A major fire erupted at the Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach resort in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic on Friday, June 19. At least one person, identified as 46-year-old Francesca Valentino from Italy, died in the blaze. Approximately 1,700 guests were evacuated from the luxury hotel.
A Chandigarh consumer commission has ordered The Manor Luxury Service Apartments in Shimla to pay Rs 20,000 compensation to a guest, Priyanka Sud, who injured her foot after slipping on a damaged, marshy road connecting her apartment to the property's restaurant. The hotel was found negligent for failing to provide safe access and promised transportation.
France has awarded its prestigious "Palace" label to 33 luxury hotels, a distinction granted by the government agency Atout France for three years. Minister Serge Papin highlighted this as the "Palme d'Or of French hospitality," emphasizing the sector's excellence and expansion, with average night costs in these establishments rising 79% since 2019.
Migrants housed in a historic UK hotel, reportedly featuring massage chairs, have drawn criticism over taxpayer-funded accommodation costs. The government faces pressure amid rising expenses for asylum housing.
Hong Kong-based Jardine Matheson announced the A$3.4 billion acquisition of Australian diagnostic and teleradiology group I-MED Radiology Network. The deal includes I-MED's minority stake in AI radiology solutions developer Harrison.ai.
Phu Quoc's US$5.2 billion summit project, including airport overhaul and infrastructure, faces significant delays 18 months before the November 2027 event. Shortages of workers, materials, and unfinished construction plague the development.
Plans for a AU$1.5bn Trump Tower in Queensland have been scrapped due to the 'toxic' Trump brand and the Iran war
Rumors are swirling that sports journalist Dianna Russini will appear on Alex Cooper's Call Her Daddy podcast. The potential appearance comes after Russini resigned from The Athletic following controversy over alleged pictures with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel. NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter discussed the scandal on his Fully Loaded Podcast, calling it a "horrific experience" for Russini that has "altered and destroyed" her life, while noting Vrabel's football career likely won't be affected.
EY India and FICCI have jointly urged the government to reduce GST on hotel rooms priced above Rs 7,500 from 18% to 9%, while retaining 5% for rooms between Rs 1,000 and Rs 7,500. The report cites high accommodation costs, transportation, and taxes as reasons India is perceived as expensive compared to Thailand and Vietnam. India's tourism sector contributes Rs 21 lakh crore to GDP and supports 46 million jobs, with foreign tourist arrivals at 9.9 million in 2024.
