TOKYO/HONG KONG — The operator of the upscale Peninsula Hotels chain reported another net loss for the first half of the year on Wednesday, highlighting obstacles overseas as well as in its home market.
Hotels & Accommodations
This Solo Traveller’s Japan Vacation Was Shattered By Terrifying Hotel Encounter | Viral News

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Solo traveller Natalie from Thailand faced a terrifying incident in a Japanese hotel when she found a man hiding under her bed
The incident, caught neither on CCTV nor by hotel staff, left Natalie shaken. (Source: Instagram/@natalisi_taksisi)
The solo travel trend is growing among young women worldwide, but so are stories that remind us why vigilance is still necessary. A disturbing incident shared by a solo traveler named Natalie has sparked fresh concern about women’s safety while traveling alone, especially when staying in hotels.
According to a report by The Sun, Natalie, originally from Thailand, had travelled to Japan in March for a solo vacation. Her trip was going smoothly, until she checked into a hotel one evening. What happened next left her traumatised and has made it difficult for her to sleep in any hotel room ever since.
Natalie arrived at the hotel around 7:30 pm and headed straight to her room to rest. But just moments after lying on the bed, she noticed an odd, musty smell. Initially assuming it was coming from the sheets, she followed her instincts and began inspecting the room. The smell seemed to be emanating from under the bed, and what she discovered sent chills down her spine.
Hiding underneath was a man.
As soon as she screamed, the man scrambled out from under the bed and fled from the room, visibly panicked. The incident, caught neither on CCTV nor by hotel staff, left Natalie shaken. The hotel, she later found out, had no surveillance cameras in the area. The only proof of the intruder’s presence was a charger and power bank he left behind.
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Natalie immediately contacted hotel management and local police. But with no camera footage and little evidence beyond the abandoned items, it’s unclear whether the man was ever identified or caught.
Terrified, Natalie checked out of the hotel immediately and booked herself into another accommodation. The experience left a lasting scar.
Speaking to The Guardian, she revealed that since the incident, she’s never felt fully safe while staying in hotels. She reportedly requested emotional compensation from the hotel but was turned down on the grounds of company policy.
Following the traumatic encounter, Natalie posted about the ordeal on Instagram, warning other solo female travellers to be extra cautious. She now encourages women to thoroughly inspect their rooms before settling in – check under the bed, behind mirrors, inside closets, and even for hidden cameras.
The incident has reignited conversations around hotel safety and the need for surveillance, especially in budget accommodations that may not have the same security standards as luxury stays.
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Hotels & Accommodations
Peninsula Hotels operator stuck in red as greater China stagnates

New CEO sees chance for full-year profitability but wary of geopolitics and trade war
The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district, pictured on May 7. (Photo by Suzu Takahashi)
KENJI KAWASE and PEGGY YE
Hotels & Accommodations
Tourism in Egypt Thrives: Now, Major Hotel Developments in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh Lead the Way

Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Egypt’s hotel scene is booming again, thanks to smart government programs and a good economy. The wave of new hotels, especially in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh, is helping Egypt stand out in Africa’s travel market. With big money coming in and plans to attract even more visitors, Egypt has bounced back from the COVID-19 hits and is on its way to being a top international travel hub.
In 2024, Egypt greeted 15.7 million travelers from abroad, beating the busy levels of 2019. This jump is the result of clear choices like upgrading roads and airports, showcasing Egypt’s amazing history and culture, and a stronger currency that makes travel affordable. All of this means more people are looking for places to stay, so the hotel industry is expanding fast.
How Government Programs Ignite Egypt’s Tourism Boom
Egypt’s government is putting serious energy into making tourism a star player in the economy. By improving roads, airports, and hotels, shining a light on the country’s ancient treasures, and sealing deals with global partners, the state is nudging the industry upward. On top of that, the lower value of the Egyptian pound is giving foreign travelers and investors more bang for their buck, turning Egypt into a wallet-friendly gateway to millennia of culture.
With tourism responsible for roughly 10% of Egypt’s economy, every small win at the border, the beach, or the boardroom counts. Policies that speed up visas, add extra flights, and blast out ads showing the Pyramids, Red Sea resorts, and desert oases are drawing more people. Thanks to these moves, Egypt is not just bouncing back; it is welcoming more guests than it did before the pandemic struck.
Significant Hotel Development in Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh
Egypt’s capital, Cairo, is witnessing a major surge in hotel development. The capital currently has 70 hotels and 17,757 rooms in the planning and construction stages. These new projects are part of a nationwide strategy to modernize travel infrastructure and boost the country’s capacity to host a rising number of international guests. Cairo’s unique blend of rich history and modern amenities, along with its close proximity to the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum, makes it an ideal spot for both leisure travelers and business conferences.
A few hundred miles to the south, Sharm El-Sheikh, the country’s leading beach resort, is also expanding its hotel offerings. Here the development focus is on 10 new properties that together will add 4,321 rooms to the existing supply. The new hotels will contribute to Sharm El-Sheikh’s reputation as a luxury resort and a world-class diving destination along the Red Sea. With the government upgrading roads, utilities, and recreational amenities, the resort is well-poised to meet the demands of both international vacationers and upscale Egyptian travelers.
Hotel Development Pipeline and Investment Opportunities
The latest Hotel Development Pipeline Report from W Hospitality Group shows that Egypt currently has 143 hotels and 33,926 rooms planned. That’s four times the size of Morocco’s pipeline, the next-largest country in Africa for hotel projects. This remarkable growth firmly puts Egypt in the spotlight as Africa’s top market for hotel development. It also highlights the government’s dedication to widening tourism offerings and welcoming more international travelers.
The pipeline features major international hotel groups, boutique options, and specialty resorts that focus on unique traveler segments. Together, these projects will create the range of rooms that visitors want, from opulent Red Sea resorts to sleek business hotels in Cairo. As Egypt’s hospitality market expands, investors have a timely chance to enter a country where tourism appeal is climbing steadily.
Focus on Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Tourism in Egypt
As more people want to travel, Egypt is stepping up to do it responsibly. The government and hotel businesses are working together to make trips eco-friendly and sustainable. New hotels are using smart green tech: buildings that use less energy, systems that save water, and ways to cut down on waste are all becoming standard. At the same time, Egypt is dedicated to guarding its natural treasures, from the colorful coral reefs of the Red Sea to the timeless landmarks along the Nile, by encouraging visitors to travel with care.
Caring for the environment is only part of the plan. Egypt is also committed to preserving its rich culture. The Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s ancient temples, and the Valley of the Kings still draw travelers from every corner of the world. To keep these wonders safe, the government is taking steps to manage how many visitors come, to improve the roads and facilities around the sites, and to launch educational programs that teach tourists why protecting Egypt’s heritage is so important. Visitors can enjoy the magic of Egypt while helping to keep it for future generations.
The Challenges of Climate Change and Tourism in Egypt
Egypt’s tourism continues to thrive, but climate change is raising serious red flags. We’re seeing higher average temperatures and an increasing chance of severe weather, like flash floods, especially in coastal spots. Iconic beach havens—think Sharm El-Sheikh—are on the front lines, facing the slow but steady creep of higher sea levels.
To tackle these threats, Egypt’s government is teaming up with global partners to build a climate-smart tourism sector. The plan centers on tougher roads and hotels that can weather storms, greener travel choices, and a serious commitment to protecting deserts, coral reefs, and lakes. The goal is clear: keep Egypt on every traveler’s bucket list while shielding its tourism crown jewels from a warming planet.
Conclusion: Bright Horizons for Egypt’s Hotel Scene
Egypt’s hotel market is on an impressive upswing thanks to solid government backing, smart economic reforms, and steadily rising visitor demand. With Cairo and Sharm El-Sheikh at the forefront of hotel expansion, Egypt is set to stay a key player on the global travel map. Growing room inventory, commitment to eco-friendly practices, and better infrastructure promise to keep Egypt a magnet for millions of international travelers.
As the hotel sector continues to thrive, the government is carefully balancing the good that tourism brings with the urgent need to protect the environment and the country’s ancient heritage. With steady funding and a clear drive for sustainability, Egypt’s hospitality picture is not just bright for now—it is built for the long haul, inviting smart investment and delivering unforgettable stays for guests.
Hotels & Accommodations
ITC Hotels Limited inks an agreement for its second Fortune hotel in Lucknow

Delhi, 6 August 2025: ITC Hotels Limited continues to expand its presence in North India with a new agreement for a hotel in Lucknow under its Fortune Hotels portfolio. With this signing, ITC Hotels Ltd. now has a presence of 7 properties in Uttar Pradesh, with six more hotels in the pipeline.
Situated on the Lucknow-Kanpur Road, the upcoming hotel will provide seamless access to both cities. It is being developed to meet the growing demand for premium accommodations in the region, fuelled by business travel, pilgrimage tourism, MICE, and destination weddings in the city.
Sharing insights on the signing, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “Lucknow is a city that beautifully blends tradition with modernity. Its infrastructural growth, flourishing corporate sector, and cultural richness make it a very significant market for Fortune Hotels. I am sure it will emerge as a big asset to the state, which is experiencing high growth in domestic tourism.”
Commenting on the signing, Indermohan Singh, Chairman – M/s CEM Hospitality, said, “From acquiring land for developing hotels and banquets to creating memorable hospitality facilities, we keep a keen eye on the region for such ventures. Fortune Select Lucknow is one of our very important projects. Lucknow’s growth as a potential business and cultural hub has inspired our investment decision. Collaborating with Fortune Hotels was a natural choice given the brand’s strong positioning, operational excellence, and deep understanding of Indian travellers.”
Fortune Select Lucknow will feature 93 modern well-appointed rooms and a variety of culinary experiences including a multi-cuisine restaurant, a rooftop outlet with panoramic views of the city, and a chic bar. An offering of multiple banquet spaces, rejuvenating wellness facilities include a swimming pool, gym, and a restful spa, making it a compelling destination for a spectrum of travellers and city residents alike.
Slated to open in 2026, the hotel promises to offer an elevated experience to its guests by way of thoughtfully designed stays, efficient service, and Fortune Hotels’ signature hospitality. In addition to the upcoming Fortune Select, Fortune Hotels currently operates Fortune Park BBD in Lucknow, located on Rana Pratap Marg. It also has an upcoming property in Ayodhya, along with operational hotels in Aligarh, Ghaziabad, and Noida.
About Fortune Park Hotels Ltd
Fortune Park Hotels Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Hotels Limited and is India’s leading chain of first-class, full-service business and leisure hotels, with 79 signed alliances an over 6000 rooms, across 65 cities including a resort in Nepal.
Fortune Hotels’ brand philosophy is driven by its objective to provide contemporary accommodation to business and leisure travellers through its wide range of accommodation in pertinent destinations, with emphasis on personalized service at great value. Convenient locations, excellence of cuisine, efficient service and competitive pricing have made the Fortune Hotels chain popular amongst discerning travellers. Fortune, a member of ITC Hotels’ Group has a number of clearly defined sub-brands bringing instant recall, so that guests can easily match their requirements with the chain’s offers. The sub-brands under which the hotels are being operated by the chain are Fortune Select, Fortune Park, Fortune Inn, and Fortune Resort.
For more information, visit: itchotels.com/fortunehotels
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