradition in its lifestyle establishments, founded by famed chef Nobu Matshisa, Academy winner Robert de Niro and Hollywood producer Mier Teper in partnership with Drew Nieporent as an operator with Myriad Restaurant Group has unveiled the development of its first serviced residences and restaurant in Kuwait,  located in Hessa district, in Kuwait City.

The project is a partnership with United Real Estate Company (URC), one of the leading real estate developers in Kuwait and the Mena region headquartered in Kuwait City anDhaliliyah Companyd , a leading Saudi foirm specializes in architectural and interior design based in Riyadh. 

The partnership aims to enhance the appeal of Hessa District as a destination for both residents and visitors and is part of a broader strategy to attract international hospitality brands to Kuwait, positioning the area as a regional centre of relevance for luxury living and hospitality.

The development will be situated in Hessa Plaza, part of the Hessa District Project in Kuwait City, specifically within the Hessa Al Mubarak District overlooking the Arabian Gulf, a mixed - used development that includes residential towers, townhouses, offices, medical clinics, and a retail and dining area in Kuwait’s capital, accessible from major roads like the Arabian Gulf Road and Third Ring Road,  an area designed to be a hub for living, dining, shopping, and social activities.

The project will include 90 serviced residences and a Nobu Restaurant offering views of the Arabian Gulf, meeting and event spaces marking Nobu Hospitality’s entry into the Kuwait market and expanding its presence in the Middle East. 

The timeline for completing the development has not been specified, however, the project is part of ongoing efforts to develop Hessah District into a prominent location for exclusive living and cultural experiences in Kuwait City.

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138727.html

Ethiopia | “Journey to the Homeland”, a Programme to Reconnect with Global Diaspora Launched

Ethiopia, through its Ministry of tourism has announced the launch of the “Journey to the Homeland” programme to reconnect with global diaspora, specifically designed to strengthen ties with ethnic Ethiopians living abroad, as reported by Fana Media Corporation (FMC), a leading Ethiopian media organization formed through the merger of the former Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C. and Walta Media. 

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Diaspora Affairs Directorate and private partners.

The Ethiopian diaspora is a large, diverse, and politically engaged community that has evolved significantly over the last 50 years. It was initially shaped by waves of forced migration but is now increasingly driven by economic opportunities.

Composed of multiple ethnic groups, including Oromo, Amhara, and Tigrayan communities, and is religiously diverse, with large populations of both Coptic Christians and Muslims, the Ethiopian diaspora is scattered globally, primarily in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, as Ethiopia has no single colonial legacy. 

According to the State Minister of Tourism, Endegena Abebe, the programme will offer participants the opportunity to visit Ethiopia, explore its history and traditions, and reconnect with relatives, local communities and cultural heritage.

The official noted that many Ethiopians raised overseas lack a deep understanding of their roots, and this initiative will help bridge the gap emphasizing that the project represents a significant step towards strengthening the bond between Ethiopia and its citizens living abroad.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/ethiopia-launches-programme-to-reconnect-with-global-diaspora/

China | Launched a Next - Generation Train to Break Records in High - Speed Rail Transport

China launched a next - generation train undergoing tests on the Shanghai - Chonqing - Chengdu high - speed railway currently under construction that will run in an east - west direction largely parallel to the Yangtze River, connecting the cities of Shanghai, Nanjing, Hefei, Chongqing and Chengdu may become the fastest commercially operated train in the world.  

As reported CCTV+ , a video news agency specializing in video on demand based in Beijing belonging to the state - owned China Central Television televised news network, China’s CR450 high - speed train set a record speed of 453 km/h for conventional rail transport during recent trials and is faster than its predecessor, the CR400, which reached 420 km/h in tests. 

This new train setting new speed records while promising faster, safer, and more efficient travel in China and is setting fresh benchmarks in rail technology, is expected to complete 600.000 kilometres of tests runs and its planned operational speed is 400 km/h, exceeding the current global standard of 350 km/h. 

Comprehensive trials are planned next year on the Chengdu - Chongqing section and if successful, it will officially become the world’s first regular commercial high - speed train operating at 400 km/h.

To achieve these results in terms of speed performances, Chinese engineers actively worked through improved aerodynamics and design. The train’s nose was extended from 12.5 to 15 metres, the undercarriage was almost completely enclosed, overall height was reduced by 20 centimetres, and lightweight materials, including carbon fibre and magnesium alloys, were used. 

According to reports these innovative operations reduced aerodynamic drag by 22% and allowed the train to accelerate to 350 km/h in just 4 minutes and 40 seconds, 100 seconds faster than the previous model. 

The train  is equipped with advanced permanent - magnet traction motors, and over 4.000 sensors for real - time monitoring boasting a power output of 11.000 kW and an acoustically insulated cabin, where noise levels remains at just 68 dB even at 400 km/h.

This next - generation train is also noted for its energy efficiency and comfort expanding passenger service space by 4% compared to previous models, and an over - the horizon system has been added to improve the recognition of emergency situations, and is expected to start commercial operations as early as 2026.

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/en/news/chinese-train-sets-record-speed-for-high-speed-rail-transport/

Brazil | Pledged a Landmark Investment of US$1 Billion to Global Tropical Forest Protection Fund

Brazil through its President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged a landmark investment of US$1 billion into the newly created Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), a global financing initiative spearheaded by Brazil’s COP30 presidency to provide long - term, predictable funding for tropical forest conservation and restoration. 

The fund will be use a blended financial model, combining public and private investment attracting contributions from governments and private investors, to generate returns from a diversified portfolio that will then fund forest protection efforts. 

The goal is also to create economic incentives for countries which must have transparent financial management systems to be eligible to maintain standing forest by providing performance - based payments. 

In addition the initiative aims to raise a relevant amount of capital, and a significant portion of the resources will be dedicated to indigenous peoples and traditional communities, who play a critical role in forest protection. 

The Brazilian President underlined that without the leadership of those who live in and depend of tropical forests, there can be no sustainable solutions to climate change and he also urged other nations to match Brazil’s ambition so the fund can be formally launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) that will take place in November 2025 in Belem,  capital of the state of Pará, relevant port city and gateway to Brazil’s lower Amazon.

By COP30, the initiative aims to raise US$25 billion in junior capital from governments, which would then to be leveraged to attract senior private capital of up to US$125 billion. 

According to environmental analysts, this could generate an average annual payment per hectare of preserved forest. 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/brazil-pledges-us-1-billion-to-global-tropical-forest-protection-fund/

Spain | Launched “Tourism Strategy 2030”, a New Plan to Make its Tourism Sector more Sustainable, Digital, and Resilient

Spain has launched “Tourism Strategy 2030”, a new plan to make its tourism sector more accessible, digital, and resilient by tackling issues like overcrowding and high housing costs with key initiative include creating a new Tourism Housing Observatory to manage short - term rentals and a focus on off - season and rural tourism to balance visitor numbers with resident quality of life.

The Government of Spain has approved this initiative in the Council of Ministers, a common agenda to guide the transformation of Spanish tourism, a strategic transversal plan made up of 5 programmes, 50 measures and 148 concrete actions that reflect its commitment to to making the defined objectives a reality, covering the five main axes involving different ministries and bodies, after the reactivation of Interministerial Commission on Tourism aiming to transform tourism in a more inclusive, balanced and environmentally conscious model.

The commitment is materialized in the approval of 15 common goals, resulting from the intersection of five axes generated by the partecipatory process and joint reflection with other administrations, companies, social agents and they are : 

• Destinations – This ax focuses on workers who create destinations aiming to strengthen tourism management and promoting collaborative governance boosting green and blue tourism that reduces emissions, protecting biodiversity and using natural and coastal resources responsibly. The purpose is to strengthen institutional strength as well as climate sustainability and resilience of the destinations. To this end a “Destination Regenerative Program”, a “Platform for the Adaptation of Tourist Destinations to Climate Change” and a “Rapid Response Committee in Tourism” will be implemented.

• People who create jobs - Regarding measures for people who create jobs, the strategy is intended to foster innovation and digitalization as drivers of competitiveness. The plan supports responsible companies that integrate sustainability criteria and practice a circular economy based on efficiency, waste reduction and local consumption. The actions will be directed to boost the digital transformation through a “Digital Advisory Programme” aimed at strengthening the technological capacity of tourism SMEs, as well as a “Programme to boost Circular Economy in Tourism” with goals also to create competitive innovation and responsible companies.

• Tourism workers - The aim is placing people working in the tourism sector at the centre of the model through continuous training, improved working conditions and inclusion, guaranteeing decent and sustainable jobs in the context of the dual green and digital transition. The objective of the plan is to evolve from a model based on temporality to one based on stability, through actions such as a “Pact for the Labour Wellbeing of the Tourism Sector” and the reinforcement of dual training in tourism. The goals are highlighting talent, labour equity, dual transition and boosting tourism employment.

 • Residents - Concerning residents, the objectives include strengthening social cohesion, balancing the use of public space, and protecting local culture, in order to harmonize tourism activity with the lives of host communities. The creation of a Tourist Housing Observatory to develop an atlas of tourism intensity has the aim of better reconciling tourism and coexistence with residents.The goals are social cohesion, culture and heritage, and environmental commitment. The objective is also promoting the development of digital tools that improve the management of public spaces, resources and public services, within the scope of the “Intelligent Platform of Destinations”. 

 • Tourists - With regard to measures aimed at tourists, and in order to attract a more responsible aware and participatory visitor, promoting responsible marketing actions will be developed to promote the geographical, temporal and motivational diversification of tourism with the aim to position Spain as a sustainable destination. This ax focuses to raise awareness among travellers and encourage environmentally respectful behaviour, implementing actions focus on responsible tourism, social and environmental awareness.

According to the Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu, this strategy represents a commitment by the Government of Spain to place the country’s main industry at the centre of its political agenda.

The Minister also highlighted that with the preparation of this strategy and its implementation plan, the Spanish Government takes on the challenge of managing the current success of Spanish Tourism, believing in this industry as a responsible and redistributive activity which generates opportunities for all, including residents, and which preserves the cohesion and identity of the territories.

In a press release, the Spanish Government stated that the “Spain Tourism 2030 Strategy” is in line with the international consensus on sustainable tourism, drawing inspiration from recent milestones such as the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Palma Declaration (Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, 2023), the European Union Strategy for Sustainable Tourism,  and the Madrid Declaration, Conestur.

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/10/22/espanha-define-nova-estrategia-para-o-turismo