Banyan Group | Entered the Dominican Republic Hotel Market with Key Developments in Cap Cana and Punta Cana

The Banyan Group, a multinational hospitality company based in Singapore established in 1994. formerly know as Banyan Tree Holdings, specializes in development of hotels and resorts in Asia, Africa, Europe, Europe, and North America, has entered the Dominican Republic hotel market through a strategic alliance with the Gesproin Group RD, a premier Dominican developer headquartered in Punta Cana specialized in the real estate sector. 

This partnership aims to introduce luxury, sustainability, and high - end wellness experiences in the Caribbean, with plans to manage key developments in Cap Cana and Punta Cana and under Banyan Group’s distinct brands.

 Banyan Group has chosen the Dominican Republic as a key player in its expansion strategy in the Caribbean, with a formal entry scheduled for January 2027, by the developer Gesproin Group RD, focused on the management of high - value properties in leading destinations like Cap Cana and Punta Cana, a famed resort town located on the easternmost point of the the Dominican Republic, well known for its 32 kilometres of pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, luxury hotels and resorts and a vibrant nightlife.

Through its Angsana Cap Cana and Cassia Punta Cana developments, the Singaporean hotel chain introduces to the Dominican market a vision of hospitality, designed to cater the global travellers who prioritizes authentic experiences, extended stays and a greater awareness of its impact on the destination. 

Director of sales and marketing of Banyan Group in the country Gina Núñez said that the company’s arrival in the Dominican Republic responds to a global vision of investing in destinations with solid fundamentals and potemntial for evolution towards higher - value models. Punta Cana has all the conditions to lead this transition in the Caribbean. 

The Director also indicated that with Banyan Group brands Angsana and Cassia the company is developing hospitality platforms that go beyond accommodation. They are ecosystems where experience, awareness and community converge, with a model designed for the traveller who seek to experience the destination, not just to visit it. 

Banyan Group will manage three major projects for Gesproin Group RD, aiming to shift from traditional vocational rentals to high – standard hotel management. 

Key Projects in the Partnership:  

 •    Cassia Punta Cana: Located within the Secret Garden project in Los Corales in Punta Cana, primarily embodied by Los Corrales Beach Village, is a premier beachfront, community style destination known for its direct access to a private, white - sand beach. This property will feature 64 hotel suites and up to 278 branded residences and it is designed by EME Concepts, a Barcelona and Punta Cana - based architectural firm specializing in hospitality, real estate, and residential projects.  
•    Angsana Cap Cana: Located in the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana area near Playa Juanillo beach, renowned for its wide, white - sand shorelines, turquoise calm  waters, and significantly quieter atmosphere and in proximity of a Jack Nicklaus - designed golf course, it will offer 296 branded residences. 
•    Garrya Punta Cana: Located at the Coral Golf Resort in Cabeza de Toro, an exclusive coastal area in Punta Cana between the airport and Bávaro, known for its Blue Flag certified beaches, calm waters ideal for families, and for hosting luxury resorts, apartment complexes, and beach clubs. This project will features 305 branded residences. 

Stratregic Impact: 

•    Luxury and Wellness Focus: The alliance brings Banyan Group’s renowned wellness – led, sustainable hospitality model to the Dominican Republic. 
•    Investment Profitability: The partnership aims to deliver estimated annual net returns of around 14.4% for investors, according to a study on Cassia Punta Cana. 
•    Expansion and Growth: The announcement, made during the inauguration of the Gesproin Village at the Secret Garden project, marks a major milestone in the expansion of both groups in 2026

.The collaboration is expected to elevate the standard of residential tourism in the region by combining local expertise from Gesproin Group RD with international management from Banyan Group.

Link

https://www.arecoa.com/hoteles/2026/05/01/banyan-group-desembarca-en-la-hoteleria-de-rd-en-alianza-con-el-desarrollador-gesproin/

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) | Announced the Signing of a New 220 - Key Gateway Hotel in Gurugram, India

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a hospitality firm part of Tata Group and based in Mumbai, has announced the signing of a new 220 - keys Gateway hotel in Gurugram, a bustling centre located just southwest of New Delhi in northern India in the state of Haryama.

Gurugram is a premier corporate and residential hub, often called the “Millenium City”, known for its rapid modernization,  quality of life, home of multinational companies that elevated its status as the country’s second - largest IT hub and third - largest financial centre, with a thriving startup ecosystem.

The property intended to address demand for full - service branded hospitality offerings in the region will be located in Secor 83 within New Gurugram, a rapidly developing area positioned between Old Gurugram and Manstar. It serves as a major real estate growth corridor with modern infrastructure, high - rise luxury, and affordable housing, driven by connectivity via the Dwarka Expressway and the National Highway NH -  48.

The greenfield project will feature 220 comfortable rooms, an all - day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a gym, a swimming pool, a 7.000 - square - foot banquet hall for corporate gatherings and social events targeting MICE demand.

The hotel will join the Gateway brand focused on providing upscale, full - service hotels and resorts, offering comfort, and  consistent experience for business and leisure travellers across India. The brand aims to provide a hassle - free experience with a focus on simplicity, style and personalized services.

With this addition The Indian Hotels Company Limited’s portfolio in the state of Haryana will comprise 15 hotels, including 6 under development.

Links

https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/gateway-steps-into-gurugram

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141188.html

Hilton | Officially Opened an Outset Collection by Hilton Hotel in San Diego, California, U.S.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, has officially opened an Outset Collection hotel in San Diego, a vibrant city on the Pacific coast of California, famous for its idyllic climate, 112 kilometres of coastline, long beaches, extensive parks and a lively atmosphere.

San Diego is a city which offers several attractions includes the world renowned San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, La Jolla area, known for its scenic beauty and wildlife, highlighted by numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums, gardends with a strong naval presence and is considered the “birthplace of California” due to its historical significance.

The Margot Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, Outset by Hilton has opened its doors at 502 Tenth Avenue near Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, the 16.5 - block heart of downtown San Diego, stretching from Broadway to Harbour Drive.

Gaslamp Quarter is known fror its over 100 Victorian - era buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Yuma building and former brothels, rooftop bars, diverse dining options, and vibrant nighlife, and a top destination for entertainment and shopping.

The hotel is one of the first properties in the Outset Collection by a Hilton, a portfolio of independent hotel and is managed by Ensemble, an owner - operator hospitality company based in Long Beach, California, specializing in developing, renovating, and managing boutique hotels, resoprts and high - end independent properties primarily in Arizona, California, and the East Coast. 

The property features 135 all - suite, residential - style accommodations with fully equipped kitchens, open floor plans, and floor - to - ceiling windows offering views of downtown.

Amenities at the hotel include a 24 - hour front desk, a fitness centre, pet - friendly accommodations, a terrace situated at the eight - floor featuring a fire pit, outdoor dining, lounge seating, valet parking and the property adopts eco - conscious features include reusable water bottles and reduced single - use plastics.

Cloud 9 food service delivers local food to guests, and a lobby bar is planned as an upcoming addition, offering a menu of beverage.

The property joins Hilton Outset collection a new, upscale hotel brand featuring diverse 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 properties of this brand focus on providing locally inspired experiences maintaining Hilton’s hospitality standards with upscale finishes and story - driven design, while allowing each location to retain their unique identity.

Links

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sansrid-the-margot-hotel-san-diego-gaslamp-quarter/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141215.html

La Buitrera, Río Negro, Argentina | A Team of Paleontologists Discovered a Complete Fossil of a 95 - Million - Year - Old Dinosaur

A team of paleontologists from CONICET, the main agency that fosters science and technology in Argentina, discovered an exceptionally complete fossils of a small carnivorous dinosaur that lived about 95 million years ago.

The discovery took place in the La Buitrera Paleontological Area (LBPA), located in northern Río Negro Province, a globally significant, 826 km² fossil site within the Cenomanian Candeleros Formation in Argentine Patagonia.

The specimen belongs to the species Alnashetri cerropoliciensis, a small, non - avian theropod from the Late Cretaceous of Argentina. Known for its slender thights and long legs, this dinosaur featured long arms, numerous sharp teeth, and unique, small notches at the base of its toe bones, indicating a fast - running, insectivorous lifestyle.

This primitive Alvarezsaurus had a small, delicate skeleton, with aa body often described as rooster - sized with a long tail, and was built for speed on its long, slender hind limbs.

The fossil, nicknamed “Alna”, is the most complete Alvarezsaurus found so far in South America and allowed unprecedented information about its anatomy, growth and evolution to be obtained.

The researchers argue that this finding changes theories about the evolution of the group, as it shows that these dinosaurs were already small before they developed adaptations to feed on insects.

The analysis also revealed that Alvarezsaurs dispersed across the supercontinent Pangaea before the continents separated, helping to explain their presence in distant regions such as Argentina, South America, Mongolia, Asia, and the United Kingdom in Europe.

A researcher at CONICET and one of the authors of the study, Sebastián Apesteguía said that this shows us that these dinosaurs did not small due to the changes in diet, but that they always a small size.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/argentina-descubre-un-dinosaurio-de-95-millones-de-a-os-que-cambia-la-historia-evolutiva-de-su-espec/

Hawassa, Ethiopia | Inaugurated Four Relevant Industrial and Renewable Energy Projects in the City

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated four relevant industrial and renewable project in the Hawassa Industrial Park, in Awassa, a vibrant, rapidly modernizing city and the capital of the Sidama Region in central Ethiopia, located in the Great Rift Valley, known for its scenic lake Hawassa, and lush landscapes,this Ethiopian centre is a premier destination, offering a mix of urban life, boating, birdwatching, and a pleasant climate.  

The projects including Toyo Phase 2, Origin, and Lumintech solar factories, alongside the HZ Gas Plant are set to significantly bolster Ethiopia industrial capacity and sustainable energy goals. 

The new facilities include three solar panel factories and an industrial gases plant, all located within the same location. It is estimated that the solar factories will collectively generate 11.3 gigawatts of clean energy per year, significantly strengthening Ethiopia’s renewable energy production, according to information from Fana Media Corporation  (FMC), a leading Ethiopian media organization formed through the merger odf the former Fana Broadcasting Corporate S.C. and Walta Media.

The gas plant will produce 900 tonnes of oxygen, 40.000 tonnes of nitrogen and 7 tonnes of hydrogen annually, contributing to the growing industrial gas supply chain in the African country.

Key details of the projects include: 

•    Solar Power Expansion: The Toyo Phase 2, Origin and Lumintech factories are projected to generate 11.3 gigawatts of clean energy annually, strengthening the nation’s renewable energy supply. 
•    Industrial Gas Output: The HZ Gas plant is expected to produce 900 tons of oxygen, 40.000 tons of nitrogen and 7 tons of hydrogen annually, supporting industrial processes. 
•    Economic Impact: The inauguration marks a major step in the expansion of the Hawasa Industrial Park, fostering job creation and supporting Ethiopia’s borader shift toward green energy and industrialization. 

The initiative aims to improve energy security and strengthen Ethiopia’s position in renewable energy technology. 

Before these four developments, the Prime Minister had already inaugurated the Assela wind farm, a renewable energy project that adds 100 MW to the national power grid to ensure a reliable supply and foster Ethiopia’s economic growth. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/etiop-a-impulsa-su-industria-y-sostenibilidad-con-cuatro-nuevos-proyectos-de-energ-a-renovable/

Almaty, Kazakhstan | Developed an AI System to Prevent Flooding in Urban Canals

In Almaty, the former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan, set in the foothills of the Trans - Ili Alatau Mountains in the southern part of the country near the border with Kyrgyzstan, a metropolis features a blend of Soviet - era architecture, vibrant green spaces, a stunning backdrop of the Tian Shan Mountains, also highlighted by the wooden Ascension Cathedral, Big Almaty Lake, and the scenic Kok Tobe Hill, was developed an AI system to prevent flooding in urban canals.

Tenth - grader Amir Alniyazov has created an innovative AI – driven digital platform called ARYK. AI system based on artificial intelligence (AI) designed to optimize the management of drainage channels (aryks)  and reduce flooding after heavy rains, according to the news agency Kazinform.

The project integrates water level sensors, electronic modules and a digital platform monitoring the state of the urban drainage network in real - time to flooding, a common issue caused by blocked or poorly maintained canals. The platform utilizes artificial intelligence to analyze data, allowing for efficient management of water flow and early detection of potential problems.

In this innovation, artificial intelligence processes both sensors data and user warning, identifies the type of obstruction, such as garbage accumulation, sediment, or falling trees, and determines its level of urgency. It also generates automatic reports and calculate optimal routes for maintenance teams to act faster. 

The system includes continuous analysis tools that allow detecting potentially problematic areas and drawing up preventive maps, contributing to better planning or cleaning and maintenance work. This feature is especially useful in the city during periods of heavy rainfall.

In addition, Almaty citizens can report incidents through photos and videos through a messaging tool, which facilitates direct communication with municipal services.

The teacher and tutor of the project, Dinara Erdaninova, highlighted the practical nature of the imnitiative and its potential application in Almaty and the development received high praise from the Minister of Water Resources and the President of the Academy of Sciences.

The young creator has already proposed implementing the system in a pilot phase, with the aim of optimising both emergency response and preventive planning of municipal services. 

This development is timely, as it aligns with broader research into using AI - driven approaches to reduce urban flooding and improve water infrastructure management. Similar AI initiatives in this field have shown the ability to reduce pollution incidents and enhance, in some cases, the efficiency of managing surface water system.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/estudiante-de-almaty-desarrolla-sistema-con-ia-para-prevenir-inundaciones-en-canales-urbanos/

Xinjiang, China | Promoted Abroad as a Destination with a High Cultural and Touristic Potential

Xinjiang, a vast, ethnically diverse autonomous region in northwest China, known for its dramatic landscapes, ranging from the Taklanmakan Desert to the Tianshan Mountains and its deep Silk Road history, featuring a unique blend of Chinese, Kazakh, Turkic Uyghur, and other cultures, famous for its music, cuisine, vibrant bazaars, and rapidly growing tourism is being promoted abroad by Chinese authorities and concretely in Vietmam as a destination with a high cultural and touristic potential. 

A tourism promotion programme introducing Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region was held in thbe capital of Vietnam,  Hanoi on April 27, 2026, aiming to further strengthen tourism cooperation between China and Vietnam. 

The initiative highlights the cultural potential of the Chinese region as an attractive destination and growth of traveller exchange between the two countries according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a move with the focus on diversifying tourism products, offering new proposals and enhancing cultural ties. 

 Under the slogan “Xinjiang is a wonderful land” the event was jointly organized by the China Cultural Center in Hanoi and the Xinjiang Department of Culture and Tourism, with the support of the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam, and the Vietnam National Tourism Authority (VNAT). 

Xinjiang, with its natural landscapes, cultural diversity and historical relevance ,l,ocated on the iconic Silk Road was presented as a destination with high potential for bilateral tourism cooperation. 

Key Features of Xinjiang: 

•    Diverse Geography: Xinjiang ,region contains majors deserts like Taklamakan, snow - capped mountains (K2, Tianshan), high - altitude lakes including Kanas Lake and Sayram Lake, and expansive grasslands such as Nalati. 
•    Unique Climate: The region has a dry, continental climate, with immense temperature differences, featuring the scorching Turpan Depression and cold mountain ranges. 
•    Cultural Hub: Xinjiang is home to numerous ethnic groups primarily the Turkic speaking, mostly Muslim Uyghurs, alongside Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, Tajiks, and Han Chinese, creating a unique mix of traditions and cuisine with a large variety of lamian, noodles, lamb skewers and much more. 
•    Silk Road Legacy: Historically a vital trading routes, it features ancient ruins, caves, and bustling modern bazaars in cities like Urumqi and Kashgar. 
•    Natural Resources and Tourism: Xinjiang is rich in natural resources, particularly oil, gas, and cotton, and is becoming a major tourism destination for its scenic beauty. 
•    Geopolitical Significance: Bordering eight countries, it serves as China’s “Wild West” gateway to Central Asia, playing a crucial role in border security and the Belt and Road Initiative. 

During the opening, Chinese Embassy Cultural Counsellor Xing Jiuqiang highlighted the historical ties between the two countries, noting that cultural and tourism exchanges function as a key bridge between their peoples.  

The Counsellor also indicated that the initiative is part of the activities the Vietnam - China Year of Tourism Cooperation 2026- 2027, with the aim of expanding mutual knowledge. 

For her part, VNAT Deputy Director Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai recalled that China has been the main source market for tourists to Vietnam, at various times, while Vietnam is among the main market for travellers to China, highlighting the wide growth potential between the two countries due to their large population and growing demand for travel. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/vietnam-y-china-impulsan-la-cooperaci-n-tur-stica-con-enfoque-en-xinjiang/