MEININGER Hotels | To Open its First Property in Scotland and in the UK, Located in Edinburgh

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 will open on August 5 its first property in Scotland and in the UK, located in Edinburgh, Scottish vibrant capital, perfectly balances dramatic volcanic landscapes with a rich literary story,  highlighted by the iconic Edinburgh Castle atop an exctinct cvolcano, the historic Royal Mile, and the spectacular sweeping views from Arthur’s Seat, as well as boasting a contrast of medieval Old Town charm and Georgian New Town elegance.

MEININGER Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket is the company’s first hotel in Scotland and the UK Owned by S Harrison and built by Ogilvie Construction, the property is located in Edinburgh’s West End occupying the former Osborne House, a 1970s office building that had been vacant for several year before its redevelopment with the building transformation included a new structural extension.

The hotel will add 157 rooms and 549 beds to the Edinburgh’s market, in a city that welcomes over 4 million visitors annually, with approximately 5 million tourists staying overnight. This thriving tourism industry accounts for roughly 40% of Scotland’s total overnight tourism, injecting over £2 billion into the local economy and supporting more than 40.000 jobs.

Edinburgh’s popularity as a trend destination is cited by Time Out in March of this yea,  ranked among the 50 best cities in the world in 2026.

The property is located in Edinburgh’s West End within the Haymarket district, a major historic area and transport hub in west of Edinburgh’s city centre, centred around the newly redeveloped Haymarket Railway Station, it offers direct train and tram links to Edinburgh Airport and connects the Scottish capital to Glasgow and the north.

The location offers an easy access to attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Princes Street, Murrayfield Stadium, and the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, positioned as a base for visitors attending events including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, concerts and sporting fixtures.

The hotel is designed to accommodate a range of guests, including families, student groups, backpackers, festival attendees, conference participants, and business travellers.

Accommodation options include private single, double and multi - bed rooms, as well as individually bookable beds in shared dormitories. Communal facilities include a guest kitchen, bar, lounge areas, a breakfast space, and an outdoor terrace.

Ahead of the opening, MEININGER Hotel Edinburgh Haymarket has recruited an international team of approximately 29 employees for guest – facing and operational roles.

The hotel opening is part of MEININGER Hotels’ ongoing European expansion. The German company currently operates 37 hotels in 27 European cities, with Edinburgh becoming the 38th property.

Recent and upcoming developments include projects in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, Paris and Strasbourg, France, Dublin, Ireland and Tel Aviv, Israel.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142163.html

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts | Announced the Opening of its Fourth Property in Italy, Located in Lecce

Tivoli Hotels & Resorts, a brand of Minor Hotels , an  international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry, a firm founded in 1978 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, has announced the opening of its fourth property in Italy.

The hotel is located in Lecce, a city in Italy’s southern Apulia region, famous for its outstanding baroque architecture, earning it the nickname of “Florence of the South”, built from the local soft, creamy Lecce stone, also highlighted by ancient Roman ruins, vibrant city life, and its status as a relevant centre alongside its province for producing olive oil, wine, and papier - mâché art. 

The opening of Tivoli Palazzo 1880 Lecce Hotel introduces the brand to Puglia with a 48  - room property in Lecce’s city centre and expanding its Italian portfolio to four properties.

The hotel is located on Via Imperatore, between the iconic squares Piazza Sant’ Oronzo and Piazzetta Santa Chiara, providing  an easy access to several key attractions within walking distance, such as the Roman Amphitheatre, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and Lecce Cathedral.

The property is situated  approximately 1 km from Lecce train station a 20 - minute drive from nearby beaches such as San Cataldo Beach, Torre dell’ Orso Porto Cesareo, and Gallipoli, accessible via Brindisi  Papola Casale Airport which is 35 - minute drive away, and is connected by high - speed rail to major Italian cities, and Bari - Karol Wojtyla International Airport is about a two – hour drive away.

The renovated 19th - century was originally a 15th – century inn before becoming a hotel in 1880. The hotel  features 48 comfortable rooms including 13 suites. Accommodation options include Superior and Deluxe rooms. Premium rooms with balconies or views, Junior Suites, Suites with a jacuzzi or private spa, and a Presidential Suite with a private outdoor terrace overlooking the Roman Amphitheatre.

Dining venue at Tivoli Palazzo 1880 Lecce Hotel include Godot Restaurant, the Rooftop Terrace & Lounge Bar, and the Lobby Bar. The Rooftop Terrace & Lounge Bar accommodates up to 110 guests standing or 40 seated, operates from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and offers views of the Lecce cathedral bell tower.

The hotel’s wellness area includes two treatment rooms, an indoor heated salt - water pool, a steam room, and a relaxation lounge with a tisaneria. A gym with direct rooftop access is also available.

Open year round, the hotel offers two event spaces for small corporate gatherings, private celebrations, and exclusive buyouts, with a capacity of up to 40 guests, depending on configuration.

Guests at the property have access to selected beach clubs on both the Adriatic and Ionian  coastlines and may use a swimming pool located about 4 kilometres from the hotel, with reserved areas and dedicated service.

The property joins the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts brand founded in Portugal in 1933, known for its elegant ambiance and unique local experiences. The brand features properties in cities, beaches, and resorts across Europe, Brazil, the Middle East and Asia, emphasizing a philosophy of “slow living” encouraging guests to stay in the moment and discover the local culture through curated services and distinct hotel personalities.

The opening brings the brand’s portfolio to four properties in Italy alongside Tivoli Portopiccolo Sistiana Wellness Resort & Spa, Tivoli Palazzo Gaddi Firenze, and Ticoli President Milano Hotel.

Links

https://www.tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-palazzo-1880-lecce-hotel?utm_campaign=local-gmb&utm_medium=organic_search&utm_source=google_gmb

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142097.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Officially Opened a 197 - Room JdV By Hyatt Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois has officially opened a 197 - room JdV by Hyatt hotel in Charleston, vibrant port city in the U.S. state of South Carolina, located on Charleston Harbor, an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean formed by the confluence of the Ashley, Cooper and Wando Rivers, a charming and walkable coastal centre surrounded by beaches, national forests and golf courses with a very lively cultural and art scene.

The opening of the Lowline Hotel marks the introduction of the JdV by Hyatt brand to South Carolina and a relevant portfolio expansion of Hyatt Hotels Corporation in the United States in key destinations like Charleston, where tourism generated a record of $14.35 billion economic impact to the region, and the industry supports an all - time high of 55.500 jobs and accounts for 23.6% of all regional sales.

The hotel  is located on King Street, the historic, vibrant heart of Downtown Charleston, famous for being one of the best shopping districts in the U.S., positioned perfectly between the Museum Row and South Carolina’s lively Restaurant District, just a short walk from major downtown hubs, including Marion Square, the College of Charleston, and the Charleston Music Hall.

The property is a reimagining of the former Hyatt Place Charleston Historic District, which along with the adjacent Hyatt House hotel was acquired in November 2024 by Highline Hospitality Partners, a real estate investment platform based in New York that sponsors and manages full and select service hotels and resorts throughout the United States.

Designed by Ealain Studio, a Portland, Maine based boutique interior design firm, the hotel draws inspiration from Charleston’s maritime heritage, historic architecture and the North Easterly Trade Winds. The hotel features many tones, oak finishes, and materials referencing ships at sea, as well as elements inspired by the city’s gardens and courtyards.

The check - in area includes a winding desk, and outdoor spaces are designed for relaxation near King Street.

Guest rooms feature various tones, wood accents, and seating areas. Each room includes a custom headboard designed by Ealain Studio depicting stylized sandhill cranes and a marble beverage cabinet with brass hardware.am

Dining and social spaces at the hotel include Leeward Restaurant and Leeward Patio, which serve Lowcountry - inspired cuisine.

Lowline Spirited Coffee & Provisions offers coffee from Savannah based PERC Coffee, along with grab - and - go options.

The Lounge Game at Leeward is a private entertainment space with a golf simulator, large - screen TVs, and access to the Leeward menu, available for group events.

Por Taproom, located on the rooftop, provides views of the Charleston skyline and a selection of local and regional craft beers.

The hotel also features daily sopecialty programming including a 4 p.m. Martini Hour and an 11 p.m. Snack Hour.

For meetings and events, the Lowline Hotel features Sterling Hall, a dedicated venue with nearly 8.000 square feet of indoor event space for celebrations, weddings, corporate meetings, and other social gatherings. Additional amenities include an indoor pool, fitness centre and valet parking.

The property joins JdV by Hyatt brand, a collection of independent boutique hotels well known for their unique character, reflecting the spirit and identity of neighbourhoods they are located in. The brand emphasises celebrating the “joie de vivre” philosophy and encourage guests to experience each hotel with the essence of its local surroundings.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/jdv-by-hyatt/en-US/chszh-the-lowline-hotel?src=corp_lclb_google_seo_chszh&utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=lmr

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142157.html

Indonesia | Pushing Circular Economy for EV Battery Industry

Indonesia is shifting its electric vehicle (EV) strategy to build an integrated supply chain that spans from raw material extraction to end - product manufacturing. By reforming business policies and promoting recycling, the country aims to tackle e - waste, secure critical minerals and lower carbon emissions.  

The country has already transitioned toward a circular economy toward a circular economy to address emerging challenges from electric vehicle (EV) battery according to the Director of Strategy and Government of the Value Chain of the Ministry of Invvestment and Processing Industry, Ahmad Faisal Suralaga. 

The official stressed that Indonesia has a comprehensive regulation for companies engaged in industry recycling, which also be linked to international regulations and he invited investors to contribute technologies that support the circular economy and complete the supply chain from nickel mining battery recycling facilities.  

In the context of an accelerated global transition to renewable energies and electrification, batteries have become critical components for industrial competitiveness, energy security and sustainable development, according to Antara, a news agency that delivers real time information on various events from Indonesia and around the world.

Battery recycling enable Indonesia to strengthen its position in the EV battery production supply chain, achieving complete integration from raw material preparation to finished product manufacturing. 

Key features of Indonesia’s push toward a circular EV battery economy include: 

•    Integrated End - of - Life Management: The government is focusing on the entire lifecycle of EV batteries, moving beyond raw material extraction to include battery repair, repurposing, and recycling. 
•    Strategic Industry Frameworks: Strategies to manage EV battery waste consist of forming joint ventures with foreign waste management companies, partnering with automakers as third - party managers, and establishing localized EV battery repair shops. 
•    Policy and Infrastructure Reforms: Initiatives like the Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling and Circular Electronics Management Project drive green transition efforts by reforming business policies, developing integrated investment systems, and addressing e – waste challenges. 
•    Sustainable Resources Utilization: By treating spent batteries as secondary sources for critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel, Indonesia aims to reduce the reliance on primary extractions while strengthening its global position in the EV supply chain. 

To support these efforts, the government is introducing reforms designed to simplify investment procedures and align with international sustainability standards. 

Link
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/indonesia-impulsa-la-econom-a-circular-para-la-industria-de-bater-as-de-veh-culos-el-ctricos/

Cuba | Inviting “New Actors” to Replace Hotel Chains Trying to Restructure its Tourism Sector

Faced with a collapse in foreign tourism and the exit of major international hotel chains, the Cuban government is trying to restructure its tourism sector by inviting “new actors” to lease and manage state – owned hospitality and lodging infrastructure.

The President of Cuba, Miguel Díaz Canel, announced that the government will allow new modalities of investment in tourism “with new actors” to replace the hotel chains that have totally or partially left the country. However the Cuban President did not explain who those new managers were stressing that the country can not think at this time only of hotel chains.

In total some 50 hotels owned by the military hotel company, in all almost all cases with the Gaviota brand, have been left without a flag or marketers.

The Cuban President was ambiguous or even obscure about what he has in mind and he explained that work is being done on how to manage the real estate business in the field of tourism with new modalities and with other actors that are now those who have traditionally been in those spaces, adding that in the coming weeks the proposal will be known.

In the world, in addition to hotel companies, there are not many mechanisms for marketing tourist accommodation,  except the Airbnb model, which is controlled by U.S. companies and would hardly have access to this Cuban business.

The government is opening the sector to international franchises, private foreign investors, Cubans living abroad, and local private cooperatives. These entities and individuals can now invest in and manage real estate, excursions, and previously restricted zones.

Municipalities and local etate companies are receiving autonomy to directly engage in foreign trade and establish independent contracts.

The departure of European operators like Meliá and Blue Diamond left the military - run conglomerate GAESA which effectively controls the majority of the island’s hotels without its traditional operational partners.

This tourism pivot is part of an emergency 176 –to save  point economic package designed to save the struggling economy, with the government even exploring 100% foreign ownership in certain sectors.

Independent economists doubt that the fledgling domestic private sector can immediately replace the scale and supply - chain linkages of major hotel chains.

Link

https://www.preferente.com/noticias-de-hoteles/cuba-nuevos-actores-en-lugar-de-cadenas-hoteleras-350317.html

Sierra Leone | Signed a MoU with Passporter Limited to Boost the Country’s Global Digital Tourism Visibility

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs on 16 July 2026 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the digital tourism company Passporter Limited, operating as Passporter Techmologies SL, a firm based in Valencia, Spain offering  a comprehensive mobile travel app designed to help to plan, organize and execute trips in one central hub that provides a range of tools to streamline a variety of itineraries and make travelling easier.

The agreement includes a three - month pilot launch of an AI - powered marketing platform, The deal aims to boost global digital tourism visibility, introduce intelligent trip - planning tools, and generate analytics to diversify the country economy, supporting policy and investment decisions.

The pilot will integrate Passporter’s AI Trip Planner into the Ministry’s website, introducing big data analytics, and deploy dedicated digital marketing tools for the African country’s tourism sector.

Key features of the Passporter AI Integration include:

·       Smart Trip Planning: Intelligent software that helps travellers build customized itineraries and discover local attractions across regions like Freetown, Bo, and Kono.

·       Data - Driven Insights: Advanced analytics and big data tracking to understand visitor exopectatgions and inform future tourism investments.

·       Capacity Building: Hands – on training for local Sierra Leonan staff and hospitality businesses to ensure the tech effectively supports the community.

Passporter CEO Diego Rodriguez Royo noted the partnership followed a recommendation from UN Tourism, reflecting the company’s track record across the Africa, Asia, and South America.

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism confirmed plans to engage local tourism and hospitality businesses ahead of a potential expansion beyond the pilot phase, with capacity - building and training of Sierra Leonean staff forming a core component of the initiative.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/sierra-leone-signs-ai-tourism-marketing-deal-with-passporter.html

Brazil | Expanding its Fleet of Sustainable Buses with an Investment of $51 Million

Beazil is accelerating its transition to sustainable urban mobility with major investments across multiple municipalities, the country’s broader electro -mobility push is backed by hundreds of millions in global and federal fundings.

According to Brasil 247, a Brazilian news and political analysis website headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil’s National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) approved financing of more than 267 million reais (about $51 millon) for the acquisition  of 432 less polluting buses.

The country is expanding its fleet of sustainable buses with new vehicles that use technology which significantly reduce pollutant emissions compared to previous models.

In addition to the environment benefits, the fleet will have air conditioning, accessibility resources and an electronic ticketing system, contributing to raising the quality of the service provided to the population.

According to the BNDES, the renewal of the fleet is part of the strategy to promote more efficient and sustainable urban mobility. The new buses are expected to serve more than 540.000 passengers per day, offering greater comfort, safety and less environment impact.

The new buses will replace older vehicles in different regions of the country. Blumenau will receive 60 units, the Federal District will have 140 new buses for various administrative regions, and the Baixada Santista will contemplated with 224 vehicles distributed among municipalities in the region.

In addition to modernising public transport, the renewal of the fleet should increase operational efficiency and improve the conditions of movement of users. The replacement of vehicles will also contribute to reducing the emission of polluting gases and particles, in line with the goals of sustainability and modernization of urban infrastructure.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-ampl-a-flota-de-autobuses-sostenibles-con-inversi-n-de-51-millones-de-d-lares/