IHG Hotels & Resorts | Partnership with Ashaad Company to Add 1.700 Rooms to Saudi Arabia's Hospitality Sector

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England is continuing its expansion in the Middle East and established a partnership with Ashaad Company, a Saudi real estate developer headquartered in the capital of the Kingdom, Riyadh to add 1.700 rooms to Saudi's Arabia hospitality sector. 

The alliance will see the development of three new hotels in the Arab country such as Indigo Jeddah Gate, InterContinental Al Khobar Al Hamra and voco Al Khbar Al Andalus, will be located across Jeddah and Al Khobar. 

The development with three different and highly performing brands supports IHG Hotels & Resorts expansion strategy in the region and aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 which aims to achieve the goal of increased diversification economically, socially and culturally, in line with the vision of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

 The trio of hotels in projected to open between 2028 and 2030, collectively contributing over 1.700 rooms to IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio in Saudi Arabia.

The properties will be managed under IHG's operation, expanding the group's reach in vital cities across the kingdom such as Jeddah, largest city in Mecca Province, and the country's second largest city after Riyadh and Al Khobar, a city in the Eastern Province of the Saudi Kingdom, situated on the coast of the Persian Gulf, a thriving centre with modern infrastructures in notable expansion.

#These are the three hotels : 

•    InterContinental Al Khobar Al Hamra - A 326 rooms hotel, will be established adjacent to Al Shbaily Grand in Al Khobar, an architectural marvel surrounded by water on three sides, evoking the grandeur of Andalusian architecture. The hotel, part of an upscale brand as InterContinental, aims to offer luxury hospitality in the Eastern Province and serve both business and leisure guests.
•    Voco Al Khobar Al Andalus - The newest addition to IHG Hotels & Resorts' fastest – growing premium brand. The property will feature 717 rooms, situated close to key attractions like the Corniche, beautiful seafront promenade, a 16 km stretch running to the eastern coast, of the city along the Persian Gulf, catering to the city's increasing mix of business and leisure demand.
•    Hotel Indigo Jeddah Gate - The hotel will provide 700 rooms, situated within a mixed – use development encompassing commercial, residential and hoxpitality components in Jeddah, bustling port city on the Red Sea, a modern commercial hub and gatewat for pilgrimages to the holy cities Mecca and Medina. The hotel aims to cater the growing demand for modern, lifestyle – driven hospitality in southern Jeddah.  

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 45 hotels across six brands in Saudi Arabia, with another 49 hotels in the pipeline set to open within the next three to five years. 

Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136430.html

Nobu Hospitality LCC | Marking a New Milestone Opening in June an Exclusive Hotel in Toronto, Canada

Nobu Hospitality LCC, American company focuses on modern luxury and minimalist Japanese tradition in its lifestyle hotels founded by famed Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy winner Robert De Niro and Hollywood producer Meir Teper, marks a new milestone with the opening in June 2025 of an exclusive hotel in Toronto, Canada. 

Nobu Hotel Toronto will open its doors in a cery demanded destination like Toronto, dynamic metropolis, capital of the province of Ontario, a major Canadian city along Lake Ontario's northwestern shore, well known for its multiculturalism and cosmopolitan atmosphere, a major centre for arts, culture, and finance, highlighted by its iconic CN Tower, a prominent landmark and former tallest freestanding structure in the world.

This opening follows the success of the Nobu Toronto Restaurant, which opened its doors in August 2024, and the rapid selling out of its luxury residences, a property which promises to become an urban sanctuary in the Canadian city, providing a private retreat for all those who prefer to retreat for public eye.

Nobu Hotel Toronto is located at 33 Mercer Street positioned on the 41st to 45th floors of a mixed - use property, in downtown Toronto's lively Entertainment District, a stone's throw from the Toronto International Film Festival, within a short distance of Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, city's key shopping, live theatre,  sports, and entertainment venues.

The hotel thanks to its prime location offers an easy access to other major landmarks of the city such as CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, Rogers Centre, Union Station and Toronto Harbourfront. 

The establishment features 36 exclusive and comfortable rooms and suites, offering stunning panoramic views of city skyline and Lake Ontario, highlighted by a blend of Japanese - inspired design and Canadian craftmanship with unique complimentary mini - bar stocked with local treats and non - alcoholic refreshments.

Priority access to Nobu Restaurant, a private, stylish Sakura Lounge exclusively for hotel guests with complimentary full breakfast and all - day dining, a modern and well equipped fitness centre, Japanese Deep Soaking Wood Tub, and in - room dining featuring signature Nobu - Style dishes.

In celebration of the hotel's official debut, guests are invited to book a limited – time offer that includes daily full breakfast in Sakura Lounge, complimentary in - room mini - bar, hotel credit, valet parking, room upgrade based on availability at the time of arrival, guaranteed dinner reservation at Nobu Toronto at the time of hotel booking, and a welcome amenity.

General Manager of Nobu Hotel Toronto, Benoit Pretet, anticipates tht the hotel will significantly add to the city's luxury hotel landscape and highlighting that its prime location and proximity to cultural landmarks like TIFF will make Nobu Hotel Toronto the city's urban oasis.

Future guests can make their reservations online through the Nobu Hotel Toronto website for dates starting from 1st June 2025.

Links
https://www.nobuhotels.com/toronto/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article135588.html

Hotel Astoria Vienna, Curio Collection by Hilton Opened its Doors in the Beating Heart of the Austrian Capital

Hilton Worldwide Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia, expanded its portfolio in Central Europe with the Hotel Astoria Vienna, Curio by Hilton that opened its doors in the beating heart of the captivating and stylish capital of Austria, Vienna.

The opening of Hotel Astoria Vienna, Curio Collection by Hilton signifies Hilton's growing presence in Austria and expands its portfolio of unique, design - focused Curio Collection across Europe, an addition comes when Hilton is witnessing a significant demand for lifestyle hotels across the continent.

 The Viennese hotel enters in the upscale hotel brand Curio Collection by Hilton  a global set of individually remarkable hotels hand - picked known for their unique character and personality, designed to immerse guests in one of - a kind moment in the world's most sought - after destinations.

Following a comprehensive refurbishment led by VERKHRSBUERO HOSPITALITY, Austria's leading group with different operational divisions and based in Vienna, the establishment promises to have a successful impact for its prime location and relevant amenities.

The hotel opened its doors at Kärntner Straße 32 in the beating heart of the Austrian capital within the historic 1st  district of the city, along a vibrant and stylish shopping street steps from the emblematic St. Stephen's Cathedral, the renowned State Opera, and just minutes from the iconic Hofburg, the former principal imperial palace of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria, making it ideal for leisure and business travellers.

With its captivating Art Deco style design the hotel features 125 comfortable rooms, including one Beletage Suite and seven Junior Suites.

Amenities include a stylish restaurant, the elegant Astoria Bar in the hotel's lobby, offering a selection of local beers, fine wines and classic cocktails, four meeting rooms, a business centre and guests can enjoy traditional Viennese hospitality and a grand buffet in the Grand Salon.

The property which has welcomed guests since 1912, retains its unique and opulent Viennese charm, while providing visibility to international guests as part of the Hilton brand and it also participate in the Hilton Honors program, the award - winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's multiple hotel brands.

Links
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/vieasqq-hotel-astoria-vienna/ 

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136481.html

Cuba | China Will Provide Assistance by Modernising the Cuban General Customs to Make it Competitive Globally

China, reinforces its influence in Cuba, and in a new chapter of its global expansion, the Asian country will provide assistance by modernising the Cuban General Customs of the Caribbean Republic to make it competitive globally.

Cuba Prime Minister Manuel Marrero met in Havana with the Deputy of the GACC, the General Administration of Customs of China, Lyu Weihong according to state television and replicated by other media of the ruling party such as the newspaper Granma.

On the occasion the Cuban government also celebrated Chinese support as strength, noting that both countries are commemorating 65 years of bilateral relations. 

The Prime Minister of Cuba praised the training program of Cuban Customs from China and the administrative assistance promoted since 2012 and which after the signing of a new memorandum of understanding, will be extended until 2027.

However, behind the discourses of solidarity and cooperation between the two countries, a critical reading emerges; China's growing involvement in strategic sectors of the Caribbean island reinforces Cuba's technological and administrative dependence on Beijing.

In a context of internal crisis, the transfer of modern models could also imply the transplantation of more controlled practices that characterize the Chinese customs apparatus and something that they have been warning about from the highest levels of Cuban customs.

Chinese Vice Minister Lyu Weihong assured that China will deepen support to achieve a modern advanced and internationalallty competitive customs service, stating that China and Cuba have made progress supporting each other in recent years, under the strategic leadership of both top leaders, which is an example of solidarity pretty common among socialist countries based on cooperation and development in different areas.

Link - https://www.directoriocubano.info/actualidad/china-asegura-que-modernizara-la-aduana-de-cuba-para-hacerla-competitiva-a-nivel-mundial/

Argentina | Presented an Action Plan to Enhance Inbound Tourism

Argentina has plans to revitalize irs tourism sector with the aim to attract more tourists and while the outbound sector grows, the inbound sector seeks not to be delayed and the Secretary of Tourism, Environment and Sports of the South American country, Daniel Scioli, presented an action plan to enhance inbound tourism encouraging the entry of more tourists.

The Secretary said that based on the request of the President of Areolineas Argentinas, Fabian Lombardo, unprecedented promotional rates were implemented. They will be available until 30th June 2025, from the Brazilian cities of  São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Curitiba and São Salvador de Bahia. 

The prices will be $150 round trip, and the most interesting, with a cabotage connection of $30 to the nearest provinces and $80 in the of Tierra del Fuego.

 After the announcement, the Secretary gave the reason why this decision was made and stressed the value that this type of tariff will have for internationals. This move is very important, because it will generate greater balance, which is one of the great challenges the country has to increase inbound tourism. That is, it has to do with looking for that quality tourism that Argentina wants, not only quantity. 

Following the presentation of the new action plan, the Secretary of Tourism, Environment and Sports also left a message to professionals of the sector and travel agencies asking to help to spread all what was launched together with Aerolíneas Argentinas, going to complement this situation with the work made with the main hotel chains, promotions, offers in hotels and also with the most traditional gastronomy.

After the statement of the Secretary of Tourism, Environment and Sports, the dissemination of the new plan quickly began on social networks and precisely, and one of the messages was launched by the Secretary himself, who made clear this new policy that will be seen in the coming month with a phrase saying "More promotions for Brazilians to fly to Argentina" he titled on his X account.

The message also highlighted the launch of promotional fares by Aerolíneas Argentinas to continue encouraging inbound tourism, so that tourists can combine destinations within Argentina and get to known the wonders of the country, from departure from 05th May to 20th June 2025 and full trip to 30th June 2025.

Link - https://mensajero.com.ar/actualidad/daniel-scioli-anuncio-un-plan-para-incentivar-el-turismo-receptivo_a6810e3a8d0ef1d15ce5b623b

Ethiopia | Country’s Tourism Authority Joined Africa Travel Connect

Ethiopian Tourism Authority joined ATC, Africa Travel Connect, the premier internatiomal travel association platform dedicated to promoting African destinations to the global tourism community, organization that highlights the unique offerings, including wildlife, landscapes, cultural heritage and historical sites in the African continent.

Launched in early 2024, Africa Travel Connect brings together national tourism boards, hospitality, leaders, media, and other stakeholders of the Continent with the aim to advance the African travel industry through education, advocacy and investment opportunities for the bettement of Africa tourism in the international landscape.

The affiliation of Ethiopia to ATC was formalised during a signing ceremony attended by the Ambassador of Ethiopia to the UK with an agreement signed by the African country's Great Britain delegation, representing the Ethiopian Tourism Authority, committing to tourism - led economic development.

The Founder of Africa Travel Connect, Yared Bizuneh said that this is symbol of Ethiopia's readiness to lead and contribute to the transformation od Africa's tourism narrative.

The partnership highlights Ethiopia's leadership in cultural heritage, eco - tourism, and adventure travel and furthermore recognising the importance of a pan - African tourism alliance.

Additionally the new entry of Ethiopia in the Africa Travel Connect network, reaffirms the role of ACT in creating a collaborative platform for African countries to work together and showcase their unique attractions to professionals internationally and allowing them to enter in a marketplace where various private stakeholders such as airlines, hotels, resorts, tour operators and travel agencies can promote their services globally.

The Ethiopian Tourism Authority stated that this agreement with Africa Travel Connect, reflects the nation body shared vision for a thriving, connected, and fairly represented African tourism sector.

Link - https://www.travelmole.com/news/ethiopia-joins-africa-travel-connect/

Portugal | More than 400 Beaches Awarded the Blue Flag this Year

Portugal, a very popular tourist destination located in the Iberian Peninsula between Spain and the Atlantic Ocean, well known for its rich cultural and historical heritage, lively and attractive cities and towns, diverse landscapes, fine wines and a delicious cuisine saw more than 400 beaches awarded the Blue Flag this year, six more than in 2024.

The Blue Flag program assesses beach based on water quality, environmental management, education and safety. The concept of the Blue Flag was developed on the European level to include other environmental management, such as waste management and coastal planning and protection. Besides beaches, marinas also become eligible for the Blue Flag.

According to ABAAE, the Blue Flag Association for Environment and Education, a non - profit Environmental Non – Government Organization dedicated to education for sustainable development and the recognition of good environmental practices, the distinction of good water was awarded to 404 beaches of which 354 are coastal and 50 inland, with in addition the recognition of 18 marinas and 22 ecotourism, in a total of 444 awards attributed to Portugal by the international jury in 2025.

The beaches of Sintra, within the Lisbon district and part of the Greater Lisbon region, which had not participate in the program for ten years, were highly distinguished alongside the entire Portuguese coast covered with a blue flag, from north to south in all the autonomous regions.

For the first time the municipalities of Cuba and Alcanena proposed their beaches, which were awarded.  

The North with five fewer in the overall calculation  ha 75 award - winning costal beaches, last year it had 79, and nine inland beaches, one less than last year and the Algarve with one less, were the regions that lost blue flag beaches in total in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The beaches of Árvore, Vila do Conde, Frente Azul, Seca and Silvalde, all in Espinnho, Vila Praia de Ancora, Caminha, and the river beach of Merelim, São Paio, Braga, in the North, no longer have a blue flag, instead a new river beach, Cavadinho, Braga, made the list.

The Algarve currently has 85 distinguished coastal beaches, having lost, compared to last year, the blue flag of Batata Beach, Lagos.

In the centre a total of 33 beaches, one more in 2024, and 16 inland beaches have been awarded.
New to the Centre’s list are the river beaches of Ançã, Olhos de Fervença in Cantanhede, and Cornicovo, Penacova, and the coastal beaches of Barra do Sul, Aveiro, and Costa Nova Sul, Ílhavo.

São Pedro de Maceda, Ovar, and the river beaches of Côja, Arganil, Louçainha, Penela, Mâmoa, Santa Maira da Feira and Boguiera, Lousã, no longer have a blue flag.

In the Tagus basin, there are 66 award - winning coastal beaches, five more than last year, and 15 river beaches, one more than in 2024.

According to the ABAAE, the river beach of Olhos d’ Água do Alviela and Alcanena, has a blue flag for the first time in this hydrographic region and the river beach of Alvares, Góis, has been rehabilitated.

The coastal beaches of Adraga, Grande, Maças and Magoito, in Sintra, and São Julião, in the municipality of Mafra, also re - entered and the river beach of Sesmo in the municipality of Castelo Branco, lost the blue flag in this region.

In the region of Alentejo there are 31 award - winning coastal beaches, two more than in 2024 and 10 inland beaches, one more than last year.

The river beaches of Albergaria dos Fusos, Cuba, and the coastal beaches of Monte Velho and Porto das Carretas / Albarquel, in Santiago do Cacém, are new Blue Flag beaches.

Link - https://www.theportugalnews.com/es/noticias/2025-04-30/portugal-iza-mas-de-400-banderas-azules/97292