The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) | Developing a 96 - Key Gateway Branded Resort in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, India

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a hospitality firm part of Tata Group based in Mumbai,  has announced the signing of a greenfield resort project to be branded as Gateway in Kasauli, a serene, colonial - era hill station in the foothills of the Shivalik range, a centre famous for its heritage sites and natural landscapes located in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.

Kasauli is known for its peaceful waking trails like Gilbert Trail, panoramic viewpoints like Manki Point, a charming British era architecture with gabled colonial houses,roofed Christ Church, dating from the 19^th- century, orchards, and pine - forested hills, characterized by a quiet atmosphere, pleasant climate, and a show - paced relaxing experience, ideal for quick escapes.

The project is being developed in partnership with Vasuki Hospitality Private Limited, adynamic  private company headquartered in Panchkula, Haryana. 

The resort is positioned near key urban centres and will offer 96 comfortable rooms and a range of amenities, including an all - day restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar, a heated swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa, and banqueting facilities, with a venue spanning over 4.000 square feet.

The property will join the Gateway brand focused on providing upscale, full - service hotels and resorts, offering comfort, and consistent experience for business and leisure travellers across India. The brand aims to provide a hassle - free experience with a focus on simplicity, style and personalized services.

With this addition, The Indian Hotels Company limited will have 27 hotels in Himachal Pradesh, including 12 under development.

Links

https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/ihcl-sign-a-gateway-resort-in-kasauli-himachal-pradesh

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140845.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Expanding its The Unbound Collection with Four New Hotels in Canada, the Dominican Republic and the United States

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois is expanding its The Unbound Collection across the Americas this year with four new hotels in Canada, the Dominican Republic and the United States.

 The properties join the brand are: 

•    The Clayfield, Niagara -  on - the Lake, Ontario, Canada -  The property is located in Niagara - on - the Lake, a historic, picturesque town in southern Ontario, located at the confluence of the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. 

The town known as the “Napa Valley of Canada” and the hearth of Ontario wine country, with over 20 wineries (especially ice wine) is highlighted by 19th -  architecture, the renowned Shaw Festival Theatre, the charming, flower - lined Queen Street, and the summer Shaw Festival, a series of theatre productions.  

Scheduled to open in mid - summer 2026, the property is designed with influences from the region’s clay - rich soils and vineyards, and is currently accepting reservations.

This boutique, full - service wellness hotel features 60 rooms and 42 apartments with vineyard views, a rooftop terrace, a restaurant with local, artisanal dining options.  The property will also offer a spa offering treatments inspired b,y local elements, including clay - based body rituals and vinotherapy. 
The Clayfield, will collaborate with Status Vineyards to provide curated tastings and guest experiences. 

•    Cayo Levantado Resort - Samaná, the Dominican Republic - The resort is located on a private island in the Samaná Bay off the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, renowned for its stunning white - sand beaches, crystal - clear turquoise waters, and lush tropical vegetation, an area that is a prime spot for viewing humpback whales, typically between January and March. 

 Known historically as “Bacardi island”, Cayo Levantado features a blend of public beaches for day - trippers and exclusive, luxurious, all - inclusive resort accommodations on the eastern side, offering popular activities include snorkeling among colourful fish, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. 

This luxury all inclusive, sustainability - focused resort is expected to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt in the summer. 

The property features 218 suites, five distinct restaurants, six bars, three pools, a beach club, a dedicated 24 - hour Personal Ambassador service, the “Yubarta” holistic wellness zone, which includes a spa, personal training studio, and outdoor fitness areas, with four wellness pathways: Renew, Refresh, Relax, and Restore, as well as offering eco - friendly practices, daily activities and conservation initiatives.

 •    Hotel 1000, Seattle,Washington, U.S - This luxury hotel is located in downtown Seattle, Wshington State's largest city located on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, a centre with unmatched natural beauty, world - class attractions, major sports teams, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and culinary delights around every corner, surrounded by water, mountains and evergreen forests and contains thousands of acres parkland, home to a large tech industry in its metropolitan area.

The hotel is strategically situated near Pier 66 and the Seattle Art Museum,  steps from the waterfront and Pike Place Market and within walking distance from the stadium district.  

The property features 120 sophisticated rooms and suites, with interiors include oceanic hues, dark woods, and expansive windows offering views of Puget Sound and the city skyline.  
Public areas include Rosebay, a cocktail lounge, and All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar, a restaurant inspired by the city’s maritime heritage. Amenities includes a world - class spa, 24 - hour fitness centre, and a virtual golf simulator. The hotel has receive a MICHELIN One Key distinction. 

 •    The Georgian, Santa Monica, California, U.S. - The hotel is located in Santa Monica, a iconic Calfornian coastal city in Los Angeles County, famous for its scenic beach, historic Pier with Pacific Park and the pedestrian – friendly Third Street Promenade,  known for its Mediterranean climate, high-- end shopping, and vibrant arts scene, a popular destination and a bustling walkable neighbourhood near Malibu and LA. 

The hotel originally opened in 1933 on the Santa Monica waterfront, reopened in 2023 after a restoration. The 84 - room property, including 28 suites, with in - suite mini bar cocktail buzzer system, offers Mediterranean - inspired cuisine at Sirena, a steakhouse and a piano - bar called the Georgian Room, a library, boutique, and event venues. 

The four hotels join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand, characterized by unique, independent hotels with distinct stories, blending luxury with local character, offering story - worthy experiences, and ensuring quality with Hyatt's standards like modern amenities (smart TVs, Wi-Fi, quality bath products) and often unique features like historic architecture, local art, or extensive wellness facilities to cater to curious travellers seeking memorable, authentic stay.

Additional openings for the brand are planned for 2027 in the Americas, including the Digby, in Savannah, Georgia, U.S., and Casa Duhau, in Mendoza, Argentina. 

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140769.html

Marriott International | Started Construction on NUMAJ, a 290 - Key Autograph Collection Hotel in AlUla, Saudi Arabia

AlUla Development Company (UDC), a Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has started construction on NUMAJ, Autograph Collection by Marriott hotel in AlULa, a premier, rapidly developing tourism destination in northwestern Saudi Arabia, renowned for its dramatic sandstone landscapes, 7.000 years of history, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hegra.

AlUla was  a vital crossroads of the ancient incense trade route, famous for its over 100 monumental Nabataean tombs carved into rocks, similar to Petra, Jordan, its Historic Old Town, and the modern Maraya mirrored building making it one of the most attractive destinations in the Saudi Kingdom.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Managing Director of AlUla Development Company (UDC) John Pagano, and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commissikon for AlUla, Abeer AlAkel, as well as other senior leadership representatives.

NUMAJ, expected to open in 2027,  is a 250 - Autograph Collection developed by UDC and will be operated by Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland, under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand.

The name “NUMAJ”is derived from the star system Nu Ursae Majoris, historically associated with AlUla as a guiding reference for ancient travellers. This narrative is reflected in a design concept rooted in discovery, light, and a deep connection to the land. 

The project is designed by GioForma, the architects behind Maraya drawing inspiration from AlUla’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and celestial history, focusing on indoor - outdoor living, stone detailing, and regional materials, incorporating local craftmanship to reflect AlUla’s heritage.

The hotel will feature 250 comfortable rooms, five dining venues, including a signature restaurant, a lobby will feature a curated rock collection, a spa, a gym, two swimming pools, a business/conference centre, and retail spaces.

The project targets LEED certification and comples with AlUla’s Dark Sky policy for lighting. Key environmental also include greywater reuse for irrigation, use of locally sourced materials, UV - resistant glazing, and water - efficient landscaping.

The property will join the Marriott Autograph Collection, a selected family of distinctive, independent hotels with a focus on unique design reflecting the culture and spirit of the destination, ranging from historic luxury to modern hotels and resorts. The collection emphasizes “exactly like nothing else” experiences, often incorporating art, local cuisine, and specific themes like rich history or beachside getaways.

Part of the PIF - backed UDC portfolio, NUMAJ supports Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing sustainable luxury tourism in the region, unlocking investment opportunities, and boosting economic diversification.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140981.html

BWH Hotels | Unveiled the Opening of its First @HOME by Best Western Property in the U.S., located in St. George, Utah

BWH Hotels, a global hospitality network headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona featuring a diverse portfolio of several brands across every chain scale, from economy to luxury has unveiled the opening of its first @HOME by Best Western in the United States, located in St. George, a vibrant city in southwestern Utah, situated at the intersection of the Mojave Desert, Colorado Plateau anf Great Basin. 

 St. Goerge is known for its dramatic red rock mesas, volcanic cliffs, close proximity to the stunning Zion National Park, hiking in Snow Canyon State Park, famous for its petrified dunes and lava tubes, Red Cliffs National Reserve, a popular year - round destination offering over 300 days of sunshine, championship golf courses, and a historic downtown with 19th - century pioneer architecture, as well as unique attractions like the Dinosaur Discovery Site.

The development of the @HOME by Best Western St. George in cooperation with Prime Hospitality, one of the nation’s premier lodging companies, owns, manages, develops and franchises hotels throughout North America, marks the fourth property partnership between BWH Hotels asnd Prime Hospitality, joining Zion Wildflower Resort, WorlHotels Crafted, near Zion National Park;, Best Western Plus Zion Canyon Inn & Suites in Springfield Utah; and Best Western Mesquite Inn, in Mesquite, Nevada.

The hotel aims to meet the demand for extended - stay accommodations in St. George, driven by the presence of Intermountain Health and access to nearby national parks.

The property is located at 333 S 1470 E, Street, 1.8 km from Dixie State University, near attractions such as St. George Temple and Pioneer Center for the Arts, 10 km from St. George Regional Airport and offering an easy access to Zion and Snow Canyon.

The new - build, four - story hotel features 92 apartment - style studios, each featuring amenities such as kitchens, workspaces, and social patios,a year - round swimming pool, hot tub, a large fitness centre with health club - grande equipment, outdoor fireplace, dedicated spaces for guests to reserve and store items, such as bikes and skis, and an electric vehicle charging station.

The property joins @HOME by Best Western, a midscale, extended - stay brand offering modern apartment style living with in - rooms kitchenettes, dedicated workspaces, and flexible, long - term amenities. Designed for business travellers and families, these properties feature 24/7 digital check - in, on – site laundry, and fitness centres.

The @HOME by Best Western St. George opening follows the recent launch of an @HOMRE by Best Western property in Walkerton, Ontario, Canada.

BWH Hotels projects the brand’s global pipeline to reach 34 hotels and 2.791 rooms by the end of 2026. The nextt U.S. @HOME by Best Western property is scheduled to open near Atlanta, Georgia, in late 2026.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141012.html

Kyrgyzstan | Number of Electric Vehicles on the Country’s Roads Exceeds 15.000

The number od electric vehicles (EVs) on Kyrgyzstan’ roads has exceeded 15.000, driven by a rapid, near thereefold increase in registration over the past.

As reported by Akchabar, a national news agency based in Bishkek, the alternative technologies segment in Kyrgyzstan’s automotive market is growing faster than others.

At the end of 2025, the number of electric vehicles in the central Asian country reached 15.278, this is a dramatic rise from just 1.113 electric vehicles in 2022, with 9.870 new electric cars registered in the last year alone.

Currently more than two thirds of vehicles in Kyrgyzstan run on traditional fuels, despite the growth EVs still constitute a small portion of the total vehicle fleet, making up approximately 0.8% of registered cars.

As of January 1, 2026, there were 1.909.961 vehicles registered in the country, and the growth of EVs is supported by duty - free import quotas. With plans to allow the import of 15.000 vehicles in 2026, and the growth rate indicates the formation of a new market segment.

The infrastructure is also changing, more than 100 charging stations for electric vehicles have been installed in the Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Beshkek, which are necessary for the continued growth of electric transport.

In addition, the launch of an eco - tax project in the capital of the nation is being discussed, together with the National Investment Fund. This project includes the creation of the first fleet of ecological urban vehicles.

Experts highlight that car market is gradually shifting towards newer, more modern and less environmentally harmful models. The share of vehicles less than five years old has grown from 1.5% in 2024 to 4.5% in 2025.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/n-mero-de-veh-culos-el-ctricos-en-las-carreteras-de-kirguist-n-supera-los-15-000/

Ghana | Launched a Suite of Training and Women’s Empowerment Programmes to Professionalise the Tourism Sector

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF)  have jointly launched a suite of training  and Women’s empowerment programmes to professionalise the tourism sector aimed at raising service standards and empower women and youth in tourism sector.

Announced at a media briefing in a ceremony which took place on 9 April 2026 in the capital of the country, Accra  under the theme “Stronger Together for Tourism & Hospitality Growth” the initiative aims to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to Ghana’s GDP currently contributes 5.7%, with Ghanaian authorities targeting growth to 10% by 2030. 

The programmes include the National Professional Training and Certification program, targeting frontline workers across hospitality and tour operations, and the Uplifting Women in Tourism (UWIT) initiative, which focuses on improving access to finance, digital tools, clean energy and formal business recognition for women operating informal food establishments.  

A third initiative, the Graduate Tourism Employment and Mobility (GTEM) programme, will train and certify 200 graduates as professional tour guides and provides structured mobility support to enable deployment across hotels, tour companies, cultural sites and events.  

The Ghana Tourism Authority is also partnering with financial institutions to support clean energy adoption within tourism businesses, citing operational cost reduction as a key driver of sector competitiveness. 

Key Features and Programmes: 

•    Uplifting Women in Tourism (UWIT): This flagship initiative focuses on empowering over 100.000 women operatging “chop bars” (traditional restaurants), craft markets, culinary ventures and hospitality & tourism activities by providing access to finance, modern equipment, and training in leadership and entrepreneurship.
•    National Training and Certification Programme: Collaborating with HOTCATT (Hotel, Catering and Tourism Training Institute), these initiatives will deliver technical skills training in guest relations, hospitality operations, and cultural guiding, particularly at key sites like Cape Coast and Kumasi. 
•    Graduate Tourism Employment and Mobility (GTEM) Programme: Aims to bridge the education – employment gap by creating 200 certified professional tour guide positions for young graduates, who will be deployed at tourism hotspots. 
•    Tourism Transport Standardization: A new initiative to regulate, improve safety standards, and sanitize the transportation sector for tourists. 
•    Sustainability and Digital Skills: Training programmes will integrate digital skills (online booking, marketing) and promote the adoption of clen energy solutions to reduce operational costs. 

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to transition from tourism momentum to long - term sustainability, focusing on quality assurance and creating a resilient, competitive sector.  

Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto underscored the need for cross - sector coordination, stating that no single institution could transform the sector alone, while Ghana Tourism Federation’s President Seth Ocran emphasised that certification must be “accessible, not just aspirational” for Ghana to build a globally competitive tourism industry. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/ghana-launches-training-and-women-s-empowerment-programmes-to-professionalise-tourism-sector.html

Spain | Welcomed Almost 22.4 Million International Passengers in Q1 2026, Marking an Increase of 5.8%

Spain welcomed almost 22.4 million international passengers from January to March, a relevant performance, marking  an increase of 5.8% in Q1 2026 compared to the same period last year.

The figure compiled by Turespaña, Spain’s national tourism institute reflect that 85.7% of the total passenger flow came from Europe registering an increase of 7.3%, from the Americas came 9.5%, while Asia, which represents 1.7% of the total, experienced a notable decline of - 36.3%. 

The numbers in March alone, were outstanding, recording 8.6 million passengers, which represents an increase of 6.6% compared to the same period of the previous year.

1.1 million passengers flew from Germany, Italy had 896.805 visitors, while France dropped to 6.7 of the total passengers, the Netherlands accounted for 4.5% of the total, and year - on - year notable increase in Poland and Ireland stood out.

The United Kingdom issued around 1.8 million international passengers and generated 20.8% of the tocal of arrivals to Spain, with a year - on - year increase of 10.9%.

The relevant arrivals from the United States confirmed a positive trend concerning the North American market while in the diversification of markets, Brazil, China and South Korea stood out for the increase in international passenger arrivals.

Noteworthy is the decrease in arrivals from the Middle East, particularly from Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar that dragged down by the war in the region.

The Canary Islands, the Communities of Andalusia, Catalonia, Madrid, the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands were the preferred destinations for travellers in March 2026 and in the quarter in general.

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/espana-recibio-a-224-millones-de-pasajeros-en-primer-trimestre/