Aleph Hospitality | Signed a Management Agreement for its Third Hotel in Rwanda Located in Kigali

 Aleph Hospitality, the largest independent management company in the Middle East and Africa, a hospitality group based in Dubai, UAE with offices in Saudi Arabia, specializes in operations and development for internationally recognized brands has signed a hotel management agreement for its third hotel in Rwanda, located in Kigali, the capital, largest city, and province - level administrative unit of if the country,  located in the centre of the nation on the Ruganwa River, sprawling across numerous hills, ridges, and valleys, boasting a vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene.

The management agreement for the Best Western Premier - Royal Golf View was signed with DNP Developers, a prominent Rwanda based real estate development and investment company with a focus on creativity, vision and community.

The hotel scheduled to open in July 2027 is located near the Kigali Golf Club and Inema Arts Center in Kacyiru, a prominent and central neighbourhood situated within the Gasabo District. Known for being a secure, leafy area, Kacyru serves as a key administrative hub housing numerous offices, embassies, and high - end residences, featuring upscale dining, restaurants, and cafes, particularly in areas bordering Kimihurura.

The property will feature 60 hotel rooms, and 41 branded residences, two food and beverage outlets, a health club and a pool.

Aleph Hospitality cited growing demand - Rwanda forecast 1.65 million arrivals and a 13% rise in tourism’s economic contribution, while BWH Hotels highlighted Kigali’s strengthening international appeal.

Kigali’s tourism sector as the country has experienced a massive post - pandemic recovery, serving as major national hub, with notable performances driven by booming meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism. 

With this operation, Aleph Hospitality’s portfolio stands at 80 hotels, 50 in operation and 30 under development across Africa and the Middle East.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/aleph-hospitality-signs-third-kigali-hotel-best-western-premier-royal-golf-view-to-open-july-2027.html

MEININGER Hotels | Expanding its Presence in France with the Development of a New Hotel Located in Strasbourg

MEININGER Hotels, a German hospitality company founded in Berlin in 1999, a unique  hybrid brand combining hotel comfort with hostel – style facilities (guest kitchens, game zones) catering to tourists, families, and school groups with budget - friendly, and central locations is expanding its presence in France with the development of a new hotel in Strasbourg, the capital of France’ Alsace and a major European hub.

Strasbourg is a vibrant city near the German border, renowned for its UNESCO – listed Grand - Île, a stunning cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece featuring a 142 - metre spire, blending medieval charm in the Petit France district with a vibrant student population, and a distinct Franco - German heritage visible in its architecture, and it serves as an official seat of the European Parliament.

The city, the seventh - largest centre in France, draws over four million tourists yearly, is also known for its vibrant atmosphere, wineries, breweries, various dining and shopping options as well as its world - famous Christmas Market.

The development marking the fifth location of MEININGER Hotels in the country, is a project by Kaufman & Broad S.A., a publicly traded real estate development and construction company headquarter in Neuilly - sur - Seine, France.

The existing Europcar building, owned by Crédit Agricole Alsace Vosges and Banque des Territoires located at 16 Place de Gare, directly across the main train station will be demolished for the new structure, set to open in 2027.

The project will cover almost 4.000 square metres across eight floors, and the ground floor will still accommodate a Europcar branch alongside the new MEININGER Hotel Strasbourg.

The property’s location at Place de Gare between the bustling Boulevard de Metz and the stylish Boulevard du Président - Wilson, and in front of the lively Rue Kuhn  offers easy access to the city’s key attractions, including the European Parliament, La Petite France, and the Grande Île.

The hotel will feature 114 rooms accommodating up to 349 guests. The rooms will vary from double rooms to triple, quadruple, and six - bed rooms, adhering to MEININGER Hotels’ room flexibility concept.

 According to the CEO of MEININGER Hotels, Ajit Menon, the new hotel’s hybrid concept, combining the best elements of hostels and hotels, it perfect fit for Strasbourg’s diverse visitors, including couples, families, backpackers, school groups, friends, and business travellers.

The MEININGER Hotel Strasbourg is one of various new locations currently in development across Europe along with Barcelona, Spain, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, and Kiel, Germany. 

The company is also renovating ten existing properties, part of its strategy of growth through new properties and investments in existing ones. Prioritizing quality and sustainability, MEININGER Hotels aims to gradually expand its hybrid hotel concept into new markets.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article134614.html

Hilton | Revealed Plans to Open a Waldorf Astoria Resort and Residences for Deer Valley East Village in Park City, Utah, U.S.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons,Virginia has revealed plans to open a Waldorf Astoria Resort and residences for Deer Valley East village in Park City, a premier year - round mountain destination east of Salt Lake City in the western state of Utah.

Park City, framed by the craggy Wasatch Range is a famous centre for world - class skiing at Park Deer Valley and Park City Mountains Resort, both known for their challenging ski slopes, with Utah Olympic Park to the north, hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics, and as a former silver mining town, it blends historic charm on Main Street with modern luxury,  offering fine dining, hiking, mountain biking, and Olympic history.

For the Astoria Deer Valley Resort and Residences’ development Hilton has signed an agreement with Extell Development Company, a real estate developer of residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and mixed - use properties headquartered in New York City, as part of the Deer Valley Resort expansion within the newly established East Village in Park City.

The property is expected to open in 2028 and will be located adjacent to Deer Valley’s Green Monster ski run, Utah’s longest ski run, stretching 7.8 kilometres from the top of Park Peak to the new East Village base, opened as part of the 2024/2025 Expanded Excellence initiative, and will provide ski - in, ski - out access.

The architectural design for the project is led by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF) , one of the world’s preeminent architecture firms, providing architecture, interior, programming and master planning services for clients headquartered in New York City, and interior design by AvroKO, a prolific interiors firm behind some of today’s chicest holspitality hubs also based in New York City.

The development will include 132 hotel keys ands 105 branded residences, ranging from one to six bedrooms and spanning 1.099 to 5.515 square feet across two towers. Of the residences, 56 will be hotel residences located above the hotel, and 49 will be private residences in a standalone Waldorf Astoria Residences Deer Valley tower.

The property will feature restaurants, bars, lounges, Waldorf Astoria’s Peacock Alley, a 15.000 square foot spa with treatment rooms, thermal features, and a snow room, fitness centres, ski valet, concierge services, a golf simulator, a children’s room, a resident pool deck along the Green Monster ski run, an indoor lap pool, an outdoor pool and hot tub cantilevered over the ski run.

The complex will also provide 11.300 square feet of meeting and event space, including a 5.200 - square - foot ballroom, resident lounges, and a demonstration kitchen.

The Waldorf Astoria Deer Valley Resort and Residences is the second Hilton property announced for the East Village development. A Canopy by Hilton hotel, overlooking the Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Valley Resort, located near the Jordanelle Express Gondola, is scheduled to open this summer, and both properties will participate in the Hilton Honors loyalty program.

Sales for the Waldorf Waldorf Astoria Residences Deer Valley will be managed by Summit Sotheby’s International Realty, a luxury real estate brand founded in 1976 by Sotheby’s fine art and dealers based imn Madison, New Jersey, operating as a franchise focusing on brokering and marketing residential real estate.

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

About Deer Valley East Village:

Deer Valley East Village is located approximately 40 minutes from Salt Lake City Inrternational Airport offering a fresh mix of modern architecture, walkable amenities and direct ski lift access.

This landmark development marks one of  the largest resort expansion in ski industry history adding 80 new ski runs and seven new lifts this ski season, in addition to three lifts and 20 runs that opened last season. The resort now encompasses over 5.726 acres of skiable terrain with 37 chairlift and 228 runs.

The pedestrian - oriented village will feature up to 250.000 square feet of retail and commercial space with about 42 curated shops, 32 dining destinations, eight hotels, a ski beach, and various winter and summer amenities upon completion.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139724.html

Naxos and Small Cyclades, Greece | Developing an Integrated Hiking Trail Network for Sustainable Tourism

Naxos, the largest and greenest island in Greece’ Cyclades, known for its blend of sandy beaches, fertile landscapes with mountains and valleys, as well as a rich cultural and historical heritages and the small Cyclades, a tranquil cluster of tiny islands in the Aegean Sea,, southeast of Naxos, offering an authentic, less crowded Greek island experience with stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and quiet villages are developing an integrated hiking trail network for sustainable tourism. 

Featuring trail maintenance, new signage, and reopening forgotten paths to connect settlements, highlighting biodiversity, local culture, history, and geology for an enhanced visitor experience, the aim of this project is to attract off - season visitors and benefit local businesses through ecotourism and better route management. 

This new initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable tourism in these idyllic Hellenic islands is moving forward following approval of a programme agreement between the Ministry of Environment Energy and the Municipalities of Naxos and Small Cyclades. 

The development has a total budget of more than €470.000 and will be funded through the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the agreement covers the planning and promotion of an integrated hiking trail network across Naxos, Ano Koufonisi, Donousa, Heraklia and Schinoussa. 

The plan focuses on the creation and upgrade of certified trails design to showcase the islands’ natural and cultural landscapes. For tourism, the network is expected to support season extension and attract special interest visitors, including hikers and nature focused travellers.

 According to the approved study, the routes will largely following existing paths and will include targeted interventions to improve usability and safety. 

Planned works include maintenance and cleaning to improve walkability, reopening sections that have been become less accessible due to limited use in recent years, installing signage and carrying out small scale works at specific points to support safer passage.

The hiking network is also expected to biodiversity protection and more sustainable management of the natural environment, while supporting social cohesion by connecting settlements, local businesses and residents within a broader development vision. 

Project planners have said the goal is to develop and promote a coherent network of hiking routes in line with national and international best practices, aiming to maximize its appeal to hiking visitors while also supporting an educational and environmentally focused approach that highlights local cultural and environmental interest. 

Key Features of the Project: 

•    Infrastructure and Accessibility: Improving walkability, cleaning trails, reopening less – used sections, and installing signage for safer passage. 
•    Connectivity: Connecting villages, businesses and natural sites for a comprehensive network. 
•    Sustainability: Promoting biodiversity protection, sustainable environmental management, and attracting tourism outside peak seasons. 
•    Cultural and Natural Immersion: Showcasing Naxos’ mountains like Mount Zas, valleys, Byzantine chapels, Venetian citadels, and the unique unspoiled nature of Small Cyclades showcasing the charm of Donousa, Iraklia, and Koufonisia. 
•    Educational Focus: Highlighting geology, history, endemic flora, and local customs and traditions through guided or self - guided routes. 
•    Digital Integration: Integrating maps and trail info into mobile apps for self - guided exploration.
•    Educational Focus: Highlighting geology, history, endemic flora, and local customs through guided or self-guided routes.

What Hikers Can Expect: 

•    Diverse Landscapes: From Naxos’s high peaks and fertile valleys to the secluded coves and beaches of the Small Cyclades. 
•    Rich Heritage: Ancient ruins like Portara, traditional mountain villages such as Apiranthos, Venetian castles, and historic chapels. 
•    Authentic Experience: Opportunities to experience genuine Greek hospitality and traditional island life.

This initiative is part of a larger national effort, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Fund (RRF) to map and develop a National Path across Greece, boosting sustainable development and showcasing the country’s natural and cultural wealth. 

Link 

https://news.gtp.gr/2026/01/16/naxos-and-small-cyclades-to-develop-hiking-trail-network/

Visakhapatnam, India | Incorporated in its Railway Station a Humanoid Robot Designed to Improve Safety and the Passenger Travel Experience

Visakhapatnam, the largest and most populous city in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, located between the Eastern Ghats and the coast of the Bay of Bengal, one of the oldest port cities in the country and a relevant industrial centre, also known for its picturesque beaches, serene landscape, as well for its rich cultural past, has incorporated in its railway station a humanoid robot designed to improve safety and the passenger experience. 

This is the first robot of its kind deployed by the Indian Railways as reported by News9, a news channel providing latest news headlines from India and around the world. 

This indigenous humanoid robot named ASC ARJUN, Artificial Intelligence Station Controller, at the Visakhapatnam Railway Station, simply called “Arjun” developed under the East Coast Railway’s Waltair Division, was built entirely in Visakhapatnam, in a process that took more than a year, and represents a significant technological advance for railway safety.

Designed to assist the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in surveillance, passenger safety, and security operations, Arjun will perform multiple functions, including crowd control, and disseminating information about the trains and their routes. 

In addition, Arjun will be able to warn about crowds on the platforms, make announcements in Hindi, English and Telegu, monitor possible fires or smoke and notify about the arrival of trains. 

The launch of Arjun is part of a broader strategy of the Asian country to incorporate robotic technology with the aim to strengthen security, optimize passenger management and improve the travel experience.  

After the debut of Arjun, Indian Railways plans to continue implementing such innovations in the coming years, with the aim of making journeys safer and more comfortable for all passengers. 

Key Surveillance and Security Functions of ASC ARJUN: 

•    Intrusion Detection: The robot is equipped with a Face Recognition System (FRS) that can identify, track, and flag suspicious individuals or intruders, sending real - time alerts to the RPF control room.
•    AI - Based Crown Monitoring: It uses artificial intelligence to analyse passenger density and identify potential congestion on platforms, helping to manage crowds during peak hours. 
•    24/7 Patrolling: ASC ARJUN performs round – the clock, semi – autonomous patrolling along pre - defined paths with obstacle avoidance technology. 
•    Emergency Response: The unit features fire and smoke detection systems to enable quick, real - time responses to emergencies. 
•    Multilingual Support and Interaction: It makes automated public announcements and provides information in English, Hindi, and Telegu. Additionally, it interacts with passengers with gestures like “Namaste” and salutes RPF personnel. 

The deployment of ASC ARJUN aims to act as a force multiplier for the RPF, allowing for better surveillance, without increasing the strain on human personnel.  

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/india-incorpora-su-primer-robot-humanoide-en-una-estaci-n-de-tren-con-funciones-de-vigilancia/

Florence, Italy | To Ban Outdoor Dining and Terraces in its UNESCO - Protected Historical Centre

 Florence, magnificent capital city of Italy’s Tuscany region located on the banks of the Arno River in a picturesque hilly area in the foothills of the Apennine mountain range, one of the most charming and attractive cities of the world, recognized as the cradle of the Renaissance and home of some of the most celebrated masterpieces of art and architecture will ban outdoor dining, tables, and in many cases, terraces structures across 50 streets in its UNESCO - protected historical centre, including areas near the iconic Ponte Vecchio bridge and Piazzale degli Uffizi square.

 The move, aimed at reducing congestion, visual clutter and “obstacle course” streets caused by overtourism, will also enforce stricter regulations on over 70 additional locations, a measure marking one of the city’s most significant efforts yet to rein in the impact of mass tourism and with the aim to restore public space to residents. 

Under new regulations approved by the Municipality of Florence in coordination with Italy’s cultural heritage authorities at the end of the last year, outdoor dining structures will be banned on around 50 streets within its historical core, recognized in 1982 as the “ cradle of Renaissance and a UNESCO – World Heritage Site.  

This unparalleled open  - air museum, enclosed within the 13th century walls and the Oltrarno area, is a 505 - hectares area houses 600 years of artistic, cultural, and architectural masterpieces, including the iconic Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral also known as the “Duomo”, a superb terracotta - tiled dome developed by Brunelleschi, the bell tower by Giotto,, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzo Pitti, predominantly featuring the legacy of the emblematic Medici family. 

The affected area are mainly narrow, high - traffic streets where tables, chairs, umbrellas and barriers have increasingly clogger pedestrian routes and obscured views of historic  buildings. 

In addition to the outright ban, stricter limitations will apply to more than 70 other locations, where restaurants may still be allowed outdoor seating but with tighter controls on size, layout and the use of coverings or fixed structures. 

The goal, city officials say, is not to eliminate outdoor dining entirely but to restore balance in areas that have become overwhelmed. 

The measures are scheduled to take effect in early 2026, although the city has not yet announced a precise start date. A transition period has been built in to allow businesses time to adapt. Existing permits for outdoor dining structures must be reviewed or renewed under the new rules by mid - March 2026, effectively setting a practical deadline for compliance. 

Florence's City Hall says the decision responds to long - standing complaints from residents who argue that some streets have turned into “open air corridors” making daily life difficult and eroding the character of the Florentine historic centre. 

Officials also point the need of safeguard Florence’s architectural heritage and ensure unobstructed views of iconic landmarks. 

The ban will not apply uniform across Florence. Wider streets and larger piazzas, as well as areas outside the historic core, are expected to retain some form of outdoor dining, albeit under more carefully defined rules. Major squares such as Piazza della Signoria and Santa Maria Novella are subject to tailored regulations rather than a total prohibition. 

Reactions has been mixed, heritage advocates and residents groups have welcomed the move, as overdue, while many restaurant owners warn it could hurt revenues, particularly during peak tourism seasons when outdoor tables are most profitable.

It is indeed estimated that Florence has at least 1.300 restaurants within its boundaries while Greater Florence, which includeas surrounding cities, would have around 2.405 restaurant businesses as of late 2025. 

Key Details of the Restrictions:

•    Targeted Areas: Primarily the historical UNESCO – protected city centre. 
•    Impacted Locations: The ban affects 50 streets, with specific mentions of the Ponte Vecchio bridge, Piazzale degli Uffizi square, and area near the Uffizi Gallery.
•    Broader Regulations: In addition to the ban, 73 other locations will face strixter rules regarding outdoor seating, including restrictions on umbrellas. 
•    Purpose: The restrictions are designed to address the “obstacle courses” created by crowded sidewalks, reducing clutter, and protecting the aesthetic and historical integrity of the city. 
•    Timeline: The new rules are scheduled to take effect, at the beginning of 2026. 
Mixed Reception: 
•    Support:  Many locals support the move, citing improved mobility in narrow streets. 
•    Opposition: Local restaurant owners have expressed concern, calling the “impossible costs,” and strict rules a threat to their survival.

From January to october 2025, the city accommodated over 4 million arrivals and 9.7 million overnight stays by October, and  Florence’s decision is another clear example of a broader trend among Europe’s most visited cities, which are increasingly tightening regulations to manage overtourism. 

Link 
https://www.travelmole.com/news/florence-ban-outdoor-dining-centre/

La Romana, the Dominican Republic | The National Police Established a Permanent, Enhanced Security Operation in the Destination to Protect Cruise Tourists

The Dominican National Police has established a permanent, enhanced security operation in La Romana, famed destination on the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean coast, located oppositie Santa Catalina Island and its province to ensure the safety, guidance, and assistance of the hundreds cruise tourists who arrive each week through’s the city’s tourist port. 

 According to authorities, following a surge in traffic, this initiative is part of preventive measures at providing comprehensive care to visitors and guaranteeing an environment of order, tranquillity, and protection through their stay, involving increased, visible patrols for the tourist’s safe, and reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s positive image abroad. The Dominican police emphasized that tourist safety and well - being remain a top priority. 

In a week alone, La Romana received seven cruise ships, boosting the local economy and allowing thousands of visitors to explore in radial excursions and guided visits the province’s attractions. 
National Police officers, working in coordination with Tourist Police (Politur) continue and will continue to offer accompaniment, information, and assistance to tourist as part of efforts to deliver efficient and visitor - focused security services. 

Key details of the security reinforcement in La Romana and its province include: 

•    Permanent Deployment: The National Police are conducting constant surveillance at the tourist port and surrounding areas.
•    Port Security: The La Romana Cruise Terminal features 24/7 CCTV monitoring, controlled access points, and dedicated security personnel. 
•    Strategic Collaboration: The operation includes the support of the Central Directorate of Tourism Police (POLITUR) and local authorities to enhance safety for the current busy cruise season. 
•    Comprehensive Safety: The measures are designed to cover tourists through their stay in the province.

This action is part of broader, ongoing efforts to maintain a safe environment in tourist hotspots across the the country. 

Link 
https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2026/01/20/national-police-strengthen-security-for-cruise-tourists-in-la-romana/