Marriott International | Portfolio Expansion in Southeast Asia with the Opening of a 128 - Room Tribute Portfolio Hotel in Singapore

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland has expanded its portfolio in Southeast Asia with the opening of a 128 - room Tribute Portfolio hotel in Singapore, an island country and city - state, well known to be a blend of historical landmarks, futuristic attractions, stunning gardens and renowned for its vibrant culture,  modern architecture and delicious cuisine.

Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located at the intersection of Selegie Road and Mount Sofia in Singapore’s arts - and - heritage district, in a precinct featuring pre - war shophouses, Art Deco buildings, late - night eateries, cafes, and independent businesses on the former site of Selegie Centre, within a 10 - minute walk of Little India Arcade and Bugis Street Shopping District offering an easy access to Mustafa Centre and Suntec City.

The property is accessible via Little India, Rochor, Bencoolen, and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations, with several lines nearby. Nearby locations include Kampong Glam, the National Museum of Singapore, Chinatown, Bugis, Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road, and The Kallang.

This luxury hotel blending French elegance with rich local heritage was designed by the architectural firm FDAT, an award - winning studio based in Singapore, working across architecture, interiors and landscapes, with a focus on biophilic design.

The design is inspired by the hotel owner’s childhood memories of the Selegie neighbourhood, and the building features sky terraces, and guestrooms balconies designed as gardens, along with traditional elements such as louvered windows, metal gates, and hanfcrafted details.

The property features 128 comfortable rooms offered in two colour palettes, light and dark. Interior details include carpet patterns inspired by local desserts, vintage lift - inspired grills, dim sum  -inspired lamps, bathtubs set against concave walls, and various in - room amenities includes Cai Noir, a bespoke bathroom product created in collaboration with Maison21G. Public spaces display objects such as traditional games, snacks, and handcrafted artifacts.

Dining and beverage options comprise four venues. Hathaway Autograph is an all - day dining venue serving Southeast Asian cuisine with indoor and outdoor seating. Vernacular Coffee operates as an artisanal café with in  house roasting, Saga Bar offers cocktails inspired by regional spices and aroma, and a rooftop pool bar is also available.

Amenities at Varel Singapore, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel include a rooftop infinity pool with city views, surrounded by foliage and lounge spaces. Guests are welcomed with gelato from Denzy Gelato and iced tea from TWG.

The hotel collaborates with local creatives, artisans, and businesses and joins Tribute Portfolio, a Marriott Bonvoy “soft brand” collection of independent, characterful hotels focused on captivating design, vibrant social scenes, and local community immersion.

Each property is designed to be unique rather than standardized, often featuring local artistic influences, historic design elements, bold colours, Instagram - worthy spaces, and lively destination bars.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/sintx-varel-singapore-a-tribute-portfolio-hotel/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140711.html

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation | Officially Opened a 196 - Room Resort in Jan Thiel, Curaçao, the Netherlands Antilles

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation a Newton, Massachusetts - based hospitality company founded in 1937, the 8th - largest U.S. hotel chain, managing over 1.200 properties across various brands, has officially opened a 196 – room resort in Jan Thiel , a popular, upscale area in Curaçao, a Caribbean island in the Netherlands Antilles, known for its expansive coral reefs rich with marine life, stunning beaches tucked into coves, and clear blue waters for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

The resort, previously known as the Livingstone Jan Thiel is located at Kaya Adriàtiko 20 - 26 overlooking Jan Thiel beach in an area boasts numerous vacation villas, restaurants, a supermarket, several beach bars like Koko’s and Agave Bar, as well as premium beach clubs (Zanzibar,  Papagayo), and close proximity to Caracas Bay, historical sites, just a short drive from Willemstad, the capital city of Curaçao, known for its vibrant atmosphere, and old town centre with pastel - coloured colonial architecture.

The property features 196 comfortable traditional rooms and a variety of accommodations, including villas and apartments.

Amenities at the resort include an Italian - inspired restaurant and bar,  a large outdoor swimming pool, a 5 - star PADI dive center, spa services, a fitness centre, water sports, direct access to Jan Thiel Beach and guests can earn redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation has previously operated hotels in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao, including in the 1990s and again in Curaçao during 2015 - 2016.

Links

https://newsroom.sonesta.com/openings-renovations/sonesta-announces-the-opening-of-sonesta-resort-curacao/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140780.html

Kyrgyzstan | Officially Joined the FAO’s Soil Reclamation Programme to Tackle Land Degradation

Kyrgyzstan has joined the FAO’s Soil Reclamation programme “Doctor for Soils” to tackle land degradation, erosion and salinization, launched in March 2026, a partnership that aims to increase efficiently the use of soil resources, reduce pressure on land, improve soil fertility and agricultural sustainability.

The project launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is being implemented in conjunction with the K.K. Azykova Kyrgyz Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture and include training farmers and agronomists in soil diagnosis and recovery methods, according to information by Akchabar ,a news agency based in the capital of the country Bishkek.

The first phase of the programme concluded in Bishkek with a seminar for 25 trainers held from 23 to 27 March 2026. The trained specialists will replicate sustainable soil management practices in the regions, teaching other farmers basic analysis techniques ranging from acidity assessment to organic matter management.

The goal is to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector, increase crop yields, and ensure food security in the face of climate change and increasing soil degradation.

This initiative aligns with Kyrgyzstan 2024 - 2028 Green Economy Development program to reduce burdens on land resources.--

According to FAO estimates, participation in the programme “Doctor for Soils”can increase land resource efficiency and reduce land pressure without requiring significantly capital investments.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/kirguist-n-se-une-al-programa-de-la-fao-para-la-recuperaci-n-de-suelos/

Uganda | Unveiled “Okello" Development, Africa’s First AI - Powered Robot Tour Guide

Uganda has unveiled the development of “Okello,”Africa’s first AI powered robot tour guide developed by the ZunoBottics Foundation to revolutionize the tourism sector. 

Unveiled during the launch of Miss Tourism Ugands 2026, this humanoid robot , developed entirely by a team of Ugandan engineers and innovators, represents an innovation that aims to strengthen tourism through locally developed, cultural, intelligent technology. 

Okello, also referred to as the Gold Pearl Guide, is designed to interact with tourists, providing information about local attractions in multiple languages, currently supporting English, French, and five Ugandan local languages, with ability to automatically detect and switch to a visitor’s language in real time. 

Beyond conversation, Okello is being programmed with comprehensive information about Uganda’s tourism offering, including its wildlife, culture, and attractions, such as the country’s more than 1.000 bird species, one of Africa’s richest destinations for birdwatching. 

Key Details about Okello and Ugandan AI Advancements: 

•    Robot Guide Features: Developed by local engineers, the robot serves as an interactive digital guide, able to communicate in multiple languages, including English. 
•    Developer: The project is spearheaded b ZunoBotics Doundation, an open – source robotics hub focused on local solutions. 
•    Significance: The initiative is designed to showcase how AI can be directly applied to enhance tourism and other sectors within Africa. 
•    Context of Innovation: This follows other major technological advancements in Uganda, including the development of a 100 – megawatt suopercomputer and AI factory at the Karuma Hydropower Plant, designed to foster a local, sovereign AI ecosystem. 

ZunoBotics founder Jonathan Ssemakula said the project demonstrates how artificial intelligence can be practically applied to strengthen the tourism sector, and the team is actively seeking partnerships and funding to expand the AI - powered robot tour guide’s capabilities.

 If successful Okello could eventually be deployed across museums, tourism centres and other major attraactions throughout Uganda. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/uganda-develops-ai-powered-robot-tour-guide-in-african-first.html

Indonesia | Minister of Culture Urged Museums to Digitize Collections and Strengthen Narratives to Attract New Generations

Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has urged museums across the country to modernize by digitizing their collections and strengthening their narratives, aiming to transform them to simple storage spaces into engaging hubs for younger generations (Gen Z ) and the public.

The Indonesian official said that museums should not only be containers of the past, but also notable cultural spaces and building the future.

During a visit to the Radya Pustaka Museum located in city of Surakarta, in the province of Central Javas, The Minister stated the development of the narrative component and the incorporation of digital elements that are crucial for museums to remain relevant and attractive to young people, especially “Gen Z”

The Radya Putsaka Museum, founded in 1890, cold be a starting point linked to this plan. The museum is one of the oldest in the country and houses a wide range of important collections, including ancient manuscripts, cultural artifacts from the island of Jawa, wayang (shadow puppets), keris (traditional daggers), traditional gamelan, music instruments, and statues from the Hindu - Buddhist era.

Currently there are 516 museums registered in Indonesia, 15 of which were inaugurated in 2025, a notable inventory to apply this strategy nationwide.

Key Initiatives emphasized by the Minister of Culture include:

·       Digitalization and Technology: Integrating digital tools to make historical narratives more accessible, interactive, and relevant to modern audiences.

·       Stronger Storytelling: Moving beyond just displaying objects to providing deeper context and engaging, immersive experiences that connect visitors emotionally to the past.

·       Modernization of Facilities: Improving exhibition layouts, presentation quality, and adopting creative approaches to curation.

·       Museum as a Public Space: Redefining museums as dynamic spaces for dialogue and learning rather than mere warehouses for old artifacts 

Th The initiative comes as a part of a broader government effort, following the inauguration of new museums and the revitalization of numerous sites.

Link

 hthtps://tvbrics.com/es/news/ministro-de-cultura-de-indonesia-inst-a-los-museos-a-digitalizar-colecciones-y-fortalecer-el-storyte/

Peru | Promoting the Circular Economy in Tourism to Grow without Damaging the Environment

Peru is promoting the circular economy in tourism to grow without damaging the environment, taking a strategic step by approving its Circular Tourism Economy Roadmap to 2030, a pioneering initiative in Latin America that redefines the tourism model in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.  

The new strategy seeks to balance economic development with environmental protection, integrating sustainability, innovation and competitiveness through the tourism chain, according to information from El Maipo, news agency. 

The plan aims at boosting the tourism sector’s productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability, through a systemic, fair, effective, coherent, and coordinated transition toward circular tourism. 

In iconic destinations such as Machu Picchu or the Amazon Region, these measures are especially relevant due to the fragility of their ecosystems, as they seek to preserve biodiversity and minimize the ecological footprint of visitors to ensure that these places can continue to be enjoyed for future generations. 

The roadmap contemplates a direct economic impact of 1.200 million soles (approximately $324 million) on tourism GDP and the creation of around 31.000 jobs linked to sustainable activities, positioning tourism as a sector capable of combining economic growth with green job creation. 

From an environmental point of view, the roadmap sets out a clear ambition: to reduce up to 74 million of CO₂ and contribute to the conservation of more than 2 million hectares. Concrete measures include reducing waste, using water and energy efficiently, as well as promoting sustainable value chains. 

Key Features of Peru’s Circular Tourism: 

•    Waste and Resource Management: The sector emphasizes waste reduction, recycling PET plastics/packaging/glass, and adopting eco – design practices, particularly in high – traffic destinations like Machu Picchu. 
•    Energy and Water Efficiency: Initiatives promote the use of renewable energy sources and improved water management to enhance efficiency in tourism infrastructure. 
•    Sustainable Mobility: Implementation of electric vehicles and cleaner transportation solutions, notably in heritage sites. 
•    Regional Specialization: Tailored approached are used for diverse ecosystems, including coastal/marine waste reduction strategies. 
•    Local Community Involvement: Promotion of sustainable tourism that respects and involves local communities, such as those on the Uros Floating Islands, which was included in the Travel Green List ™ 2025. 
•    Biodiesel Generation: Waste oils are converted into biodiesel, demonstrating a direct circular process. 

With this initiative, Peru is at the forefront in Latin America by integrating economy, climate and competitiveness in the same strategy, demonstrating that is possible to grow tourism without putting at risk the environment.

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/per-impulsa-la-econom-a-circular-en-el-turismo-para-crecer-sin-da-ar-el-entorno/

Nigeria | Civil Aviation Authority Certifies First Female - Founded National Airline for Scheduled Flight Operations

Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator Certificate to Binani Air Global Services, clearing the first female - founded national airline to commence scheduled flight operations in one of Africa’s largest aviation markets. 

The certification, formalised at an approval ceremony which took place in the capital of the country, Abuja, was granted following the airline’s successful completion of Nigeria’s stringent regulatory requirements covering aircraft maintenance, crew training, operational procedures, and financial sustainability. 

Binani Air, founded by Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, has become the first - female owned airline in Nigeria to receive an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), entering an industry where women in ownership and executive leadership roles remain underrepresented across the African Continent, marking a significant, historic milestone for female leadership in the nation’s aviation sector.  

Key Features of Binani Air: 

•    Leadership: Founded by Senator Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed and led by CEO Aminatu Dahiru Chiroma, making it the first airline in Nigeria with a female owner and female CEO. 
•    AOC Approval: Formally received the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in March 2026, transitioning from charter operations approved in July 2024 to scheduled passenger flights.
•    Initial Routes: Planned routes include Lagos as the main hub, covering domestic destinations, such as Abuja, Anambra, Kano, Maiduguri, and Port Harcourt. 
•    Safety Standards: The NCAA certified the airline following rigorous audits of its maintenance, crew training, and operational procedures. 
•    Fleet: The airline is operating with E170 aircraft. 

NCAA Director General Captain Chris Najomo welcomed the development as a significant milestone while cautioning the new operator that safety standards, professionalism and careful planning must underpin all operations from the outset. 

Nigeria’s domestic aviation market has faced capacity pressures in recent years, with several established carriers encountering financial and operational difficulties, making the arrival of a new certified operator like Binani Air, a timely addition for passengers and travel professionals alike. Route announcements and service commencement dates are expected in the coming months. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/nigeria-certifies-first-female-founded-airline-for-scheduled-operations.html