Raffles Hotels & Resorts | Announced Plans to Open its First Alpine Resort in Courchevel, France

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 announced its plans to open its alpine resort in Courchevel, a famous destination within the largest ski area in the world in the Tarentaise Valley,  part of Les Trois Vallées in the Savoie Départment, a stunning Alpine territory in the Rhône - Alpes region.

Courchevel is a prominent ski destination offering over 600 kilometres of slopes and breathtaking views of the most beautiful peaks in the western Alps, made up of five villages at different altitudes, each with its own beginner ski area, at least one free ski lift, and a variety of gentle pistes, and it also offers other winter activities include snowboarding and ice skating.

Summer activities in Courchevel include hiking, via ferrata, climbing, ciclying, golf, swimming, stand-up paddling, tennis and beach volleyball among others.

The development of Raffles Courchevel is in collaboration with the developer and owner Art de Vivre, a long - term investment holding company focused on luxury hospitality, lifestyle brands, and high - end real estate development in Europe, specialized in developing exclusive resorts, including projects in the Alps, as well as investments in restaurants, wellness, and private members’ clubs.

Scheduled to open for the 2028 winter season, the resort is being designed by JMV, with interiors by Humbert & Poyet ,an interior architecture firm based in Monaco, specialised in hospitality and residential projects.

The property will be located near dining, cultural, and social venues within the Jardin Alpine precinct of Courchevel 1850, a premier, high – altitude enclave known as the most exclusive and quiet area of Courchevel, offering direct access to the Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area. It features ultra - luxury ski - in/ski - out hotels, private residences, expansive panoramic terraces, and high – end wellness spas.

Raffles Courchevel will feature 50 rooms and suites, many with private balconies and views across the Tarentaise Valley, multiple dining spaces, such as a signature bar, a tea lounge, and two restaurants with winter gardens and terraces.

Amenities will also include a panoramic swimming pool, a fitness centre, a spa with treatment rooms, and thermal experiences. A program for younger guests focused on nature, sport, and wellbeing is planned.

Raffles Courchevel will be the brand’s second property in France, joining Le Royal Monceau - Raffles Paris and its sixth hotel in Europe, alongside locations in Istanbul, London, Paris, Warsaw and Raffles Lake Como scheduled to open in 2027.

Links

https://press.accor.com/raffles-hotels-resorts-to-debut-its-first-alpine-resort-on-the-legendary-pistes-of-courchevel-1850/?lang=eng

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141245.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Officially Opened a 195 - Room JdV by Hyatt Hotel in Hangzhou, China

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois,  has officially opened a 195 - room JdV by Hyatt hotel in Hangzhou, the capital of China’s Zhejiang province, the southern  terminus of the 1.400 - year - old Grand Canal waterway, which originates in Beijing,  a city renowned as a “paradise on earth”, blending UNESCO - listed scenic beauty with high - tech innovation , defined by the iconic West Lake, ancient tea culture, and its role as a modern hub for technology and digital commerce.

The DC Hotel Hangzhou CBD is part of the JdV by Hyatt brand and is owned by Zhejiang Ragon Group Hotel Management, a subsidiary of Hangzhou Commercial Tourism Group (Hangzhou Canal Group).

The hotel is located in the heart of Qianjiang CBD offering front row river views facing the “Big Lotus” Olympic Sports Center across the Qiantang River, just steps from landmark destinations such as MIXC and Raffles City, seamless access to both modern lifestyle hubs and the quieter, timeless beauty of Hangzhou takes centre stage.

The property offers 195 comfortable rooms and suites, designed around five elements: sleep, scent, movement, smart technology, and pet - friendly living. The 74 suites and residences feature floor - to -  ceiling windows, kitchens, dining areas, and washing machines.

C’ CAFÉ, the hotel’s all - day dining venue located on the ground floor, serves a breakfast buffet, à la carte opotions and evening menu items, featuring local ingredients as well as Asian and European dishes.

The third - floor fitness centre includes an indoor heated pool and a fitness studio with cardio and strength - training equipment, yoga gear, and smart technology.

For meeting and events, the hotel provides a 145 - square - metre pillar 0 free meeting room on the first floor for up to 120 guests, and a 56 - square metre boardroom on the fifth floor with city views. Both spaces are equipped with audiovisual systems, lighting, projection, and high - speed internet, and the hotel is pet - friendly.

The property joins JdV by Hyatt brand, a collection of independent boutique hotels well known for their unique character, reflecting the spirit and identity of neighbourhoods they are located in. The brand emphasises celebrating the “joie de vivre” philosophy and encourage guests to experience each hotel with the essence of its local surroundings.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/jdv-by-hyatt/en-US/hghjd-dc-hotel-hangzhou-cbd

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141227.html

The Stoneleigh, Dallas, Texas, U.S. | The Hotel Reopened its Doors Following Renovations Joining Marriott International’s Autograph Collection

The Stoneleigh, a hotel located in Dallas,  a vibrant city and cultural hub in North Texas, the most populous centre in the Dallas - Forth Worth Metroplex, one of the most influential cities in the U.S., known for its booming economy, diverse cultural scene, and a very welcoming atmosphere, sits at the crossroads of several major highways, making it a strategic location within the United Stated, a place where American Football reigns supreme and modern skyscrapers meet cowboys heritage has reopened its doors following renovations  joining Marriott International’s Autograph Collection.

The Stoneleigh, Autograph Collection is a historic Art Deco hotel originally designed by architect Frank J. Woerner and opened in 1923 with interiors reimagined in the 1930s by Dorothy Draper.

The hotel is  located at 2977 Maple Avevue in Uptown Dallas, within a 15 - minute walk of McKinney Avenue and American Airline Center has reopened after a renovation featuring redesigned interiors by design studio Fettle, an award - winning boutique interior architecture and design firm headquartered in Los Angeles, California, specializing in restaurant, bar, and hotel design by providing services from initial concepts and creating tailored, high - end, functional spaces.

The property now offers 176 rooms and suites ranging from 300 to 1.000 square feet including the Draper Suite and the Penthouse. Accommodations features high - pile wool carpeting, geometric wallcoverings, lacquered burl bar cabinets, sculptural upholstered headboards, and art by California – based artist Jack Lewis.

 Bathrooms include Venetian glass sconces by Sogni di Cristallo, a leading company in the field of interior lighting based in Murano, Venice, Italy and custom wallcoverings.

The hotel’s 72 suites provide apartment - style layouts with separate living areas. The 11th floor houses signature suites and original rooms, including the Music Room features restored 500 - year old wood panelling from London’s Charterhouse School, a minstrels’ balcony and a crystal chandelier by Fettle, the Dining Room and Library.

Two new dining venues have opened at the hotel, led by Chef Michael White in his Dallas debut. The Lions Den which also features a terrace for outdoor dining,  is an Italian supper club offering breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner, with menu items including house - made pastas, a Porterhouse presented as tartare manzo di manzo and grilled striploin, and Dover sole with brown butter and lemon.

Leonessa serves as a lounge and café, offering espresso, pastries, and light seasonal items in the morning, and cocktails and small plates in the evening. Menu items include grilled octopus with eggplant caponata, garganelli with prosciutto, peas, and truffle butter, as well as oysters with caviar. The lounge provides both indoor and terrace seating.

The Stoneleigh, Autograph Collection also features a fitness centre with performance and strength - training equipment, an outdoor pool area with daybeds, loungers and umbrellas, with a menu by Chef Michael White that includes lobster rolls, mini corn dogs, and seasonal bites, along with frozen cocktails, spritzes, wines, an non - alcoholic beverages.

The hotel offers more than 20.000 square feet of meeting and event space, including indoor and outdoor venues, and The Library and Music Room are available for private gatherings. 

The property joins the Marriott Autograph Collection, a selected family of distinctive, independent hotels with a focus on unique design reflecting the culture and spirit of the destination, ranging from historic luxury to modern hotels and resorts. The collection emphasizes “exactly like nothing else” experiences, often incorporating art, local cuisine, and specific themes like rich history or beachside getaways.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dalkl-the-stoneleigh-autograph-collection/overview/history/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141169.html

Brazil | To Invest $12 Million in 163 Film Projects from All Regions

After a significant push in its audiovisual sector, with RioFilme and the federal government launching a $23 million incentive package in May 2025 aimed at production and distribution, Brazil will invest other $12 million in 163 film projects with a strategic plan to democratize access to cinema, allowing Brazilian works to reach movie theatres through the country.

The Brazilian Ministry of Culture through the Audiovisual Secretariat, published the result of the call for Film Commercialization, according to the official website of the government institution.

163 projects from all regions of Brazil were selected, with an investment of 60 million reais (approximately $12 million) from the Audiovisual Sector Fund (FSA) to expand the presence of Brazilian films in theatres and strengthen public access to national productions.

The call received 295 registrations and the distribution of resources reinforces the commitment to decentralization. The Rio de Janeiro - São Paulo axis concentrates 68 projects, while the North, Northeast and Centre - West regions have 52 projects and the macro - region formed by South, Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo concentrates 43 projects.

The call also implemented affirmative actions aimed at diversity in the audiovisual sector. Companies with majority participation of Afro - Brazilian, indigenous and disabled people are responsible for 22 projects.

The Director of Audiovisual Training and Innovation, Milena Evangelista stressed that the initiative is an action to democratize access, allowing Brazilian works to reach movie theatres throughout Brazil and contribute to the nationalization and the decentralization of the audiovisual industry.

For the contracting and disbursement stages, companies must be in a regular situation and up to date with the Brazilian Film Regulatory Agency.

In 2025, the commercialization of the Brazilian film industry experienced a significant “turning point” marked by an aggressive push toward internationalization, massive government reinvestment, high - profile global success, and a surge in local market share. Brazil was named the Country of Honour at the 2025 Marché du Film (Cannes Film Market), signalling a major initiative to promote co – productions, attract foreign investments, and boost global reach of Brazilian cinema.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-invierte-12-millones-de-d-lares-en-163-proyectos-cinematogr-ficos/

Vietnam | Consolidating its Position as a Top Southeast Asian Tourist Destinations in 2026

Vietnam is consolidating its position as a top Southeast Asian tourist destination in 2026, according a record 6.76 million international visitors in the first quarter, a 12.4% increase year - on - year.

Driven by strong arrivals from China, South Korea, and rising markets like the Philippines and other Southeast Asian neighbors, as well as with a significant growth seen from India, and Russia, Vietnam is emerging as a premier regional hotspot due to improved air connectivity driving demand, with new routes opening, enhancement of infrastructure, diverse promoted attractions, competitive pricing and a tourism development strategy that is strengthening its international appeal generating a steady increase in international visitors.

This success is also explained by other factors such as political stability,  a diversification of destinations, a strong education system, and a more than relevant social media  presence as reported by the Vietnam  News Agency (VNA) . All these elements have helped to strengthen Vietnam competitiveness in the tourism sector.

The country’s tourism revenue have increased markedly in recent decades, from VND1.34 billion (approx. US$53,374)  in 1990 to VND840 trillion (approximately US$33.47 million) in 2024, according to the Vietnam National Tourism Authority (VNAT).

Vietnam stands out for its cultural diversity, varied landscapes and affordable prices on the coast and in the interior, making it a particularly attractive destination for young tourists. Its urban life, gastronomy and low - cost wellness services have contributed to its growing international popularity.

Looking ahead, with these brilliant performances, Vietnam aims to reach 50 million international visitors by 2030. Large hotel chains and tourism projects are expanding capacity not only in major centres like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh but also in destinations such as Phu Quoc and Vung Tau, while wellness is gaining ground in the north and centre of the country increasing the appeal of Vietnam as a top southeast Asian destination for this tear and beyond.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/vietnam-se-consolida-como-el-principal-destino-tur-stico-del-sudeste-asi-tico-en-2026/

The Dominican Republic | Launched an Innovative AI Platform to Transform the Tourism Experience

The Dominican Republic through its Ministry of Tourism (Mitur) has launched an innovative AI platform to transform the tourism experience by making travel planning faster, easier, and more personalized, becoming the first tourist destination in the Caribbean to implement an artificial intelligence system of this magnitude.

Presented in Miami, Florida, U.S., this innovative, artificial intelligence platform is designed to provide a more interactive and efficient way to explore several tourism options across the country supporting travellers to plan and live their experience in the destination, consolidating the Caribbean country as a benchmark for tourism innovation in the region.

The new digital tool works as an intelligent travel organizer that allows quick and personalized access to information about activities, beaches, entertainment, excursions, experiences, gastronomy, and hotels across the Dominican Republic.

The platform already available to users and travellers through www.godominicarepublic.vom offers an intuitive and dynamic experience that adapts recommendations according to the interest, preferences and budget of each visitor, integrating options to discover emblematic places such as Cabarete, La Romana, Miches,  Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Samaná and Santo Domingo among others.

The Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, David Collado, stressed that the initiative represents an important step within the modern and innovative vision that the country is promoting in tourism.

The Minister added that today the Dominican Republic once again sets a precedent in the region. The country is not only leader in tourism recovery and growth, but also in innovation. This platform places the traveller in the centre of the experience and shows that the destination continues to bet on technology to strengthen its international positioning.

Link

https://www.arecoa.com/destinos/2026/05/12/mitur-lanza-innovadora-plataforma-de-ia-para-transformar-la-experiencia-turistica/

Eswatini | Continuing to Focus on a $6 Million Conservation Project Delivers Lasting Impact for the Country’s Protected Areas

Eswatini is continuing to focus on a conservation project worth approximately E98.5 million (about US$6 million) delivering lasting impact for the country’s protected areas. The initiative has continued to deliver measurable benefits for communities and biodiversity across the nation, as stakeholders assess the long - term outcomes of the Strengthening the National Protected Areas System (SNPAS) Project. which aims to effectively expand, manage and develop the country’s protected areas network in order to adequately preserve nature and landscapes of the southern African nation. 

Funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented between 2015 and 2021 through the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) oversight, the six years program program expanded the country’s protected area coverage from 3.9% to 5.5%, while securing nearly 20.000 hectares of private and communal land through Other Effective Area – Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

The project’s impact came into focus during a recent visit by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Henrik Franklyn and Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC) Chief Executive  Officer Thulani Methula to three supported sites such as Shewula Community Nature Reserve, in northeastern Eswatini, located in the Lubombo Mountains, Mbuluzi Game Reserve, a 3.000 hectare reserve also in northeast Eswatini, crossed by the scenic Mbuluzi and Mlawula rivers, and Mlawula Nature Reserve, a 16.500 hectares protected area highlighted by diverse savanna - woodland mosaics dominated by Lubombo mountains.

The project developed a GIS - based biodiversity monitoring system, conducted biodiversity surveys, and improved data collection for ecological planning.

Initiative included support to community - based ecotourism infrastructure, improving conservation technologies, training for community members in sustainable land use, such as in the Luyengweni Chiefdom, aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing local income, managing the elimination of invasive alien plants such as black wattle and strengthening ecological stewardship in important habitats, all of which have contributed to local livelihoods and long - term environmental sustainability.

The visit offered stakeholders an opportunity to evaluate the durability of the project’s achievements and reinforce collaboration between communities, government, and development partners as Eswatini navigates ongoing environmentaland climate – related pressures.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/e98-5-million-conservation-project-delivers-lasting-impact-for-eswatini-s-protected-areas.html