Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Unveiled the Opening of a 123 - Room Caption by Hyatt Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois, has unveiled the opening of a 123 - room Caption by Hyatt hotel in Chattanooga, a bustling city in southeastern Tennessee, U.S., nestled against the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Known as the “Scenic City”, Chattanooga features a vibrant, walkable downtown, highlighted by top attractions include the world - renowned Tennessee Aquarium, the historic Lookcut Mountain (home to Ruby Falls and Rock City), and a 25.7-kilometre riverfront greenway offering a mix of nature, history, and urban culture. 

Caption by Hyatt Chattanooga Downtown is the first Hyatt property in Chattanooga and the second Caption by Hyatt hotel in the United States, following Caption by Hyatt Downtown Nashville.

The property developed by 3H Group Inc., a prominent developer of hotels, retail, residential real estate and office space, headquartered in Chattanooga, is operated by LBA Hospitality, one of the leading hotel management, development, and consulting companies in the US, a group headquartered in Dothan, Alabama, a group with an extensive portfolio of hotels located in the Southeast and Southwest.

The hotel is located at 105 W. Main Street in the Southside District, a vibrant, walkable, and historic neighbourhood between 11th  and 20th Streets, recognized for its trendy arts scene, diverse dining and industrial - chic charm, anchored by the Chattanooga Choo Choo Complex, featuring popular nightlife on Station Street, local breweries, and unique shopping, 2.5 km from Tennessee Aquarium, 3.8 km from Chattanooga Zoo and 6.7 km from Lookout Mountain, providing access to outdoor activities, and the Tennessee River waterfront.

The hotel is about 15 minutes by car from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) and guests have access to the Chattanooga Red Line free electric shuttle, rideshare services, and major highways.

The establishment provides 123 comfortable rooms feature floor - to - ceiling windows with city and mountain views, smart storage solutions, lounge - style seating, plush bedding, 55 - inch HDTVs with Chromecast and Apotheke bath amenities.

Dining options at the hotel include Nomia Modern Kitchen on the ground floor, offering cuisine with Tennessee ingredients and global influences, and Stratus Rooftop Lounge, which features a rooftop bar, craft cocktails, a lounge pool for hotel guests, and view of Lookout Mountain and the Tennessee River Valley, and The lobby houses Talk Shop, an all - day food - and beverage concept serving coffee,  casual bites, and cocktails.

Meeting and event spaces include a first - floor private boardroom for executive meetings and small gatherings, which can also serve as a private dining area and tasting table. The top - floor event space accommodates about 75 guests for conferences, banquets, and corporate events.

The hotel plans to host a ticketed dining series in the event space with a rotating menu focused on regional flavours. Catering services are available for events.

Amenities at the hotel also include an on - site parking deck up to with valet service and the property is dog - friendly for pets up to 75 pounds.

The hotel joins Caption by Hyatt hotels, a brand provides upscale accommodations with the efficiency and flexibility of select - service while offering a vibrant and welcoming space for visitors and locals alike, cozy rooms and common areas that are flexible enough to move things around and make the space uniquely theirs.

The brand also expanded its presence in other continents with locations in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, Central Sydney, Australia, and Shanghai, China.

Links

https://newsroom.hyatt.com/31March2026CaptionbyHyattChattanoogaDowntown

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140696.html

Abuja, Nigeria | UN Launched a Major Solar Energy Project in the City to Boost Clean Energy Transition

The United Nations (UN) launched a major solar energy project 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.

The initiative has been implemented with technical support from the United Nations Development Programme, reflecting the cooperation between several UN agencies, inaugurated during the launch of Phase I of the “Greening of the UN House” project.

The facility located at the UN House in at Plot 617/618, Central Area District, Diplomatic Zone in Abuja, is designed to reduce electricity costs, decrease carbon emissions and encourage wider adoption of renewable technologies, as reported by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

This move demonstrates potential of solar energy to support sustainable development and improve energy efficiency. 

During the ceremony of inauguration, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Mohamed Fall, stressed that the project reflects the organization’s commitment to accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

According to the Coordinator, the facility includes a 400 - kilowatt peak solar PV microgrid, which can be scaled up to 700 kilowatts, backed by 650 kilowatt - hours of lithium - ion battery storage to ensure energy resilience.

The system is also equipped with energy management technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) and monitoring through the Internet of Things (IoT), which allows the generation and consumption of electricity to be tracked in real time.

The solar infrastructure is expected to reduce electricity costs at the UN House by about 40%. In addition the project will decrease the grid’s electricity consumption by nearly one million kilowatt - hours per year and reduce carbon emissions by around 300 tons.

 The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator noted that the project is aligned with Nigeria’s climate commitments and with the provisions of the Electricity Act 2023, and he also highlighed the country’s potential in renewable energy, especially solary energy, stressing that a reliable electricity supply remains essential for economic growth, productivity and social development.

Plans are already underway for Phase II, which will expand solar capacity to about 700 kilowatts and bring the complex closer to achieving near - total energy autonomy based on clean energy.

Rural Elkectrification Agency Director General Abba Aliyu described the project as a demonstration of the practical and economic value of renewable solutions, noting that about $23 billion will be needed to electrify the country’s underserved communities.

Energy Minister Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Permanent Secretary Mahmude Mamman, stated that the initiative supports Nigeria’s energy transition strategy, while Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal expressed confidence that the project will inspire wider adoption of environmentally friendly energy technologies across the country.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/onu-lanza-un-proyecto-de-energ-a-solar-en-nigeria-para-impulsar-la-transici-n-hacia-energ-as-limpias/

Vislach, Belarus | Reviving its Traditional Black - Fired Pottery Production with Historical Techniques to Preserve the Local Cultural Heritage

Vislach, an ancient centre in the Grodno Region of Belarus, first mentioned in 1256, situated near the Polish border and the massive Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, known for its preserved 19^th century architecture, historical Tyszkiewicz manor park, a former synagogue, and the annual Gamonjac’s puschy belaruskija ecological festival, is reviving its traditional black - fired pottery production, a craft nearly lost over the past two decades.  

This activity in Svislachhas the aim to preserve the local cultural heritage, as artisans produce the first pieces of pottery with historical techniques and with a focus on training new people, incorporating traditional methods, including smoking techniques and birch bark decorations to create functional and decorative items, which are being showcased at national festivals to engage new audience.

The first experimental batch of ceramic products, including jugs, pots and vases, has been made using the historical technique of glossy black ceramics, also known as smoke ceramics.

This ancient organic pottery is a technique where unglazed, often burnished, clay is fired at low temperatures in a scaled container with combustible materials like sawdust, leaves, birch bark strips or seaweed. The process forces carbon into the clay, creating unique, unpredictable black, grey, and brown markings on the surface.

Black pottery has been known since the Middle Ages in Belarus and was widely practiced in various regions. In the Svislach area, especially in the settlement of Porozovo, this handicraft was traditionally passed down from generation to generation within families, and this recovery undoubtedly represents an important milestone in the preservation of local cultural heritage.

Efforts to revive craftmanship have been going on for some years. At the end of 2025, a specialized two - chamber kiln was installed at the loical folk art and culture centre, allowing artisans to recreate the ceramics’ signature black glow.

 Along with the technical recovery, local cultural institutions have launched a broader initiative aimed at promoting traditional ceramics and attracting new audiences.

 The project includes workshops for children and adults, practical seminars on ceramics, exhibitions showcasing the work of contemporary artisans and is also expected to be featured at regional and national festivals, as well as in competitions,

 Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/bielorrusia-revive-la-cer-mica-tradicional-negra-tras-dos-d-cadas/

Samaná, the Dominican Republic | Inaugurated a Four - Lane Highway Expansion at the Entrance to the Province

President Luis Abinader inaugurated a four - lane highway expansion at the entrance to Samaná Province, a land on the Dominican Republic’s northeastern Atlantic coast, primarily encompassing a lush tropical peninsula known for its dramatic landscapes, pristine white sand beaches, mountainous terrain, eco - tourism, humpback whale migration, the expansive Los Haitises National Park with mangroves and caves, and the 171 - foot El Limón Waterfall.  

This strategic infrastructure project was designed to improve traffic flow, boost tourism and benefit more than 110.000 residents. The expansion, led by the Ministry of Public Works and Communication (MOPC), features significant upgrades to enhance safety and connectivity for the region. 

The project included road widening to four lanes, full asphalt rehabilitation, upgraded drainage systems, road lighting, sidewalks, and improved access points. 

The modernization enhances road safety, reduces travel time, and improves connectivity between communities, positioning Samaná as a strategic tourism and logistic hub in the country. 

Key features of the project include: 

•    Expansion and Rehabilitation: The entrance was widened to four lanes (two in each direction) and underwent full asphalt rehabilitation. 
•    Infrastructure Upgrades: The project includes improved, modern drainage systems to handle heavy rainfall. 
•    Improved Safety and Lighting: Enhanced Road lighting has been installed to improve visibility, along with improved signage and sidewalks for pedestrian safety. 
•    Urban Access: The project features improved urban access points, facilitating easier, more direct travel into the city of Samaná.
•    Strategic Connectivity: The road is part of a broader initiative to connect the Samaná Peninsula with major tourist areas and improve access to the region’s main destinations. 
•    Impact: The expansion reduces traffic congestion at the entrance and directly benefits over 110.000 people. 

President Abinader highlighted that the initiative forms part of a broader development plan that includes port projects, urban renovations, and land titling programs aimed at boosting investment and economic growth. 

Authorities emphasized that the upgraded road infrastructure will facilitate access to key tourist destinations, improve transportation of goods, and support sustaoinable tourism expansion, reinforcing Samana’s role as a leading destination in the Caribbean. 

Link 
https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/2026/03/31/abinader-inaugurates-four-lane-highway-at-samana-entrance/

Cape Town, South Africa | ILTM Africa - International Luxury Travel Market - From 10 to 12 April 2026

ILTM Africa returns to the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, South Africa f rom 10 to 12 April 2026, a high - end, invitiation only luxury trade show where global travel agents meet Africa’s most spectacular luxury travel experience providers.

The event that will take place at Cape Town’s Town Norval Foundation, a unique setting, combining world - class art with the natural beauty of the Cape Town landscape, showcases curated luxury travel with a focus on immersive, sensory experiences and sustainability.

The event featuring 32 countries and 85 exhibitors, introduces expanded luxury offerings, including various destinations inbound/outbound connections, specialized African brand showcases, and a new digital networking app.

This bespoke tourism show that forms part of the broader Africa Travel Week programme, introduces global travel buyers to an unrivalled collection of African experiences will welcome delegates from various countries in what organisers describe as the event’s largest post - Covid edition to date.

ILTM Africa connects top - tier travel designers and agents with exclusive hotels, destinations, and experiences through curated, one - to one appointment, networking, and educational events.

The three - day programme unites travel suppliers and international buyers through a curated schedule of business appointments and immersive experiences, with African storytelling and sensory engagement central to this year’s format.

Highlights include a bespoke ILTM Africa scent developed by Cape Island, a musical welcome by the Isibane se Africa Choir, and a dedicated wine tourism conversation led by The Wine Tourism Conference, followed by a private cellar at Klein Constantia Wine Estate.

Sustainability is woven throughout the programme, with initiatives including an interactive  “poke art’ installation” by Painted Wolf Wines supporting African wild dog conservation, initiatives with the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) for African penguins, alongside showcases of African - led luxury brands such as plant - based leathers from Holy Kow, The Wren Design,  sustainable luxury leather from Wazawazi, and Kalahari Truffles.

The 2026 edition will also introduce a new event app with enhanced lead - generation functionally, networking, reinforcing relationship building year - round and a forthcoming luxury magazine in collaboration with Voyage Afrique, Africa’s No 1 Travel & Tourism Media & News publication with specialist interests presenting the continent travel and tourism to a global audience.

Cape Town Tourism and the City of Cape Town feature as host destination partners, with the city’s new Tourism Framework and "This is Cape Town" campaign set to be presented at the event.

Links

https://www.iltm.com/africa/en-gb.html

https://atta.travel/resource/iltm-africa-2026-returns-to-cape-town-with-largest-post-covid-edition.html

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) | Unveiled the Signing of a Greenfield Taj Hotel Project in Patna, Bihar, India

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), part of Tata Group and headquartered in Mumbai, has unveiled the signing of a new Taj hotel in Patna, historically and the ancient Kumhrar ruins, and nowadays acting as known as Pātaliputra, the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Bihar that sprawls along the Ganges River, merging ancient history with modern growth, highlighted by significant historical landmarks like the colonial - era Golghar, the sacred Patna Sahib Gurudwara and representing a major administrative, educational, and transportation hub.

The Taj Patna is a greenfield project in partnership with Patliputra Palace Pvt. Ltd., a company assoiciuated with the Patliputra Group of Hotels, a hospitality firm based ibn Patna that operates luxury venues for events and stays, including Patliputra Exotica, Alina Resort Patna, and Hotel Nirvana, focusing on weddings and corporate events.

The 500 - key hotel will be located opposite Gandhi Maidan, with the Ganges River to the north of the site, offering an easy access to Bapu Sabhagar, Gol Ghar, as well as other historical and cultural sites.

The property will feature an all - day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, and a lobby lounge. Amenities will include a temperature - controlled swimming pool, a fitness centre, recreational facilities, a salon, a J Wellness Circle spa and expansive banqueting facilities, including a 16.000 - square - foot ballroom and multiple meeting spaces.

The Taj Patna will join the emblematic Taj brand, characterized by its deep Indian heritage and authentic cultural experience, 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.

No opening date or construction timeline for the Taj Padna has been specified. With this addition The Indian Hotels Company Limited will have seven hotels in the state of Bihar, including four under development.

Links

https://www.ihcltata.com/press-room/ihcl-announce-the-signing-of-a-taj-hotel-in-patna-bihar

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140306.html

Planet Hollywood Resorts International | Announced a License Agreement for the Development of a New Hotel & Casino in Tbilisi, Georgia

Planet Hollywood Resorts International based in Orlando, Florida, U.S., a group with a Hollywood - themed, entertainment - driven hospitality concept, combining luxury lodging, casinos and themed dining with key elements include pop culture memorabilia, modern multimedia, and high - energy experiences, has announced a licence agreement for the development of a new hotel & casino in Tbilisi, vibrant capita; of the Republic of Georgia, situated on the Mtkvari (Kura) River.

Tbilisi, founded in the fifth century AD is one of Europe’s oldest capitals boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage, highlighted by a cobblestoned old town that reflects a long, complicated history, with periods under Persian and Russiam rule, showcaces a diverse architecture encompasses beautiful Eastern Orthodox churches, ornate art nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures.

The development of the new Planet Hollywood & Casino in Tbilisi marks the debut of the company in the country and introduces Georgia’s first fully integrated resort.

The resort & casino project to bring the brand to Tbilisi,  is the result of a partnership between Planet Hollywood Block Group with Orbi Group, a leading real estate developer in Georgia and Europe headquartered in Batumi, specializes in high - yield investment properties, and Iconic Entertainment, a firm headquartered in Culver City, California, U.S. specializes in creating exclusive,  high - impact sporting and entertainment experiences.

Currently under construction in Central Tbilisi, the development is part of a two - tower luxury campus with a total of 1.200 rooms. The campus will include a 500 - room Planet Hollywood & Casino and a 600 - room Radisson Blu luxury hotel.

The site will feature a 50.000 - square - foot casino, a 4.000 - seat entertainment and special events venues, as well as more than 70.000 square feet of Harvey Nichols retail space with additional components include dining, nightlife, and lifestyle offerings.

The project is expected to create over 2.000 permanent jobs and is positioned as a significant addition to Tbilisi’s hospitality and tourism sector.

Further details regarding the opening timeline, entertainment programming and strategic partnerships will be announced in the coming months.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140528.html