IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed a Management Agreement to Develop a 150 - Key Holiday Inn Hotel Express & Suites in Madurai, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed a management agreement with Chentoor Hotels Pvt Ltd, a hospitality company based in Madurai to develop a 150 - key Holiday Inn Express and Suites in Madurai, an energetic city on the Vaigai River in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Madurai is one of the oldest cities in India and South Asia,  a major settlement for two millennia, often referred to as “Thoongaa Nagaram” meaning “the city that never sleep”, and an important educational and industrial hub, home to various automobile, chemical, granite and rubber manufacturing industries.

The city received over 27 million visitors in 2024, driven by its role as a major pilgrimage destination for the presence of the Meenakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Meenakshi, a form Parvati, and her consort Sundareswarar (Shiva). The temple is teologically significant as it represents a confluence of various denominations of Hinduism such as Shaivism, Shaktism, and Vaishnavism.. 

 In addition the city serves as the nearest airport gateway to regional attractions such as Rameswaram and Kanyakumari and is also experiencing commercial and infrastructural growth, with emerging IT/ITES hubs and large – scale industrial projects business travel to the city.

Scheduled to open in early 2029, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Madurai will be located near Madurai International Airport situated about 12 km south of the city centre, the fourth busiest airport by passenger traffic in the state after Chennai, Coimbatore, and Tiruchirappalli airports.

The hotel will feature 150 rooms and suites and will join IHG Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio in South India entering into the Holiday Inn Express & Suites brand that offers a consistent, upper - midscale experience providing essential, modern amenities for both business and leisure guests and featuring the Generation 5 design, which focuses on smart, flexible spaces and comfort.

IHG Hotels & Resorts operates 51 hotels across six brands in India, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Resort, Holiday Inn Express, InterContinental, Six Senses, and voco hotels with a pipelibne of 89 hotels planned yo open in the next three to five years.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-strengthens-south-india-presence-with-signing

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140100.html

Minor Hotels | Portfolio Expansion in Southeast Asia with the Planned Opening of a 197 - Room Avani Hotel in Vientiane, Laos

Minor Hotels, an international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry founded in 1978 and based in Bangkok,Thailand, has announced the planning opening of a 197 - room Avani hotel in Vientiane, vibrant capital and largest city of Laos situated on the banks of the Mekong River at the Thai border, a lively centre blends French - colonial. architecture with Buddhist temples like Pha That Luang, expanding its portfolio in Southeast Asia.

Avani+Lanexang Vientiane will open its doors in Q2 2026 and will be the group’s second hotel in Laos, joining Avani+Luang Prabang.

The hotel is located on Fa Ngum Road also known as Quai Fa Ngum, a scenic, centrally located riverfront boulevard in the beating heart of Vientiane, highlighted by the notable Fa Ngum statue, the nightly Walking Street Market, close to Fa Ngum Park, restaurants, bars, and approximately 15 minutes’ drive from Wattay International Airport.   

The property will feature 197 comfortable rooms, including Deluxe Rooms, Suites and a Presidential Suite, accurately designed to support both work and downtime. 

The establishment will offer four dining venues such as Mekong Mosaic that will serve as the all - day dining restaurant, featuring international cuisine, a buffet, live cooking stations, and indoor and outdoor seating, Sabaidee Social operating as a bar with direct street access, The Pantry, a café and deli for coffee and casual dining and Salongxay,  providing fine dining and two private dining rooms.

The hotel will also provide an outdoor swimming pool located on the ground floor and AvaniSpa that will be situated on the mezzanine floor, offering three single treatment rooms, two couples treatment rooms, and a relaxation lounge.AvaniFit also on the mezzanine, will include a gym, a body - and mind studio, and changing facilities.

For meetings and events, Avani Lanexang Vientiane will feature the Lanexang Ballroom, which accommodate up to 320 guests and can be divided into two function rooms. The event space will include a bridal and VIP room, additional meeting rooms, and an outdoor lawn with capacity for up to 100 guests.

 The property will join Avani Resorts & Hotels portfolio, an upscale, stylish brand launched by Minor Hotels in 2011, focused on offering a balance of comfort and style for guests, particularly for those who appreciate good design and value, representing a very performing brand in a market in continuous growth.

Links

https://media.minorhotels.com/en-GLO/262588-minor-hotels-announces-avani-lanexang-vientiane-strengthening-avani-s-footprint-in-laos/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140254.html

Belarus | Approved a National Strategy to Conserve Biodiversity Until 2030

The Government of Belarus has officially adopted a new National Strategy for the Conservation of Biodiversity until 2030 and a corresponding National Action Plan for 2026 – 2030. 

Approved by the Council of Ministers (Resolution No. 60, February 4, 2026), this framework aligns national priorities with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kumming Global Biodiversity framework.

The plan aims to restore degraded ecosystems, expand protected areas and strengthen international cooperation, an initiative that is part of the country’s global commitments  to halt biodiversity loss and foster a green economy.

 The strategy, signed by Prime Minister Alexander Turchin, aims to halt the loss of species of flora and fauna, increase biodiversity of genetic and economic value and ensure safe use of genetically modified organisms.

 The goals include the restoration of at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, the expansion of protected natural areas to 9.4% of the national territory, the reduction of the impact of invasive species and climate change.

The National Action Plan for 2026 - 2030 envisages measures to improve regulation, strengthen protected areas, prevent damage to biodiversity from economic activity, and expand international cooperation. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection shall coordinate and control its implementation. 

Key details of the approved strategy and action plan include: 

•    Expansion of Protected Areas: The strategy aims to increase the total area of specially protected natural territories to 9.4% of the country’s land area, with territories under special protection covering 22%. 
•    Ecosystem Restoration: A key target is the rehabilitation of at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, including the restoration of 12.000 hectares of peatlands. 
•    Species Protection: The strategy aims to prevent the decline of wild animal and plant species, enhance the genetic diversity of resources, and control invasive alien species. 
•    “30 by 30” Initiative: The strategy supports global efforts to conserve 30% of land and water by 2030. 

Action Plan Measures (2026 – 2030): 
•    Genetic Bank: Plans include establishing a national DNA bank for humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. 
•    Infrastructure and Monitoring: The plan introduces the creation of artificial nests for wild animals and a new internet resource dedicated to protected natural areas, species habitats, and unique landscapes. 
•    Governance: Strengthening legal regulations, improving biodiversity monitoring systems, and enhancing cooperation at international level.
Implementation: 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection is responsible for coordinating the implementation, monitoring progress, and providing annual reports to the government. The initiative was supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to ensure scientific soundness and alignment with international standards.  

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/bielorrusia-aprueba-una-estrategia-nacional-para-conservar-la-biodiversidad-hasta-2030/

Egypt | Launching a Project to Modernize 30 Palaces of Culture to Expand Public Access to Arts, Culture and Heritage

Egypt is launching a 12 - month, first - phase project to modernize 30 “palaces of culture” across various governorates to expand public access to arts, culture and heritage.

The initiative announced by Culture Minister Jihan Zaki, is part of a broader strategy to ensure that access to culture is a right for all citizens. The move  aims to refurbish and transform these buildings into integrated, technology – enabled hubs featuring “people’s cinemas”, digital book platforms, and free studios and stages for theatrical presentations. 

The plan also includes support for mobile culture centres that will organise creative workshops and seminars in remote, rural and border regions and a national program that integrates new technologies into Egyptian heritage through interactive applications and educational games. 

The project under the slogan “Towards a Fair, Safe, and Creative Culture", includes the launch of an online platform of museums focuses on engaging Generations Z and Alpha through interactive, tech - integrated educational games,  short videos, and activities that merge technology with heritage and in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, a programme of school and university visits will be implemented.

The strategy envisages partnerships with private companies for the production of digital content for social media and the inclusion of authentic Egyptian cultural content in basic education curricula.

According to the Minister of Culture,  the modernization seeks to transform simple buildings into part of an integrated system of coexistence spaces, and will be created a card for low - income students and people with disabilities, which will allow free access to all cultural events and services.

The Minister highlighted that this development is the result of a cooperation program between Egyptian musems and international cultural capitals to promote Egyptian art and he stressed that digital technologies are central to the implementations of these plans and stated that the ministry is working on a roadmap that integrates all cultural initiatives with the aim to expands their reach to a greater number of participants.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/egipto-moderniza-30-palacios-de-la-cultura-para-ampliar-el-acceso-al-arte/

Bolivia | Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean Will Finance Relevant Projects in the Country Focused on Economic Recovery and Regional Integration

The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) will finance relevant projects in Bolivia with up $3.1 Billion, an investment focused on economic recovery and regional integration of the South American country.

CAF has already committed this notable financial support, in addition to a $550 million loan to strengthen liquidity and economic management.

According to Bolivia TV, the CAF’s President, Sergio Díaz Granados, arrived in Bolivia to consolidate financing agreements for education, health, road infrastructure and productive development and during his visit he hold meetings with national authorities, including a meeting with President Rodrigo Paz Pereira.

CAF’s President will also travel to Tarija, also known as San Bernardo de la Frontera de Tarixa, a city in southern Bolivia, to sign agreements that will benefit the municipality, the department and the country in general.

One of the main goals of this initiative is to guarantee the execution of existing projects, activate new works and allocate additional resources for the conservation and rehabilitation of roads, throughout the country, improving Bolivia’s connectivity.

Key Details of the Funding Initiative:

·       Total Commitment: Up to $3.1 billion to be deployed over five years.

·       Objectives: The funds are aimed at macroeconomic stabilization, national/regional integration, social welfare, and environmental sustainability.

·       Initial Action: A $550 million loan was already approved by the CAF in late 2025 according to MercoPress.

·       Implementation: The funding supports the “Country Strategy” designed to assist Bolivia in overcoming its current economic crisis and improving productivity.

·       Focus Areas: Projects include strengthening the Bolivian state’ s financial capacity, developing renewable energy (solar plants), improving water treatment infrastructure and reinforcing connectivity.

According to the Deputy Minister of Legislative Coordination of Bolivia, Wilson Santamaría the resources will be channeled to priority programs and must be sent to the Legislative Assembly before becoming concrete projects.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/banco-de-desarrollo-de-am-rica-latina-y-el-caribe-financiar-proyectos-en-bolivia-con-hasta-3-100-mil/

Kenya | “Experience Wonder”, a Global Tourism Campaign to Attract more International Visitors Launched

Kenya has launched at ITB Berlin 2026, “Experience Wonder”, a global campaign anchored to  the “Origin of Wonder” theme, aiming to attract more international visitors and strengthen its position as a leading destination. 

Led by the Kenya Tourism Board under the Magical Kenya brand, the initiative showcases the country as an immersive, year - round destination beyond just wildlife. It highlights diverse experiences, including rich culture, adventure, urban life, and coastal relaxation to meet evolving demand of younger, modern travellers seeking authentic, sustainable, and meaningful journeys. 

The strategy will be amplified through digital tools, including a Magical Kenya Souvenir Passport, and supported by expanded air connectivity, streamlined entry via the Electronic Travel Authorization system and infrastructure investment, with a government target of five million arrivals by 2027. 

 Key Features and Highlights of “Experience Wonder” Global Campaign: 

•    “Origin of Wonder” Focus: Positions Kenya as the “cradle of humankind” and the source of authentic, profound travel experiences.
•    Diverse Experiences: Moves beyond traditional, heavy wildlife focus to : 
•    Culture and Heritage: Immersive experiences with the Maasai, Samburu, and Swahili communities.
•    Adventure Tourism: Hot air ballooning in the Maasai Mara, white – water eafting, and climbing Mount Kenya. 
•    Wellness and Relaxation: Yoga, spa treatments using local botanicals, and beach relaxation in Diani and Watamu. 
•    Urban and Coastal Life: Exploring vibrant, modern cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. 
•    Target Audience: Geared towards younger travellers (Millenials/Gen Z) seeking authentic, sustainable, and shareable adventures. 
•    Digital Integration: Features a “Magical Kenya Souvenir Passport” to guide travel, supported by the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for easier access. 
•    Sustainability and Conservation: Highlights eco – friendly tourism and local community empowerment. 

Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa said the initiative refreshes Kenya’s tourism identity amid intensifying global competition while Kenya Tourist Board (KTB) June Chepkemei stated that partnership with tour operators, airlines and hospitality players will help sustain momentum. 

Link
https://atta.travel/resource/kenya-launches-experience-wonder-global-campaign.html

Marriott International | Unveiled the Development of its First St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Property in New Zealand located in Queenstown

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland has unveiled the development of its First St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Property in New Zealand located in Queenstown, a premier year – round adventure resort town on the shores of the South Island Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps, known as the “adventure capital of the world”, an ideal base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns, offering a blend of adrenaline, luxury, and stunning natural landscapes.

The agreement is Marriott International’s third signing for the St. Regis brand in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region.

The St. Regis Queenstown developed in partnership with PHC Queenstown Limited, the owner and developer of the project, a company with a portfolio of 30 hotels in operation and under development across New Zealand, marks the third property collaboration between PHC and Marriott International.

The hotel, combining timeless glamour and vanguard spiri will be located on a prominent corner site in central Queenstown, offering views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, a mountain range and part of the Remakables Conservation Area that includes Kawaru/ The Remarkables. And Tāpuae O’ Uenuku/Hector Mountains and Te Papapuni/Nevis River valley.

Scheduled to open in late 2027 the his new - build luxury hotel, set to be Marriott International ’s inaugural foothold in Queenstown is expected to feature 145 rooms and suites.

Planned amenities include bar and dining venues such as The Drawing Room, The St. Regis Bar, an all - day dining venue, event space, a spa with hydrothermal facilities, a relaxation and wellness lounge, an indoor heated pool, and a fitness centre.

The hotel is also expected to offer St.Regis’s signature butler, which includes packing and unpacking, garment pressing, and in - room beverage and wake - up services.

The property will join the St. Regis brand which features a timeless, modern luxury positioning with a focus on  exclusive experiences, luxurious amenities and delivering personalized service through its signature St.Regis Butler Service and signature rituals like the Bloody Mary and Afternoon Tea.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140271.html