Meliá Hotels International | Announced Plans to Open Five New Hotels in Tunisia by 2030

Meliá Hotels International, a Spanish hotel chain founded in 1956 and based in Palma de Mallorca has announced plans to open five new hotels in Tunisia, aiming to complete the expansion by 2030 targeting 3.000 rooms, focusing on elevating luxury and leisure stndards in the North African country, a destiantion that currently receives more than 11 million visitors annually, and the company aims to contribute to consolidate to the tourism sector’s ongoing growth and diversification.

This expansion, part of Meliá Hotels International’ broader growth strategy in the Mediterranean region is the result of a partnership with Management Hospitality Group (MHG), a specialized developer and operator of hotel assets in Mediterranean destinations, focusing on North Africa, and based in Sofia, Bulgaria, a platform part of a joint venture between AllianceOne Group and Voyages 2000.

The opening operations  will start with a 307 - room resort in Mahdia (2026) , followed by properties in Djerba, Monastir, Tabarka, and Tunis (2027 - 2029) under the Sol, Meliá, and Grand  Meliá brands.

This partnership combines Meliá Hotels International’s global expertise with Management Hospitality Group (MHG) operational network and knowledge of the Tunisian market.

 The alliance is structured to reposition existing hotel assets in Tunisia through strategic investments, bringing them up to the international standards of Meliá Hotels International and the brands. The goal is to optimize profitability and enhance appeal to international source markets, particularly in Europe.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140596.html

Domes Resorts | Portfolio Expansion in Portugal with the Launch of its Second Property, Located in Lagos, Algarve

Domes Resorts, a luxury hospitality brand headquartered in Thessaloniki, Greece, known for its blend of, eco - conscious design, and high - end services has announced its portfolio expansion in Portugal, with its second property located in Lagos, premier Algarve destination famed for its dramatic golden cliffs, stunning Atlantic beaches like Praia do Camilio, its walled old town, blending, a rich maritime history, with vibrant nighlife, a marina, and outdoor activities, such as, kayaking, and dolphin - watching.

The Greek company has announced it will manage Cascade Wellness Resort, in partnership with the property owner Hotel Investment Partner (HIP), which iss owned by Blackstone and GIC, major global investment partners, frequently collaborating on large – scale real estate and infrastructure deals, particularly in logistics and hospitality.

The agreement with HIP marks the third property managed by Domes Resorts outside Greece, is part of Dome Resorts’ strategy to expand in South European destinations through partnerships with institutional investors and follows its previous entry into Portugal with Domus Lake Algarve, Autograph Collection located on Praia da Falésia.

Cascade Wellness Resort, spanning 38 hectares is located at Rua das Ilhas on the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, close to the Lagos centre and 2 kilometres from Praia Dona Ana beach, offering stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

The resort features 164 accommodations with a design inspired by the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, four dining venues serving international cuisine and local Algarve flavours multiple pools, a spa, a fitness centre, and tennis courts.

Additionally the establishment includes families - oriented amenities such as a kid’s club and football academy, as well as FIFA - standard football pitches.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140662.html

Sofitel | To Develop a 43 - Story Residential Complex in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Sofitel a brand part of Accor S.A., a French multinational hospitality company based in Issy - les Moulineaux, characterized by a unique “Cultural Link” concept, blending French art with local culture of each destination through design, gastronomy, and experiences has announced the launch of its first branded residences in Argentina, a 43 - story complex in Buenos Aires,  a cosmopolitan, pulsating and appealing South American city, with a vibrant blend of its colonial past, significant European immigration, and rich Latin American traditions, characterized by its European architecture, passionate tango and a strong emphasis on social life, and boasting a unique arts scene.

Sofitel is venturing into residential estate and has announced the development of Sofitel Residences Buenos Aires Madero, marking the brand’s first residential project of its kind in the Americas and the third worldwide. 

The project, expected to be completed in 2030, is being developed in collaboration with Northbaires, a real estate development company based in Buenos Aires that provides high - level corporate and investment services, prioritizing construction that is sustainable, efficient and aligned with the latest trends.

The development is located in the Dique 4 area of Puerto Madero, a premier, upscale waterfront area characterized by repurposed warehouses, luxury apartments, fine restaurants, trendy bars, elegant cafes with views of the dock, located near the city centre, highlighted by scenic pedestrian walkways, modern office buildings, yachts, and the historic ARA Urugyay naval  ship.

The location of the development provides views of the Buenos Aires skyline, the iconic Obelisk, the river and the Buenos Aires Ecological Reserve.

The complex will consist of 43 floors, offering a total of 188 apartments, including amenities such as a concierge assistance, a restaurant, eight elevators and providing 343 parking spaces.

Sofitel Residences Buenos Aires Madero is supported by Accor Living, a platform focused on the development, design, and operation of mixed - use projects and branded residential communities.

The launch of Sofitel Residences Buenos Aires Madero is part of the brand’s strategy to expand its presence in the region, in key destinations like Buenos Aires.

Sofitel currently operates Sofitel La Reserva Cardales and Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta in Argentina, as well as Sofitel Montevideo Carrasco & Spa in Uruguay.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140559.html

Qionghai, China | The Boao Zero - Carbon Demonstration Zone Achieved a 99.9% CO₂ Reduction Emissions

The Boao Zero - Carbon Demonstration Zone in Qionghai, a country - level city located in the east of Hainan Island in China’s Hainan Province, has achieved 99.9% CO₂ reduction emissions, cutting annual emissions from ~11.350 to ~14.6 metric tons, a result that highlights advances in renewable energy and sustainability. 

Launched in 2022 as a joint initiative between the Ministry of Housing and Urban - Rural Development and the Hainan Government, the zone includes sustainable construction projects, renewable energy use, and green transportation.

The zone through solar and crucially, a 22 - hectare agrivoltaic base has achieved regular and comphensive operation with zero carbon dioxide emissions as reported by China Daily, a renowned newspaper based in the capital of the country Beijing.

Operating on 100% green energy,  the zone generatas 29 million KWh of green energy annually, covering a demand of 19.4 KWh and injecting the remaining 9.6 million KWh into the electricity grid accumulating more than 4.900 tons of carbon credits.

A 22 - hectare, 23 - greenhouse base integrates agriculture with solar panels (25 million KWh) to provide both organic food and clean energy.

Rather than large - scale demolition, the zone employed precise renovations, such as improved installation and airtight doors to reduce energy consumption.

A smart power system utilizes DC technology directly from solar panels and batteries, avoiding the energy losses associated with converting from Alternative Current (AC). In addition the area promotes low - carbon transit to minimize emissions from transportation.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/zona-de-boao-en-china-alcanza-reduccion-de-co2-del-99-9/

Durban, South Africa | Unveiled a Comprehensive Roadmap to Transform Africa’s Ocean Economy

Durban, a vibrant coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu - Natal province, known for its significant Zulu heritage, Indian and colonial influence, visible in architecture, local cuisine, and markets, subtropical climate, warm seas, safe pristine beaches, wildlife adventures, its variety of restaurants and nightlife and many sporting facilities has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to transform Africa’s ocean economy into a sustainable “nature Positive” sector,  launched at the Ocean Innovation Africa (OIA) Summit 2026. 

The strategy focuses on upgrading port infrastructure, boosting ship repair and logistics, as well as using AI driven technology to boost growth while ensuring coastal resilience, community development, and ecological restoration. 

As reported by Durban TV, at the summit, the eThekwini municipality (Durban municipalituy) announced a plan to develop 100 kiloemtres of coastline as a competitive global hub of sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship.

The strategc plan focuses on making the most of the potential of the blue economy, while protecting marine ecosystems and supporting coastal communities.

The initiative includes upgrading port infrastructure, boosting ship repair and last - mile logistics, as well as using AI driven technology to boost growth while ensuring coastal resilience, community development, ecological restoration and with the aim of enhancing Durban’s position as one of Africa ‘s leading port complexes. 

The city also emphasizes coastal resilience, reinforcing levees and roads to withstand extreme weather events, along with better wastewater management and pollution response measures to protect water quality on beaches. 

An integrated coastal management programme will support dune restoration, mangrove rehabilitation, and large - scale initiatives to eliminate single - use plastics, while ensuring that small - scale fishers and coastal businesses benefit from the growth of the sector. 

The development of maritime tourism and the regeneration of the coastline are also fundamental in this vision, with the aim of increasing local economic participation. 

Key features of the roadmap announced by eThekwini Municipality include: 

•    Infrastructure Upgrade: A major focus on enhancing last – mile logistics and infrastructure to strengthen Durban’s position as a competitive port precinct. 
•    Skills Development: Partnerships with TVET colleges and universities to create job in marine manufacturing and ship repair. 
•    Technology - Driven Innovation: Implementation of AI – driven ocean mapping and reef restorantion technologies developed by local startups. 
•    Sustainability and Resilience: Commitment to eco – friendly development, including wastewater upgrades, dune rehabilitation, and mangrove restoration. 
•    Inclusive Economic Growth: Targeted support for small – scale fishers, SMMEs, and coastal livelihoods. 
•    Tourism Development: Asdvancing maritime tourism through cruise ship expansion and waterfront regeneration. 

This initiative aligns with the goal of turning Durban’s 100km coastline into a hub for sustainable, high - growth ocean activities.

Manager of the Maritime Industry Development Programme Nomalanga Sokhela said that the mission of the organization is clear: to integrate economic growth with climate resilience. Through targeted investments in the maritime sectors, opportunities in ship repair, shipbuilding and logistics are created, attracting private investment and one of the main goals is to create a strong employment supply for young people through partnerships with colleges and universities. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/durban-presenta-una-hoja-de-ruta-para-transformar-la-econom-a-oce-nica-de-frica/

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Launched a Unique Environmental Project with the Installation of Barriers to Combat Pollution in Guanabara Bay

Rio de Janeiro,  vibrant seaside metropolis in Brazil, one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere, well known for its cultural diversity, natural settings, iconic beaches including Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Tijuca, samba, bossanova, outstanding landmarks and its emblematic carnival,  through its authorities has launched a unique environmental project with the installation of barriers to combat pollution in Guanabara Bay.

The bay faces the western shores of Rio and Duque de Caixas, and the eastern shore of the cities of Niterói and São Gonçalo, a natural wonder stretching over 412 square kilometres, Brazil’s second - largest bay by area and holding the title of the largest by volume.

On Ilha do  Fundão (Fundão Island), an artificial island north of Rio in Guanabara Bay, formed by merging smaller islands with landfills developed to house the main campus of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) facing Bom Jesus Bay, devices were installed to absorb oil pollution and collect waste, as reported by Agência Brasil, a nationwide public news agency headquartered in Brasilia and run by the Brazilian government.

The initiative is led by two Brazilian non - profit organizations and is supported by a local environmental conservation fund.

The system works as a floating barrier approximately 300 metres long has been incorporated with special devices composed of rolls of human hair wrapped in a cotton mesh. An organization that hair to make wigs donated some of the material that is not used in production and would otherwise be discarded.

Studies showed the high effectiveness of the material: 1 gram of hair can absorb, on average, 5 grams of oil.

Previously, the barrier was only used to collect common garbage, but now it also absorbs oil pollution, a major initiative that represents an important step in protecting local mangroves.

The protection of mangrove ecosystems has a strategic value for the sustainability of Guanabara Bay. Mangroves reduce wave force, protect the coast from erosion and the impact of extreme events, play a key role in carbon absorption, and sustain the region’s biodiversity.

Over the past year, the project has gone through a cycle of testing. Specialists adapted the technology to the specific conditions of Guanabara Bay and perfected the design of the barriers.

One of the participants in the project, Caroline Carvalho said that after a long road since the transformation of the idea into a real project, the result is that is possible to combine science, sustainable development and social effect.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/en-la-bah-a-de-guanabara-brasil-instalan-barreras-para-combatir-la-contaminaci-n-por-petr-leo/

Hanoi, Vietnam | Planning to Develop Eight Metro Lines with an Extension of 301 Km to Enhance Urban Mobility

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, a huge metropolis representing the cultural, economic and educational centre of the north of the country located on the western bank of the Red River, known for its centuries - old architecture and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences, highlighted by an urban landscape characterized by the presence of numerous lakes,  as well as several religious buildings, primarily Confucian and Taoist temples, Buddhist pagodas, but also Catholic such as St. Joseph Cathedral and a bustling Old Quarter where narrow streets are roughly arranged by trades is planning to develop eight metro lines with an extension of 301 km by 2035. 

The aim of this major  transformation is to establish the public transport as the main mean of mobility for the the inhabitans of the Vietnamese metropolis, making that by 2030, one out of every three passengers in the Vietnamese city will use public transport (30% of trips) and by 2035, four out of every ten passengers (40% of trips).

This development of the metro is one of the priorities of urban transport in the city. Between 2026 and 2030, five metro lines with a total length of 100 km are planned to be built, while between 2031 and 2035 the network will be expanded to eight lines as reported by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), citing the permanent vice - chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Duong Duc Tuan.  

In parallel with the extension of the metro, the authorities plan to expand the network of buses routes, introduce electric buses, and other eco - friendly means of transport including a bicycle rental system and an organize an efficient network of transfers between the different mode of urban transport. 

According to the city’s Building Department, Hanoi's citizens have begun to prefer buses and subways over the use of private cars. Public transport has become popular not only with office workers, but also with young people, who value speed and technological convenience. 

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Transport Management and Operation Centre Nguyen Minh Tuan, reported that in the first two months of 2026, the flow of passengers on urban railways reach 3.1 million people, up to 4.6% from the same period last year, a relevant detail that confirms a trend of Hanoi’s citizens to use public transport. 

Key Metro Expansion Details: 

•    Target by 2030: Five metro lines with a total length of approximately 100 kilometres are planned. 
•    Target by 2035: The network is set to expand to eight lines, spanning a total length of 301 kilometres. 
•    Long - term Plan by 2045: A massive expansion aiming for 600 kilometres of railway lines and 15 urban routes is planned. 
•    Transport Goal: Hanoi aims for public transport to handle 30% of trips by 2030, rising to 40% by 2035. 

This infrastructure push is part of a broader, long - term effort to enhance urban mobility and reduce reliance on private transport in the city. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/en-la-capital-de-vietnam-se-planea-construir-ocho-l-neas-de-metro-con-una-extensi-n-de-301-km-para-2/