IHG Hotels & Resorts | To Open a 103 - Room Garner Hotel in Kyoto, Japan

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK has announced to open a 103 - room Garner hotel in Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, a vibrant city on the island of Honshu, famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, traditional wooden houses, stylish gardens and its refined cuisine such as Kasiseiki Ryori, often onsidered the pinnacle of Japanese haute cuisine.

IHG has entered into in an agreement with Taisei Yuraku Real Estate Co Ltd, group specializing in the development, sales, and leasing of various property types, including condominiums, single - family homes, and office buildings based in Tokyo and Pacifica Hotels G.K., Japan leading third - party manager of international branded hotels headquartered in Minato - ku Tokyo to open the Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma.

This agreement marks a continuation of IHG Hotels & Resorts to grow its mainstream conversion brand, Garner, in the Japanese market introduced in the country six months ago.

This will be the fourth Garner hotel in Japan and is scheduled to enter the IHG Hotels & Resorts system in November 2025 after undergoing a full renovation.

Garner hotel is a midscale hotel brand focuses on offering comfortable and flexible stays at affordable prices, with a "Made with Character" design that emphasizes local connections and community, and particularly known for its convenient locations.

 The hotel will be situated in the bustling Shijo Karasuma area of Kyoto, known for its vibrant mix of traditional culture and commerce, a key business district, centered around the intersection of Karasuma Street and Shijo Street offering diverse shopping and dining options and an easy access to both historical sites and modern attractions.

Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma is within walking distance of the Gojo and Shijo subway stations and approximately a 10 - minute driving from Kyoto Station which connects to the Shinkansen train network.Nearby attractions include Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto International Museum, Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Nishiki Market.

The hotel will feature 103 rooms, a comfortable lobby offering guests offering coffee and tea throughout the day and a place to relax along with a café on the ground floor operated by a tenant providing breakfast, drinks and light meals all day.

The addition of the Garner Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma will increase IHG Hotels & Resorts presence in the city to four hotels. The British company currently operates Six Senses Kyoto, ANA Cowne Plaza Kyoto, and Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo, with a Regent Kyoto planned for 2028.

IHG Hotels & Resorts continues its strategic expansion in Japan where it currently manages 54 hotels under 10 brands and has 17 hotels in development.

Links
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-expands-garner-brand-in-kansai-japan
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137105.html

Marriott International | Announced to Open Three New Hotels in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland announced to develop and open three hotels in Calgary, a major city in the Canadian province of Alberta located at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River in the southwest of the province, in the transitional area between the Rocky Mountain Foothills and the Canadian Prairies,  a cosmopolitan hub, highlighted by a vibrant atmosphere, a rich cultural scene, a relevant business and finance hub also well known for its key role in the development of the region's oil and gas industry.

 The American hospitality company have revealed its project that will include three different brands, such as W Calgary, JW Marriott Calgary and an Autograph Collection hotel, marking Marriott's first luxury hotel and residential offerings in the Canadian city.

The development, a joint venture between Truman and Louson companies, both of which are based in Calgary and the announcement follows Truman's recent partnership with Calgary Stampede to develop a hotel on Stampede Park under the Autograph Collection Hotels brand.

The new hotels aims to meet the growing demand for accommodations in Calgary, particularly for events, like the BMO Centre and the forthcoming Scotia Place event centre.

The project aligns with the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation's efforts to revitalize Calgary's Culture + Entertainment District, which has seen over $2 billion in infrastructure and cultural projects.

This major development linked to that  is part of a mixed-use project located at 15 Avenue and Macleod Trail S.E. in Calgary's Culture + Entertainment District in the area of East Victoria Park, a vibrant neighbourhood in the city, known for its lively atmosphere green spaces and proximity to downtown near the historic Calgary Stampede grounds, offering a blend of urban and natural attractions and the three hotels are : 

The W Calgary - The hotel is planned as a 69 - story tower featuring 157 rooms and 239 branded residences. It will include amenities such as a spa, specialty restaurant, a rooftop bar, fitness studio and meeting spaces.

The JW Marriott Calgary - The property will be a 62 - story building providing 248 rooms and 120 branded residences, offering pools, a market, meeting spaces and retail areas.

The Autograph Collection Hotel Calgary - The establishment will be located on Stampede Park featuring 320 rooms, multiple dining options, a lobby bar, a coffee shop, a rooftop lounge and 15.000 square feet of meeting space.

The hotels are expected to contribute significantly to Calgary's economy, with projections of over $120 million in GDP from hotel operations and an additional $111 million from visitor spending each year. 

In addition, the project is expected to support over 9.100 jobs during construction and more than 2.000 ongoing positions across operations and tourism sectors and the estimated private investment for the project is $1.47 billion.

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137124.html

Comunità Montana del Piambello, Italy | "I Laghi in Bicicletta", Development Strategy with a Relevant Investment to Enhance the Cycle Tourism Offer in Lombardy

Comunità Montana del Piambello, the Piambello Mountain Community formed in 2009 through the merger of the Valceresio Mountain Community and the Valganna and Val Marchirolo Mountain Community located in the Province of Varese and also includes the westernmost part of the Province of Como, made up of 20 municipalities in the Varese area in Northern Italy has signed an agreement with the Lombardy region for the development strategy " I Laghi in Bicicletta" ,  Lakes by Bike with a relevant investment.

The over €1.8 million project aims to enhance the cycle tourism offer in Lombardy and relaunch mountain territories through an integrated green infrastructure, an important boost to sustainable development and soft mobility in the area Varese, a very attractive land with a rich cultural, historical and natural heritage, highlighted by diverse landscapes such as rolling hills, mountains, lakes and rivers and green and forested valleys.

The announcement was officially made by the Regional Councillor for Local Authorities and the Mountains, Massimo Sertori, who highlighted the strategic value of the initiative for the promotion of a territorial economy model based on environmental enhancement, landscape attractiveness and integration between production sectors.

The project involves a total investment of €1.826.000 supported by a regional contribution of €1.464.656 and is an initiative is promoted by the Comunità Montana del Piambello as the leading body,  part of the broader varese#doyoubike? of  the chamber of Commerce of Varese, aimed at making cycle tourism one of the main assets of the local tourist offer.

At the centre of the intervention is the construction of a new section of cycle and pedestrian path in its own place in the Municipality of Induno Olona located between Valganna and Valceresio, crossed by the Olona River at the foothills of the Monte Monarco among the Prealps of Varese, a key element to complete the cycling network of the area.

The project involves, in addition to Induno Olona, also the unicipalities of Arcisate, Bisuschio and Valganna, following a logic of territorial cooperation.

The infrastructure is part of a larger system that, starting from the Italian - Swiss border of Lavena Ponte Tresa on Lake Lugano also known as Lake Ceresio, crossing Valmarchirolo to Valganna, then branches off in three directions : towards two other valleys such as Valtravaglia and Valcuvia, both overlooking the idyllic Lake Maggiore, and towards Porto Ceresio, attractive, small centre on Lake Lugano near the Swiss border.

The Regional Councillor for Local Authorities and the Mountain said that with this strategy, the Lombardy Region aims to promote an integrated system of cycle and pedestrian paths that harmoniously connects Lake Ceresio, Lake Maggiore and Lake Varese.

The aim is to create a real green infrastructure that promote sustainable mobility, slow and experiential tourism and, above all, the revival of the economy of inland areas through the enhancement of the natural and cultural resources of the territory.

The initiative joins other regional tools already active, such as the Itineraries Call, Bando Itineraries Call, which provides among other interventions, the extraordinary maintenance of existing paths and the creation of a new cycle and pedestrian section in Porto Ceresio, with a total investment of €723.840, of which €633.140 financed by the Region.

In addition to the infrastructural dimension the "I Laghi in Bicicletta" strategy pays great attention to the active involvement of local actors, including public bodies, businesses, associations and citizens, with a particular focus on young people and women.

 The aim is to stimulate new forms of entrepreneurship related to tourism, agriculture and forest management, strengthening social cohesion and improving essential services.

 An integrated approach that looks at the development of mountain areas not only as places to be preserved, but as spaces to be lived and enhanced, also thanks to projects capable of combining innovation, accessibility and sustainability.

With the initiative "I Lagi in Bicicletta", the Lombardy Region and the municipalities of the Upper Varese area are charting a new route towards a future in which soft mobility and responsible tourism become concrete tools to relaunch the local economy and regenerate the territory.

Link
https://www.turismoitalianews.it/ultime/24050-lombardia-i-laghi-in-bicicletta-nuovo-impulso-alla-mobilita-sostenibile-e-al-turismo-nell-alto-varesotto

Miami Beach, Florida, U.S | Best Destination in the United States for Honeymoons, According a Survey Led by Upgraded Points

Miami Beach, a south Florida island city in Miami - Dade County, connected by bridges to mainland Miami, highlighted by white sandy beaches, turquoise waters from North Shore Open Space Park, past palm – lined Lummus Park to South Pointe Park, also highlighted by South Beach, known for its cultural scene, international cachet with models and celebrities, and its early 20 - century architecture in the Art Deco Historic district with pastel - coloured buildings especially on Ocean Drive, attracting million of visitors to its world - famous shores each year, has been ranked as best honeymoon destination in the U.S. by 2025, according a recent survey by Upgraded Points.

Upgraded Points, a travel website and company based in Austin, Texas, launched in 2016 by founder Alex Miller that provides resources and advice on maximizing travel points, miles, rewards and travel experiences, led a study evaluating more than 75 vacation destinations based on 15 factors, including romantic accommodations, couple’s activities, and affordability.

Miami Beach earned the highest overall score, 71.4 out of 100, beating out destinations such as Lake Tahoe, Savannah and Hawaii. Couples looking for romance, adventure, and inclusivity need look no further Miami Beach, as the city impressed with its abundance of stylish dining options and romantic accommodations, as well as a variety of couples’ activities, from water sports, cruises and spa experiences to arts and cultural tours and self – guided itineraries.

President of the Miami Beach Convention and Visitor Authority, Peggy Benua said that Miami Beach is an ideal destination for all couples, inviting all those looking for a romantic and relaxing honeymoon, or even an early honeymoon to enjoy a city that offers a collection of hotels, restaurants, and specialty attractions to suite all tastes and budgets.

Visitors Can easily plan a getaway that fits their schedule and experience the cultural essence that Miami Beach is known for, allowing couples to connect through the natural beauty and romance of America’s number one honeymoon destination.

Couples can explore their honeymoon style and choose from a selection of accommodations, ranging from adults - only and boutique to iconic landmarks, and larger resort - style properties and some of them are :

 The Greystone Hotel – Located on Collins Avenue in the heart of Miami Beach, is a sophisticated adults- only boutique hotel that seamlessly blends historic Art Deco architecture with contemporary luxury. The property is a perfect base to explore the city providing very comfortable and stylish rooms  offering Sérêvène, a Michelin - recognized restaurant helmed by Executive Chef Pawan Pinisetti, a fusion of French steakhouse traditions and izakaya - style Japanese dinners, and a relaxing rooftop pool bar for couples to relax and unwind.

Shelborne by Proper - The newly renovated and now opened establishment located at 1801 Collins Avenue, a storied Miami Beach landmark, has been reimagined with layered design moments, soulful energy, and a distinclty Miami rhythm.The hotel  blends Art Deco elegance with Miami’s modern vibrancy offering luxurious accommodations, exquisite oceanfront dining and comprehensive amenities including a private beach club, poolside cabana experience, and an on - suite spa to help couples make the most of their honeymoon time.

 Eden Roc Miami Beach - Located at 4525 Collins Avenue, this emblematic, contemporary oceanfront retreat, originally designed by Morris Lapidus in the 1950s is a colourful Miami Beach icon combining mid - century modern glamour with contemporary enhancements, offering charm and comfort with elegant and comfortable rooms, an impeccable service and attention to details. Oceanfront suites with terraces, multiple pools and Nobu International Restaurant offer the best of Miami Beach to honeymooners without having to leave the hotel. 

Miami Beach is a destination which abounds with experiences for couples. Honeymooners can enjoy thrilling jet ski rides with BouYah Water Sports, embark on a romantic sunset sailing ride, or relax with a couple’s spa at the Holy Healing House in Faena Miami Beach.

More active couples can explore personalized itineraries through the EXP Miami Beach Tours app, available for download fro the App Store or Google Play, which offers personalized self - guided recommendations, including the Miami Beach Icons Tour, Art in Public Places, a Cultural Institutions Tour, an LGBTQ+ Nightlife Tour, and Occult Art.

 Visitors can also discover the famous Art Deco district and attend an Art Deco walking tour organized by the Miami Design and Preservation League, an organization that offers daily tours at 10:30 a.m.

Executive Director of the Miami Beach Convention and Visitors Authority, Grisette Marcos, said that newlyweds can start planning their Miami Beach getaway by downloading the EXP Miami Beach Tours app for an exclusive guide on the best things to do and see while celebrating a special moment in their life. 

The Executive Director expressed her enthusiasm that Miami Beach was recognized as the No. 1 honeymoon destination in the U.S. and having developed a number of easy - to - access resources to help couples enjoy a romantic, relaxing and inspiring trip.

With its combination of luxury, inclusivity, and vibrant culture, Miami Beach offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable honeymoon. If you are ready to plan your honeymoon, you can follow @experiencemiamibeach on Instagram and visit the Miami Beach Convention and Visitos Authority, miamibeachvca.com, for more information and deals on hotels, special events, and experiences. 

The survey was conducted by Upgraded Points in the spring of 2025. Fill results can be found here : https://upgradedpoints.com/news/best-domestic-honeymoon-destinations/

Nowadays Miami Beach elevated itself as a very popular destination for honeymoons, with its mix of romance, glamour, and vibrant energy, couples can enjoy beautiful beaches, upscale resorts, diverse dining options and a very lively nightlife. Visiting Wynwood Walls, exploring the Design District or enjoying a romantic sunset cruise, Miami Beach always provides a great setting for authentic and exciting experiences making it a great choice for honeymooners in the United States.

Link
https://infoturlatam.com/miami-beach-destino-numero-1-en-ee-uu-para-luna-de-miel/

Cusco, Peru | Elected as the Best City in Central and South America by Travel + Leisure

Cusco, emblematic city in southeastern Peru, located near the iconic Sacred Valley of the Andes mountain range, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere, and legendary former capital of the Inca Empire has been elected, for the third consecutive year as the best city in Central and South America in the World’s Best Awards 2025, reported by PROMPERÚ, the Peruvian Commission for the Promotion of Exports and tourism of the Andean country.

This distinction is based on the results of the annual survey of the renowned Travel + Leisure magazine based in New York, U.S., considered one of travellers' best resources for trip ideas, hotel picks, flight sales, city guides, and travel tips from the experts, in which thousand of readers rate their travel experiences worldwide.

With an outstanding score, Cusco leads the list for its unparalleled combination of history, living culture, gastronomic offer, adventure and nature.

The Peruvian city surrounded by a magic aura bewitching every visitor in a while, is a representative and exceptional example of the confluence of two distinct cultures : Inca and Hispanic, which through the centuries produced an outstanding cultural syncretism configuring a unique urban structure and architectural form visible in the archaeological remains and Spanish colonial architecture.

The publication reads that “Cusco is a fascinating city. Its history dates back centuries and its atmosphere is incredible. It has many layers : restaurants and shops in the main square, cultural adventures, and hikes into the mountains. The nightlife and food make it totally worth a visit, there’s so much to do and discover.”

The text also points out that, although Cusco is usually a starting point to Machu Picchu, its richness as a destination is so great that it deserves to be explored by itself and mentioning some of its main attractions like Plaza de Armas and Sacsayhuamán. 

 Also Lima representing Peru was protagonist in the World’s Best Awards 2025. The Peruvian capital stood out on the list by occupying fourth place, which allowed it to move up four positions from the previous year, thanks to its vibrant cultural, architectural and gastronomic scene. In addition last month Maido, located in Lima’s Miraflores district, was voted the best restaurant in the world.

In an articulated work with Mincetur, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism, PROMPERÚ has been enhancing the national and international promotion of Cusco as one of the country’s key destinations. This strategic work seeks to position of Cusco and the region as a centre of living and cultural experiences, gastronomic, and avernture and nature.

 As additional note provided, according to the profile of the international tourist who visits Cusco 2024, prepared by Turismo In, the visitor coming from abroad stays an average of 7 days in the region and spends an average of US$1839.

Cusco, one the hub of the iconic Inca Empire is nowadays a vibrant city, known as the gateway to Machu Picchu and a centre which offers a wealth of attractions, including historical sites, museums and a lively atmosphere, a very special destination invites travellers to discover the cultural and spiritual essence of the Andes with its unique energy and incomparable appeal.

 
Link
https://infoturlatam.com/cusco-elegido-la-mejor-ciudad-de-centro-y-sudamerica-por-travel-leisure/

Amsterdam, the Netherlands | European City with the Highest Tourist Tax According to the Ranking Compiled by Holidu.pt

Amsterdam, the commercial capital of the Netherlands, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system and narrow houses with gabled facades, legacies of the city's 17th - century Golden Age, boasting a network of outstanding museums and a vibrant atmosphere making it one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, is the European city with the highest tourist tax according to a new ranking compiled by Holidu.pt,  the Portuguese branch of the fast - growing holiday rental technology company Holidu.  

The ranking is based on data from Euromonitor's "Top 100 City Destinations" , an index which ranks the world's most popular cities based on tourism performances, appeal, and potential and considering factors like economic and business performances, and sustainability, according to SEA infographics.

 As of 2025 Amsterdam charges tourists an average of €18.45 per night, applying a 12.5% tax on the total f accommodations. This fee represents a measure that is part of the Dutch city's strategy to tackle over - tourism, support infrastructure, and ensure that tourism contributes to Amsterdam's economy.

The second place in this special ranking is shared by four Greek cities, such as Athens, Heraklion, Rhodes, and Thessaloniki which apply an average daily tax of €8.17. This "climate resilience tax" established by the Hellenic government is designed to fund infrastructure upgrades and sustainable tourism. Rates vary by accommodation type and are lower during the off - season during the period runs from November to March. 

In sixth position is the German capital, Berlin, following a recent tax increase. Since 1st January 2025 the largest city of Germany imposes 7.5% levy on the net cost of accommodation, averaging €7.38 per night. The tax now also applies to business travellers, marking a departure from previous exemptions common in German cities.

Italy is part of the top ten, with Milan, the second largest centre of the country after Rome leading among Italian cities. The capital of the Lombardy region raised its maximum tourist tax to €7 per person, per night, for guests staying at 4 - and 5 - star hotels. The average rate now stands at €6.44 and the increase is timed with the Jubilee Year and the tax aims to fund public services and cultural preservation. 

The "eternal city" and capital of Italy Rome and Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance share the eight position with an average rate of €6.18. In Rome tourists pay €10 per night in 5 - star hotels, €7.50 in 4 - star, and as little as €4 in 1 - star accommodation. The capital and major centre of Tuscany, Florence applies similar rates, with 5 - star hotels at €8, 4 - star at €7, and 1 - star at €3.50.

Bologna, capital and largest city in the Emilia Romagna region follows, applying a sliding scale based on room price. While the average tax is €5.93, visitors staying in rooms costing more than €121 per night pay up to €7. Conversely, tourists standing in accommodations priced between €1 and €30.99 must pay €4 per night.

Interestingly, some of the most important cities in the European continent do not top the list like Barcelona, Paris and Nice which rank 11th and 12th . Barcelona charges an average of €5.81 tourist tax while Nice and Paris stand at €5.65 per night.

Other relevant cities like Lisbon, Porto, Venice and Vienna impose rates below €4. Porto in particular, offers the lowest tax among the top 20 cities, at just €3 per night.

Link 
https://www.travelmole.com/news/amsterdam-highest-tourist-taxes-europe/

Hilton | Announced Plans to Open a Resort in Takayama, Japan

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc, American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia announced plans to open a resoert in Takayama, a city in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture, well known for its traditional architecture, picturesque narrow streets of its Sanmachi Suji historic district, wooden merchants' houses dating to the Edo Period, local crafts and opulent festivals, a very attractive destination surrounded by the scenic countryside of the Japanese Alps.

The future Hilton resort opening  is the result of an agreement with Central Japan Railway Company and its subsidiaries and this development marks Hilton's first venture into Gifu Prefecture in central Honshu, Japan's main island and is expected to open in the fall of 2026.

The existing Hotel Associa Takayama Resort, operated by JR Tokai Hotels Co., Ltd., hospitality company offering lodging, food and beverage supply, meeting, banquet and other related services, will be rebranded under the Hilton Hotels & Resort brand.

The hotel will undergo renovations led by Hashimoto Yukio Design Studio, acclaimed firm based in Tokyo, with a design concept inspired by the natural and cultural elements of Takayama and the renovation will include the addition of new 90 square - metre suite rooms to the existing 283 - room inventory.

A new executive lounge and fitness centre also be established and will be accessible to Diamond members of the Hilton Honours loyalty program and guests in select rooms.

The partnership between Hilton and Central Japan Railway Company and its subsidiaries aims to enhance the appeal of Takayama as a tourist destination of relevance. The city is gaining attention from international tourists for its rich cultural and historical heritage, its preserved historic streets and proximity to other popular destinations.

Links 
https://stories.hilton.com/releases/hilton-to-debut-in-takayama-in-2026-signing-with-jr-central-group
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137041.html