HOSHINOYA | To Open a Hotel and Museum Located in the Former Nara Prison in Nara, Japan

HOSHINOYA, a luxury hotel brand based in Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan that embraces distinct themes, conceptualized from each location’s land, history and culture, with attention to detail in every aspect from the design to hospitality, will open a hotel and a museum in the former Nara Prison in Nara, the capital of Japan’s Nara Prefecture within the Kansai region.in south - central Honshu.

Japan’s first permanent capital, (established 710), Nara is a  historic city known for its significant temples, like the massive bronze Buddha at Tōdai - ji temple, Kasuga - Taisha shrine, artwork dating to the 8^th century, and over 1.000 freely roaming wild deer, and known to be a popular, relaxed day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, located less than an hour away.

The luxury on - site HOSHINOYA Nara Prison hotel will open its doors on June, 25, 2026, in the former Nara Prison located at 18 Hannyajicho, the last of the “Five Great Prisons” such as Chiba, Kagoshima, Kanazawa, Nagasaki, and Nara, completed during the Meiji era (1868 – 1912), a period of rapid modernization, industrialization, and Westernization in Japan, marking its transformation from an isolated feudal shogunate into a world power.

Designed by Keijiro Yamashita, construction on the original prison began in 1901, and it was commissioned in 1908 as part of a national project by the Meiji government.

The building was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2017 and features distinctive panopticon - style architecture with red - brick masonry using the Haviland system, arched gateways, high ceilings that were designed to maximize light and maintain sanitary conditions, and multiple wings radiating from a central guardhouse.

The site’s red - brick structure has underground seismic retrofitting, completed pursuant 2017 agreement with the Ministry of Justice and the Former Nara Prison Preservation and Utilization Co., Ltd.

The transformation will create HOSHINOYA’s ninth property, offering 48 suites developed from merged former solitary cells with dedicated areas for sleeping, living, and dining.

 “The 10 - Cell” suite will combine ten original cells into a single space. The design incorporates original 100 - year - old hand – laid brick walls and iron pillars with modern architecture and wood panelling.

The property will offer a detached dining hall will serves Japanese - French cuisine, a variety of experiences and activities, with details in development.

The ground will include the Nara Prison Museum, scheduled to open on April 27, a public facility focused on the site’s history and architectural heritage.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140272.html

Peregrine Hospitality | Acquired Two Properties in Tiburon and Los Gatos in Northern California, U.S.

Peregrine Hospitality, a company based in Denver, Colorado,  specializes in the acquisition, development and management of high – quality hospitality assets, owning and operating 57 hotels and resorts across the U.S. has acquired two properties in Tiburon and Los Gatos in Northern California, expanding its presence in the region’s  leisure market.

The two properties are :

The Lodge at Tiburon: The property is located at 1651 Tiburon Boulevard in Tiburon a quiet sailing town on the Tiburon Peninsula, set on 3 beautiful acres in Marin County overlooking the San Francisco Bay near dining, shopping, nature trails and the shoreline. 

The hotel is within walking distance to the San Francisco Bay ferry, which offers a 10 - minute ride to Angel State Park, a 10 - minute drive to Muir Wood National Monument, close to Marin County destinations and Bay Area attractions. The Napa and Sonoma wine regions are under an hour away, and the property is 48 kilometres form San Francisco International Airport and 61 kilometres from Oakland Airport.

The establishment features 104 rooms, most with private balconies, onsite dining, a fitness centre, an outdoor heated pool with cabanas, the open - air SkyDeck lounge and 10.000 square feet of meeting space, including 5.000 square feet indoors.

Toll House Hotel: Renovated in 2021 with a Craftsman - inspired design, the hotel is located in Los Gatos, a charming town at the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, one of Santa Clara County’s oldest centres, known for its well - preserved Victorian architecture and Spanish Revival influences, offering a blend of historic charm, and upscale bars,  restaurants, and shops.

This stylish  property is located at 140 S Santa Cruz Avenue, a 6 - minute walk form shops, galleries, and restaurants in Old Los Gatos, a short drive from Green Mountain Retreat, a 66 - acre redwood forest, and Hakone Gardens, a Japanese garden and event location, a 6 - minute walk form shops, galleries, restaurants, historic sites and the the New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU) in Old Los Gatos,  3.2 kilometres from Vasonia Park, 7 kilometres from the Montalvo Arts Center and 19.3 kilometres from San Jose.

This 115 - key boutique hotel feature on - site dining options, a fitness centre, a business centre, and 6.300 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140197.html

Ethiopia | Officially Banned Single - Use Plastic Bags in the Country

Ethiopia has officially banned the production, importation, sale, and use of single-– use of single plastic bags in the country as of January 31, 2026, following a six - month grace period.

The Government urges the population to contribute personally to the reduction of plastic pollution and under the Solid Waste Management Proclamation 1383/2025, individual face fines ranging from 2.000 to 5.000 Ethiopian Birr ($12.80 - $32.25) , while businesses face penalties from 50.0000 to 200.000 Ethiopian Birr ($322 - $1.288) with potential imprisonment for up to five years.

The measure seeks to protect citizens’ right to a clean environment and reduce the risk of diseases associated with pollution, including cancer. It’s highlighted that plastic can remain more than 100 years in the soil and other environments without degrading, causing damage to the environment and human health.

The Government is encouraging the use of traditional eco - friendly alternatives like woven baskets and reusable cloth bags.

In addition, the Ethiopian Environmental Protection (EPA) is actively enforcing these measures promoting nationwide, a cleaner, more sustainable, and “green” Ethiopia.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/etiop-a-proh-be-oficialmente-las-bolsas-pl-sticas-de-un-solo-uso/

Brazil | Ministry of Education Announced the Construction of 117 Indigenous Schools Nationwide

Brazil’s Ministry of Education has announced the construction of 117 infigenous schools nationwide, in a move at addressing educational inequality and strengthening support for indigenous communities.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Camilo Santana, during a visit to the Sahu - Apé community, in the state of Amazonas.

The initiative includes a federal investment of a R$785 million (approximately $152.86 million) across 17 states, aiming to improve education infrastructure while respecting cultural identity and traditional lifestyles.

This move is part of the Education, Science and Technology Axis of the New Growth Acceleration Program (PAC), which includes the construction of schools and seeks to strengthen the education of indigenous peoples as reported by Toda Palavra, a Brazilian news outlet and radio station based in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro.

According to the ministry, the new educational spaces will respect the cultural identity, ways of life and territorial organization of the native communities, rather than just delivering standard education.

The measure will benefit 17 states, with Amazonas, Roraima and Amapá topping the list with 27, 23 and 17 schools, respectively. The states of Acre, Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Pará, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul, Rondônia, São Paulo and Tocantins will also benefit.

The Ministry detailed in a statement that the selection of locations was made following technical, territorial and demographic criteria. The formalization of the proposals was managed through the TransfereGov system, with a preliminary technical analysis of the National Fund for the Development of Education (FNDE) and the operation in charge of the Caixa Econômica Federal.

This initiative uis recognized as a significant step toward achieving social justice and improving educational opportunities for indigenous populations in Brazil.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-anuncia-la-construcci-n-de-117-escuelas-ind-genas/

Egypt | Advancing on the “Suez Canal on Rails” Project, the Country’s Electric High - Speed Railway to Connect the Red and Mediterranean Seas

Egypt is advancing on the “Suez Canal on Rails” project, the country’s high - speed electric railway to connect the Red Sea and Mediterranean Seas, a development that is part of the North African country’s strategy for the transition to green and sustainable transport, and is fully aligned with Egypt’s National Strategic plan.

This Egypt’s first high - speed electric train line, will ensure the land connection between the two seas revolutioning the railway network in the country,  will improve supply chain efficiency, attract investment and support urban development, connecting new areas with existing cities. 

During an inspection of the first line of the railway project, which connects the cities of Ain Sokhna, El Alamein and Matrouh, the Minister of Transport got acquainted with the progress of the works at the “Gardens of October” site in the 6^th of October, a city in the Giza Governorate, a satellite centre located adjacent to Giza, and part of the Greater Cairo region. 

A 234 - hectare train maintenance and operartion centre is being built there. According to the Ministry of transport, this centre will be one of the largest in the Middle East and Africa.

The complex includes 46 buildings, including a 67.000 - square - metre structure for heavy repair work and a control centre. The workshop will be able to store up to 50 trains and will coordinate the operation and maintenance of the three planned lines of the network.

According to the National Tunnel Authority (NAT), the infrastructure is being actively developed. In the East Nile sector, 88.3 kilometres of tracks have been laid, in the West Nile sector another 18 kilometres, and in the northern sector, 27 kilometres were developed.

To accelerate the development operations the Transport Minister ordered that the work be carried out 24 hours a day. 

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/canal-de-suez-sobre-rieles-ferrocarril-de-alta-velocidad-de-egipto-conectar-el-mar-rojo-y-el-mar-med/

Kyrgyzstan | Launched a Project Aimed at Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Improving Energy Efficiency

The Government of Kyrgyzstan launched a project named “ Reducing investments risks in low - carbon solutions in public buildings in the Kyrgyz Republic” aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency.

The country seeks effective ways to meet its national commitments creating favourable conditions for investment in low -  carbon technologies also with this initiative that provides the development of a transparent financial structure to support investors as reported by Akchabar , a renowned national news agency based in Bishkek.

The project prepared by consultants from E Co (UK) and UNISON Group (Kyrgyzstan)  plans to introduce innovations in 40 public buildings throughout the national territory and is part of a larger, nation - wide push to promote renewable energy, develop local equipment production, and meet international climate commitment. 

One of main objectives of the project is to reduce barriers to investment in the modernization of public buildings implementing low - carbon technologies in a plan which is especially relevant in the context of climate change.

The initiative covers all regions of the nation and its expected climate impact is estimated at around 698.500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided.

According to expert forecasts, by 2090 the annual temperature in Kyrgyzstan could rise by several degrees, increasing the burden of infrastructure and the demand for resources.

Statistics revealed that public buildings account for about 10% of the country’s total consumption, much of which is related to solid fuel heating.

Specialists point to the need to adopt real measures to improve energy efficiency, completely modernize buildings and establish a system that facilitates future investments.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/kirguist-n-desarrolla-proyecto-para-crear-condiciones-favorables-a-la-inversi-n-en-tecnolog-as-bajas/

Ghana | Restored Accra International Airport Name with Operations and the ICAO Code Unchanged

The Government of Ghana has officially reverted the name of Kotoka International Airport (KIA) located northeast of the historic city centre of Ghana’s capital, between the Burma Camp area and the airport district, operated by Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL)  to its original name, Accra International Airport (AIA), effective February 23, 2026, to honour the city’s identity.

This announcement from the Ministry od Transportt noted that the change is purely nominal, meaning all airport operations, flight schedules, safety standards and the ICAO code “ACC” already tied to the city remain completely unchanged, meaning booking and GDS systems require no technical adjustment. 

The airport carried the Kotoka name from 1969 in honour of Lieutenant General Emmanuel Kwasi Kotoka, a member of the National Liberation Council and now aligns with Ghana’s capital - city brand amid regional hub competition in West Africa.

 For travel trade partners, the practical step is to update itineraries, documents and marketing to the new designation.

 Recent investment, notably Terminal 3 opened in 2018, and services by carriers including British Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, KLM, South African Airways and United Airlines continue to position Accra as a key regional gateway, an air hub that has been recognized as the "Best African Airport in Africa" for 2019, 2020 and 2021 by Airport Council International.

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) is updating airport signage, official documentation, and digital platforms to reflect the new (original) name.

 Link

https://atta.travel/resource/ghana-restores-accra-international-airport-name-operations-and-codes-unchanged.html