Mercure Katowice Centrum Sets New Standards in Eco-Design

Mercure Katowice Centrum Sets New Standards in Eco-Design

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 8, 2024

Mercure Katowice Centrum, located in the heart of Katowice, Poland, represents a major step forward in eco-friendly hospitality. The hotel is a prime example of how Accor, a global hospitality leader, integrates sustainability into its design and operations. Accor has made sustainability central to its business, embedding eco-conscious choices throughout the hotel, from design to daily operations.

Upon entering Mercure Katowice Centrum, guests are greeted by an impressive facade featuring two green walls. The larger of these, at 260 square meters, holds nearly 7,000 plants, making it the largest green wall in the city. This green wall doesn’t just enhance the hotel's aesthetic—it also improves the local microclimate by reducing heat, producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, and capturing pollutants. Additionally, the lobby features a mural by a local artist, created during the COP24 climate conference, further reinforcing the hotel's ecological commitment.

Mercure Katowice’s design concept, “Green & Clean,” extends far beyond its appearance. The hotel incorporates advanced sustainable technologies, including photovoltaic systems, energy-efficient distribution, rainwater collection, heat recovery systems, and electric vehicle charging stations. All 268 rooms are designed with natural materials and calming colors to provide a serene atmosphere while adhering to the hotel's eco-conscious vision.

Since opening in 2021, the hotel has earned several awards for its sustainability efforts. These include the Green Building Award from the Polish Green Building Association, LEED Platinum certification, and top honors at the MP Power Awards.

In addition to its sustainable design, Mercure Katowice Centrum actively engages with the local community. The hotel collaborates with local suppliers for food and beverage services and regularly participates in local environmental campaigns, such as city clean-ups. With its strong commitment to eco-friendly practices and community involvement, Mercure Katowice Centrum is a leader in sustainable hospitality, inspiring others to follow its path.


Kuwait Launches ‘Visit Kuwait’ – A Comprehensive Hub for Tourism, Culture, and E-Visas

Kuwait Launches ‘Visit Kuwait’ – A Comprehensive Hub for Tourism, Culture, and E-Visas

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 10, 2025

Kuwait has launched its new national tourism portal, ‘Visit Kuwait,’ offering a seamless gateway for travelers seeking visas, cultural insights, and curated travel plans, all in one place. This digital platform is a key part of Kuwait’s Vision 2035 strategy, designed to enhance the country’s tourism experience and expand its global reach.

The portal simplifies the visa process with a fully online system for tourist, business, family, and official visas, eliminating the need for embassy visits. At the same time, it brings together a rich collection of travel tools, destination guides, cultural calendars, event updates, and practical travel tips, to help visitors explore Kuwait with ease.

Beyond its functional features, Visit Kuwait also acts as a cultural showcase. Users can dive into Kuwait’s unique offerings, from modern landmarks like Kuwait Towers and the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Cultural Centre to vibrant souks, festivals, and historic museums.

The initiative is more than just a convenience, it plays a vital role in Kuwait’s economic transformation. As part of the Vision 2035 agenda, the portal supports the government’s aim to reduce oil dependency by strengthening the tourism sector. With a unified, digital-first approach, Kuwait is stepping into the global tourism spotlight, ready to welcome the world with open arms.


Rocco Forte Hotels and Emerald Pine Capital Form Strategic Partnership for Europe & Middle East Growth

Rocco Forte Hotels and Emerald Pine Capital Form Strategic Partnership for Europe & Middle East Growth

By Hariharan U

Published on August 10, 2025

Rocco Forte Hotels has announced a strategic partnership with Emerald Pine Capital to drive its expansion across Europe and the Middle East. The collaboration aims to combine Rocco Forte’s renowned operational excellence with Emerald Pine Capital’s investment and asset management expertise, creating a highly aligned team capable of sourcing, underwriting, structuring, and executing high-value hospitality projects.

The partners will focus on repositioning, value-add, and development opportunities in gateway cities and high-demand leisure destinations, offering a compelling proposition for investors and a streamlined process for asset owners.

Charles Forte, Director of Development at Rocco Forte Hotels, said, “I am pleased to be able to announce our partnership with Emerald Pine Capital and I am confident that their years of experience and strong reputation within the financial world will further fortify our existing team and our expansionary efforts in Europe and beyond”.

Fabrizio Grena, Founding Partner and CEO of Emerald Pine Capital, added “As the luxury hospitality sector continues to evolve, we are delighted to partner with Rocco Forte to offer a distinctive combination of expertise and skill sets to our clients and partners. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to quality and long-term value creation in the hospitality space”.

About Emerald Pine Capital

 Emerald Pine Capital is an independent investment and asset management firm specialising in real estate investments across Europe alongside institutional partners. Founded by Fabrizio Grena and Alessandro Ferrante, both former Goldman Sachs real estate investment professionals, the firm has over €10 billion in deployed capital and 30 years of combined investment experience.

About Rocco Forte Hotels

 Established in 1996 by Sir Rocco Forte and Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels is a collection of 15 landmark hotels, resorts, residences, and villas in exceptional locations, known for a distinctive approach to personalised service. Upcoming openings include The Carlton, Milan (2025); Costa Smeralda, Sardinia and Palazzo Castelluccio, Noto (2026); and Palazzo Sirignano, Naples (2027).


LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar to Host Exclusive Whisky Cocktail Takeover on August 15

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar to Host Exclusive Whisky Cocktail Takeover on August 15

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 7, 2025

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, the vibrant rooftop venue crowning the 33rd and 34th floors of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, is set to host an exciting whisky cocktail takeover event on August 15.

The event, titled ‘LUZ x Prakaan Guest Shift Glow’, will welcome renowned bartender and Prakaan Whisky brand ambassador, Bank Watcharapong Suriyaphan, from 7 PM to 9 PM. Known for his expertise as the founder of Tale of the Spirits bar academy and books, as well as a seasoned bar owner and manager, Suriyaphan will craft four exclusive cocktails specially curated for this one-night-only event.

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  •  Sol de Miel (The Golden Glow) – A sweet blend of Prakaan Select Cask, citrus honey shrub, vanilla, lemon, and soda.
  •  El Misterio (The Mystery) – A smoky creation featuring Prakaan Peated Malt, dry vermouth, fig jam, and cocoa bitters.
  • LUZ Oscura (Dark Light) – A nutty profile crafted with Prakaan Double Cask, Amontillado Sherry, Frangelico, and bitters. 
  • Flamenco Flame (The Fire Within) – A vibrant mix of Prakaan Peated Malt, sweet vermouth, Cherry Heering, citrus, and caramel.

Beyond the beverages, the venue offers an elevated atmosphere. While the 33rd floor houses the tapas bar itself with striking architectural design inspired by Bangkok’s Rama VIII Bridge, the 34th floor opens into a pool bar and transparent infinity pool with a rooftop terrace. The decor pays tribute to the city’s Giant Swing, blending modern aesthetics with cultural nods.

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LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar is known for serving authentic Spanish tapas complemented by Thai ingredients, along with a curated selection of Spanish wines, beers on tap, cocktails, and signature sangrias.

The bar is open daily from 4 PM to midnight, making it an ideal spot for sunset views and late-night indulgence.

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