MGallery Collection | Signed an Agreement to Open a New Adults - Only Hotel in Rhodes, Greece

MGallery Collection, a global brand of luxury boutiques hotels owned by Accor S.A., a French multinational hospitality company based in Issy - les - Moulineaux, has signed an agreement with Colossos SA, a tourism and hospitality group based in Rhodes to open a new adults - only hotel in Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece, features a stunning mix of medieval history and sun – drenched Mediterranean beaches. 

Rhodes crown jewel is the UNESCO – listed Old Town, boasting the impressive Palace of the Grand Master and the cobblestone Street of the Knights. Beyond the city, visitors flock to the clifftop Acropolis of Lindos, pristine beaches like Tsambika, and the lush Valley of the Butterflies.

With an opening planned for Spring 2027, the property will be the first MGallery Collection hotel on the Greek island, part of Accor S.A expansion in key destinations in Southern Europe.

The hotel overlooking the Aegean Sea will be located in the Kallithea area on Rhodes northeast coast, an elegant coastal enclave just 9 km south of Rhodes Town,  renowned for crystal - clear diving coves, luxury beachfront resorts, and striking Italian – era architecture, a premier destination for those seeking relaxation, history and premier Mediterranean snorkeling.

The natural environment will feature ancient olive trees, hibiscus, lavender, rosemary, myrtle, oleanders and native plants of Rhodes. The development will incorporate renewable energy and environmentally conscious practices.

Designed as an adults - only retreat the property will emphasize privacy and personalized hospitality hosted in  a ten - storey building with a spiral silhouette designed to provide uninterrupted sea views from each room.

The hotel will provide 222 guest rooms, suites and private bungalows. Some accommodations will feature private pools, and will include 50 secluded pools throughout the grounds.

Dining options will include one fine dining venue and four specialty restaurants, each with sea views, and several bars located throughout the property, including a cocktail bar.

The property will offer a wellbeing program with a 1.100 square - metre spa featuring an indoor pool and hydromassage pool.

Beauty and wellness treatments will be developed in partnership with Swiss skincare brands Valmont and Swiss Perfection.

Additional amenities will include an outdoor fitness centre, dedicated exercise routes, as well as tennis and padel courts.

The property will join  MGallery Collection, a global brand of luxury boutiques hotels and resorts owned by Accor S.A.  characterized by their unique stories, distinctive design, architecture and captivating features.

Links

https://press.accor.com/mgallery-collection-and-colossos-sa-announce-a-new-hotel-in-rhodes-an-exceptional-adults-only-retreat-overlooking-the-aegean-sea/?lang=eng

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142068.html

Omni Hotels & Resorts | Announced the Completion of a More than $40 Million Renovation of one of its Properties on Amelia Island, Florida, U.S.

Omni Hotels & Resorts, American hospitality company founded in 1958 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, a group focuses to create genuine, authentic guest experiences boasting a portfolio of hotels and resorts in leading business gateway and leisure destinations across North America has announced the completion of a more than $40 million renovation of one of its properties located on Amelia Island,  part of the Sea Islands, on the U.S. state of Florida’s Atlantic coast.

Amelia Island is a laid - back island known for nearly 21 km of quiet quartz beaches, live oaks deapeed in Spanish moss, and the charming Victorian – era historic district of Fernandina Beach, sits 56 kilometres north of Jacksonville.

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa is located at 39 Beach Lagoon Road near Fernandina Beach, on a 1.350 - acres barrier island at the northeastern tip of Florida, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is about a 35 - 45 minute drive north of the Jacksonville Airport.

Omni Hotels & Resorts unveiled the completion of a comprehensive renovation project of the resort, a transformation encompassing all 401 rooms, as well as changes across the resort’s signature restaurants, public spaces, conference and event venues and spa, wellness and golf facilities and curated art collection.

The renovation follows the design philosophy “By Land, by Sky and by Sea… We all meet Under the Canopy”, with elements referencing the island’s landscapes, maritime history, and wildlife.

Refreshed oceanfront rooms and suites feature now new textures and palettes. The lobby and lobby lounge have been updated with wood tones, locally inspired artwork and ocean - facing gathering spaces.

The resort’s dining collection now includes several new and renovated venues. Nonna Mia, formerly Verandah, is a coastal Italian restaurant inspired by Southern and Italian seaside traditions, featuring murals by Chera Creative, a firm based in Dallas, Texas, specializes in transforming commercial and residential spaces with bold, colourful, and highly shareable mural artwork.

Surfcaster, previously Oceanside, offers seafood - focused cuisine in an oceanfront setting with new design elements, Palmetto Press Coffee & Provisions is a new market and café serving coffee, pastries, and local products.

Additional enhancements have been made to other dining venues, including the renovated signature breakfast restaurant, FloraBelle.

The Spa at the resort has been revitalised with 19 upgraded treatment rooms, refreshed relaxation spaces, and expanded food - and - beverage offerings. The spa now includes a private outdoor serenity courtyard with hot tubs, a cold plunge, lounge seating, and gathering spaces surrounded by native landscaping.

Conference and event facilities have also been updated with renovated ballrooms, meeting rooms, additional functional spaces, and improived public areas.

Family - focused amenities have been enhanced, including a reimagined Camp Amelia with supervised activities and an upgraded Gamers Lounge featuring classic arcade games and Nintendo Switch consoles.

Art collections throughout the property have been curated for each setting, incorporating commissioned works, regional artists, archival photography, and contemporary interpretation of local landscapes. These collections reflect Amelia Island’s live oak canopies, nautical history, coastal habitats, and architectural heritage- design.

Golf amenities have been expanded with the addition of Little Sandy, a Bean Welling designed short course and putting course for golfers of all ages and abilities. The Pete Dye designed Oak Marsh golf course has undergone restoration, and guests now have access to the Tom Fazio designed Long Point course. 

Links

https://www.omnihotels.com/media-center/recent-news/2026/07/14/19/22/omni-amelia-island-resort-spa-completes-resort-wide-transformation

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142104.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened a 223 - Room Holiday Inn Express in Sapporo, Japan

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK has officially opened a 223 - room Holiday Inn Express in Sapporo, vibrant capital of the mountainous northern island of Hokkaido, famous for its beer, winter sports, the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival with its intricate ice sculptures, beautiful parks and nature.

The opening of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino marks the brand’s first hotel in Hokkaido and its second property in Japan, bringing its smart, next - generation design in the East Asian country and signalling continued investment by global chains in secondary Japanese markets to capture domestic and imbound travel demand.

The agreement to open the Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino is in partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development Co., Ltd., Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd., and The Sankei Building Co., Ltd.

The signing marks IHG Hotels & Resorts’ first partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development Co., Ltd., and The Sankei Building Co., Ltd.,and is part of a broader strategy of the company to expand its portfolio in East Asia key destinations.

The hotel is located in Susukino, the heart of Sapporo’s most vibrant and famous entertainment and dining Sapporo’s district within a 5 - minute walk from Susukino Subway Station and three - minute from Shiseikan Shogakkō - mae Streetcar Station, 1.7 kilometres from the bustling city centre of Sapporo. offering an easy access to attractions such as the Susukino Intersection, Ramen Alley and Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino provides 223 comfortable rooms bringing smart, comfortable travel to one of Japan’s most visited cities like Sapporo and is the first hotel of the brand to feature the brand’s Generation 5 (Gen 5) design.

The Gen 5 concept introduces flexible, welcoming spaces built around the way today’s travellers move, work and unwind, with the Express Café at is heart, a relaxed, sociable spot where guests can start the morning with the brand’s signature free Express Start Breakfast.

The design reflects the brand’s promise of smart simplicity, delivering comfort, connectivity and everything guests need without anything they don’t .

Facilities include the Express Café, a fitness centre, and a guest laundry. The hotel will provide a complimentary breakfast with every stay.

The property joins Holiday Inn Express, IHG Hotels & Resorts’ fastest - growing Essential brand, with 3.292 open hotels and 655 hotels in the pipeline globally.

The brand offers a consistent, upper - midscale experience providing essential, modern amenities for both business and leisure guests.

General Manager of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino, Kotake Seiichi said that Sususkino never stops, it’s a neighbourhood full of energy, flavour and discovery and the company is thrilled to open the first Holiday Inn Express in Hokkaido’s right at its centre. Wheter guests are here to explore the city, do business or simply enjoy Sapporo’ legendary food scene, the objective is to look forward to offering them a smart and comfortable place to rest and recharge. 

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/where-sapporo-comes-alive-holiday-inn-express-opens-in-susukino

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142189.html

Songosongo Island, Tanzania | The Establishment of a Ferry is Expected to Unlock Tourism Potential of the Destination

A new Ssh5.7 billion ferry under construction for Tanzania’s Songosongo Island, is expected to transform access to one of the country’s most isolated coastal destinations.

Songosongo Island is a remote Tanzanian coral island spanning about 4 square kilometres offering white sandy beaches, coconut palms, and direct access to snorkeling reefs.Home to roughly 3.500 native Matumbi residents, the island serves as a vital ecological hotspot for nesting sea turtles and marine birds.

Surrounded by a 40-kilometer protective fringe reef, the island is celebrated for its abundant coral formations and dolphins, featuring a blend of tropical beaches, turquoise lagoons, and scrubland vegetation. Unlike many remote archipelagos, it is the site of Tanzania’s major natural gas fields, which supply energy to the mainland.

Currently, visitors can only reach Songosongo Island by air, limiting tourism despite its luxury lodges, natural beauty and strategic location off the Lindi coast.

Funded by the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC), the ferry is expected to carry 54 passengers, two vehicles and up to 10 tonnes of cargo, supporting both tourism and local economic development.

Construction is scheduled for completion by February 2027. Once operational, the modern ferry will provide a safe, reliable sea link, making the island more accessible to domestic and international travellers while reducing the risks associated with the small vessels currently used by residents.

Regional leaders believe the improved connectivity will encourage greater visitor numbers, stimulate business opportunities and strengthen Songosongo Island’s appeal as an emerging island destination.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/new-ferry-set-to-unlock-tourism-potential-on-tanzania-s-songosongo-island.html

Khor Humayra, Oman | Announced the Successful Cultivation of 450 Mangrove Seedlings to Restore Coastal Ecosystems

The Department of Environment of the North Al Batinah Governorate announced the successful cultivation of 450 mangrove seedlings in the Khor Humayra area, a prominent , naturally beautiful wetland and estuary located in the coastal city of Sur, within the Ash Sharrqiyah South Governorate of Oman, known as a vital stopover for migratory birds and offering a scenic coastal landscape merging the desert,  lagoons, and the sea and where according to Al Shabiba, a leading newspaper based in Muscat, this species did not previously grows.

According to specialists, all the seedling planted have successfully adapted and continue to grow, Currently they reach an average height between 1.5 and 2 metres, which confirms that the place has the right conditions for the development of mangroves.

The initiative is being carried out in two phases from 2024. Before planting, water and soil studies were carried out, which included salinity and acidity measurements to check that the environment was suitable for the growth of this species.  

In the next phase, the department plans to plant mangroves in three other areas of Khor Humayra. The number of new seedlings will be determined after further studies, field inspections, and water and soil quality assessments.

Mangroves are tropical trees and shrubs that thrive in salty, waterlogged coastal soils that grow in the coastal areas of tropical and subtropical countries, where marine and freshwater mix. These species are adapted to thrive in saline environments and on muddy coasts, they feature specialized breathing roots that extract oxygen from the air, salt - filtering systems that desalinate seawater, and viviparous reproduction where seeds germinate still attached to the parent tree.

The creation of new mangrove areas is part of a project that contributes to the recovery of natural natural ecosystems, the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of the coastline, providing a suitable habitat for fish, other marine species and birds as well as these forests help protect the coastline from erosion.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/hallan-en-china-una-cabeza-de-buda-de-1-400-a-os-que-encaja-con-una-estatua-previamente-descubierta/

Astana, Kazakhstan | Continuing to Push Forward the Development of its Bicycle Infrastructure Network

Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan located on the banks of Ishim River in the north of the country is continuing to push forward the development of its bicycle infrastructure network.

Around 26.1 kilometres of new bike lanes were built in 2025, and by 2026 several projects are planned to be carried out, adding more additional 17 kilometres.

The Kazakh capital’s city council confirmed this relevant project to a query from the Kazinform agency.

The 2025 layouts are located at key points in the city such as Greenline Boulevard, the Marina Promenade, Presidential Park and Mangilik El and Syganak Avenues offering an efficient network with strategic lanes offering visitors the opportunity to explore and discover the main attractions of Astana by bicycle.

The development of the cycling network is progressing in phases. In 2018, the first stage of the development of the program “Development of Cycling Transport”was completed with 47 kilometres and an additional 23 kilometres of trails were created in the city’s Great Belt.

According to the Astana’s districts, the current cycling infrastructure reaches 48.8 kilometres in the Yesil district, also known as the Left Bank, Astana’s futuristic, upscale administrative and cultural hub. It features landmarks like the Bayterek Monument, the Khan Shatyr  tent - like shiopping centre, the National Museum of Kazakhstan, the Botanical Garden and the Zhetysu Park in addition to 35.5 kilometres along the 13 - street road network.

In the Almaty district, located on the traditional, northern “old town” bank of the Ishim River, characterised by its historical significance, dense mix of Soviet - era panel architecture, traditional microidistricts and bustling local markets, the network exceeds 29 kilometres, distributed in the Yesil River promenade, the Triathlon Park and the Zheruyik Park and several avenues, with a unified section of 9 kilometres.  

These figures reflect the city’s commitment to sustainable mobility and the progressive expansion of spaces for cyclists, supported by upcoming new projects. 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/capital-de-kazajist-n-impulsa-infraestructura-ciclista/

Marrakech, Morocco | Medina and Network of Souks Take Centre Stage in the Country’s Tourism Growth Strategy

Morocco’s National Tourist Office (OMNT) is placing Marrakech, the capital of the Marrakech - Safi region, located west of the Atlas mountains, home to beautiful mosques, palaces and gardens, highlighted by its walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire and a captivating medina densely packed at the centre of its promotion.

ONMT is highlighting Marrakech UNESCO - listed medina and its network of bustling souks at the heart of its destination marketing strategy, as the country recorded a record 17.4 million visitor arrivals in 2024, up 20%, on 2023, and welcoming 19.8 million tourists in 2025, representing a 14% increase from the previous year with Marrakech as a leading destination lined to these brilliant performances.

New and updated visitor guides are formalising routes through the medina key districts, from Souk Semmarine to the dyers’ and leatherworkers’ markets, with recommended itineraries linking the iconic Jemaa el – Fna square to the Mouassine and Ben Youssef neighbourhoods to better manage tourist flows and extend time spent in the old city. 

The Marrakech Medina is a UNESCO Woirld Heritage walled fortified urban area founded in the 11th - century. Known as the “Red City” for its coral - coloured adobe walls, it features a labynthine maze of bustling artisan souks, historic palaces, hidden courtyard gardens, and the vibrant open - air theatre of Jamaa el Fna square transitions from a daytime market of snake charmers, performers and juice stalls into a massive open – air food market at night.

The emblematic souks are the largest traditional markets in Marrakech. Organized by trade, visitors can explore specific areas like Souk el - Attarine dedicated to spices, Souk Semmarine centred on textiles, Souk Hadddine, famous for blacksmiths and Souk Cherratine focused on leather goods.

These unique, vibrant markets are deeply embedded social and economic hubs, functioning not just as retail centres, but also as communities where interpersonal relationships, craftmanship and trade intersect, attracting a multitude of people for their incomparable atmosphere.

The medina’s role with its souks as a tourism engine is reinforced by data from Morocco’s Observatoire du Tourisme which ranks Marrakech among the country’s top destinations for hotel overnight stays.

The ONMT’s broader upmarket strategy combines the expansion of international air routes to Marrakech with experiential travel campaigns centred on the medina, its artisans and souk culture, targeting key European and M<idle Eastern source market.

Authorities continue to encourage visitors to use licensed guides, and highlight a dedicated tourist police presence supporting safety and visitor management across the historic centre.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/marrakech-medina-and-souks-take-centre-stage-in-morocco-s-tourism-growth-strategy.html