IHG Hotels & Resorts | Plans to Significantly Expand its India Portfolio to Over 400 Hotels Within the Next Five Years

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, as reported on January 16. 2026 plans to significantly expand its portfolio to over 400 operational and pipeline hotels within the next five years, aiming to more than triple its current presence of 50+ open hotels and 80+ in development, totalling close to 12.000 rooms.

 This aggressive growth, following a third consecutive year of record signings in 2025, focuses on expanding its presence in the Asian country across eight brands: Crowne Plaza, Garner, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, InterContinental, Six Senses, Staybridge Suites, and voco, brands that cover luxury, premium, and midscale segments. In addition the company announced that it will debut its Vignette Collection brand in India in early 2026. 

In 2025, IHG Hotels & Resorts introduced its new mainstream brand, Garner, to the Indian market with properties in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh and Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, with additional hotels in Kutch, Gujarat and Bhiwadi, Rajasthan. 

Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express represent more than 70% of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ operating hotels in India and account for the majoritiy of its hotels in development, with Holiday Inn Express ranked first for signing in its industry category in the three quarters of last year. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium portfolio continues to expand in the Indian market, with Crowne Plaza representing about 25% of the company’s hotels in development in the region. The opening of Crowne Plaza Lucknow in May 2025 market IHG’s 50th open hotel in India.

The voco brand has also been introduced in the country, with signings in Amritsar, Punjab, Goa, Gurugram, Haryana, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, and the first voco opening in Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand. 

The company’s luxury and lifestyle brand are increasing their share of the India pipeline with the InterContinental brand expanding its presence in relevant cities such as Bengaluru, Karnataka and Hyderabad, Telangana, as well as resort destiantions including Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh, Kodaikanal and Mahabalipuram, both in Tamil Nadu state. Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan opened in 2022, and Six Senses Vana, Uttarakhand added in 2023 are two other units part of the expansion. 

In essence, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ expansion strategy in India focuses on conversion opportunities and maintains a balanced presence across mainstream, premium, and luxury segments.

Key Expansion Details: 

•    Targeted Growth: The goal is to have over 400 hotels (both open and in development) within five years, representing a rapid acceleration of their current footprint. 
•    Current Portfolio: As of January 2026, IHG Hotels & Resorts has over 50+ operating hotels and 80+ in development, totalling approximately 12.000 rooms. 
•    Key Growth Drivers: The expansion is fuelled by rising domestic, business, and leisure travel demand, alongside high confidence from owners in IHG’s brands. 

Brand Strategy: 

•    Mainstream: The “essentials” portfolio including Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express continues to be a cornerstone, representing over 70% of IHG’s portfolio. 
•    New Additions: The company introduced the mid – scale conversion brand Garner and will introduce the luxury/liestyle Vignette Collection in the market.
•    Premium/Luxury: Significant expansion is planned in cities for Crowne Plaza and InterContinental in cities like Begaluru, Hyderabad, and leisure spots like Kodaikanal.  

Market Position: 

 •    Market Relevance: India is considered a key, strategic, and high – growth market for IHG Hotels & Resorts.

IHG Hotels & Resorts' expansion is supported by a strong, and consistent record of signings, confirming India’s position as a critical, long - term growth engine for the group. 

Links 
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-to-scale-india-presence-to-over-400-open-and-in-development-hotels-within-five-years
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139586.html

Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice is Now Accepting Reservations for Arrivals Beginning August 26, 2026, Following an Extensive Restoration

Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice, owned by Gruppo Statuto, a real estate group headquartered in Rome and part of Four Seasons Hotels Limited, trading as Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hotel and resort company based in Toronto, Canada has announced that is now accepting reservation for arrivals beginning August 26, 2026, following an extensive restoration and modernization.

This luxury hotel, hosted in a historic 14th - century palace complex, featuring opulent Venetian Gothic architecture comprising three interconnected palace: the 15th - century Palazzo Dandolo, the 19th - century Palazzo Casa Nuova, and Palazzo Danieli Excelsior, which was linked to the hotel in the 1950s is located on the Riva degli Schiavoni, in the beating hearth of Venice, near the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark Square,  directly in front of major water taxi and gondola stops. 

The establishment features an elegant and stylish four - storey atrium in Palazzo Dandolo, with marble columns and a staircase. Interior design include Rubelli fabrics, Venetian terrazzo, Murano glass, and Italian marbles.

Upon opening the property will features 120 luxurious, traditionally decorated rooms and suites, with a limited number offering balconies directly overlooking the Grand Canal. The hotel has plans to add 56 rooms more next year, bringing the total to 176 accommodations. Of these, 97 rooms and 79 suites will be available.

Dining options at Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice include Restaurant Terrazza Danieli offering stunning views of the Venetian lagoon. The venue led by Executive Chef Adriano Rausa, will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with ingredients sourced from Sant’ Erasmo island and other local suppliers and a bar integrated in the restaurant. In addition the hotel will also feature Bar Dandolo, located off the lobby.

Event facilities at the hotel, include 848 square metres of space for private events, including dinners and corporate retreats. 

The property will introduce Danieli Spa in late 2026, featuring three treatment rooms, including one for couples, as well as a sauna and a hammam.

Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel is known for its attentive, high - end service, and featured as a film location in movies like James Bond: Moonraker and From Russia with Love.

General Manager Christian Zandonella will lead the hotel’s team. Reservation for Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice, can be made by contacting the hotel directly or booking online.

Links

https://www.fourseasons.com/venice/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139728.html

RIU Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened a 505 - Room Adults - Only Hotel in Nungwi, Zanzibar, Tanzania

RIU Hotels & Resorts, a Spanish family - owned chain company founded in 1953 and based in Palma de Mallorca, specializes in holiday, urban hotels and all inclusive resorts, offering a variety of brands with locations around the world, has officially opened a 505 - room - adults only hotel in Nungwi, located on the northern tip of Zanzibar, Tanzania, about 59 kilometres from Stone Town, a premier destination famous for its white powdery sand, turquoise waters, and minimal tidal changes.

Once a quiet fishing village, Nungwi now offers a vibrant mix of luxury resorts, bustling nightlife, excellent water sports like snorkelling and diving, and during a stay the opportunity to visit the nearby turtle conservation sanctuary.

The Riu Palace Swahili’s opening marks the company’s third hotel in Tanzania, joining Riu Palace Zanzibar, and Riu Jambo, and is the first in the region to offer the Elite Club service.

The hotel is located at 11 Nungwi Road along Nungwi beach on the island’s northwest coast, a 3 - minute walk from Kendwa Beach.

The hotel features 505 rooms and the Elite Club service, offering 76 rooms, with 52 featuring private swimming pools and 24 boasting sea views. Elite Club guests have access to an exclusive restaurant, a reserved beach area with Balinese beds, a drink service, the Elite Club Lounge with branded drinks, a separate check - in area, and aromatherapy items in their rooms.

Dining options at Riu Palace Swahili include the main Karibu restaurant and specialty venues such as Krystal for fusion cuisine, Duomo offering Italian cuisine, Helios for Mediterranean fare, a steakhouse and Pepe’s Food fast - food kiosk.

The property features six bars, such as Lounge Bar, Daiquini bar, Masai Plaza bar, Konyagi pool bar, Madafu aquatic bar, and Capuchino cake and ice cream shop.

Amenities at the hotel include two infinity pools designed to visually merge with the surrounding waters of Nungwi, Renova Spa, which offers a swimming pool, steam bath, and a range of treatments, a full daytime activity program, evening shows featuring live music, and guests also have access to water sports such as kayaking and stand - up paddle surf at the neighbouring Riu Jambo. 

The opening of Riu Palace Swahili also marks the launch of RIU Party in Tanzania. These events will be held every Friday at Riu Jambo and will be accessible to guests from all three RIU hotels on the island.

Links

https://www.riu.com/en/hotel/tanzania/zanzibar/hotel-riu-palace-swahili

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139826.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Announced the Opening of a New 267 - Room Andaz Hotel in Shanghai, China

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, has announced on February 3, 2026 the opening of a new 267 room Andaz hotel in Shanghai, sprawling city on China’s central coast, a vibrant metropolis highlighted by a mix of historic architecture and futuristic skyscrapers, a major hub for business, culture, finance and technology, as well as a world - class shopping destination, often called the “Magic City” or “Paris of the East” for its dynamic international feel of old and new.

Andaz Shanghai ITC is located in the ITC Xujiahui complex, nestled in the heart of the dynamic and historic Xujiahui shopping district in the southwest of Shanghai’s central urban area, a top commercial and entertainment hub, within a 5 - minute drive from Jing’an Temple, Nanjing Road Shopping and Yu Garden.

Xujiahui, blending rich history with modern convenience is famous for its massive shopping malls (Grand Gateway, Metro City) , attractions like Xujiahui Cathedral, Xujiahui Park, major universities, and the area is also a key transportation hub served by metro lines 1, 9 and 11.

This luxurious boutique hotel, with fabulous, high - rise views of the surrounding neighbourhood with its intriguing mix of distinguisehed, century - old buildings and soaring modern skyscrapers promises to elevate the hospitality standards in the city.

The hotel’s design incorporates motifs referencing Shanghai history and culture, with features such as a glass - brick wall and moss - coloured rugs inspired by local laneways. The hotel entrance is on the third - floor, and the check - in lobby is located on the 14th floor and corridors features plane - tree silhouettes.

The hotel features 267 guest rooms and suites with interiors modelled on a maisonette - style layout with freestanding wardrobes and 3D tiles in the bathrooms, floor - to - ceiling views of the surrounding areas,  creating a residential ambiance.

Room sizes range from 45 square metres to 147 metres for the Executive Suite. Accommodation options include rooms with outdoor terraces, Nespresso coffee makers, Simmons mattresses, 55 - inch IPTV, and Byreso Eleventh Hour amenities.

Dining options at the hotel include three venues such as the West Wing, seriving as a European and Shanghainese deli and wine bar with small plate - dining, the East Wing, providing breakfast and lunch food stations, as well as Shanghainese dishes in the evening, with private dining rooms, and an outdoor terrace also available, and the Rooftop Bar offering tea - infused cocktails and city views. In addition the hotel offer a gym designed for privacy and exclusivity.

The hotel joins the Andaz brand, part of Hyatt’s Lifestyle Group, a family of hotels focused on local culture, immersive experiences and a “casual luxury vibe”. Brand features include dynamic locally, inspired design and art, freshly sourced food and beverages, vibrant lounge spaces, and unique cultural programming.

With its opening Andaz Shanghai ITC participates in the world of Hyatt loyalty program.

Links

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139809.html

https://www.hyatt.com/andaz/en-US/shaax-andaz-shanghai-itc

Alentejo, Portugal | Relevant Allocation Provided for Projects to Revitalize Non - Urban Areas

 Alentejo, a region of south - central and southern Portugal, which covers all of the historical Alentejo Province and part of the historical Ribatejo and Estremadura provinces, through the Alentejo 2030 program, an EU - funded initiative for the Portuguese region, part of larger Portugal 2030 framework, focusing on making the region smarter, greener, more connected, and inclusive, by investing in innovation, digitalization, green transition, business competitiveness and supporting local development is making a relevant allocation for projects to revitalize non - urban areas. 

The Alentejo 2030 Program launched two calls for proposals, with a total budget exceeding €2.3 million targeting diverse projects using EU funds to boost competitiveness, resilience, territorial cohesion, economic, social and cultural development by supporting SMEs startups, and community initiatives in rural areas of the region.

According to the Alentejo Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDRA), the support aims to enhance the economic, social and cultural resources of the inland territories in the areas of culture, tourism and nature, contributing to the dynamism of these areas, in response to the specific challenges and opportunities of each territory.

The first allocation, which has a budget of around €1.425, supports projects in the area of culture, tourism and nature, promoting rural entrepreneurship, employment, territorial sustainability and cultural and tourism initiatives. Applications are open until March 13, 2026.

The second call allocates €945.000 and is intended for territorial promotion and marketing actions, including tourism campaigns, digital marketing, associated with the strategies and action plans of the partnerships for non - urban cohesion, cultural with territorial initiatives include studies and plans for structures dedicated to permanent animation, involvement of local communities with national and international cooperation. Applications are open until March 20, 2026.

In both cases, funding can reach 85% through the European Regional Development Fund, with only entities already identified in the approved strategies being eligible.

Link

https://www.publituris.pt/2026/01/16/alentejo-2030-disponibiliza-23-milhoes-para-projetos-de-dinamizacao-dos-territorios-nao-urbanos

U.S. Virgin Islands | Emerrged as a Top Destination at the Caribbean Travel Awards

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), an organized unincorporated U.S. territory in the Caribbean and part of the Lesser Antilles, about 64 kilometres east of Puerto Rico, composed of three main islands, such as St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, along with roughly 50 smaller cays, emerged as a top destination at the Caribbean Travel Awards, secured three major titles at this prestigious event.

The American territory was awarded as Caribbean Cruise Destination of the Year, highlighting its premier status as an exceptional port of call for cruise travellers.

Whether docking in St. Croix, the largest of the United States Virgin Islands, known for its “Twin City” charm (Christiansted and Frederiksted), highlighted by historic Danish colonial architecture, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and a rich, laid - culture, or St. Thomas, renowned for its blend of dramatic mountainous scenery, over 40 stunning beaches, snorkelling spots, duty - free shopping,   offering a vibrant mix of relaxation, water sports, and nightlife centred around the USVI’s capital Charlotte Amalie, visitors can enjoy a very easy access to shops, historic sites, idyllic beaches, fine restaurants and boat tours.

 Well - organized radial excursions and day trips allow visitors to discover the charm and appeal of this small archipelago in the Caribbean sea with its stunning natural beauties, and discovering landmarks such as Trunk Bay Beach, Lindqvist Beach, Magens Bay, Annaberg, Plantation, Buck Island Reef National Monument, Cruz Bay and vibrant snorkeling spots like Coki Point. 

The U.S. Virgin Islands was also awarded as Experiential Destination of the Year. The islands are premier diverse experiential destination recognized for immersive nature focused and cultural travel, including exploring historic sites like Fort Christiansvaern, strolling the charming streets of Charlotte Amalie, enjoying its Danish colonial architecture, as well as enjoying marina dining experiences and sailing to Buck Island. 

The territory offers something for every type of travellers. Visitors can engage in activities ranging from hiking the Virgin Islands National Park, kayaking through the mangroves,,tasting local rum,and discovering the vibrant culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

These experiences are offered in a welcoming, accessible, and easy to explore environment, just what today’s travellers are looking for.

The third title was delivered to The Saint Resort on St. John island, winning New Hotel of the Year, being the first new hotel to open in St. John in several years.

Located within a 15 - minute walk of Cruz Bay Beach and Virgin Islands National Park, this adults - only boutique retreat has infused a fresh and dynamic vibe into into the lively seaside town of Cruz Bay,  elevating itself as a keading resoprt recognised for its refined dining experience and exceptional spa services that contributed to this property to become a sought - after addition to the island’s hotel landscape.

These three major accolades highlight the USVI’s continued growth as a top Caribbean destination for visitors seeking diverse, high - quality, and accessible experiences, added to the growing list of recognitions including Porthole Magazine’s 2025 Cruise Destination of the Year, Best Caribbean Island to Visit in 2026 (St. Croix), according to USA Today’s Top 10 Readers’ Awards,  and TripAdvisor’s Top Ten Beach of 2025 which included Magens Bay Beach and Trunk Bay.

U.S. Virgin Islands’s Commissioner of Tourism Jennifer Matarangas - King said that these recognitions reflect the dedication of the USVI’s partners, hospitality professionals and local communities that all together have the aim to continue propelling the U.S. Virgin Islands as a destination that delivers authentic experiences, exceptional service and unforgettable moments for all.

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/islas-virgenes-de-ee-uu-triunfan-en-los-caribbean-travel-awards/

Medamud, Egypt | An Archaeological Team Discovered an Undocumented Sacred Lake at Montu Temple Site In the Luxor Governorate

A Joint Chinese - Egyptian archaeological team has discovered a previously undocumented sacred lake at Montu Temple site  in Medamud, a village in the Luxor Governorate,located within the Karnak Temple comple in the Luxor Governorate, about 8 kilometres east - north east of Karnak, a site part of an ancient Egyptian temple complex dedicated to the falcon - headed war god Montu.

This discovery reported by Global Times, China’s most informative English - language newspaper, is a newly uncovered rectangular basin, measuring about 6.5 by 6 metres and cover 50 square metres, located west of the Temple of Maat, a small, partly ruined New Kingdom shrine within the Precinct of Montu that was likely constructed by Hatshepsut, the sixth pharaoh of the Eighteen Dynasty of Egypt and later rebuilt by Thutmose III,  also known as Thutmose the Great, the fifth pharaoh of the same dynasty.

 Researchers say that the site including the sacred lake was a ritual space dedicated to Ma'at or Maat the goddess of balance, harmony,  justice, law, morality, order, and truth, often depicted as a woman with an ostrich feather, she embodied the core principles that maintained cosmic harmony and regulated the stars, seasons, and actions of both mortals and deities, crucial in the afterlife, where her feather was weighted against the hearts of the deceased.

The structure over the lake is well preserved, with mud - brick and sandstone elements and steps along the eastern wall.

 Archaeologists found that the banks of the lake were reinforced and repaired several times from the 30th Dynasty to the Roman period. A reused sandstone block in the staircase may date back to an earlier gateway of the Maat Temple from the 25th Dynasty.

 The reservoir has been named the “Southern sacred lake”, distinguishing it from the sacred lake previously recorded in the area and forming a rare twin - lake layout within the same temple precinct.

Additional discoveries include cattle jawbones and reused stone blocks linked to royal figures and the Divine Adoratrice of Amun, a title held by elite priestesses serving as chief cultic representatives in the Amun cult from the Late Period (747BC – 332BC). According to the scientists, these reused blocks will provide materials for determining the origin and period of the sacred lake.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/archaeologists-uncover-ancient-sacred-lake-in-egypt/