The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) today announced that its Hotel Sustainability Basics programme will transition to an independent third-party certification scheme, aligned with new European Union requirements for environmental claims and designed to meet the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Accreditation Framework. The move strengthens Hotel Sustainability Basics as a globally recognised framework for hotel sustainability, providing independent verification, greater transparency, and a credible pathway for hotels to demonstrate their sustainability performance in line with evolving regulatory and market expectations.

Swiss-Belhotel International has announced the opening of Swiss-Belhotel Nizwa, Oman, strengthening its growing footprint across the GCC and reinforcing its commitment to bringing internationally recognised hospitality experiences to key tourism destinations throughout the Middle East. The opening represents the successful culmination of a strategic partnership between Swiss-Belhotel International and Bawareq Nizwa International For Investment SAOC, bringing a globally recognised hospitality brand to a destination that continues to attract growing numbers of domestic and international visitors.

Elewana Collection, part of Minor Hotels' luxury brand portfolio, is excited to announce the opening of the new Little Elephant Pepper Camp in Mara North Conservancy and the completion of a major refurbishment of Lewa Safari Camp in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. With strict bed night quotas in both areas, the additional camp and upgrade have been carefully managed so as not to add any tourism pressure on the surrounding environment.

Blacksand and Marriott International announced the signing of a milestone agreement to develop ten hotels, representing over 1,300 rooms, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over the next four years. The multi-brand deal establishes a long-term collaboration between both companies to deliver projects aligned with the country’s evolving tourism and urban development ambitions.

As the school year draws to a close, there's no better time to trade the everyday routine for barefoot luxury in the Maldives. All four resorts across the Centara Maldives portfolio offer summer savings on bookings until the end of September, with complimentary island transfers and free spa credit at the award-winning SPA Cenvaree. From family-centric island adventures to adults-only escapes and nature-led retreats, the Centara Maldives portfolio offers something for every type of traveller this summer.

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts today announces the opening of The St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort, Cancún, an elegant beachfront retreat where the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Yucatán Peninsula meet the brand’s celebrated traditions and bespoke service. Located just north of Cancún in the tranquil enclave of Costa Mujeres, the resort introduces a sophisticated new expression of luxury in the Mexican Caribbean, framed by white sand beaches, crystalline waters, protected mangroves, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef.