Maun, Botswana | Launched “#KeepMaunClean”, a Campaign to Improve its Urban Environment and Boost Tourism Appeal

Maun, a town on the Thamalakane River in northern Botswana, considered the tourism capital of the country and the administrative centre of Ngamiland district, the jumping - off point for the vast inland Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush wildlife habitat during the seasonal floods has stepped up efforts to improve its urban environment as the North West District Council has launched #KeepMaunClean campaign.

The initiative aims to enhance the town tourism appeal by improving environmental cleanliness and sanitation, boosting tourism, protecting the ecosystem near the Okavango Delta, and encourage community responsibility for a cleaner, more attractive destination for visitors and locals alike.

Community members, local leaders and volunteers started to clear litter across selected areas, with the drive positioned to strengthen the town’s image and reputation a tourist destination, support local businesses and build civic pride. 

The initiative aligns with a presidential directive designating the second Saturday of every month as a national clean - up day.

Speakers including Kgosi Oleyo Ledimo, Deputy District Commissioner Ramogapi Gaborekwe and Council Chair Itumeleng Kelebetseng urged residents to treat cleanliness as an everyday responsibility, starting at household level and extending to workplaces and public spaces.

Residents expressed optimism that sustained participation will deliver visible results and set an example for other towns, linking environmental stewardship to public health, tourism growth and community pride.

In essence #KeepMaunClean aims to ensure Maun remains a top - tier eco - tourism destination by maintaining a pristine environment. This initiative is a critical, community - driven effort, ensuring that Maun’s environmental health matches its reputation as a leading destination and a world - renowned safari hub.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/maun-launches-keepmaunclean-to-boost-tourism-appeal.html

Tulum, Mexico | The Ministry of Tourism Announced New Public Accesses to the Resort Town’s Beaches

Tulum, a popular resort town on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’ s Yucatán Peninsula, famous for its stunning white - sand beaches, tuequoise waters, eco - chic vibe, and the well - preserved iconic clifftop Mayan ruins overlooking the sea, will have new accesses to its beaches as announced by the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur). 

This initiative as part of the strategy “Tulum Reborn” enhances public access to Tulum’s coastline by establishing new access points to beaches, emphasizing that beach access is a right rather than a privilege. 

In addition, this move includes improved access through the Parque Nacional del Jaguar, a national park and conservation area of almost 2.913 hectares inaugurated in December 2024 to protect local ecosystem, a space with first - class infrastructure that combines conservation, recreation and tourism,  and two new points in the hotel zone, aiming to promote tourism and improve public, non - restricted access. 

Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism (Sectur), Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, announced the upcoming inauguration of these new access points, as part of a comprehensive strategy to guarantee the right to free enjoyment of the beaches and diversify the destination’s tourism offer, thus reducing the effects of seasonality. 

The Secretary of Sectur stressed that the opening of beaches has been a priority within the tourism development plan for the Mexixan Caribbean and pointing out that Tulum currently has other seven new public accesses, alongside these 4 new accesses, all located within the Parque Nacional del Jaguar.

The official stressed that these accesses are accompanied by adequate signage and spaces such as the sport corridor, which allows both tourists and residents to enjoy free recreational activities and proximity to the sea. 

The Secretary of Tourism also reported a permanent dialogue is maintained with hoteliers to continue enabling public accesses in the hotel strip, in accordance with federal decrees that establish the passage of easements when there are not enough public accesses. 

In addition the head of Sectur recalled that Mexico began in Tulum the first national registry of public access to the beach, reaffirming that access to the coast is a right for everyone highlighting that beaches are not a privilege, they are a right.

Key details regarding the new, free public access points include: 

•    Parque Nacional del Jaguar (Jaguar National Park): Three official access points such as North/CATVI, Traditional/Central, and South allow free access to beaches including El Mangle, Maya, Santa Fe, and Pescadores, with the park opened 365 days a year. 
•    Hotel Zone: Two new, dedicated public beach accesses have been added in the hotel zone at Playa Conchitas and Playa El Pueblo, located around kilometre 4.5 – 5.5 of the Tulum – Boca Paila road. 
•    Purpose: This initiative, part of the “Tulum Reborn “strategy, seek to combat restricted access, allowing locals and visitors free entry to the beaches without requiring purchases at beach clubs. 

These efforts are part of a broader, coordinated strategy to improve infrastructure and provide more options for visiting the Caribbean coast in Tulum.

Link 
https://www.reportur.com/agencias/2026/01/29/tulum-sectur-anuncia-4-nuevos-accesos-publicos-a-las-playas/
 

Saqqara, Egypt | A Research Group Discovered Archaeological Structures Linked to the Ancient Architectural Design of Pharaonic Tombs

A research group from the Department of Geophysics of the Faculty of Science of Cairo University discovered archaeological structures and sites buried in the area of Sakkara, an Egyptian village located 40 kilometres southwest of Cairo in the markaz of Badrashin within the Giza Governorate, a site known to contain ancient burial grounds of Egyptian that served as the necropolis for the iconic Memphis, legendary first capital of unified Ancient Egypt, founded around 3100 BC by King Menes, located near modern - day Mit Rahina, 20 kilometres south of Cairo.

As reported by the Middle East News Agency (MENA), the official state news agency of Egypt based in Cairo, the finding was made within the framework of the master’s thesis of researcher Ahmed Alkhatib and was highlighted in a prestigious scientific journal. 

During the exploration using modern geophysics techniques, such as a ground - penetrating radar, electrical resistivity tomography, and seismic refraction, the researchers identified layers of surface sand and physical anomalies within the limestone rock, which suggest the possible existence of man - made cavities.

Continuing the research the team detected a chamber at the depth of 2 metres, a large hall up to 6 metres in dimension between 1.5 and 2 metres deep, and a chamber connected to a vertical corridor that reflects the ancient architectural design of pharaonic tombs.

This discovery is part of the university’s efforts to apply advanced technology in the protection of human heritage, consolidating Cairo University’s leadership in scientific research and innovation. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/grupo-de-investigaci-n-egipcio-descubre-estructuras-y-sitios-arqueol-gicos-en-la-hist-rica-zona-de-s/

Amsterdam, the Netherlands | Officially Decided to Ban Travel Advertising in the City’s Public Spaces

Amsterdam, vibrant capital of the Netherlands, has officially decided to ban advertisement for fossil fuels, high – carbon travel (flights and cruises) travel advertisements and meat products in the city’s public spaces, following similar initiatives in The Hague and other Dutch municipalities. 

The measure was approved by the Amsterdam city council on January, 22, 2026 , a new ordinance, which will come into force from May, 1, 2026, with which is explicitly prohibits outdoor advertising in metro, train stations, canopies, posters of cruise or plane travel for promoting the use of fossil fuels, making it the first capital city in the world to implement such a ban. 

Key details of the ban include: 

•    Effective Date: The ban is set to take effect on May 1, 2026. 
•    Scope: The ban covers billboards, bus shelters, and digital screens in public spaces, including buses, metro stations, and trams. It applies to advertisements for air travel, cruises, petrol/diesel vehicles, and meat products. 
•    Context: The move follows a landmark 2025 court ruling in The Hague, which determined that municipalities have the right to prioritize public health and climate goals over commercial advertising freedom. 
•    Implementation: While passed by the council, there is some pushback regarding the timeline, with calls for a “reasonable transition period” rather than a strict May 1, 2026 start. 
•    Broader Trends: Amsterdam joins other cities like Delft, Haarlem, The Hague, and Utrecht in enacting such restrictions, which are designed to combat climate change. 

The initiative is part of a broader push to reduce the influence of advertising that promotes high - carbon lifestyle. 

Councillor Jenneke van Pijpen, representing Groenlinks, a green and social democratic political party in the Netherlands and one of the promoters of the regulation, stated that in Amsterdam there is no room for advertising for the big companies that fuel the climate crisis. You cannot say that you take climate policy seriously and continue to allow this type of announcement. 

Alongside Amsterdam, other cities in the Netherlands, such as Delft, Nijmegen, and Utrecht are also working on similar restrictions that threaten not only Dutch tourism companies, but also Spanish tourist destinations that want to carry advertising campaigns in this important source market, the sixth in importance with 4.99 million tourists in 2025.

The proliferation of these bans in these cities are also preparing similar regulations, has gained strength after the ruling in favour of The Hague City Council in the litigation initiated by the country’s main tourism association and the most important tour operators.  

In April 2025, the judge dismissed arguments by the Dutch Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators (ANVR), TUI, and Prijsvrij Vakanties & D - reizen, which argued that the ban violated the right to freedom of expression and entrepreneurship. 

President of the ANVR, Arjan Kers, believes that the ruling has given wings to other municipalities to apply similar measures and reveals to Tourismnews that the association is studying whether to appeal it and raise it to a higher court, for which the calls for the union of the tourism sector. 

ANVR President commented that the employers’s association is evaluating the new steps with the advice of legal services and it is a rather complicated political decision that the Association is going to face and fight. 

The President of the Netherlands Travel Trade Association is concerned about the escalation of bans, calling these decisions “the beginning of the end”, asking what would be next such as ban advertising on radio, TV or in the windows of travel agencies, and he also warns that this is not something that affects Dutch companies exclusively,  but has a more global impact, highlighting that these decisions damage the business and the destinations with whom ANVR collaborates on campaigns in the home market. 

Link 

https://infoturlatam.com/amsterdam-sigue-el-ejemplo-de-la-haya-y-prohibe-la-publicidad-de-viajes/

Budapest, Hungary | Travel+ - International Tourism Exhibition - From 19th to 22 February 2026

Budapest, Hungary’s capital and largest city will host from 19 to 22 February 2026 the Travel+ Fair, an annual event that since its inception in 1978, has become a highlight for tourism enthusiasts and professionals alike, consolidating itself as Hungary’s number one tourism fair and one of the most relevant tourism & travel exhibitions in Central Europe,  evolving into one of the most important platforms for the exchange and presentation of new developments in tourism.

The event with its long history and continuous adaptation to the changing needs of the tourism industry has established itself as an essential part of the international fair calendar, attracting a wide audience from around the world year after year.

The fair organized by the renowned Hungexpo Ltd will be held at impressive HUNGEXPO Budapest Congress and Exhibition Center located at Albertirsai út 10, with the participation of numerous exhibitors offering a wide range of products and services, from holiday package, package tours, sightseeing tours to cultural tourism with a special emphasis on museums, concerts, as well as historical castles and fortresses.

For professionals, the fair provides an unparalleled opportunity for knowledge transfer, networking, and international business contacts, as direct exchange with industry experts, while for the public, a unique chance to take inspiration for their next vacation.

Another highlight of the fair is centred on other segments such as gastronomy and wine tourism, health and wellness tourism, ecotourism, pilgrimages, as well as special offers for seniors, people with disabilities, honeymoons, exotic trips, incentive travel, and personalized and creative journeys, including special offers for photographers. 

Cruise and sailing options, ski vacations, offers for sports competitions, and LGBTQ - specific offerings are also protagonists.

Additionally the Travel+ Fair is also a great showcase for active and sports tourism, including, extreme sports tourism, mountaineering, water sports, diving, fishing, horse riding, golf, cycling, motorcycle tours, camping and caravanning.

Of particular note are also the parallel events that take place alongside the Travel+Fair, allowing visitors to gain insights into similar industry topics and trends. These synergies enhance the value of the fair as a place of learning, inspiration, and international networking.

In essence, the Travel+ serves not only as an important exhibition dedicated to the tourism & travel sector but also as an important industry meeting point, enabling discussion of current challenge, finding solutions, and learning about the latest developments in the tourism sector.

Links

https://utazas.hungexpo.hu/en

https://www.tradefairdates.com/Travel-M4785/Budapest.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed a Management Agreement to Open a New voco Hotel in Lucknow, India

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK has signed a management agreement to open a new voco hotel in Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India, a city known for its architectural splendou and cultural diversity, under the Nawabs of Awadh, especially the visionary of Asaf - ud - Daula,  and the magnificent monuments of Lucknow showcase a fusion of British, Mugal, and Persian influences.

The city, capital of India’s most populous state, is a rapidly expanding economy and a significant hub for business, government, education, and cultural tourism, attracting a consistent stream of domestic and international travellers.

For the future opening of voco Lucknown, IHG Hotels & Resorts signed an agreement with Rajdeep Infra & Sales Pvt Ltd, a private company based in Lucknow.

Scheduled to open in Q3 2029, the upcoming hotel will introduce IHG’s fastest - growing premium brand to this vital city, reinforcing the company’s strategic expansion in high - potential urban centres across India.

The property will be located in Ashiyana, a well - established locality along Kampur Road, one of Lucknow’s most sought - after areas of the city., The hotel will benefit from excellent connectivity, providing access to major parts of Lucknow, and near areas like LDA Colony, Sharda Nagar, Telibagh and cultural sites like Mahararaja Bijli Pasi Quila and a short drive from Chaudhary International Airport. 

Ashiyana features a blend of residential pockets, parks, green spaces, and upcoming commercial developments like Central Square, catering to a mix of housing and amenities.

The 135 - key hotel is currently under construction. The project will represent the third IHG hotel in Lucknow, joining the operational Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza, hotels, and demonstrates IHG Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to building a strong base in key cities.

The future opening is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ expansion strategy for the voco brand launched in 2018.

The brand is accurately designed to stand out from the crowd, known to the IHG’s fastest growing premium brand, offering a hotel experience that is consistently thoughtful and distinct. Each property is characterized by its individual charm providing guests something different while also ensuring the reliability of a global brand. Centred around the brand hallmarks “Come on in”, “Me Time”, and “voco life” voco hotels are globally renowned for their globally renowned for their bold identity and thoughtful touches.

Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Sudeep Jain, said that the group is delighted to partner with Rajdeep Infra & Sales Pvt to introduce the vibrant voco brand to Lucknow. This signing is a strategic step in expanding IGH ‘s premium portfolio in India’s integrate state capital.

Lucknow’s dynamic growth as an administrative, educational, and business destination makes it an ideal market for voco’s contemporary and distinctive hospitality. IHG Hotels & Resort is confident that this hotel will resonate strongly with travellers seeking a premium, relaxed and characterful stay.

Director, Rajdeep Infra & Sales Pvt Lts, Aman Singh Chauhan said that partnering with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the voco charm to Lucknow aligns with the group vision of creating high quality assets in prime locations.

The company believes the unique personality and premium positioning of the voco brand supported by IHG Hotels & Resorts’ global systems and expertise, will fill a notable gap in the Lucknow hospitality landscape and become a preferred choice for modern travellers. 

Links 

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-to-bring-its-premium-brand-voco-to-lucknow-india

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139792.html

MEININGER Hotels | Revealed Plans to Open a New 232 - Room Property in Dublin, Ireland

MEININGER Hotels, a German hospitality company founded in Berlin in 1999, a unique hybrid brand combining hotel comfort with hostel – style facilities (guest kitchens, game zones) catering to tourists, families, and school groups with budget - friendly and central locations, has revealed plans to open  a new 232 - room property in Dublin,  the country’s capital of Ireland, a vibrant historic city on the River Liffey, renowned for its Georgian architecture, UNESCO City of Literature status, and lively pub culture.

The project, developed in collaboration with Salamisso Developments, a commercial & residential property development company headquartered in Dublin, will be located in a newly constructed building spanning 8.163 square metres across seven floors in Dublin’s Liberties district, one of Dublin’s oldest and most historic working - class neighbourhoods, located southwest of the city centre.

This vibrant area blending ancient, narrow streets with modern, creative, and digital hubs is known for its rich industrial heritage, including the iconic Guinness Brewery, whiskey distilleries, and textile markets, and home of historic sites such as the emblematic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, and renmants of the medieval city walls.

The hotel set to open in April 2028, is located next to Vicar Street and the National College of Art and Design, a short distance from St. Audoen’s Park and Cook Street, within walking distance of Heuston Station, which provides access to regional and national trains as well as the Luas tram. The Dublin Express Coach will connect the hotel directly to the airport in approximately 40 minutes.

The property will feature 232 rooms and 811 beds. Room configuration will include 75 double rooms, 33 triple rooms, 91 quadruple rooms, and 33 six - bed rooms.

According to the companies the Dublin project is being developed in response to high demand for accommodation in the Irish capital, developed in an area described as undergoing regeneration and inv

estment.

The announcement follows MEININGER Hotels’ previously announced in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK for this summer. The Dublin property is the eight location in development for the company, following projects in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain, Edinburgh, UK, Kiel, Germany, Strasbourg, France, Porto, Portugal, and Tel Aviv, Israel with MEINIGER Hotels’ portfolio currently including 36 hotels.

 Link

 shttps://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139870.html