News

Iran is ramping up its focus on coastal tourism and maritime economy development under its 7th National Development Plan, aiming to transform its vast shoreline resources into a key driver of tourism and economic growth. Speaking to senior naval officials, Iran’s Tourism Minister Salehi-Amiri emphasized the untapped potential of the country’s northern and southern shores and outlined a multifaceted plan to attract 15 million international tourists in the coming years, a significant increase from the 7 million visitors recorded in the past year.

The TUI Group last weel announced the launch of its 500th hotel project - TUI Magic Life Agadir - at the International Tourism Fair (ITB), marking a significant milestone in the company's global growth strategy. The tourism group plans to expand its hotel portfolio from the current 433 to 600 hotels in the medium term.

The president of the Mallorca Hotel Federation (FEHM), Javier Vich, has said that it “utterly false” that Mallorca is an overcrowded destination and has predicted that the coming tourist season will be similar to last year’s. He made the comments on Wednesday at the ITB tourism fair in Berlin after holding meetings with various German tour operators, to whom he stressed that Mallorca “is not an overcrowded, saturated or collapsed destination”.

Hyatt Hotels made several key executive leadership changes Wednesday as the company moves toward a more brand-focused strategy.

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG), one of India’s largest international hotel operators, reaffirmed its ambitious growth plans at the Belgian Economic Mission in India, aiming to expand its portfolio to 240 hotels in operation and development by the end of 2025.

Kerten Hospitality has opened a Cloud 7 Hotel in Rome. The Cloud 7 Hotel Roma is a boutique property that blends art, design, and an authentic Roman experience, located at the crossroads of Via del Corso and Via di Pietra – just steps from the Spanish Steps, Pantheon, and Piazza Colonna.

The Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia (FHS) is set to take place in Riyadh from May 11 to 13, 2025, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and educators to tackle the most pressing challenges in the country’s rapidly growing hospitality sector. 

Global hospitality tech solutions provider Shiji announced a complete company rebrand whilst uniting its suite of products under a single all-encompassing structure. With this transformation, Shiji introduces a new identity that simplifies its portfolio, highlighting its commitment to being a 24/7 partner to the hospitality industry.

The HR Group, a Berlin-based hospitality company, has completed the acquisition of H-Hotels, one of Germany’s largest privately owned hotel operators. The transaction includes more than 60 hotels across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Hungary, significantly expanding the HR Group’s presence in the European hospitality sector.

Mumbai hotel came up with a clever hack to stop guests from walking away with bathroom slippers.

Female Wellness programs are the latest example of the Six Senses integrated wellness philosophy. With a focus on perimenopause, menopause, and holistic female well-being, each bespoke 3-, 5- or 7-day Female Wellness journey is designed to empower women with the insights and tools to keep their hormones and metabolism balanced through times of transition and during their monthly cycle.

The Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) reports that the number of hotel stays and those at other accommodations in the country hit record highs in 2024.

Roch Dog, an NVIDIA Inception startup, pioneers the first AI certification engine to automate the assessment, certification, and ranking of pet-friendly hotels.

A global leader in residential hospitality management, Reside, has launched ‘Papago Hotel by Reside’ which will operate under the ‘Trademark Collection by Wyndham’ brand.

Heralding the beginning of a new era, Kempinski Hotels have signed a landmark agreement to manage the Nymphenburg Palace Royal Residence. In partnership with HRH Prince Luitpold von Bayern and the Royal Family of Bavaria, Kempinski will manage the private residence exclusively from 1 March, 2025.

Criterion Capital has opened the fourth London property under its Zedwell Hotels brand, with plans to grow to 8,500 rooms by 2028.

Providing higher pay, in part, enhanced hotel employee numbers compared to last spring, according to AHLA, though challenges persist.

At least 12 people, including two paramedics, became unwell due to carbon monoxide poisoning at a hotel on De Pier in Scheveningen on Tuesday evening. Multiple ambulances responded to the scene and took the injured to a hospital for treatment and monitoring.

BWH Hotels has rolled out a carbon calculator across its portfolio of 230 independent UK properties. The carbon calculator identifies each hotel’s carbon emissions and pinpoints areas for improvement, such as F&B where certain items have a higher carbon footprint.

InnSight Advisory has announced the appointment of Anton Bawab as Partner and Managing Director of the Dubai-based bespoke hotel development advisory firm. In this capacity, Anton will be responsible for leading the company’s growth and operations in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

Safir Hotels & Resorts has signed an exclusive memorandum of understanding (MOU) with The Syrian Arab Company for Tourism & Hospitality to boost growth in the Syrian market.

Hilton’s Waldorf Astoria London Admiralty Arch has entered a culinary partnership with chefs Clare Smyth and Daniel Boulud, who collectively boast seven Michelin stars.

An 18-year-old American tourist is suspected by police of having thrown her newborn baby out of a Paris hotel window, according to local media.

More than two-thirds of hospitality businesses will reduce their staffing levels due to an increase in employer national insurance that comes in in April.