Batang Ai’s first community library now comes under the guardianship of the Nanga Ukom Longhouse residents, thanks to ICCA. The ‘Gift of Love: Batang Ai Community Library’ was a Congress-led corporate social responsibility project which originated from a book-sharing programme and then expanded into a life-changing initiative with the support of the public and private sectors.

Pioneers of luxury travel in Antarctica, White Desert, have launched their newest itinerary ‘The Happiest Day’ for special occasions in a truly rare backdrop. The Happiest Day itinerary can be tailored to each exclusive group of up to 12 people to tie into their celebrations, with the option for a one-day trip, five-day trip or seven-day trip. All guests will commence their trips from Cape Town, enjoying the hospitality of a boutique hotel partner before boarding one of White Desert’s private jets to Antarctica.

The Batoka Hospitality Group is preparing to open its magical Zambezi Sands River Lodge in Zimbabwe. Just one hour from the magnificent Victoria Falls, the newly renovated five-star luxury resort is nestled in the stunning western end of Zambezi National Park and offers guests unrivalled luxury in one of the world’s most breath-taking natural settings. As the first black female-owned Safari Lodge in Africa, Batoka Hospitality is reinventing the way the world views African hospitality.

Ishraq Hospitality, the asset management and hospitality division of Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group, and Capital Elite Development, an Egypt-based real estate development company, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch two new hotels in the New Capital, Cairo, Egypt. The properties will jointly add around 600 keys to the Egyptian hospitality market when they open to guests in 2025.

Hilton’s 145-key Lost Property St Paul’s London - Curio Collection by Hilton has officially opened. Situated in London, the hotel is just 100 metres from St Paul’s Cathedral, making it the perfect base to explore the capital, with Covent Garden, Shoreditch, and South Bank all within walking distance. The hotel’s name nods to the property that has been lost in the city - a theme which runs throughout the interior design. The property itself is designed to make one feel like they are lost in an artistic maze, filled with history-rich panels and whimsical artworks.

AviLease, a newly established aviation financing and leasing company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has signed its first leasing agreement with leading low-cost-airline Flynas, which will see AviLease purchase twelve new A320neo aircraft to be delivered in 2022 and 2023 and leased back to Flynas.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas announces the upcoming addition of a new resort in Brazil, set to launch in 2025. The launch of Anantara Mamucabo Bahia Resort will debut a luxury brand both in Brazil and in South America. The property will be located in Baixio, a district on the northern coastline of Bahia, approximately 150 km from the state capital of Salvador. Baixio is a small fishing village, known for its crystal-clear lagoons. Anantara Mamucabo will offer a total of 116 guest rooms, suites, and pool villas, with sizes varying from 70 to 163 square metres.

Air Marakanda, the operator of Samarkand Airport, has launched a new route from Samarkand – with flydubai. The twice-weekly service will commence on September 20 to operate on Tuesdays and Fridays between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Samarkand International Airport (SKD), departing DXB at 22:40 to arrive at SKD at 02:50, with the return flight departing at 04:05 and arriving at 06:30.