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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on May 10, 2024
Marriott International and KKR, a prominent global investment firm, are spearheading a new era in midscale hospitality in Japan. Building on KKR’s recent acquisition of Unizo Hotel Company, Limited, along with a portfolio of 14 hotels from Unizo Holdings, the collaboration marks Marriott’s debut in Japan’s affordable midscale market and its first footprint in the Asia Pacific region following its global launch in this segment in 2023.
These 14 hotels, strategically located across major tourist destinations in 10 cities including Hakodate, Morioka, Utsunomiya, Yokohama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Hakata, are set to undergo transformation into Four Points Express by Sheraton. Anticipated to open in the latter half of 2024, the venture will introduce over 3,600 new rooms to KKR’s and Marriott’s hotel portfolios in Japan.
Four Points Express by Sheraton aims to provide budget-conscious travelers with a seamless hotel experience, emphasizing reliability, simplicity, and value in both design and guest services. This tailored approach reflects Marriott’s commitment to meeting evolving guest needs while offering franchisees a competitive pricing strategy designed to foster growth.
Rajeev Menon, President, Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China, said, "There's a growing consumer demand for reliable-yet-affordable accommodation in the region. Our goal is to be everywhere our guests want us to be, with the right property in the right location, at the right price point. This collaboration with KKR will expand our ability to do exactly that – starting in Japan, with opportunity to grow our midscale presence in the region. Our new midscale brand will offer hotel owners an affordable conversion opportunity with an efficient operational design, access to Marriott International’s expansive distribution systems and the backing of our powerful award-winning Marriott Bonvoy travel program.”
Kensuke Kudo, Managing Director, Real Estate, at KKR, said, “International and domestic tourism in Japan has rebounded strongly since the pandemic and continues to pick up pace. As demand for midscale hotels grows rapidly, we see a tremendous opportunity to offer high-quality and comfortable accommodation at great value. We are delighted to be strategic partners with Marriott International, one of the world’s pre-eminent hotel companies, to launch the Four Points Express by Sheraton brand in Japan. By combining KKR’s real estate investment and operational expertise and Marriott’s deep hospitality experience, we look to deliver outstanding-yet-affordable lodging experiences to international and domestic travelers across Japan.”
Aligned with Marriott’s acclaimed Marriott Bonvoy® loyalty platform, which boasts over 200 million members worldwide, the new midscale brand will leverage Marriott’s global sales organization and digital platforms to drive efficient direct bookings.
This transformative partnership between Marriott International and KKR represents a significant milestone in Japan’s hospitality landscape, promising travelers unparalleled experiences and hotel owners exciting growth opportunities in the midscale segment.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on June 12, 2026
Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar has unveiled a new menu that celebrates the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine through a modern culinary approach. Curated by Executive Chef Gaurav Chauhan, the refreshed menu combines traditional regional flavours with contemporary techniques and presentation, offering guests in Dallas a unique dining experience.
Inspired by India's diverse culinary landscape, the new menu has been designed to honour authentic recipes while introducing creative interpretations that appeal to modern diners. The result is a collection of dishes that showcase both heritage and innovation.
Among the highlights are a range of inventive appetisers and small plates, including Truffle Dahi Puchka, Raw Mango Salad, Burrata Bomb, Jhol Momo, Samosa Chaat, Bun Tikki, Papdi Chaat, Pani Puri and Chapli Smash Burger. These dishes bring familiar Indian flavours to the table with a fresh and contemporary twist.
The restaurant's popular tandoor programme remains a key feature of the menu. Vegetarian options include Bharwan Paneer Tikka, Hara Bhara Kebab, Malai Tandoori Broccoli, Tandoori Bharwan Mushroom and Tandoori Paneer Makhani. Non-vegetarian offerings feature dishes such as Amritsari Macchi, Chicken Afghani Tikka, Tandoori Salmon, Bhatti Da Kukarh, Tandoori Chicken, Lamb Seekh Kebab and Tandoori Masaledar Lamb Chops.
The curry section pays tribute to India's rich culinary traditions with signature dishes including Old Delhi Lamb Nihari, Laal Maas, Butter Chicken, Chicken Korma, Chicken Vindaloo and Chicken Tikka Masala. Vegetarian favourites such as Dal Tadka, Saag Paneer, Matar Paneer, Pindi Chole, Bhindi Do Pyaza, Subz Korma and Rajasthani Kadhi Kachori further showcase the variety of regional Indian cooking.
Guests can also explore a wide selection of rice dishes, including Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani, Lucknowi Goat Biryani, Veg Dum Biryani, Kathal Biryani, Jeera Pulao, Matar Pulao and Vegetable Pulao, each reflecting distinct regional influences from across India.
Complementing the food menu is a range of freshly prepared breads from the tandoor, including Chur Chur Naan, Garlic Naan, Lachcha Paratha, Rumali Roti, Tandoori Roti, Cheese Naan, Bullet Naan and Breadbasket. The beverage menu features favourites such as Mango Lassi, Masala Buttermilk, Milkshakes and Iced Tea.
For dessert, Chef Chauhan has introduced a selection inspired by classic Indian sweets, including Ghevar Glow, Kesar Phirni, Gulab Jamun Bliss, Kesar Gajar Halwa Dream and Sweet Silk Bites (Cham Cham).
Speaking about the new menu, Executive Chef Gaurav Chauhan said, "Our goal was to create a menu that respects tradition while embracing innovation. Every dish tells a story, whether it comes from the streets of Delhi, the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, or the vibrant culinary traditions of Punjab. We want every guest to experience the richness, diversity, and warmth of Indian cuisine through a modern perspective."
With this refreshed culinary offering, Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar continues to strengthen its position as one of Dallas' leading destinations for contemporary Indian dining, bringing together authenticity, creativity and memorable dining experiences.
Tacos Atarantados, the Monterrey-born taquería from Grupo Buenas Vibras and Mandala Group Hospitality, has officially opened its newest location in Brickell, Miami. The launch follows the success of the brand's Wynwood outlet and marks its second location in the United States.
Located alongside Sala de Despecho, the new venue introduces an all-day and all-night hospitality experience that combines dining, music, entertainment and nightlife. Designed to cater to different occasions, the concept welcomes guests for everything from lunch and dinner to late-night dining and social gatherings.
To mark the opening, Tacos Atarantados will give away $2,500 worth of gift cards on June 18, with the first 100 customers receiving a $25 gift card.
Inspired by Mexico's tradition of tacos as an everyday social experience, Tacos Atarantados blends authentic flavours with a modern, chef-led approach. The Brickell outlet is the brand's most immersive concept so far, bringing together its signature food offerings and the vibrant atmosphere of Sala de Despecho to create a multi-experience destination.
The culinary programme is led by Chef Jorge Guadiana, whose experience spans Northern Mexico, France and the United States. He has also worked under Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán at Mexique in Chicago. His cooking style combines Monterrey street food traditions with refined techniques and contemporary hospitality.
Speaking about the opening, Chef Jorge Guadiana said: "Bringing Tacos Atarantados to Brickell feels like a natural evolution of everything we've built. Everything we do is rooted in technique and tradition, the kind passed down and earned over time. We take that seriously and we're proud to share it here."
The opening builds on the brand's presence across Mexico, where it operates more than 16 locations. The Brickell restaurant further strengthens its growing footprint in the United States while expanding the hospitality experience beyond traditional dining.
The menu features signature items including Trompo de Puerco, Trompo de Res, Suadero tacos, Pirata Atarantado, Gaoneras and Abrazo de Rib Eye. Guests can also enjoy the brand's popular Cachetadas, made with a flour tortilla, crispy cheese crust and yogurt-chipotle spread, available with different meat options. Complementing the menu are sides such as Papas Enchiladas con Carne, Elote Atarantado, Frijoles Atarantados and fresh Guacamole, along with desserts including Cachatada de Gloria and churros.
Commenting on the expansion, founder Patricio Bernardini said: "Miami has always been a city that understands energy, culture, and hospitality. Expanding into Brickell allows us to continue growing the Tacos Atarantados universe while staying true to what defines us, a chef-driven taco concept with an atmosphere that feels alive from the moment you walk in. Together with Sala de Despecho, we're creating a destination that brings people together through food, music, and memorable experiences."
With roots in Monterrey and a growing presence across Mexico and the United States, Tacos Atarantados continues to build its reputation by combining food, culture, music and hospitality. The Brickell opening not only marks the brand's second U.S. location but also reflects Mandala Group's ongoing efforts to introduce its hospitality concepts to new markets.
Tacos Atarantados Brickell is located at 1250 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33130. The restaurant operates Sunday through Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight and Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Published on June 11, 2026
Amsterdam is planning a major overhaul of its tourism strategy with proposals that include raising its tourist tax to 20 per cent by 2030, closing the city's cruise terminal, and purchasing businesses and properties in the city centre to reduce tourism-related pressure.
The proposals were unveiled in a coalition agreement released this week by the city's ruling parties. According to a report by The Independent, the measures are aimed at addressing the growing impact of tourism on public spaces, local infrastructure, and residents' quality of life.
Amsterdam currently charges one of the highest tourist taxes in Europe, with visitors paying 12 per cent of their overnight accommodation cost. Day visitors are also subject to a tourist tax of €15.
Under the proposed plan, the tourist tax will increase to 16 per cent next year and then rise by one percentage point annually until it reaches 20 per cent in 2030.
“Amsterdam remains an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world,” the coalition agreement said, as per The Independent report. “Tourism contributes to the city’s economy, but at the same time places significant pressure on public spaces, quality of life and municipal facilities.”
City officials said the additional revenue generated through the tax increase would be used to make Amsterdam cleaner, safer, and more liveable for both residents and visitors.
One of the most significant proposals involves shutting down Amsterdam's cruise terminal. The coalition government stated that it wants to “end the option to reach Amsterdam by sea cruise” and plans to discuss possible alternatives with national and regional authorities.
The agreement also includes plans to buy buildings and businesses in the city centre as part of wider efforts to transform the area and ease tourism-related congestion.
In addition, Amsterdam is considering increasing its entertainment levy, which applies to activities such as canal boat tours, boat rentals, and other water-based experiences. The move is intended to ensure that day visitors contribute more towards maintaining the city's infrastructure and public services.
The proposed measures reflect Amsterdam's broader efforts to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect local communities, public spaces, and the overall quality of life in one of Europe's most visited destinations.
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