Buôn Ma Thuột, Vietnam | Recognized as a Culinary Destination of Global Relevance

Buôn Ma Thuột, the capital of Đắk Lắk Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, famous as the country’s “Coffee Capital”, it features world - class coffee museums, sprawling Robusta plantations, indigenous Ê Đê cultural heritage, and spectacular waterfalls, recognized by National Geographic, a renowned American mothly magazine published by Geographic Partners. and inserted in the prestigious “Best of the World 2026” list, was selected  among the  best gastronomic destinations globally this year for its renowned brews and rich indigenous food culture. 

This recognition placing Buôn Ma Thuột as a a global culinary powerhouse, putting this Vietnamese centre in a position to project itself to the world with its own unique identity in the gastronomic sector and beyond. 

The website vietnamtourism.gov.vn stated said that instead of following the models of mass tourism Buôn Ma Thuột can choose its own path: to develop tourism through cultural richness, the taste of its coffee and experience that touch the heart. 

According to the portal, after being recognized by National Geographic, the city is achieving a new tittle: world culinary destination, where visitors can find in a cup of coffee the flavour, essence and soul of the Vietnamese Central Highlands. 

In the global tourism landscape, successful destinations are not only places with beautiful landscapes, but places that create memories, the publication noted, noting that in the Vietnamese coffee capital, such remembrance can begin easily. 

The publication explained that it is enough to enjoy a morning in the Central Highlands,the aroma of freshly roasted coffee, the sound of the wind through the orchards, the stories of the locals and the intense and persistent flavour on the palate. 

The recognition of Buôn Ma Thuột further reaffirms the unique appeal of the Central Highlands region, where coffee is not just an agricultural commodity or a product to export, but has become a distinctive culture, lifestyle and tourism experience. 

The key culinary and cultural features that define Buôn Ma Thuột and the region include: 

Buôn Ma Thuột as Global Coffee Capital:  

•    World’s Premier Robusta Producer: Đắk Lắk Province produces over 40 percent of Vietnam’s coffee exports. Grown in nutrient  rich basalt red soil, the Robusta is globally renowned for its bold - full – bodied profile. 
•    Thriving Café Culture: Locals boasts that there is a coffee shop every 100 metres. Traditional slow - dripped phin filler coffee, salted coffee, and egg coffee are iconic favourites.
•    World Coffee Museum: Designed to mimic the traditional longhouses of the Ê Đê ethnic group, this landmark is one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive museums. 

Indigenous Ethnic Cuisine in Buôn Ma Thuột and the Central Highlands: 

•    Ê Đê and M’ nông Traditions: The foundation of the region’s food relies on indigenous cooking methods using wild ingredients. 
•    Flavour Profile: Staples include Canh Lá (forest leaf hotpot) , wild boar, free – range chicken cooked in bamboo shoots, and traditional bamboo - straw liquor. 

Regional Specialties and Fusion: 

•    Bánh Đỏ: This red noodle soup, a local favourite inspired by migration convergence, heavily is heavily featured during the biennial Buôn Ma Thuột Coffee Festival. 
•    River Catfish: Serepok catfish is a major culinary highlight of local longhouse feasts. 
•    Diverse Street Food: The city’s bustling local markets offers “Bún thit nuớng” (grilled pork noodles), spring rolls, and regional sweet desserts like Chè. 

Experiential Dining in Buôn Ma Thuột and Across the Region: 
: 
•    Eco - Tourism and Farm - to - Table: Visitors can explore lush emerald – green plantations, participate in traditional Ê Đê coffee roasting ceremonies, and dine in nature at sites like the Trung Nguyen Coffee Village. 
•    Best Time to Visit: The dry season (December – April) is ideal for market visits, while the rainy season provides a cozy atmosphere for traditional hopot dining. 

One of the reasons why Buôn Ma Thuột enjoy so much prestige is its ability to connect gastronomy culture and local life. Coffee in this city is inseparable from cultural landscape of the area is deeply linked to the communal houses, water fountains gongs, festivals, and the generational histories of indigenous communities, all elements make Buôn Ma Thuột unique in its kind. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/capital-cafetera-de-vietnam-destino-culinario-de-relevancia-mundial/

Horta, Portugal | A Historic 19th Century School Transformed into a Boutique Hotel on Faial Island

The former Liceu da Horta building, a landmark that hosted a historic, prestigious school with deep cultural roots dating back to the 19th century l,ocated in Horta, a city in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores encompassing the Island of Faial, being continuous with the Horta Municipality is set to begin a new chapter this June as it was transformed into The Book, a stylish boutique hotel opening its doors as the island’s first five - star hotel.

The project represents an investment of around €8.5 million, developed by Portuguese company Lamparina Melódica and managed by Amazing Evolution, an independent hotel management hospitality company headquartered in Lisbon, specializing in hotel management, consulting and asset optimization for hospitality projects.  

Located in the maritime town of Horta, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, placing it steps from the island’s renowned marina, the hotel blends deep historic details with contemporary design.

The hotel takes inspiration from the building’s literary and educational past. Before becoming a school, the property was home to the Grémio Literário Faialense, the building has been a cultural and intellectual pillar on Faial Island, which directly inspires the property’s name.

The heritage restoration is tailored for luxury and wellness.The hotel features a highly exclusive layout of just 20 rooms and 5 apartments, offering a highly personalized guest experience.

Guests at the hotel can enjoy the beauty of Horta, a historic port city on Faial Island, renowned for its bustling yachting marina, vibrant maritime heritage, and status as the legislative capital of the Azores, serving as a vital transatlantic crossroads and a scenic centre for ocean adventures.

The Marina of Horta is known as one of the most colourful marinas in the world. It is a maritime superstistion that any yacht stopping here must paint a mural on the jetty walls to ensure safe onward travel, creating a massive, sprawling mosaic of nautical history.

Horta also features striking 17th century religious architecture including the Church of Our Lady of Carmo, the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora das Angosta as well as charming and picturesque cobblestone streets and alleys in its hictoric centre.

Sitting on a hill overlooking the harbour, the city provides spectacular panoramic views neighbouring Pico Island and Portugal highest peak, Mount Pico.

Further attractions include Porto Pim Beach, a protected, secluded golden sand bay directly in the city, perfect for swimming and snorkelling near the remains of an 1892 shipwreck, and Monte da Guia, a classified protected landscape and volcanic cone offering hiking trails and scenic views over the bay and the city.

Another unmissable site to visit in Horta is Peter Café Sport, a legendary sailor’s watering hole operating since 1918, famous for its gin and tonics, it also houses a unique Upstairs Museums, which features art and tools carved from whale teeth.

According to hotel director Olena Dolga, the project aims to attract travellers looking for culture, exclusivity and tailored experience in the Azores.

Link

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2026-05-12/old-school-transformed-into-hotel-in-portugal/1020515

Fanipol, Belarus | A Black Caviar Factory Opens its Doors to Boost Industrial Tourism

A black caviar factory located in Fanipol, a town in the Dzyarzhynsk District within Minsk region , 24 km southwest of Minsk and 13 km southwest of the Minsk Atomobile Ring Road, has opened its doors to boost industrial tourism.

The initiative, developed in partnership with the Republican Union of Tourist Organizations, focus on sturgeon breeding and black caviar production, a proposal that aims to valorise one of the country’s highest value - added products.

The tours allow visitors to observe the full aquaculture cycle of modern sturgeon, offering an  immersive experience includes interactive demonstrations. Guests can watch live feeding, examine fish roe under a microscope, and observe an ultrasound examination performed on a female sturgeon.

The factory seeks to bring the public closer to the stages of production and the work carried out in the breeding of this fish. During the tour visitors can learn about different species of sturgeons, accompany the filtration and water treatment systems and observe the feeding process.

In addition participants receive guidance on how to differentiate authentic caviar from imitations and have the opportunity to learn about aspects of gastronomy related to this product.

Visitors are offered the chance to sample fresh black caviar directly on site and are legally pemitted to export up to 250 grams of black sturgeon caviar out of Belarus for persnal use.

The facility in Fanipol produces caviar under the Admiral Husso brand, supplying both domestic and international markets.

Belarusian black caviar is recognized globally for its premium quality. By utilizing deep - water purification and strict European eco - standards, producers achieve a clean, mildly salted “malossol” product without preservatives, renowned for a pristine, creamy taste with a velvety, subtle aftertaste, frequently earning praise from Michelin - starred chefs.

The initiative was created to disseminate the potential of Belarusian aquaculture, promoting scientific education,  enhancing national production, and boosting industrial tourism, bringing the public closer to a segment considered strategic for the country’s agri - food sector.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/f-brica-de-caviar-negro-en-bielorrusia-abre-sus-puertas-al-turismo/

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Inaugurated a Riverside Development Corridor in the City to Promote Environmental and Urban Tourism

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's sprawling capital in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley, the country commercial and cultural hub, Africa's diplomatic capital (AU/Un/HQ), a growing economic hub, and a cultural treasure trove housing "Lucy" at the National Museum, offering rich history, vibrant markets, unique coffee culture, and a blend of ancient tradition with modern development,  attracting tourists, expats, and businesses, highlighted by a its unique atmosphere, affordability, and role as gateway to the country, has inaugurated a riverside development corridor in the city to promote environmental and urban tourism.

The project highlights the country’s INVEST in ETHIOPIA 2026 roadmap for Ethiopia Opens 22 - km Riverside Corridor Entoto - Kechene Medanealem in Addis Ababa economic growth through job creation, green energy, and infrastructure modernization.

The Ethiopian Government is transforming the capital’s waterways into green corridors, recreational zones, and commercial spaces, and these river restoration projects are driving massive, billion - dollar investments into the region.

According to ENA, the official news agency of the government of Ethiopia. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated a 9.6 - kilometres section of the Riverside Entoto - Kechene Medhanealem Development in the Ethiopian capital, a component of the “Sheger Project” , also known as Beautifying Sheger, an ambitious urban development and river - restoration initiative in Addis Ababa. 

The initiative aims to redefine urban ecosystems by integrating pedestrian walkways, access road, and commercial spaces such as cafes and restaurants  to boost tourism and creating urban job in construction, hospitality, security, a mega - project with also the purpose to transform polluted riverbanks into green recreational areas and fighting climatic change.

Prime Minister shared notable ecological and agricultural successes, such as experimental strawberry fields in Entoto, the area includes Entoto Mountain and the sprawling Entoto Natural Park offering a blend of high – altitude nature, adventure, and history,, that are already harvested every two to three days, and the successful incorporation and irrigation of highland coffee varieties, oranges, lemons, and operations focus to enhance organic honey production.

In addition, the systematic replacement of eucalyptus trees with native flora has improved soil moisture retention and water production capacity.

The project’s defining feature is its reliance on local knowledge and excellence in civil engineering, such as precision terraces built by Konso community experts without heavy machinery.

The Ethiopian Prime Minister said that this riverside urban development is an achievement generating immense pride in all aspects linked to environmental conservation, soil protection, water management and urban renewal and it is a concrete model and a valuable lesson for African brothers and sisters.

Link
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/etiop-a-inaugura-proyecto-de-desarrollo-en-la-capital-con-hoja-de-ruta-para-el-crecimiento-econ-mico/

Manex Properties | Secured Planning Permissions to Develop a 73 - Key Boutique AMANO Hotel in London, England, UK

Manex Properties, a prominent London – based joint venture between AMANO Group, a design - led boutique hotel company headquartered in Berlin, Germany, known for combining high – end luxury with an urban, vibrant atmosphere, and Excellion Capital an investment and advisory boutique located in London specializing exclusively in real estate and asset - backed finance has secured permissions to develop a 73 - key boutique hotel in London,  vibrant, global megacity of nearly 10 million people sitting astride the River Thames, renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and seamless blend of ancient cutting - edge modernity, serving as the political, economic, and cultural capital of England and the UK.

The company will transform Waterman House into a boutique 73 - key AMANO hotel, The consent granted by Westminster City Council feature upgrades from the original plans announced at acquisition in September 2025. 

/Formerly an office building, Waterman House, is a historic 9 - storey, Edwardian - era property, originally constructed in 1912 as the headquarters of Waterman Pens, featuring Victorian neo - classical architecture highlighted by decorative stonework, ornamental railings and Crittall - style windows.

The future hotel is situated at 41 Kingsway, along a major 20th boulevard in Central London linking Holborn to the Aldwych and Strand, a busy urban artery featuring Edwardian and Art Deco architecture, premier office spaces, and the historic Kingsway Tram Tunnel.

The property will open its doors in the Strand Conservation Area just 45 metres from the existing Hotel AMANO Covent Garden, with the two hotels set to be opened by one team. On completion, the expanded estate in London will reach £150 million.

Restoration work on the long - vacant Waterman House is scheduled to begin later this year as part of AMANO Group’s continued London expansion strategy.

The hotel will feature 73 comfortable rooms, alongside a new ground - floor food retail concept. Guests can take advantage of the combined synergies between the two AMANO properties, including rooftop bars, event spaces, restaurants, and coffee shops.

AMANO Group Director Philip Rokeach said that the company’s vision is to bring Berlin’s flair to London that was already validated by the exceptional performance of Hotel AMANO Covent Garden. Securing planning consent for Waterman House was an important next step in expanding AMANO brand in the city.

Director at AMANO UK and Manex Properties Robert Stafler added that securing planning permissions is a major milestone. The approval enables AMANO office 0  to - hotel conversion and increase the room count presence to 73 keys. It improves design, operational functionality and street - level presence. The group is delighted to start the restauration of Waterman House later this year to bring this long – derelict landmark asset back to life.

Link

https://boutiquehotelnews.com/news/hotel/second-amano-london-planning/

Marriott International | To Open a 230 - Room CitizenM Hotel in Washington, D.C., U.S.

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland and Another Star, a company headquartered in Leiden, the Netherlands, the behind - the scenes owner and operator of CitizenM, a global hotel chain founded in 2005 that caters to the needs of modern travellers, offering a fully integrated and owner = operated experience, a brand owned by Marriott International, will open in June 2026, citizenM Washington, DC Washington, Georgetown in Washington, D.C. the capital of the United States,  located on a gently undulating peninsula bounded by the Potomac and the Anacostia Rivers, a city that offers a wealth of historical sites, emblematic landmarks, several cultural attractions, and world - class museums.

The property will be the third citizenM property in Washington D.C. and the first as part of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s global portfolio of hotel brands.

The hotel is located at 3401 K Street in the historic Georgetown Town district, one of the city' most exclusive urban spaces, a charming area highlighted by Federal - style architecture, cobblestone streets, fashion and design shops, intimate music lounges and fine restaurants, situated within walking distance of Georgetown’s waterfront, shopping areas, cafes, boutiques, and Georgetown University.

This boutique hotel is designed by Concrete Amsterdam, a multidisciplinary design company based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, specialized in architecture, interior and urban design, branding and conceptual programming, citizenM’s long time architecture partner.

citizenM Washington, D.C. Washington, Georgetown will feature 230 comfortable guestrooms will include XL king – size wall - to - wall beds, 4K widescreen TVs with streaming options via free Wi - Fi, and rain showers with full - size shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. Room ambiance, including blinds, climate, TV, and lighting, will be controlled by an in - room iPad.

Facilities at the hotel include a living area, canteen with 24/7 snacks and drinks, a 24/7 gym, and art installations, including a newly commissioned mural by D.C. - based artist J.D. Deardourff.

The hotel joins a portfolio managed by Another Star, which owns and operates 37 citizensM hotels in the United States and Europe, including locations in Austin, Chicago, Los Angeles, Menlo Park, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle,

All citizenM guests can now earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for stays at any citizen hotel. Travellers can also continue to access citizenM’s paid membership program., mycitizenM+, which now includes instant Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status for members.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/waszg-citizenm-washington-dc-georgetown/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141579.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Announced the Opening of a New InterContinental Hotel in Ankara, Turkey

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has announced the opening of a new InterContinental hotel in Ankara, Turkey’s bustling capital sits in the country’s central Anatolia region.

Ankara, defined by its deep historical roots, dynamic cultural hubs, beautifully bridges ancient Anatolian heritage with modern, cosmopolitan urban living  and status as the government heart of the country, is also a vibrant centre for the performing art, home to the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra and several national theatre companies.

InterContinenhtal Grand Ankara by IHG owned by Çelikler Holding, a major Turkish conglomerate headquartered in Ankara, a company primarily operating in the energy, construction, mining, and tourism sectors, has commenced operations in the Turkish capital, following a significant renovation of the property, formerly known as The Grand Ankara Hotel.

The hotel is located at Kavaklidere Atatürk Bulvan No:18 directly opposite the Turkish Grand National Assembly and steps away from foreign embassies and government hubs, within  Çankaya, the city’s diplomatic, business and social district,  just 900 metres from the Kuzilay Metro Station, 2.2 km from the Antkabir monument, a short drive to the historic Ankara Castle,  and a 40 - minute drive from the Esenboğa Airport, offering an easy access to cultural institutions and retail districts.

The hotel features 342 guestrooms across various room categories as well as offering a collection of Luxury Apartment Suites designed for extended stays, which include expansive living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and residential - style layouts.

Dining options at the InterContinental Grand Ankara by IHG include the main restaurant LOQQANTA 06 led by Executive Chef Emre İnanir, a Gault & Millau award - winner with Michelin Guide experience. The Lobby Bar is also available, offering cocktails, wines, and light bites.

Wellness facilities at the hotel include a 1.500 - square - metre spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a selection of treatments inspired by wellness traditions from Turkey and other regions.

For events, the property offers three ballrooms with a combined capacity of up to 1.200 guests, as well as 15 multifunctional meeting rooms. These spaces are designed to accommodate international conferences, embassy events, and social occasions.

InterContinental Grand Ankara by IHG , integrated into the IHG One Rewards program is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio and joins a global network of over 240 InterContinental hotels in nearly 70 countries.

The  brand is known for its upscale accommodations and services in prime locations around the world, pioneering new destinations for decades, from historic buildings to immersive resorts offering comfort, luxury, excellence in service and attention to details.

Links

https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/ankara/ankct/hoteldetail?cm_mmc=GoogleMaps-_-IC-_-TR-_-ANKCT

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141577.html