Accor to Introduce Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living to Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town

Accor to Introduce Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living to Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 10, 2024

Accor Greater China, in collaboration with Changzhou High-Speed Railway Town and Changzhou High-Tech Group Co., Ltd., has announced a significant hospitality project in the burgeoning community of Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town. This ambitious development will see the introduction of three prominent Accor brands: Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living, marking a major expansion in this key economic zone of Jiangsu province.

The new hospitality project aims to create a diverse and vibrant community in Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town, which is rapidly becoming one of the most crucial economic development zones in Changzhou. This area is strategically linked to the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone and is known for its advancements in sustainable technology, artificial intelligence manufacturing, and various high-tech industries.

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Sofitel Changzhou will bring French luxury and sophistication to the heart of Star City, located next to Changzhou North Station. This hotel will feature 310 elegantly designed guest rooms, a luxurious spa and wellness center with a pool, an executive lounge, and a variety of dining options. Additionally, Sofitel Changzhou will offer extensive meeting facilities, including two elegant ballrooms ideal for weddings and special events. This establishment is set to become a beacon of luxury in an area surrounded by modern businesses, high-end offices, and tech enterprises.

In the nearby Changzhou International Talent Plaza, Accor will develop Novotel Changzhou and Novotel Living Changzhou. Novotel Changzhou will feature a 324-guestroom tower, providing a balanced and welcoming environment for travelers. The adjoining Novotel Living Changzhou will offer 223 rooms designed for extended stays, catering to the needs of modern travelers and young business professionals who prefer a home-like experience. Novotel Living is designed to offer comfortable, apartment-style accommodations, making it ideal for those who mix business with leisure and seek deeper connections with the local community.

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This project is part of Accor’s broader growth strategy in Greater China. The company recently celebrated the opening of its 700th hotel in the region, with plans to open more than 100 hotels by the end of the year and over 150 development projects currently underway. Gary Rosen, CEO of Accor Greater China, said “Accor is a market leader in matching the right brand with the right destination, in line with our partner’s development objectives. Working with Changzhou High-Tech Group, we have the ideal opportunity to create an inspired mix of luxury, midscale and extended stay hotels that we believe will be ideally suited to the vibrant and booming community of Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town.”

Ge Yafang, Secretary of the Party Committee and General Manager of Changzhou High-Speed Railway Town and Changzhou High-Tech Group, said “Accor is an obvious leader when it comes to offering a wide range of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, such as Sofitel and Novotel, which we are excited to bring to the city of Changzhou. The addition of Novotel Living will add a modern and fresh spin on the hospitality experience, which is particularly important to the young business travelers who are increasingly traveling to Changzhou and wanting to connect with the local community.”

Accor’s entry into Changzhou High Speed Rail New Town with Sofitel, Novotel, and Novotel Living marks a pivotal moment in the area’s development. This project not only enhances the hospitality landscape but also supports the broader economic growth of this key region. 


InterGlobe Expands European Presence with Miiro Spittelberg Opening in Vienna

InterGlobe Expands European Presence with Miiro Spittelberg Opening in Vienna

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 8, 2025

InterGlobe Enterprises has announced the grand opening of Miiro Spittelberg in Vienna, the latest addition to its expanding European hospitality portfolio under the lifestyle brand Miiro. Bookings are now open for stays beginning April 1, 2026, marking the brand’s second hotel in Vienna and sixth launch in less than eighteen months.

Located in the charming Spittelberg district, known for its cobblestoned lanes, artisan boutiques, and vibrant cafés, Miiro Spittelberg offers guests a playful yet refined retreat just steps away from the Museum Quartier and other cultural landmarks. The hotel features 132 elegantly designed rooms and suites, adorned with warm neutrals, bold colour accents, and soft lighting. Each room embodies Miiro’s signature “Brilliantly Considered” design philosophy, offering plush beds, rainfall showers, reading nooks, and Le Labo toiletries.

The hotel’s dining and bar experience reflects a seamless transition from day to night, rooted in European café culture and infused with an Italian spirit that encourages both quiet indulgence and lively gatherings. Guests can also enjoy additional spaces including a library, a 24-hour gym, and Miiro’s signature Refresh Room.

Speaking on the occasion, Neena Gupta, CEO of Miiro and Executive Director of Group Strategy and International Hospitality at InterGlobe Enterprises, said,

“With the opening of Miiro Spittelberg, we continue to strengthen our presence in Europe’s most culturally rich cities. The hotel reflects our commitment to creating immersive, design-led experiences that truly resonate with the spirit of each neighbourhood. Following successful openings in Paris, Barcelona, Gstaad, and London, we are excited to bring Miiro’s brand promise of ‘Brilliantly Considered Stays’ to Vienna and continue our expansion.”

To celebrate the opening, Miiro Spittelberg is offering an exclusive launch offer, 20% off the best available rate along with a €30 on-site credit. Bookings can be made at www.miirohotels.com/spittelberg.

Launched in 2024, Miiro has quickly emerged as a collection of design-led hotels that embody the local charm, culture, and character of Europe’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. With properties already open in Paris, Barcelona, London, Gstaad, and Vienna, and several new launches in the pipeline, Miiro continues to redefine contemporary hospitality through immersive and experiential stays. InterGlobe’s wider international portfolio also includes hotels in Amsterdam, Munich, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, and Melbourne, further cementing its global presence in hospitality.


Royal Caribbean Unveils Exciting Caribbean Voyages for 2027–28

Royal Caribbean Unveils Exciting Caribbean Voyages for 2027–28

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 6, 2025

Royal Caribbean has announced its next-level lineup of Caribbean adventures for 2027–28, offering travelers year-round opportunities to explore the tropics from Florida. Starting April 2027, the cruise line will feature an array of 2- to 8-night Caribbean vacations, including 7-night voyages on the spectacular Star of the Seas and the newly amplified Harmony of the Seas from Port Canaveral (Orlando). Guests can also enjoy Oasis Class short getaways aboard Utopia of the Seas from Port Canaveral and Wonder of the Seas from Miami.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, its newest icon of vacations, will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean adventures from Port Canaveral with stops at the cruise line’s top-rated private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. The upcoming itineraries also mark Royal Caribbean’s grand return to Samaná in the Dominican Republic, where guests can enjoy scenic hikes, whale watching, and relaxing on pristine beaches.

The 2027–28 lineup extends to three Florida homeports, Port Canaveral, Miami, and Tampa, making island-hopping across the Caribbean and The Bahamas easier than ever. Travelers can look forward to visiting exciting destinations such as Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau and Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico. In addition, Royal Caribbean’s much-anticipated Perfect Day Mexico will debut in late 2027, expanding its collection of ultimate beach destinations.

From Port Canaveral, Star of the Seas will continue to deliver world-class family vacations with more than 40 dining and entertainment experiences, including “Back to the Future: The Musical” and the largest waterpark at sea. Utopia of the Seas will cater to travelers seeking weekend escapes with 3- and 4-night voyages featuring stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay and the new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.

The refreshed Harmony of the Seas, post its 2026 amplification, will sail 7-night adventures to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Jamaica, along with visits to Royal Caribbean’s beach clubs. Guests can unwind on the new Caribbean-themed pool deck or enjoy tropical drinks at The Lime & Coconut.

From Miami, Wonder of the Seas will operate short 3- and 4-night getaways to The Bahamas, featuring Perfect Day at CocoCay and access to Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. Meanwhile, Radiance of the Seas from Tampa will offer a mix of 4- to 8-night Western Caribbean itineraries, including visits to Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

With its combination of new destinations, upgraded ships, and beach club experiences, Royal Caribbean continues to redefine the Caribbean cruise experience for travelers seeking unforgettable vacations.


China Extends Visa-Free Policy to End-2026, Adds Sweden to the List

China Extends Visa-Free Policy to End-2026, Adds Sweden to the List

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 5, 2025

China has announced an extension of its visa-free entry policy for 45 countries until December 31, 2026, while adding Sweden to the list starting November 10, 2025. The initiative aims to attract more international visitors, revive tourism, and enhance foreign engagement in the post-pandemic era.

The extension applies to 32 European countries, along with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several South American and Gulf nations, according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Affairs Department. Under this policy, visitors from eligible countries can enter China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa.

Originally set to expire at the end of 2025 for many countries, the programme’s renewal and expansion underscore China’s ongoing efforts to revive its tourism sector, which was severely affected by years of COVID-19 restrictions. The visa-free entry scheme has been a key part of Beijing’s broader strategy to strengthen international ties and encourage people-to-people exchanges.

The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom remain excluded from the policy.

China is also taking steps to ease tensions and improve cooperation with the European Union (EU), one of its most significant trading partners. Following a meeting between President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump in South Korea last week, Beijing confirmed a one-year suspension of expanded rare earth export controls, which will also extend to the EU.

In a joint statement after discussions in Brussels, both sides agreed to maintain communication and promote the stability of industrial and supply chains, signalling a shared intent to foster smoother economic relations despite ongoing trade challenges.

This renewed visa-free policy, coupled with China’s diplomatic outreach, represents a strategic push to enhance cross-border mobility, economic collaboration, and tourism, further positioning the country as a welcoming destination for global travellers.

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