IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed an Agreement to Open its First HUALUXE Hotel in Taiwan, Located in Taipei

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed an agreement to open its first HUALUXE hotel in Taiwan, located in Taipei, the capital and a special municipality of Taiwan, located in Northern Taiwan between the Yangming and Central mountains, approximately 25 kilometres southwest of the northern port city of Keelung.

Taipei is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends modern, high - tech infrastructure with rich traditional Chinese and Japanese - influenced culture, famous for its contemporary buildings, busy shopping streets, world - class street food, stunning mountain - to - city accessibility and serving as the dynamic political and economic heart of Taiwan.

The agreement for the opening of HUALUXE Taipei was signed with Fullon Hotels & Resorts, a company headquartered in New Taipei City that operates a chain of hotels and resorts across Taiwan with accommodations range from urban hotels  to beachfront resorts with unique features like ocean hotel springs.

Marking the  brand’s debut in the country, the hotel is expected to open this year and its opening is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts strategic plan to expand its presence in East Asia. 

The property will be located in Taipei’s Dalongdong area, a historic neighbourhood in northern Taipei’s Datong District, known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples and traditional streets, next to the busy Yuanshan MRT Station and near relevant cultural landmarks such as the famous Dalongdong Bacan Temple, Taipei Confucious Temple and Dadaocheng, attractions situated in a vibrant urban environment that provides a fascinating glimpse into authentic Taiwanese life and historical architecture, and offering an easy access to various parts of the city.

HUALUXE Taipei will feature 199 rooms and is expected to incorporate design features, service styles and social spaces reflecting local traditions and the brand’s focus on hosting, dining, and tea culture.

The hotel joins the HUALUXE brand launched in 2012 that has 27 open hotels and 20 in the pipeline globally as for the first quarter of 2026. The addition of HUALUXE Taipei is part of the brand’s continued expansion in new markets.

HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts is an international premium hotel brand tailored specifically for Chinese consumers. It centres around four guiding principles: etiquette, status recognition, rejuvenation in nature, and facilitating spaces for business and social interactions.

The brand’s hallmark features are built around the art of Chinese hospitality, focusing on “eat” and “meet”.

The signing builds on the partners’s previous collaboration on voco Chiayi and reflects IHG Hotels & Resorts ongoing expansion in Taiwan. Since entering the market with Holiday Inn Express Taoyuan in 2008, IHG Hotels & Resorts has grown up to 17 open hotels across eight brands in Taiwan, spanning Luxury & Lifestyle, Premium, and Essential categories.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-bring-hualuxe-to-taiwan-market-with-taipei-signing

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141552.html

Hilton | Announced the Opening of a 124 - Room Tapestry Collection by Hilton Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, has announced the opening of a 124 – room Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Nashville, capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee, a bustling city well known for its vibrant atmosphere and a rich cultural scene, home to the prestigious Vanderbilt University, legendary country music venues and various attractions including Grand Ole Opry House, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Ryman Auditorium, and Johnny Cash Museum, celebrating the singer’s life.

The Untitled Nashville Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, has opened its doors in Downtown Nashville following a multi - million - dollar transformation and rebranding as part of of Hilton of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection.

The property is owned by RLJ Lodging Trust, a hotel investment company that owns premium - branded, rooms - oriented, high margin, focused - service and compact full - service hotels, based in Bethesda, Maryland.

The hotel is located at 221 2nd Avenue, housed in the historic early 1900s Gray & Dudley Hardware Co. building adjacent to Bankers Alley , just steps away from the honky tonks and live music on Broadway, less than a 10 - minute walk from Nashville Riverfront Station, and  near attractions such as Ryman Auditorium,, Schermerhorn Symphony Center,  Nissan Stadium, Bridsgestone Arena and Ascend Amphitheatre.

The property providing access to the Cumberland River Greenway and Riverfront Park and features 124 comfortable rooms, including 14 suites. Suite options include rooftop terrace suites with private balconies, a wellness suite with an in - room Peloton bike, and a 1.744 - square  foot Penthouse Suite with a wrap - around terrace overlooking the city.

Redesigned rooms offer mid - century modern furnishings, neutral linens, gold accents and preserved architectural elements from the original building. Each room includes, corridor carpets with storylenes and specialty - crafted wallpaper by Local Language Art, a creative studio based in Oakland, California, that curates, conceives, designs and create unique custom framed artworks, large scale installations, and architectural elements.

The ground floor features Gray & Dudley, a cocktail - focused restaurant that combines traditional Southern dishes with contemporary options and a signature cotton - candy - infused cocktail. The restaurant includes a custom art installation by local artists Bryce McCloud and operates as a coffee bat by day and as restaurant at night, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Breakfast offerings include a grab - and – go coffee bar with La Colombe beverages, takeaway breakfast sandwiches, and Frothy Monkey pastries. Brunch and lunch menus feature items such as the Broken Egg Breakfast Sandwich, Seasonal Waffles, and a selection of hearty fare.

Onsite wellness amenities include daily yoga led by a local instructor, IV therapy, and a foitness centre.

The hotel offers over 10.000 square feet of event space across seven venues, including contemporary art galleries and a rooftop terrace. The largest space can accommodate a seated dinner for 120 guests or a reception for 200 guests. Additional spaces include smaller meeting rooms, private dining areas, and a boardroom.

Rotating art galleries throughout the hotel showcase artists from Tennessee and the South. The gallery program, overseen by the hotel’s art curator, evolves biannually and is open for daily tours and seasonal events.

The Untitled Nashville Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will also introduce a “Listening Lounge” in partnership with Third Man Records, a vinyl - focused independent record label founded in 2001 with retail locations in Detroit, London, and Nashville, featuring vinyl records, live performances clips, music videos, artist interviews, and merchandise. 

The hotel joins the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand, characterised by independent hotels uniquely designed, reflecting the local culture and environment, offering guests an authentic and memorable experience, and known for their vibrant design and excellence in service.

As part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the hotel participates in the Hilton Honors loyalty program, allowing guests to earn points and access member benefits.

Links

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/bnanyup-the-untitled-nashville-hotel/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141515.html

Indonesia | Planning to Develop One of the World’s Largest Solar Energy Programs

Indonesia is planning to develop one of the world’s largest solar energy programs, advancing a mega - project to build $71.3 billion worth of renewable infrastructure, aiming to install 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar power and 320 - gigawatt - hours (GWh) of battery storage.

According to Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the project is part of the national strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources.

This initiative also targets 80.000 villages extending modern mini – grids to remote populations ,  aiming to shift from costly diesel generators and position the country as a leading renewable hub in Asia.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources reported that some 24.000 hectares of land on the island of Jawa have been identified for the construction of large solar installations, In a first stage, the Indonesian Government will prioritise projects with a combined capacity of approximately 17 GW.

In addition the Southeast Asian country plans to develop battery energy storage systems with a total capacity of close 38 GW to ensure the stability grid in the face of increased renewable generation.

The initiative is part of the goal announced by President Prabowo Subianto to develop 100 GW of solar energy between 2026 and 2028. Indonesia currently has an installed solar capacity of around 1.5 GW, so the plan would see an unprecedented expansion of the sector.

The authorities believe that the project will contribute both to strengthening national energy and to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, positioning the country as one of the main solar energy hubs in Asia - Pacific and worldwide.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/indonesia-planea-desarrollar-uno-de-los-mayores-programas-de-energ-a-solar-del-mundo/

Mozambique | Established a National Agency as a Strategic Instrument for Tourism Development and Investment

Mozambique established a National Agency for Tourism Development and Investment (Anditur) as a strategic instrument to mobilize private investment, structure relevant projects, and boost the sector’s global competitiveness, following a Council of Ministers session which took place on 7 May 2026.

As an autonomous public entity, the agency acts as a one - stop to drive public - private partnerships (PPPs) and with the aim to revitalise the national economy. Anditur will operate with its own legal personality and full administrative, financial, and asset autonomy, functioning as a dedicated instrument for structuring and financing tourism strategic projects at a national level.

Anditur primary mandate is to facilitate public - private partnerships, mobilising both domestic and international private investment and improve the overall competitiveness of Mozambique’s tourism sector, an industry considered central to the country’s broader economic diversification strategy.

The agency is tasked with creating a National One - Stop Shop for tourism businesses, alongside a national portal and booking system and it plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse market data and personalise visitor experiences.

In addition, to boost international arrivals, Anditur is mandated to propose the expansion of the current visa exemption program which applies to 30 countries to make entry more flexible and attractive for global travellers.

Alongside Anditur’s creation, the government is implementing the Mozambique Heritage and Tourism Rescue Project (PREPT Moz) aiming to restore, promote and valorise the country’s natural, cultural and built heritage.

The project aims to drive sustainable tourism and local economic development through heritage requalification, with an emphasis on socio - economic inclusion, human capital development and land - use planning to ensure that local communities benefit directly from the tourism value chain.

Together, the two approvals signal a significant policy push by Mozambique to attest international investment and position its tourism sector as a structured and competitive growth driver.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/mozambique-establishes-new-agency-to-drive-tourism-investment.html

Russia | Signed a Comprehensive MoU with Saudi Arabia to Protect Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Russia has established an environmental alliance with Saudi Arabia formalising and signing a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and ecosystems sustainability.

Signed in Moskow during a visit by a high - level Saudi delegation to the Russian capital, the agreement was signed by Saudi Deputy Minister of Environment Mansour bin Hilal Al Mushaiti and his Russian counterpart Alexander Kozlov with the aim of contributing to join efforts for the conservation of natural resources and the achievement of environmental sustainability,  in line with the laws and regulations of both countries.

The bilateral agreement with the signing of a Memorandum of Understand (Mou) provides a framework to share expertise in expanding vegetation cover, mitigating land degradation, sustainable forests, and natural reserves management, protected area systems, and effective environmental control.

The MoU also includes waste management, the fight against illegal trafficking of endangered species, the protection of migratory bird routes, and their resting areas in both countries, as well as support for scientific research for the rehabilitation of rare and endangered species.

The agreement also contemplates as a major theme, the conservation and protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, the exchange of experience and technical knowledge, and the development of joint initiatives.

Cooperation will take place through the exchange of information and experiences, visits by officials and experts, and the organisation of conferences, seminars, exhibitions and training courses.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/arabia-saudita-y-rusia-firman-una-alianza-ambiental-para-proteger-la-biodiversidad-y-los-ecosistemas/

Nicaragua | Accelerating its Tourism Sector Growth with Greater Air Connectivity, New Investments and Hotel Expansion

Nicaragua is accelerating its tourism sector growth with Greater Air Connectivity, new investments, hotel expansion as said the Co - Director of the Nicaraguan Tourism Institute (Intur), Natasha Campbell.

The Central American country also through new tax incentives and infrastructure upgrade aimed at drawing affluent travellers is actively working to enhance the sector. Government initiatives also focus on expanding hotel offerings, diversifying eco - tourism options, and launching cultural circuits to elevate the country’s profile as an accessible, competitive and sustainable travel destination.

Regarding air connectivity, Intur head pointed out that the Spanish airline Iberia maintains Nicaragua within its expansion plans to Central America, with the vision of being the first carrier to have a direct flight from Europe.

The official said that, although there are still no definitive dates, the negotiations continue and the Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport (ACS), the main joint civil - military public international air hub serving the capital of Nicaragua, Managua,, has already expanded its capacity to receive larger aircraft, adding that this operation will go to give a greater boom to tourism,  because they will not only be flights from Europe but also from Asia.

Intur Co - Director also explained that one of the strategic projects of the country is the Punta Huete International Airport (MNFC), a major aviation infrastructure development located in San Francisco Libre, north of the country’s capital Managua, which is 20 per cent complete and will become the largest air - hub in the region.

The airport is financed by a $430 million Chinese loan and constructed by China CAMCE, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2029.

This air hub will have an international F4 category classification, capable of handling the world’s largest commercial aircraft boasting a runway of 3.600 metres in length, designed to receive 35.000 flights, accommodate up to 3.5 million passengers per year and 60.000 tonnes of cargo annually.

The airport’s project includes modern air traffic systems and solar panels to cover 21% of energy consumption and aims to establish Nicaragua as a major logistics hub for Central American trade and international air transport

Statements from the Informe Pastrán program, linked to a  daily Nicaraguan news agency and analysis delivering economic, political, and social updates about the country, the head of Intur also highlighted the presence in Nicaragua of three hotels of Marriott International, renowned American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, that are already in operation, with other new openings will announced soon, especially on the Costanera coastal highway considered one of the most attractive areas for investors.

The Co - Director of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism stated that this development is a great advantage for the country when international brands show interest in Nicaragua’s tourism development.

As it was known, in terms of hotel capacity, last year the number of rooms and beds available increased, while the supply ceased to be concentrated only in the Pacific area and began to extend to other regions of the national territory.

As an indicator of the sector’s growth Intur head mentioned that hotel occupancy increased by 47% nationwide during the first quarter of 2026.

Intur Co - Director also highlighted the dynamism in the creation of tourism ventures throughout the country with the opening of new small businesses, hotels, hostels, restaurants and food services.

Nowadays the Nicaraguan Tourism Institute maintains permanent promotional campaigns aimed at markets in North America, Central America and Europe, as well as active to plan  familiarization trips, among other initiatives to position “unique and original Nicaragua” in the international landscape, with the aim to establish the country as a very competitive, destination in Central and Latin America.

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/nicaragua-impulsa-turismo-con-nuevas-inversiones-y-expansion-hotelera/

Morocco | Expanding Tourism Development Across Western Sahara

Morocco is actively expanding its tourism development, investing in infrastructure, hospitality, and coastal tourism projects as part of wider economics plans for the disputed Western Sahara territory to cement administrative control amid regional tensions with Algeria and the Polisario Front, a Sahrawi nationalist and Arab socialist organisation, whose main goal is the independence of Western Sahara from Morocco. 

This strategy relies on economic integration, international diplomacy, and tourism promotion. Morocco is pouring capital into new coastal resorts, transport improvements and tourism initiatives as promoting stunning destinations such as Dakhla, an exotic coastal gem on the Río de Oro Peninsula, forming a 40 - kilometres - long protected bay, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Sahara Desert.

Dakhla is a premier global destination for water sports like kitesurfing, and windsurfing, it features a unique blend of flat - water lagoons, expansive white - sand beaches, and rich marine biodiversity, a destination, which Morocco is positioning as a hub for adventure tourism and international events.

Top attractions and activities in the territory also include Duna Blanca (White Dune) a spectacular, surreal white sand dune that emerges directly from the middle of a turquoise lagoon, Plage PK25, a highly popular beach area offering tranquil swimming, relaxation and luxury eco - lodges, desert excursions to Imlili and Porto Ricco, where visitors can discover unique inland saltwater lakes, ancient Saharan villages,  and isolated driving trails.

For world - class water sports, the region boasts spots like Pointe de Dragon (Dragon Point) located on the suggestive Dakhla Peninsula, an internationally renowned destination famed for its dramatic waves and wind, serving as a premier playground for watersport enthusiasts while offering breathtaking views of the iconic, uninhabited Dragon Island.

Tourism has increasingly become a central component of the country’s long - term investment approach, with Moroccan authorities aiming to attract both international visitors and private - sector investment into the territory.

The tourism developments in Western Sahara form part of Morocco’s broader strategy to strengthen its administrative economic presence in the region with the aim to enlarge and diversify furthermore its offerings also across this North African territory.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/morocco-expands-tourism-strategy-in-western-sahara-amid-regional-tensions.html