IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed a Management Agreement to Open a 216 - Room InterContinental Hotel in New Delhi, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed a management agreement to open a 216 - room InterContinental hotel in New Delhi, the capital city of India, a metropolis with over 20 million inhabitans, seat of all three branches on the Indian Governement, which serves as the nation’s political, commercial, and cultural hub, characterized by a blend of ancient and modern attractions, featuring historical landmarks, colonial architecture, diverse cuisine, and a fast - paced urban environment, along with widespread English usage.

The agreement with Eros Group (Nehru Place Hotels Pvt Ltd) to open Intercontinental Eros New Delhi Nehru Place is expected to open under InterContinental brand, following renovations expected to be completed in 2029.

Originally launched in 1996, the property was managed under the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand for over a decade before operating independently as Eros Hotel New Delhi, and with this agreement the hotel will rejoin IHG Hotels & Resorts system.

The property is located in South Delhi is a 5 - minute walk from Nehru Place Metro Station, 2.9 kilometres from Lotus Temple, a short distance from other cultural sites like Kalkaji Madir and within 30 - 35 minutes of Indira Gandhi International Airport.

The hotel will feature 216 comfortable rooms, multiple dining options, including restaurants, a bar, a lobby lounge, a swimming pool set in landscaped surroundings , a spa, a health club, and meeting facilities that include a royal ballroom, intimate meeting rooms and an outdoor lawn.

The property joins InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, a brand known for its upscale accommodations and services in prime locations around the world, pioneering new destinations for decades, from historic buildings to immersive resorts offering comfort, luxury, excellence in service and attention to details.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 51 hotels across six brand in India and has 89 hotels in development in the country.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-to-bring-luxury-hospitality-to-the-heart-of-delhi-with-signing-of-intercontinental-eros-new-delhi-nehru-place

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140649.html

Catalina Island Company | Announced the Reopening of Pavilion Hotel in Avalon, California, U.S.

Catalina Island Company, a primary resort operator based in Avalon, California, U.S., offering a comprehensive range of visitor services, focused on tourism, hospitality, lodging, dining and sustainable development, has announced the reopening of Pavilion Hotel in Avalon, the only incorporated city on Santa Catalina Island in the California Channel Islands, and the southernmost city in Los Angeles County.

Avalon is a charming, pedestrian - friendly city known for its Mediterranean climate, historic Catalina Casino, and crescent - shaped bay, highlighted by a bustling waterfront with Mediterranean - style hotels, restaurants, shops, and beaches, alongside popular activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, zip - lining, and exploring via rented golf carts.

The property is located at 513 Crescent Avenue, only 14 steps from South Beach in the heart of Avalon, 9 minutes’ walk from Catalina Casino, and a minutes’ walk from Green Pleasure Pier.

Previously home to Avalon’s Dance Pavilion in the late 1800s, after a coomprehensive renovation the 1958 property features refreshed rooms and updated public spaces while maintaining its coastal charm.

The hotel’s new design draws from its mild - century origins, with classic silhouettes, botanical accents and coastal colour schemes.

Rooms and suites are designed to welcome ocean breezes, and select deluxe accommodations offer French doors and private patios overlooking the central courtyard.

The open - air courtyard at the hotel remains a central feature, providing space for guests to gather throughout the day, with chaise lounge chairs and a fire pit area for the hotel’s Social Hour.

The lobby includes wine dispensers for guests to sample a selection of wines. The Lanai, located across from the lobby, servers as a gathering space for a daily continental breakfast in a tropical landscape setting.

Guests have access to Catalina Island company’s dining options, activities, tours, and beach access at Descanso Beach Club.

Pavilion Hotel is part of Catalina Island Company’s portfolio, which also includes Banning House Lodge & Villas, Hotel Atwater, and Mt Ada.

Reservation for Pavilion Hotel are open, with rates starting at $350 per night.

 Links

https://www.visitcatalinaisland.com/pavilion-hotel

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140744.html

Marriott International | Portfolio Expansion in Southeast Asia with the Opening of a 128 - Room Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Singapore

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland has expanded its portfolio in Southeast Asia with the opening of a 128 - room Tribute Portfolio hotel in Singapore, an island country and city - state, well known to be a blend of historical landmarks, futuristic attractions, stunning gardens and renowned for its vibrant culture,  modern architecture and delicious cuisine.

Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located at the intersection of Selegie Road and Mount Sofia in Singapore’s arts - and - heritage district, in a precinct featuring pre - war shophouses, Art Deco buildings, late - night eateries, cafes, and independent businesses on the former site of Selegie Centre, within a 10 - minute walk of Little India Arcade and Bugis Street Shopping District offering an easy access to Mustafa Centre and Suntec City.

The property is accessible via Little India, Rochor, Bencoolen, and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations, with several lines nearby. Nearby locations include Kampong Glam, the National Museum of Singapore, Chinatown, Bugis, Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road, and The Kallang.

This luxury hotel blending French elegance with rich local heritage was designed by the architectural firm FDAT, an award - winning studio based in Singapore, working across architecture, interiors and landscapes, with a focus on biophilic design.

The design is inspired by the hotel owner’s childhood memories of the Selegie neighbourhood, and the building features sky terraces, and guestrooms balconies designed as gardens, along with traditional elements such as louvered windows, metal gates, and hanfcrafted details.

The property features 128 comfortable rooms offered in two colour palettes, light and dark. Interior details include carpet patterns inspired by local desserts, vintage lift - inspired grills, dim sum  -inspired lamps, bathtubs set against concave walls, and various in - room amenities includes Cai Noir, a bespoke bathroom product created in collaboration with Maison21G. Public spaces display objects such as traditional games, snacks, and handcrafted artifacts.

Dining and beverage options comprise four venues. Hathaway Autograph is an all - day dining venue serving Southeast Asian cuisine with indoor and outdoor seating. Vernacular Coffee operates as an artisanal café with in  house roasting, Saga Bar offers cocktails inspired by regional spices and aroma, and a rooftop pool bar is also available.

Amenities at Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel include a rooftop infinity pool with city views, surrounded by foliage and lounge spaces. Guests are welcomed with gelato from Denzy Gelato and iced tea from TWG.

The hotel collaborates with local creatives, artisans, and businesses and joins Tribute Portfolio, a Marriott Bonvoy “soft brand” collection of independent, characterful hotels focused on captivating design, vibrant social scenes, and local community immersion.

Each property is designed to be unique rather than standardized, often featuring local artistic influences, historic design elements, bold colours, Instagram - worthy spaces, and lively destination bars.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/sintx-varel-singapore-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140711.html

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation | Officially Opened a 196 - Room Resort in Jan Thiel, Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles

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 officially opened a 196 – room resort in Jan Thiel , a popular, upscale area in Curaçao, a Caribbean island in the Netherlands Antilles, known for its expansive coral reefs rich with marine life, stunning beaches tucked into coves, and clear blue waters for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

The resort, previously known as the Livingstone Jan Thiel is located at Kaya Adriàtiko 20 - 26 overlooking Jan Thiel beach in an area boasts numerous vacation villas, restaurants, a supermarket, several beach bars like Koko’s and Agave Bar, as well as premium beach clubs (Zanzibar,  Papagayo), and close proximity to Caracas Bay, historical sites, just a short drive from Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao, known for its vibrant atmosphere, and old town centre with pastel - coloured colonial architecture.

The property features 196 comfortable traditional rooms and a variety of accommodations, including villas and apartments.

Amenities at the resort include an Italian - inspired restaurant and bar,  a large outdoor swimming pool, a 5 - star PADI dive center, spa services, a fitness centre, water sports, direct access to Jan Thiel Beach and guests can earn redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has previously operated hotels in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, including in the 1990s and again in Curaçao during 2015 - 2016.

Links

https://newsroom.sonesta.com/openings-renovations/sonesta-announces-the-opening-of-sonesta-resort-curacao/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140780.html

Kyrgyzstan | Officially Joined the FAO’s Soil Reclamation Programme to Tackle Land Degradation

Kyrgyzstan has joined the FAO’s Soil Reclamation programme “Doctor for Soils” to tackle land degradation, erosion and salinization, launched in March 2026, a partnership that aims to increase efficiently the use of soil resources, reduce pressure on land, improve soil fertility and agricultural sustainability.

The project launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is being implemented in conjunction with the K.K. Azykova Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture and include training farmers and agronomists in soil diagnosis and recovery methods, according to information by Akchabar ,a news agency based in the capital of the country Bishkek.

The first phase of the programme concluded in Bishkek with a seminar for 25 trainers held from 23 to 27 March 2026. The trained specialists will replicate sustainable soil management practices in the regions, teaching other farmers basic analysis techniques ranging from acidity assessment to organic matter management.

The goal is to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector, increase crop yields, and ensure food security in the face of climate change and increasing soil degradation.

This initiative aligns with Kyrgyzstan 2024 - 2028 Green Economy Development program to reduce burdens on land resources.--

According to FAO estimates, participation in the programme “Doctor for Soils”can increase land resource efficiency and reduce land pressure without requiring significantly capital investments.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/kirguist-n-se-une-al-programa-de-la-fao-para-la-recuperaci-n-de-suelos/

Uganda | Unveiled “Okello" Development, Africa’s First AI - Powered Robot Tour Guide

Uganda has unveiled the development of “Okello,”Africa’s first AI powered robot tour guide developed by the ZunoBottics Foundation to revolutionize the tourism sector. 

Unveiled during the launch of Miss Tourism Ugands 2026, this humanoid robot , developed entirely by a team of Ugandan engineers and innovators, represents an innovation that aims to strengthen tourism through locally developed, cultural, intelligent technology. 

Okello, also referred to as the Gold Pearl Guide, is designed to interact with tourists, providing information about local attractions in multiple languages, currently supporting English, French, and five Ugandan local languages, with ability to automatically detect and switch to a visitor’s language in real time. 

Beyond conversation, Okello is being programmed with comprehensive information about Uganda’s tourism offering, including its wildlife, culture, and attractions, such as the country’s more than 1.000 bird species, one of Africa’s richest destinations for birdwatching. 

Key Details about Okello and Ugandan AI Advancements: 

•    Robot Guide Features: Developed by local engineers, the robot serves as an interactive digital guide, able to communicate in multiple languages, including English. 
•    Developer: The project is spearheaded b ZunoBotics Doundation, an open – source robotics hub focused on local solutions. 
•    Significance: The initiative is designed to showcase how AI can be directly applied to enhance tourism and other sectors within Africa. 
•    Context of Innovation: This follows other major technological advancements in Uganda, including the development of a 100 – megawatt suopercomputer and AI factory at the Karuma Hydropower Plant, designed to foster a local, sovereign AI ecosystem. 

ZunoBotics founder Jonathan Ssemakula said the project demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be practically applied to strengthen the tourism sector, and the team is actively seeking partnerships and funding to expand the AI - powered robot tour guide’s capabilities.

 If successful Okello could eventually be deployed across museums, tourism centres and other major attraactions throughout Uganda. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/uganda-develops-ai-powered-robot-tour-guide-in-african-first.html

Indonesia | Minister of Culture Urged Museums to Digitize Collections and Strengthen Narratives to Attract New Generations

Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has urged museums across the country to modernize by digitizing their collections and strengthening their narratives, aiming to transform them to simple storage spaces into engaging hubs for younger generations (Gen Z ) and the public.

The Indonesian official said that museums should not only be containers of the past, but also notable cultural spaces and building the future.

During a visit to the Radya Pustaka Museum located in city of Surakarta, in the province of Central Javas, The Minister stated the development of the narrative component and the incorporation of digital elements that are crucial for museums to remain relevant and attractive to young people, especially “Gen Z”

The Radya Putsaka Museum, founded in 1890, cold be a starting point linked to this plan. The museum is one of the oldest in the country and houses a wide range of important collections, including ancient manuscripts, cultural artifacts from the island of Jawa, wayang (shadow puppets), keris (traditional daggers), traditional gamelan, music instruments, and statues from the Hindu - Buddhist era.

Currently there are 516 museums registered in Indonesia, 15 of which were inaugurated in 2025, a notable inventory to apply this strategy nationwide.

Key Initiatives emphasized by the Minister of Culture include:

·       Digitalization and Technology: Integrating digital tools to make historical narratives more accessible, interactive, and relevant to modern audiences.

·       Stronger Storytelling: Moving beyond just displaying objects to providing deeper context and engaging, immersive experiences that connect visitors emotionally to the past.

·       Modernization of Facilities: Improving exhibition layouts, presentation quality, and adopting creative approaches to curation.

·       Museum as a Public Space: Redefining museums as dynamic spaces for dialogue and learning rather than mere warehouses for old artifacts 

Th The initiative comes as a part of a broader government effort, following the inauguration of new museums and the revitalization of numerous sites.

Link

 hthtps://tvbrics.com/es/news/ministro-de-cultura-de-indonesia-inst-a-los-museos-a-digitalizar-colecciones-y-fortalecer-el-storyte/