La Bahia Hotel & Spa Has Opened its Doors in Santa Cruz, California, U.S., Becoming the City’s First Luxury Property

La Bahia Hotel & Spa has officially opened its doors in Santa Cruz, a popular coastal tourist destination in the state of California, U.S. situated on the northern edge of Monterrey Bay, known for its iconic Beach Boardwalk, surfing culture, the historic Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, the nearby redwood forests, stunning beaches, scenic drives like West Cliff Drive and a vibrant downtown area with captivating shops and fine restaurants.

The hotel, steeped in the romantic beauty of Spanish - Mediterranean architecture is the first luxury property in the area is situated at 215 Beach Street, adjacent to the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, just steps from the iconic Main Beach, on the idyllic shores of Monterrey Bay which meets the Pacific Ocean.

The property provides 155 comfortable rooms, four distinct culinary venues led by Chef Fernando Reyes, including a Pacific Rim - inspired restaurant, a champagne bar, a rooftop spa with an ocean view sauna, treatments rooms and provides services inspired by the local marine environment and a zen deck. 

The property also features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, private parking, over 13.000 square feet of meeting and event space and a historic bell tower, which has been restored and integrated into the hotel design.

 La Bahia Hotel & Spa offers guests a range of local experiences, including beach butler service, e - bike rentals, and guided tours among others.

The hotel has partnered with local businesses to offer exclusive experiences, including a coffee tour with Cat & Cloud and a collaboration with Penn Ice Cream.

Links 
https://labahiahotel.com/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137997.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Opened its First Kimpton Hotel in the Middle East, Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, Uk,  has opened its first Kimpton hotel in the Middle East, located in Riyadh, the capital and main financial hub of Saudi Arabia, located on a desert plateau in the centre of the country, also known as the cultural capital of the Saudi Kingdom due to its numerous cultural centres, among them the King ‘ Abd ‘ Aziz Historical Centre,  the National Museum and the National Library. 

Kimpton KAFD Riyadh by IHG is located at 7422 Innovation Street 2, in the beating heart of the mixed - use King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in the al - Aqeeq neighbourhood.

The district is renowned for its business - friendly environment, designed with pedestrians in mind, embodying the “ten - minute city” concept, boasting a network of skywalks and direct connectivity to the Riyadh metro network, an iconic business and lifestyle destination boasting a state - of - the - art physical and digital infrastructure, with a convenient location offering guests an easy access to nearby offices,  shops, restaurants and entertainment options.

The new 212 - room hotel spans 16 floors positioned to cater to both business and leisure travellers with its proximity to business and lifestyle destinations in Riyadh, offering four distinct dining venues : Botanica, Kanza, The Vinyl Ember and Ziya, each providing unique culinary experiences.

Amenities at Kimpton KAFD Riyadh by IHG include an outdoor pool, a health club and flexible meeting and event spaces.

The property is part of the Kimpton brand boasting hotels known for their boutique style, focusing on unique design, often incorporating local art and culture to create a distinctive environment, personalized service, and a playful, irreverent and immersive atmosphere.

This development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to enhance the hospitality sector and attract more international visitors diversifying its offering.

The opening of this new hotel is expected to contribute to the growth of the hospitality sector in the Saudi Kingdom, which aims to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030.

Kimpton KAFD Riyadh is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio and participates in the IHG One Rewards loyalty program, offering guests exclusive rates and personalized benefits.

Links 
https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/gb/en/riyadh/ruhka/hoteldetail

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137995.html

Hilton | Expanding its Presence in Spain with the Future Opening of a New DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Madrid

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia expands its presence in Spain, concretely in its capital and largest city, Madrid, with the future opening of a new Double Tree by Hilton hotel.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Principe de Vergara is set to open by late 2026, a development which follows a franchise agreement with Key International, a recognized leader specializes in successful developments, investment, and sale of commercial and residential estate headquartered in Miami, Florida, U.S.

Panorama Hotel Management, a multi – brand Hotel Management company pioneer in the integration of advanced models and systems for the operational management of hotel establishments with a portfolio of 20 hotels in Spain and Italy and based in Madrid will manage the hotel. 

The property will be located in the upscale “Barrio de Salamanca” the Salamanca neighbourhood located to the northeast of the historical centre of Madrid, south of Chamartin and north of Retiro, highlighted by the grand 19th century boulevards  lined with fine - dining restaurants and designer boutiques, especially along the “Golden Mile” that includes streets such as Goya and Serrano, known for their exclusivity, luxury fashion stores and emblematic buildings such as the Manuel Be Fundation and the Lázaro Galdiano Museum. 

The hotel will be situated near several of Madrid’s landmarks including Prado Museum, Retiro Park, the Auditorio Nacional de Música, Plaza de Cibeles square in a neighbourhood that boasts a stylish, sophisticated atmosphere and approximately a 15 - minute drive from Adolfo Suárez Madrid – Barajas Airport.

The DoubleTree Madrid Principe de Vergara will feature 155 comfortable rooms, including various configurations such as king, queen, twin, single rooms and suites.

Amenities will include a bar, restaurant, fitness centre, and 14 meeting rooms catering to both business and leisure travellers.

The property will enter into the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel brand that emphasizes providing comfort and a feeling of warmth, offering stylish accommodations but prioritizing guest experiences over flashy elements, with hotels designed to foster “human moments” and connection, aiming to make travellers feel welcome and comfortable.

This project marks Hilton’s continued expansion  in an important market like Spain, where the company currently operates 44 hotels, with an additional 10 properties in development. The DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Principe de Vergara will be the second DoubleTree property in the Spanish capital, joining the DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid Prado.

Links
https://stories.hilton.com/emea/releases/hilton-drives-further-spain-growth-with-signing-of-new-madrid-property
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137955.html

Namibia | Announced Plans to Establish a New National Airline Following Air Namibia Collapse

Namibia has announced plans to establish a new national airline following Air Namibia collapse, the former national carrier that was voluntarily liquidated in March 2021 after years of financial turbulence, wich closed operations after accumulating decades of financial losses and receiving around $453 million in government bailouts.

Transport Minister of Namibia Veikko Nekundi confirmed the preparation are already under way, with further updates on the launch timeline expected in the coming months.

The Namibian government decided to establish a new national airline, choosing to move forward with a fresh carrier rather than revive the defunct Air Namibia, and the new airline is expected to support the African country’s connectivity and tourism goals without replicating past financial strains.

Namibia’s tourism sector has shown significant post - pandemic recovery, the Namibian government is committed to fostering a robust tourism sector and implementing policies to enhance its competitiveness and sustainability.

A peaceful and stable environment makes Namibia an attractive and accessible destination offering a range of unique attractions and experiences that appeal to international tourists. The launch of a new national airline will support furthermore an increase in terms of tourist flows showcasing the beauty of this African destination to more visitors.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/namibia-to-launch-new-national-airline-following-air-namibia-collapse.html

Iran | Seeking the Inclusion of Ancient Windmills in UNESCO World Heritage List

Iran is seeking the inclusion of ancient windmills present in its territory in UNESCO World List that includes landmarks and areas of outstanding value to humanity, selected for their cultural, historical, or scientific significance, sites which are judged to have universal value and must meet at least one of ten criteria set by UNESCO. 

Known as “asbads” these Iranian vertical windmills, may receive this UNESCO World heritage status according to information reported by Teheran Times, the most important daily newspaper in the country founded in 1979.

The asbad, a type of vertical axis windmill is known for their innovative design and use of local materials like mud - brick, clay and durable wood to grind grains and pump water, especially in regions with consistent 120 - day winds.

These ancient structures, which housed millstones on the ground floor and sails on the first, are among the oldest windmills in the world, technology historians suggest the invention of the asbad was an Iranian innovation, with references to windmills in Persia dating back to the 7th century CE, and they have been preserved through community respect and historical recognition, with some being added to Iran’s national cultural heritage list.

Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts of Iran, Ali Darabi, called on local authorities to assist in the prompt completion of the nomination application stating that these windmills are a significant cultural asset.

South Khorasan, a province located in the eastern part of the country holds the majority of them. In this land 310 asbads are preserved, which is 79% of the total number in Iran, with some sites such as the Nashtifan Windmill Complex, being of interest to world heritage conservation.

In October, one of these asbads is scheduled to be launched for grinding wheat to demonstrate the uniqueness of this ancient technology to UNESCO Experts.

UNESCO recognition will not only confirm the relevanrt value of asbads, but may also contribute the development of tourism in this area and in the country and the protection of these emblematic monuments.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/iran-seeks-inclusion-of-ancient-windmills-in-unesco-world-heritage-list/

The United Kingdom | Launched an Awareness Campaign Advising British Travellers for the Upcoming New EU Border Checks

The Government of the United Kingdom has launched an awareness campaign advising British travellers to prepare for the incoming Entry/Exit System (EES) to make sure they know what to expect and prepare for the upcoming new EU borders checks.

The impacts of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) checks will be shared on social media channels, travel and transport websites in the lead up to official launch, and up to date information can also be found on GOV.UK and FCDO’s Travel Aware pages.

From 12th October 2025, the European Union will introduce EES system for UK and non - EU nationals, travelling for a short stay. EES is an automated  IT system entering and exitging the 29 countries in the Scheghen area that will require travellers to register on the first visit at the border point by scanning their passport and biometric registration at automated kiosks during their first stay in the Schenghen area.

This system will replace manual passport stamping, although passports will continue to be stamped during the phased rollout.

For all subsequent visits to the EU, travellers will only need to scan their passport and provide either their fingerprints or a photograph at the border.

Children under 12 will not need to provide fingerprints, and staff will be available to assist with the process.

The EES is being phased in over the next six months through April 2026. This should allow for a gradual implementation that minimises disruption, particularly at peaks periods.

At the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel and aboard Eurostar trains, the EES process takes places at the outbound border point on leaving the UK. 

A spokeperson said that while EES checks will be a significant change to the EU border, there is a constant and close dialogue with European partners to try and minimise the impact.

Link 
https://www.travelmole.com/news/uk-launches-ees-traveler-awareness-campaign/

Kenya | Football - Driven Tourism Boosts Visitors Numbers in the Country

Kenya is a global athletic powerhouse, especially in middle and long - distance running, consistently producing Olympic and World Championships medallist in events from the 800m to the marathon, while athletics remains the primary source of success, the country is experiencing a notable upswing in tourism linked to football – related events, with hospitality sector reporting higher visitor numbers.

According to Tourism Principal Secretary, John Ololtuaa, hotels, restaurants and tour operators have seen increasing patronage as visitors combine attendance at football matches with travel to sites such as Maasai Mara, Mount Kenya and Mombasa.

The rise follows a strategic partnership between the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) aimed at promoting the country as a tourism destination combined to football through the growing appeal of its national team, the Harambee Stars and a national league which is increasing its audience.

Kenya is enhancing its football development through infrastructure projects like a new national training centre, alongside grassroots programs like the FIFA Football for Schools (F4) initiative. 

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) is also focused on capacity building for coaches and has a robust youth and women’s football structure, including the establishment a successful women’s premier league and is deveoping a new national hub for football training and talent development in Machakos County, funded by FIFA.

A further development is Talanta Sports Stadium, a new - 60.000 - seat stadium in Nairobi which is under construction and will be completed for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The initiative comes as Kenya and the region prepare to co - host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and it includes co - branded campaigns and digital fan engagement top drive both domestic and regional tourism interest.

This relevant football event will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. This edition of the continental tournament will be the first ever to be hosted by three different countries, and also the first in five decades to be organised in the CECAFA region, since it was hosted by Ethiopia in 1976.

Kenyan football has seen some notable successes recently, including the National U17 girls’s team’ historic debut at the FIFA World Cup 2024, the National mens’ team won a four - nation tournament in Malawi and in the 2024 African Nations Champioships (CHAN) in Nairobi reaching the quarter finals after aa strong showing against Morocco generating enthusiasm and an increasing love for football in the country.

Recent activities such as the Angola national football team’s visit to Nairobi National Park, highlight how football is being used to showcase Kenya’s cultural and natural asset.

The tourism ministry of the African country views sport as a key tool to diversify markets, extend visitor stays,  strengthen Kenya’s positioning as a competitive sports tourism destination and the African country is actively working for that.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/football-driven-tourism-boosts-visitor-numbers-in-kenya.html