The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) | To Develop a New Tree of Life Resort in Nashik, India

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), a hospitality firm part of Tata Group and based in Mumbai has signed an agreement to develop a new Tree of Life resort in Nashik, an ancient holy city within the state of Maharashtra in western India, situated on the banks of Godavari River, known for being one of the most relevant Hindu pilgrimages sites, as that of Kumbh Mela which is held every 12 years, and famous for its links to the “Ramayana” epic poem.

The hotel will open its doors in the area of Trimbakeshvar, a site  set against the backdrop of the Western Ghats, noted for its scenic trails, landscapes, and waterfalls, and famous for the Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, a destination for pilgrims and penance for centuries, drawing flowers looking for comfort and spiritual fulfilment. Here, pilgrims perform age - old rituals and make prayers to Lord Shiva to obtain blessings for themselves and their loved ones among the hallowed shrines and holy waters.

Nashik has become a relevant destination for travellers for travellers from Mumbai and Pune, offering a mix of adventure, nature, and spirituality.

The project is being developed in partnership with Onzal Farms LLP, a firm based in Nashik dedicated to development in the hospitality industry,  represented by Dr. Milind Pimprikar, Sr. Vijaya Shelke, Dr. Shubhangi Pimprikar, and Mrs. Shreeys Shelke (Patel).

The resort will feature 49 rooms on more than three acres, with amenities including an all - day dining restaurant and bar, a meeting room, a swimming pool, and a spa.

The property will join Tree of Life Resorts & Hotels, a collection of boutique properties in India, acquired by Ambuja Neotia Group and managed by IHCL, offering tranquil, experiential stays in serene, offbeat locations across India, focusing on authentic local experience, wellness, and nature escapes, with plans to expand significantly. They provide curated getaways from city life, featuring unique properties from villas to resorts in places like Gujarat, Rajassthan, and Uttarakhand among others.

With the signing, The Indian Hotel Company Limited will have four hotels in Nashik, including two under construction. No opening date for the resort was provided.

Links

https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/ihcl-announces-the-signing-of-a-tree-of-life-resort-in-nashik-maharashtra

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140067.html

Extended Stay America | Officially Opened a 104 - Room Property in Sterling, Colorado, U.S.

Extended Stay America, Inc., operator of apartment hotel chain in the United States and Canada, a group founded in 1995 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina has officially opened a 104 - room property in Sterling, the largest city in the Eastern region of Colorado, U.S., and the county seat of Logan County, set along the South Platte River at an elevation of 1.204 metres amid the waving prairie grasses of the high plains, a lively centre and a major shopping hub highlighted by big box retailers, as well as many local stores located primarily on Main Street.

Developed and owned by Colorado Hospitality Services, Inc., a Northglenn - based, privately held firm specializing in hotel management, development, and real estate investment, the opening of the Extended Stay America Select Suite, Sterling expands the presence of the company in the state of Colorado.

The property is located near Sterling City Hall,  Sterling Regional MedCenter, Northeastern Junior College, and employers such ad BNSF, Union Pacific, Unisco, Sterling Ethanol LLC, and Sterling Componenbt Systems.

 The two – story 104 - room establishment designed for long - term stays offers suites with full kitchens, including stovetops, microwaves, and full - size refrigerator, complimen tary Wi – Fi, 24/7 laundry service, an indoor swimming pool, and a recreation  room with pool tables, foosball, and other games for families and groups.

Launched in 2022 Extended Stay America Select Suites offering budget - conscious, long term accommodations, now operates in more than 200 locations, and the Sterling property is the latest addition to the brand’s portfolio.

Links

https://www.extendedstayamerica.com/hotels/CO/Sterling/sterling

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140033.html

Zanzibar, Tanzania | Signed a Public - Private Partnership with Infinity Developments for Heritage Restoration and Tourism Enhancement

The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has signed a US$12 million public - private partnership with Infinity Developments, a dynamic and visionary real estate group shaping exquisite living experiences across Dubai, UAE and Africa, to restore and modernise key heritage sites in the archipelago, aiming to strengthen cultural preservation, boost the islands’ global appeal and tourism enhancement. 

The programme spans locations within and beyond Stone Town, the historic heart of Zanzibar City on Unguja Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its winding alleys, Swahili - Arab architecture, and intricated carved wooden doors, serving as a bustling cultural hub, offering historical sites, and described as one of Zanzibar’s most significant heritage – focused partnerships in recent years. 

Works will target the Old Fort, the High Court Museum and historic bath complexes, such as Hammamni Persian Baths, Forodhani Hamam Baths, Kidichi Hamam Baths and Kizimbani Hamam Baths, delivering conservation, infrastructure upgrades, improved visitor facilities and cultural programming through Infinity Developments’ cultural programme. 

Key details of the deal: 

•    Focus Areas: Restoration includes structural conservation, improved visitor facilities, and cultural programming at sites like Hugh Court Museum and various Persian baths. 
•    Investment: The first phase is funded by Infinity Developments through their cultural program, aiming to blend conservation with economic growth. 
•    Objectives: The project supports President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s agenda of leveraging cultural heritage to drive economic development and enhance archipelago’s global appeal. 
•    Impact: The project is expected to create jobs, foster entrepreneurship, and preserve Zanzibar’s culture legacy. 

At the signing of the agreement, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Heritage, Aboud Suleiman Jumbe, said that the partnership marks a turning point and aligns with President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s agenda to place heritage at the core of long - term social and economic development.  

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/zanzibar-and-infinity-sign-usd-12m-heritage-restoration-deal-to-boost-tourism.html

Mahahual, Mexico | Installed Anti - Sargassum Barriers Off the Coast of its Port

The Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) reported that it installed more than two kilometres of anti - sargassum barriers off the coast of the port of Mahahual, a tranquil, rapidly developing fishing village on Mexico’s Costa Maya in the state of Quintana Roo, renowned for the nearby Banco Chinchorro reef, a premier destination for diving, snorkeling, and relaxing on beaches along the Caribbean Sea.  

This move is part of the federal strategy to contain the massive arrival of this seaweed and protect the beaches of southern Quintana Roo. According to naval authorities, the installation of these barriers is part of the permanent operation that is deployed every year during the season of greatest sargassum landfall in the Mexican Caribbean. 

In the specific case of Mahahual, more than two thousand linear metres of maritime containment has been installed, which has allowed the algae to be diverted and concentrated before it reaches the coastal strip. 

The agency stressed thart this action has been key to keeping the beaches of the port clean in one of the main tourist destinations in the municipality of Othón P. Blanco, whose economy depends largely on tourist activity and cruise ships.

Specialized  naval personnel have been in charge of the placement, supervision and maintenance of the barriers, as well as coordinating the collection work on the high seas by sargassum boats. Once the sargassum is concentrated, it is removed and transferred to authorized sites for final disposal. 

Tourism service providers in Mahahual recognized that the timely installation of the barriers has made a significant difference compared to previous years, when large amounts of sargassum arrived directly on the beach, affecting the image of the destination and generating economic losses for hotels, restaurants, and water activity operators. 

Key Details Regarding the Mahahual Installation: 

•    Active Deployment: The Navy has been deploying, new, specialized, and refurbished containment meshes to protect the beaches in Mahahual, which is consistently one of the most affected areas in the region. 
•    Strategy: The goal of these floating barriers is to prevent the seaweed from reaching the shore, allowing for easier collection at sea, which minimizes the damage to the beach ecosystem, and reduces the need for heavy manual labour on the sand. 
•    Context: These measures are part of the broader 2026 sargassum strategy, as experts have identified Mahahual, along with Tulum and Playa del Carmen, as high – risk zones for this season. 
•    Efforts: The initiative is complemented by the use of specialized vessels (sargaceros) and cleaning crews top manage the seaweed that passes through the barriers.

As reported by REPORTUR.mx, the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) recently warned about the 75% increase in sargassum just for the Easter season and the arrival of tourists for the World Cup in the summer. For the entity, the greatest concern lies in the Western Central Atlantic, where a colossal mass of 280.097 tons is estimated to move westwards.  

Link 
https://www.reportur.com/agencias/2026/02/23/qroo-anticipan-instalacion-de-barrera-antisargazo-en-mahahual/

Cap Cana, the Dominican Republic | Great Commitment to Sports Tourism Hosting More Than 20 Events This Year

Cap Cana, an exclusive, gated, 30.000 - acre resort and residential community located 20 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic, known for its high - end luxury, featuring the renowed Jack Nicklaus - designed Punta Espada Golf Club,  a protected marina, pristine Juanillo Beach, and the natural theme park Scape Park, with more than 20 sporting events scheduled for this year,  is increasingly betting on hosting sports activities with the aim of attracting more visitors and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Cap Cana has established itself as a premier Caribbean sport tourism hub, investing heavily in infrastructure, to host 20 annual events, including elite - level football, golf, tennis and water sports. Utilizing the “Cap Cana Sport City” platform, the destination combines high - level training facilities with luxury hospitality to drive international tourism, particularly in the preseason.

Among the most outstanding tournaments that take place in Cap Cana this year, are the fishing tournament, as well as the famous Ironman 70.3 triathlon competition, among other relevant sporting events.

However, the biggest focus since last year has been the assembly of the ATP Challenger 175, a tennis tournament which is the first instalment that was catalogued as successful.

The intention is that the ATP 175, one of the five worldwide, can be converted into an ATP 250 in the future, which would guarantee a greater presence of international players and several visitors.

Executive President of Cap Cana, Jorge Subero Medina said that around 18.000 spectators gathered last year at the tourist complex to witness the matches of the first instalment of the Dominican Republic Oen Copa Cap Cana, which generated a direct impact on the national economy of more than $2 million.

One of the main challenges that they have proposed in Cap Cana is to consolidate what has been achieved and to improve the experience of athletes and their companions.

According to the Punta Cana’s Executive President, the mission is to demonstrate that the initial success was not a coincidence and he pointed out that this purpose is not only for those who visit the facilities to enjoy tennis, but for all those who attend to other sports activities that are carried out, whether to practice golf,  fishing or other recreational and sports novelty.

The Executive President considered that there must be a national strategy that diversifies the tourist offer and strengthens the economy through sports stating that from the beginning of Cap Cana creation, the main concept of the destination was to look at sports and it achieved it.

Cap Cana’s Executive President explained that tourist who come to the country should be offered a different experience, which goes beyond the sun and beaches, which has awakened greater interest in sports tourism.

Link

https://www.arecoa.com/destinos/2026/02/19/gran-apuesta-de-cap-cana-por-el-turismo-deportivo-con-mas-de-20-eventos/

Berlin, Germany | ITB - World’s Leading Trade Fair for Tourism and the Hospitality Industry - From 03 to 05 March 2026

Berlin, Germany’s capital and largest city will host from 03 to 05 March 2026 the International Tourism Trade Fair (ITB), recognized as one of the world’s leading trade fairs for the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, celebrating this year its 60th anniversary, an event featuring over 10.000 exhibitors from 170+ countries.

Established in 1966 the fair showcases global destinations, specialized sectors like adventure/luxury tourism, a major AI - focused convention, and the ITB Talent Hub, highlighting sustainability, technology, and industry trends. 

The event will take place at the Messe Berlin GmbH exhibition grounds located at Messedamm 22, equipped with state - of - the - art infrastructure and technology, meet the diverse requirements of exhibitors and visitors. Its central location in Berlin makes the ITB Berlin easily accessible and provides an attractive setting for the global meeting of the travel and tourism industry. 

Organized by The Messe Berlin GmbH, ITB has established itself as an indispensable B2B platform that bring industry participants together for initiating business, networking, and discussing the latest trends and developments. 

The fair encompasses the entire spectrum of travel, from countries and destinations to tour operators, booking systems, transport services, hotels, and other service providers aiming to enhance their customers’ vacation experiences.

The ITB Berlin offers insights to the diverse facets of the global travel and tourism sector and provides unique opportunities to discover the latest products, services, and innovative concepts and trends. 

A highlight of the fair is a special focus on Business Travel sector, which along with Leisure Travel, represents an important and profitable segment. The globalization of the economy has increased the significance of the fair and the ITB Berlin serves as a strategic platform to explore new trends, concepts, and opportunities for cooperation in this sector. 

The fair is of great importance not only to trade visitors but also the general public, offering the opportunity to gain firsthand information about destinations and gather inspiration for future travels. 

Key features of ITB Berlin 2026 include: 

•    Diverse Segment Focus: Beyond regional destination halls, the show features specialized areas for Adventure & Responsible Tourism , Business Travel, LGTBQ+Tourism, Luxury Travel, and Medical Tourism.
•    ITB Berlin Convention: Known as the industry’s largest think tank, this features over 400 speakers, covering 17 themed tracks including AI, sustainability, and digital transformation.
•    ITB Travel Technology (eTravel): Covering five halls, this area focuses on AI. Travel apps, robotics, and payment solutions. 
•    Networking and Events: Key features include the ITB Speed Networking the Talent Hub for recruiting, and the ITB Diversity Gala. 
•    Global Representations: The 2026 edition highlights international diversity, with specialized representation from regions like the Caaribbean, Latin America, and new “ITB Global Stand”.
•    60th Anniversary Theme: “Discover the stories behind 60 years of legacy” will be a central theme for the 2026 event. 

In summary, the ITB Berlin is a key event for stakeholders in the global travel and tourism industry. It serves not only as a business platform but also as a forum for the exchange of ideas and innovations that shape the future of travel. 

Links 

https://www.itb.com/en

https://www.tradefairdates.com/ITB-M4471/Berlin.html

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation | Unveiled the Opening of a New 180 - Room MOD Collection by Sonesta Hotel in Countryside, Illinois, 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 unveiled the opening of a a new 180 - room  MOD Collection by Sonesta hotel in Countryside, a centre in Cook County, Illinois, U.S., known for its small - town charm and its close proximity to Chicago, offering a variety of restaurants, shops and other businesses, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. 

The William Tell, MOD Collection by Sonesta is located at 6201 Joliet Road, just off  historic Route 66 in the Greater Chicago area, near landmarks such as SeatGeek Stadium, the Brookfield Zoo, Burr Ridge and 14.4 km from Chicago Midway International Airport.

This 180 - room upscale, eclectic hotel offers amenities including a restaurant serving three meals a day, a fitness centre, an Olympic - sized swimming pool, and a children’s pool.

William Tell is the eight MOD Collection by Sonesta property in the United States and the ninth overall for the brand, which launched in 2023.

Designed to appeal to full - service hotel owners, MOD Collection by Sonesta is an upscale, soft - brand  focused on the modern, contemporary traveller, offering eclectic, design - forward spaces in urban and leisure destinations. These hotels emphasize flexibility, blending curated local food and beverage experiences, properties that feature unique, playful design, often incorporating local culture and art. 

Guests at the hotel can earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program during their stay.

Links

https://newsroom.sonesta.com/brands/mod/sonesta-opens-william-tell-mod-collection-by-sonesta-in-greater-chicago/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140043.html