Mexico | Strengthening Cooperation in Smart Economy and Technology with China

Mexico is strengthening cooperation with China, making progress in enhancing their bilateral relationship through the smart economy, a model that integrates technology, innovation and digitilazion as engines of development, according to Canal 6Tv, television channel based in Ixtapaluca, that covers the most important events in the eastern part of the country. 

The two countries are deepening collaboration in smart economy, technological advancement, and green development, pivoting from traditional trade to high - tech manufacturing, specifically in electric vehicles, lithium, and digital infrastructure among others. 

Key partnerships focus on integrating Chinese manufacturing technology with Mexico’s industrial footprint for regional supply chains, with major investments from firms like BYD and LGMG. 

This was highlighted during the event “Opportunities for the Development of the Smart Economy between China and Mexico”, organized by Xinhua New Agency in Mexico City.  

China’s ambassador to Mexico, Chen Daojang, pointed out that his country promotes high - quality growth with emphasis on the digital economy and new productive forces,  mentioning areas such as industrial automation, intelligent public management and technological innovation.  

The official said that China is an active explorer of innovative practices in the smart economy at the global level, while Mexico is a relevant driver of the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Latin America. 

The Chinese diplomat also raised the need to create joint laboratories, strengthen supply chains and link universities with companies.  

The seminar made it clear that the smart economy is not only a technological issue, but also a political and social one, and that the bilateral relationship is still in the consolidation phase. 

In 2013 Mexico and China agreed to raise their bilateral ties to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership, responding to a series of pending priorities in multiple sectors.

Key Areas of Cooperation: 

•    EVs and Technology: China aims to establish in Mexico a manufacturing hub for North America, with major EV makers like BYD and suppliers investing in local production. 
•    Green Infrastructure: Collaboration in expanding into solar energy, battery storage , and smart grid technology. 
•    Digital Economy: Both nations are developing a, “low – carbon industrial ecosystem” focused on AI – driven manufacturing and sustainable production. 
•    Strategic Alignment: Cooperation is solidified through a Joint Working Group on Investment Cooperation, focusing on digital and green sectors. 
Drivers for Collaboration: 
•    Investment and Markets: Mexico offers a strategic location for Chinese companies seeking to serve the North American market under USMCA rules, while China brings industrial capacity and capital. 
•    Technology Sharing: The focus is on transferring manufacturing expertise to improve Mexico’s industrial capabilities, including investments in, “strategic industrial sectors,”such as robotics and logistics technology. 
•    Supply Chain Resilience: Both nations are enhancing cooperation in financial services and advanced manufacturing to ensure stable logistics and industrial, “smart solutions. 

The partnership between the two countries is evolving, with an increasing focus on developing a comprehensive, “digital economy and green, “low carbon” foundation to support future bilateral growth. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/m-xico-y-china-fortalecen-cooperaci-n-en-econom-a-inteligente-y-tecnolog-a/

Zambia | Targeting 3 Million Arrivals this Year and $1 Billion Annual Industry by 2031

Zambia’s tourism sector is experiencing strong recovery and growth, with international arrivals surging from 1.3 million in 2023 to 2.3 million recorded in 2025, driven by natural attractions like Victoria Falls, national parks and diversifying its offer into less - explored areas and following this brilliant trajectory the country is targeting between  2.5 and 3 million arrivals in 2026.

The Zambian Government positions tourism as a central pillar economy diversification. The country is diversifying its tourism sector to reduce reliance on mining and Victoria Falls with initiatives focus on promoting waterfalls and wildlife in the northern region with the “Northern Circuit” highlighting the beauty of Kasanka National Park, eco - tourism, cultural experiences, and boosting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment in cities like Lusaka.

Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba made the announcement at the official media launch for the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) 2026, stating that the tourism sector carries ambitions to reach a $1 billion annual industry by 2031.

To support this growth, the government has increased the tourism budget to K1.5 billion this year, earnmarked for infrastructure development, wildlife management, marketing, and job creation.

 ZATEX 2026, held June 4th - 6th, 2026 at the Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka under the theme “Building Authentic and Sustainable Tourism Through Partnership” aims to connect global travel trade professionals with Zambia’s tourism sector and is expected to host 150 exhibitors, including 24 small and medium enterprises, and 40 international buyers, fostering networking, B2B meetings,  and investment opportunities to achieve 3 million tourist arrivals.

Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Tourism Agency, Abigail Shansonga, highlighted the expo’s role in facilitating structured business - to - business engagements and expanding market access for local tourism companies.

South African Airways Country Director Mildred Chalikulima also underscored the importance of regional collaboration, noting that joint marketing and cross - border tourism initiatives remain key to enhancing Africa’s global competitiveness.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/zambia-sets-sights-on-3-million-arrivals-and-1-billion-tourism-industry-by-2031.html

Italy | Implemented a Strict Regulation for Travel & Tourism Reviews on Social Media

Italy has just established and published a law that the Senate approved on March 4, 2026, implementing strict regulations to tackle fake travel & tourim reviews on social media, booking platforms regardiing hotels and restaurants and other related services, banning anonymity and requiring proof of visit (invoices or confirmations) to prove users visited the establishments to ensure authenticity.  

The law establishes the requirements for reviews on the networks, although the field of publications on foreign pages over which the legislation has no scope is always blurred. 

The penalties for breaking the law can reach €20 million or 4% of the company’s turnover, probably referring to large multinationals in the sector. 

The new rule sets some quite reasonable criteria, for example the review must necessarily be published within 30 days of using the service or product. 

The review says the law, must have written by the person who used the service, who must accurately describe the experience and accompany the comment with the corresponding tax documentation. In this case, when submitting the invoices, the user will not need an identity document. 

Platforms that publish reviews must respond to the requests of the reviewed only when the comments do not comply with the established requirements. Although the possibility of banning comments of a hostile tone had initially been contemplated, this has been ruled out in the final version of the regulation. 

Key features of the Regulation: 

•    Mandatory Identification: The use of anonymous profiles to leave reviews in the hospitality and tourism industry is prohibited. 
•    Proof of Consumption: Users must proe that they actually visited the establishment, for example, theough an invoice or booking conformation. 
•    Fight against misinformation: The law seeks to balance the rights of consumers with the protection of the reputation of tourism businesses. 
•    Publication Deadlines: It has been proposed that reviews should be published within a maximum period of 15 days after the experience. 
•    Serious Penalties: Fines can reach up to €20 million or 4% of the annual turnover of the platform company. 

In essence this pioneering measure seeks to eradicate online reputation manipulation in the hospitality, and tourism & travel sectors. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/italia-regula-las-resenas-de-viajes-en-las-redes/

Kazakhstan | Planning to Build Four New Airports to Boost its Airspace, Transit Capacity and Regional Tourism

Kazakhstan is planning to build four new airports and execute 11 major aviations infrastructure projects by 2028, including two runways and the modernization of existing infrastructure, aiming to boost its airspace, transit capacity, regional tourism and cargo transit.  

Kazakhstan's  Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting to discuss the country’s transit and transport potential with the launch of new air hubs, and stressed the importance of modernizing infrastructure, implementing digital solutions and increasing the sector’s participation in the national economy.  

These new airports are planned for resort areas including Katon - Karaga, Zaisan, and Kenderli. These projects, alongside two new runways and modernizatino in five cities follow a record established in 2025 when Kazakh civil aviation carried 20.8 million passengers. 

As further development, according to Kazinform, news agency, the network of international routes is planned to be expanded to 135 routes in 30 countries with the aim to place the country as a leading destination in the regional tourism landscape. 

According to the Ministry of Trnasport, the gross production of the transport and storage sector reached 12.2 trillion tenge (approximately $24.400 million) at the end of last year, with a growth of 12.8% in Q1 2025 and it was also reported that last year four road projects totalling 2.000 kilometres were completed.  

In addition, it was reported that it has been possible to reduce the price of domestic aviation fuel to about $800 per ton, which has attracted new international airlines. 

Key Details of Kazakhstan ‘s Airport Expansion: 

•    New Airports: Construction is underway or planned for resorts and key regional areas: Katon - Karagai, Zaisan, Kendirli, and potentially Karaly/ Ulyatu. 
•    Infrastructure Upgrades: Besides four new airports, the projects include building two new runways in Astana and Shymkent, and modernizing airports in five cities. 
•    Capacity Goal: The expansion aim to boost connectivity to tourist destinations, support regional economic, and increase the country’s cargo potential. 
•    Existing Growth: In 2024 - 2025, new terminals were commissioned in Almaty, Shynkent, and Kyzylorda, significantly expanding capacity (for example Almaty rose from 2.5 million to 14 million passengers). 
•    International Reach: By 2026, the international route network is expected to expand to 135 destinations in 30 countries. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/kazajist-n-construir-cuatro-nuevos-aeropuertos-para-impulsar-su-espacio-a-reo/

Ethiopia | Launched a 10 - Year Golden Visa to Attract Foreign Investors

Ethiopia has launched a 10 – year residency permit Golden Visa program to attract foreign investors, offering long - term residency to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) and promote economic growth.

 Announced on 29 March 2026, the Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) introduced this initiative as part of broader efforts to modernize immigration and attract capital into key sectors like agriculture, energy, manufacturing, technology and also tourism where the Golden Visa encourages investment in eco - luxury resorts, wildlife tourism, and cultural preservation, which will help the country establish itself as a leading destination for responsible tourism. 

 The standardised elecrtronic permit is designed to provide long - term stability for high - impact investors, allowing them to reside and operate in the African country with reduced bureaucratic hurdles. 

A separate five - year property visa will also be introduced for individuals and families acquiring immovable property in Ethiopia, coinciding with the country’s opening of its real estate sector to foreign nationals.  

Key Details of the Ethiopia Golden Visa: 

•    Duration: 10 years of residency. 
•    Cost: Approximately $10.000, making it one of the most effective investor residency program globally. 
•    Eligibility: Target foreign investors who make significant economic contributions. 
•    Sector Focus: Priority is given to investments in manufacturing, agriculture, energy, technology and tourism.
•    Benefits: Allows holders to reside in Ethiopia for a decade and engage in business. 
•    Real Estate Option: A five - year real estate visa is also being introduced, according to some reports. 
•    Citizenship: The visa does not automatically grant citizenship, which remains a separate legal process.
•    Renewal: Renewal options are available after the 10 – year period.

This move is considered a significant effort by Ethiopia  to strengthen its competitiveness in attracting high - quality, long - term capital within Africa.  

The initiative form part of the government broaqder economic reform agenda. Immigration and Citizenship Service Deputy Director - General Gosda Demissie stated that the Golden Visa will streamline entry and exit procedures, cut processing times, and eliminate repetitive administrative steps, including faster presenting at Addis Abeba’s Bole International Airport.  

Alongside the new visa scheme, the Immigration and Citizenship Service has rolled out a range of modernised services, including digital payment systems, enhanced visa - on arrival options, and improved passport distribution to clear existing backlogs. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-introduces-10-year-golden-visa-to-attract-foreign-investors.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Developing a New 100 - Key Holiday Inn Hotel in Panaji, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, has signed a management agreement with NCPL, a hospitality group based in Cochin, Kerala to develop a new 101 - key Holiday Inn hotel in Panaji, the state capital of Goa in southwest India.

Panaji is a vibrant city, located on the banks of the Mandovi River, characterized by its Indo - Portuguese heritage, featuring a unique blend of colonial architecture, colourful Latin quarters, cobblestone streets and avenues lined with elegant villas, gulmohar,. acacia and other trees, concrete buildings with balconies and red - filled roofs, bustling markets, terraced hills, and floating casinos.

The city is  highlighted by its palm - fringed Miramar Beach sits at the confluence of the river and the Arabian Gulf, offering a relaxed alternative to Goa’s beach hubs, historic attractions like the Baroque Our Lady of the Inmaculate Church built in the 16^th - entury located overlooking the main square known as Praça da Igreja, and a rich arts scene.

The development of Holiday Inn Goa Kadamba, scheduled to open in Q1 2030, will expand IHG Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio in India and will be located in Kadamba area, a strategic location connecting to the city centre, also home to new developments, near several landmarks, including the Fontainhas Latin Quarter, Mandovi River Promenade, Dona Paula, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site,  Churches and Convernt of Goa.

The property will feature 100 comfortable rooms, five food and beverage outlets, including an all - day diming restaurant, a specialty restaurant, a bar, a lobby lounge, a pool bar, a swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, three meeting event spaces, including a ballroom, and parking facilities.

The hotel will join he Holiday Inn brand, a globally recognized, mid - priced hotel brand, known for providing comfortable, convenient , and family - friendly stays for leisure and business travellers, with variations like Holiday Inn Express focusing on essential and limited services, and Holiday Inn Resorts offering more vacation amenities.

The future opening of Holiday Inn Goa Kadamba is part of  IHG Hotels & Resorts broader strategy of expansion in South Asia in key locations as Goa, a prominent tourist destiantion in India, supported by infrastructure including two operational airports. The state attracts domestic and international visitors, with demand driven by its beaches, heritage areas, and lifestyle offerings.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates over 50 hotels across six brands in India, including Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Resort, Holiday Inn Express, InteContinental, Six Senses, and voco Hotels, with  a pipeline o 89 hotels expected to open in the next three to five years.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-signs-holiday-inn-goa-kadamba-strengthening-presence-in-one-of-indias-leading-leisure-destinations

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140876.html

 

Langham Hospitality Group | Set to Expand its Presence in East Asia, with the Launch of a New Hotel in Ningbo, China

Langham Hotels International Limited, trading as Langham Hospitality Group, a hotel operator with its headquarters in Hong Kong, is set to expand its presence in East Asia, with the launch of a new hotel in Ningbo a major city in east China’s Zhejiang province, south of Shanghai on Hangzhou Bay.

Ningbo is renowned as a premier global trade hub, home to the world’s busiest port, Ningbo Zhoushan, by cargo tonnage Ningbo is a bustling industrial city in the Yangtze Delta featuring a 7.000 - year history, highlighted by cultural sites like the Tianyi Pavillion and scenic spots like Dongqian Lake.

The hospitality company has entered into a management contract for The Langham, Ningbo, a new hotel, marking its continued expansion in the Asian market.

The hotel being developed by Ningbo Haixin Holding Group will be the third property managed by Langham Hospitality Group in the city, joining Cordis, Dongqian Lake, and Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza.

The property is situated in the Xiushui Street area of Ningbo’s Haishu District noted for its traditional architecture, an urban area with over 1 million residents, featuring key landmarks like the 1.200 - year - old Drum Tower, blending modern commerce, luxury hotels and trasitional Jiangnan water town scenery, providing access to cultural sites such as Tianyi Pavillion and the Ningbo Confucian  Temple.

The Langham, Ningbo will comprise several period buildings, restored and integrated into the hotel’s site, combining traditional Ningbo architecture with modern design elements.

The hotel will feature 75 comfortable rooms and suites, a destination bar, health, fitness facilities and the first T’ang Court Restaurant in Zhejiang Province, a three - Michelin - starred Cantonese restaurant.

No opening date or additional operational details were provided.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140669.html