Hilton | Announced the Opening of a 251 - Room Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia, has announced the opening of a 251 – room resort in Langkawi, an archipelago of 90 tropical islands off Malaysia’s northwestern coast about an hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur, famous for its pristine white beaches, ancient rainforest, offering a blend of natural wonders and affordable luxury,  as well as  known for its status as a duty – free haven.

Hilton Burau Bay is now open, expanding Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ presence in Malaysia, a destination is experiencing a historic tourism boom. The country attracted over 42 million international visitors recently, a major jump from the 37.9 million overseas tourists record the year prior.

The beachfront property is located at 103 Teluk Burau, Mukin Padang Matsirat between a tropical rainforest and the Andaman Sea, spanning nearly 22 acres along Burau Bay, sits at the base of the majestic Gurung Mat Cincang mountain 1.1 km from the Langkawi Cable Car and the Oriental Village and 20 minutes by car from Langkawi International Airport.

The resort sits on a 650 - metre private beachfront,  features 251 comfortable rooms and suites, each with a private terrace or balcony offering views of the rainforest, mountains, or sea. Room types include Deluxe and Terrace Rooms, Executive Suites, and 11 connecting designed for multi - generational travel. 

Hilton Burau Bay offers four dining venues: Gingerfire serving Asian and international cuisine; Haliya Lounge in the lobby, offering coffees and light bites with local botanicals; MINGZHU, focused on spice - driven traditions of Yuman’s ethnic tribes, and Trattoria Mare, providing Italian, Mediterranean and island - inspired cuisine in a sensible alfresco setting.

Additional facilities include three swimming pools, a family - friendly pool, a kids’ pool, an adults - only pool, along with five meditative pools, courts for tennis, pickleball and basketball and  the eforea Spa with an open pavilion layout, outdoor sauna barrels, a dedicated Salt Room, and an Elixir Lounge.

Event facilities include more than 5.400 square feet of indoor and outdoor space. The Orchid Grand Ballroom is a 4.455 - square - foot pillarless venue accommodating up to 210 guests. Additional function spaces include the Orchid and Jasmine rooms for boardroom discussions and breakout sessions. Outdoor venues include the Grand Lawn and a 650 - metres private beachfront.

The resort’s Nature Center offers guided rainforest walks and nature encounters highlighting Langkawi’s biodiversity and  the Kids’ Club features activity zones for origami, bracelet - making, chess, and football, with a weekly rotation of hands - up programs.

Recent Hilton openings in Malaysia include Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie and Hilton Garden  Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran. Upcoming properties include Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur and Conrad Kuala Lumpur.

Links

https://stories.hilton.com/releases/new-beachfront-resort-malaysia-hilton-burau-bay-langkawi-resort-debuts

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141929.html

IHG Hotels & Rseorts | Opened Dual - Branded EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites near Universal Orlando Resort, in Orlando Florida, U.S.

 IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England UK, has opened Dual - branded EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites near Universal Orlando Resort, an entertainment resort complex in Orlando, Florida, U.S. composed of three theme parks, one water park, and eleven resort hotels, spanning 1.291 acres, representing the flagship of the Universal Destinations & Experiences theme park chain.

Developed in partnership with Daiwa House Group, a Japanese multinational construction company based in Osaka, the property is designed to accommodate a variety of ttravellers, including families visiting local theme parks and professionals attending conventions in Orlando The dual - branded approach provides both residential - style with flexibility and amenities focused on comfort and convenience.

The property combines two IHG Hotels & Resorts brands, providing guests an easy access to Universal Orlando Resort including the Epic Universe theme park, as well as the Orange County Convention Center. 

The dual - branded accommodation offers 288 rooms, with resort –-style outdoor pool, a 24 - hour market place, a game room, guest laundry facilities, storage units for long - stay travellers, a courtyard with BBQ grills and pet walking area. Shared spaces are designed for both short and extended stays.

The EVEN Hotel – The hotel features 120 rooms with premium bedding, cooling linens, and spa - like showers. Guests have access to food and beverage options throughout the day, including breakfast, evening cocktails, and dinner at EVEN Kitchen & Bar, as well as an evening tea service and natural spaces.

The property joins EVEN Hotels by IHG, a lifestyle brand built around wellness. The brand helps travellers keep healthy routines on the road. Core features include in - room fitness zones, large athletic studios, healthy food and beverage options, and premium sleep environments.

The Staybridge Suites - The property offers 168 rooms in studio and one - bedroom configurations, each with a fully equipped kitchen and a separate living area. Staybridge Suites guests receive a complimentary daily breakfast buffet and can attend the Staybridge Suites Social on select evenings, which includes light bites, beer, and wine. Outdoor gathering spaces features fire pits and grilling areas. Staybridge Suites guests may also purchase menu items at EVEN Kitchen & Bar.

The establishmentin Orlando  joins Staybridge Suites, a residential - style, all - suite brand by IHG Hotels & Resorts designed for travellers staying a few days or many weeks. The brand offers home - like perks. These include full kitchens, free hot breakfast, free laundry, and evening social events.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-unveils-new-dual-branded-even-hotel-and-staybridge-suites-near-universal-orlando-resort

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141931.html

Banyan Group | Officially Opened its First European Resort on Mamula Island, Montenegro

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 officially opened its first European resort on Mamula Island,  located at the entrance to the spectacular Bay of Kotor in Montenegro.

Mamula Island by Banyan Tree is located in a secluded islet in the entrance of the UNESCO - listed Bay of Kotor, housed in a meticulously restored 19th - century fortress, accessible only by private boat transfer across Boka Bay or by helicopter from Tivat and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

The fortress originally built in the 1850s as a coastal defense, underwent a seven - year restoration led by developer Samih Sawiris, with involvement from Lisbon - based MCM Architecture & Design, Montenegrin studio Projector and local heritage authorities.

 Interior design was managed by weStudio Berlin and Piotr Wisniewski, incorporating mid - century influences, local craftmanship and custom - made furniture. The design references the original fortress architecture and includes elements from local artisanal traditions.

The exclusive resort features 32 intimate heritage and contemporary rooms and suites, each with the own distinctive character and immersive views of the Adriatic Sea.

Heritage suites are located within the original fortress structure, while newly built rooms and suites feature contemporary interiors, floor - to - ceiling windows, and private terraces. The Heritage Sky Suites have been recognized as “Best Hotel Suite” at AHEAD Awards Europe and ranked among the world’s top ten suites.

Dining options at the resort include Parasol, which offers a crudo concept with seafood; Kamena Restaurant, which highlights land - based flavours and locally sourced ingredients;  Celeste, an outdoor terrace venue inspired by coastal traditions from Italy, the Caribbean and the Levant, while Pinea Bar offers cocktails and vinyl nights.

Banyan Tree Spa is located within the fortress and provides treatments using local plants, oils, and natural elements. The spa includes an indoor gym, ritual rooms, Finnish and herbal saunas, a steam room, a hand alotherapy room. a flotation chamber and an experience shower. Therapies include hydro and weightless therapies, traditional Thai, Javanese, Indonesian, and Chinese healing therapies, therapeutic bodywork, and the Royal Banyan treatment.

Mamula Island features a serviced beach with sunbeds, coves, and views toward Herceg Novi. Activities available include kayaking, paddleboarding, water biking, and e - biking, as well it organises as excursion to Boka Bay, the Blue Cave, Kotor Old Town, Royal Lovćen, Cetinje, Skadar Lake, and the Tara River. Food tours and local experience are also offered.

Mamula Island by Banyan Tree hosts an Artists - in - Residence program, workshops, exhibitions, maker sessions, opera evenings, live music, and the Operosa Music Festival. The resort is available for a full island buyout for weddings, private events, and retreats, with venues across the restored fortress, terraces, gardens, spa facilities, and beach. 

The property joins the Banyan Tree brand founded in 1994 , famous for its natural - focused resorts, spas, and villas. The brand focuses on helping guests relax, connect with nature, and enjoy local culture.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141913.html

Mozambique | Outlined $710 Million in Planned Investment to Modernise the National Aviation Sector

Mozambique’s government has approved the Civil Aviation Master Plan (PDAC) 2026 - 2045,  and outlined approximately $710 million in planned investment to modern the natioanl aviation sector over the next two decades.

The African country has unveiled an ambitious 20 - year roadmap focused on modernises airport infrastructure., improve airspace safety, and restructure the state - owned airline to boost long – competitiveness.

Funding is expected to be drawn from a combination of the state budget, public private partnerships, and international development finance from institutions including the World Bank, the African Development Bank, the EU, and Japan’s JICA.

The Mozambican authorities have identified civil aviation as a key enabler of tourism, trade, and national integration with 80 of the plan’s 142 measures scheduled for implementation within the first five years.

The $710 million investment is divided into two major areas to support economic growth and regional tourism.

The plan prioritises airport infrastructure upgrades, with $440 million allocated to the refurbishment and transformation of key airports including the expansion of Beira International Airport to improve connectivity and cargo flow, Maputo International Airport upgraded with a target to handle 2.8 million passengers yearly by 2050, up from 2.03 million passenger recorded across all routes in 2024, and the currently modernised Nacala International Airport that will be refurbished to utilize its northern location for expanded regional travel and freight.

A further $210 million has been earmarked for airspace management modernisation, including the installation of radar systems and the creation of a new National Air Navigation Agency.

The Master Plan outlines critical steps to protect the country’s aviation sector. State - owned carrier Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM) is also a focal point of the reform. The plan addresses its aging fleet and low competitiveness with the aim to establish it as a relevant carrier in the region.

In addition modrrnisation plans address serious vulnerabilities and a lack of continuous cyber risk monitoring at key operators and hubs.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/mozambique-unveils-us-710-million-civil-aviation-investment-plan-through-to-2045.html

India | Aggressively Transforming its Tourism Sector Through Sweeping Infrastructure Developments Nationwide

India’s government is aggressively transforming its tourism sector through sweeping infrastructure developments, connectivity upgrades, and destination - centric policies nationwide. By blending heritage with modern amenities, these strategic plans have boosted international arrivals and established a rapidly growing national economic impact.

The Government has driven a remarkable transformation of tourism infrastructure through its flagship program. Under the first phase of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme, an investment of more than  $600 million has been made.

The plan extends to 15 thematic circuits throughout the country to a sustainable, destination - centric approach. This scheme develops 76 specific destinations across 31states and union territories. The framework integrates technology, destination marketing, and local community skill development to provide a holistic visitor experience.

According to information from Asian News Service (IANS), a private Indian news agency based in New Delhi, 75 projects have already been physically completed, improving visitor facilities, connectivity and tourism facilitation infrastructure,

In addition the PRASHAD program, focused on spirituality and pilgrimage destinations enhances basic convenience, accessibility, and sanitation at iconic pilgrimage centres and has sactioned 54 projects worth more than $204 million, significantly improving comfort and safety in high - traffic spiritual sites such as Somnath, Srisailam, Govardhan and redeveloped Tripura Sundari Temple. 

In the last decade, more than 100 destinations have been modernised, and the development of 50 key destiantions is planned to continue improving the quality, services and tourism preparedness of the country.

Regarding national heritage, development upgrades are targeting 15 major archaeological sites alongside specialized eco - tourism offerings like “turtle trails” for wildlife viewing.

Major transportation networks are being heavily upgraded to support tourist influx. This includes the operationalization of over 517 new air routes and the expansion of the country’s aviation imprint.

Travel facilitation has been strengthened through the significant expansion of the e - Visa system, making India more accessible to visitors from a large number of countries.

In the hospitality sector the Indian government is heavily focusing on the service provider ecosystem, training over 4.5 lakh personnel through hospitality institutes to maintain high - quality global tourism standards.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that India will rise to fourth place globally in the next decade, cementing its growth as a global tourism powerhouse. 

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/planes-tur-sticos-gubernamentales-transforman-infraestructura-en-toda-india/

Russia | Established the Russian - Chinese Union of Artists, a New Binational Platform for Joint Creation and Exchange of Experiences

Russia in partnership with China has established the the Russian – Chinese Union of Artists, a new platform for joint creation and exchange of experiences, aimed at expanding the channels of academic exchange and training professionals in the field of art and science in both countries.

The new established union serves as a vital framework for advancing international art education, collaborative creativity, and academic research. The binational platform was created to actively foster cross - cultural communication by integrating artistic disciplines with technological innovation. 

The solemn ceremony dedicated to the creation of the “Russian - Chinese Union of Artists - joint Research Center for the Development of Education in the Field of Art and Science” was held at Harbin Normal University, in Harbin, the capital of Heilongjiang, China’s northernmost province, a key political, scientific, cultural and communication hub, with the participation of representatives of the Russian Academy of Arts.

A scientific seminar was held at the end of the ceremony. Russian experts shared accumulated experience in the integration of art and science, and proposed regular joint research, visits by teachers and students, as well as creative projects.

For their part, Chinese representatives presented the use of ice and snow in art, taking as an example the northeastern province of Heilongjiang and its largest city, Harbin. They highlighted the local climate that allows artists to create works linked to the development of ice and snow cultural tourism, combining engineering, artificial intelligence and architectural aesthetics.

The center is expected to act as a key link for the continuous expansion of academic exchanges, co - creation and training of specialists between Russia and China as reported by Dongbeiwang, also known as the Dongbeiwang Media Network, a regional media organization with its primary operational headquarters located in Shenyang.

By preserving and transmitting cultural traditions the center will contribute to training a new generation of artists and specialists in art and science, based on mutual learning.

Engaging in joint research and cooperative art - making and highlighting historical ties built upon a long history of cultural exchange, dating back to widespread Soviet art and exhibitions in China during the mid 20th century, the union builds upon bilateral agreements, such as the Sino - Russian Cultural Year, and expands on themes explored in the Royal College of Art research on value creation in the Russian and Chinese oil painting markets.

The Vice President of the Russian Academy of the Russian Academy of Arts and rector of the  V.I. Union of Moskow State Academic Institute of Art, Anatoly Lovanin said that the establishment of the Russian - Chinese Union of Artists and the research centre fully responds to the current trends of integration between art and science and he expressed his hope that joint efforts would raise the level of arts education and international creation.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/se-crea-la-uni-n-ruso-china-de-artistas-como-plataforma-de-creaci-n-conjunta-e-intercambio-de-experi/

The United Arab Emirates | Inaugurated its First National Passenger Rail Transport Network

The United Arab Emirates inaugurated its first national passenger rail transport network with the maiden voyage on a train from Etihad Rail, the country’s state - owned railway company.

The project will connect 900 kilometres of tracks and strengthen sustainability mobility with new routes between the country’s main cities, and the debut of this major operation was connecting Fujairah, the bustling capital of the Emirate of Fujairah, the seventh - largest city in UAE, located on the Gulf of Oman with Abu Dhabi, the vibrant capital of the country, sits off the mainland on an island in the Arabian Gulf. 

The inaugural route linked the two cities on a journey of approximately 250 kilometres, marking the beginning of a new stage for the national railway network, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The commissioning of the service represents a milestone in the development of the national transport infrastructure and  on the opening day, six services were scheduled and, according to Etihad Rail, more than 10.000 tickets had already been sold before the start of operations.

The trains offer air conditioning, Wi - Fi, charging sockets, footrest, storage space, and assigned seats and passengers can even order food during the journey.  In addition, they have a Premium Class, which offers great  comfort and additional services.

Currently, Etihad Rail’s fleet consists of 13 trains. Each train can carry around 400 passengers and reaches speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour.

The network will continue to expand from September, when the service will connect Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Subsequently, stations will be added in the Al Dhafra region in the western part of the United Arab Emirates before the end of 2026 and in Sharjah, a major port city and the third most populous centre in the UAE, part of the Dubai - Sharjah - Ajman metropolitan area in March 2027. 

Once the project is completed, the national railway network will reach an extension of 900 kilometres. The initiative is part of the UAE’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and promote a more sustainable transport system.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/emiratos-rabes-unidos-inaugura-su-primera-red-nacional-de-trenes-de-pasajeros/