Accor S.A.| Partnered with Shoreline Group to Establish Nigeria’s First National Hotel Platform

Accor S.A., French multinational hospitality company headquartered in Issy - les - Moulineaux has partnered with pan - African investor Shoreline Group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, backed by a $300 million investment. 

The initiative will introduce ten new hotels across eight Nigerian cities, delivering over 1.200 rooms by 2030 and the creation of a Hospitality Academy, signalling continued confidence in West Africa’s hospitality market.

Nigeria’s expanding business travel market and rising tourism ambitions continue to attract international hotel investment and the collaboration between Accor S.A, and Shoreline Group is also expected to support the development of new hotel properties aimed at meeting growing demand from both domestic and international travellers.

Core Features and Highlights of the Partnership: 

•    Property Portfolio: The Development spans various tiers, from midscale to luxury segments, to cater to both business travellers and tourists. 
•    Hospitality Training Academy: A core pillar of the agreement is the establishment of a dedicated Training Academy. This will help develop local talent, raise industry standards, and generate approximately 1.000 direct jobs. 
•    Timeline and Locations: The project will roll out 8 strategic Nigerian cities, targeting full completion by 2030 to serve the currently underserved high – quality room supply. 
•    Investment: Shoreline Group is funding the project with a $300 million investment, while Accor S.A. will provide operational expertise and leverage its extensive portfolio of international brands. 

The partnership also highlights the increasing role of strategic collaboration in accelerating hospitality growth across Africa. With international hotel brands looking to strengthen their footprint on the continent, development such as this are expected to contribute to job creation, tourism infrastructure expansion, and improved visitor experiences in key African destinations. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/accor-and-shoreline-partner-on-nigerian-hotel-expansion.html

Hilton | Signed Agreements to Launch the First 10 Spark by Hilton Hotels in India

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia, has signed agreements to launch the first 10 Spark by Hilton hotels in India, as part of a strategic plain of expansion across the Asian country aiming to open 150 franchised properties nationwide.

The operation is part of a strategic agreement with Olive Hospitality, an Embassy Group venture and India’s fastest growing, tech - enabled hospitality platform based in Bengaluru.

The signings marks a milestone in the brand’s expansion in the country, part of Hilton’s expansion in India’s midscale segment, linked to a strategic agreement signed in 2024.

The new hotels are planned for relevant locations including Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mathura, Nashik, Pune, and Rajkot, an expansion aims to increase Hilton’s presence in both metro and non – metro cities serving both business and leisure travellers.

Hilton’s existing pipeline and these agreements are excpected to position the company to exceed 400 trading hotels in India in the coming years.

The partnership with Olive Hospitality follows agreements with NILE Hospitality, a highly engaged, vertically integrated management company based in Udaipur , Rajasthan for 75 Hampton by Hilton hotels and 125 properties of the same brand with Royal Orchid Hotels, a hotel chain headquartered in Bengaluru operating hotels in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. 

Spark by Hilton brand targets value - conscious travellers with a focus on consistency and affordability, a premium economy brand offering reliable and comfortable stays with essential amenities and a friendly, approachable service, all at an accessible price.

Spark by Hilton hotels in India wil feature public spaces with multi - functional seating, such as communal tables and rocking chairs. Guests will receive complimentary breakfast with local items and have access to a 24 - hour retail market.

The hotels will participate in Hilton Honors, Hilton’s guest loyalty program. Members who book directly through Hilton channels will have access to benefits including flexible payment options, member discounts, complimentary standard Wi -Fi, and digital tools such as digital check - in, room selection, and digital Key through the Hilton Honors mobile app.

No opening dates for the 10 Spark by Hilton hotels have been specified.

Link

https://stories.hilton.com/apac/releases/hilton-and-olive-hospitality-sign-indias-first-10-spark-by-hilton-hotels

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141037.html

Hotel Mount Fuji, Yamakako Mura, Japan | To Join IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection After Renovation

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK  and FUJI KYUKO Co., a Japanese conglomerate headquartered in Yamanashi, renowned for integrating premier transport, leisure and hospitality services in the Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lake region,  known for operating the Fujikyuko Line and Fuji - Q Highland, have entered in partnership to convert Hotel Mount Fuji into a Vignette Collection property.

The Hotel Mount Fuji is located in the area of Yamanakako - mura a village in the Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan on Honshu Island just west of Tokyo in a landlocked, mountainous region renowned for the stunning presence of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes and the Japanese Alps.

The property originally opened in 1963, is situated at 1360 - 83 Yamanaka atop Mount Odeyama at an elevation of 1.100 metres overlooking Lake Yamanaka offering unique panoramic views of the iconic Mount Fuji , approximately a 20 - minute drive from the Fujikyuko Line’s Fujisan Station and about a 2 - hour drive from central Tokyo, making it an accessible retreat for those exploring the emblematic mountain and Five Lakes region which is accessible year - round.

Visitors can also reach the hotel by bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal in 2 hours and 20 minutes, with a hotel shuttle service available upon arrival.

The hotel features 150 rooms and will undergo extensive renovation before reopening as Hotel Mount Fuji, Vignette Collection becoming the third property in Japan to join the Vignette Collection, alongside RIGHA Royal Hotel Osaka, and The Windsor Hotel TOYA.

The property will offer dining options, on - site springs, a sauna, and a swimming pool. The hotel will provide access to activities such as golf, lake cruises and visits to local attractions, including Oshino Hakkai, a World Heritage site.

The hotel’s elevated location allows for stargazing and, during certain seasons, the observation of the “sea of clouds,” a natural phenomenon where fog creates the appearance that the hotel is floating above the ground.

The establishment joins the Vignette Collection brand that currently has a global portfolio of more than 79 open and pipeline hotels, an upscale family of hotels and resorts where guests can indulge a growing passion for stays that are authentic, experiential and special, proudly independent establishments which emboly comfort, excellence in service and luxur.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/third-iconic-hotel-joins-ihgs-vignette-collection-in-japan

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141252.html

Zimbabwe | Successfully Integrated 118MW of Net Metering Capacity into its National Electricity Grid

Zimbabwe has successfully integrated 118 megawatts (MW) of net metering capacity into its national electricity grid, a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy transition. 

The program managed by the Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), allows households and businesses with solar PV systems to feed surplus power back into the national grid. 

The initiative seeks to strengthren the stability of the electricity grid and support Zimbabwe’s transition to a more sustainable and green energy future.  

The net metering system allows consumers who generate renewable energy, primarily through solar panels, to return excess energy to the energy infrastructure. 

That surplus is recorded as credits which can be used, for example, at night or on cloudy days, thus reducing monthly electricity costs. 

This model accelerates the return of investment in renewable energy sources, reduces costs for homes and businesses, and increase the lifespan of battery systems by decreasing the need for large, expensive batteries. 

Participation in the program is open to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural consumers, with a maximum export capacity of 5 megawatts (MW). 

Key Features and Impact: 

•    Capacity Goal Achieved: The 118MW milestone surpasses earlier targets and marks a significant rise in user – driven solar adoption, primarily using rooftop solar systems. 
•    Policy Reforms: To boost adoption the Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) removed upfront connection fees, allowing them to be recovered through energy credits generated by the customer’s system. 
•    Virtual Battery System: The net metering program operates as a “virtual battery bank,” allowing solar users to feed excess power into the grid and earn credits to offset nighttime or low – sunlight usage. 
•    Grid Support: This distributed model helps reduce load – shedding pressures and enhances grid stability during the day. 
•    Application Process: Customers can apply for net metering via the Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) self – service portal, with approvals typically taking one week. 

The initiative aligns with the country’s goal of supporting national energy security while providing faster returns on investment for customers installing captive solar solutions.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/zimbabue-integra-118-megavatios-al-sistema-de-medici-n-neta-en-su-red-el-ctrica-nacional/

Laos | Strengthening Cultural and Tourism Cooperation with Vietnam

Laos is strengthening cultural and tourism cooperation with Vietnam, the two countries signed a new collaboration programme that will boost cultural exchanges, heritage preservation and joint educational projects.  

The two Southeast Asian countries agreed to expand their cooperation in culture and tourism following an official meeting held in the Laotian capital, Vientiane between Laos Minister of Culture and Tourism Suonsavan Vignaket and the Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). 

During the talks, both sides positively assessed the excellent results achieved between 2021 and 2025, highlighting the organization of cultural weeks, artistic activities and joint programs that have contributed to strengthening the special relationship between the two nations. 

The ministers agreed for a continuation of this cooperation for the period 2026 - 2030 that will be focused on intensifying cultural exchange, promoting shows and festivals that reflect the identity of each country and strengthening collaboration in heritage preservation, museums and libraries. 

The Ministers of Laos and Vietnam also agreed to promote training and cooperation between educational institutions of art and culture, with the aim of enhancing ties between the two peoples and expanding mutual knowledge.  

At the conclusion of the meeting Laos and Vietnam officially signed the Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Programme 2026 - 2030, a plan where the two nations boost cross - border travel, expanding direct flights, and hosting reciprocal cultural events to strengthen their strategic alliance and promote regional tourism.

In addition, the Vietnam Laos Cultural Week 2026 was inaugurated in Vientiane, which run until 16 May, an event that included artistic presentations and traditional shows, including the iconic Vietnamese water puppet theatre. 

Cultural Connections and Joint Activities between Laos and Vietnam include: 

•    Historical Solidarity: Ties between the two countries are grounded in exceptional political and social solidarity. 
•    Cultural Exchange Weeks: Regular events, such as the Vietnam Cultural Week in Laos, showcase traditional arts like water puppetry, traditional music and handicrafts, fostering mutual understanding. 
•    Education and Language: Many Lao students study in Vietnam, creating a strong people – to – people exchange that keeps the cultural bond vibrant.  
Tourism Links and Travel: 
•    Visitor Statistics: Vietnamese travellers make up one of the largest tourist demographics for Laos, frequently utilizing sea – to – mountain itineraries that span both countries. 
•    Joint Circuits: Laos is actively expanding joint tourism circuits with Vietnam, allowing travellers to experience the UNESCO Heritage Sites and bustling urban life of Vietnam alongside the tranquil temples and dramatic nature of Laos. 
•    Cross - Border Travel: Enhanced infrastructure, digital tourism promotion, and seamless for international visitors.

Laos and Vietnam share deep cultural ties forged by centuries of geographic proximity, ethnic overlaps, and intense 20 th - century geopolitical alliances. Their vibrant shared heritage blends Vietnam’s historically Confucian and Chinese -  influenced traditions with Laos’s Theravada Buddhist philosophy that together are undoubtedly unique elements to live unique, immersive experiences in Southeast Asia. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/vietnam-y-laos-fortalecen-su-cooperaci-n-cultural-y-tur-stica-para-el-per-odo-2026-2030/

Portugal | Launched a New Campaign Aimed at Promoting Domestic Tourism

Portugal through Turismo de Portugal, the national tourism authority responsible for the promotion, enhancement, and sustainability of the country’s tourism sector has launched a new campaign aimed at promoting domestic tourism and encouraging Portuguese residents to travel throughout the country year – round.

The campaign for the internal market was officially unveiled on May 19, 2026, at the Castelo de Porto de Mós led by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado and Turismo de Portugal President Carlos Abade, in the presence of the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida.

The initiative directly supports the local economies of regions impacted by severe winter storms while advancing a broader strategy for more sustainable, balanced tourism.

Turismo de Portugal explains that this new campaign aims at a more balanced and sustainable distribution of tourism flows across the different regions of the country and arises in a context in which several regions of Portugal face an increased need to boost the local economy, following the impact caused by the storms of the las internal one.

Given the structuring role of tourism in the economy of Portugal, this sector can should make an active contribution to the recovery and enhancements of the territories.

In this context Turismo de Portugal launched this campaign aimed at promoting tourism the national territory throughout the year encouraging travellers to discover the rich cultural and historical heritage of its inland regions. 

Aligned with the nation’s long - term sustainable goals, the campaign also focuses on spreading tourism geographically and tempotally to alleviate pressure on major coastal hotspots.

Domestic tourism has served as a powerful economic stabilizer for Portugal. Residents have accounted for nearly 13 million guests in recent years. By boosting internal travel, the tourism board continues to foster a highly resilient sector year - round.

Link

https://www.publituris.pt/2026/05/18/turismo-de-portugal-lanca-campanha-para-promover-turismo-interno

Tunisia | Strengthening its Leadership as a Premier Mediterranean Destination for Health, Wellness and Sustainable Coastal Tourism

Tunisia is strengthening its leadership as a premier Mediterranean destination for health and wellness, combining high - quality, cost - effective clinical care with world - class sustainable coastal tourism. By aggressively expanding its marine and therapeutic sectors, the North African country is drawing millions of medical and wellness tourists each year.

The country aims to harmonize tourism competitiveness with the preservation of coastal ecosystems, while strengthening its attractiveness as a leading destination in the Mediterranean and is currently the leading medical destination in Africa and a top choice for European and Sub - Saharian patients seeking high – end treatments.

Tunisia is globally recognized for cosmetic surgery, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and bariatric surgery, often offering savings of up to 70% compared to western Europe or the U.S.

The North African country is also the second – largest destination in the world for seawater - based spa and wellness tretaments, boasting over 60 dedicated thalassotherapy centres along its stunning 1.300 - kilometre Mediterranean coastline.

International tourists are supported by Tunisian Government that approved clinics and board - certified medical professionals who frequently dual - practice in both public and private systems. 

The Maghrebi Kingdom is strongly focusing on sustainable and blue coastal tourism. Recognizing the environmental pressures of its popularitiy, Tunisia is actively working integrating its coastal tourism with the Mediterranean 2030 sustainability agenda.

Tunisia’s Minister of Tourism, Sofiene Tekaya, said that the internationally recognized thalassotherapy centres in the country help consolidate its position as the world’s second destination in health tourism, according to information from Tunis Afrique Presse.

During his speech at a national forum on “Sustainable Coastal Tourism in the Mediterranean” the Minister highlighted that Tunisia also has six major marinas offering more than 2.930 berths, which is evidence of a solid maritime infrastructure.

The Minister also explained that Tunisia is promoting a new approach that turns each region into an integrated hub of tourism and development, taking advantage of the strategic value of extensive coastline and islands.

Among the island territories, the official mentioned Djerba, Kerkennah, Khniss and Zembra as key assets to develop eco - tourism, science and the blue economy. These initiatives seek to diversify the tourist offer beyond the traditional model of sun and beach.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/t-nez-refuerza-su-liderazgo-en-turismo-de-salud-y-costas-sostenibles-en-el-mediterr-neo/