News

Bali Welcomes Asia’s First Paradisus Resort

Paradisus by Meliá Bali has officially opened in the sought-after Nusa Dua region, marking the debut of the prestigious Paradisus brand in Asia. This luxurious all-inclusive resort is designed to offer a completely new type of experience, combining wellness, culture, and tailored luxury with the authentic beauty of Bali. The stunning property, located on Bali’s southern coast, seamlessly blends modern luxury with the island’s rich traditions, promising guests a journey of relaxation, cultural discovery, and exceptional hospitality. The opening of Paradisus by Meliá Bali is a major milestone in the expansion of Meliá Hotels International’s luxury portfolio in Asia. Bali holds an important place in Meliá’s history, as the island is home to the brand’s first international property in Asia, opened more than 40 years ago. The arrival of Paradisus in Bali marks the next evolution of the brand’s presence in the region, setting a new standard for all-inclusive resorts in Southeast Asia. The resort is situated in one of Bali’s most iconic beachfront locations, offering unparalleled views of the Indian Ocean. With a design that incorporates local cultural elements, the resort provides a seamless blend of comfort, sophistication, and cultural authenticity. Paradisus by Meliá Bali aims to connect guests with the spirit of the island, offering not just luxury but also an opportunity for deeper cultural immersion.

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Delhi–Dehradun Highway: The Future of Faster Travel

The much-awaited Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor is set to dramatically transform the way people travel between Delhi and Dehradun. This ambitious infrastructure project, spearheaded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), is designed to reduce travel time significantly, improve connectivity, and bring far-reaching economic benefits to the region. With its new access-controlled highway, this corridor promises to make commuting between these two cities faster, smoother, and far more reliable. Not only will it simplify travel, but it will also make Dehradun, a peaceful hill station, more accessible, benefiting both tourism and business alike. One of the most anticipated features of the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor is the substantial reduction in travel time. Currently, the journey between Delhi and Dehradun can be lengthy and unpredictable, mainly due to traffic congestion and the poor condition of some roads. However, once the new highway is completed, it is expected to provide a much faster and more efficient route, cutting down delays significantly. The controlled access on this new highway will ensure an uninterrupted flow of traffic, making the trip much more time-efficient. The new highway will benefit not only the residents of Dehradun but also those from surrounding areas who frequently travel to Delhi for various reasons. With travel times reduced, more people will be encouraged to use this route, whether for business or tourism, making the region more accessible and attractive to the general public. The decreased travel time will particularly benefit commuters who previously avoided the journey due to its length and unpredictability.

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Shigmo Festival 2026 Lights Up Goa from March 5–18

Shigmo Festival 2026 is set to bring the vibrant spirit of Goa to life from 5th to 18th March with an unforgettable celebration across 19 locations. This year’s festival promises to captivate visitors with its colorful parades, traditional folk dances, and stunning artistic floats, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the state. From the lively streets of Panaji to the coastal beauty of Calangute and the charming towns of Margao and Mapusa, each location will offer a unique experience. With its lively atmosphere and diverse cultural expressions, Shigmo 2026 will be an exciting journey through Goa’s past and present, highlighting the state’s deep-rooted traditions and artistic flair. The Shigmo Festival will begin in Ponda on 5th March and continue its journey across the state, reaching its grand finale in Pernem on 18th March. This year, the festival will cover 19 locations, with each center hosting its own parade. These parades will feature a mix of traditional Goan dances, cultural performances, and beautifully decorated floats that reflect the folklore, myths, and history of the region. From the beaches of Calangute (6th March) to the bustling streets of Panaji (7th March) and the historic charm of Margao (14th March), the festival will offer something unique in each location. Visitors will be able to explore a diverse set of cultural expressions while traveling between these vibrant parades. Other locations like Mapusa (8th March), Mandrem (9th March), and Vasco (15th March) will also add their own flavor to the celebration, providing multiple opportunities for attendees to experience Goa’s local culture.

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Marriott Brings Iconic Brands to Vietnam

Marriott International is poised to significantly expand its presence in Vietnam through a partnership with Masterise Group, announcing the development of four high-profile hotels. This collaboration will add nearly 1,900 rooms to the portfolio, introducing iconic luxury brands like The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott to the country’s bustling tourism sector. These projects promise to reshape the landscape of Vietnam’s hospitality offerings and reinforce the nation’s status as a major destination in Southeast Asia. The centerpiece of this strategic partnership is the debut of The Ritz-Carlton in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the vibrant District One, The Ritz-Carlton, Saigon and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Saigon will serve as major additions to the city’s luxury accommodations. The Ritz-Carlton, Saigon will feature 231 rooms, while the Residences will include 420 branded residences, creating an exclusive living experience that aligns with the global brand’s reputation for excellence. These two properties will offer a seamless blend of high-end hospitality and residential living, appealing to both tourists and those seeking longer-term, luxury accommodations in the city. The introduction of The Ritz-Carlton to Ho Chi Minh City will not only elevate the luxury hotel segment but also act as a catalyst for the growth of high-end tourism in the city.

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Doha Emerges as Middle East’s Art Capital with Art Basel Qatar 2026

Doha is set to make history this February as it hosts the first-ever edition of Art Basel Qatar, marking a monumental shift in the Middle East’s cultural and tourism landscape. From 5th to 7th February 2026, Art Basel Qatar will bring together the world’s most prestigious contemporary galleries, artists, and collectors to showcase international art in Doha’s cultural heart at Msheireb Downtown Doha. his landmark event promises to position Qatar as a new global arts hub and a top cultural destination for travelers. Qatar’s Bid to Become a Global Arts Destination As Art Basel lands in Doha for the first time, it strengthens Qatar’s already ambitious cultural strategy. The partnership with Art Basel, renowned for hosting iconic art fairs in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris, demonstrates Qatar’s growing commitment to the arts. With a focus on international contemporary art, the fair will offer 84 artist presentations from 87 galleries, covering art from 31 countries. The event is a critical stepping stone in establishing Doha as a global cultural powerhouse. Art Basel Qatar is set to attract art lovers, collectors, and cultural tourists from around the world. This event highlights Qatar’s long-term vision to become a cultural beacon, with the Qatar Museums, local cultural institutions, and Qatar Sports Investments leading the way.

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Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Hosts Virtual Meetings on Sustainable Tourism

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is taking important steps towards shaping the future of tourism in Hawaii through its Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP). Focused on responsible tourism, HTA has been working closely with local residents to ensure that tourism growth aligns with the needs of each island’s unique identity, while also preserving Hawaii’s cultural, historical, and environmental resources. his initiative reflects the HTA’s commitment to promoting tourism that supports community well-being and sustainable practices across the Hawaiian Islands. Community Engagement: The Heart of the DMAP Process Between September and December 2025, HTA organized over 30 in-person and virtual listening sessions across the islands. These sessions were designed to create an open dialogue between the HTA and local residents, allowing the community to voice their ideas and concerns about how tourism could be managed in a way that benefits everyone. he goal of these community sessions was not only to gather insights into local issues but also to align tourism efforts with Hawaii’s cultural values and the specific needs of each island.

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