Holguín, Cuba | The City’s Science and Technology Park Has Launched a Project Transforms Plastic Waste into High - Quality Fuel

The Science and Technology Park of Holguín, a centre in eastern Cuba, known as the “City of Parks”, characterized by a meticulously designed, grid - based ciy centre, rich cultural history, a blend of colonial, eclectic, and neoclassical architecture, and offering stunning panoramic views from Loma de la Cruz, has launched the “Pyralis” project, an innovation that converts plastic waste into high - quality fuel to benefit essential services in the Cuban province,  according to Prensa Latina, the official state news agency, headquartered in Havana.

The project aims to tackle pollution while generating alternative energy and is carried out by specialist Alejandro Ortíz, uses a pyrolysis process (heating at high temperature in the complete absence or very limited presence of oxygen)  that breaks down materials like rylon bags, bottle caps and plastic lids, producing three main, usable by - products : combustible syngas, bio - oil (synthetic fuel) and solid biochar.

The treatment plant manages to obtain 100 litres of pyrolytic oils for every 100 kilograms of waste, destined for the production of gasoline and diesel.

The plant includes the installation of a community - based system collection for the purchase of waste, generating jobs, and contributing to better urban environmental management in Holguín.

As a social incentive, the neighbourhoods with the highest collection rates will receive resources for the beautification of facades and gardens, directly linking citizen participation with the improvement of the urban environment.

The project aims to expand this circular economy model throughout Cuba, for which it requires that integration of the business sector, and thus generate a sustainable solution that simultaneously addresses the management of plastic waste, fuel generation and community development.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/proyecto-pyralis-transforma-residuos-pl-sticos-en-combustible-en-cuba/

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Visit Rio Has Launched a Voluntary Contribution Fund to Promote the Destination

Visit Rio, a private, non - profit organization dedicated to boosting tourism snd stimulating the local economy of Rio de Janeiro acting as a marketing and consulting hub for the tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) segment, and leisure sectors in the Brazilian city, in partnership with “Bondinho do Pão de Açúcar”(the Sugarloaf® Mountain Cable Car) and AquaRio,  a public aquarium in the Gamboa neighbouthood, in the port zone of Rio de Janeiro, has launched a new financing model to strengthen the promotion of the city as a tourist destination.

From now on, tourists who visit these two attractions will be able to contribute with a voluntary donation of R$2 when  buying their ticket, an amount that will go to a fund for the development of tourism in Rio de Janeiro.

The proposal is to gradually extend the model to other attractions in the Brazilian city. It is expected that, in the first year alone, the measure will contribute to an increase of between 150% and 300% in the promotional activities of the Visit Rio brand.

Together, the Sugarloaf® Mountain Cable Car and AquaRio, receive approximately 3 million visitors a year and are the most visited sites in the city. Considering a scenario in which 60% of the public decides to contribute, the project launched by Visit Rio is expected to generate approximately R$ 3.6 million per year in this first phase.

The resources will be allocated to strategic marketing campaigns and actions to promote Rio de Janeiro as a tourist destination with the aim of attracting more visitors. The initiative seeks to increase the visibility of the city and consolidate its position as an attractive destination.

Rio de Janeiro experienced a record - breaking tourism year in 2025, welcoming over 2.19 million interational visitors. This figure represents a massive 43.7% increase from 2024 (1.5 million) and a 75% increase compared to 2019, cementing Rio as a top Brazilian destination, second only to São Paulo.

By moving forward with the consolidation of an autonomous fund, Rio de Janeiro is moving closer to the tourism management practices adopted in several international destinations, based on cooperation between the private sector, visitors and tourism promotion entities.

Unlike model based on mandatory fees, Visit Rio’s proposal is optional and based on spontaneous participation of visitors, inspired by experiences already implemented in Foz do Iguaçu, a famous city in the Beazilian state of Paraná, the main base for visiting famed Iguaçu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, which remains at the top of the ranking of Brazilian cities that receive the most international tourists.

Similar initiative are also seen in destinations such as Monteverde, Costa Rica, a world - renowned eco - tourism tourism destination located in the Cordillera de Tilarán, famous for its high - altitude cloud forests, immense biodiversity, and Quaker heritage, where visitors can contribute to tourism - related community funds.

A further destination linked to this topic is Queenstown, New Zealand,  a centre on the shores of the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu, set against the dramatic Southern Alps, renowned for adventure sports and a base for exploring the region’s vineyards and historic mining towns that is implementing a mechanism for visitors contribution to support management and promotion of the destination.

Generally these resources are managed by organizations known as ODMs (Destination Management Organizations), entities responsible for the strategic planning, development, and coordinating tourism promotion of a specific destination, such as a city, state, or country, equivalent to convention and visitors’ bureaus in Brazil. 

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/visit-rio-lanza-fondo-de-contribucion-voluntaria-para-promocion-del-destino/

Madrid, Spain | Committed to Redefine a more Profitable MICE Tourism with an International Strategy

Madrid, Spain’s capital and largest city is redefining its MICE (Meetings, Incentive, Conferences and Exhibition) tourism through a strategic focus on high - value, sustainable, international events, aiming to boost profitability.  

The city’s plan prioritizes attracting strategic industries like technology. and other sectors like healthcare while strengthening key markets like Europe, Latin America, and the United States through the Madrid Convention Bureau., redefining its tourism model in one of its most solid segments (MICE)  moving towards a strategy based on economic value, international projection and the generation of knowledge. 

This roadmap has been put on the table during the General Assembly of the Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB), where it has been confirmed that the objective for 2026 is not to grow more, but to grow better. 

MICE tourism in Madrid boosts spending and consolidates the city as a leading destination. Business travellers beahaviour in 2025 clearly reflects this transformation. The average daily expenditure reached €294, compared to €174 the previous year, while the total expenditure for trip stood at €929, marking a very sigmificant growth in the profitability of the destination.  

This notable impact translates into a key fact: the Spanish capital accounts for 22.9% of the total expenditure generated by MICE tourism in the country, confirming its role as the main economic engine at the national level.  

In addition, the international MICE tourism reinforce this positioning. Its expenditure far exceeds the national one, reaching figures of more than €2.000 per trip, with special prominence of the U.S. market, which continues to gain weight within the destination.

 At the same time, international recognition continues to accompany the growth. Madrid has been distinguished for seven consecutive years as the best congress tourism destination globally, consolidating its international reputation. 

More investment, new markets and a value - focused strategy are drivers to achieve outstanding goals. To reinforce this positioning, Madrd will increase its operating by 22.5%, a decision that will allow the city to intensify international promotion in strategic markets such as Europe, Latin America, and the United States

The strategy involves increasing the destination’s direct presence with actions in ley cities such as Chicago, London, Paris and Toronto, as well as strengthening contact with specialized agencies through initiatives such as Madrid Agency Forum, which for the first time will have two annual editions.  

Alongside these initiatives the real change is in the city’s approach. Madrid strongly focuses in recruitment towards events that provide continue value, reputation and development opportunities, reinforcing its links with strategic sectors and professional clusters. 

In this context, sustainability is also gaining prominence playing a crucial role. The new manual promoted by the Madrid Convention Bureau seeks to facilitate the adaptation of the sector to the requirements in terms of environmental measurement and reporting, integrating responsible practices in the operations of congress and events

Key components of Madrid’s MICE strategy include

•    Targeting Strategic Sectors: A shift toward specialized, high – impact events is Cybersecurity, Fintech, Big Data, Life Sciences to maximize economic impact. 
•    International Reach: Strengthening presence in key markets such as Europe, Latin America, and the United States, which are vital for attracting business travellers. 
•    Sustainability Commitment: Implementation of the MICE Sustainability Guide and the PLUS digital platform to measure and minimize the environmental impact of conferences. 
•    Public - Private Collaboration: Working with over 225 companies via the Madrid Convention Bureau (MCB) to improve infrastructure and promote the city as a leading destination. 
•    Regional Dispersion: Diversifying events beyond the city centre to locations like the Sierra de Gudarrama to ensure balanced economic benefits. 

The strategy includes developing unique, sustainable venues to attract premium international visitors looking for both quality and responsible tourism. 

Councillor for Tourism, Almudena Maillo said that MICE tourism is a strategic sector for Madrid due to the employment opportunities, the generation of well - being and the attraction of knowledge that it brings to the city. 

With this combination of investment, internationalisation and specialisation, Madrid not only seeks to remain at the top of the MICE segment, but also to consolidate a more competitive sustainable model aligned with the new demands of the global sector. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/madrid-apuesta-por-un-turismo-mice-mas-rentable-con-estrategia-internacional/

Minor Hotels | Signed Agreements for the Development of Two New Anantara Properties in India, Located in Coorg and Kolkata

Minor Hotels , an international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry founded in 1978 and based in Bangkok,Thailand, has signed agreements for the development of two new Anantara properties in India, Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort and Anantara Kolkata Hotel, marking its luxury Anantara Hotels & Resorts first resort and first urban hotel in the Asian country.

These signings expand Minor Hotels’ portfolio in India, following the introduction of the Anantara brand with Anantara Jerel Bagh Jaipur in 2025 and the signing of the first Avani - branded property, Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnan Resort, with the company progressing toward a target of 50 properties in India within the next decade.

Developments’ Features:

Anantara Zanti Coorg Resort – Located in Coorg, near Madikeri in the state of Karnataka in southern India, framed by the UNESCO recognized Western Ghats mountain range, Coorg is famous for its lush green landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls, aromatic coffee plantations, and a rich cultural heritage.

The property scheduled to open in 2028 is designed by Sri Lanka architect Chamma Daswatte and will draw on the region’s natural landscapes, coffee heritage, and Kodava culture, an indigenous, martial, and agriculture society characterized by a unique, nature - worshipping and patrilineal heritage, known for their distinct language, ancestral worship and, historically, hunting practices. 

Owned by Zanti Hospitality, a Bengaluru– based private limited company founded in 2017, involved in real estate and hospitality development, the 60 - key resort will include four dining venues, a swimming pool, a lobby lounge and library, Anantara Spa and wellness centre, a fitness studio, a kid’s club, as well as meeting and event spaces.

Anantara Kolkata Hotel: The hotel will be located in Kolkata (formerly Calcultta), the capital and largest city of the Indian state of West Bengala, situated on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, 80 km west of the border with Bangladesh, considered the primary financial and commercial centre of eastern and one of the gateways to northeastern India.

Kolkata is India’s cultural capital, renowned for its colonial architecture highlighted by the Victoria Memorial, vibrant art scene, and UNESCO - recognized Durga Puja Festival, a bustling metropolis known as the “City of Joy,” featuring deep literary roots, diverse street food and historic, progressive textiles.

The hotel will be part of the World Trade Center Kolkata in Salt Lake Sector, a joint venture between Aryal Realty and Merlin Group,  an under - construction building and   mixed - used development will consist of multiple towers close to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

The property designed to serve the city’s business, meeting, and event needs will feature 170 comfortable rooms, two restaurants, a lobby lounge, an Anantara Spa and wellness center, a gym, and flexible meeting and event spaces.

Both properties will join the Anantara brand that has more than 50 properties globally. The brand is known for its emphasis on authentic luxury through its three pillars : Indigenous, Expertise, and Authentic Luxury, characterized by a new, modern visual identity with an updated logo and tagline “Unforgettable Journeys” which reflects its global presence. 

Minor Hotels’ strategy in India includes developing both leisure destinations and key cities, with a focus on its luxury and premium brands such as Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection, as well as select - service brands including NH, Oaks, and iStay.

The company has also launched the Minor Reserve Collection and Colbert Collection to provide opportunities for independent hoteliers. The group expansion in India is primarily through hotel management agreements and franchise opportunities.

Links

https://media.minorhotels.com/en-GLO/264031-minor-hotels-signs-anantara-s-first-resort-and-urban-hotel-in-india/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140815.html

Nikki Beach Hospitality Group | Unveiled Plans to Open a New Resort on the Route de l’ Ourika, Morocco

Nikki Beach Hospitality Group, a company headquartered in Barcelona, Spain that epitomized barefoot luxury hospitality, curated  transformative lifestyle experiences through its collection of Nikki Beach properties including beach clubs, resorts, residences, dining concepts, and pop - ups has unveiled plans to open a new resort on the Route de l’’ Ourika, a 60 km scenic road running southeast from Marrakech to Setti Fattima, traversing the lush Ourika Valley in Morocco.

The route is characterized by traditional Berber villages, olive groves, and rising elevation toward the High Atlas mountains. The area is a hub for tourism, including waterfalls, a day trips, aloingside the presence of luxury villas and stylish guesthouses.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Marrakech scheduled to open in 2028 will be situated between Marrakech, the emblematic “Red City” , a vibrant centre highlighted by beautiful mosques, palaces gardens, a walled medieval city dating to the Berber Empire, a captivating medina densely packed, and bustling souks, and the Atlas Mountains, a massive 2.500km long mountain range extending across Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, separating the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert.

The project will include a luxury resort, branded residences, and a signature beach club in an area offering an authentic Moroccan experience.

The resort will feature more than 100 private suites, including a Celebration Suite as the top accommodation option.

The residential component will introduce more than 50 serviced villas, each with an outdoor pool. Jacuzzi, sunken gardens, and on - site parking. Residents will have full access to the hotel’s services and facilities.

Dining options will include an all - day dining restaurant, a signature restaurant, and several outdoor bars.

A wellness centre will include a health and beauty parlour, hammams, saunas, steam rooms, therapy rooms, a lap pool, and a juice bar.

The property will also offer an underground sports complex, with a gym, yoga studios, squash courts, a golf simulator, and a cinema.

Outdoor recreation at the Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Marrakech will include tennis and padel courts, as well as The Reef kid’s club.

The beach club at the resort will serve as the social heart of the property, featuring a main pool, floating platforms, sunken bars, a restaurant, a DJ booth, a stage area, and a boutique.

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Marrakech is part of the group’s pipeline, which also including upcoming projects in Antigua, Baku, Azerbaijan, Muscat, Oman, and Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

Link

 https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140817.html


Marriott International | Announced the Opening of a The Luxury Collection Hotel in Miami Florida, U.S.

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, has announced the opening of Brickell Arch, a luxury Hotel Collection, Miami, opened after a transformation and now operates as part of the exclusive Marriott Bonvoy’s The Luxury Collection.

The transformation was completed in collaboration with Gabellini Sheppard Associates, a New York - based architectural and design firm renowned for using space and light as sculptural materials to create minimalist, refined environments, which redesigned the hotel’s interiors. 

The hotel is located at 1395 Brickell Avenue in Miami’s Brickell neighbourhood, the city’s financial centre, where glittering business towers condos tower over Biscayne Bay offering an easy access to Brickell City Center, the Kasaya Center, downtown Miami, Miami International Airport, museums,  beaches, shopping venues, waterfront parks, and cultural institutions.

Brickell is known for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, a Miami’s areas that blends urban living with a neighbourly charm, offering everything from diverse dining options to scenic waterfront views, where rooftop bars and surf’n’turg grills cater to the banking and usiness crowd, highlighted by art galleries and fashionable boutiques attract chic locals and visitors.

The property provides 201 comfortable rooms and suites with views of the bay or city skyline. Accommodations include modern furnishing and amenities for both business and leisure travellers.

Public spaces feature curated artwork and materials referencing Miami’s artistic and architectural heritage.Dining options at the hotel include ADRIFT Mare by David Myers, a Mediterranean restaurant inspired by the Riviera Balearic Islands and Greek Isles.

The hotel also offers a sky lounge and rooftop pool terrace with city and bay views, as well as the Sky Bar, which serves cocktails and light fare.

Wellness facilities include Leaf Spa by K’ALMA, which offers treatments rooted in nature-inspired traditions, and a fitness center with advanced training equipment.

Brickell Arch, a luxury Hotel Collection, Miami also offers meeting and event spaces for business and social gatherings, including executive retreats, corporate functions, and private celebrations.

The hotel joins The Luxury Collection, a Marriott International brand comprising nearly 120 independent, high -  end hotels and resorts in over 35 countries. Known for featuring historic palaces, iconic, and culturally immersive properties, it offers authentic, tailored experiences in desirable global destinations.

Unlike standardized chains, these hotels are unique, often historic, and designed to reflect the local culture. The brand targets global explorers seeking experiential travel and “hidden gems” often with high - quality amenities like Frette linens and concierge services.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/miald-brickell-arch-a-luxury-collection-hotel-miami/overview/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article140892.html

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/

Holguín, Cuba | The City’s Science and Technology Park Has Launched a Project Transforms Plastic Waste into High - Quality Fuel

The Science and Technology Park of Holguín , a centre in eastern Cuba, known as the “City of Parks”, characterized by a meticulously desi...