Fifteen Indian tourists lost their lives after a speedboat carrying 32 Indian passengers and four crew members capsized near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island, according to Vietnamese authorities. Search and rescue operations are still underway as officials continue efforts at the accident site.

The speedboat, operated by Ocean Pear Island Company, was travelling from Hon May Rut to An Thoi Port when it overturned at around 1:00 PM, approximately 400 metres off Hon May Rut Ngoai. The incident threw everyone on board into the sea.

Following the tragedy, the Indian Embassy in Vietnam said it is working closely with local authorities and has set up a control room to assist the affected families. The embassy also released the list of all 32 Indian passengers and a separate list of the deceased.

In a statement, the embassy said:

"It is with profound grief that we share the list of 15 Indian nationals who have lost their lives in the tragic boat accident near Phu Quoc Island today. The list has been received from the Vietnamese authorities. Our prayers are with the families of the deceased."

Among the 15 victims, 10 were from Tamil Nadu, three from Andhra Pradesh, and two from Kerala, according to the information shared by the embassy.

The tragedy has drawn condolences from across the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed their grief over the loss of lives. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.

The Indian Embassy continues to coordinate with Vietnamese authorities as rescue efforts and other necessary procedures remain in progress.

Ensana Hotels has expanded its international footprint with the opening of its first property in Georgia, marking a significant milestone in the company's European growth strategy. The newly launched Ensana Sairme South is a four-star hotel located in the renowned spa town of Sairme, bringing the group's signature medical wellness concept to one of Georgia's best-known thermal destinations.

Situated at an altitude of over 900 metres in the Caucasus Mountains, the 154-room property combines wellness, preventive healthcare, and nature-based experiences. Known for its thermal and mineral springs for more than six decades, Sairme is positioned as an emerging destination for travellers seeking holistic health and wellness experiences.

Commenting on the expansion, Frank Halmos, CEO of Ensana Hotels, said Georgia's exceptional natural healing resources and growing appeal as a travel destination align well with the company's long-term strategy. He noted that the country's forested landscapes, rich cultural heritage, hospitality, and medically beneficial thermal and mineral springs make Sairme a promising destination for health spa tourism.

Natural healing resources remain central to Ensana's wellness philosophy. The thermal water in Sairme is widely recognised for therapeutic treatments, particularly for musculoskeletal conditions, while the region's naturally carbonated mineral water has traditionally been used in drinking therapies for liver, kidney, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal health.

The company is also preparing to open its second property in the destination, Ensana Sairme North, following an extensive renovation. The five-star hotel will feature an expanded wellness offering, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hammam, a salt grotto, and modern treatment facilities designed to complement its medical wellness programmes.

Temur Khokhodze, Owner of Sairme Resorts, said the partnership with Ensana represents a strategic investment in the destination's future. He added that the expansion of the hotels and therapeutic offerings will strengthen the region's tourism appeal while creating new opportunities for local communities.

Located approximately three-and-a-half hours from Tbilisi and close to Kutaisi International Airport, Sairme offers convenient access for international travellers. In addition to wellness treatments, guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and paddling amid the surrounding mountain and forest landscapes.

Launched in 2019, Ensana Hotels is Europe's leading health spa operator, with properties across the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria, and now Georgia. The company is also set to expand into Germany and Italy later in 2026, further strengthening its portfolio of wellness destinations across Europe.

Hyatt has announced plans to introduce Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in Zimbabwe, with the hotel expected to open in late 2027 following the signing of a management agreement between a Hyatt affiliate and an affiliate of Albwardy Investments LLC. Once operational, it will become the second Hyatt-branded hotel in Zimbabwe.

Originally built in 1966 and redeveloped in 1999, the property will undergo an extensive refurbishment and redesign to align with the Grand Hyatt brand. The transformation aims to create a luxury destination that blends the heritage of Victoria Falls with contemporary hospitality experiences.

Located in the heart of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or "The Smoke That Thunders," the hotel will offer guests easy access to one of the world's most iconic natural attractions. The property is just a five-minute walk from the Victoria Falls rainforest and is conveniently located near safari circuits, cultural attractions, restaurants, and guided tours.

Commenting on the announcement, Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President, Development, Middle East and Africa, Hyatt, said:

"We are delighted to collaborate with Albwardy Investments to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls. With its landmark location just moments from the Victoria Falls rainforest, this property represents a truly exceptional setting. This signing marks a significant milestone in Hyatt's continued expansion across Africa, reinforcing our commitment on growing our brand presence in the region and providing World of Hyatt members more travel choice in inspiring destinations."

Ali Albwardy, Chairman, Albwardy Investments, added:

"We are proud to collaborate with Hyatt on plans to introduce the Grand Hyatt brand to Victoria Falls. As one of the destination's most established hospitality landmarks for more than 60 years, the property holds significant heritage and potential within Zimbabwe. Through its transformation under the Grand Hyatt brand, and with plans to reopen in late 2027, we aim to create an elevated hospitality experience that celebrates the culture, energy and significance of Victoria Falls, further reinforcing our commitment to Africa's hospitality sector."

Upon completion, the hotel is expected to feature 245 guestrooms, 1,800 square metres of meeting and event space, three dining venues, a spa, fitness centre, and a grand lobby lounge. Guests will also have access to a range of dining, wellness, and leisure experiences designed to reflect the Grand Hyatt brand.

The property is the closest hotel to the entrance of the Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side and is located around 20 minutes from Victoria Falls International Airport, making it an ideal choice for leisure travellers, business guests, and events.

Once the hotel opens, World of Hyatt members will be able to earn and redeem loyalty benefits during their stay.