IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed an Agreement to Open its First Indigo Hotel in Sweden, Located in Nacka, Stockholm

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, Egland, UK, has signed an agreement to open its first Hotel Indigo property in Sweden, located in Nacka Municipality part of Stockholm urban area, the capital and most populous city of  the country, as well the largest urban area in the Nordic nations, encompassing 14 islands and more than 50 bridges on an extensive Baltic Sea archipelago, well known for Gamla Stan, its stunning historic Old Town, renowned medieval attractions, and several museums.

Hotel Indigo Stockholm - Kvarnholmen is being developed by Kvarnholmen Utvecking (KUAB), a joint venture between major Swedish developers Peab and JM tasked with transforming the historic Kvarholmen island into a vibrant waterfront district, and will be leased and operated by 1912 Hotels, a dynamic hospitality group headquartered in Hamburg, Germany that acquires, boutique, business, and leisure properties across Europe and the UK,  under a franchise agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Scheduled to open in 2029, the hotel will be located in Kvarholmen, a distinctive waterfront neighbourhood in Nacka, just east of downtown Stockholm, an area that uniquely blends industrial heritage with modern Scandinavian design, featuring a mix of renovated historic buildings, new residential developments, and offering an easy access to both the city centre and the archipelago.

Situated on Stockholm’s eastern shore, Nacka is being transformed into a new urban district, the location offers waterside walks along Saltsjön, Svindersviken, the Nacka Nature and Stockholm city centre are both within cycling or commuting distance.

The property will feature 232 comfortable rooms, a restaurant and bar, a rooftop pool and terrace, spa, gym facilities, an internal atrium with green space, and 150 square metres of meeting space, and social areas.

Hotel Indigo Stockholm – Kvarnholmen will join the Indigo boutique hotel brand, known for its vibrant community - focused properties that reflect the unique stories of the neighbourhoods they are located. Each hotel is designed to be a destination in itself, offering a blend of luxury and lifestyle with a focus on local experiences.

The hotel will be part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio in Sweden, which includes voco Stockholm, Kista and Ruby Frida in Stockholm. The company has 13 open and pipeline across the Nordics.

There are 54 open and 22 pipeline Hotel Indigo properties across Europe. Recent openings include Hotel Indigo Gloucester, The Forum and Hotel London K west Sheperd’s Bush, both in the UK.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141720.html

MEININGER Hotels | To Open its First Property in Spain, Located in L’ Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona

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 June 25, 2026 its first property in Spain, located in L’ Hpospitalet de Llobregat, a redeveloped business district just a few kilometres from Barcelona,  vibrant capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia, the second centre of Spain after Madrid, highlighted by a stunning blend of modern and historical landmarks with its iconic Modernist architecture , medieval marvels, and urban beaches on the Mediterranean.

The opening of the MEINIGER Hotel Barcelona Fira Gran Via marks the company’s operations in Spain, a priority market in MEININGER Hotels’ Southern European expansion.

The property , converted from a former office building, spans more than 6.000 square metres is located directly opposite the Fira Gran Via Exhibition and Congress Centre, a renowned venue spans 240.000 square metres, featuring   eight pavilions  and central elevated walkway, providing direct access to international trade fairs and conferences.

The area , one of Barcelona’s main economic and urban development hubs also hosts cultural and large - scale events, the famous Camp Nou Stadium, FC Barcelona home is eqasily accessible from the hotel, Barcelona city centre and El Prat Airport are both well connected, and El Prat International Airport is approximately 20 minutes away.

 The property features over 500 beds, offering exclusively private rooms,  ranging from doubles to four - bed options, designed for business travellers, families, groups, and individual tourists.

 Shared spaces include a lounge area, three terraces, a bar, and a “heat & eat” zone for preparing or storing food.

The hotel is BREEAM certified for sustainability and energy efficiency, and operates entirely on renewable electricity from a local provider. Additional energy-efficiency measures include modern insulation, solar panels, and water - saving features such as flow restrictors on taps and showers.

Following this upcoming opening in Barcelona, MEININGER Hotels plans further expansion in Spain, with a Madrid hotel scheduled for 2027. Internationally, openings are planned in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK, and Tel Aviv, Israel in 2026, Strasbourg, France in 2027, and Dublin, Ireland in 2028.

Links

https://www.meininger-hotels.com/en/press/press-releases/meininger-arrives-in-barcelona/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141722.html

Soul Community Planet (SCP Hotels) | Launched its SCP WildFree Brand with the Opening of a Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S.

Soul Community Planet (SCP Hotels), a holistic hospitality company based in San Juan Capistrano, California, U.S., a firm focused on wellness, kindness, and sustainability, offering properties feature eco – friendly, low – waste designs, on – site coworking, fitness facilities, and immersive nature programs designed to support regenerative, mindful travel, has launched its SCP Wildfree brand with the opening of a hotel in Colorado Springs,  a renowned city in the U.S. Colorado state located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains.

Colorado Springs is s vibrant outdoor and cultural hub famously known as  “Olympic City USA”  dominated by the majestic glacier - carved Pikes Peak, a landmark in Pike National Forest, also highlighted by the striking red rock formations of Garden of the God, towering alpine landscapes, high - altitude sports training facilities, diverse art districts, and offering several dining, shopping and entertainment options.

The opening of SCP WildFree Colorado Springs marks the debut of SCP WildFree brand, one of the three hotel expressions opened by Soul Community Planet, alongside  SCP Hotels  and By SCP.

Designed for conscious travellers, uniquely blending vintage Americana road - trip vibes with modern, holistic amenities, the hotel is located at S Circle Drive Drive near major natural attractions like the Garden of God and Pikes Peak.

The hotel provides comfortable rooms that are 100% smoke – free, pet - friendly, energy - efficient rooms designed to minimize waste, community and coworking areas equipped with high - speed Wi-Fi,, a grab - and - go hub offering sourced, healthy snacks and beverages, and roasted local Loyal Coffee.

The property offers a sprawling 5.000 sq. ft. wellness and fitness centre called SCP Fit featuring Peloton bikes, TRX stations, a yoga studio, free weights, a relaxing outdoor pool and art - filled gathering spaces.

SCP WildFree Colorado Springs also provides Fair Trade Pricing, allowing guests to determine the value of their stay based on their experience.

Guests at the hotel contribute to causes through the Every Stay Does Good program. The property is now open and accepting reservations.

Links

https://scphotel.com/colorado-springs/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141723.html

Ethiopia | Strengthening its Partnership with UN - Habitat to Accelerate Affordable Housing Delivery and Foster Sustainable Urban Development

 Ethiopia is strengthening its partnership with UN - Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements that works to promote sustainable cities and towns, addressing rapid urbanization and providing adequate shelter for all, aiming to accelerate housing delivery and foster sustainable urban development across the country. 

The plan aims to expand access to housing through public - private partnerships, building capacity for urban planning, implementing the Water for African Cities Programme, creating sustainable transport, enhancing public spaces, supporting slum upgrading, and developing resilient, solid waste management solutions

. During a high - level meeting which took place in the capital of the country, Addis Ababa, Minister of State for Finance Semereta Sewasew and UN - Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach discussed tailored strategies for inclusive, resilient, and well - planned urban development in Ethiopia’s expanding cities. 

A central focus on the dialogue was to expand affordable housing through public - private collaborations and innovative financing models, while leveraging housing development as a driver of job creator and broader economic growth. 

The Minister of State for Finance reaffirmed the Ethiopian government’s commitment to building liveable and economically vibrant urban centres, citing ongoing reforms to strengthen urban governance, institutional coordination, and service delivery systems. 

The official underscored the need for a robust implementation framework that includes clear institutional leadership, effective coordination mechanisms, more efficient processes for land access and project implementation, critical elements for delivering housing at scale. 

In addition Ethiopian Government has been promoting a set of interventions that combine formal housing construction with social support programs aimed at the neediest sectors, seeking to address both the long - term structural needs of urban housing and the immediate challenges faced by at risk communities. 

Key areas of Collaboration and Urban Development Features: 

•    Affordable Housing Delivery: Focusing on expanding access to housing for low – and middle – income households to address shortages. 
•    Sustainable Urban Planning: Developing structure plans, regional spatial projects, and improving public spaces in Ethiopian cities and towns. 
•    Capacity Building: Enhancing local and national capacities to manage sustainable urban growth. 
•    Water and Sanitation: Implementing the Water for African Cities Prgramme to improve access. 
•    Resilient Infrastructure and Waste Management: Planning for city resilience, particularly concerning climate change and improving solid waste management. 
•    Support for Displaced Populations: Providing durable housing solutions for communities affected by displacement. 
•    Urbanization Strategy: Aligning with the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure compact, integrated, and resilient development. 

In essence, this collaboration between Ethiopia and with UN - Habitat seeks to address the challenges of rapid urbanization by transforming them into assets for national growth. 

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/etiop-a-y-onu-h-bitat-fortalecen-alianza-para-vivienda-asequible-y-desarrollo-urbano/

Chile | Developed and Launched a Pioneering Circular Economy Platform for the National Tourism Sector

Sernatur (Servicio Nacional de Turismo), Chile's public tourism board and Transforma Turismo, a strategic public 0 private program that drives innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation within the Chilean tourism sector have developed and launched a pioneering digital platform dedicated to circular economy and energy efficiency for the national tourism sector. 

 Within the framework of the National Symposium on Municipal Tourism Legislation and Regulations, which took place between May 26 and 28 in Arica, Chile’s northernmost city located only 18 km south of the border with Peru, the new Circular Economy Platform for Chilean Tourism was successfully presented. 

The presentation was given by the Manager of Transforma Turismo Marilyn Masbernat, who participated in this national meeting organized by the Association of Tourist Municipalities of Chile (AMTC), an instance that brought together municipalities, authorities, guilds, and actors of the tourism ecosystem to discuss governance, legislation and territorial tourism development. 

The platform was developed based on the results of the first national survey on circular economy and energy efficiency applied to the tourism sector, becoming a pioneering tool to characterize the state of progress of the industry and deliver concrete resources for its sustainable transformation.

Its main contents include self - assessments tools differentiated by type of tourism provider, success stories, educational material, specialized recommendations, access to financing and an interactive dashboard with the results of the national survey. 

The platform provides the access to diagnostic tools, educational resources, real - life success stories, and funding sources and efficient practices guidelines to help tourism businesses transition to sustainable models.

 The launch aligns perfectly with the strategic global frameworks championed by UN Tourism and various international bodies, which prioritize circular procurement, operations, and the built environment. 

Key Features of the Circular Economy Platform: 

•    Purpose: Designed specifically for SMEs and tourism destinations, the digital hub delivers practical localized solutions. 
•    Self - Assessment Tools: Allows operators to evaluate their current understanding and application of circular economy principles across ten key areas of their business. 
•    Resource Center: Provides downloadable materials, specialized guidelines, and actionable tips to reduce waste, optimize energy use, and conserve water. 
•    Funding and Incentives: Connects operators with available financial support and green investment opportunities to help implement these structural or operational changes.
•    National Dashboards and Data: Aggregates findings from Chile’s first National Survey on Circular Economy and Energy Efficiency to inform and improve industry with decision – making.  
•    Case Studies: Showcases inspiring example of businesses that have successfully transitioned from linear to circular systems, helping to foster cross – sector learning and collaboration. 

The new platform is now available to companies and tourist destinations throughout the country, ensuring its continuity and access for the sector. 

The Manager of Transforma Turismo, Marilyn Masbernat stressed that the platform represents a new step to continue promoting more competitive, resilient and sustainable tourism.  Transforma Turismo wants to provide concrete and practical tools so that tourism companies can advance in circular economy and energy efficiency in accordance with their reality and capabilities.

For his part, the National Director of Sernatur, Cristtóbal Benitez, pointed out that this tool will bring information of great value to thousands of tourism providers in the country, strengthening a more efficient and sustainable management of tourism destinations. This platform allows to make a concrete progress in the objectives of Pillar 2 of the National Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2035, promoting more sustainable and information – based tourism for better decision - making. 

Meanwhile, the President of ChileSertur, Evelyn Henríquez, stressed that for smaller companies, sustainability is no longer just a way to reduce operating costs; it is a central part of its value proposition, of the identity of Chilean destinations and of the country story offered to the world. This tool is the practical bridge that entrepreneurs needed to transform their operations, connect with new market demands and lead conscious, responsible and environmentally friendly tourism.

 
Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/transforma-turismo-y-sernatur-presentaron-nueva-plataforma-de-economia-circular-para-el-turismo-chileno/

Vietnam | Rapidly Expanding Cooperation in Green Industry and Clean Technologies with China

Vietnam is rapidly expanding cooperation in green industry and clean technologies with China, cementing a strategic alliance for sustainable development following a high - level exchange programme held in Beijing, integrating environmental protection with economic growth through several targeted initiatives, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). 

 The event in the Chinese capital organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in China together with the International Cooperation Center of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDCR), brought together about 80 officials, diplomats, researchers and industry representatives from both countries with the aim of strengthening policy coordination and promoting cooperation on green development. 

During the opening session, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh affirmed that green and sustainable development remains a strategic priority for Vietnam, noting that the country’s next policy framework for the period 2026 - 2030 will place environment policy on the same level as economic and social development, positioning green transformation as a key driver of competitiveness and long – term growth. 

 The Ambassador also highlighted China’s progress and achievements in renewable energy, environmental governance and carbon market development, stressing that both countries have great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in green industry and climate - related initiatives. 

 Representatives of the Reform Commission indicated that the next stage of bilateral cooperation will focus on three strategic areas:

•    Harmonizing green regulations and standards.
•    Expanding collaboration on clean energy and circular economy projects. 
•    Strengthening long - term support mechanisms for technology transfer and workforce development.

 Chinese officials also linked the initiative to the priorities of the country’s Five 0 Year Plan, which places ecological security and sustainable growth at the centre of national development policy.

 The program included discussions on green manufacturing, wastewater treatment, waste - to energy technologies, industrial connectivity, and sustainable finance. 

Delegates from government institutions and research organizations exchanged practical experiences on the creation of circular economy zones and the expansion of environmentally sustainable infrastructure projects.

 Core Areas of Cooperation: 

•    Clean Energy and Infrastructure: Focus on renewable energy (solar and wind), regional power network integration, cross - border transmission lines, and smart grid management systems. 
•    Circular Economy and Manufacturing: Joint projects in waste to energy conversion, wastewater and solid waste treatment, and the development of circular economic zones. 
•    Policy and Standards: Harmonizing green regulatory frameworks, developing carbon markets, and facilitating climate technology transfer. 
•    Corporate Partnerships: Major Vietnamese firms such as FPT Group and VietinBank are collaborating with Chinese zones and holdings to advance smart city infrastructure and green finance. 

Stratregic Impact:    

Ecological transformation is now a primary strategic focus for Vietnam, with environmental goals aligned with broader socio - economic development. By utilizing China’s advanced capabilities in clean technologies, both nations aim to build a “community with a shared future” that yields mutual benefits. 

 Experts believe that this initiative could generate new opportunities for joint research, cross - border clean energy and increased investment in sustainable infrastructure across Asia. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/vietnam-y-china-ampl-an-la-cooperaci-n-en-industria-verde-y-tecnolog-as-limpias/

Mexico | Officially Launched the Ambitious Promotional Campaign “Mexico in the World; tourism that transform”

The Government of Mexico through the Secretary of Tourism (Sectur) has officially launched the promotional campaign “Mexico in the World; tourism that transform”, an initiative aimed to strengthen the country’s positioning in international markets.  

This ambitious and comprehensive strategy, structured under a vision of shared prosperity, has its priority goals to reinforce the competitive position of the country, the economic impact of international visits and simultaneously boost national domestic tourism. 

The head of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, explained that the tourism sector will have a specific federal budget fund of 100 million pesos for the deployment of commercial campaigns scheduled between June and December of this fiscal year. 

The official stressed that this assignment respond to a direct instruction from the President of the Republic, Claudia Sheimbaum Pardo with the aim of positioning Mexico among the main global powers in the tourism sector. 

According to the official report of Sectur, the new tourism marketing campaign is based on five fundamental operational pillars: 

•    Intelligent Promotion: Utlising data, technology, and market research to target valuable audiences. 
•    Market Diversification: Expanding the country’s reach into new international demographics and key locations. 
•    Authentic and Sustainable Experiences: Highlighting regional heritage and eco – friendly tourism that directly benefits local communities. 
•    Global Narrative: Projecting a modern, comprehensive image of Mexico’s vast cultural and natural grandeur. 
•    Enhanced Tourist Quality: Upgrading the overall visitor experience across Mexico’s 32 states. 

Financial and Operational Background.

The initiative includes an initial investment of MXN $100 million dedicated to Strengthening the country’s image abroad. The strategy follows significant milestones for the Mexican tourism industry, such as record - breaking in various segments, relevant international visitor numbers and substantial growth in the Maya Train, and comes alongside global promotional efforts as the country’s showcase as the guest country at FITUR, relevant tourism fair which took place in Madrid, Spain. 

 The agenda also ncludes strengthening the presence of the country brand in traditional mature markets such as Canada and the United States, while diversifying the promotion to issuers in Asia, Europe, and South America. 

To this end the government will implement targeted campaigns focused on high - value added niches, ranging from meetings, community, gastronomic, and cultural tourism to romance and wellness tourism, prominently featuring new products associated with the Maya Train route. The strategic plan of promotion  will also integrate updated digital tools such as the Datatur system, market intelligence studies and the recently launched “Mexico Invita” mobile application.

At the same time, the General Director of the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur) Sebastián Ramírez Mendoza, announced the redefinition of the entity towards the “New Fonaur”.  This new corporate scheme will abandon the historical approach based on the commercialization of land to move towards comprehensive management of the territory. 

The executive emphasised that the restructuring of the organization will be based on three essential axes: innovation, institutional support and promotion of private investment, seeking to ensure the well - being of the receiving communities at a time when the country leads the global growth of international arrivals with a rebound of 7.1% registered in the month of March. 

The business sector, represented by the President of the National Tourism Business Council (CNET) Antonio Camírssio Pando, ratified the full willingness of the private initiative to work in a coordinated manner through co - investment schemes with the federation and the states. 

The support of the international industry was seconded by Brian Hegarty, Vice President of Marketing at Internova Travel Group, who stressed that the main competitive advantage of the Mexican industry does not lie in its hotels but in the authenticity of its cultural heritage d the hospitality of its human capital.

Link
https://infoturlatam.com/sectur-presenta-la-estrategia-nacional-mexico-en-el-mundo-turismo-que-transforma/