Dusit International | Signed Agreements to Open Two New ASAI Hotels Properties in Hat Yai and Patong, Thailand

Dusit International, a leading multinational hospitality company founded in 1948 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, a group which manages and operates a large portfolio of hotels under different brands, well known to offer distinctive experiences, all united by excellence in service that is warm and attentive, has signed hotel management agreements for two new ASAI Hotels properties in Southern Thailand located in Hat Yai and Patong. 

ASAI Hat Yai scheduled to open in 2028 and ASAI Patong Phuket planned for 2029 are part of the broader strategy of Dusit International to enhance its presence in key destinations in Thailand, introducing two new units part of the ASAI Hotels performing brand.

ASAI Hat Yai – The hotel will open its doors in Hat Yai, the largest city in southern Thailand, located just 60 km from the Malaysian border. It is a bustling  commercial hub and transit renowned for its Thai - Chinese and Malay cultural blend, spectacular street food, lively markets and duty - free shopping.

Located on Samchai Road in the city centre of Hat Yai, the hotel will feature 116 rooms, including options for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups. Facilities at the hotel will include an all - day dining restaurant, café and bar, co - working spaces, meeting facilities, and a fitness centre.

ASAI Patong Phuket – The hotel will be located in Patong, approximately five minutes from Patong Beach, Pukhet’s prominent town on the Andaman Sea, famous for its 3 - kilometres crescent of golden sand and 24/7 energy. Located about 17 km from Phuket Internationl Airport, it’s the island’s Hub for water sports, mega - malls and raucous nightlife centred around Bangla Walking Street.

The property will feature approximately 85 rooms, a ground - floor café, social spaces, a rooftop swimming pool, and fitness facilities.

Both hotels will join the ASAI Hotels brand, created for curious travellers seeking authentic local connections, thoughtful design, and quality experiences of accessible rates. The brand combines compact intelligently designed rooms with vibrant communal spaces that encourage guests to eat, work, play, and connect.

ASAI Hotels is one of nine brands under Dusit Hotels and Resorts. As of the first quarter of 2026, the portfolio spans 19 countries with 50 hotels and approximately 237 villas under Elite Havens and more than 50 Dusit Hotels and Resorts properties are in the pipeline worldwide.

The ASAI Hotels brand debuted in Thailand with ASAI Bangkok Chinatown in 2020, followed by ASAI Bnngkok Sathom and ASAI Kyoto Shijo in Japan. The brand’s pipeline includes additional properties in Malaysia and the Philippines.

ASAI Gamuda Cove in Malaysia is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026 within the Gamuda Cove township near Kuala Lumpur while in the Philippines ASAI Oslob Cebu is planned for late 2027 and ASAI Camaya Coast in late 2028.

Links

https://www.dusit-international.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/720/dusit-international-expands-asai-hotels-pipeline-in-thailand-with-new-lifestyle-hotels-in-hat-yai-and-phuket

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142064.html

Marriott International | Officially Opened an 161 - Room Hotel Part of The Autograph Collection in Burlington, Vermont, U.S.

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Msryland, has officially opened a 161 - room hotel part of The Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection in Burlington, a city in northwestern Vermont, U.S., on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, south of the Canadian border.

Burlington is a vibrant eco - friendly city blrends small - town charm with big - city culture. Key highlights include stunning mountain and lake views, a thriving craft beer scene, and world - class outdoor recreation right in the heart of town, highlighted by the lively Church Street Marketplace features over 100 local shops, historic buildings, street performers, year round outdoor dining and Waterfront Park offering sweeping views of Lake Champlain and Adirondack Mountains.

The Harborvale, Autograph Collction developed by Westport Hospitality, LLC, a company manages hotels and restaurants in Burlington focusing on community integration, design snd farm - to - table dining, and the teafe am behind Hotel Vermont, is now welcoming guests.

The property, a 161 - room lakeside retreat is located at 25 Cherry Street, near the Burlington Greenway, steps from the downtown Church Street Marketplace., offering direct access to the Burlington waterfront district and opportunities for scenic walks or runs, as well as picnic baskets for waterfront outings.

Dining is led by Executive Chef Doug Paine, with an on - site restaurant offering cafes service, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and evening bar seven days a week. The menu follows a “timeless American” concept, rooted in classic technique and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

The Great Room, a central gathering space with a lake - facing bar, hosts afternoon tea, fireside storytelling pop - ups, acoustic sets by local musicians, and daily sunset toasts with weather - inspired cocktails.

Amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool, fitness centre, and regular community programming such as daily sunset toasts and learn – to – sail packages. The property is dog - friendly and provides both valet and on – site parking.

The property features more than 3.000 square feet of event space across three venues, with floor - to - ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace, accommodating celebrations, gatherings, and meetings of up to 125 guests.

The hotel collaborates with local institutions, including the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, the Community Sailing Centre, and the Lake Basin Program, to offer exclusive packages, programming, and installations.

The establishment joins The Autograph Collection, a selected family of distinctive, independent hotels with a focus on unique design reflecting the local culture and spirit, ranging from historic luxury to modern hotels and resorts. The collection emphasizes “exactly like nothing else” experiences, often incorporating art, local cuisine, and specific themes like rich history or beachside getaways.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/btvak-the-harborvale-autograph-collection/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142051.html

Hilton | Announced the Opening of an 85 - Room Resort & Spa in Chania, Crete, Greece

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia has announced the opening of an 85 - room resort & spa in Chania, a stunning city on the island of Crete in Greee.

Chania is a very attractive city features a historic 14th - century Venetian harbuor, a 16th - century lighthouse, characterized by a maze of cobblestone streets lined with colourful Venetian and Ottoman building, highlighted by pedestrian - only alleys filled with cozy cafes, fine restaurants, boutique shops and leather goods, .The region offers world - famous pink - sand beaches like Elafonissi and landmark attractions like the dramatic 17 km Samaria Gorge hike and Balos Lagoon. 

Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa is located at Akti Kanari, a five - minute walk from the entrance to Chania’s Old Town,  Nea Chora Beach is a quick 700 - metre walk, the Maritime Museum of Crete and the Old Venetian Port are within a 15 - minute walk  and the resort is 20 - minute drive from Chania International Airport.

The property features 85 rooms and suites, each with a private balcony and heated pool. Some rooms include in - room saunas and views of the Aegean Sea.

Dining options at the resort include Poème de la Canée, an all - day dining venue spanning two levels, and Céleste, a rooftop restaurant with a heated infinity pool and panoramic views.

Fanchan Café Patisserie, located in the hotel lobby, offers pastries, desserts, sandwiches, and tea service. The C’ Bar provides a selection of spirits and cigars in a lounge - setting overlooking the sea. Little Galaxy, an open - air rooftop botanical garden, accommodates up to 120 guests for events and receptions.

The year round urban resort offers amenities including a botanical garden with sunset views, a heated rooftop infinity pool, a spa and wellness centre and fitness facilities. The L’ Occitane en Provence Spa includes four treatment rooms, a hammam, saunas, stream baths, and relaxation areas. Additional wellness features include an indoor located pool and an outdoor heated pool with sea views.

The property offers conference infrastructure and flexible event spaces for celebrations, conferences, corporate meetings, retreats, and weddings.

Links

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/chqiahi-hilton-chania/?SEO_id=GMB-EMEA-HI-CHQIAHI

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142026.html

Rancabungur, Indonesia | Announced the Construction of a High - Level National Sports Centre for 21 Disciplines with an Investment of $277 Million

The Indonesian Government has announced the construction of a large, high - level  national sports centre for 21 discipline in Rancabungur, a town and an administrative district in the Bogor Regency in the province of West Java and part of Jakarta’s larger conurbation, a locality features a diverse landscape, ranging from lush natural surroundings and beautiful vacation rentals to massive upcoming national infrastructure projects.

The project is part of a long - term strategy aimed at training - high performances athletes and strengthening priority sports disciplines defined by President Prabowo Subianto as reported by Antara, a news agency that delivers real time information on various events from Indonesia and around the world.

The total investment in the project is estimated at a about 5 trillion Indonesian rupiah, about $277 million, and will be implemented in stages between 2027 and 2029 as planned by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The complex will be located in Rancangur and will have integrated infrastructure and international standards. The space will bring together facilities for various sports, including athletics, climbing, football, rowing, and swimming.

In addition to the training and competition area, the centre will also house educational and research infrastructure linked to sports.

The creation of a national sports academy, a training centre for national teams a school for primary and secondary level athletes is planned, with the aim of promoting the continuous development of young talents.

Athletes will be selected across the country based on their performance and potential in their respective disciplines. The objectives is to train athletes capable of competing at an international level through an integrated system that combines academic training , technical training and scientific support to sport.  

The centre will also have another 250 hectares enmarked for future expansions planned for other public institutions in the region - term strategy at training high - performances.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/indonesia-planea-crear-un-centro-deportivo-de-alto-nivel-para-21-disciplinas/

Valparaiso, Chile | The Authorities of the Port and the City Expect an Auspicious 2026 - 2027 Cruise Season

The authorities of the port and the Chilean city of Valparaiso expect an auspicious 2026 - 2027 cruise season, with a 25% increase in calls, as well as the receipt of large ships.

The Chilean city often serving as the port for Santiago is a major starting and stopping port for South American and Antarctic expeditions. Many ships sail from here down to the Chilean fjords or all the way to Antarctica.

Valparaiso is gearing up for a bustling cruise seasons, with dozens of scheduled dockings. This brings thousands of visitors to explore the city’s famous colourful hills and vibrant arts scene. A healthy season boosts the local economy, as passengers spend money on local food, tours, and crafts.

The cycle will open on October 5, 2026 with the arrival of Silver Wind in the Pacific Terminal, and will end on April 15 of 2027, when the Roald Amundsen will set sail.

Port Logistics Manager Juan Marcos Mancilla,said that the call planning meeting for the season was very important, as it had the participation of all the agents linked to this activity.

Public suthorities in charge of coordination with the different ships, terminal managers and those responsible for the route of passengers in the city were there.

Among the main novelties in the debut in Chilean waters of four ships of recognized prestige, the Carnival Firenze, Discoverer, the Queen Anne, and Scenic Eclipse II.

Another important fact is the size of the ships that will dock in Valparaiso, such as the Majestic Princess, with a weight of close 132.000 tons and 330 metres long, which is equivalent to about three football fields.

In addition, of the 30 scheduled arrivals, nine will be in the city for at least one night, which breaks the tradition of the passing visitor.

The substitute Mayor of Valparaiso, Javiera Garcia, said that this port is consolidated as the main gateway for maritime tourism in Chile and an increasingly attractive destination at the international level, adding that more visitors mean greater movement for commerce, gastronomy and local services.

The Executive Secretary of the Corporación Puertos del Sur, Eric Petri, recognized the management of the agents to attract large ships, which will allow a greater number of people to show the charms of Valparaiso, recognized as a Wolrd Heritage city.

The executive pointed out that, according to statistics 46% of visitors when they get off the ship take a tour visiting the city and its hills, which refutes the version according to which the vast majority move to the vineyards.

Link

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2026/07/09/esperan-buena-temporada-de-cruceros-en-puerto-chileno-de-valparaiso/

Freetown, Sierra Leone | To Host the Third UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum from 2. to 4. December 2026

Sierra Leone, an African country known for its diverse cultures, pristine beaches, biodiversity and vibrant culinary scene, will host the Africa Gastronomy Tourism Forum in December 2026 in its capital Freetown, a major port on the Atlantic Ocean located in the Western part of the country. Founded in 1787 for freed enslaved people, the coastal city is famous for its massive natural harbour,  lush mountain backdrop, and beautiful white sand beaches, blending rich history, vibrant markets and tropical nature.

The African country has confirmed its readiness to host the edition of the UN Tourism Gastronomy Forum, scheduled for 2 to 4 December 2026, using the 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Seychelles as a platform to consolidate partnerships and demonstrate preparedness.

Led by Minister of Tourism and Culture Affairs Nabeela Farida Tunis, the Sierra Leone delegation joined counterparts from across the continent to advance preparations for the event which follows inaugural editions hosted in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe in 2024 and Arusha , Tanzania in 2025.

The UN Toursm Africa Gastronomy Forum highlights indigenous food cultures, culinary erntreprenueuship and sustainable farming. Key features of the event include farm - to - table roundtables, live cooking demonstrations, entrepreneurship workshops, and the Regional Gastronomy Pitch Challenge, which awards innovative solutions in the food - tourism sector.

The forum brings together ministers, international experts, and chefs to integrate local agriculture into national tourism strategies.

The event also focuses heavily on skills development, such as establishing culinary academies and providing online scholarships to nurture local talents as well as it is an outstanding platform to explore the transformative power of gastronomy tourism.

The upcoming forum will also be the first held under the leadership of newly appointed UN Tourism Secretary – General Shaikha Al Nuwais, adding further institutional significance to the occasion.

Minister Tunis outlined Sierra Leone’s vision for the forum as one that moves beyond culinary celebration to focus on the people at the heart of Africa’s tourism economy, including chefs. farmers, youth entrepreneurs and local communities.

The official said that gastronomy sits at the intersection of culture, tourism, agriculture and the creative economy, noting that the forum will emphasize culinary education, women and youth participation, local value chain development and food culture as a destination branding tool.

Broader UN Tourism Commission for Africa discussions in Seychelles, which examined tourism resilience, climate change and evolving traveller preferences that are also themes expected to establish the final programme and partnerships.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/sierra-leone-to-host-third-un-tourism-africa-gastronomy-forum-in-december-2026.html

Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic | Inaugurated the Restored Alcázar de Cólon Museum

Tourism Minister David Collado inaugurated the restored Alcázar de Cólon Museum in Santo Domingo, the capital and largest city of the Dominican Republic, and officially launched a new public lighting project in the Colonial city.

The Alcázar de Cólon Museum in Santo Domingo is hosted in the former 16th - century palace of Diego Columbus, Christopher Columbus son, the first fortified palace built in the Americas. Located in the colonial area of Santo Domingo it forms part of the “Ciudad Colonial” , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The building features a grand coralline - stone façade, Gothic - Mudéjar architecture, and houses the Caribbean largest collection of 15th - 16th - ce3ntury European medieval and Renaissance art. Visitors can tour various rooms and view period artefacts, antique tapestries and religious paintings.

Twenty - two restored rooms show what colonial life was like, you will see antique furnitures, historic weapons, and even an old chamber pot. Step onto the covered balcony to catch a cool breeze. This spot gives visitors scenic views of the Ozama River  amd the historic Plaxa de España square.

The museum restoration, carried out with an investment of more RD$100 million, included structural conservation, interior and exterior renovations, accessibility improvements, upgraded electrical and climate - control systems, fire protection, security cameras, landscaping, and preparations for a new interactive museum exhibition.

The Minister of Tourism said that the restoration forms part of a broader initiative led by the Ministry of Tourism and the Inter - American Development Bank (IDB) to preserve the symbols of the Colonial City, noting that about 10% of international visitors to the Dominican Republic tour the historic district, generating significant economic benefits.

The Minister also launched a RD$86 million public lighting project that will modernize and expand lighting across parks, streets, and public spaces throughout the Colonial City , a World Heritage Site, the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas, known for its well - preserved architecture, historical sites, highlighted by a stunning grid - like of cobblestone streets and picturesque alleys,  an urban area surrounded by a magic aura in the Dominican capital, as part of the government’s ongoing revitalisation program for the historic district.

The project includes the installation and refurbishment of more than 2.000 colonial - style LED light fixtures, aimed at improving public safety, energy efficiency, and the visitor experience while protecting the area’s historic character.

Link

https://dominicantoday.com/david-collado-inaugurates-restored-alcazar-de-colon-museum-in-santo-domingo/