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

Rixos Hotels | Officially Opened Saudi Arabia’s Largest Ultra - Inclusive Resort in King Abdullah Economic City

Rixos Hotels, a premier luxury hospitality brand established in 2000 by Fettah Tamince and part of Ennismore in partnership with Accor S.A., known for its “All Inclusive - All - Exclusive” concept has officially opened Saudi Arabia largest ultra - inclusive resort in King Abdullah Economic City, located in in Rabigh Governorate within Mecca Province situated in close proximity to Thuwal,  and almost 100 km north of Jeddah.

The project of the new Rixos Murjana was enabled by the Tourism Development Fund, which served as the financier and investor, in partnership with Emaar Economic City, master developer of King Abdullah Economic City, and FTG, company, the developer, a global real estate and hospitality group headquartered in Sisli, Istanbul, Turley,  a group specializes in developing mixed - use, residential, and hotel projects.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage and in the presence of Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of the Tourism Development Fund, Ahmed Al - Khateeb, with attendance from Chief Officer of the Tourism Development Fund, Qusai Al - Fakhri and Chairman of the Board of Rixos Hotels, Fettah Tamince.

The resort strategically positioned at Al Sahel Road Al Murooj is expected to create 250 jobs for Saudis, and features 448 rooms and suites, many with sea views and 33 villas.

The establishment includes Club Privé by Rixos, an ultra - exclusive villa offering butler services and overwater villas, as well as rooms and suites overlooking landscaped gardens, where guests have access to a private Club House and Beach Club.

Dining options at Rixos Murjana include Alâ Aksam steakhouse, MykOrini, People’s Restaurant, Piazzetta Italiana, Terra Mare, as well as Godiva Café.

Facilities include hospitality, leisure, wellness amenities, a full fitness centre, swimming pools, including one measuring 111 metres in length, the  Solara Beach Club, the Anjana Spa, which includes 12 treatments rooms for men and women, steam and sauna services, and suites for couples.

The establishment also boasts a sports complex expansion with fitness facilities for adults, the Exclusive Sports Club, classes such as CrossFit, yoga, and TRX, men’s and women’s gyms, the Rixy Kids Club and a Teens Club, both offering supervised daily activities, workshops and play areas, as well as meeting and conference spaces.

A further highlight of the resort is Murjana Waterpark, described as the first fully integrated hotel waterpark in Saudi Arabia, offering 11 water attractions, including Emerald Drop, Wave Pool Lagoon, and Murjana River Adventure pool, along with splash zones and family dining at Swafarer’s Catch.

Links

https://www.rixos.com/hotel-resort/rixos-murjana

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140037.html

Bolivia | Promoting Digital Citizenship to Optimize Public Procedures

The Government of Bolivia, in collaboration with six universities in the country, is enhancing public administration bureaucratic procedures and reducing the need for in - person government visits.

 Established through the Agency of Electronic Government and Information Communication Technologies (AGETIC) and the Digital Citizenship Law, this initiative focuses on implementing e - government, digital signatures, and interoperability between public institutions.

This digital transformation of the country has the aim that public procedures can be carried out from a digital device, eliminating queues, photocopies and setbacks in the process, an initiative that is part of the path to institutional modernization, which seeks to bring public services closer to citizens, and especially students, according to Bolivia TV.

The implementation of Digital Citizenship will allow university students and citizens to access records, certificates and other online services with a single click, reducing process that previously took days to just minutes.

In addition to speed, the plan includes the transition to a “zero paper” model, with the digitization of documents and procedures to reduce costs and promote a more sustainable and efficient administration.

 Key aspects of the digital transformation include:

· DDigital Citizenship Law (2018): Designed to make bureaucratic, in – person procesures obsolete.

·      Interoperability: Public institutions, including General Services of Personal Identification (SEGIP), the judiciary and the Police, are working to share data for smoother service delivery.

·       Digital Tools: Initiatives like “Barrio Digital” in La Paz enable citizens to send real – time feedback, complaints, and track requests via mobile or web.

·      Regional Integration: Bolivia is working with MERCOSUR countries on digital signature recognition to facilitate cross – border online procedures.

·       Financial Inclusion: The government is advancing mobile money services and digital payment to reduce cash handling and modernize economic transactions.

 Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/bolivia-impulsa-la-ciudadan-a-digital-para-eliminar-las-filas-en-tr-mites-p-blicos/

The Dominican Republic | Second Country with the Most Visitors in Latin America According to UN Tourism Data

According to UN Tourism data, the Dominican Republic has solidified its position as the second – most visited destination in Latin America, as the Caribbean country was placed only behind Mexico in the top 10 Latin markets of the organization.

The aforementioned global tourism body reveals that the tourism industry continues to elevate itself as one of the main economic engine in Latin America. Recent data from UN Tourism indicate that the region experienced a sustained recovery in 2025, with increase in international visitor arrivals and an increasingly competitive positioning compared to other global destinations.

The rebound confirms Latin America’s cultural, natural and gastronomic appeal, in addition to the strengthening of tourism infrastructure in several countries. For economics such as the Dominican Republic, second in the ranking of Latin American destinations by UN Tourism, activity continues to be a key pillar of growth and foreign exchange generation.

The top 10 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean by international tourist arrivals, with figures for 2025, is made up as follows: Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama.

With 11.6 million visitors in 2025 (1.4 million arriving in December alone) and strong, consistent growth in both air arrivals and cruise passengers, tourism sector generated over $21 billion in the Dominican Republic, representing roughly 16% of the national GDP reinforcing the position of the country as a leading destination in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Link

https://www.arecoa.com/destinos/2026/02/18/onu-turismo-rd-es-el-segundo-pais-con-mas-visitantes-en-america-latina/

Nepal | Signed a MoU with Wakayama Prefecture of Japan to Promote Sustainable Tourism and Preserve Cultural Heritage

On February 16, 2026 Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Wayakama Prefecture of Japan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote sustainable tourism, strengthen cultural exchange, expand bilateral cooperation and preserve cultural heritage.

The agreement provides for a partnership based on academic exchange programs, the joint promotion of tourist destinations with the preservation of heritage with an emphasis on responsible development as well as respect for the natural environment.

The cooperation also focuses on joint tourism promotion and marketing, exchange of information and good tourism practices, visits by experts and officials, improved communication and public relations.

In addition the agreement, signed by NTB CEO Deepak Raj Joshi and Wakayama Governor Izumi Miyazaki, aims to enhance solid tourism relationships. It builds on long - standing ties, including the 2015 agreement between Lumbini, Nepal and Koya Town in Wakayama.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nepalese Minister of Agriculture Anil Kumar Sinha stressed the importance of collaboration in the context of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Japan, adding that the alliance will lay a solid foundation to boost sustainable and responsible tourism in both countries.

Wakayama Governor Izumi Miyazaki expressed his satisfaction at formalizing cooperation with Nepal, recognizing the country’s rich history and cultural heritage, confident that the agreement will further strengthen exchanges between Nepal and Wakayama Prefecture.

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/nepal-y-japon-firman-acuerdo-cultural-y-turistico/

Mozambique | Launched eVisa and eTA Portal to Streamline Visitor Entry

MozambiqueGovernment launched an upgraded eVisa and eTA portal on February 11. 2026, in Maputo, enabling travellers from 183 countries to apply online for faster, secure, and and streamlined entry. 

Developed by VFS Global in partnership with the National Migration Service, the portal was unveiled at the First National Conference on Digital Transformation, announced by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Transformation, a move that is intended to reduce reliance on - in person processing and support the country’s ambition to position the country as a regional tourism hub. 

The digital platform supports business, tourist, and other visa types, offering automated processing, 24/7 support, and pre - departure approvals to boost tourism and investment. 

Travellers can now apply online for travel authorisation and visas,  a step expected to shorten processing times, improve the visitor experience and strengthen Mozambique’s competitiveness in the tourism market. 

Key features of the New Mozambique eVisa platform include: 

•    Broad Access and Coverage: Travellers from 183 countries can apply for various visa types online, including Business, Tourism, Sports & Culture, and Humanitarian aid. 
•    Streamlined Process: The four – step process online application submission, document uploading, secure payment, and receiving the pre – approved visa via email before travel. 
•    Modern Features: The mobile – friendly platform includes automated passport data extraction, an integrated photo editor, and 24/7 multilingual support. 
•    Efficiency and Security: The system supported by VFS Global, aims to reduce in – person processing, offering faster turnaround times and enhanced security measures. 
•    Supported Visas: The Portal caters to short – term, long – term, and Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) for eligible travellers. 

Link 

https://atta.travel/resource/mozambique-launches-evisa-portal-to-streamline-visitor-entry.html

Radisson Hotel Group | Announced the Opening of a Radisson Collection Hotel in Como, Italy

Radisson Hotel Group, a multinational hospitality company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium has announced the opening of a new Radisson Collection hotel in Como, a vibrant city with a rich cultural and historical heritage at the southern tip of the idyllic Lake Como, within the Lombardy region in northern Italy.

The new hotel named Palazzo San Gottardo, A Radisson Collection Hotel represents the brand’s first presence in Como and is located at Via Fratelli Cairoli, 2 in the beating heart of Como, between the lively squares Piazza Cavour and Piazza Volta, a short walk from the lakeside promenade,  the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, also known as “Duomo di Como”, Teatro Sociale, and Brunate Funicular.   

The property occupies a historic palazzo originally opened in 1926. The restoration project maintained architectural features such as as original façades, rounded corner volumes, stone cornices, and geometric motifs, while the interior features Italian craftmanship and bespoke furniture’s.

The hotel features 70 comfortable, refined rooms and suites offering views of the city, historic piazzas, surrounding streets and the lake. Some suites include living areas and furnished balconies.

Dining options at the hotel include three venues. Radiante, the signature fine dining restaurant led by Chef Danilo Vella, serves dishes such as lamb with sea urchin and samphire, mackerel with smoked provola, and ditali pasta with mantis shrimp and salted lemon.

Lumi Rooftop Bar & Restaurant serves light dishesm cocktails, and wines, and provides panoramic views over the city. Caffè Lariano, led by Chef Mirko Gatti offers a bistro concept focused on circular cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a zero - waste approach, supported by an in - house pastry laboratory.

Wellness facilities at the hotel include SPA Fontea, which provides personalized treatments, a relaxation lounge, as well as access to an indoor water relaxation area and a fitness studio equipped with cardio and strength equipment.

For meeting and events the property offers Sala Cavour, a room which can accommodate up to 20 guests in a 40 - square metres space, featuring presentation technology, natural light, catering options, and spaces for special occasions and weddings.

Guests have access to private lake tours through a partnership with navigation company Tasell, with a dedicated pier located less than 100 metres from the hotel, enjoying boat trips to Blevio, Moltrasio and Torno, as well as additional experiences visiting artisanal districts, local markets and the famous Silk Museum.

Links

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/corporate/media/press-releases/A-historic-lakeside-icon-returns-as-Palazzo-San-Gottardo-Lake-Como-joins-Radisson-Collection

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140012.html