The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) | Signed an Agreement to Develop a Taj Safaris Lodge in Satpura, Madhya Pradesh, India

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), part of Tata Group and headquartered in Mumbai, has signed an agreement with Sarvapratham Hospitality Private Limited, a tourism and accommodation private limited group based in Huzur involved in activities such as hotels, motels, inns, and resorts providing short term lodging facilities, to develop a Taj Safari Lodge in Satpura, an area highlighted by Satpura National Park. in the Hoshangabad district of Madhya Pradesh, a large state in central India.

The project is a greenfield development on a 30 - acre site located approximately two hours from Bhopal Airport in the Saptura National Park, a 524 sq km UNESCO site, a recognized biodiversity hotspot known for its rugged terrain, forests, the scenic Denwa River,  home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, Indian bison, over 300 species of birds, and more than 30 species of reptiles.

The planned Taj Safaris Satptura will feature 20 comfortable rooms, an all – day dining restaurant and a bar.

The property will join the emblematic Taj brand, characterized by its deep Indian heritage offering  authentic cultural experiences, world - class service and a strong commitment to sustainability.

The brand also focuses on preserving Indian culinary traditions and craftmanship, maintaining an iconic luxury image, and expanding its global presence highlighting responsible tourism.

With this addition The Indian Hotels Company Limited will have five Taj Safaris properties in the state of Madhya Pradesh, including one under development, with existing lodges located in Bandhavgarh, Kanha, Panna, and Pench.

Links

https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/ihcl-signs-a-taj-safaris-lodge-in-satpura-madhy-pradesh

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140643.html

The Standard Hotels | Unveiled the Future Opening of its First Texas Hotel, Located in Austin, U.S.

The Standard Hotels, an international boutique hotel chain founded in 1999 and based in New York City , operated by Standard International Management has unveiled the future opening of its first Texas hotel located in Austin, vibrant capital city of the U.S. state bordering the Hill Country region, located on the Colorado River between Travis, Hay, and Williamson counties, as well as with three lakes within the city limits :  Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, and Lake Walter E.Long.

The Standard, Austin is set to open in Spring 2027 and eill open its doors at 1603 South Congress Avenue in the historic Travis Heights neighbourhood close to the buses at Soco Station, 4.8 km from both Zilker Botanical Garden and the Blanton Museum of Art, following the conversion and renovation of the existing South Congress Hotel, scheduled to close for renovations in the summer of 2026.

This will be The Standard brand’s first U.S. opening in more than a decade, a collaboration project between Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Timberline Real Estate Partners, an Austin - based real estate firm that focuses on the acquisition, development, repositioning, and management of real estate assets, targeting opportunities in mixed - used, hospitality, residential, industrial and retail properties across the U.S. 

The renovated property will feature updated rooms incorporating design elements with local craftmanship and new amenities, including social wellness experiences, a rooftop pool , and bars.

The creative team leading the project includes Amar Lalvani, President and Creative Direcxtor of Hyatt’s Lifestyle Group; James Moody, Founder of Guerilla Suit; Stan Nix, Managing Partner of Timberline Real Partners; and architect Michael Hsu.

Interior design will be managed by Goodrich Design, a practice specializing in branding and interior design headquartered in New York City in collaboration between The Standard and Bunkhouse teams in Austin.

The Standard Austin will join the brand’s global portfolio, which includes locations in Bangkok, Thailand, Brussels, Belgium, Ibiza, Spain, and London, England, UK. Additional properties in Lisbon, Portugal and Mexico City, Mexico are expected to open later this year.

Link

ttps://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140738.html

Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas | To Open its Second Property in Greater China, Located in Beijing

Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas, a luxury brand founded in 1995 and owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, known for its sustainable and wellness - focused hospitality, with properties in unique locations around the world will open its second property in Greater China, located in Beijing, Chna’s sprawling capital and a top global metropolis,  joining Six Senses Qing Cheng Mountain.

Six Senses Beijing will open its doors in Beijing, a city defined by a unique blend of ancient imperial history, including eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and hyper - modern architectural advancements, the city features iconic sites like the Forbidden City complex the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Great Wall, and traditional hutong alleyways  alongside major economic zones like the CBD and tech focused Zhongguancun.

For the future establishment opening, Six Senses has signed an agreement with Beijing Zhongguancun Avenue Construction & Development Group, the state - owned enterprise based in Beijing, responsible for the development of the Zhongguancun area.

The project is part of the renewal of Liulangzhuang, a historic locality situated in the Hsidian District of Beijing, renowned for its deep cultural roots and its ongoing transformation into a high - end cultural and international exchange hub, as well as an ecological zone.

The site is located near the Three Hills and Five Gardens heritage landscape, just south of the Summer Palace’s new palace gate and the imperial retreats of the iconic Qing dynasty, and the property will be located on a land previously used as imperial rice paddies.

The hotel’s design will incorporate waterways and lotus ponds, with a focus on restoring elements of the land’s original character. The building will be connected by hutong - style pathways across two connected sites.

Six Senses Beijing will feature 75 comfortable rooms and suites, ranging from one to four bedrooms, reinterpreting traditional siheyuan homes with a contemporary approach to courtyard living. Some accommodations will have private gardens and boat jetties, while others will share courtyards screened by magnolia trees.

 A boat pier will link the arrival lobby and lounge with the resort’s amenities, many of of which will be located on the water.

Dining will take place in light – filled pavilions that blend historic motifs with contemporary design.The hotel will offer wellness programs, including personalized wellness screening, biohacking experiences, and the Sleep With Six Senses program. Facilities will include a spa and spaces for multi - day wellness programs.

The Earth Lab will provide workshops focused on sustainable living and the Alchemy Bar will allows guersts to create botanical scrubs and potions for spa treatments.

The property will also include a two - story residence designed for private events, accessible by boat or private drive.

 Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas currentlyoperates 27 properties in 20 countries, with recent openings including Six Senses London and a development pipeline across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Links

https://www.sixsenses.com/en/corporate/media-center/press-releases/2026/six-senses-beijing-announcement/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140835.html

Pomene National Reserve, Mozambique | Launched a Beekeeping Programme to Support Conservation and Community Income

A community beekeeping programme to support conservation and community income was launched in  Pomene National Reserve, a remote idyllic coastal reserve in Mozambique’ s Inhhambane Province, located 605 km north of the capital of the country, Maputo, a land renowned for its pristine beaches, mangrove estuaries, world class fishing (Yahoo and Kingfish) , deep - sea diving, snorkelling, kayaking,  and quad/horse riding, offering a mix of ocean and estuary landscapes, fand eaturing popular spots like Ponta Falsa and bird - rich mangroves.

The Honey Programme supported by BIOFUND through Sweden’s Biodiversity Conservation Ptrogram is underway combining biodiversity conservation with sustainable economic development for local communities in the Reserve’s Buffer Zone.

The initiative promotes beekeeping as an economic activity compatible with conservation, generating alternative income for communities while supporting ecosystem services, particularly plant pollination, which is essential for the natural regeneration of species and the resilience of local habitats.

The plan established four community apiaries, one each in the communities of Minerva, Muchungo, Nhahusua, and Pomene, comprising a total of 32 beehives, with 8 hives for each community.

Complete beekeeping kits have been distributed to 32 beneficiaries (26 men, 6 women) across the four communities, participants received technical training ensuring the skills needed to practice beekeeping safely and efficiently. 

By strengthening honey - related value chains, the programme aims to reconcile the economicv needs of local communities with the protection of the Pomene National Reserve’s ecosystem, creating tangible opportunities for economic inclusion in a region where livelihoods are closely tied in the natural environment.

The model reflects a growing approach across African conservation areas of aligning community benefit with biodiversity protection to ensure the long - term sustainability of both.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/mozambique-s-pomene-reserve-launches-beekeeping-programme-to-support-conservation-and-community-income.html

Holguín, Cuba | The City’s Science and Technology Park Has Launched a Project Transforms Plastic Waste into High - Quality Fuel

The Science and Technology Park of Holguín, a centre in eastern Cuba, known as the “City of Parks”, characterized by a meticulously designed, grid - based ciy centre, rich cultural history, a blend of colonial, eclectic, and neoclassical architecture, and offering stunning panoramic views from Loma de la Cruz, has launched the “Pyralis” project, an innovation that converts plastic waste into high - quality fuel to benefit essential services in the Cuban province,  according to Prensa Latina, the official state news agency, headquartered in Havana.

The project aims to tackle pollution while generating alternative energy and is carried out by specialist Alejandro Ortíz, uses a pyrolysis process (heating at high temperature in the complete absence or very limited presence of oxygen)  that breaks down materials like rylon bags, bottle caps and plastic lids, producing three main, usable by - products : combustible syngas, bio - oil (synthetic fuel) and solid biochar.

The treatment plant manages to obtain 100 litres of pyrolytic oils for every 100 kilograms of waste, destined for the production of gasoline and diesel.

The plant includes the installation of a community - based system collection for the purchase of waste, generating jobs, and contributing to better urban environmental management in Holguín.

As a social incentive, the neighbourhoods with the highest collection rates will receive resources for the beautification of facades and gardens, directly linking citizen participation with the improvement of the urban environment.

The project aims to expand this circular economy model throughout Cuba, for which it requires that integration of the business sector, and thus generate a sustainable solution that simultaneously addresses the management of plastic waste, fuel generation and community development.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/proyecto-pyralis-transforma-residuos-pl-sticos-en-combustible-en-cuba/

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Visit Rio Has Launched a Voluntary Contribution Fund to Promote the Destination

Visit Rio, a private, non - profit organization dedicated to boosting tourism snd stimulating the local economy of Rio de Janeiro acting as a marketing and consulting hub for the tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) segment, and leisure sectors in the Brazilian city, in partnership with “Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar”(the Sugarloaf® Mountain Cable Car) and AquaRio,  a public aquarium in the Gamboa neighbouthood, in the port zone of Rio de Janeiro, has launched a new financing model to strengthen the promotion of the city as a tourist destination.

From now on, tourists who visit these two attractions will be able to contribute with a voluntary donation of R$2 when  buying their ticket, an amount that will go to a fund for the development of tourism in Rio de Janeiro.

The proposal is to gradually extend the model to other attractions in the Brazilian city. It is expected that, in the first year alone, the measure will contribute to an increase of between 150% and 300% in the promotional activities of the Visit Rio brand.

Together, the Sugarloaf® Mountain Cable Car and AquaRio, receive approximately 3 million visitors a year and are the most visited sites in the city. Considering a scenario in which 60% of the public decides to contribute, the project launched by Visit Rio is expected to generate approximately R$ 3.6 million per year in this first phase.

The resources will be allocated to strategic marketing campaigns and actions to promote Rio de Janeiro as a tourist destination with the aim of attracting more visitors. The initiative seeks to increase the visibility of the city and consolidate its position as an attractive destination.

Rio de Janeiro experienced a record - breaking tourism year in 2025, welcoming over 2.19 million interational visitors. This figure represents a massive 43.7% increase from 2024 (1.5 million) and a 75% increase compared to 2019, cementing Rio as a top Brazilian destination, second only to São Paulo.

By moving forward with the consolidation of an autonomous fund, Rio de Janeiro is moving closer to the tourism management practices adopted in several international destinations, based on cooperation between the private sector, visitors and tourism promotion entities.

Unlike model based on mandatory fees, Visit Rio’s proposal is optional and based on spontaneous participation of visitors, inspired by experiences already implemented in Foz do Iguaçu, a famous city in the Beazilian state of Paraná, the main base for visiting famed Iguaçu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, which remains at the top of the ranking of Brazilian cities that receive the most international tourists.

Similar initiative are also seen in destinations such as Monteverde, Costa Rica, a world - renowned eco - tourism tourism destination located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, famous for its high - altitude cloud forests, immense biodiversity, and Quaker heritage, where visitors can contribute to tourism - related community funds.

A further destination linked to this topic is Queenstown, New Zealand,  a centre on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps, renowned for adventure sports and a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns that is implementing a mechanism for visitors contribution to support management and promotion of the destination.

Generally these resources are managed by organizations known as ODMs (Destination Management Organizations), entities responsible for the strategic planning, development, and coordinating tourism promotion of a specific destination, such as a city, state, or country, equivalent to convention and visitors’ bureaus in Brazil. 

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/visit-rio-lanza-fondo-de-contribucion-voluntaria-para-promocion-del-destino/

Madrid, Spain | Committed to Redefine a more Profitable MICE Tourism with an International Strategy

Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city is redefining its MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conferences and Exhibition) tourism through a strategic focus on high - value, sustainable, international events, aiming to boost profitability.  

The city’s plan prioritizes attracting strategic industries like technology. and other sectors like healthcare while strengthening key markets like Europe, Latin America, and the United States through the Madrid Convention Bureau., redefining its tourism model in one of its most solid segments (MICE)  moving towards a strategy based on economic value, international projection and the generation of knowledge. 

This roadmap has been put on the table during the General Assembly of the Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB), where it has been confirmed that the objective for 2026 is not to grow more, but to grow better. 

MICE tourism in Madrid boosts spending and consolidates the city as a leading destination. Business travellers beahaviour in 2025 clearly reflects this transformation. The average daily expenditure reached €294, compared to €174 the previous year, while the total expenditure for trip stood at €929, marking a very sigmificant growth in the profitability of the destination.  

This notable impact translates into a key fact: the Spanish capital accounts for 22.9% of the total expenditure generated by MICE tourism in the country, confirming its role as the main economic engine at the national level.  

In addition, the international MICE tourism reinforce this positioning. Its expenditure far exceeds the national one, reaching figures of more than €2.000 per trip, with special prominence of the U.S. market, which continues to gain weight within the destination.

 At the same time, international recognition continues to accompany the growth. Madrid has been distinguished for seven consecutive years as the best congress tourism destination globally, consolidating its international reputation. 

More investment, new markets and a value - focused strategy are drivers to achieve outstanding goals. To reinforce this positioning, Madrd will increase its operating by 22.5%, a decision that will allow the city to intensify international promotion in strategic markets such as Europe, Latin America, and the United States

The strategy involves increasing the destination’s direct presence with actions in ley cities such as Chicago, London, Paris and Toronto, as well as strengthening contact with specialized agencies through initiatives such as Madrid Agency Forum, which for the first time will have two annual editions.  

Alongside these initiatives the real change is in the city’s approach. Madrid strongly focuses in recruitment towards events that provide continue value, reputation and development opportunities, reinforcing its links with strategic sectors and professional clusters. 

In this context, sustainability is also gaining prominence playing a crucial role. The new manual promoted by the Madrid Convention Bureau seeks to facilitate the adaptation of the sector to the requirements in terms of environmental measurement and reporting, integrating responsible practices in the operations of congress and events

Key components of Madrid’s MICE strategy include

•    Targeting Strategic Sectors: A shift toward specialized, high – impact events is Cybersecurity, Fintech, Big Data, Life Sciences to maximize economic impact. 
•    International Reach: Strengthening presence in key markets such as Europe, Latin America, and the United States, which are vital for attracting business travellers. 
•    Sustainability Commitment: Implementation of the MICE Sustainability Guide and the PLUS digital platform to measure and minimize the environmental impact of conferences. 
•    Public - Private Collaboration: Working with over 225 companies via the Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB) to improve infrastructure and promote the city as a leading destination. 
•    Regional Dispersion: Diversifying events beyond the city centre to locations like the Sierra de Gudarrama to ensure balanced economic benefits. 

The strategy includes developing unique, sustainable venues to attract premium international visitors looking for both quality and responsible tourism. 

Councillor for Tourism, Almudena Maillo said that MICE tourism is a strategic sector for Madrid due to the employment opportunities, the generation of well - being and the attraction of knowledge that it brings to the city. 

With this combination of investment, internationalisation and specialisation, Madrid not only seeks to remain at the top of the MICE segment, but also to consolidate a more competitive sustainable model aligned with the new demands of the global sector. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/madrid-apuesta-por-un-turismo-mice-mas-rentable-con-estrategia-internacional/

Minor Hotels | Signed Agreements for the Development of Two New Anantara Properties in India, Located in Coorg and Kolkata

Minor Hotels , an international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry founded in 1978 and based in Bangkok,Thailand, has signed agreements for the development of two new Anantara properties in India, Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel, marking its luxury Anantara Hotels & Resorts first resort and first urban hotel in the Asian country.

These signings expand Minor Hotels’ portfolio in India, following the introduction of the Anantara brand with Anantara Jerel Bagh Jaipur in 2025 and the signing of the first Avani - branded property, Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnan Resort, with the company progressing toward a target of 50 properties in India within the next decade.

Developments’ Features:

Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort – Located in Coorg, near Madikeri in the state of Karnataka in southern India, framed by the UNESCO recognized Western Ghats mountain range, Coorg is famous for its lush green landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, aromatic coffee plantations, and a rich cultural heritage.

The property scheduled to open in 2028 is designed by Sri Lanka architect Chamma Daswatte and will draw on the region’s natural landscapes, coffee heritage, and Kodava culture, an indigenous, martial, and agriculture society characterized by a unique, nature - worshipping and patrilineal heritage, known for their distinct language, ancestral worship and, historically, hunting practices. 

Owned by Zanti Hospitality, a Bengaluru– based private limited company founded in 2017, involved in real estate and hospitality development, the 60 - key resort will include four dining venues, a swimming pool, a lobby lounge and library, Anantara Spa and wellness centre, a fitness studio, a kid’s club, as well as meeting and event spaces.

Anantara Kolkata Hotel: The hotel will be located in Kolkata (formerly Calcultta), the capital and largest city of the Indian state of West Bengala, situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, 80 km west of the border with Bangladesh, considered the primary financial and commercial centre of eastern and one of the gateways to northeastern India.

Kolkata is India’s cultural capital, renowned for its colonial architecture highlighted by the Victoria Memorial, vibrant art scene, and UNESCO - recognized Durga Puja Festival, a bustling metropolis known as the “City of Joy,” featuring deep literary roots, diverse street food and historic, progressive textiles.

The hotel will be part of the World Trade Center Kolkata in Salt Lake Sector, a joint venture between Aryal Realty and Merlin Group,  an under - construction building and   mixed - used development will consist of multiple towers close to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

The property designed to serve the city’s business, meeting, and event needs will feature 170 comfortable rooms, two restaurants, a lobby lounge, an Anantara Spa and wellness center, a gym, and flexible meeting and event spaces.

Both properties will join the Anantara brand that has more than 50 properties globally. The brand is known for its emphasis on authentic luxury through its three pillars : Indigenous, Expertise, and Authentic Luxury, characterized by a new, modern visual identity with an updated logo and tagline “Unforgettable Journeys” which reflects its global presence. 

Minor Hotels’ strategy in India includes developing both leisure destinations and key cities, with a focus on its luxury and premium brands such as Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection, as well as select - service brands including NH, Oaks, and iStay.

The company has also launched the Minor Reserve Collection and Colbert Collection to provide opportunities for independent hoteliers. The group expansion in India is primarily through hotel management agreements and franchise opportunities.

Links

https://media.minorhotels.com/en-GLO/264031-minor-hotels-signs-anantara-s-first-resort-and-urban-hotel-in-india/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140815.html

Nikki Beach Hospitality Group | Unveiled Plans to Open a New Resort on the Route de l’ Ourika, Morocco

Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, a company headquartered in Barcelona, Spain that epitomized barefoot luxury hospitality, curated  transformative lifestyle experiences through its collection of Nikki Beach properties including beach clubs, resorts, residences, dining concepts, and pop - ups has unveiled plans to open a new resort on the Route de l’’ Ourika, a 60 km scenic road running southeast from Marrakech to Setti Fattima, traversing the lush Ourika Valley in Morocco.

The route is characterized by traditional Berber villages, olive groves, and rising elevation toward the High Atlas mountains. The area is a hub for tourism, including waterfalls, a day trips, aloingside the presence of luxury villas and stylish guesthouses.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Marrakech scheduled to open in 2028 will be situated between Marrakech, the emblematic “Red City” , a vibrant centre highlighted by beautiful mosques, palaces gardens, a walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, a captivating medina densely packed, and bustling souks, and the Atlas Mountains, a massive 2.500km long mountain range extending across Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, separating the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert.

The project will include a luxury resort, branded residences, and a signature beach club in an area offering an authentic Moroccan experience.

The resort will feature more than 100 private suites, including a Celebration Suite as the top accommodation option.

The residential component will introduce more than 50 serviced villas, each with an outdoor pool. Jacuzzi, sunken gardens, and on - site parking. Residents will have full access to the hotel’s services and facilities.

Dining options will include an all - day dining restaurant, a signature restaurant, and several outdoor bars.

A wellness centre will include a health and beauty parlour, hammams, saunas, steam rooms, therapy rooms, a lap pool, and a juice bar.

The property will also offer an underground sports complex, with a gym, yoga studios, squash courts, a golf simulator, and a cinema.

Outdoor recreation at the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Marrakech will include tennis and padel courts, as well as The Reef kid’s club.

The beach club at the resort will serve as the social heart of the property, featuring a main pool, floating platforms, sunken bars, a restaurant, a DJ booth, a stage area, and a boutique.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Marrakech is part of the group’s pipeline, which also including upcoming projects in Antigua, Baku, Azerbaijan, Muscat, Oman, and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Link

 https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140817.html


Marriott International | Announced the Opening of a The Luxury Collection Hotel in Miami Florida, U.S.

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, has announced the opening of Brickell Arch, a luxury Hotel Collection, Miami, opened after a transformation and now operates as part of the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection.

The transformation was completed in collaboration with Gabellini Sheppard Associates, a New York - based architectural and design firm renowned for using space and light as sculptural materials to create minimalist, refined environments, which redesigned the hotel’s interiors. 

The hotel is located at 1395 Brickell Avenue in Miami’s Brickell neighbourhood, the city’s financial centre, where glittering business towers condos tower over Biscayne Bay offering an easy access to Brickell City Center, the Kasaya Center, downtown Miami, Miami International Airport, museums,  beaches, shopping venues, waterfront parks, and cultural institutions.

Brickell is known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, a Miami’s areas that blends urban living with a neighbourly charm, offering everything from diverse dining options to scenic waterfront views, where rooftop bars and surf’n’turg grills cater to the banking and usiness crowd, highlighted by art galleries and fashionable boutiques attract chic locals and visitors.

The property provides 201 comfortable rooms and suites with views of the bay or city skyline. Accommodations include modern furnishing and amenities for both business and leisure travellers.

Public spaces feature curated artwork and materials referencing Miami’s artistic and architectural heritage.Dining options at the hotel include ADRIFT Mare by David Myers, a Mediterranean restaurant inspired by the Riviera Balearic Islands and Greek Isles.

The hotel also offers a sky lounge and rooftop pool terrace with city and bay views, as well as the Sky Bar, which serves cocktails and light fare.

Wellness facilities include Leaf Spa by K’ALMA, which offers treatments rooted in nature-inspired traditions, and a fitness center with advanced training equipment.

Brickell Arch, a luxury Hotel Collection, Miami also offers meeting and event spaces for business and social gatherings, including executive retreats, corporate functions, and private celebrations.

The hotel joins The Luxury Collection, a Marriott International brand comprising nearly 120 independent, high -  end hotels and resorts in over 35 countries. Known for featuring historic palaces, iconic, and culturally immersive properties, it offers authentic, tailored experiences in desirable global destinations.

Unlike standardized chains, these hotels are unique, often historic, and designed to reflect the local culture. The brand targets global explorers seeking experiential travel and “hidden gems” often with high - quality amenities like Frette linens and concierge services.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/miald-brickell-arch-a-luxury-collection-hotel-miami/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140892.html

Mexico | Strengthening Cooperation in Smart Economy and Technology with China

Mexico is strengthening cooperation with China, making progress in enhancing their bilateral relationship through the smart economy, a model that integrates technology, innovation and digitilazion as engines of development, according to Canal 6Tv, television channel based in Ixtapaluca, that covers the most important events in the eastern part of the country. 

The two countries are deepening collaboration in smart economy, technological advancement, and green development, pivoting from traditional trade to high - tech manufacturing, specifically in electric vehicles, lithium, and digital infrastructure among others. 

Key partnerships focus on integrating Chinese manufacturing technology with Mexico’s industrial footprint for regional supply chains, with major investments from firms like BYD and LGMG. 

This was highlighted during the event “Opportunities for the Development of the Smart Economy between China and Mexico”, organized by Xinhua New Agency in Mexico City.  

China’s ambassador to Mexico, Chen Daojang, pointed out that his country promotes high - quality growth with emphasis on the digital economy and new productive forces,  mentioning areas such as industrial automation, intelligent public management and technological innovation.  

The official said that China is an active explorer of innovative practices in the smart economy at the global level, while Mexico is a relevant driver of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Latin America. 

The Chinese diplomat also raised the need to create joint laboratories, strengthen supply chains and link universities with companies.  

The seminar made it clear that the smart economy is not only a technological issue, but also a political and social one, and that the bilateral relationship is still in the consolidation phase. 

In 2013 Mexico and China agreed to raise their bilateral ties to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, responding to a series of pending priorities in multiple sectors.

Key Areas of Cooperation

•    EVs and Technology: China aims to establish in Mexico a manufacturing hub for North America, with major EV makers like BYD and suppliers investing in local production. 
•    Green Infrastructure: Collaboration in expanding into solar energy, battery storage , and smart grid technology. 
•    Digital Economy: Both nations are developing a, “low – carbon industrial ecosystem” focused on AI – driven manufacturing and sustainable production. 
•    Strategic Alignment: Cooperation is solidified through a Joint Working Group on Investment Cooperation, focusing on digital and green sectors. 
Drivers for Collaboration: 
•    Investment and Markets: Mexico offers a strategic location for Chinese companies seeking to serve the North American market under USMCA rules, while China brings industrial capacity and capital. 
•    Technology Sharing: The focus is on transferring manufacturing expertise to improve Mexico’s industrial capabilities, including investments in, “strategic industrial sectors,”such as robotics and logistics technology. 
•    Supply Chain Resilience: Both nations are enhancing cooperation in financial services and advanced manufacturing to ensure stable logistics and industrial, “smart solutions. 

The partnership between the two countries is evolving, with an increasing focus on developing a comprehensive, “digital economy and green, “low carbon” foundation to support future bilateral growth

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/m-xico-y-china-fortalecen-cooperaci-n-en-econom-a-inteligente-y-tecnolog-a/

Zambia | Targeting 3 Million Arrivals this Year and $1 Billion Annual Industry by 2031

Zambia’s tourism sector is experiencing strong recovery and growth, with international arrivals surging from 1.3 million in 2023 to 2.3 million recorded in 2025, driven by natural attractions like Victoria Falls, national parks and diversifying its offer into less - explored areas and following this brilliant trajectory the country is targeting between  2.5 and 3 million arrivals in 2026.

The Zambian Government positions tourism as a central pillar economy diversification. The country is diversifying its tourism sector to reduce reliance on mining and Victoria Falls with initiatives focus on promoting waterfalls and wildlife in the northern region with the “Northern Circuit” highlighting the beauty of Kasanka National Park, eco - tourism, cultural experiences, and boosting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment in cities like Lusaka.

Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba made the announcement at the official media launch for the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) 2026, stating that the tourism sector carries ambitions to reach a $1 billion annual industry by 2031.

To support this growth, the government has increased the tourism budget to K1.5 billion this year, earnmarked for infrastructure development, wildlife management, marketing, and job creation.

 ZATEX 2026, held June 4th - 6th, 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka under the theme “Building Authentic and Sustainable Tourism Through Partnership” aims to connect global travel trade professionals with Zambia’s tourism sector and is expected to host 150 exhibitors, including 24 small and medium enterprises, and 40 international buyers, fostering networking, B2B meetings,  and investment opportunities to achieve 3 million tourist arrivals.

Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Tourism Agency, Abigail Shansonga, highlighted the expo’s role in facilitating structured business - to - business engagements and expanding market access for local tourism companies.

South African Airways Country Director Mildred Chalikulima also underscored the importance of regional collaboration, noting that joint marketing and cross - border tourism initiatives remain key to enhancing Africa’s global competitiveness.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/zambia-sets-sights-on-3-million-arrivals-and-1-billion-tourism-industry-by-2031.html

Italy | Implemented a Strict Regulation for Travel & Tourism Reviews on Social Media

Italy has just established and published a law that the Senate approved on March 4, 2026, implementing strict regulations to tackle fake travel & tourim reviews on social media, booking platforms regardiing hotels and restaurants and other related services, banning anonymity and requiring proof of visit (invoices or confirmations) to prove users visited the establishments to ensure authenticity.  

The law establishes the requirements for reviews on the networks, although the field of publications on foreign pages over which the legislation has no scope is always blurred. 

The penalties for breaking the law can reach €20 million or 4% of the company’s turnover, probably referring to large multinationals in the sector. 

The new rule sets some quite reasonable criteria, for example the review must necessarily be published within 30 days of using the service or product. 

The review says the law, must have written by the person who used the service, who must accurately describe the experience and accompany the comment with the corresponding tax documentation. In this case, when submitting the invoices, the user will not need an identity document

Platforms that publish reviews must respond to the requests of the reviewed only when the comments do not comply with the established requirements. Although the possibility of banning comments of a hostile tone had initially been contemplated, this has been ruled out in the final version of the regulation. 

Key features of the Regulation

•    Mandatory Identification: The use of anonymous profiles to leave reviews in the hospitality and tourism industry is prohibited. 
•    Proof of Consumption: Users must proe that they actually visited the establishment, for example, theough an invoice or booking conformation. 
•    Fight against misinformation: The law seeks to balance the rights of consumers with the protection of the reputation of tourism businesses. 
•    Publication Deadlines: It has been proposed that reviews should be published within a maximum period of 15 days after the experience. 
•    Serious Penalties: Fines can reach up to €20 million or 4% of the annual turnover of the platform company. 

In essence this pioneering measure seeks to eradicate online reputation manipulation in the hospitality, and tourism & travel sectors. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/italia-regula-las-resenas-de-viajes-en-las-redes/

Kazakhstan | Planning to Build Four New Airports to Boost its Airspace, Transit Capacity and Regional Tourism

Kazakhstan is planning to build four new airports and execute 11 major aviations infrastructure projects by 2028, including two runways and the modernization of existing infrastructure, aiming to boost its airspace, transit capacity, regional tourism and cargo transit.  

Kazakhstan's  Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting to discuss the country’s transit and transport potential with the launch of new air hubs, and stressed the importance of modernizing infrastructure, implementing digital solutions and increasing the sector’s participation in the national economy.  

These new airports are planned for resort areas including Katon - Karaga, Zaisan, and Kenderli. These projects, alongside two new runways and modernizatino in five cities follow a record established in 2025 when Kazakh civil aviation carried 20.8 million passengers. 

As further development, according to Kazinform, news agency, the network of international routes is planned to be expanded to 135 routes in 30 countries with the aim to place the country as a leading destination in the regional tourism landscape. 

According to the Ministry of Trnasport, the gross production of the transport and storage sector reached 12.2 trillion tenge (approximately $24.400 million) at the end of last year, with a growth of 12.8% in Q1 2025 and it was also reported that last year four road projects totalling 2.000 kilometres were completed.  

In addition, it was reported that it has been possible to reduce the price of domestic aviation fuel to about $800 per ton, which has attracted new international airlines. 

Key Details of Kazakhstan ‘s Airport Expansion

•    New Airports: Construction is underway or planned for resorts and key regional areas: Katon - Karagai, Zaisan, Kendirli, and potentially Karaly/ Ulyatu. 
•    Infrastructure Upgrades: Besides four new airports, the projects include building two new runways in Astana and Shymkent, and modernizing airports in five cities. 
•    Capacity Goal: The expansion aim to boost connectivity to tourist destinations, support regional economic, and increase the country’s cargo potential. 
•    Existing Growth: In 2024 - 2025, new terminals were commissioned in Almaty, Shynkent, and Kyzylorda, significantly expanding capacity (for example Almaty rose from 2.5 million to 14 million passengers). 
•    International Reach: By 2026, the international route network is expected to expand to 135 destinations in 30 countries. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/kazajist-n-construir-cuatro-nuevos-aeropuertos-para-impulsar-su-espacio-a-reo/

Ethiopia | Launched a 10 - Year Golden Visa to Attract Foreign Investors

Ethiopia has launched a 10 – year residency permit Golden Visa program to attract foreign investors, offering long - term residency to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) and promote economic growth.

 Announced on 29 March 2026, the Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) introduced this initiative as part of broader efforts to modernize immigration and attract capital into key sectors like agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology and also tourism where the Golden Visa encourages investment in eco - luxury resorts, wildlife tourism, and cultural preservation, which will help the country establish itself as a leading destination for responsible tourism. 

 The standardised elecrtronic permit is designed to provide long - term stability for high - impact investors, allowing them to reside and operate in the African country with reduced bureaucratic hurdles. 

A separate five - year property visa will also be introduced for individuals and families acquiring immovable property in Ethiopia, coinciding with the country’s opening of its real estate sector to foreign nationals.  

Key Details of the Ethiopia Golden Visa

•    Duration: 10 years of residency. 
•    Cost: Approximately $10.000, making it one of the most effective investor residency program globally. 
•    Eligibility: Target foreign investors who make significant economic contributions. 
•    Sector Focus: Priority is given to investments in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, technology and tourism.
•    Benefits: Allows holders to reside in Ethiopia for a decade and engage in business. 
•    Real Estate Option: A five - year real estate visa is also being introduced, according to some reports. 
•    Citizenship: The visa does not automatically grant citizenship, which remains a separate legal process.
•    Renewal: Renewal options are available after the 10 – year period.

This move is considered a significant effort by Ethiopia  to strengthen its competitiveness in attracting high - quality, long - term capital within Africa.  

The initiative form part of the government broaqder economic reform agenda. Immigration and Citizenship Service Deputy Director - General Gosda Demissie stated that the Golden Visa will streamline entry and exit procedures, cut processing times, and eliminate repetitive administrative steps, including faster presenting at Addis Abeba’s Bole International Airport.  

Alongside the new visa scheme, the Immigration and Citizenship Service has rolled out a range of modernised services, including digital payment systems, enhanced visa - on arrival options, and improved passport distribution to clear existing backlogs

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-introduces-10-year-golden-visa-to-attract-foreign-investors.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Developing a New 100 - Key Holiday Inn Hotel in Panaji, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed a management agreement with NCPL, a hospitality group based in Cochin, Kerala to develop a new 101 - key Holiday Inn hotel in Panaji, the state capital of Goa in southwest India.

Panaji is a vibrant city, located on the banks of the Mandovi River, characterized by its Indo - Portuguese heritage, featuring a unique blend of colonial architecture, colourful Latin quarters, cobblestone streets and avenues lined with elegant villas, gulmohar,. acacia and other trees, concrete buildings with balconies and red - filled roofs, bustling markets, terraced hills, and floating casinos.

The city is  highlighted by its palm - fringed Miramar Beach sits at the confluence of the river and the Arabian Gulf, offering a relaxed alternative to Goa’s beach hubs, historic attractions like the Baroque Our Lady of the Inmaculate Church built in the 16th - entury located overlooking the main square known as Praça da Igreja, and a rich arts scene.

The development of Holiday Inn Goa Kadamba, scheduled to open in Q1 2030, will expand IHG Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio in India and will be located in Kadamba area, a strategic location connecting to the city centre, also home to new developments, near several landmarks, including the Fontainhas Latin Quarter, Mandovi River Promenade, Dona Paula, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site,  Churches and Convernt of Goa.

The property will feature 100 comfortable rooms, five food and beverage outlets, including an all - day diming restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar, a lobby lounge, a pool bar, a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, three meeting event spaces, including a ballroom, and parking facilities.

The hotel will join he Holiday Inn brand, a globally recognized, mid - priced hotel brand, known for providing comfortable, convenient , and family - friendly stays for leisure and business travellers, with variations like Holiday Inn Express focusing on essential and limited services, and Holiday Inn Resorts offering more vacation amenities.

The future opening of Holiday Inn Goa Kadamba is part of  IHG Hotels & Resorts broader strategy of expansion in South Asia in key locations as Goa, a prominent tourist destiantion in India, supported by infrastructure including two operational airports. The state attracts domestic and international visitors, with demand driven by its beaches, heritage areas, and lifestyle offerings.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates over 50 hotels across six brands in India, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Resort, Holiday Inn Express, InteContinental, Six Senses, and voco Hotels, with  a pipeline o 89 hotels expected to open in the next three to five years.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-signs-holiday-inn-goa-kadamba-strengthening-presence-in-one-of-indias-leading-leisure-destinations

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140876.html

 

Langham Hospitality Group | Set to Expand its Presence in East Asia, with the Launch of a New Hotel in Ningbo, China

Langham Hotels International Limited, trading as Langham Hospitality Group, a hotel operator with its headquarters in Hong Kong, is set to expand its presence in East Asia, with the launch of a new hotel in Ningbo a major city in east China’s Zhejiang province, south of Shanghai on Hangzhou Bay.

Ningbo is renowned as a premier global trade hub, home to the world’s busiest port, Ningbo Zhoushan, by cargo tonnage Ningbo is a bustling industrial city in the Yangtze Delta featuring a 7.000 - year history, highlighted by cultural sites like the Tianyi Pavillion and scenic spots like Dongqian Lake.

The hospitality company has entered into a management contract for The Langham, Ningbo, a new hotel, marking its continued expansion in the Asian market.

The hotel being developed by Ningbo Haixin Holding Group will be the third property managed by Langham Hospitality Group in the city, joining Cordis, Dongqian Lake, and Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza.

The property is situated in the Xiushui Street area of Ningbo’s Haishu District noted for its traditional architecture, an urban area with over 1 million residents, featuring key landmarks like the 1.200 - year - old Drum Tower, blending modern commerce, luxury hotels and trasitional Jiangnan water town scenery, providing access to cultural sites such as Tianyi Pavillion and the Ningbo Confucian  Temple.

The Langham, Ningbo will comprise several period buildings, restored and integrated into the hotel’s site, combining traditional Ningbo architecture with modern design elements.

The hotel will feature 75 comfortable rooms and suites, a destination bar, health, fitness facilities and the first T’ang Court Restaurant in Zhejiang Province, a three - Michelin - starred Cantonese restaurant.

No opening date or additional operational details were provided.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140669.html

DoverHill | Acquisition of the Mayflower Inn & Spa, Located in Washington, Connecticut, U.S.

DoverHill, a vertically integrated hospitality investment and development organization based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida has expanded its property portfolio with the acquisition of the Mayflower Inn & Spa, located in Washington, a rural town in Lichtfield County, Connecticut, in the Northeastern region of the U.S.

Washington is a scenic, upscale centre renowned as the inspiration for Gilmore Girls’Stars Hollow, featuring charming New England architecture, a thriving arts scene and natural beauty around Lake Waramaug and the Shepaug River, highlighted by the Steep Rock Preserve, historic sites, upscale dining, and boutique shopping.

The property, an exquisite country retreat nestled in 58 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodland is located at 118 Woodbury Road, Route 47, just two hours’ drive from New York City, in an area renowned as one of northeast America’s most distinguished luxury hideaways.

Auberge Collection, a hospitality group headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, owning a variety of hotels, resorts, residences and private clubs will continue to manage the Mayflower Inn & Spa, and DoverHill stated plans for targeted enhancements to the property while maintaining its unique, exciting character. 

Mayflower Inn & Spa features 35 comfortable rooms and cottages, dining venues as The Garden Room and The Tap Room, an outdoor pool, gardens, and a  20.000 - square foot wellbeing facility known as The Retreat.

The property offers a range of estate experiences and programming in addition to its accommodations and amenities.

The establishment has received several industry recognitions, including a Forbes Four - Star Spa designation, an AAS Four Diamond rating, a 1 MICHELIN Key, and has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of “the highest - rated properties in the world’s each year since 2017, as well as was named “Connecticut’s Leading Resort” by the World Travel Awards 2024.

No financial terms of the transaction were disclosed. The announcent did not specify a closing date or providc further details on the scope or timeline of the planned enhancements.

Links

https://auberge.com/mayflower/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140805.html

Marriott International | Officially Opened a 200 - Room Sheraton Hotel in Nouakchott, Mauritania

Marriott International,  American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, has officially opened a 200 - room Sheraton hotel in Nouakchot, the capital and largest city of Mauritania, one of the largest cities in the Saharas, located in the southwestern part of the country, a vibrant coastal desert city situated om the Atlantic Ocean, characterized by its bustling Port de Pêche, lively traditional markets like Marché Capitale,  and a blend of modern urban planning with nomadic, and cultural traditions. 

Sheraton Nouakchot, marking Marriott International’s entry into Mauritania, is located on Avenue du Palais des Congres in the Tevragh Zeina district, near the West African Atlantic coast, and key landmarks such as the National Museum of Mauritania,  Marché  Capitale, the city’s fishing port, Nouakchott beaches, a short distance from the Sahara desert, providing an easy access to local amenities and business areas.

The property features 200 comfortable rooms and suites, including two Presidential Suites, equipped with technology and Sheraton - branded amenities.

The Sheraton Club is available to Marriott Bonvoy Elite members and Club guests, providing food and beverage options., amenities, and a private environment.

Dining options at the hotel include two restaurants, a Lobby Bar, and a Pool Bar. Fest, the all - day restaurant, serves locally inspired and international dishes with seasonal ingredients, Bene offers Italian cuisine, while the Lobby Bar serves beverages throughout the day, and the Pool Bar provides drinks and light snacks by the outdoor pool.

Facilities at the hotel include an outdoor pool, a fitness centre with separate floors for men and wonen, a hammam, a sauna, an outdoor tennis court, and a spa with three treatment rooms.

Sheraton Nouakchott also features more than 2.600 square metres of meeting and event space, including a Grand Ballroom, a Ballroom, and four additional meeting rooms, and the hotel also has a dedicated events team.

In addition a Sheraton Community Table is located at the centre of the hotel for informal meetings and remote work.

The property hosts Gatherings by Sheraton, weekly experiences focused on enrichment, renewal, and local stories. Activities at the hotel include Mauritian mixology session with local mint tea and fruits, and storytelling evenings inspired by Saharan traditions.

The hotel joins Sheraton, a distinguished brand that offers mid - to upscale hotels in major cities and resort locations worldwide and it caters to business, leisure and family travel offering a variety of meeting spaces conferences, business facilities and F&b to flexible meeting space with a vision featuring intuitive design and tech - forward experience.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/nkcsi-sheraton-nouakchott-hotel/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140894.html

Los Choros, Chile | Artisanal Fishermen Reinvent their Trade by Protecting the Ecosystem

Researchers from the Universidad Católica del Norte have documented that marine farms in  Los Choros, a rural town and coastal area, located 114 - 120 km north of La Serena, a popular tourist destination for dolphin, whale, and penguin watching, as well as visits to Isla Dama island, in  the far north of Chile’s Coquimbo region, generate a refuge ecosystem that increase biodiversity under and between crops.

The place potentially fattens species such as tolina, which feeds on piures and where local artisanal fishermen are reinventing their trade by protecting the ecosystem.

The project has been thanks to a group of six fishermen who have been learning to grow oysters and piures in the same waters for a decade with other types of seafood, according to El Maipo, a media outlet for the Maipo territory and serving various municipalities in the region.

Marine farms integrate crops in the water column within Benthic Resources Management and Exploitation Areas (AMERBs) , marine spaces collectively managed by fishermen’s union.

Secretary of the fishermen’s guild of Los Choros, Gabriel Molina recounts how he and how he and his collegues installed lines with 100.000 oysters, learned to constantly monitor water conditions and to overcome difficulties of woodpecker larvae.

Today, its moth - eaten management area produces piures with faster growth than in enclosed bays, thanks to the rich Humboldt ocean current.

In a context of mining pressure and large projects on the coast, marine farms represent a tool to root communities in their territories, guarantee their cultural continuity and transform management areas into platforms for life and protection of the ecosystem beyond mere attraction.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/pescadores-artesanales-reinventan-su-oficio-en-el-norte-de-chile-protegiendo-el-ecosistema/

Las Terrenas, the Dominican Republic | A Businessman Proposes a Major Road Project to Boost Tourism in the Northeast Region

Businessman Jhonny Cabrera proposes a major road project to the President Luis Abinader to boost tourism in the Northeast Region with main hub Las Terrenas, a popular coastal town on the Samaná Peninsula in the northern part of the Dominican Republic, renowned for its stunning white - sand beaches like Cosón and Playa Bonita, several natural attractions, European influenced culture, a vibrant nightlife, and a year - round average temperature of 25°C.

 The businessman emphasized the need to prioritize various road infrastructure projects that are key to strengthening the country’s economic and tourism development, and specifically in an area like Las Terrenas which boasts several resources, consolidating itself as a leading destination in the country and in the Caribbean.

The plan focuses of optimizing the access road to Las Terrenas, one of the country’s most important tourist destination, an initiative seeks to consolidate a tourist circuit in the province of Samaná, facilitating visitor movement and boosting the local economy.

 The businessman indicated that the sustained growth of the town depends largely of having efficient, modern, and safe connectivity, proposing the creation of a a strategic road connection linking Las Terrrenas, El Limón, a lush rural destination best knwn for its 40 - metre - high freshwater waterfall, Salto El Limón and close proximity to pristine beaches like Playa Morón, and La Galera, a quiet, scenic fishing village located at the northeastermn tip of the Samaná Peninsula, renowned for its stunning beaches like Playa Frontón, Playa Madama, and La Playita, along with activities such as whale watching, diving, and boat excursions.

 The businessman emphasized that the execution of this project would not only improve the quality of life for residents but also attract new investment, generate jobs, and position the region as a very competitive international destination.

 In addition, the entrepreneur highlighted the modernization of Las Américas entrance, one of the main access points to the capital of the country, Santo Domingo, as an urgent project, noting that this development would significantly improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and project a better image of the country’s to both domestic and international visitors.

 The businessman urged the authorities to include these relevant projects within the national infrastructure planning, highlighting their relevance to promoting sustainable growth in the Dominican Republic.

Link

https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2026/04/04/businessman-proposes-road-projects-to-abinader-to-boost-tourism-in-the-northeast/

Abuja, Nigeria |Inaugurated a Hydropower Centre of Excellence in the City with a Collaboration between UNIDO and CIDCA

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) inaugurated a Small Hydropower Centre of Excellence in Abuja, the capital city of Nigeria located in the middle of the country, dominated by Aso Rock, an enormous monolith, a centre known for being one of the few purpose - built capital cities in Africa, as well as being one of the wealthiest.

Located at the University of Abuja, a tertiary institution in the Nigerian capital, established in 1988 as a dual - mode university with the mandate to run conventional and distance learning programmes, this project aims to boost renewable energy, strengthen technical training, and reduce elecreicity deficits in rural areas.

The project is the first of its kind in the country and in the West African subregion. The Chinese Government decided to establish this centre through triangular cooperation with UNIDO and the Nigerian Government, with financial support from the Global Fund for development and South - South Cooperation in China.

The trilateral cooperation is a flagship project under the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Forum of China - Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework involving Nigerian Ministries (Power, Water Resources) and the University of Abuja.

The centre acts as a regional hub for training, policy support, and knowledge transfer in Small Hydropower (SHP) for Nigeria and West Africa.

The development focuses on unlocking Nigeria’s untapped small hydropower potential, estimated at over 734 MW, by promoting mature, efficient technology for remote areas.

The initiative includes conducting feasibility studies, designing projects, and facilitating investment partnerships, aiming to brisge the energy gap, industrialize rural communities, and support Nigeria’s sustainable energy goals. 

UNIDO’s Director and Representative to ECOWAS, Philbert Johnson, emphasized that the initiative will harness Nigeria’s hydropower potential, enhance rural electrification and boost socio - economic growth, setting a model for similar initiatives across Africa.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai said the centere represents an innovative step in implementing the results in relations between the regions, stressing that although Nigeria possesses abundant hydropower resources, much of them remain untapped due to technical, finasncial and regulatory barriers, creating an energy gap that deepens socio - economic difficulties and limits industrial development.

For his part, the Vice -  Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Hakeem Fawehinmi, pointed out that the project will expand the frontiers of availability and access to renewable energies in the country, contributing the energy gap necessary for industrialization within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Renewed Hope agenda.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/inauguran-centro-de-minihidr-ulica-en-nigeria-para-impulsar-la-electricidad-con-colaboraci-n-de-unid/

Thessaloniki, Greece | Investing Over €70 Million in Sports Infrastructures

Thessaloniki, a vibrant Hellenic port city located on the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegean Sea in Northern Greece, a major economic, industrial and commercial centre highlighted by a rich cultural and historical heritage with evidence of several Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman history remains, especially around the upper town of Ano Poli, and a renowned destination for festivals, events and cultural proposals is investing over €70 million to upgrade its sports infrastructure.

The city is moving forward with a program focusing on new swimming facilities and major renovations to boost the centre’s capacity to host international sporting events. These upgrades, forming part of a broader urban development plan, aim to modernize public spaces and improve access for residents, and  overall functionality in northern Greece.

At the centre of the initiative is the construction of a new state - of the art swimming complex in the Municipality of Ampelokipoi -  Menemeni, a municipality in the northwestern Thessaloniki Urban Area, characterized as a predominantly residential and industrial lowland area bodering Thermaikos Bay, featuring a mix of dense housing, local commerce, cuktural sites like the Karapantseio Cultural Center, and historic landmarks, including the WW1 “Zeitenlik” Allied Cemetery.

The project with a budget of É32 million, will include a 50 - metre Olympic swimming pool, a 10 - metres diving platform suitable for international competitions, and spectator stands with a capacity of more than 1.200 seats, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind in the country.

Major upgrades are also planned for the Kaftanzoglio National Stadium, a major multi - activity sports complex built in 1960 and part of the 2004 Olympic Games, where €20 million has been secured through the Ministry of Sports and the Region of Central Macedonia to support energy upgrades and modernization works. The aim is to transform the venue into a modern sports hub serving northern Greece and the wider Balkan region.

Additional improvements are already underway at other facilities across the city. Energy upgrade  projects have begun at the Poseidonio swimming pool, situated at Maria Kallas, near Thessaloniki Concert Hall, with a budget of €2.2, million

Works worth €1.2 ,million are being carried out the Neapoli swimming complex, situated in the centre of Thessaloniki, a comprehensive sports facility designed for training, competitions and public use, providing a key venue for the local community and competitive teams, offering aquatic environment for athletes.

In the Municipality of Oreokastro, a dynamic residential and commercial suburb located approximately 14 km north of Thessaloniki city centre, featuring archaeological sites,  scenic natural areas, and an artificial lake constructed for irrigation and environmental purposes, a new bioclimatic indoor swimming pool is planned with funding exceeding €5 million, designed to serve residents across western Thessaloniki.

In addition €7.5 million has been approved for upgrades to the Mikra sports facilities, in a  comprehensive sports complex featuring multiple indoor gyms, a dedicated wresting gym, and extensive outdoor facilities including 6 tennis courts, basketball,  handball, beach volleyball and a 5x5 football pitch.

A tender for the construction of the new “Mikra 4” stadium, a venue that has remained closed for more than two decades, is expected to be launched soon.

City officials say the investment will strengthen Thessaloniki’s profile as a modern destination for sports activities and international competitions, while improving everyday access to sports facilities for local communities.

Link

https://news.gtp.gr/2026/03/09/thessaloniki-invests-over-e70m-in-sports-infrastructure/

Club Med SAS | To Open a New Exclusive Collection Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand

Club Med SAS , commonly known as Club Med , previously named Club Méditerranée SA , a French travel and tourism operator founded in 1950 ...