The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) | Unveiled the Signing of a New Taj Hotel and Luxury Apartments in Weligama, Sri Lanka

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a hospitality firm part of Tata Group and based in Mumbai, India has unveiled the signing of a new Taj Hotel and luxury apartments in Weligama, a popular coastal town in the Matara District on Sri Lanka’s south coast, renowned for its shallow bay, year - round surfing for beginners, and laid - back beach vibe.

Weligama offers a blend of relaxed beach life, fresh seafood, a beach that stretches for over 2 kilometres, and proximity to attractions like Taprobane Island and nearby whale watching in Mirissa.

The planned Taj Weligama is a greenfield development that will feature 220 keys, including 80 luxury apartments, result of a partnership with Beryll Group, a highly skilled turnkey contracting company headquartered in Bengaluru, India, and the project is described as strengthening the Taj brand’s presence in the region.

The property will be a beachfront resort with views of the Indian Ocean, offering an all day - dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a beach bar and grill, a bar and lounge and a deli.

Facilities will include the J Wellness Circle, a kid’s playroom, an entertainment zone, a gym, a swimming pool. For events and gatherings, the establishment will provide a banquet hall and conventions facilities spanning over 9.000 square feet, meeting rooms and exclusive lawns.

The property will join the emblematic Taj brand, characterized by its deep Indian heritage and authentic cultural experience, world - class service and a strong commitment to sustainability.

The brand also focuses on preserving Indian culinary traditions and craftmanship, maintaining an iconic luxury image, and expanding its global presence highlighting responsible tourism.

No opening date or construction timeline was specified.

Links

https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/ihcl-expands-presences-in-sri-lanka-sign-a-taj-hotel-in-weligama

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139981.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Announced the Opening of its First Alila Resort in Latin America and the Caribbean, Located in Mayakoba, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois, has announced the opening of its first Alila resort in Latin America and the Caribbean, located in Mayakoba, an exclusive, eco - conscious luxury resort enclave in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, located 8 kilometres north of Playa del Carmen, set along 1.6 kilometres of beach, in an area intertwined with clear lagoon waterways , 595 acres of mangrove forest and an 18 - hole golf course.

The opening of Alila Mayakoba spanning 60 acres of beachfront, lagoon, and jungle is the result of a partnership between Hyatt Hotels Corporation and RLH Properties SAB de CV,  a Mexican company based in Juarez, focuses on the acquisition, development, and management of residential real estate with particular focus on both luxury and ultra - luxury hotels and resorts.

The resort is situated at Carretera Federal, Carretera Tulum - Cancún Km. 298, Playa del Carmen, between the lagoon and the Caribbean Sea, a few steps from Mayakoba Beach, 10 km from Punta Esmeralda beach and 12 km from Fundadores Park, with lagoon - side accommodations and amenities offering a quieter environment, and beachfront areas providing a family - oriented setting.

The design of the property incorporates terraces, natural textures, and a palette inspired by local mangroves, waterways, and Caribbean light. Interiors by Huber Design  use materials native to the Yucatán Peninsula, such as parot, tzalam, and rosa morada hardwoods, as well as hand chiselled Mérida limestone and recuperated travertine. Custom - designed furniture and décor were created in collaboration with local artisans.

The resorts features 182 rooms, suites, and villas. Nearly 40% of the guestrooms, are suites, including a beachfront Presidential Suite.

Alila Mayakoba offers six F&B venues emphasize farm - to - table practices and authentic regional cuisine such as Casa Amate, which returns as a fine - dining establishment, Chef’s Atelier El Huerto operates as 12 - seat chef’s atelier with a zero - waste philosophy, Na Cocina Local, an all - day dining venue featuring menus based on local cuisine, Xiim Bar, offering breakfast items and transitions to an evening bar with cocktails and local beverages, Alisio Beach Club, and Ninguno Taqueria.

Amenities at the resort include two outdoor pools, along with a hot tub, a gym, a kid’s club, and Spa Alila, organized around Mayan understandings of cyclical time, earth, and energy, with treatments rooted in Mayan traditions with rituals based on the Tzolk’ in calendar. 

The spa offers experiences including sunrise intention rituals, temazcal journeys, and a 528Hz sound immersion called Essential Frequency. The firtness centre is equipped with Technogym systems that include smart training and assessment technology.

The resort’s wellbeing program is developed in collaboration with local therapists, philosophers, and Mayan elders. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a beverage made from coconut water, Melipona honey, and regional botanicals, followed by a clay - and honey cleansing ritual.

The property also offers “Alila Moments,” immersive rituals based on Mayan cosmology, including Earth and Clay, a purification and self – acceptance ritual; "Winds of Reneval", a group experience with mandala creation, a visit to a private cenote,  a cleansing ritual, as well as "Water Blessing", a ceremony led by a Mayan elder focusing on purification and renewal.

For events Alila Mayakoba offers spaces for social gatherings and celebrations, including beach wedding ceremonies, indoor events, chapel ceremonies, and lagoon - side settings.

The resort joins Alila part of Hyatt portfolio, a brand focused on “conscious luxury”, by blending innovative, eco - friendly design with deep, immersive cultural experiences. Key features include bespoke, locally inspired itineraries (Alila Moments), sustainable architecture (Earth Check standards), and hghly personalized service in unique, often secluded locations.

Alila Mayakoba catering to travellers seeking luxurious, mindful, and restorative experiences with its opening is now part of the World of Hyatt loyalty program.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/alila-hotels-and-resorts/en-US/cunam-alila-mayakoba

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139947.html

Malaysia | The Country’s Smart Lane Scheme Implementation Significantly Improves Road Safety and Wases Congestion on National Highways

Malaysia’s Smart Lane scheme implementation significantly improves road safety and wases congestion on national highways by temporarily opening emergency lanes to light vehicles during peak, high traffic periods. Key features include real - time CCTV monitoring, pre - activation patrols and, as of January 2026 a noticeable reduction in road accidents in designated pilot locations as reported by BERNAMA, a news agency linked to the Malaysian government. 

The Minister of Works Alexander Nanta Linggi said that overall accident levels within smart lane zones remain low despite heavy traffic volumes. The initiative, which allows temporary use of emergency lanes by light vehicles during peak hours and festive periods, has helped case congestion without compromising safety. 

Authorities continue to closely monitor traffic conditions through surveillance systems and coordination with relevant agencies to ensure compliance and prevent misuse, particularly during periods of increased travel.

According to officials safety assessments, accident rates on selected routes have declined by up to 22%, while some sections recorded reductions of more than 74 per cent. 

As part of a longer - term approach, the government is advancing infrastructure upgrades, including phased road widening projects and improvements to traffic dispersal systems. These measures are aimed at supporting safer and more efficient travel on major highways, especially during seasonal traffic surges. 

Key features and benefits of the Smart Lane scheme include: 

•    Safety Improvements and Reduced Accidents: The initiative has led to a significant decrease in accidents, with reports indicating reductions of up to 22% in some areas and over 74% in others, such ass the Rawang – Rawang interchange. 
•    Operational Mechanism: The scheme allows for the temporary conversion of the emergency lane into a travel lane for light vehicles during peak hours and festive seasons to increase capacity. 
•    Real - time Monitoring and Safety Measures: Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and highway concessionaire use CCTV cameras to monitor conditions, in addition to conducting patrols before activation to ensure the lane is free of obstacles. 
•    Signage and Communications: Portable Variable Messaging Systems (VMS) are deployed to alert drivers to the operating hours of the smart lanes, with notices placed 1 km and 500 metres prior to activation.
•    Strategic Collaboration: Highway authorities work with the police and Road Transport Department to enforce restrictions, ensuring that heavy vehicles do not use the designated smart lanes. 
•    Targeted Locations: The initiative is specifically implemented at high – congestion, high – risk points to maximize safety and traffic flow.  

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/smart-lane-scheme-improves-road-safety-on-malaysia-s-national-highways/

Ethiopia | To Launch its First AI University Next Year

Ethiopia is poised to make a major leap in digital education, as its first university dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI) will become operational during the next Ethiopian year as reported by ENA, the official news agency of the government. 

The African country is establishing what it claims will the world’s second, and Africa’s first, AI university, planned to open by 2027 with construction already underway, putting AI at the heart of national education reform and long - term economic transformation. 

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed during a speech to the House of People’s Representatives, where he highlighted artificial intelligence as central pillar of the national reform agenda. 

According to the president, AI has been elevated to the highest level of government policy, reflecting the country’s ambition to compete in an increasingly technology - driven global economy. The Government considers that early investment in advanced technologies is essential to ensure future competitiveness and sustainable growth. 

Prime Minister stressed that technology has been identified as one of the five key pillars of Ethiopia’s economic growth, with a strong focus on youth empowerment.  

In parallel with the new university, national initiatives for the development of digital skills are advancing, including large - scale training programs aimed at preparing millions of young Ethiopians for the professions of the future. 

The university, designed as a pan - African institution, will specialize in artificial intelligence research, machine learning, data science, and robotics, supporting Ethiopia’s broader digital economic growth.  

The institution has been described as one of the largest of its kind in the world and the campus is expected to start operating in the coming months offering specialized training and supporting research in AI and advanced digital technologies.

The authorities say that the creation of this university marks a new stage in the country’s development, placing knowledge, innovation, and digital skills at the centre of the national transformation. This initiative is expected to strengthen Ethiopia’s role in the global digital economy and generate long - term opportunities for future generations. ]

Key features and details about the AI University creation include: 

•    Capacity and Scope: The institution plans to enrol approximately 200 students annually, with a total capacity of 1000 students, offering 100 scholarships to students from across the African continent. 
•    Specialized Curriculum: The university will focus on cutting – edge fields, including AI research, machine learning, data mining, and robotics. 
•    Strategic Objective: It aims to position Ethiopia as a major African player in the global tech and AI space, focusing on both education and research in advanced digital technologies.
•    Pan - African Focus: The university aims to serve the continent, providing specialized, high – level AI education to foster innovation in Africa. 
•    Partnerships and Expertise: The curriculum and research initiatives will draw on expertise from the Ethiopian diaspora and international partners.  
•    Context: This initiative is part of a larger national push to make technology one of the five key pillars of economic growth. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/etiop-a-lanzar-su-primera-universidad-de-inteligencia-artificial-el-pr-ximo-a-o/

Vietnam | Approved a Massive Investment for the National Program of Rural Development

Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has approved a massive investment for the 2026 -2030 plan for the national program of rural development, sustainable poverty reduction and socio - economic development in ethnic and mountainous areas, with an estimated funding of more than $40 million.

 The funding will come from various sources, including the central and local budget, social credit, integrated programmes and resources mobilised from enterprises and communities with key projects, focus on carbon credits, infrastructure, and ecological farming and supported by the World Bank, FAO, and other partners.

 The program seeks to build modern, culturally rich and sustainable rural areas, promoting integral development in ethnic and mountain regions with the objective to reduce multidimensional poverty, ensure gender equality and improve social welfare with the objective that by 2030, rural incomes will increase by 2.5 to 3 times compared to 2020.

To boost this initiative, istinctive and eco - friendly local products will also be developed under the “One Commune, One Product” (OCCP) program, supported by technology in processing branding, and market expansion.

 Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/programa-de-desarrollo-rural-vietnamita-es-aprobado-con-40-000-millones-de-d-lares/

Kyrgyzstan | Forming a Joint, Integrated Tourism Space with Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are actively forming a joint, integrated tourism space centred on the Almaty - Bishkek Economic Corridor (ABEC), which is emerging as one of the key projects for regional integration and tourism development in Central Asia.

The updated tourism development plan of the Almaty - Bishkek Economic was presented in Bishkek, the capital and largest urban city of Kyrgyzstan, launching the creation of a unified route between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. 

This pilot initiative uniting the area around Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) into a single space has the aim to  harmonize tourism products, enhance cross - border transport, agribusiness modernization, boost regional investment, competitiveness and trade and create, a unified destination, combining mountain, adventure, and nomadic heritage tourism. 

Among the priorities are the coordinated development of tourism clusters, the promotion of joint itineraries and the strengthening of the attractiveness of the corridor for both regional and international tourists. 

To this end, it is planned to intensify cooperation between the parties, analyse the simplification of border crossing procedures, improve transport infrastructure and ensure greater comfort in travel along the entire route.

It is expected that the implementation of the project will consolidate a competitive tourism space between Almaty and Bishkek, in addition to boosting the economic development of both countries.

The tourism development plan was initially approved in 2019, when the key objectives and implementation stages were defined. The updated version conceives the corridor as a comprehensive cross - border destination, in which the tourist capabilities of both countries complement each other.

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan plan to integrate the economic zones around Almaty and Bishkek, separated by 240 kilometres into a single space with the aim to significantly reduce the time it takes to transport goods and passengers and also create a competitive common market for educational, medical, and tourism services, as well as jointly promoting agricultural products on regional wholesale platforms. 

Key features of the ABEC include: 

•    Integrated Economic Zone: Aims to merge the economics of Almaty and Bishkek (240 km apart) to foster a single, competitive market. 
•    Improved Connectivity: Focuses on upgrading road infrastructure and simplifying border crossing procedures for faster, more efficient travel people and goods.
•    Sustainable Tourism: Development of joint, eco – friendly tourism products, including leveraging the Issyk – Kul lake and mountain regions. 
•    Agribusiness and Market Development: Creation of modern wholesale markets and supply chains to improve food safety, security, and export potential. 
•    Regional Services and Health: Creation of a shared market for services, including potential regional medical laboratory services.
•    Policy Support and Investment: Backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and governments, it focuses on attracting investment and reduce bottlenecks. 
•    Green Energy: Integration of renewable energy solutions and reduction of carbon emissions in the corridor. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/kirguistan-y-kazajistan-conforman-un-espacio-turistico-comun/

Angola | Developing an Airport City to Boost Tourism and Business

Angola is developing the Icolo e Bengo Aerotropolis, a 13.480 - hectare airport city designed to surround the new Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, located about 40 kilometres southwest of the capital of the country, Luanda. 

Aimed at boosting tourism and business, this hub will feature high - rise business districts, innovation zones, and hospitality areas with direct access to the Parque Nacional de Quiçama, a National Park in the northwestern Angolan coast, connected by a 42 kilometres green loop. 

The project is led by Foster + Partners, a renowned company founded by Norman Foster in 1967 based in London, England, UK, a global studio specializing in sustainable, innovative, and high - tech archicture, engineering and design, as well as known for integrated, multidisciplinary design approaches, advanced environmental strategies like LED Gold, Net Zero and iconic, often diagrid - based structures. 

The British architecture firm unveiled its first project in the African country, stating that  Icolo e Bengo Aerotropolis, intends to strengthen Angola’s global presence and attract investment and economic activity to Luanda and the region.

According to Foster + Partners, the airport city will consist of three districts, located north, west and south of the Dr. António Agostinho Neto International Airport, interconnected by a lush green ring. 

The northern district of Icolo e Bengo Aerotropolis will be dedicated to business and culture, connecting to the urban centre of Luanda, while to west a research district will be developed. 

The southern zone will be a hospitality - oriented area, located next to the Parque Nacional de Quiçama  National Park. This district will have hotels, villas and sports infrastructures, with the aim of assorting itself as a luxury destination in Angola. 

Senior Partner and Head of Studio at Foster + Partners, Gerard Evenden, said that the new airport acts as a catalyst for the city of the future, which will be a new and dynamic hub of business, education and hospitality, integrated into the extraordinary landscape outside Luanda. Foster + Partners plans has been holistically designed to attract business to the capital, create opportunities for local people and attract new visitors from all over the world. 

Key Features of the New Airport City: 

•    Strategic Location: Situated approximately 40 kilometres from downtown Luanda, the city is built around the new $3.85 billion airport. 
•    Three Main Districts: Northern District, dedicated to business and culture, connecting with Luanda, Western District, a low - lying zone focused on research and innovation, and the Southern District, a hospitality - driven area with resorts, villas, and sports facilities. 
•    Sustainability and Infrastructures: A 42 kilometres “green loop” will link the districts, featuring cycling/walking paths, public transport (tram/buses), and rainwater management. The design utilizes solar energy with 3 square kilometres of photovoltaic panels. 
•    Regional Hub: The development is designed to establish Angola as a key aviation and business gateway for Central and Southern Africa. 

The project aims to create a thriving environment that blends nature with modern, infrastructure, encouraging international visitors and enhancing local economic opportunities.

Link 

https://www.publituris.pt/2026/02/03/angola-tera-nova-cidade-aeroportuaria-para-atrair-visitantes