Sonesta International Hotels Corporation | Signed an Agreement to Develop a New Hotel in Giza, Egypt

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 signed an agreement to develop a new hotel under the Royal Sonesta brand in Giza, a city in Egypt located on the west bank of the Nile River near Cairo.

Giza is most famous as the location of the emblematic Giza Plateau, the site of some of the most impressive Egyptian royal mortuary and sacred structures, among which are the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, a number of other large pyramids and temples and home of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

The agreement for the hotel development involves Al Farida Investments CO LLC, a major investment firm based in Abu Dhabi (UAE)  focused in real estate and hospitality , as the franchise owner.

The Royal Sonesta Pyramids - Egypt planned to open in 2028 will be located near the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), offering an easy access to the major attractions of Giza and downtown Cairo.

The property will feature 208 rooms and suites will overlook the iconic Giza’s pyramids, multiple dining outlets, a gym, a spa, as well as meeting and conference rooms for business travellers.

The hotel will join the Royal Sonesta brand features an upscale, sophisticated experience combining refined design, characterized by deep burgundy, gold, and charcoal gray tones, with a strong sense of local place.

These properties offer a “curated elevated” stay across diverse urban and resort locations, blending consistent, high - end service with unique, authentic local character.

The hotel will increase Sonesta International Corporation’s portfolio in Egypt, which includes properties in Aswan,  Cairo, Giza, and Luxor. 

Links

https://newsroom.sonesta.com/brands/royal-sonesta/sonestas-international-growth-continues-with-new-property-in-egypt/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141080.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | To Open a 350 - Room Kimpton Hotel in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windor, Berkshire, England, UK has signed an agreement to open a 350 - room Kimpton hotel in Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant coastal capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state in the northern part of the island of Borneo.

Kota Kinabalu, partly ssurrounded by rainforest is famous as a gateway for adventurers to Mount Kinabalu, for its stunning tropical islands, a unique biodiversity, highlighted by bustling night markets, a modern boardwalk, waterfront Kota Kimbalu City Mosque, and restaurants serving fresh seafood, blending urban amenities with close proximity to dense rainforests and pristine beaches.

The agreement for Kimpton Kota Kinabalu, the second Kimpton hotel in Malysia, is the establishment of a partnership with Pekah Beach Resorts Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian hospitality company based in Sabah, specialized in owning and operating hotels, resorts, and tourism - related businesses.

Scheduled to open in 2031, the property will be located on the Tajung Aru shoreline, in Tanjung Aru, a sub - district of Kota Kinabalu , famous for its beach stretches 2 kilometres long flanked by Casuarina equisetifolia trees, highlighted by new skyscrapers and also home to Shangri - la’s Tanjung Aru Resprt & Spa, the Kinabalu Golf Club and the Kinabalu Yacht Club.

Kimpton Kota Kinabalu, the second Kimpton hotel in Malaysia and will feature 350 comfortable rooms, an all day - dining restaurant, Beach Club, dining venues, a pool bar, swimming pools, fitness and wellness facilities, flexible function rooms, a lounge for private and social events, direct beach access and views of the South China Sea and Mount Kinabalu.

The establishment will join the Kimpton by Hilton brand characterized by hotels known for their boutique style, focusing on unique design, often incorporating local art and culture to create a distinctive environment, and highlighted by personalized service, as well as an immersive atmosphere.

Kimpton Kota Kinabalu will join Kimpton Naluria Lumpur, which opened at Tun Razak Exchange. The Kimpton brand currently has more than 80 hotels open worldwide and over 60 in the pipeline.

In Southeast Asia, three Kimpton properties are open, with six more planned, including Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud in Indonesia, scheduled to open this year.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury & lifestyle portfolio in Malaysia includes InterContinental.,Kimpton, and Hotel Indigo brands, with forthcoming debuts of Regent and Vignette Collection.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-brings-beachfront-bliss-to-malaysia-with-the-signing-of-kimpton-kota-kinabalu

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140931.html

Hilton | Announced the Opening of a 203 - Room Curio Collection by Hilton Resort in Napa, California, U.S.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia has announced the opening of a 203 - room Curio Collection by Hilton resort in Napa, the largest city in and county seat of Napa County in the heart of the Napa Valley wine region in Northern California, an hour north of San Francisco and Oakland, and an hour west of Sacramento.

Crossed by the Napa River that traverses the city on its journey to the San Pablo Bay, Napa is a major tourist destination in California, known for its prestigious wineries, and arts culture. Its downtown is known for late - 1800s and early - 1900s architecture, a very attractive riverfront promenade with fine restaurants and shops, and an arts scene anchored by the Napa Valley Opera House. Other highlights include the Oxbow Public Market houses a farmer’s market and cheese shop, and the Napa Valley Wine Train visits area via vintage Pullman cars.

Casa Mani Resort Napa Valley, Curio Collection by Hilton has opened in doors following a complete redevelopment and rebranding, enhancing its design and architecture with operations  led by DyeLot Interiors, a design studio based in Long Beach, California, a firm  specializing in creating unique, hospitality - driven spaces that prioritize sustainability, well - being and local culture.

The redevelopment included all areas of the property: guest rooms, suites, public spaces, dining venues, wellness facilities, and outdoor areas.

The property is located at 1075 California Boulevard within a 5 - minute drive of Culinary Institute of America and Charles Krug Winery, 1.6 kilometres from historic downtown Napa and offers direct access to  First Street, close tasting rooms, galleries and restaurants in the city.

The 203 - room resort, including 188 renovated guest rooms and 15 suites, three of which are Presidential Suites, debuts as Napa’s first downtown urban resort.

Guest rooms and suites feature spa - style bathrooms with soaking tubs and rain showers, Nespresso machines, SMEG kettles, Dyson hair dryers, robes, slippers, wine decanters, and refrigerators. Some accommodations offer private patios with firepits.

Dining options include BOA Steakhouse, scheduled to open next month in partnership with Innovative Dining Group (IDG), an award - winning company based in West Hollywood,California operates some of the most successful and legendary restaurnats throughout Southern California, Palo Alto, Las Vegas, Nevada and Austin, Texas, marking the brand’s first Napa Valley location and sixth overall.

Additional venues include Creekside Terrace for breakfast, lunch, and brunch and daily poolside dining: the Lobby Lounge serving cocktails and amall plates; and the Markeplace, which offers locally sourced products.

The resort offers a variety of amenities including downtown Napa’s lsrgest pool deck, hot tub, a fitness centre equipped with Peloton cardio equipment, communal fire pits, a spa with five treatment rooms, including a deluxe couple’s suite, a menu of massages, facials, seasonal bosy rituals and a Hydrothermal Circuit with steam, sauna, and a sensory experience shower and Welness Suites,  all located within a dedicated wellness wing.

In addition the property provides over 15.000 square feet of meeting and event space, comprising seven meeting rooms, two boardrooms, and the Redwood Lawn, which can host receptions for up to 200 people.

The establishment will join the Curio Collection by Hilton brand that features 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 resort is offering a limited – time opening promotion for direct bookings, including 15% off room rates, complimentary parking, and a bottle of local Napa Valley wine.

Link

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/napvpqq-casa-mani-resort-napa-valley/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141069.html

Tanzania | Launched a Digital Business Registration Platform to Streamline Tourism Licensing

Tanzania is actively working with various initiatives and reforms to modernize and enhance its tourism sector, targeting 8 million annual visitors by 2030 and a further recent move is by the Business Registration s and Licensing Agency (BRELA), which launched an upgraded Online Services (BOS) platform on April 2026 in Dar es Salaam, created to streamline tourism and general business licensing.  

Key features of the platform include fully digital business name registration, industrial licensing and integration with other governmental systems to slash red tape for tourism operators, such as TALA licencing. 

The existing Online Registration System (ORS) remain in place for company registrations, patents, trademarks and ongoing applications, ensuring continuity during the transition. 

The platform is designed to reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve processing times and enhance transparency in the regulatory environment - developments of direct relevance to who depend on timely licensing approvals to maintain compliance and operational readiness. 

The BOS platform allows stakeholders to access services remotely, reducing the need for physical visits and offering dedicated telephone and email support channels. 
For small and medium - sized companies across Tanzania’s tourism value chain, including safari operators, accommodation providers and travel services, the shift is expected to ease access to regulatory processes required to compete in both local and international markets. 

 Key Features of the BOS Platform: 

•    Integrated Digital Services: The BOS platform consolidates business name registration, company incorporation, and various industrial licenses, reducing the need for in – person visits. 
•    Tourism Specific Focus: The system is designed to streamline licensing for tourism agents, travel agencies, and accommodation providers, addressing the specific operational requirements of the sector. 
•    Hybrid Operational Mode: User can currently navigate both the new BOS platform and the legacy Online Registration System (ORS) during a transition period. 
•    Digital Payment Integration: The system facilitates digital payments of fees, including those for company registration and annual operating fees. 
•    Enhanced Regulatory Compliance: The platform helps formalize businesses by making it easier to obtain taxpayer Identification Numbers (TN) and tax clearance, encouraging formalization in the tourism sector. 

The platform is a key part of Tanzania’s efforts to improve the ease  of –-doing business and enhance transparency through a “one –-stop shop” approach, a move that aligns with the country’s broader ambition to improve its business environment and strengthen its position as an investor - friendly tourism destination. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/tanzania-launches-digital-business-registration-platform-to-streamline-tourism-licensing.html

Belarus | Recorded the Largest Export Volume of Tourism Services in the Country’s History

The Belarusian government recorded the largest volume of tourism services in the country’s history, as at the end o 2025 it exceeded $392 million, as reported by BelTa,Belarus’ largest news agency. 

According to data provided by the national tourism bodies, the country experienced a massive boom in tourism last year, with a 46% increased more than in 2024, far exceeding the initial 18% target. 

Driven by strong inbound tourism and regional travel, this growth surpassed pre - pandemic highs, highlighting a resurgence in regional popularity, thanks to the systematic work of the government, state agencies and various organizations, there is a sustained growth in the main tourism indicators. 

The number of Belarusian tourists and hikers travelling within the country in organised groups increased almost fourfold compared to 2020, reaching 2, 212 million people as reported by the government press service. 

The number of trips by foreign nationals to Belarus during the year reached 7.51 million, representing an increase of 13.6%. Of these 579.200 visitors travelled in organised groups, compared to 366.700 in 2024, with an average stay of four days in the country. 

 According to statistics, 2.2 million Belarusians made trips within the national territory. More than 1.1 million people, of whom more than 867.000 were Belarusian citizens, visited 503 health centres, spas and welfare establishments. 

In addition, agro - ecotourism continues to develop acrively: 472.500 people visited 1.441 rural houses, establishing itself as one of the leading segments in the national tourism sector. 

 The authorities noted that the development of tourism will continue to be one of the priorities of the country’s socio - economic progress in the next years.  

By 2030, the contribution of the tourism sector is expected to increase to 4.5% of GDP. To this end, Belarus continues to modernise its tourism infrastructure and increasing its capacity. The number of hotels grew by 6.5%, reaching 1.167 establishments, while hotel capacity increased by 3.6%, to 42.525 rooms.

According to the national ranking, Belarus currently develops 13 types of tourism, including agro - ecotourism, active tourism, gastronomic, business, historical - cultural, health and wellness, medical, educational, hunting, industrial, religious, event and ecological segments. 

Key 2025 Tourism Export Highlights: 
•    Growth Surge: In January - October 2025, tourism services exports reached a 144.2% growth rate compared to the same period in 2024. 
•    Initial Targeted Exceeded: While early 2025 projections predicted an 18% increase in travel services, performances for exceeded these expectacions, reported by Dokshitsy Regional Executive Committee. 
•    Inbound Focus: Inbound tourism was the primary driver, with 2024 data already showing a 128.4% growth rate, which continued to gain momentum in 2025, as noted by Shumilino Regional Executive Committee. 
•    Winter Adaptability: Despite potential for low snowfall, as noted by Shumilino Regional Executive Committee, shifted focus to all – season tourism to maintain consistent visitor numbers. 
•    Regional Demand: Strong demand was driven by guests from neighbouring regions, fuelling the record results. 

Belarus's 2026 tourism forecast centres on a 2026 - 2030 state program aiming to boost tourism's GDP share to 4.5% through "tourist magnets" like eco - centres (Vialikaya Pushcha) and technical parks.In addition the country is extending its visa-free regime for 38 European nations until December 31, 2026, aiming to maintain visitor numbers from neighbouring regions.

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/bielorrusia-logra-un-crecimiento-r-cord-en-la-exportaci-n-de-servicios-tur-sticos-en-2025/

Brazil | Air Passenger Traffic Grew by 7.7% in Q1 2026

According to data from the Ministry of Ports and Airports based on figures from the National Civil Aviation Regulator (ANAC), Brazil’s air passenger traffic grew by 7.7% in Q1 2026 vompared to the same period in 2025.

This growth was supported by the sustained recovery in demand, with over 33.5 million passengers travelling on domestic and international flights between January and March. The increase in international flights and in the domestic market consolidate the expansion of the sector and boost tourism in the country as reported by the news portal Brasil 247.

The international segment led the advance, with an increase of 13% and more than 8.3 million passengers, while the domestic market reached an all - time high in Q1 2026, with 25.2 million passengers, representing a growth of 6.17% compared to the previous year.

The month of March marked record figures with a total of 10.6 million passenfers transported. Of these, more than 8 million corresponded to domestic flights, the highest monthly volume recorded, while around 2.5 million travelled on international routes. Compared to March 2025. Total growth was 3.1%, with an increase of 1.3% in the domestic market and an outstanding advance of close to 9% in the international segment.

Key growth drivers are new international routes like Air Canada’s Montreal - Rio de Janeiro. LATAM Airlines and GOL Linhas Aéreas remain the top carriers, increasing capacity, with LATAM’s domestic capacity up 9% in Q1 2026.

According to the source this remarkable growth in air transport has boosted domestic tourism, surpassing the mark of 25 million passengers in a first quarter for the first time.

The increase in the offer of flights, improved connectivity and infrastructure, as well as the interest in national destinations have favoured mobility throughout the country.

The Minister of Tourism, Gustavo Feliciano, stressed that these results reflect the strengthening of the economy and the positive impact of public policies aimed at the sector, which contribute to boosting economic activity and generating employment and income in the different regions of Brazil.

To support this growth, the federal government has launched the initiatives to strengthen the sector, including the reduction to zero of the PIS/Cofins rates kerosene (QAV), postponing  air navigation fees, and investing in airport infrastructure, particularly in regional airports to boost connectivity.

Likewise, new actions to promote accessibility to air transport continue to be analysed, within a set of measures implemented in March 2026 that have also been presented as a reference for other Latin American countries.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-registra-un-crecimiento-del-7-7-en-su-transporte-a-reo-durante-el-primer-trimestre-de-2026/

China | Established 167 National Field Observation and Research Stations to Strengthen Grassland Ecological Monitoring and Protection

China is actively working in the preservation of its biodiversity and ecosystems and  has established 167 national field observation and research stations to strengthen grassland ecological monitoring and protection  promoting ecological development. 

This initiative is part of the country’s borader efforts to improve environmental monitoring and increase resilience in the face of natural hazards, according to China Daily, a renowned newspaper based in the capital of the country Beijing.

These stations cover significant grassland areas, employing high - tech tools like grazing robot - UAV systems, satellite imagery and AI to enhance data accuracy and ecosystems management, and this network helps restore degraded land and improve grass yields.

In addition, the national field observation and research stations act as a collaborative hub for academic institutions and research orgaizations, facilitating knowledge sharing and working as hubs for training of environmental science specialists.

Thanks to these stations, demonstration projects covering more than 6.666 hectares have contributed to significant increases in pasture production, highlighting the role of scientific solutions in sustainable development.

The stations also serve as test sites for new technologies. In Hulun Buir, a prefecture - level city in northeastern Inner Momgolia, China, researchers have implemented a grazing robot system with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), reflecting the use of technological tools in grassland management and their application in real - world field conditions.

Director of the National Grassland Ecosystem Observation and Research Station in Hulun Buir, Xin Xiaoping, noted that these facilities function as key monitoring points allowing scientists to record changes in ecosystems over time.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/china-expande-la-red-nacional-de-estaciones-de-monitoreo-de-pastizales/