Minor Hotels | Signed an Agreement to Develop an Anantara Hotel in Perth, Australia

Minor Hotels, an international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry founded in 1978 and based in Bangkok, Thailand has signed an agreement to develop an Anantara hotel in Perth, vibrant capital of Western Australia, sits where the Swan River meets the southwest coast, introducing Anantara Hotels & Resorts brand to the country.

Perth is known for being one of the world’s most isolated cities boasting stunning natural beauty with sunny weather, pristine beaches like Cottlesoe, vast parks including Kings Park, unique wildlife, vibrant arts, and a lively food/wine scene.

Anantara Perth is planned as part of the $3.8 billion Burswood Point masterplanned development in Perth, being developed by Golden Sadayu, a partnership between Perth’s Golden Group and Indonesia’s Agung Sedayu Group. 

Scheduled to open in 2032 the property will be located on the Swan River waterfront, near Perth’s central business district, accessible to both domestic and international airports and is expected to feature 150 rooms and suites, two resturants, a swuimming pool, a fitness centre, and an Anantara Spa.

The hotel will join the Anantara brand that has more than 50 properties globally. The brand is known for its emphasis on authentic luxury through its three pillars : Indigenous, Expertise, and Authentic Luxury, characterized by a new, modern visual identity with an updated logo and tagline “Unforgettable Journeys” which reflects its global presence.  e hotel will join

Anantara Perth Hotel will be part of Minor Hotels’ portfolio in Australia, which includes properties under the Oaks Hotels & Resorts and Avani Hotels & Resorts brands.

Links

https://media.minorhotels.com/en-GLO/262085-minor-hotels-brings-luxury-anantara-hotels-resorts-brand-to-australia-with-announcement-of-anantara-perth-hotel/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140148.html

DKN Hotels | Announced the Opening of a 121 - Suite Property in Oxnard, California, U.S.

DKN Hotels, a leading hotel and hospitality company, offering comprehensive hotel management services based in Irvine, CA, has announced the opening of a 121 - suite property in Oxnard, a seaside city west of Los Angeles in Ventura, County in the U.S. state of California.

Oxnard is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cultural heritage, and the famous Oxnard Taco Trail, offering visitors a unique blend of outdoor activities, local events, and delicious culinary experiences on California’s Central Coast.

DKN Hotels manages the property and the opening of the The SpringHill Suites by Marriott Ventura Oxnard is the latest addition to the company’s portfolio in Southern California.

The hotel  is located at 801 Town Center Drive within walking distance of the Collection River Park, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Oxnard, 22 kilometres from California State University Channel Islands and 72 kilometres from Santa Barbara Airport.

The strategic location provides access to Channel Islands Harbor and National Park, Camarillo Premium Outlets, Naval Base County, Herzog Wine Cellars, Port Hueneme, Oxnard State Beach, Mandalay Beach, as well as Thomas Aquino College, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, California Lutheran University, and the Ronald Reagan President Library. 

The hotel features 121 comfortable suites with West - Elm designed furnishing, flexible layouts, complimentary Wi-Fi, and breakfast.

Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a courtyard with barbecue grills and a five pit, a 24 - hour market, as well as two meeting tooms totalling 1.125 square feet of meeting space for up to 70 people.

Flora Loca Rooftop Cantina, a rooftop restaurant, is planned to open at the hotel in summer 2026, offering views and a menu inspired by the cultural and culinary influences of Ventura County and Mexico.

The property joins Springhill Suites Marriott, an upscale, all - suite, select - service brand part of Marriott International. American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland, offering larger rooms with separate living and sleeping areas, designed for comfort and style.

As part of the Marriott portfolio, SpringHill Suites is positioned to provide a “refreshing different” experience that is both affordable and stylish for business and leisure travellers.

Links 

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/sbavo-springhill-suites-ventura-oxnard/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140114.html

Malawi | Tourism Sector is Poised for Significant Growth Following Mount Mulanje’s Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Malawi’s tourism sector is poised for significant growth in 2026 after Highlands’s tourism recorded a strong 2025, following Mount Mulanje’s Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Last Year.

As a premier biodiversity hotspot and cultural landscape in the heart of Malawi’s highlands, Mount Mulanje is home to superb scenery, dramatic escarpments, red soils, abundant wildlife and an iconic freshwater lake which covers most of the country.

Its new status is accelerating investment in sustainable tourism, including the development of new trekking trails, community - based initiatives, and conservation efforts, reinforcing the highlands’ appeal as a top African destination.

Mount Mulanje or Massif Mulanje, a massive syenite and granite inselberg in southern Malawi, is the highest peak in south - central Africa, rising abruptly 3.000 metres above the plains, is known as the “Island in the Sky”, it features over 20 peaks including the 3.002 Sapitwa peak, forested ravines, waterfalls, and unique cedar forests.

Covering a 650 square kilometres area, the massif features steep rocky sides, high - altitude plateaus , and rolling grasslands, and its acts as a massive watershed with numerous streams, among them the Lichenya River, and this massif is a major draw for hiking, rock climbing, and adventure tourism.

Rising sharply from the surrounding plains of Phalombe and the Mulanje district, it forms part of a proposed ecoregion, to be called the South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA).

Revered as a sacred site by local communities such as Yao, Lhomwe, and Mang’anja, it is believed to be inhabited by spirits, and in addition the area also boasts a rich history of tea farming at the mountain’s base.

Taking advantage of this tourism growth and the designation of Mount Mulanje  as a UNESCO World Heritage site, local operators have expanded trails and adventure products, strengthened community partnerships, improving access and visitor experiences across key mountain areas.

At Mulanje Mount, Africa Wild Truck introduced solar power, trained in  - house guides and created sustainability teams, with 2026 plans for new itineraries and a logisitic and reservations office.

Trek Mulanje broadened guided hikes with village links and airport transfers and will launch a Mulanje – Zomba Highlands Adventure, alongside eco - camping and education support.

In the Viphya Highlands, Luwawa Forest Lodge upgraded the 74 kilometres Luwawa - Kachere Trail to a four - day trek Luwawa Experience, advanced reforestation, school programmes, as well as will add birding, cultural visits, and mountain biking itineraries, positioning the Malawi highlands and the Mulanje Mount for responsible, multi – day trekking demand with the aim to position this territory as a leading destiantion in the African continent. 

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/malawi-highlands-set-for-growth-after-mulanje-gains-unesco-status.html

Chile | Expanded its Law’s Prohibitions Against Single - Use Plastic with New, Strict Regulations

Chile has significantly expanded its law’s prohibition against single - use plastic pollution (Law 21.368) with new, strict regulations taking effect in early 2026. 

The law bans single - use plastic items in restaurants, cafes, and delivery services, requires supermarkets to stock 30% returnable bottles, and mandates certified, compostable alternatives for takeout, targeting over 23.000 tonnes of annual waste.  

The regulation seeks to reduce pollution and move towards a circular economy by limiting the delivery and use of disposable plastic products. 

The measure, in force since February 13, 2026, establishes that food establishments will not be able to deliver single - use within their premises, unless they are made of materials such as cardboard, paper or wood certified and biodegradable. 

Outside the premises, plastics may only be supplied when expressly requested by the consumer and meet recyclability or environmental certification requirements. 

In addition, the regulation requires supermarkets and beverage stores to dispay atless 30% of their products in returnable bottles, as part of efforts to promote reuse and waste reduction.

Key details of the expanded prohibitions: 

•    Dining and Takeout: Restaurants and food outlets are forbidden from using single – use plastic items (cutlery, bowls, cups, lids, stirrers) for on – site dining. Takeout items must be made of non – plastic or certified compostable materials. 
•    Retail and Beverages: Supermarkets and beverages stores must nown display at least 30% of their products in returnable bottles.
•    Certified Plastics: Single – use items marketed as “certified” must meet strict standards: breaking down by at least 90% in home composting within one year or six months in industrial facilities, and containing at least 20% renewable materials. 
•    Timeline and Enforcement: These, the final, most comprehensive regulations, entered into force in February 2026, building on previous restrictions that began in 2022. 
•    Penalties: Municipalities and local police courts are tasked with enforcing the law, with sanctions ranging from 1 to 20 Monthly Tax Units (UTM). 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/chile-amplia-las-prohibiciones-de-su-ley-contra-el-plastico-de-un-solo-uso/

Kenya | Launched its First National Carbon Registry to Boost Climate Finance

Kenya, has launched its first national carbon registry to track projects, verify emissions reductions and prevent counting, aiming to position the country as a hub for high –-integrity carbon credits. 

 Unveiled by the Ministry of Environment and the National Management Authority in Nairobi, the Carbon Registry (KNCR) is digital platform managed by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to track, verify, and manage carbon credits and Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) from environmental projects across Kenya.

In addition the registry aligns with Paris Agreement’s Article 6 aiming to increase transparency and investor confidence and supporting sustainable development through fair benefit -  sharing with local communities. 

Officials said more than 80 project concept notes have been submitted, and leaders including Environment Cabinet Secretary Deborah Mlongo and Climate envoy Ali Mohamed said that the system strengthens governance and market trust, supporting conservation, job creation and sustainable development, with potential knock on benefits for nature - based tourism and community livelihoods.

Key features of the Kenya National Carbon Registry include: 

•    Centralized Digital Platform: The registry acts as the sovereign digital ledger for all carbon market activities in Kenya, including registration, authorization and reporting. 
•    Prevention of Double Counting: It ensures each carbon unit is uniquely identified and verified, preventing the same credit from being sold or used twice. 
•    Article 6 Alignment: The system facilitates “corresponding adjustments” for international carbon credit transfers, in compliance with the Paris Agreement. 
•    Sector Coverage: The registry covers various sectors, including forestry, renewable energy, and land – based carbon storage, with specific integration for Kenya’s national tree – growing programs. 
•    Transparency and Public Access: It provides a public – facing layer that increases visibility for investors and communities, fostering trust in the market. 
•    Community Benefit Monitoring: A key focus is to ensure that carbon projects, especially in forestry, provide equitable benefits to local communities. 
•    Regulatory Compliance: It supports the implementation of the Climate Change Act and the 2024 Carbon Market Regulations, with oversight by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).

Supported by Gerrmany through GIZ, the KNCR is designed to bolster Kenya’s position as a reliable, high – integrity carbon market jurisdiction. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/kenya-launches-national-carbon-registry-to-boost-climate-finance.html

France | La Voie Bleue, Crowned as the Most Beautiful European Cycle Route for 2026

La Voie Bleue, Moselle - Saône à Vélo was crowned European Cycle Route for 2026 at the Fiets en Wandelbeurs in Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Held annually in Utrecht, named the world’s most bike - friendly city in 2025, the Fiets en Wandelbeurs is Europe’s leading trade fair for cycling and hiking enthusiasts, attracting around 40.000 visitors each year. 

This cycle path has been voted the most beautiful long - distance cycle route in Europe, receiving an accolade that further cements this 700+ French kilometres route as one of the continent’s standout bike experiences.  

According to the Fiets en Wandelbeurs jury, chaired by cycling expert Bert Sitters, La Voie Bleue met all criteria for Cycle Route of the Year. Judges assessed signage, surface quality, safety, landscape appeal, points of interest, cyclist - friendly facilities and public transport accessibility.

For La Voie Bleue, the recognition provides a compelling new reason for international cyclists to head east and discover one of France’s most scenic long - distance ride.

This scenic route runs from the Luxembourg border to Lyon, France, Approximately 80% of the route is on secure, dedicated cycle lanes, making it ideal for family tours and relaxed riding. connecting UNESCO sites, vineyards, and charming villages.

The route is often broken into 21 - 23 stages taking cyclists through 7 Frennch departments, starting from the French - Luxembourg border at Apach to the city of Lyon, following the Moselle Valley, connecting via the Canal des Vosges, and continuing along the Saône Valley to the confluence with the Rhône. For most of its distance, the route hugs former towpaths, offering a largely traffic-free and exceptionally comfortable ride. 

Registered under France’s national cycling plan as route V50, La Voie Bleue spans over 700 km (often quoted as 730 km) along the Moselle river, the Canal de Vosges and the Saône river, providing a predominantly flat, riverside experience suitable for all skills levels.

The route passes through three major UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the historic city of Lyon, France’s third – largest city, located in the Auvergne - Rhône - Alpes region at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, renowned as the “world capital of gastronomy” and for its UNESCO - listed Old Town (Vieux Lyon), renaissance architecture, and Roman ruins on Fourvière Hill,  the Place Stanislas, a large pedestrian square in the French city of Nancy, in the Lorraine historic region, built between 1752 and 1756 in honour of Louis XV, and the vineyards and landscape of Burgundy, defined by a mosaic of over 1.200 “Climats”, precisely delimited vineyard parcels, running from Dijon to Maranges.

La Voie Bleue offers a rich immersion in French heritage and landscapes. Riders pass bustling towns, characterful villages, castles, vineyards and museums, all set against a backdrop of river valleys and waterside scenery. The close relationship with waterways, linking the Moselle and Saône rivers via the Canal des Vosges, gives the itinerary a unique identity centred on “cycling along the water.”

Cyclists can also discover regional gastronomy exploring local culinary specialties, including Munster heese, Metz quiche, and regional wines.

The route features numerous “Accueil Vélo” (Cyclists Welcome) certified services, offering amenities specifically for bike tourists, another key factor in the win. The Bleue Voie is equipped with regular water points, restrooms, bike shelters and secure parking. Clear and consistent way - marking, featuring a distinctive logo, ensures riders can easily navigate the entire length of the trail.

In addition La Voie Bleue connects to the European EuroVelo network, including linking with EuroVelo 5 in Moselle, EuroVelo 6 in Côte - d’ Or, and EuroVelo 17 (Via Rhôna) in Lyon.

The award represents a strong endorsement of the coordinated efforts by local authorities and the route’s management committee to develop, secure and harmonize services along the entire corridor.

Link

https://www.travelmole.com/news/la-voie-bleue-top-europe/

ROW NYC Will Reopen on May 1, 2026, Following a Multi - Year Closure and Comprehensive Renovation of its 1.300 - Room Property in New York City, U.S.

ROW NYC, a Midtown Manhattan hotel located at the corner of 45th Street and Eight Avenue, steps from Times Square and Broadway, will reopen on May 1, 2026, following a multi – year closure and comprehensive renovation of its 1.300 - room property in the beating heart of New York City, welcoming guests back to one of Time Square’s most recognizable hotels with a refreshed perspective.

The hotel will feature redesigned rooms, updated with new furnishing, custom millwork, and layouts designed for comfort and large windows provide views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline.

Public spaces including the lobby have been reimagined to support social gatherings and guest engagement throughout the day. The lobby features tiered seating, informal work areas and various zones for meetings, work, or relaxation.

Percy All Day, a new 90 - seat café and bar named for photographer Percy Claude Claude Byron will open with the hotel in May, offering coffee, pastries, classic dishes, cocktails, beer, and wine, with seating in the café, bar, dining room, and mezzanine, as well as a projector, sound system, and retail area.

Additional details about menus, design elements, and operating hours will be announced closer the opening.

Row NYC will also feature a fitness centre, and will introduce programming initiatives for guests, including neighbourhood - driven welcome experiences, wellness amenities, and seasonal cultural events, with further information to be released in the coming months.

Reservation are now available, with nightly rates starting at $279 and varying by season and room type.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140134.html