Punta Bergantín Tourism Project | Planning to Establish Over 4.500 Hotel Rooms Across Luxury Brands in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic

Punta Bergantín, a major project includes 10 - million - square - metre development in Puerto Plata, famed destination located on the Dominican Republic’s northern Amber coast, featuring a blend of stunning beaches, unique colonial history, Victorian architecture and beautiful natural attractions, aims at transforming the North Coast into a premier, sustainable destination.

Supported by the government and partners like Grupo Puntacana, the Punta Bergantín tourism project in Puerto Plata will generate a payroll of around 600 million Dominican pesos across three hotels, employing a workforce of 2.000 people out of a total of approximately 35.000 inhabitants.

The tourism project also aims to develop a total of nine hotels in the complex, aiming to exceed 4.500 hotel rooms within establishments part of luxury brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Westin and Meliá.

In addition this mega - project includes along thousands of residential units, a golf course, a film studio, an innovation center all developed in a major tourist destination that coexists with nature.

Construction of the first hotels is expected to begin in 2026, with a view to operating in the 2027 - 2028 high season. This will be the start of a large complex development with multiple high - end hotels and residential units, focused on sustainability and integration with Puerto Plata’s natural environment. 

In its three stage, three hotels, the first 240 plots of land, a golf course, a beach, and a clubhouse will be opened, operational by mid - 2028, some elements may be ready sooner, but it should not be later than the summer of 2028. 

The dates and details were provided by the General Manager of the Punta Bergantín tourism project, Andrés Marranzini, to Panorama during the 2026 edition of the International Tourism Fair, FITUR, which took place from 21st to 25th January in Madrid, Spain. 

The executive stated that no project of such magnitude would outweight the benefits for the community. The development needs 6.500 employees in the first stage, and if the operations can get at least of them from Montellano, it will be a transformative element. That kind of payroll did’t exist in that area.

With the invitation extgended to 30 investment funds for the Punta Bergantín tourism project at FITUR 2026, the tourism expert clarified that is not just about the ecomic factor, but also about transformation and community impact. 

 The General Manager of the Punta Bergantín tourism project explained that the plots will be handed over to the owners, with 24 moths to begin construction, all under a development code. Nobody can invent what they are going to do.

The Punta Bergantín tourism project CEO added that the aim is to highlight the area with Victorian architecture and develop a harmonious style within the property, encompassing nine million square kilometres and six million square kilometres of beach. 

The executive also pointed out that there are about 11 architects working on the tourism and real estate project with beach apartments, and there will be completed homes in a process that does’t erode prices because otherwise investors will not be interested, and it allows Punta Bergantín tourism project to improve the return.

Key Project Details and Impact: 

•    Hotel & Residential Growth: The final project includes at least nine luxury hotel, with the first Meliá Bergantín Beach, beginning construction to add 400 rooms. Total development aims for over 4.500 hotel rooms and 4.000+residential units. 
•    Economic Driver: Estimated to create over 15.000 – 20.000 jobs, revitalizing the region’s economy. 
•    Major Partners: Key partnerships include Meliá Hotels International, Grupo Puntacana and investments from Hilton and Hyatt. 
•    Unique Features: The development will feature an 18 – hole golf course, a “Silicon Beach” innovation hub for education, and a film studio, which actor Vin Diesel has been involved with. 
•    Infrastructure Improvements: Planned improvements include the Amber Highway, which will significantly reduce travel time between Santiago de los Caballeros and Puerto Plata. 

Link 
https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2026/01/24/punta-bergantin-will-transform-puerto-plata-with-more-than-4500-rooms/

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Unveiled the Signing and Opening of Four Properties across Garner and voco Brands in the UK

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK has unveiled the signing and opening of four properties across Garner and voco brands in the UK, adding a total of 380 rooms, additions that contribute to IHG’s pipeline in the region, which now includes over 400 open and pipeline hotels as of 30 September 2025. 

The company has expanded in portfolio through four agreements with Fairview Hotels, a hospitality group headquartered in Stevenage, England, UK, boasting a diverse range of accommodations across Great Britain, offering tailored experiences for both leisure and business travellers. 

The foir properties are: 

The voco London - Bloomsbury: The hotel is located on Southampton Road, a prominent, high - traffic thoroughfare running northwest - southeast in Bloomsbury, Camden between Holborn and Russel Square, close to the British Museum, known for its Grade II listed Edwardian architecture, 5 - star hotels, fine restaurants and educational history. The property, occupying a stylish Victorian building will provide 114 rooms and is expected to be fully rebranded and open as a voco property in mid - 2026. The hotel will remain operational during the rebranding process. 

Garner Hotel Rotherham East: The hotel opened in January 2025 and providing 91 rooms is located in Bramley, a village in South Yorkshire situated approximately 6 kilometres from central Rotherham and 13 kilometres from Sheffield city centre in South Yorkshire, close top Junction 1 of the M18, providing access to Doncaster, Nottingham, Rotherham, Sheffield, and York,  within 15 - minute drive of the Meadowhall shopping mall. 

Garner Hotel Lincoln: This 91 - room property scheduled to open in February 2026 surrounded by retail, leisure, and industrial facilities, is located in North Hykeham, a town and civil parish in the North Kesteven District of Lincolnshire, located southwest of the city of Lincon, 13 minutes from Lincoln Central Station, and other attractions such Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Castle and with access to the A46 highway.  

Garner Hotel Chesterfield North: The hotel featuring 91 rooms and set to open in February 2026 is located in Balborough, a village and civil parish in the Bolsover district of Derbyshire, near junction 30 of the M1 motorway and about 8 kilometres north of Bolsover, with an easy access to various attractions include Bolsover Castle, Sherwood Forest,  and Ballborough Links Golf Club. 

These developments expand IHG Hotels & Resorts with Fairview Hotels to six properties annd new hotels are part of IHG’s strategy to grow its Garner and voco brands in Great Britain. 

The voco brand, launched in 2018, reached 100 open hotels globally in 2025 and now includes 21 open and 5 pipeline properties in the UK and Ireland. The Garner brand has 5 open and 7 pipeline properties in the United Kingdom, including in relevant locations such as Edinburgh, London, and Nottingham.

Links 
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-strengthens-uk-presence-with-four-hotel-agreements-across-garner-and-voco-brands
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139810.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Announced the Opening of a 278 - Room Hyatt Regency Hotel in Gongbei, Zuhai, China

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois has announced the opening of a 278 - room Hyatt Regency hotel in Gongbei, a major district and bustling land port of entry in Zuhai, Guandong, connecting mainland China with Macau, one of the world’s busiest land crossings, handling over 100 million annual passengers highlighted by extensive underground shopping malls,  significant duty - free retail, and a strategic location, adjacent to the Zuhai Railway Station and Bus Terminal.

The  new Hyatt Regency Zuhai Gongbei is steps from Gongbei Port and Zuhai Railway Station, within a 15 - minute drive of Cotai Strip and Venetian Macao Casino, and its opening is part of Hyatt’s portfolio expansion in East Asia, with a strategic presence in key destinations.

The hotel features a design incorporates Lingnan architectural elements, spacious courtyards, and coastal influences. Public areas include a sky lobby, spaces with open layouts, varied palettes, and layered lighting.

The property provides 278 rooms and suites, and dining options include Market Café, offering all - day dining with Chinese and Western dishes, Xiangyue, a Chinese restaurant, specializes in seafood and traditional Cantonese cuisine. 

Part of the F&B options are also Lobby Bar, serving beverages and light fare and overlooking the Gongbei Port area, and Regency Club, a private lounge with panoramic views of Gongbei Port and the surrounding skyline.

Leisure and wellness facilities at the Hyatt Regency Zuhai Gongbei include a fitness centre, an indoor heated swimming pool, and a yoga studio, all located on the upper levels.

In addition the hotel offers 1.600 square metres of meeting and event space. The pillar - free Grand Ballroom measures 625 square metres, with a seven metre ceiling and is accompanied by a 350 - square - metre pre - function area with bay and city views.

Event spaces are equipped with independent lighting, sound, and climate control systems, professional audiovisual equipment, flexible connectivity interfaces, blackout curtains, and projections systems. The Grand Ballroom includes a 10.24 - metre by 4.8 metre high - resolution LED display, covering nearly 50 square metres.

The hotel joins Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Hotels Corporation ‘s flagship brand, known for connecting travellers with what matters through a blend of productivity and relaxation, offering modern yet, functional, comfortable rooms, spacious lobbies, diverse culinary experiences, ample workspaces, and meeting facilities.

The brand catering to both large conventions and family vacations, has a focus on seamless, tech - enabled experiences and dedicated event planning, and often provides a Regency Club lounge for elite members, positioning them as central hubs in urban and resort destinations.

World of Hyatt members can earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Hyatt Regency Zuhai Gongbei for stays until May 31, 2026, as part of a new hotel member offer.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/zuhrg-hyatt-regency-zhuhai-gongbei

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139887.html

Maun, Botswana | Launched “#KeepMaunClean”, a Campaign to Improve its Urban Environment and Boost Tourism Appeal

Maun, a town on the Thamalakane River in northern Botswana, considered the tourism capital of the country and the administrative centre of Ngamiland district, the jumping - off point for the vast inland Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush wildlife habitat during the seasonal floods has stepped up efforts to improve its urban environment as the North West District Council has launched #KeepMaunClean campaign.

The initiative aims to enhance the town tourism appeal by improving environmental cleanliness and sanitation, boosting tourism, protecting the ecosystem near the Okavango Delta, and encourage community responsibility for a cleaner, more attractive destination for visitors and locals alike.

Community members, local leaders and volunteers started to clear litter across selected areas, with the drive positioned to strengthen the town’s image and reputation a tourist destination, support local businesses and build civic pride. 

The initiative aligns with a presidential directive designating the second Saturday of every month as a national clean - up day.

Speakers including Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo, Deputy District Commissioner Ramogapi Gaborekwe and Council Chair Itumeleng Kelebetseng urged residents to treat cleanliness as an everyday responsibility, starting at household level and extending to workplaces and public spaces.

Residents expressed optimism that sustained participation will deliver visible results and set an example for other towns, linking environmental stewardship to public health, tourism growth and community pride.

In essence #KeepMaunClean aims to ensure Maun remains a top - tier eco - tourism destination by maintaining a pristine environment. This initiative is a critical, community - driven effort, ensuring that Maun’s environmental health matches its reputation as a leading destination and a world - renowned safari hub.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/maun-launches-keepmaunclean-to-boost-tourism-appeal.html

Tulum, Mexico | The Ministry of Tourism Announced New Public Accesses to the Resort Town’s Beaches

Tulum, a popular resort town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’ s Yucatán Peninsula, famous for its stunning white - sand beaches, tuequoise waters, eco - chic vibe, and the well - preserved iconic clifftop Mayan ruins overlooking the sea, will have new accesses to its beaches as announced by the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur). 

This initiative as part of the strategy “Tulum Reborn” enhances public access to Tulum’s coastline by establishing new access points to beaches, emphasizing that beach access is a right rather than a privilege. 

In addition, this move includes improved access through the Parque Nacional del Jaguar, a national park and conservation area of almost 2.913 hectares inaugurated in December 2024 to protect local ecosystem, a space with first - class infrastructure that combines conservation, recreation and tourism,  and two new points in the hotel zone, aiming to promote tourism and improve public, non - restricted access. 

Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism (Sectur), Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, announced the upcoming inauguration of these new access points, as part of a comprehensive strategy to guarantee the right to free enjoyment of the beaches and diversify the destination’s tourism offer, thus reducing the effects of seasonality. 

The Secretary of Sectur stressed that the opening of beaches has been a priority within the tourism development plan for the Mexixan Caribbean and pointing out that Tulum currently has other seven new public accesses, alongside these 4 new accesses, all located within the Parque Nacional del Jaguar.

The official stressed that these accesses are accompanied by adequate signage and spaces such as the sport corridor, which allows both tourists and residents to enjoy free recreational activities and proximity to the sea. 

The Secretary of Tourism also reported a permanent dialogue is maintained with hoteliers to continue enabling public accesses in the hotel strip, in accordance with federal decrees that establish the passage of easements when there are not enough public accesses. 

In addition the head of Sectur recalled that Mexico began in Tulum the first national registry of public access to the beach, reaffirming that access to the coast is a right for everyone highlighting that beaches are not a privilege, they are a right.

Key details regarding the new, free public access points include: 

•    Parque Nacional del Jaguar (Jaguar National Park): Three official access points such as North/CATVI, Traditional/Central, and South allow free access to beaches including El Mangle, Maya, Santa Fe, and Pescadores, with the park opened 365 days a year. 
•    Hotel Zone: Two new, dedicated public beach accesses have been added in the hotel zone at Playa Conchitas and Playa El Pueblo, located around kilometre 4.5 – 5.5 of the Tulum – Boca Paila road. 
•    Purpose: This initiative, part of the “Tulum Reborn “strategy, seek to combat restricted access, allowing locals and visitors free entry to the beaches without requiring purchases at beach clubs. 

These efforts are part of a broader, coordinated strategy to improve infrastructure and provide more options for visiting the Caribbean coast in Tulum.

Link 
https://www.reportur.com/agencias/2026/01/29/tulum-sectur-anuncia-4-nuevos-accesos-publicos-a-las-playas/
 

Saqqara, Egypt | A Research Group Discovered Archaeological Structures Linked to the Ancient Architectural Design of Pharaonic Tombs

A research group from the Department of Geophysics of the Faculty of Science of Cairo University discovered archaeological structures and sites buried in the area of Sakkara, an Egyptian village located 40 kilometres southwest of Cairo in the markaz of Badrashin within the Giza Governorate, a site known to contain ancient burial grounds of Egyptian that served as the necropolis for the iconic Memphis, legendary first capital of unified Ancient Egypt, founded around 3100 BC by King Menes, located near modern - day Mit Rahina, 20 kilometres south of Cairo.

As reported by the Middle East News Agency (MENA), the official state news agency of Egypt based in Cairo, the finding was made within the framework of the master’s thesis of researcher Ahmed Alkhatib and was highlighted in a prestigious scientific journal. 

During the exploration using modern geophysics techniques, such as a ground - penetrating radar, electrical resistivity tomography, and seismic refraction, the researchers identified layers of surface sand and physical anomalies within the limestone rock, which suggest the possible existence of man - made cavities.

Continuing the research the team detected a chamber at the depth of 2 metres, a large hall up to 6 metres in dimension between 1.5 and 2 metres deep, and a chamber connected to a vertical corridor that reflects the ancient architectural design of pharaonic tombs.

This discovery is part of the university’s efforts to apply advanced technology in the protection of human heritage, consolidating Cairo University’s leadership in scientific research and innovation. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/grupo-de-investigaci-n-egipcio-descubre-estructuras-y-sitios-arqueol-gicos-en-la-hist-rica-zona-de-s/

Amsterdam, the Netherlands | Officially Decided to Ban Travel Advertising in the City’s Public Spaces

Amsterdam, vibrant capital of the Netherlands, has officially decided to ban advertisement for fossil fuels, high – carbon travel (flights and cruises) travel advertisements and meat products in the city’s public spaces, following similar initiatives in The Hague and other Dutch municipalities. 

The measure was approved by the Amsterdam city council on January, 22, 2026 , a new ordinance, which will come into force from May, 1, 2026, with which is explicitly prohibits outdoor advertising in metro, train stations, canopies, posters of cruise or plane travel for promoting the use of fossil fuels, making it the first capital city in the world to implement such a ban. 

Key details of the ban include: 

•    Effective Date: The ban is set to take effect on May 1, 2026. 
•    Scope: The ban covers billboards, bus shelters, and digital screens in public spaces, including buses, metro stations, and trams. It applies to advertisements for air travel, cruises, petrol/diesel vehicles, and meat products. 
•    Context: The move follows a landmark 2025 court ruling in The Hague, which determined that municipalities have the right to prioritize public health and climate goals over commercial advertising freedom. 
•    Implementation: While passed by the council, there is some pushback regarding the timeline, with calls for a “reasonable transition period” rather than a strict May 1, 2026 start. 
•    Broader Trends: Amsterdam joins other cities like Delft, Haarlem, The Hague, and Utrecht in enacting such restrictions, which are designed to combat climate change. 

The initiative is part of a broader push to reduce the influence of advertising that promotes high - carbon lifestyle. 

Councillor Jenneke van Pijpen, representing Groenlinks, a green and social democratic political party in the Netherlands and one of the promoters of the regulation, stated that in Amsterdam there is no room for advertising for the big companies that fuel the climate crisis. You cannot say that you take climate policy seriously and continue to allow this type of announcement. 

Alongside Amsterdam, other cities in the Netherlands, such as Delft, Nijmegen, and Utrecht are also working on similar restrictions that threaten not only Dutch tourism companies, but also Spanish tourist destinations that want to carry advertising campaigns in this important source market, the sixth in importance with 4.99 million tourists in 2025.

The proliferation of these bans in these cities are also preparing similar regulations, has gained strength after the ruling in favour of The Hague City Council in the litigation initiated by the country’s main tourism association and the most important tour operators.  

In April 2025, the judge dismissed arguments by the Dutch Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (ANVR), TUI, and Prijsvrij Vakanties & D - reizen, which argued that the ban violated the right to freedom of expression and entrepreneurship. 

President of the ANVR, Arjan Kers, believes that the ruling has given wings to other municipalities to apply similar measures and reveals to Tourismnews that the association is studying whether to appeal it and raise it to a higher court, for which the calls for the union of the tourism sector. 

ANVR President commented that the employers’s association is evaluating the new steps with the advice of legal services and it is a rather complicated political decision that the Association is going to face and fight. 

The President of the Netherlands Travel Trade Association is concerned about the escalation of bans, calling these decisions “the beginning of the end”, asking what would be next such as ban advertising on radio, TV or in the windows of travel agencies, and he also warns that this is not something that affects Dutch companies exclusively,  but has a more global impact, highlighting that these decisions damage the business and the destinations with whom ANVR collaborates on campaigns in the home market. 

Link 

https://infoturlatam.com/amsterdam-sigue-el-ejemplo-de-la-haya-y-prohibe-la-publicidad-de-viajes/