Hilton | Unveiled the Opening of a 221 - Key Curio Collection Hotel in Bengaluru, India

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia, has unveiled the opening of a 221 - key Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Bengaluru, the capital and largest city of the southern Karnataka Indian state, located near the centre of the Deccan Plateau.

Bengaluru is known as the “Garden City” due to its parks and greenery and also for its rich cultural and historical heritage visible in sites like Bangalore Palace, modelled after England’s Windsor Castle, Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace, an 18th - century teak structure, and Old Dungeon Fort & Gates.

The opening of Slohh by Roach Bengaluru, Curio Collection by Hilton marks the debut of the brand in India and South Asia and represents Hilton’s entry into the lifestyle segment in the country.

Developed in partnership with Roach Lifescapes, a Bengaluru – based real estate company, the hotel is located at Varthur Main Road Siddapura in Whitefield, Bengaluru’s premier tech and lifestyle hub, located in the eastern  part of the city. It features mega tech parks like IntBanaernational Tech Park BangInternational Tech alore (ITPB), luxury malls like Phoenix Markecity, and premium residential areas. It seamlessly blends modern corporate life with historical charm.

The property’s design draws inspiration from the Malnad region in Karnataka state, featuring natural materials, pitched roofs, and carved detailing.

The hotel features 221 comfortable guestrooms subdivided in seven categories of rooms and suites, many with balconies overlooking Varthur Lake and the city skyline. Suites including the Malnad Presidential Suite, provide separate living and dining spaces.

Dining options at the hotel include Nana’s, an all - day restaurant serving regional and seasonal cuisine inspired by Karnataka and Malnad traditions, as well as dishes from across India and international selections.

Amenities at the property include a temperature - controlled outdoor pool, a 24 - hour fitness centre, a hammam, a full - service spa, wellness and social spaces, an Executive Club Lounge for both residential and non - residential guests and curated cultural experiences.

Event facilities include The Banyan, a pillarless ballroom spanning 5.000 square feet with a capacity of up to 600 guests, a 3.000 - square - foot pre - function area, multiple meeting rooms, a boardroom, a beauty salon, and a dedicated bridal suite.

The hotel incorporates music into the guest experience with a curated soundtrack of jazz, rhythm and blues, and classic music in social spaces. Additional offerings include a Potter - in - Residence studio and initiatives such as Grandma’s Recipe, which brings personal stories into the culinary program.

The hotel joins the Curio Collection by Hilton brand characterized by individually remarkable hotels and resorts picked for the their unique character, design, and story.

Each location of the brand offers distinctive architecture,locally inspired design, world - class food and beverage options, and curated local experiences, a soft brand that allows hotels to retain their unique identities within Hilton’s portfolio.while still providing the benefits of Hilton Honors program.

Links

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/blrvmqq-slohh-by-roach-bengaluru/?SEO_id=GMB-APAC-QQ-BLRVMQQ

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142083.html

W Hotels | Announced the Opening of its First Property in Saudi Arabia, Located in Riyadh

W Hotels, a luxury lifestyle hospitality group famous for its bold, modern design and energetic party scenes, a brand features a signature “Whatever/Whenever” concierge service, on - site DJ performances, and unique room names, with hotels that are fully integrated with Marriott International, has announced the opening of its first property in Saudi Arabia, located in Riyadh,  the capital and main financial hub of the country, situated in a desert plateau in the centre of the country, known as the cultural capital of the Saudi Kingdom due to its numerous cultural centres, among them the King ‘ Abd ‘ Aziz Historical Centre,  the National Museum and the National Library.

W Riyadh - KAFD is located in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), a 1.6 - square - kilometre smart city and major financial hub within  the Al - Aqeeq neighbourhood oF Riyadh includes 95 ultra - modern towers designed by world - renowned architects, the world; s largest continuous pedestrian skyway network, and the district - wide LEED Platinum sustainability certificate.

The property features 210 guestrooms, including 17 suites, two penthouse suites, and the W Penthouse. The penthouse suites have expanded layouts with floor - to - ceiling windows overlooking downtown Riyadh. The 390 - square - metre W Penthouse includes two bedrooms, separate living and dining areas, a kitchenette, an office, and a gym area with steam sauna facilities.

The interiors, designed by LW Design, reference Saudi culture through interpretations of Najdi textiles and art. Stone and veined marble are used throughout, reflecting the country’s desert and mountain landscapes. Geometric textures and textiles inspired by Al Sadu, a traditional weawing pattern, are also present.

The hotel’s lobby features a six - metre tapestry by Saudi artist Abdulnasser Gharem, sculptural elements, and floor - to- ceiling curtains. The W Lounge includes circular banquettes and sunken tables informed by Bedouin firepit arrangements.

Dining venues at the hotel include Sira, which offers a Latin American - inspired menu prepared in an open kitchen with dishes cooked over an open fire, and a central bar serving crafted cocktails.

WET Deck is the hotel’s outdoor setting, serving Mediterranean - inspired food with private cabanas and poolside setting.

Beni is a coffee house offering specialty coffee and artisanal ice cream, operating throughout the day for informal meetings and breaks.

Sahari, an outdoor lounge named after the Arabic word for staying up late, is scheduled to open later this year and will be designed for scheduled performances and social events.

The hotel also offers wellbeing facilities, including the AWAY Spa with a selection of treatments and FIT, a fitness studio equipped with training technology.

Event space at the property includes 15 flexible meeting rooms and a ballroom for business and social functions.

Lnks

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ruhwh-w-riyadh-kafd/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142153.html

Zanzibar, Tanzania | UNDP’s AI Platform to Boost Tourism Decision - Making in the Archipelago Developed

The UN Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations’s lead agency for international development operates in about 170 countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inwqualities, and build resilience against crises has developed and launched an AI - powered, named Jozani AI  to boost tourism decision - making in Zanzibar, a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa, located in the Indian Ocean, consisting of many small islands and two large ones, known for its rich, vibrant culture, tropical climate, picturesque white - sand beaches turquoise waters, and stunning coral reefs, making it a popular destination for water sports like diving and snorkelling.

Jozani AI aims to help the Tanzanian government and local businesses in Zanzibar to respond more effectively to tourism trends. This smart tourism tool created for the African archipelago tracks live traveller reviews to help local government leaders and Zanzibar’s businesses make fast, data - driven decisions. 

The platform eliminates the gap caused by slow, yearly paper surveys. Named after a national forest on the island Jozani AI aggregate online reviews and complaints, converting them into heat maps and real time trend data, replacing a reliance on annual surveys that left little room for timely intervention. The tool has now been operational for over a year.  

Jozani AI Core Features: 

•    Real - Time Tourism Insights: Jozani AI monitors over 100.000 online traveller reviews. It tracks visitor feelings, popular destinations, and favourite activities in almost real time. 
•    AI - Powered Predictions: It uses Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing (a tool that helps computers understand human text) to forecast travel trends and visitor preferences. 
•    Advanced Data Analysis: The platform turns raw online feedback into clean charts. This helps businesses and policymakers quickly fix complaints and improve services. 
•    Geospatial Understanding: It uses mapping tools to create heat maps. This shows exact locations where tourists face issues or where visitor interest is growing across the archipelago, 

Jozani AI gives government offucials visibility into emerging issues such as health, security, and service quality as they arise, while also benchmarking areas and operators against one another to guide resource allocation. 

 Hotels, transport operators, and restaurants have access to the data, enabling businesses to identify service gaps based on direct tourist feedback. 

The initiative forms part of a broader UNDP effort to apply artificial intelliugence to real world - development challenges, even as the United Nations continues work on establishing a global governance framework for the technology. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/undp-s-ai-platform-to-boost-tourism-decision-making-in-zanzibar.html

Fenyang, China | Identified a 1,400 Year - Old Buddha’s Head Sculpture that Fits a Previously Discovered Statue

The Fenyang City Museum located in Fenyang, a county - level city in Shanxi Province situated in the wide valley of the Fen River, a bustling industrial and agricultural centre rich in coal and minerals, boasting historic sites like the Wenfeng Pagoda and the ancient Xinghua Village define its cultural heritage, completed on 11 July, 2026 the identification of a Buddha head sculpture in stone,  approximately 1,400 years old that fits a previously discovered statue.

Donated by a local villager after discovering it near a farm, according to the experts the piece corresponds to the Northern Qi period, linked to the Northern Qi Dynasty ruled northeastern China from 550 to 577 CE with Gao Yang recognised as its founder, and could be the missing part of a headless statue that was already on display in the museum.

The formal donation ceremony is scheduled for July 18, when the find will be publicly acknowledged, according to the daily newspaper Global Times. 

After comparing the material, erosion patterns and fracture surfaces, the experts concluded that the head matches the headless statue that the museum already had in its collection, which was unearthed in the same village of Dongzhao and is currently on display in a special exhibition.

A local official said that torso on display at the museum also came from the village, which once housed seven or sight temples, and many of the Buddhist sculptures unearthed would have come from those sites.

The Buddga’s head has already been incorporated into the museum’s collection and is undergoing scanning, registration and documentation processes.

Shanxi province, the heart of the Northern Qi kingdom during the period of the Southern and Northern  Dynasties (420 – 589) was a relevant centre of Buddhist stone carving, with various pieces hosted in  the Fenyang Museum, established in 1984 and free to enter houses more than 9.000 cultural relics, including 416 pieces considered national treasures.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/hallan-en-china-una-cabeza-de-buda-de-1-400-a-os-que-encaja-con-una-estatua-previamente-descubierta/

Lisbon, Portugal | The City’s Port Reaches Record Highs in Passenger Numbers

The Port of Lisbon, Portugal’s capital and largest city recorded new record highs in the number of passengers and port calls registering the best June ever for cruise activity.The Cruise Terminal, with over 81.735 passengers and 37 cruise calls, confirm the port’s growing role as one of Europe’s leading cruise destinations. 

A statetement said that these numbers reflect a 53% more than in June 2025 and far exceeding the previous record of June 2024, which was 60.922 passengers.

The total number of port calls increased to 37, the  highest this month, and 32% higher than the same period of the previous year, while transit port calls also set a record of 21, exceeding the 19 achieved in 2023.

This more than relevant performance was driven by the “turnaround”, embarkation of passengers who begin or end their cruise in the Portguese capital, which is the segment that generates the greatest economic impact for Lisbon and the region.

In the first half of 2026, the Port of Lisbon recorded 302.496 passengers and 165 port calls, representing a 5% year - on - year increase in both indicators. Turnaround passengers grew by 7%, while transit passengers increased by 4%.

For the Port of Lisbon authorities these indicators demonstrate that the city continues to strengthen its role as a port of origin and destination for cruise travel, a type of operation particularly valued by shipping companies and the local economy.

The Port of Lisbon is a major European maritime hub located on the Tagus River. It handles over 19 million passengers annually. It features four main cruise docks to accommodate everything from small luxury ships to mega - lines, and a strategic location near the city centre, and spectacular river - approach sightseeing.

Lisbon Cruise Terminal, Jardim do Tabaco & Santa Apolónia is situated right next the historic Santa Apolónia train and metro station. It is just a short walk to the ancient Alfama district and the grand riverfront plaza, Praça do Comércio.

Opened in 2017, the terminal is the main, state - of - the art facility serving about 70% of all cruise traffic. It features a panoramic rooftop terrace, free Wi -Fi, cafes, and duty – free shopping.

The docks feature staffed tourist desks, luggage storage, and way access to hop - on - hop - off buses, and the iconic tram 15E.

Link

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2026-07-14/port-of-lisbon-reaches-record-high-in-passenger-numbers/1054932

Accra, Ghana | Upgraded Airport Security with Passenger - Friendly Scanning Technology

Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has inspected newly installed security screening equipment at Accra’s International Airport (Terminals 2 and 3) the air hub of the Ghanaian capital, located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Guinea, a vibrant coastal metropolis blending modern skyscrapers with Colonial, Dutch, and British history, highlighted by bustling markets,   popular beaches like Labadi and Bojo, rich culture  such as the National Museum, and a lively nightlife.

The inspection conducted on 14 July, 2026 alongside Ghana Airports Company Limited Managing Director Mrs Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, follows the installations of advanced scanning machines designed to improve both security and the passenger experience.

The new technology eliminates the need for travellers to remove laptops and other large electronics from bags, passengers can also keep their shoes and belts on during screening, and permits liquids of up to 100ml, aerosols and gels (LAGs) to remain in hand - luggage, reducing delays and streamlining the security process.

The new advanced scanners replace older X - ray machines to provide 3D, high resolution views of luggage, faster lines reducing hassle and speeds up the screening checkpoint process and electronic borders featuring e - gates at the airport for swift arrival processing complement existing systems, including Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record platforms that support passenger profiling and national security.

The Minister of Transport said that the upgrades form part of the government broader commitment to modernising aviation infrastructure and positioning Ghana as the preferred regional gateway within the ECOWAS sub - region.

Ghana’s strategic location at the centre of West Africa makes continuous investment in airport infrastructure a priority, with the Minister urging airport authorities and security personnel to ensure the effective use and maintenance of the equipment to deliver world - class services to travellers.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/ghana-upgrades-accra-airport-security-with-passenger-friendly-scanning-technology.html

Hilton | To Launch a 429 - Room Only All - Inclusive Curio by Hilton Resort in Cancún, Mexico

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc, American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia in partnership with Fuerte Group Hotels, the hotel division of Fuerte Group, an Andalusian business group founded in 1957 and headquartered in Marbella, Spain, has announced the launch a 429 - room Only - All Inclusive Curio by Hilton resort in Cancún, a premier Caribbean resort city located on the northeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula,  renowned for its 22 kilometres of white - sand beaches and vibrant nightlife.

Hilton and Fuerte Group Hotels will convert the Amàre Cancun Adults Only All - Inclusive into a Resort Curio by Hilton resort with an opening date set for October 31, 2026.

The resort, owned and managed by Fuerte Group Hotels is located at Boulevard Kukulcan km 4.5, Htoel Zone within a protected bay, approximately 24 kilometres from Cancún International Airport.

Amàre Cancun Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort, Curio by Hilton  will feature 429 rooms and suites across two adjacent towers, a 20 - story main tower and a six - story secondary tower, each with its own rooftop pool. All guest rooms will offer ocean views.

Dining and beverage options will include nine restaurants, nine bars, and a coffee shop. The culinary program will feature concepts developed with Michelin - starred chefs, blending Mediterranean techniques with Mexican ingredients and Latin American flavours.

Amenities at the resort will include three outdoor pools, a spa with nine treatment rooms, a hair and nail salon with a bridal suite, and a fitness centre.

The resort will also offer nearly 926 square metres of meeting space, including a 7.600 - square - foot ballroom to host social gatherings, events and celebrations.

Guest experiences will include Mediterranean - inspired wellness programming, sunrise and golden - hour rituals, entertainment with resident DJs and live performers, as well as immersive art programming with rotating exhibitions by contemporary Mexican and Latin American artists.

The resort will join the Curio Collection by Hilton brand characterized by individually remarkable hotels and resorts picked for the their unique character, design, and story.

Each location of the brand offers distinctive architecture,locally inspired design, world - class food and beverage options, and curated local experiences, a soft brand that allows hotels to retain their unique identities within Hilton’s portfolio.while still providing the benefits of Hilton Honors program.

The property will complete brand integration initiatives prior to joining Curio Collection by Hilton, including enhancements to select public areas and food and beverage offerings.

Reservations through Hilton channels are expected to open this summer, with further details to be announced closer to launch and the resort will participate in Hilton Honors.

Links

https://stories.hilton.com/releases/hilton-and-fuerte-group-hotels-to-debut-amare-cancun-adults-only-all-inclusive-resort

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142063.html