Mazabi | Acquisition of a Luxury Hotel in San Sebastián, Spain

Mazabi, a Spanish asset management company specializing in long-term property management, particularly within the hotel sector headquartered in Madrid has just closed the acquisition of a luxury hotel in San Sebastián, famed resort city on the Bay of Biscay in Spain's mountainous Basque Country, known for Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta, stunning beaches framed by a stylish and elegant promenade, and worlds - renowned restaurants helmed by innovative chefs.

 With this incorporation the hospitality group reaches 17 hotel, tourism and corporate assets, with an estimated valuation of more than €400 million.

This acquisition in the Basque Country of this luxury hotel is part of Mazabi's strategy to create value in its portfolio or diversified assets and locations in strategic locations in the national territory.

 Once value was created and assets stabilized, during the course odf 2024 and 2025, the company proceeded to rotate hotels in Cadiz, Cordoba, Madrid and Castilla y León for approximately €60 million.

The Hotel Luze Boutique San Sebastián situated in Monte Igueldo, a quarter of San Sebastián located at the mountain range of the same name towering over the west side of the Bay of La Concha will be managed by Luze Hotels, a hotel chain with its central official located in Tudela, Navarra, Spain.

The property which has been completely refurbished, consists of two buildings with a total of 42 rooms, providing a restaurant operated by the renowned chef Iñigo Lavado, who has chosen this space to open his new gastronomic proposal : Itzuli.

Amenities include a wellness area with spa, an infinity pool, gym, private rooms, gardens of about 9.000 m2 and a large car park.

CEO of Mazabi, Juan Antonio Gutiérrez expressed his enthusiasm for this operation that allows the group to complete its portfolio with a luxury hotel located in a strategic area of northern Spain.

Link 
https://www.hosteltur.com/170223_mazabi-compra-un-hotel-de-lujo-en-san-sebastian.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Expanded its Inclusive Collection in the Caribbean with Secrets St. Lucia Resort & Spa Opening

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois aannounced the opening of Secrets St. Lucia Resorts & Spa, a new adults - only, all inclusive resort located on the northwestern coast of St.Lucia, an island country of the west Indies in the eastern Caribbean part of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, highlighted by stunning volcanic beaches, reef diving - sites, luxury resorts, suggestive fishing villages and with a pair of dramatically tapered mountains, the Pitons, on its west coast.

This opening marks the first property of the Secret Resorts & Spa brand on the island, following the earlier opening of Zoëtry Marigot Bay St. Lucia in 2022 and is part of Hyatt's strategy to expand its Inclusive Collection portfolio in the Caribbean, which includes openings in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic and Costa Mujeres, Mexico, and upcoming launches in Aruba and Secret Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa in 2025 in the Dominican Republic.

Secrets St. Lucia Resorts & Spa, offering an intimate, relaxing and romantic getaway is located at Choc Bay, Castries - Gros Islet Highway, in Choc Bay, a secluded little town on a pristine, palm – fringed beacharound 10 minutes by car from the bustling capital Castries, near key attractions such as Cap Estate Golf Course and Rodney Bay Marina,  4.8 kilometres from George F.L. Airport and 57.9 kilometres from Hewanorra International Airport.

The resort offers panoramic views of the island's natural landscape, including mountains, sunsets and volcanic beaches and it features 335 comfortable rooms boasting modern amenities, private balconies, 24 - hour room service, and a a daily refurbished mini - bar. 

The property offers swim - out suites and an elevated experience for Preferred Club guests, which includes premium room locations, personalized check - in and check - out, and access to exclusive areas like the Preferred Club lounge.

Dining options include five à la carte gourmet resuraurants, a buffet, a creperie,  atapas bar, a grill, and a café. 

Seven bars and lounges at the resort serve a range of domestic and international beverage and Preferred Club guests have exclusive access to an à la carte breakfast restaurant.

The property provides tennis and pickleball courts, beach volleyball, yoga, a jogging trail, and water sports such as windsurfing, sailing and kayaking.

The Secret Spa at the resort offers a variety of treatments, including body therapies, facials and massages and it features couple's and single treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, a salon, and an outdoor hydrotherapy circuit.

The resort also caters to events, offering 1.859 square feet of meeting space accommodating up to 140 guests making an ideal destinations for meetings, events and social gatherings.

Links 
https://newsroom.hyatt.com/2025-june-3-secretsstluciaresortandspa
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136753.html

Marriott International | New JW Marriott Resort & Spa Opened in Marathi, Crete, Greece

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company opened, JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa in Marathi, a beautiful, clean shore in Souda Bay, located 17 kilometres east of Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula, a popular destination because of its natural beauty and exotic atmosphere in Crete, the largest and most populous of the Greek islands located about 100 km south of the Peloponnese and approximately 300 km southwest of Anatolia.

This new opening marks the brand’s first establishment in Greece and is part of Marriott International's luxury portfolio, which includes more than 125 JW Marriott properties globally.

The new resort enters in JW Marriott, a luxury brand owned by Marriott International established in 1984, named in honour of J.W. Marriott the founder of Marriott International. The brand is known for its focus on providing high - end rest and relaxation, often incorporating wellness experiences and appealing to those seeking luxury getaways.

The resort encompasses over 100 acres along the Cretan coastline and features 160 comfortable guest accommodations, including rooms, suites and villas, many of them offering private pools and stunning views of the Aegen Sea.

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa's design aims to complement the natural landscape of Crete incorporating local materials such as marble and wood and featuring environmentally sustainable elements like geothermal and solar energy systems.

The property offers various amenities aimed at enhancing the guest experience, these include six dining venues that focus on local Mediterranean ingredients and flavours with a diverse and delicious culinary offering.

ANOEE is a restaurant focusing on traditional Cretan cuisine, Ønalos offers sea - to table dining and Cuccagna serves Italian dishes.

ANOSEAS Spa offers a blend of traditional Cretan and modern therapies, and multiple swimming pools. Amenities also include a fitness centre, a yoga deck, and Phestos Den, a dedicated area for children's activities.

JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa also emphasizes its commitment to sustainability and wellness with the JW Garden, which grows herbs and vegetables used throughout the property.
Links 

Links 
https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/chqmj-jw-marriott-crete-resort-and-spa/overview/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136869.html

Nicaragua | New Facilities to Attract Quality Foreign Investment

Nicaragua, is actively seeking quality foreign investments and has implemented new facilities to attract and protect investors, while also facing challenges related to governance and corruption.

The Government has enacted laws like the Foreign Investment Promotion Law to encourage investment, offering incentive such as the ability for foreign investors to own 100% of businesses, guarantee repatriation of capital and profits, and protection against expropriation, and the country also has free trade zones that encourage foreign direct investments.

On 3rd June 2025 the National Assembly of Nicaragua approved the regulations of Law No. 1240, Foreign Investment Law, with the aim of modernizing the legal framework to attract quality investment and promote the country's economic development.

With the implementation of this regulation, the Central American country seeks to strengthen its position as an attractive destination for foreign investment, promoting strategic sectors such as tourism, energy and agriculture.

This legislation establishes a comprehensive system for the promotion, facilitation and management of foreign investments, aligned with the National Plan to combat Poverty and human Development 2022 - 2026 and these are the focal points : 

Mandatory Registration of Investments 
It is established that all foreign investments must be registered with the Ministry of Development, Industry and Commerce, MIFIC, the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade through the Directorate of Investments, obtaining the Certificate of Single Registration of Foreign Investment, RUIE. This registration is essential top access the benefits established according to the corresponding economic activity.

National Foreign Investment Commission 
CNIE, the National Commission on Foreign Investment is created as the highest authority in this area, responsible for approving strategic investments, supervising the correct application of the regulatory framework and coordinating with other State entities the facilitation of procedures.It will be made up of the presidential advisor for investment, trade and international cooperation, who will coordinate it ; the president of the Central Bank ; the Minister of Mific and the Executive Director of the National Commission of Free Zones.

Tax Incentives and legal certainly
The law grant tax incentives to encourage, facilitate and promote foreign investments, in addition to providing legal certainly to investors, guaranteeing equal conditions and respect for the right to property.
Where to get more details

For more information and guidance on the registration process and the benefits available, investors can consult the official website of MIFIC, the Ministry of Development, Industry or contact the Investment Directorate directly.

Nicaragua with these new facilities reaffirms its commitment to a transparent, safe and attractive investment environment, consolidating its position as a preferred destination for foreign investment in the region.

Link 
https://www.intur.gob.ni/2025/06/04/nicaragua-con-nuevas-facilidades-para-inversion-extranjera/

Japan | Experiencing a Significant Surge in Tourism, Breaking Records with Impressive Visitor Numbers

Tourism in Japan is experiencing a significant surge, breaking records with impressive numbers. In April 2025 according to JNTO, the Japan Tourism Organization registered a record breaking 3.91 million international visitors, a 28.5% increase compared to the same month last year making a new all - time high in a single month.

This surge is part of a larger trend, with the first four months of 2025 seeing a 24.5% increase in foreign arrivals compared ti the same period in 2024.

JNTO indicates that arrivals from the United States of America to Japan have seen an even greater percentage increment, with a 43% increase in the number of North American visitors in April 2025 compared to April 2024, and that the total number of visitors from the U.S. from January to April 2025 has already exceeded one million.

The Japan Tourism Organization to capitalize on these visitor numbers is actively working to encourage visitors to the country to explore beyond major cities and highlight lesser - known regions and their unique offerings.

Since its opening on 13th April 2025, EXPO 2025 in Osaka has attracted nearly five million visitors eager to experience innovative technologies and absorb cultural richness from around the world through the 158 countries that showcase their cultures in various pavilions and EXPO 2025 continues until 13th October 2025 calling many other visitors.

Tourism is a major contributor to Japan's economy, with inbound tourist spending ranking as the second - largest export field and this boom is having a positive impact on the Japanese economy, with a significant increase in tourism revenue and employment in the sector.

Link 

https://www.publituris.pt/2025/06/12/turismo-no-japao-continua-a-bater-recordes

Morocco | To Standardize Classification System for Tourist Accommodation Establishments

Morocco, through its Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and Solidarity Economy has announced to standardize the classification system for tourist accommodation establishments.

From  now, on hotels, guesthouses, tourist residences, riads, kasbahs and other lodging options in the North African country will evaluated according to a unified grid, consistent with international standards implementing the universal star rating system.

This comprehensive system aims to provide travellers with better visibility of offers, while stimulating healthy competition between operators in the sector.

With these new measures, Morocco aims to build a modern, sustainable and competitive sector, meeting the travel expectations or today and tomorrow.

According to the Moroccan press, which cites the document now approved, the quality of service has become a central criterion in the classification process.

 "Mystery visits", conducted by expert auditors, a programme aiming to evaluate service quality and prepare reports that could lead to changes in the current hotel classifications will be organized to evaluate the customer experience based on almost 800 criteria.

It is worth mentioning that this classification will no longer be permanent : it must be renewed every seven years for new establishments and every five years for existing establishments.

In addition the launch of RIA, the Back - to - Back Real Estate Residences concept marks the debut, designed for five - star hotel and luxury properties.

This model allows the sale of private villas, the management of which will be entrusted to the hotels,   a new experience that combines exclusive ownership and high - quality hotel services.

Tourism professionals will have 24 months to adapt to the new requirements. This adaption period will allow them to modernize their infrastructure, train their teams and prepare for the next assessments.

 Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/06/11/marrocos-uniformiza-sistema-de-classificacao-dos-estabelecimentos-de-alojamento-turistico

Brazil | Prepared To Establish a Tourist Defense Code

Brazil, the largest and most populous nation in South and Latin America is prepared to establish a Tourist Defense Code, aiming to protect tourists and enhance their experience within the country.

This code is expected to address various aspects of tourism, including consumer rights, safety and quality service and its development is a proactive measure by the Brazilian government to solidify the country's position as a welcoming and safe destination for tourists.

By establishing clear guidelines and regulations, the code intends to ensure the tourists are treated fairly and have access to reliable services, while also addressing potential issues like fraud, scams, or unsafe conditions.

The tourism Commission of the Chamber of Deputies approved Bill 20/25 that establishes the Brazilian Code for the Defense of Tourists. The project will also be analyzed in the Finance and Taxation committees ; and Constitutions and Justice and Citizenship, will then go to the Plenary and, until it enters into force, the proposal also needs to be approved by the Senate.

The goal is to establish clear rules to protect all those who travel through the country. The text also creates the Emergency Tourist Assistance Policy, which measures for situations such as floods or epidemics, according to news published on the website of the Chamber of Deputies of Brazil.

The proposal defines the basic rights for travellers and creates rules that companies in the tourism sector must follow to avoid abuses and ensure adequate service and it alsdo provides for administrative and criminal sanctions for non - compliance with the code.

The approved text also makes it clear that the same penalties provided for in the Consumer Protection Code will be applied to those who do not comply with the law.

Among the rights of tourists in Brazil provided for in the project are: correct, clear, precise, osternsive information in Portuguese, Spanish and English about the tourist service offered or contracted, as well as the proper execution of the tourist service, under the conditions contracted or announced, including assistance in emergency situations.

Regarding the Assistance Policy for Tourists in Emergency Situations, the project provides for a series of mesures to protect tourists.

The text provides for the management of the crisis by public agencies, the formulation of contingency plans and communication with diplomatic missions, in the case of international tourists.

Among the duties of tourism service providers, such as hotels and tourism agencies in emergency situations are : 

·       To offer information on safety and health services.

·       Not charge more than the average daily rate for the extra stay imposed by the emergency situation.

·       Not to charge a cancellation fee if the tourist can not reach the place of accommodation because orf the crisis, the note from the institution also indicate.

Overall, the Tourism Defense Code is a positive step towards strengthening Brazil's tourism industry and ensuring a positive experience for all visitors.

Link

https://www.publituris.pt/2025/06/09/brasil-prepara-se-para-criar-do-codigo-de-defesa-do-turista