IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed a Management Agreement to Open a 307 - Room voco Hotel in Patong, Phuket, Thailand

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed its first management agreement with Phuket HA 2 Co.Ltd., a prominent Thai real estate and development firm to open a 307 - room voco hotel in Patong, located on the west coast of Phuket, considered the most vibrant and developed beach town on the island,  highlighted by a bustling 3 - kiometres golden - sand beach, high - octane nightlife centred on Bangla Road, diverse international dining, and extensive shopping malls.

voco Phuket Patong will be located 150 metres from Patong beach offering stunning  panoramic ocean views and a mountainous backdrop within Abov Patong, a mixed - use development on the hillside of Patong comprising hotels, branded residences, and facilities including a clubhouse, theatre, multi - zone swimming pools and a Kids Club.

The property will have access to entertainment areas, shopping malls, and dining venues and will be connected by car to other tourist destinations such as Karon, Kata, and Kamala Beach.

Set to open in 2028, the hotel will feature 307 comfortable rooms, a restaurant, two bars, a spa, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre.

The hotel will join voco by IHG, a brand accurately designed to stand out from the crowd, known as the IHG’s fastest growing premium brand, offering a hotel experience that is consistently thoughtful and distinct.

Each voco’s  property is characterized by its individual charm providing guests something different while also ensuring the reliability of a global brand. Centred around the brand hallmarks “Come on in”, “Me Time”, and “voco life”. voco hotels are renowned for their bold identity and thoughtful touches.

IHG Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio in Phuket includes seven hotels across five brands: InterContinental, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. The company now has more than 80 open and signed hotels in Thailand.

The signing follows the debut of the voco brand in Bangkok and adds the brand’s expansion in Thailand, with four additional voco hotels in the pipeline. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts has a global portfolio of 137 voco hotels open and operating, with 113 more in development.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/voco-brand-continues-growth-momentum-with-new-phuket-signing

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141374.html

Four Season Hotels and Resorts | Announced the Reopening of Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi After Redesign

Four Seasons Hotels Limited, trading as Four Season Hotels and Resorts, a luxury and resort company based in Toronto, Canada, which has transformed the hospitality industry by combining personalized and genuine care with a commitment to excellence in service and details has announced the reopening of Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi after redesign, located in Tokyo, Japan’s capital and largest city.

The hotel is located at Pacific Century Place Marunouchi, 1 Chome - 11 - 1 in a high - rise building across the street from the iconic red - brick Tokyo Station, 2 km from both Tokyo Imperial Palace and the Tsukiji fish market in the heart of Marunouchi district, a premier financial corporate hub, seamlessly blending gleaming skyscrapers with historic architecture, offering a sophisticated mix of upscale dining, luxury shopping, and cultural attractions.

The property has reopened its doors following a redesign that included updates to its of rooms, suites, and lobby led interior architect André Fu and now is accepting reservations.

Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi now features 57 rooms and suites enhanced in room - technology, such as 65 - inch televisions and portable speakers, featuring sliding panels, warm woods, cast - bronze lighting, artisan ceramics, and custom furnishing. The colour palette includes teal greens and dusty pinks, and some rooms include cherry blossom inlays.

In - room minibar cabinets now feature handcrafted Japanese tea sets, local teas, and traditional rice crackers and  select – suites are equipped with dedicated amenity cooler boxes for late - arriving guests.

The updated lobby features natural oak, grey marble, backlit shoji screens, and washi - style lanterns.The hotel has also updated its 24 - hour in - room dining menu to include Japanese, Western, and comfort food options.

Upon arrival guests are welcomed with seasonal Japanese fruit, wagashi as well as a glass of Champagne and escorted directly to their room or suite for private check - in.

The property has also expanded its concierge programming, offering experiences such as ramen - making workshops, sumo outings, and bar – hopping tours in Ginza and Shinjuku. 

Link

https://press.fourseasons.com/tokyo/hotel-news/2026/renovations-complete/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141385.html

Marriott International | Unveiled the Upcoming Soft Opening of a 200 - Room Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel in St. Pete Beach, Florida, U.S.

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland, U.S. has unveiled the upcoming soft opening on June 11 of a 200 - room Marriott Trbute Portfolio hotel in St. Pete Beach, a resort city on a barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, west of of St. Petersburg in the U.S. state of Florida.

St. Pete Beach is celebrated for its miles of powdery white sand, calm emerald waters, and year-round sunshine. It offers a laid-back, resort-town atmosphere, vibrant waterfront dining, and exciting water activities, drawing travellers from all over, highlighted by a 1928 landmark, the pink Moorish - style Don CeSar Hotel looms over the shore and the Pass - A Grille area offering galleries, shops and the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum, which displays postcards and other artifacts in a 1917 church. 

 The Luce, a Marriortt Tribute Portfolio is located at 6300 Gulf Boulevard near local dining and Downtown St. Petersburg, 5.4 km from Sunset Park, 16.8 km from Great Explorations Children’s Museum, 46.7 from Florida Aquarium, 52 km from ZooTampa at Lowry Park and is easily accessible from St. Pete - Clearwater International Airport and Tampa International Airport.

The property is owned by LCP Group L.P. a real estate investment manager based in White Plains, NY and Safanad, a global investment firm co – headquartered in New York, U.S. and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and managed by Crescent Hotels & Resorts, an unparalleled hospitality management in North America based in Fairfax, Virginia, U.S.

The Luce will open with 200 accommodations, including bungalow studio and Lanai Rooms, following a transformation from a previous boutique hotel.

Guestrooms are equipped with king or double queen beds, Lavazza cafe machines, smart TVs with streaming capabilities, blackout curtains and bath amenities in partnership with SACHAJUAN. Bungalows have private outdoor lounges with QR code ordering, and Lanai Rooms offer semi - private outdoor seating near the pool.

The property’s lobby features a large - scale art installation by Marianne Angeli Roddriguez, a Filipino - American painter and muralist.

The hotel will feature two dining options. Sundrop, the lobby restaurant and bar, will offer seven - day brunch and dinner service in an indoor - outdoor setting, a daily happy hour, and weekly rum tasting on Wednesday and Fridays. The menu includes seafood towers, oysters, Wagyu steak, Chilean sea bass, salmon, lemon pancakes, burrata and avocado toast, as well as a lobster roll. Baby Turtle Beach Club, scheduled to open in Fall 2026, will offer American coastal fare.

The property includes St. Pete Beach’s largest pool, daily activities, weekend yoga, live DJ sessions, a nightly Sunset Social, poolside and beach cabanas, lawn games, a 24 - hour fitness centre, a retail boutique, and a curated Spotify playlist will be available for guests.

Guests at the Luce will have private beach access with complimentary loungers and Beach Butler service. The hotel will also provide a Vacation Amenity Box with items such as sunscreen, mist spray, and a koozie.  

The property offers 14.000 square feet of event space, including a 2.280 - square - foot ballroom, the outdoor Palm Court, and Palm Pavilion, with seven venues accommodating up to 200 guests.

The Luce joins the Tribute Portfolio brand, a collection of independent, boutique hotels that are distinguished by their captivating design, vibrant social scenes, and unique character. These properties are known for their individuality, incorporating bold colour, art installations, and with a focus on local community connection.

During the soft opening, The Luce is offering 3.000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night for every stay booked by Marriott Bonvoy Members.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/tpapb-the-luce-st-pete-beach-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/rooms/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141393.html

Hajar Al - Sinanat, Al Khaboura, Oman | A Team of Archaeologists Uncovered a Rare Prehistoric Rock Art Site

A team of archaeologists have uncovered a rare prehistoric rock art site at Hajar - Al Sinanat an archaeological area located in the Wilayat of Al Khaboura within Al Batinah Governorate in northern Oman.

The find features a massive rock face densely covered in ancient petroglyphs, showcasing a detailed visual record of how early inhabitants viewed their surroundings.

The petroglyphs were created using a “rock - pecking” method. Early artisans repeatedly stuck the stone surface to chip away the darker patina, exposing the lighter rock undermeath to form distinct shapes.

The carvings feature a wide variety of subjects, providing deep insights into early ecological knowledge and daily practices. Depictions of animals are visible with drawings of bulls, cows, mountain goats, ibexes, and rare representations of predators like the Arabian Leopard, along humans depicted with anthropomorphic symbols and figures as well the presence of abstract geometric patterns.

The panels were added to over hundreds and possibly thousands of years. Newer images are frequently found layered alongside older ones, reflecting centuries of continued use of the same rocks for cultural and symbolic expression.

Currently, specialists continue to study the site. At the same time, measures are being taken for its conservation and restoration with the aim of reinforcing its historical and tourist value as one of the testimonies of the rich Omani cultural heritage.

The Omani Ministry of Heritage and Tourism noted that the discovery is part of ongoing efforts to identify and preserve Oman’s archaeological sites. These types of findings expand scientists’a knowledge of the living conditions and natural environment of ancient civilizations.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/descubren-antiguos-grabados-rupestres-en-om-n/

Cairo, Egypt | Launched the “Art Street” Initiative to Transform the City Centre in an Open - Air Art Space

Cairo, Egypt’s capital and largest centre, a, vibrant metropolis where ancient pharaonic wonders, medieval Islamic architecture and a sprawling modern urban landscapes collide, the largest city in the Arab world, serving as a busltling cultural hub, has launched “Street of Art", a new initiative to transform the city centre in an open - air art space, a cultural project that is breathing new life into the the historic heart of the Egyptian capital. 

The first day’s program transforming the urban space into a place where creativity can be enjoyed included live musical performances, folkloric and historical shows, puppet theatre, as well as creative workshops in plastic arts and ceramics. 

Further Details about the “Street of Art” Initiative: 

•    Location: The pedestrian - friendly triangle encompassing the Stock Exchange (Bourse) and Al – Sherifein Street in Downtown Cairo .
•    Schedule: Events run every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
•    Performances: The fully pedestrianized zones showcase visual arts, music, caricature drawing, puppetry, and heritage performances like tahtib (stick dancing and tannoura. 
•    Organizers: A collaboration between the Cairo Governorate and the Academy of Arts to support young emerging talent and make culture accessible to the public. 

As noted by Egypt’s Minister of Culture, Gihane Zaki, the project will be an important step towards popularizing art and its accessibility for the city’s inhabitants. The initiative is designed to bring art from closed galleries to public spaces, allowing direct interaction with different sectors of society. 

 The Minister added that "Art Street" is being carried out under the patronage of Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouly and reflects the state’s commitment to supporting cultural and creative industries, as well as identifying and developing talent. 

Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber explained that the initiative seeks to transform the streets and squares of the capital into open - air theatres. This will make it possible to offer citizens high - quality artistic content free of charge, thus promoting cultural taste and the creation of a cultural identity in the city centre. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/calles-de-el-cairo-se-han-convertido-en-un-espacio-art-stico-al-aire-libre/

Buenos Aires, Argentina | Solidified its Position as the Premier MICE Destination in the Americas

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital and largest city, a cosmopolitan, pulsating and appealing South American metropolis characterized a vibrant blend of its colonial past, significant European immigration and architecture, and rich Latin American traditions, passionate tango,  a strong emphasis on social life, and boasting a unique arts scene, has solidified its position as the premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions in the Americas. 

By hosting over 90 recognized international events annually, the Argentine capital continuously ranks as the number one destination on the continent by reaching, for the fifteenth consecutive year, the first place in the prestigious International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranking, outperforming major hubs like Montreal, Canada, Lima, Peru, Mexico City, and São Paulo, Brazil, and also ranked 20th globally within the MICE industry. 

Meeting tourism is thus consolidated as one of the strategic engines for the Buenos Aires economy, promoting hotels, gastronomy, transportation and cultural consumption throughout the year, as reported by REPORTUR.com.ar.

From the local tourism sector they stressed that the international positioning is the result of joint work between public and private organizations to attract congresses, conventions and international fairs. In addition, they pointed out that the objective is to continue climbing global positions in the coming years.  

The data from the Tourism Observatory also reflect the economic impact of the segment: the visitor who comes to Buenos Aires for congresses and conventions spends an average 25% more than the leisure tourist. In turn 99% of those who participated in events said that would visit the city again. 

Medical sciences, technology and science were the main themes of the meetings held in 2025 and Universities, convention centers and hotels concentrated most of the chosen venues. 

 Why Buenos Aires Leads the Americas in the MICE Segment: 

•    Unmatched Infrastructure: The city boasts world – class venues like the La Rural Predio Ferial, the Centro de Convenciones Buenos Aires (CEC), and extensive premium hotel spaces. 
•    Global Recognition: Buenos Aires routinely secures a spot in the top 20 cities worldwide for the MICE industry. 
•    Accessibility and Connectivity: With excellent international air connectivity and high – quality local hospitality, the Argentine capital is a prime choice for global associations and corporate organizers. 
•    Cultural Appeal: Organizers often leverage the city’s rich European – style architecture, renowned gastronomy, and vibrant cultural scene to boost attendance and incentive travel packages. 
How Buenos Aires Stacks Up: 

While cities like Montreal, Lima, and CDMX boast strong tourism and business sectors, Buenos Aires has distinguished itself through highly coordinated efforts between the city’s tourism board, the private sector, and local universities to attract targeted global congresses. Its ability to capture a massive share of all international events in South America gives it a decisive edge in the region.  

The head of the Buenos Aires Government, Jorge Macri, stressed that “we are working to continue growing as leaders, that is why we are expanding the offer of places to hold congresses and conventions and we continue to strengthen event tourism.”

Link 
https://www.reportur.com/argentina/2026/05/25/buenos-aires-lider-en-mice-al-superar-a-montreal-lima-y-cdmx/

Arusha, Tanzania | KARIBU - KILIFAIR - International Trade Fair for Tourism, Networking and Destination Marketing in East Africa - 04. - 07. June 2026

Arusha, a vibrant city at the base of Mount Meru, globally renowned as the gateway to the Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, serving as the starting point for expeditions to the iconic Serengeti National Park and the emblematic Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a blend of mountain scenery, coffee plantations, and rich cultural heritage will host from 04^th to 07th June 2026 KARIBU - KILIFAIR Fair, a relevant international trade show for tourism, networking and destination marketing in East Africa.

Recognized as one of the most important tourism fairs in the region, the event is organized by KILIFAIR Promotion Ltd., a seasoned company specializing in the marketing and distribution of tourism products across East Africa.

Held annually on the expansive grounds of the Magereza Grounds in downtown Arusha, close to Arusha Airport and well connected to the regional road network, making the venue particularly accessible. Set amid one of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, the fair combines professional significance with an unforgettable experience in the birthplace of African tourism.

Since its inception, KARIBU Fair has become a central industry platform, thanks to its unique combination of local authenticity and international appeal. 

The event lives up to its name, “KARIBU” is Swahili for “Welcome”, a fitting title for a fair dedicated to cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and the promotion of tourism on both regional and international levels.

More than 600 exhibitors from over 45 countries take part annually, including airlines, hotels, lodges, safari operators, tour operators, tourism boards, banks, and providers of sustainable and cultural tourism concepts. 

The fair draws a wide range of professionals: international buyers, specialized operators, hoteliers, investors, media representatives, and decision - makers from various segments and niches from the tourism industry, all showcasing or seeking new products, partnerships and ideas. As such, the fair functions not only as a professional forum for East Africa but also as an international platform with influence across the entire region.

The offerings range from high - end accommodations and digital booking solutions to handcrafted art and regional cuisine. Innovative technologies that enhance the travel experience are also an integral part of the exhibition.

Core themes of the trade show include sustainable tourism, empowering women in the industry, nurturing young talent, and preserving cultural and ecological resources.

Dozens of industry experts present data and discuss trends covering tourism, conservation, and eco  - friendly travel.

Several seminars, workshops, panel discussions, and networking events foster dialogue and support the creation of long - term partnerships.

With a strong focus on B2B matchmaking, the fair uses an appointment platform (KILUCLOD) allowing agents and buyers to seamlessly schedule meetings and explore business opportunities.

Cultural, traditional performances ranging from music, authentic culinary experiences and dance to artistic showcases and representations of 120+ local tribes, enrich the fair and make it an attractive event for the local public as well.

KARIBU - KILIFAIR  in all its essence represents much more than a business event, it serves as a strategic hub for knowledge exchange, professional development and inspiration.

Links

https://kilifair-tanzania.com/

https://www.tradefairdates.com/KARIBU-Fair-M13869/Arusha.html