ANA Holiday Inn | Portfolio Expansion with the Opening of Two New Hotels in Japan, Located in Sanda and Tosu

ANA Holiday Inn, a strategic co - brand between Japan’s 5 - star airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA) and the global hospitality company, IHG Hotels & Resorts, formed as part of a joint venture established in 2006, blending Holiday Inn’s reliable full-– service hospitality with the localized strength and standards of the Japanese airline has expanded its portfolio with the opening of two new hotels in Japan, located in Sanda and Tosu.

Operated by Select Hotels Group Japan, a prominent hospitality company founded in 2005 and based in Chiyoda - ku - Tokyo, a group that operates dozens of properties across Japan, ranging from business class to full – service luxury accommodations, ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda and ANA Holiday Inn Tosu are the first international full - services hotels in Sanda City, Hyogo Prefecture,  and Tosu City, Saga Prefecture, and both properties are part of IHG Hotels & Resorts.

ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda - The hotel opened on 27 April 2026 is positioned between Kobe and Osaka in Sanda in the southeast of Hyogo prefecture, a centre surrounded by a beautiful natural environment, a mild climate and blessed with flowers, greenery, water, and an abundance of natural beauty.

The property is situated in the hillside area of Sanda, one minute’s walk from Woody Town Chuo Station on the Kobe Electric Railway and less than ten minutes’ drive from the Kobe - Sanda Interchange. 

The establishment features 130 rooms, including double and twin layouts, as well as a Japanese - style room with traditional tatami flooring and a low - set layout, and an open lobby designed as a flexible space for work, dining, or relaxation. 

ANA Holiday Inn Tosu - The property welcoming its first guests on 28 April 2026 is located in Tosu, a lively centre located in eastern Saga Prefecture, primarily known as a major railway and highway transportation hub on Kyushu Island, offering a distinct blend of designer shopping, sports, local history, and seasonal nature for travellers.

The hotel is situated at Tosu Junction where the Kyushu, Nagasaki, and Oita expressways converge, five minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport.

The property features 127 rooms and suites with configurations for families and solo travellers, including single, twin, and suite options.

Both hotels feature a signature restaurant, Apple Road, which serves a daily buffet breakfast and offers lunch and dinner. Each property provides six flexible meeting and event spaces, accommodating up to 250 guests. The Kids Stay & Eat Free program is available at both locations for children aged 12 and under.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/a-warm-welcome-twice-over-ana-holiday-inn-opens-in-two-new-japanese-cities

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141375.html

Trestle Studio LLC | Acquired a 168 - Room Resort & Spa in Lakeway, Texas, U.S.

Trestle Studio, a boutique real estate investment and development firm based in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. dedicated to creating culturally - resonant hospitality destination through the thoughtful synthesis of branding, design, and disciplined execution in partnership with Sopris Capital, a multi - strategy investment firm headquartered in Aspen, Colorado, investing in venture capital, private equity and real estate has completed the acquisition of a 168 room resort & Spa in Lakeway,  a premier lakeside community situated on the south shore of Lake Travis in Travis County, Texas, approximately 40 km west of Austin.

Lakeway id known for its Hill Country views and resort - style living, it features championship golf courses, extensive hike and bike trails, and a peaceful, family - friendly environment just a short drive from Downtown Austin. 

Lakeway Resort & Spa opened in 1963 as the first resort of its kind in the Lakeway community is located at 101 Lakeway Drive occupying an 11 - acre peninsula, offering access to more than 104 km of shoreline and a variety of water - based recreational activities, located near championship golf courses, wineries, and about a 40 - minute from Austin - Bergstrom International Airport.

The resort features 168 comfortable rooms, a pool complex that includes an adults - only pool with a swim - up bar, a family pool, a children’s splash pool with an adventure water slide, a full - service boutique spa offering massages, aromatherapy, facials, and stunning, sweeping views on Lake Travis.

On - site dining is available at TR Restaurant & Bar, serving upscale rustic fare with lake views, alongside the Backyard Porch, which provides the perfect backdrop for evening drinks and sunsets.

The resort also includes a 24 - hour fitness centre, spacious event venues, access to nearby world - class championship golf courses, tennis courts and walking/jogging trails.

Positioned right next to the property, the Lakeside Marina offers convenient water sport rentals ansd boating access to Lake Travis.

Trestle Studio plans a comprehensive renovation and modernization of the property, including updated to guestrooms, spa and wellness offerings, food and beverage programming, and club amenities.

Planned enhancements will address the design of the resort, refresh more than 24.000 square feet of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, redevelop locally - driven culinary concepts, and expand wellness and recreational activities.

Lakeway Resort & Spa joins Trestle Studio’s portfolio, which includes The Hotel Chalet in Chattanooga, Tennessee and the forthcoming Sitio El Tropicano in San Antonio, Texas. Additional details regarding the renovation timeline and future programming will be announced at a later date. 

Links 

https://www.lakewayresortandspa.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=gbp_listing

ttps://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141335.html

Raffles Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened its Second Property in Saudi Arabia, Located in Jeddah

Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a Singaporean chain of luxury hotels established in 1887, an upscale brand owned by Accor S.A. a French multinational hospitality company based in Issy - les - Moulineaux has officially opened its second property in Saudi Arabia, following Raffes Makkah Palace. The new property is located in Jeddah, a vibrant coastal city on the Red Sea, a governorate and the largest centre in Mecca Province.

Jeddah is a  modern commercial hub and gateway for pilgrimages to the Islamic holy cities Makkah and Medina,  famous for its historic Al - Balad district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attractions like the world’s tallest King Fahd’s Fountain, the modern Jeddah Corniche along the Red Sea, and a rich seafood - based food culture.

Raffles Jeddah is located along the historic Corniche in Jeddah offering stunning views of the Red Sea near attractions and landmarks including Fakih Aquarium, Al Shalal Theme Park, Boulevard Jeddah and Abulaziz International Airport is a 25 - minute drive from the hotel.

The hotel’s architecture incorporates traditional Hejazi design elements, including mashrabiya screens and carved wood latticework. Interiors were designed by Robert Angell, with spa and wellness areas by Tristan Du Plessis. 

The lobby features sculptural columns and iridescent surfaces inspired by the Red Sea, and wall motifs referencing plasterwork from Jeddah Al - Halad district. In addition the hotel displays contemporary works by Saudi and Middle Eastern artists.

Raffles Jeddah features 182 rooms, including 40 suites, all with uninterrupted Red Sea views. Guestrooms start from approximately 66 square metres.

The hotel offers two dining venues. Surl’O is an all - day brasserie overlooking the Red Sea, serving dishes that blend Eastern and Western culinary traditions. Atorie Lounge & Patisserie offers French patisserie with Japanese influences, serving morning pastries, matcha - infused éclairs, afternoon tea, mocktails, and desserts.A third restaurant is planned to open at a later date.

Amenities at the hotel include the Raffles Spa, a wellness area for ladies and gentleman, including treatment rooms, Moroccan hammams, fitness centres, swimming pools, and a private couple’s treatment suite.

Event spaces include six meeting rooms, a business centre, a VIP lounge, and pre - function areas. The Pearl and Crystal Ballrooms are located above the plaza featuring floor - to - ceiling windows with city views.

Designed for discerning travellers featuring tailored lifestyle experiences, with Raffles’s legendary butler service, every stay at the hotel is elevated with personalized attention, blending tradition with modern sophistication.

Links

https://press.accor.com/raffles-hotels-resorts-unveils-a-new-landmark-of-luxury-on-the-red-sea-corniche/?lang=eng

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141404.html

Mexico | Promoting Artificial Intelligence Factories to Strengthen Government Digital Innovation

Mexico is actively advancing its digital infrastructure by promoting “Artificial Intelligence Factories”, specialized, high performances data centres designed to generate intelligence, insight and AI agents to strengthen government digital innovation.

This initiative as part of the National AI Plan, promoted by the Agency for Digital Transformation and Telecommunications, has the aim of developing its own technological solutions within the government facilities, integrated to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve citizen services.

The project will have an investment of 6,000 million pesos (approximately $79.8 million) and will be located on the Zacatenco campus of the National Polytechnic Institute, in Mexico City, with an estimated construction time of 24 months.

According to Canal 6 Tv, television channel based in Ixtapaluca, that covers the most important events in the eastern part of the country, this project seeks to transform the current model towards one in which the State can design digital tools adapted to the needs of the population and improve public - decision making.

The AI Factories will not be physical facilities, but a team of around one hundred specialists supported by a high - capacity computer that will function as the “brain” in charge of developing intelligent software to streamline government procedures and services.

Among the developments already in operation is the 24/7 Window, a virtual assistant that allows citizens to locate procedures using natural language within the government portal. Also included are the “Kuúl” system, focused on tourist recommendation, and an intelligent tool for disaster management.

The strategy is complemented by the creation of a national network of data centres, located in cities such as Aguascalientes and Tulancingo, with the aim of safeguarding information on their own servers, strengthening digital infrastructure and moving towards technological self- sufficiency of the State.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/m-xico-impulsa-una-f-brica-de-inteligencia-artificial-para-fortalecer-la-innovaci-n-digital-gubernam/

Ethiopia | Signed a Strategic MoU with a Chinese Business Group for the Creation of an Innovative Centre Focusing on Agriculture and Tourism

The Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Alladin Holding Group, an important Chinese business company for the creation of an innovative centre Focusing on agriculture and tourism.

The agreement is for the project of the China - East Africa Modern Agricultural and Cultural Tourism Industry Innovation Center, a hub includes integrated initiatives combining renewable energy, modern agriculture, advanced farming, , equipment manufacturing, promotion and development of cultural tourism to foster economic transformation across Ethiopia, according to China Daily news agency.

Key focus areas include cold - chain logistics, agricultural robotics, solar power generation, promoting regional tourism aiming to enhance food security, upgrade agricultural practices and boosting rural tourism.

The partnership aims to build a scalable model located in Ethiopia, to be replicated throughout East Africa, serving as a hub for innovation and industrial - agricultural cluster. 

Chairman of Aladdin Holding Group , Yang Renqiang, said they see Ethiopia as a large market with strong renewable energy resources and growing demand for agricultural modernization, food security and job creation.

Ethiopia’ ambassador to China, Tefere Yiman said that the proposal is in line with the country’s economic reform agenda and its push for the modernization of agriculture, a sector that supports 70% of employment in Ethiopia.

Both nations have made joint efforts in infrastructure, green energy, agriculture and manufacturing.The signing of this memorandum of understanding (MoU) represents a further step in the deepening of bilateral cooperation, betting on a sustainable model that Integrates technology, clean energy and tourism to boost Ethiopian economic and social development.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/etiop-a-y-china-impulsan-creaci-n-de-un-centro-de-innovaci-n-en-agricultura-y-turismo/

India | Travel and Tourism Sector is Projected to Grow at Roughly a 7% Annual Rate Until 2035

India’s travel and tourism is projected to grow at roughly q 7% annual rate until 2035. This explosive expansion is driven by a massive surge in middle - class incomes, an influx of young travellers, and widespread AI - led booking adoption across the stronger expansion of the domestic market as well as well as a relevant increase of international travellers. 

The travel and tourism sector in India consolidates itself as a key economic driver. According to a study that highlights the strong long - term growth potential of tourism in the Asian country, with an expansion of 7% CAGR between 2024 and 2035, domestic tourist visits reached 18.6 billion between 2014 and 2024, while foreign exchange earnings reaching about 18.8 trillion rupees (about $195.5 billion). 

According  to Asian News International ( ANI), globally, the travel and tourism sector is going through a “phase of sustained structural growth”, driven by the rise of the middle class, the adoption of artificial intelligence in bookings and the recovery from the pandemic. 

Tourism & Travel Industry Projections & Market Impact in India: 

•    Average Annual Growth: The World Travel & Tourism Council projects a consistent 7% CAGR for the Indian sector, eyeing an eventual 10% contribution to 
•    the national GDP.
•    Overall Market Valuation: The sector’s total value is booming rapidly, with strong industry forecasts predicting the overall Indian travel and tourism market could scale to $1 trillion by 2030.
•    Hospitality Upgrades: The massive boom in domestic demand has pushed prominent players like the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) to adopt aggressive expansions strategies, aiming to double their property counts by 2030. 

The global tourism market could reach $16.5 trillion by 2035, while the sector already accounts for nearly 10% of Global GDP and supports more than 350 million jobs.  
 
In India, tourism contributes around 5.2% of GDP and generates more than 76 million jobs, driven by strong growth in domestic tourism, which has almost tripled in the last decade.
 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/india-proyecta-un-crecimiento-tur-stico-del-7-anual-hasta-2035/

Colombia | Officially Launched a New Information Platform for Disaster Risk Management

Colombia has officially launched a new Information platform for disaster risk management, a key tool accurately designed to improve decision – making in prevention and response.

The development of the platform was led by National Unit for Disaster Risk  Management (UNGRD), and head technical support from the Ministry of Information and communications Technologies (MinTIC).

The creation of this tool also saw a partnership with OroraTech Colombia deploying a satellite - based wildfire system monitoring large centres like Cali, and scientifically assessing risks across all 1.122 municipalities in the country, establishing Colombia as the first country in Latin America to use near real – time thermal satellite imagery and AI analytics to detect and monitor wildfire. 

This innovative technological tool was introduced during the 2026 National Platform for Disaster Risk Management, an event which brought together more than 1.600 participants from 19 countries.

This technology initiative is designed to help Colombia shift from reactive emergency responses to “anticipatory action”, taking preventative measures ahead of disasters like floods, landslides, and droughts, and will make possible to consult information on risks in the territory, historical emergencies, public investments and operational capacities in real time in a single portal.

The platform integrates data on emergencies, natural hazards, public investment, machinery in operation and capacities of the National Disaster Risk Management System (SNGRD) all centralized, avoiding dispersed procedures or requests via petition rights.

For the development of this platform, The UNGRD completed a comprehensive multi - year project that maps the exact risk and vulnerability of all 1.122 Colombian municipalities to guide evidence - based decision making from the national down to the local level.

With this tool, mayors, governors, ministers, technical agencies and community leaders will be able to access a unified information base, strengthening evidence - based decision making and improving the protection of lives and property.

The creation of this innovative platform undoubtedly marks a step toward more modern, transparent and intelligent risk management, underpinned by open data and public access.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/colombia-lanza-una-plataforma-de-informaci-n-para-la-gesti-n-del-riesgo-de-desastres/