Iringa, Tanzania | Completed the Nduli Airport Upgrade to Boost Tourism and Trade in the Region

Tanzania has completed the upgrade of Nduli Airport officially known as Iringa Airport, a regional airport in central Tanzania, located northeast of Iringa, a city in the Southern Highlands of the country, celebrated for its cool, elevated climate and dramatic Rift Valley escarpment landscapes, serving as the primary gateway to Ruaha National Park, one of East Africa’ s largest wildlife reserves and the stunning Udzungwa Mountains,  offering a mix of spectacular wildlife, ancient history, and vibrant local culture.

With an investment of a TZS 60 billion (approximately $24 million) that forms part of the Sixth Phase Administration’s broader multimodal transport strategy under President Samia Suluhu Hassan,  the airport was transformed into a strategic, modern aviation hub to boost tourism and trade to the country’s Southern Highlands region.

Inaugurated on 24 May 2026, the upgrade included runway expansion, terminal modernisation and advanced all - weather navigation systems, was announced by Deputy Minister for Transport David Kihenzile alongside Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.

The upgraded airport is expected to significantly increase access for international visitors and high - value eco - tourism. The modernized facility now provides more efficient access to popular wildlife and cultural sites, directly supporting regional hotels, operators, and local economies.

Beyond tourism, improved regional connectivity allows business travellers and investors to easily access Iringa, stimulating commercial activities.

The enhanced air freight capacity is set to benefit Iringa’s substantial horticultural sector, a major producer of avocados, tea and fresh vegetables, with economists projecting agricultural revenue growth of up to 30% within the next fiscal year.

The development complements a parallel TZS 3.3 trillion rehabilitation of the Tanzania - Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) network, positioning Tanzania to build a strategic logistics corridor greatly assisting farmers in moving agricultural produce from districts like Kilolo to domestic and international markets.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/tanzania-completes-tzs-60-billion-nduli-airport-upgrade-to-boost-tourism-and-trade.html

Penang, Malaysia | Experiencing a Relevant Growth in the Medical Tourism Sector

Penang, a vibrant Malaysian state off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, divided into Penang Island and mainland Seberang Perai, renowned as the “culinary capital of Asia”, highlighted by UNESCO - listed George Town, beautiful tropical beaches, and lush nature, is experiencing a relevant growth in the Medical Tourism sector.

The state is a premier global hub for medical tourism, attracting international patients by combining world - class healthcare, significantly lower costs than Western countries, and seamless leisure recovery. Penang treats over 40% of Malaysia’s medical tourists, with a large majority coming from Indonesia, Australia, and neighbouring regions.

The Malaysian state is home to several internationally accredited private hospitals equipped with state - of - the - art diagnostic, advanced robotic surgical technology, offering comprehensive cardiac care, oncology, general surgery with also a notable reputation for luxury and comfort.

 The number of foreign patients who came to private hospitals in the Malaysian state in 2025 for treatments increased by 26% compared to the previous year. This was stated by the Chairman of the state’s tourism and creative economy committee, Wong Hon Wai, as reported by Bernama, a news agency linked to the Malaysian government. 

According to the Penang Medical Tourism Centre, which brings together 16 private clinics, in 2025 more than 527.000 foreign patients were treated there. The previous year, that figure was 418.000 people coming  from abroad.

The increase in patients generated revenue for the state’s hospitals worth 1.14 billion Malaysian ringitts (approximately US$285 million). The previous year, that figure was 897.07 million ringgits (about US$224.52 million).

The state government cooperates with airlines to develop medical tourism and implements a program that allows international travellers to get a 15% discount on medical check up packages. Patients are also offered the possibility to pay for services in their national currency, for example in Indonesian rupiah, using a local QR code.

Penang authorities participate in medical tourism fairs in China, Indonesia, and other countries. In addition, efforts are underway to improve air connectivity with cities from which many health tourists come, such as Aceh, Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya (all in Indonesia) and Yangon, Myanmar.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/en-malasia-se-registr-un-crecimiento-del-sector-del-turismo-m-dico-en-2025/

Songo, Mozambique | HCB is Funding the Development of a Tourism Master Plan for the Town and Surrounding Areas

Hidroelétrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB), the company managing the Cahora Bassa Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric schemes in Africa, located on the Zambezi River in western Mozambique’s Tete Province, a crucial pillar of the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP) is funding the development of a tourism master Plan for Songo town and surroundings areas in Tete Province.

Songo is a unique, mountain valley town in the Tete Province situated five kilometres east of the massive Cahorra Bassa Dam, highly regarded as a freshwater angler’s paradise and a developing eco - tourism destination, situated high above the dramatic Zambezi River gorge, offering sustainable adventure travel and wildlife viewing opportunities, unique panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscape and a refreshing microclimate.

The initiative aims to unlock tourism potential linked to the Cahora Bassa reservoir, Africa’s fourth - argest artificial lake located on the Zambezi River spanning roughly 292 km in length, formed by the monumental Cahora Bassa Dam and providing vital hydroelectricity to Southern Africa,as well as a stunning hub for boat tours and fishing and surrounding cultural, natural and industrial heritage assets.

Songo is located in Tete Province, a land that blends vital industrial engineering with rich local traditions and scenic landscapes. It is deeply cultural, offering visitors a unique mix of historical landmarks, engineering marvels and authentic African heritage.

The region is home primarily to the Sena, Nyanja, and Nyungwe ethnic groups that boast a rich cultural heritage and old, rooted traditions.  

In addition the area is the historic homeland of the Nyau dance, a highly spiritual and energetic traditional mask dance performed by the Chewa people, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage patrimony.

A further highlight of Tete is Tchuma Tchato Community Program, located near Bawa.This community initiative focuses on wildlife viewing, hiking, and sustainable use of natural resources, allowing visitors to experience local conservation efforts firsthand.

Exploring Songo and its surrounding areas, visitors can experience vibrant local markets offering traditional crafts, colourful textiles, and the rhythmic sounds od marrabenta music.

The project forms part of borader efforts to diversify the regional economy and attract tourism investment through structured destination planning. Hidroelétrica de Cahora Bassa has also been advancing plans for a technology museum focused on the history and engineering significance of the Cahora Bassa project, one of the largest hydropower schemes in the African continent.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/hcb-to-fund-tourism-master-plan-for-mozambique-s-songo-town.html

Puerto Morelos, Mexico | Actively Enforcing Regulations along the “Ruta de los Cenotes” for Tourist Activities

Puerto Morelos, a Mexican port town on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula located between the Riviera Maya resorts of Cancun and Playa del Carmen in the state of Quintana Roo,  through its municipal officials is actively enforcing regulations along the “Ruta de los Cenotes” (the Cenotes Route) for tourist activities.

With the aim to protect the fragile underground ecosystems and combat illegal developments, the government has shut down non - compliant eco - tourism projects and is closely monitoring density limits and environmental permits.

The “Ruta de los Cenotes” is an eco - tourism corridor of approximately 35 km that connects along a jungle road Puerto Morelos with the town of Leona Vicario and it is home to more than a dozen cenotes including the iconic cenotes of Siete Bocas, Kin Ha, La Noria and Verde Lucero.

Easily accessible from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, the journey takes about 30 - 45 minutes from the centre of Puerto Morelos. The route offers a wide variety of formations, from underground cenotes in caverns to natural open - air pools and is a great destination for adventure and eco - tourism. In addition to swimming and snorkelling, visitors can go ziplining, rapelling, bird watching, hiking and ATV tours.

The Municipal president of Puerto Morelos, Blanca Merari, led a working meeting with the aim of advancing in the rules and mechanism for the regularization of the activities that places in the Route of the Cenotes, privileging environmental care and the orderly development of the municipality.

During the meeting, the mayor stressed that the municipal government works in coordination with federal and state authorities, always adhering to current environmental regulations and laws, to ensure that productive and tourist activities in this area are carried out with certainty and legality.

The Municipal President explained that the “Ruta de los Cenotes” comprises a great natural wealth, where there are important cenotes and ecosystems that must be preserved through adequate territorial and environmental planning.

For his part, the Secretary of Urban Development and Territorial Planning, Rolando Melo, presented the progress of the Local Ecological Program (POEL), an environmental and urban policy instrument designed to plan land use and productive activities, seeking to balance economic development with environmental conservation.

The official indicated that this program will establish clear guidelines for the orderly growth of the area, providing certainty to both inhabitants, service providers and entrepreneurs who develop activities along the “Ruta de los Cenotes”.

Link

https://www.reportur.com/agencias/2026/05/29/puerto-morelos-regula-ruta-de-los-cenotes-para-actividades-turisticas/

Hard Rock International | Commenced Construction of a New Hotel in Gramado, Brazil

Hard Rock International, a company with its corporate headquarters in Davie, Florida, U.S., one of the most globally recognized groups in the world boasting in its large portfolio Venues, Cafes, Casinos and Hotels in over 70 countries in partnership with Mundo Planalto, a company based in Goiânia, Brazil, which operates in the areas of urban planning,  timeshare, real estate development, and parks have commenced construction of a new Hard Rock hotel in Gramado, an attractive mountain resort town in Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul.  

Gramado is a picturesque alpine destination in Brazil Serra Gaúcha, a cultural region comprising the mountainous area in the northeastern portion of Rio Grande do Sul state, renowned for its  Bavarian and Swiss - style architecture., manicured gardens, pristine streets reminiscent of a storybook village, chocolate shops, colder climate, year year - round tourism,also recognized for its cultural and seasonal festivals and events like the famous Natal Luz (Christmas of Lights),  featuring parades and musical performances. 

The groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of Hard Rock Gramado took place at the future project site in Gramado, and was attended by company executives, local authorities, partners, and community members, with a reception followed at Hard Rock Café Gramado.

The project designed to reflect Gramado’s architectural style and mountain setting, with an expected opening in late 2028, the resort will offer accommodations, leisure, wellness, dining, and entertainment options.

The development will feature 858 guestrooms, restaurants, a coffee shop, a lobby bar, additional bar concepts, a spa, retail space, leisure areas, amenities, technology, and meeting facilities, including three ballrooms.

Mundo Planalto is responsible for the development and construction of the project, as well as the commercialization and management of a fractional ownership model. Under this model, buyers can acquire fractional ownerships interests that grant access to accommodations and shared - use vacation experiences. 

Hard Rock International is expected to operate the hotel after construction is completed and the property will generate a relevant economic impact in the region through job creation and tourism enhancement.  

Link 

htps://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141367.html                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed an Agreement to Open its First Vignette Collection Hotel in London, England, UK

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, UK, has signed an agreement with Yianis Group, a privately owned property company based in London, England, UK with a unique portfolio of freehold office, residential, hotel, retail and leisure properties to open its first Vignette Collection in London, the United Kingdom’s capital and largest city and second of the brand in the UK&I.

Canary Riverside Plaza, Vignette Collection by IHG is located at 46 Westferry Circus in Canary Wharf, Tower Hamlets, a premier global financial district and a vibrant mixed - use neighbourhood on London’s Isle of Dogs, a peninsula bounded on three sides by a large meander in the River Thames in East London.

Once the world’s busiest shipping port, Canary Wharf has transformed itself into a futuristic urban hub featuring towering skyscrapers, expansive waterfront boardwalks, over 300 upscale shops, more than 16 acres of lush, award - winning parks and gardens as well as excellent transport connections.

The property is positioned to serve both corporate and leisure demand, with connectivity across London and to international gateways.

With the opening scheduled for summer 2026, the hotel will feature 142 rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, flexible meeting and events space for up to 200 guests, and access to an adjacent health club and spa.

The signing marks IHG’s debut in London and continues its partnership in the UK with Yaianis Group, following the previous signing of InterContinental Manchester, expanding IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio in the UK&I.

The hotel will join the Vignette Collection brand launched in 2021, an upscale family of hotels and resorts, a IHG’s luxury conversion brand that aims to combine individual property identity with the brand’s standards, where guests can indulge a growing passion for stays that are authentic, experiential and special, proudly independent establishments which embody comfort, excellence in service and luxury.

As of March 2026, the brand has 34 open hotels and 45 in the pipeline globally. In Europe, Vignette Collection has six open hotels and 17 in the pipeline, including Hotel Schloss Reinhartshausen in Germany and The Venice Times in Italy.

In the first quarter of 2026, 74% of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ hotel opening and 100% of signings in the UK&I were conversions. The company currently operates 384 hotels in the UK&I, with 28 in development, as of 31 March 2026.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-brings-luxury-conversion-brand-vignette-collection-to-london-with-canary-wharf-signing

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141424.html

Hilton | Incorporated in its Outset Collection by Hilton a 55 - Room Hotel Located in Richmond, Virginia, U.S.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia has incorporated in its Outset Collection by Hilton following an extensive renovation the Berkeley Richmond, a 55 - room hotel located in Richmond, the vibrant capital of the U.S. state of Virginia, located along the banks of the James River., among America’s oldest major cities, best known for its unique combination of vibrant arts,  booming craft beer scene, and accessible urban white -water.

Richmond boasts top - tier institutions like the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, the Science Museum of Virginia, and the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, attractions like the Virginia Capital Trail, a 52 - mile paved, multi - used trail runs from the city directly to  Williamsburg, a favourite trail for cyclists and long - distance runners, the Arts District, Scott’s Addition,  and surrounding neighbourhoods  covered in vibrant, large sc-le murals by local and international artists, making the city a major hub for history, culture and outdoor recreation.

The Berkeley Richmond that has joined Outset Collection by Hilton after completing a remnovatio of its 55 guest rooms and public spaces is located at 214 East 9th Street in the historic Shockoe Slip neighbourhood of downtown Richmond, near the Riverfront Canal Walk, Viriginia Capital Trail, the Virginia State Capitol, 1.6 km from the Museum of Edgar Allan Poe and 4.8 km from Virginia Commonwealth University.

The property’s architectural features include a redbrick façade and castle - inspired elements. The renovation incorporated a design palette of bronze metals, deep woods, and soft neutrals with sculptural lighting, mirrored artwork, and brushed bronze accents.

The hotel features a range of accommodations., including updated rooms with city  or terrace views and pet – friendly options. the redesigned lobby includes new vinyl, a new front desk, and lounge - style seating.

The renovation also included the introduction of a new on - site restaurant, Parlor Bistro, operated by Adam and Luong Betz, serving American comfort food with Vietnamese influence. The restaurant offers breakfast and lunch service, with dinner service expected to be added in the coming monhs. Morning coffee at Parlor Bistro uses coffee beans sourced from Vietnam.

Event spaces at the property include the renovated Governor’s Suite and Parlor, which offer floor - to - ceiling windows with panoramic city views, two private terraces, and a spacious parlour with peaked ceilings.

The hotel is now accepting reservations and joins the Outset Collection by Hilton a new, upscale lifestyle hotel brand that includes forward properties in unexpected locations, like urban areas, small towns, and adventure hubs, integrated into Hilton’s distribution and loyalty program, aiming to attract travellers looking for unique story - driven experiences.

The Berkeley Richmond is among the first properties to join the brand, which has more than 60 hotels in various stages of development across the United States and is now accepting reservations

Links

https://stories.hilton.com/releases/the-berkeley-richmond-joins-outset-collection-by-hilton

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141423.html