Sonesta International Hotels Corporation | Announced the Opening of a 46 - Room Hotel in Tomball, Texas, U.S.

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation a Newton, Massachusetts - based hospitality company founded in 1937, the 8th - largest U.S. hotel chain, managing over 1.200 properties across various brands, has announced the opening of a 46 - room hotel in Tomball, a city in Harris County in the U.S. state of Texas, located 35 minutes northwest of Houston.

Tomball is a charming, historic city known for its “small - town Texas” feel, vibrant, walkable Old Town district, and extensive top - ranked school district (Tomball ISD), featuring popular annual festivals, a bustling Saturday farmers market, unique antique shopping, and a strong family - friendly, equestrian - friendly atmosphere.

The Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Tomball Grand Parkway is an economy hotel located at 9110 Grand Parkway near Spring/Woodland, 4.0 kilometres from downtown Tomball and the Tomball Museum, 10.2 km from Tomball Country Club  and about 48 kilometres northwest of Houston.

The hotel features 46 comfortable, spacious rooms with a flat - screen satellite TV, laundry facilities and free parking is offered on site.

The property is Sonesta’s first new build under the America’s Best Value Inn & Suites brand, with construction completed and the hotel opening in 7.5 months. The owners and operators of the Tomball Grand Parkway location also own another Americas Best Value Inn in the greater Houston area.

Guests at the Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Tomball Grand Parkway can earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.

Links

https://newsroom.sonesta.com/brands/americas-best-value-inn/sonesta-announces-opening-of-americas-best-value-inn-suites-by-sonesta-in-tomball-tx/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140213.html

Scandic Hotels | Opened its First Scandic Go hotel in Norway, Located in Oslo

Scandic Hotels, a Swedish hotel chain based in Stockholm, a pioneer within sustainability, boasting the majority of its properties certified with the Nordic Ecolabel requirement, has opened its first Scandic Go hotel in Norway, located in Oslo, the capital, economic and governmental centre of the Scandinavian country situated on the southern coast at the head of Oslofjord,  a city that is a blend of urban sophistication with outdoor adventures, known for its vibrant cultural scene, stunning architecture, extensive parks, and several top museums, many of them established on the scenic Bygdoy Peninsula.

The launch of the Scandic Go Grensen 20 is part of Scandic’s growth strategy and marks the debut of the Scandic Go property in the country. Scandic Hotels operates the establishment and Ragde Eiendom owns the property.

The opening event featured a ribbon - cutting ceremony, speeches, and food and refreshments for attendees, including representatives from Scandic, the property owner Ragde Eiendom, members of the local business community, and the hotel’s team.

The hotel is located at Grensen 20 in downtown Oslo, 2 minutes’ walk from the shopping street, Karl Johans gate and 10 minutes’ walk from Oslo Central Station. 

Focusing on functional, compact design, and sustainability, the hotel features 96 compact rooms with comfortable beds, express digital check – in / outrainfall showers and and USB charging points, and a fully stocked 24/7 café lobby, focusing on grab – and – go options.

The property joins Scandic Go, a budget - friendly, urban hotel brand designed for the economy segment, offering essentials at a lower price point to allow guests to spend more time and money exploring the city. Additional Scandic Go hotels are planned for Stavanger and Tromsø.

Scandic Go Grensen 20 is certified by the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, meeting requirements for climate to ensure minimal environmental impact. This special certification reflects the hotel’s commitment to using labelled products and chemicals, utilizing 100% renewable electricity, reducing water consumption, and minimizing food waste.

Links

https://www.scandichotelsgroup.com/media/press-releases/2026/oslo-first-as-scandic-go-is-established-in-norway/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140216.html

Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania Launch a Five - Year Project to Manage Ruvuma/Rovuma Basin and its Costal Ecosystems

Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania have launched a US$7.12 million, five - year project to jointly manage the Ruvuma/Rovuma River Basin and its coastal ecosystems, with an inception workshop hekl on 4 March 2026 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, bringing together stakeholders from the three African nations. 

Funded by the Global Environment Facility and led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, this is the first basin - wide source - to - sea initiative for the 115.000 - square - kilometres system which forms the boundary between Tanzania and Mozambique for 643.7 kilometres before flowing into the Indian Ocean.

The project is a cooperative effort that aims to protect natural resources in the region shared by the three countries seeking to enhance the management of the river basin’s natural, water, and coastal features, focused to strengthen ecosystem integrity, climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

The initiative runs to December 2030 with total financing exceeding US$72 nillion is executed by Global Water Partnership Southern Africa and Wetlands International Eastern Africa alongside regional institutions.

Targeting pressures such as climate volatility, data gaps and limited community participation, the initiative is expected to support biodiversity, fisheries, and coastal health that underpin wildlife and beach tourism across the three countries.

About the Ruvuma/Rovuma River Basin:

The River Basin is a transboundary watershed shared by Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania, defined by a 760 kilometres long perennial river from the Matagoro Mountains to the Indian Ocean just north of Cape Delgado, composed of Cretaceous and Tertiary sediments, with a basement of Pre - Cambrian crystalline and metamorphic rocks.

Characterized by pristine Miombo woodlands, significant gas reserves, and a wide, and largely undeveloped channel, the river includes key tributaries such as the Lujenda, Luchteringo, Likonde, Muhuwesi and Lumesule rivers and flows through a swampy valley flanked by plateau escarpments in its lower course, which is often 1.6/3.2 kilometres wide and contains numerous wooded, inhabited islands.

The river is mostly shallow and fordable during the dry season, with several cataracts and the Upinda Rapids limiting navigation to small craft and the basin includes significant water boduies such as Lake Amaramba, Lake Chiuta and Lake  Chilwa. Known as one of Africa’s last pristine wilderness areas and acting as a vital wildlife corridor, the basin supports several conservation areas, including the Niassa Game Reserve in Tanzania.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/malawi-mozambique-and-tanzania-launch-7-1m-project-for-ruvuma-rovuma-basin.html

Indonesia | The Country Achieves Diesel Self - Sufficiency After a Major Refinery Expansion in Balikpapan

Indonesia achieved diesel self - sufficiency in January 2026 following the inauguration of the massive Balikpapan Refinery Development Master Plan (RDMP) located in Balikpapan, a seaport city on the east coast of the island of Borneo in East Kalimantan province, with a $7.4 billion upgrade that expanded capacity to 360.000 barrels/day and integrated Euro V standards, allowing the country to end diesel imports and reduce reliance on foreign energy.  

According to statements by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto and President Prabowo Subianto reported by Antara, news agency that delivers real time information on various events from Indonesia and around the world. the development boosts national energy independence.

During a public event, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affair said that the completion of the project marks a key step towards Indonesia’s independence, as he explained, the country will no longer need to import diesel, which will reduce exposure to the volatility of global energy markets and strengthen national energy security. 

The project led by PT Pertamina, an Indonesian state - owned oil and natural gas corporation headquartered in Jakarta, was inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto, who called it the first - large - scale refinery development in Indonesia in more than three decades. The modernized facility is now the largest refinery in the country and plays a central role in meeting domestic fuel demand. 

The expansion raised the refiunery’s processing capacity from 260.000 to 360.000 barrels per day, which will allow it to supply up to 25% of the national fuel needs. The authorities estimate that the project will reduce annual fuel imports by more than $4 billion and contribute significantly to economic growth. 

In addition to diesel, the modernized refinery will produce gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas and petrochemicals. The upgrade is also expected to improve fuel quality by reducing sulphur content and increasing the production of high - value refined derivatives. 

Key Features of the Balikpapan RDMP: 

•    Capacity Boost: Increased processing from 260.000 to 360.000 barrels per day, making it Indonesia’s largest refinery. 
•    Euro V Standards: Upgraded units now produce cleaner fuels, reducing sulphur content. 
•    Product Diversification: Expanded LPG output and added petrochemical units, including a Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) complex. 
•    Energy Security: A major step in the government’s goal to cut fuel import spending (estimated at over $4 billion annually) and strengthen energy independence.

Broader Energy Goals: 

•    Phase - Out Other Imports: The government aims to stop aviation fuel imports by 2027 and reduce other fuel imports by 2030. 
•    Biofuel Mandates: Plans include nationwide implementation of a B50 (50% palm – based biodiesel) blend to further reduce diesel reliance and a 10% ethanol blend (E10) for gasoline by 2030. 

This project led by PT Pertamina, is a significant milestone in Indonesia’s broader strategy for energy self - sufficiency and downstream industrial development. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/indonesia-alcanza-la-autosuficiencia-en-di-sel-tras-una-importante-ampliaci-n-de-refiner-a/

South Africa | Planning to Launch a Global Campaign to Promote the Destination and its Visa Regime to Attract More International Tourists

South Africa is planning to launch a global campaign to promote its tourism industry and its visa regimen in order to attract more inteernational tourists especially from China and India as reported by China Daily, a Chinese daily newspaper headquartered in the capital of the country Beijing.

During the G20 summit held in Johannesburg in November last year, South Africa’s Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille reported that the country successfully tested the digital visa system with citizens of China, India, Indonesia and Mexico. 

 South Africa’s tourism head has directed South African tourism offices in Beijing and Shanghai to conduct local marketing campaigns to position South Africa as a preferred tourist destination for China and India, and to report on current programs. 

The Minister said that the country should not assume that people are aware of the digital visa system, especially in key markets like China and China, adding that South Africa will start a campaign to promote this system.

The Minister stressed that every thirteen international tourists create one permanent job and three indirect jobs in South Africa.

South African Tourism Council Chief Executive Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa stated that China and India will play a key role in reaching the country’s goal of attracting 15.6 million international tourists annually by 2030, and stressed that South African tourism sector aims to attract 500.000 annually visitors from each of these Asian countries.  

South Africa is accurately developing a comprehensive strategy to prepare for Chinese tourists. This strategic plan includes adapting to Chinese digital platforms, integrating payment systems, and taking into account cultural prefeerences.

Work is also underway to overcome the language barrier, including through Mandarin training programs, as well as culinary training for chefs, with the aim of better meeting the demands of Chinese tourists.

In addition, South Africa is in talks with China and India to increase the number of direct flights and opportunities are being explored with Chinese airlines to increase the frequency of their flights.

Since the beginning of 2025, South Africa has been implementing the Trusted Tour Operators Scheme. Through this program, accredited tour operators can apply for online visas on behalf of their clients for tour groups coming from China and India.The processing time is usually three to five business days.

The country also has the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for short - term trips. Unlike a visa, which may require a visit to the embassy to obtain, the ETA is processed online and functions as a fast electronic pass.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/sud-frica-planea-atraer-m-s-turistas-simplificando-el-r-gimen-de-visados/

Japan | Announced a New Plan to Facilitate Access for International Visitors

The Government of Japan announced a new plan to facilitate access for international visitors as the country is aggressively pursuing a strategy to boost tourism to 60 million annual visitors by 2030, following a record 42.7 million in 2025.

To facilitate this while managing infrastructure strain, Japanese authorities are implementing a mix of technological, financial, and logistical changes,including streamlining entry procedures, reduce congestion at the airports, using AI for crowd control, promoting regional travel and waiving the requirement of face – face meetings for visitors with immigration officials.

The Immigration Services Agency explained that the new system will be based on information collected through an online platform called Japan’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Jesta), similar to the U.S. ESTA, travellers from 70+ visa - exempt countries will be required to submit personal, trip, and accommodation details online before departure.and is expected to start operating in fiscal year 2028.

As a requirement, visitors will need to pre - register the purpose of their trip. Immigration authorities will review applications in advance to identify potential overstayers, with the ability to deny boarding before they travel.

The use of integrated kiosks that simultaneously process fingerprints, and photographs to reduce immigration congestion have already installed at Fukuoka, Haneda, Kansai, and Narita airports, and will expand beyond current locations.

Travellers without issues will pass through automated gates, speeding up entry and reducing the need for face – to face checks.

The plan also includes strategies to encourage travel beyond the “Golden Route” (Tokyo - Kyoto) to alleviate crowding, including digital signage, off - airport baggage handling, and potential regional travel incentives.

In addition the Japanese Government is shifting toward “smart tourism” by enhancing digital services including potential AI - driven systems to manage crowds and improve visitor experience.

Finally, according to Japan’s Kyodo news agency, the government plans to introduce a bill to amend the Immigration Control Law during the current session of parliament to establish the legal framework for the system.  

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/gobierno-japones-intenta-facilitar-acceso-a-turistas-internacionales/

Hersha Hotels and Resorts | Acquired a Golf Resort & Spa in Savannah, Georgia, U.S.

Hersha Hotels and Resorts, a hospitality company headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that owns and operates luxury and lifestyle hotels in urban gateway and regional resort markets has acquired The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa located in Savannah, a quintessential city located on Georgia's coast approximately 4 hours from Atlanta, separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River,  a centre well known for its breathtaking, antebellum architecture, manicured parks, horse - drawn carriages, excellent restaurants and a world - renowned art scene.

JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, a global leader in real estate services across hospitality properties of all shapes and sizes, represented the seller managing the transaction that included Senior Managing Director Andrew Dickey, Senior Director Maciej Polek, and Vice President Derek Hayden, marking the third time JLL has sold in the past 10 years.

The property is downtown Savannah’s only urban resort, located at 1 Resort Drive on the exclusive waterfront Hutchinson Island, directly across the Savanah River from the Historic District, situated on 299 acres adjacent to the Savannah International Trade and Convention Center and accessible by a scenic, complimentary ferry ride from downtown Savannah’s River Street, while maintaining a secluded atmosphere.

The resort boasting comprehensive amenities distinguish it from urban hotels in the market  features 403 rooms, five food and beverage outlets, more than 51.800 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting venues, an 18 - hole championship golf course designed by Robert Cupp and Sam Snead, a 17 - treatment – room Heavenly Spa by Westin, a resort - style pool with river views, tennis and pickleball facilities.

The adjacent Savannah Convention Center following a $276 million expansion in April 2025, doubling its footprint to 660.000 square feet and establishing it as the 10^th - largest convention center in the United States features a 200.000 square ft. exhibit hall, a 40.000 sq. ft. ballroom, a 58 - foot hangar door for large - scale displays, a new 6th - floor ballroom with a rooftop terrace, 14 new meeting rooms,  and a 900 - space parking garage.

Savannah’s appeal as - destination is bolstered by its unique Southern charm, history, rich culinary scene, stunning architecture, and improved connectivity via Savannah Hilton International Airport.

The city continues to experience economic growth driven by sectors including the Port of Savanah, the fastest - growing port of the U.S. East Coast, and corporate investments such as Hyundai Motor Group’s $7.6 billion Metaplant, which opened in March 2025 and introduced approximately 14.000 jobs to the market.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140269.html