Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Luxury Portfolio to Grow with Casa Duhau in Alto Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, group that operates, manages, and franchises, hotels, resorts and vacation properties announced the future opening of Casa Duhau, in Alto Agrelo, Mendoza, Argentina that will enter in the Unbound Collection increasing its luxury portfolio.

The upcoming development of Casa Duhau is an operation in association with Scalesciani family owners of Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, luxury hotel in the heart of upscale Recoleta district in the capital of Argentina and the David family, Mendoza entrepreneurs. 

Casa Duhau is part of a larger development project Reserva Alto Agrelo in a land which spans nearly 1.000 acres and features a premium winery in the province of Mendoza.located on the southern side of the Mendoza River, just south of Perdriel, home to some of Argentina's most famous wine estates, a terroir considered to be some of the best in Mendoza for the production of big, complex red wines made from the iconic Malbec grape variety.

The Reserva Agrelo residential lots, a real estate of nearly 190 acres of land with plans for 116 future residential units, will also be part of the master development project and will be home to Bodega Agrelia, a boutique winery with expertise from renowned winemakers Michel Rolland and Marcelo Pelleriti,  the development will feature Casa David - Wine & Horses, an equestrian club with advanced horse facilities.

The luxury property construction is slated to begin by the end of 2025, with an expected opening date in late 2027 and it will be the only hotel in Argentina under the Unbound Collection by Hyatt, an upper - upscale brand luxury boutique hotel brand focused on curating unique stories including a portfolio of independent, premium hotel properties, ranging from historic urban gems to contemporary trend - setters. 

The complex will provide 40 villas and 12 suites, ensuring privacy and extensive views of the Andes Mountains, offering two singnature restaurants, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a state - of - the - art spa and modern meeting rooms and Casa Duhau's gardens, terraces, and event hall will provide a scenic backdrop for a variety of events.

The architectural design of Casa Duhau will be spearheaded by BMA ARQS, a global architecture and urban planning firm with headquarters in Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile and Miami, a firm characterized to design unique spaces with sustainable innovative solutions.

The interior design will be overseen by Martín Zanotti Studio, firm based in Buenos Aires evolved into an area of research, creation and production by drawing a blend combining land and architecture, while the landscape design will be managed by Fernando González.

Terrandes SAS, a Mendoza real estate developer with extensive experience in various projects and BDA Realty, firm headquartered in Buenos Aires with more than 25 years of experience with the best luxury real estate properties will manage the full development of Reserva Alto Agrelo.

Adding Casa Duhau to its luxury portfolio Hyatt Hotels Corporation enhances its presence in Argentina, with the future hotel joining other properties like Park Hyatt Mendoza and Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.

Link  
https://newsroom.hyatt.com/CasaDuhauDevelopment
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136404.html

Marriott International | Central European Expansion with Five New Hotels and 1.100 Rooms in Austria

Marriott International, American hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, group that manages, operates and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties across the world under several brands announced a Central European expansion adding to its portfolio five new hotels and more than 1.100 rooms in Austria.

Currently Marriott International’s portfolio in Austria includes 21 properties and nearly 4.000 rooms, with 14 brands, serving various experiences across traveller segments and travel purposes.

This move increases furthermore the presence of the company in an important market as Austria, with a tourism industry projected to see continued growth, with the market expected to reach €6.31 billion in revenue by 2025, a growth that is fueled by the country's rich cultural heritage, stunning Alpine scenery and well - established infrastructure.

This significant expansion in the Austrian market is the result of an agreement with an important company as VERKEHRSBUERO HOSPITALIY, Austria’s leading group with also operational divisions VERKEHRSBUERO Travel and HOLDING Division based in Vienna.

The Austrian operator is taking a pivotal step in the national hospitality industry by converting its five Austria Trend Hotels. This strategic move aligns with the group’s aim to diversify its portfolio and promote sustainable growth while continuing to provide unique experiences for its guests.

The properties of the Austrian group will be converted into Marriott hotels, across the Tribute Portfolio, AC Hotels, and Four Point Flex by Sheraton brands, and this operation includes the anticipated debut of the Four Point Flex by Sheraton brand in Austria with four properties.

Austria Trend Hotel beim Theresianum by the third quarter of 2025 is expected to convert into the Four Points Flex by Sheraton Vienna Hauptbanhof, and Austria Trend Hotel Salzburg Messe will transition into Four Point Flex by Sheraton Salzburg Messe.

 A further operation is the conversion of Austria Trend Hotel Anatol into Four Point Flex by Sheraton Vienna Mariahif in 2026 and after extensive renovations Austria Trend Ananas will transition into a dual - branded hotel, featuring Four Points Flex by Sheraton Vienna Naschmarkt and AC Hotel by Marriott Vienna Naschmarkt.

Finally the historic and stylish Parkhotel Schönbrunn located near the iconic Schönbrunn Palace, a property characterized by an outstanding, traditional Viennese elegance with top - tier comfort will join Mariott’s Tribute Portfolio as part of the multi - deal agreement. 

 Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136390.html

Izamal, Mexico | The Maya Train Benefits Tourism Growth

Izamal, a small city in the Mexican state of Yucátan, 72 kilometres east of state capital Mérida, in southern Mexico is experiencing benefits in tourism affluence thanks to the Mayan Train. 

Izamal is well known to be an important archaeological site of the Pre - Columbian Maya Civilization, a centre that offers a unique blend of of colonial charm, Mayan ruins and a friendly atmosphere.

Known as the “Yellow City”, because most of its buildings are painted in yellow, or the “City of Hills”, that actually are the remains of ancient temple pyramids, or also as the “City of Three Cultures", to represent the essence of the cultural legacy of the people of Yucátan for the presence of Mayan temples, colonial houses that take you back to the 16th, 17th , and 18th century, Izamal is a destination highly considered for its rich cultural and historical heritage.

The Maya Train, or Tren Maya, a 1.554 km long inter - city railway project in Mexico, designed to connect various tourist destinations and communities across the the Yucátan Peninsula with a speed of 165 km/h is significantly benefiting Izamal by boosting tourism. 

By connecting the city to other key tourist destinations such as Mérida amd Chichén Itzá, the Maya Train is undoubtedly contributing to an increase in tourism in tourism in the region, including Izamal.

Izamal Mayor Melissa Puga Puga Rodtiguez said that the centre has become the fifth place in tourist destinations with the Maya Train, and although it is only a place of passage, it is expected that it will also have overnight stays, in addition to managing that this city be considered as a World Heritage Site to continue it tourist impulse.

With the Maya Train, an average of 200 visitors arrive a day, numbers already represent an important economic spillover. However there is a challenge consisiting to transform Izamal form a a place of passage in a destination for stay overnight, planning that those who visit the destination stay for two or three days.

Interviewed in the State Congress, where the Mayor of Izamal attended as guest the annual report of the Attorney General of the State, Juan Manuel León León, the first citizen the Mayor revealed that work is being done on the consolidation of the town as a tourist destination, especially for its relevant colonial buildings. 

The Mayor added that investifations continue with INAH, the National Institute of Anthropology and History in the body of water that was found under the convent, as part of the various works that are being done in that important site of the city to show intregrally its attractiveness.

Every 15 days the municipality has working groups with the National Institute of Anthropology and History, because there are many infrastructure things to improve and because a goal is also to elevate Izamal to be within what is Wolrd Heritage.

Works with INAH staff also include the arches of the convent, and above all, the propped up part, which is about to fall. There is already an investment of around 13 million pesos just for the restoration of the convent, a gem to showcase in all its splendour next to the rich cultural and historical  heritage Izamal boasts.

Link - https://www.yucatan.com.mx/yucatan/2025/05/01/beneficia-el-tren-maya-a-izamal-aumenta-el-turismo.html

Bahía de Luperón, the Dominican Republic | Government Begins Recovery Process of the Bay to Restore its Tourist Splendour and Ecological Balance

The Minister of the Presidency, José Ignacio Paliza, announced the beginning of the recovery process of the Bahía de Luperón, with the removal of 26 stranded and abandoned boats, as part of an effort to revalue this important area and national park with the aim to protect its marine ecosystem and restore its tourist splendour and ecological balance.

Bahía de Luperón is located in the municipality of the same name in the province of Puerto Plata, to the north of the Dominican Republic, on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, highlighted by the beautiful Playa Grande, 

The bay consists in a large enclosed mangrove situated in a point where the Central Cordillera converts this inlet into a natural refuge against storms and hurricanes guaranteeing the safety of the boats anchored there.

The beauty of this bay is impressive, it receives the greatest number of sailing yachts in the Caribbean and is considered an important base of global sailing.

This initiative is part of the provision of Law 64 - 00 on the Environmental and Natural Resources, which regulates the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of the natural environment in the Caribbean island.

The Minister of Presidency reported that the operation is carried out by the ARD, the Navy of the Dominican Republic in coordination with the Ministry of the Environment with the aim to restore the ecological balance and return the tourist attraction to this natural reserve.

Through a messeage via the social network X, the Minister said that these actions have the purpose ensure that the experience of visitors is comparable to that of other tourist destinations, and this effort seeks to attract a constant flow of visitors, balancing the number and density of activities in the area.

Link - https://gastroturismord.com/gobierno-inicia-recuperacion-de-bahia-de-luperon-para-devolverle-su-esplendor-turistico/

Dubai, UAE | Awarded as First Certified Autism Destination in the Eastern Hemisphere

Dubai, a city and emirate in the UAE, developed in the last decades into a significant and international trade hub with its economy relies on revenues from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate and financial service was awarded as first certified autism destination in the Eastern Hemisphere.

This recognition delivered by the IBCCES, the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standard, signifies Dubai's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with autism and sensory sensitivities.

The certification process involved training for the city's tourist - facing workforce, ceritifications for numerous attractions and hotels, and the development of sensory guides.

This achievement is the result of the collective efforts of stakeholders and partners to enhance accessibility across all aspects of the visitor experience, a milestone that could significantly impact how families with autistic menbers and sensory needs travel to the Middle East.

Key initiatives included staff training programmes, expanded visitor support at attractions, and the introduction of sensory guides and hidden disability lanyards.

Over 70.000 individuals have received autism and sensory awareness training, equipping them to better serve and support visitors with autism.

More than 300 hotels have participated in the training and cerification process, to ensure a comfortable and inclusive stay for guests with autism and senory sensitivities and also 15 attractions achieved IBCCES certification.

All certified locations in Dubai are being featured on the IBCCES Accessibilty APP, which is free to download.

As part of the certification programme, DET, the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai collaborated with IBCCES on autism and sensory awareness training for the city's tourist - facing workforce and it included the "Dubai Way" online training platform developed by DCT, Dubai College of Tourism.

Dubai College of Tourism also continued to offer its Inclusive Service program, a self paced course that can be followed on the online Dubai Way platform which offers formation and knowledge required to provide excellent customer service to visitors and teaching applicants how best to cater and communicate with People of Determination. 

The entire course is taken online through video lessons with engaging activities and periodic assessments.

CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Issam Kazim, said that Dubai's designation as Certified Autism Destination is a landmark moment. 

The dedication to further elevating the experience in Dubai for all residents and visitors with accessibility is a core priority.

As additional and relevant note linked to the topic, Dubai International Airport in December 2023 was recognised as the first international airport to earn the Certified Autism Centre designation.

Link - https://www.travelmole.com/news/dubai-becomes-first-certified-autism-destination/

Liverpool, England, UK | Introducing "City Visitor Charge", a New Tourist Tax to Support Tourism Development

Liverpool, a port city and metropolitan borough in Merseyside in northwest England, situated on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary near the Irish Sea, a vibrant city with a rich history, home to the UK's second highest number of art galleries, national museums, listed buildings, and parks and open spaces, boasting a strong musical heritage,  particularly with linked to the iconic Beatles, is introducing a £2.0 per night "City Visitor Charge", a new tourist tax to support tourism development.

The British city starting form 1st June 2025 will apply this tax for overnight stays in hotels, after this levy was voted on by hotel owners and managed by accommodation BID with the aim to generate revenue for the city's visitor economy, primarily through a subvention fund.

This measure has been approved after the city's 83 hotels will mean the generation of £9.2 million, about €10.78 million in two years, of which £6.7 million will be used to support the city's tourism economy through a grant fund.

The £2.0 per nighr charge will be collected by hotels and services accommodation providers when guests check in or out.

The money raised will be used to improve infrastructure, attract major events, and boost tourism in Liverpool, an initiative follows Manchester's example, which introduced a similary voluntary charge in 2023.

Link
ttps://www.timeout.com/uk/news/liverpool-is-introducing-a-tourist-tax-for-visitors-cost-date-it-comes-into-effect-and-what-you-need-to-know-042825

Dusit International | Signed a Management Agreement to Operate a Hotel in Chengdu, China

Dusit International, leading multinational hotel and property company headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, group founded in 1948 boasting a portfolio of brands offering distinctive experiences, all united by service that is warm and attentive expands its presence in East Asia signing a hotel management agreement with Dongfong Nongbo Commercial Operation Management Company Limited based in Chengdu to operate Dusik Hotel AF Park in Chengdu, China.

The Thai hospitality group represented in China by Dusit Fudi Hotels & Resort, the company new property is set to open on 1st June 2025 and it will be situated within the Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park, about 30 minutes by car from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and downtown Chengdu, the capital of southwestern China's Sichuan province, a city with a relevant past dates back to at leasr the 4th century B.C.,when it served as capital for the Shu Kingdom.

The hotel is also 20 minutes from Xijin high - speed rail station, connecting key cities across Sichuan Province allowing guests to plan several radial excursions during their stays.

Guests can visit Tianfu Agricultural Expo Park encompasses approximately 2.7 kilometres, a vast area dedicated to sustainable farming, cultural tourism, high - tech agriculture, it integrates agricultural ehibitions, farming culture, scientific research, technology development and also leisure tourism into one experience.

The property will feature 250 comfortable rooms, and various facilities, including an all - day dining restaurant with a farm - to table focus, a specialty restaurant, and a Chinese restaurant boasting eight private dining rooms.

Additional amenities include a lobby lounge, a fully equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool. Pillarless Multi – Functional Conference Hall with three versatile meeting rooms, Mahjong Rooms and a dedicated Kid's Club.

Dusik Hotel AF Park will also offer immersive experiences that connect guests with Changdu cultural heritage including curated dining experiences reflecting Chengdu' status UNESCO City of Gastronomy, renowned for its spicy, flavourful dished, particularly its distinctive use of Sichuan peppercorns, visiting the world - renowned Sichuan Opera and the opportunity to see giant pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Dusit International with the addition of Dusik Hotel AF Park expands its portfolio to nearly 300 establishments operating under eight brands across 18 countries, and in China, the group currently operates seven hotels and has more than 20 properties in the pipeline.

Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136178.html