Brazil | Launched a Program Based on Five Strategic Routes for South American Integration

The Government of Brazil has launched the South American Integration Routes Program, a strategic initiative designed at planning and coordinating actions that promote the integration of physical, digital, social, environmental and cultural infrastructure in the region, accurately developed to cut transportation times and costs, increasing trade efficiency, and improving continental connectivity between Brazil snd its South American neighbours .

The initiative is backed by roughly US$10 billion in potential financing from regional banks including IDB, BNDES, CAF, and FONPLATA, it stems from the Brasilia Consensus and is coordinated by the Ministry of Planning and Budget, with projects integrated into the Growth Acceleration Program (PAC).

The aim of this programme is to consolidate Brazil as a strategic logistic hub and strengthen cooperation with counterpart organizations in the region as well as with international entities to enable integration projects, promote technical studies and applied research on South American development. 

The program establishes five primary logistical, digital, and energy route facilitated by 124 projects connecting Brazilian states to neighbouring countries, such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela, with access to the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, enhancing regional competitiveness and fostering sustainable, economic integration. 

The five key strategic strategic integration routes are: 

•    Guianas Shield: Connects Amapá and Roraima to Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, and Venezuela. 
•    Manta - Manaus, Amazon Route: Uses rivers and roads to link the Amazon region with Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.  
•    The Rondón Quadrant Route: Connects Acre, Rondônia, and Mato Grosso to Bolivia and Peruvian ports.
•    The Capricorn Route: Links Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraná, and Santa Catalina to Argentina, Chile, and Paraguay.  
•    Porto Alegre - Coquimbo Route: Connects Rio Grande do Sul to Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay.  

Among its main objectives, the program promotes the multimodality of transport, bioceanity, 
the geoeconomic unity of South America and integration of borders, all under the principles of shared governance, socio - environmental responsibility and joint planning. 

The Brazilian government stressed that the program will ensure that the works and policies derived from it respond not only to technical and economic criteria, but also to the social and environmental needs of the peoples of the region, and consolidating Brazil as a key point of continental logistical articulation. 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-lanza-un-programa-de-cinco-rutas-estrat-gicas-de-integraci-n-sudamericana-/

Malta | Visit Malta and Wego Renewed Their Partnership to Expand the Country’s Reach in the MENA Travel Market

Visit Malta, the marketing brand of the Malta Tourism Authority that aims to showcase Maltese Islands to the world, highlighting the country unique blend of culture, history, hospitality and nature and Wego, the most important and largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa, headquartered in both Dubai and Singapore, have renewed their partnership for a second consecutive second year to boost tourism from the MENA region to Malta.

The collaboration uses a targeted multi - channel marketing strategy across Arabic and English language platforms aimed to expand the country’s reach in the MENA travel market, focusing on showcasing the island’s Mediterranean distinctive combination of culture, heritage, history, landscapes lifestyle, and major events, promoting Malta as a year - round destination for the travellers coming from the Middle East and North Africa. 

The campaign activation includes digital advertising, personalized content marketing, and dedicated landing pages that bring Malta experience to life. Travellers will discover everything from cultural attractions and hidden gems to travel tips and booking options, all carefully curated to inspire and inform at every stage of their journey.

This partnership reflects the shared commitment to enrich the travel experience of MENA audiences by combining Wego’s powerful travel reach and intelligence with the support of Visit Malta to showcase  the diverse offering,, and new travel opportunities open up for curious and experience - passionate travellers across the region. 

Malta located in the heart of the Mediterranean, with its appeal, captivating with its timeless charm andappeal  as a premier destination,s charm, boasts 7.000 years of history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a popular, accessible, and safe choice for tourists, offering a mix of ancient sites, a vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine.

With over 300 days of sunshine and stunning clear - water beaches, and a pristine nature, the islands of Malta, Comino and Gozo offer a harmonious blend of culture, adventure and luxury, complemented by world - class wellness and rejuvenation experiences, all just a few hours’s flight from the Middle East. 

Key features of this collaboration include: 

•    Targeted Marketing Campaign: A comprehensive campaigns across Wego’s platforms aimed at increasing Malta’s visibility and bookings from the MENA region. 
•    Showcasing Events and Culture: Promotion of major Maltese events, including the Malta International Fireworks Festival, the Rolex Middle Sea Race, and musical highlights.
•    Tailored Context: Wego provides specialized content, curated travel guides, and insider tips to highlight Malta’s unique experiences, such as its stuning coastlines and cultural heritage. 
•    Focus on Diversity: The campaign highlights the three main islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, as a premier destination for diverse travellers. 
•    Strategic Objective: The partnership aims to build on the first year’s success to further increase visitor numbers and drive engagement in the growing MENA travel market. 

Through this collaboration, Wego consolidates its position as a leading travel platform in MENA, offering travellers personalized recommendations, intelligent search tools, and curated itineraries based on real - time information and user behaviour across the region leading a campaign that connects Malta’s history with the preferences of today’s MENA traveller, who seeks authenticity, memorable experiences and comfort. 

Commercial Director at Wego, Mamoun Hmidan commented that Malta is a destination that deeply connects with travellers from the Middle East and North Africa, offering the perfect blend of history, tranquil getaways in timeless settings and a vibrant Mediterranean lifestyle. Wego is proud to partner with Visit Malta to showcase this unique destination to millions of users on its platform. The company’s goal is to generate interest, increase visits, and provide travellers with a seamless experience, from inspiration to booking. 

Chief Marketing Officer at the Malta Tourism Authority, Arthur Grima stated that Visit Malta is excited to collaborate with Wego to connect with travellers across the MENA region. Malta offers a rich variety of cultural experiences, stunning coastlines and first - class hospitality. 

Visit Malta’ CEO also highlighted that the country is also home to major international events, from the Malta International Fireworks Festival to annual musical events and prestigious orchestral concerts, the renowned Rolex Middle Sea Race, the Malta Classic, which celebrates classic cars, and many more, all of which further enhance Malta’s dynamic appeal. Visit Malta aims to bring the destination closer to the hearts of travellers in the region, inspiring them to discover Malta’s islands and create memories to last a lifetime.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/wego-y-visit-malta-avanzan-en-su-segundo-ano-de-colaboracion-en-mena-para-inspirar-viajes-a-malta/

South Africa | Signed a MoU with Indonesia to Drive Sustainable Growth and Deepen Bilateral Tourism Ties

On February 5, 2026, in Jakarta, South Africa and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) committing to cooperation across seven strategic areas to drive sustainable growth and strengthen bilateral tourism ties, establishing a partnership that focuses on increasing travel by addressing connectivity, creating joint promotions, as well as fostering cooperation in gastronomy and fashion. 

Signed by South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille and Indonesia Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, the MoU covers sustainable tourism, human resource development, marketing, destination promotions, tourism investment, safety and service standards, research and development among other  initiatives. 

The ministers stated that the partnership will prioritize connectivity, visas and joint promotion to increase two - way flows, with the South African Minister calling for more direct flights between the two countries. 

Key Features about the MoU: 

•    Seven Strategic Areas: Cooperation focuses on sustainable tourism, human resource development, marketing/promotion, investment, safety/service standards (crisis management), and tourism studies. 
•    Mutual Visa - Free Access: A major component is the abolition of visas for citizens of both countries, aimed at boosting tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and trade. 
•    Increased Air Connectivity: South African Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille emphasized enhancing direct flights to boost tourism flows. 
•    Targeted Marketing and Collaboration: The pact includes joint promotions for both countries’ top destinations, exploring hidden gems, and focusing on cultural, culinary, and fashion exchanges.
•    Halal Tourism Focus: South Africa is working to increase its appeal to the Indonesian market by improving halal tourism options. 
•    Implementation Structure: A working group meeting was established to be held within three weeks of the signing to ensure the swift implementation of these initiatives. 

In 2025, 36.548 South African travellers visited Indonesia, while about 3.000 Indonesians travelled to South Africa, highlighting scope for growth. Officials expect the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient tourism ecosystem. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/indonesia-and-south-africa-sign-tourism-mou.html

Punta Bergantín Tourism Project | Planning to Establish Over 4.500 Hotel Rooms Across Luxury Brands in Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic

Punta Bergantín, a major project includes 10 - million - square - metre development in Puerto Plata, famed destination located on the Dominican Republic’s northern Amber coast, featuring a blend of stunning beaches, unique colonial history, Victorian architecture and beautiful natural attractions, aims at transforming the North Coast into a premier, sustainable destination.

Supported by the government and partners like Grupo Puntacana, the Punta Bergantín tourism project in Puerto Plata will generate a payroll of around 600 million Dominican pesos across three hotels, employing a workforce of 2.000 people out of a total of approximately 35.000 inhabitants.

The tourism project also aims to develop a total of nine hotels in the complex, aiming to exceed 4.500 hotel rooms within establishments part of luxury brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Westin and Meliá.

In addition this mega - project includes along thousands of residential units, a golf course, a film studio, an innovation center all developed in a major tourist destination that coexists with nature.

Construction of the first hotels is expected to begin in 2026, with a view to operating in the 2027 - 2028 high season. This will be the start of a large complex development with multiple high - end hotels and residential units, focused on sustainability and integration with Puerto Plata’s natural environment. 

In its three stage, three hotels, the first 240 plots of land, a golf course, a beach, and a clubhouse will be opened, operational by mid - 2028, some elements may be ready sooner, but it should not be later than the summer of 2028. 

The dates and details were provided by the General Manager of the Punta Bergantín tourism project, Andrés Marranzini, to Panorama during the 2026 edition of the International Tourism Fair, FITUR, which took place from 21st to 25th January in Madrid, Spain. 

The executive stated that no project of such magnitude would outweight the benefits for the community. The development needs 6.500 employees in the first stage, and if the operations can get at least of them from Montellano, it will be a transformative element. That kind of payroll did’t exist in that area.

With the invitation extgended to 30 investment funds for the Punta Bergantín tourism project at FITUR 2026, the tourism expert clarified that is not just about the ecomic factor, but also about transformation and community impact. 

 The General Manager of the Punta Bergantín tourism project explained that the plots will be handed over to the owners, with 24 moths to begin construction, all under a development code. Nobody can invent what they are going to do.

The Punta Bergantín tourism project CEO added that the aim is to highlight the area with Victorian architecture and develop a harmonious style within the property, encompassing nine million square kilometres and six million square kilometres of beach. 

The executive also pointed out that there are about 11 architects working on the tourism and real estate project with beach apartments, and there will be completed homes in a process that does’t erode prices because otherwise investors will not be interested, and it allows Punta Bergantín tourism project to improve the return.

Key Project Details and Impact: 

•    Hotel & Residential Growth: The final project includes at least nine luxury hotel, with the first Meliá Bergantín Beach, beginning construction to add 400 rooms. Total development aims for over 4.500 hotel rooms and 4.000+residential units. 
•    Economic Driver: Estimated to create over 15.000 – 20.000 jobs, revitalizing the region’s economy. 
•    Major Partners: Key partnerships include Meliá Hotels International, Grupo Puntacana and investments from Hilton and Hyatt. 
•    Unique Features: The development will feature an 18 – hole golf course, a “Silicon Beach” innovation hub for education, and a film studio, which actor Vin Diesel has been involved with. 
•    Infrastructure Improvements: Planned improvements include the Amber Highway, which will significantly reduce travel time between Santiago de los Caballeros and Puerto Plata. 

Link 
https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2026/01/24/punta-bergantin-will-transform-puerto-plata-with-more-than-4500-rooms/

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Unveiled the Signing and Opening of Four Properties across Garner and voco Brands in the UK

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK has unveiled the signing and opening of four properties across Garner and voco brands in the UK, adding a total of 380 rooms, additions that contribute to IHG’s pipeline in the region, which now includes over 400 open and pipeline hotels as of 30 September 2025. 

The company has expanded in portfolio through four agreements with Fairview Hotels, a hospitality group headquartered in Stevenage, England, UK, boasting a diverse range of accommodations across Great Britain, offering tailored experiences for both leisure and business travellers. 

The foir properties are: 

The voco London - Bloomsbury: The hotel is located on Southampton Road, a prominent, high - traffic thoroughfare running northwest - southeast in Bloomsbury, Camden between Holborn and Russel Square, close to the British Museum, known for its Grade II listed Edwardian architecture, 5 - star hotels, fine restaurants and educational history. The property, occupying a stylish Victorian building will provide 114 rooms and is expected to be fully rebranded and open as a voco property in mid - 2026. The hotel will remain operational during the rebranding process. 

Garner Hotel Rotherham East: The hotel opened in January 2025 and providing 91 rooms is located in Bramley, a village in South Yorkshire situated approximately 6 kilometres from central Rotherham and 13 kilometres from Sheffield city centre in South Yorkshire, close top Junction 1 of the M18, providing access to Doncaster, Nottingham, Rotherham, Sheffield, and York,  within 15 - minute drive of the Meadowhall shopping mall. 

Garner Hotel Lincoln: This 91 - room property scheduled to open in February 2026 surrounded by retail, leisure, and industrial facilities, is located in North Hykeham, a town and civil parish in the North Kesteven District of Lincolnshire, located southwest of the city of Lincon, 13 minutes from Lincoln Central Station, and other attractions such Lincoln Castle and Lincoln Castle and with access to the A46 highway.  

Garner Hotel Chesterfield North: The hotel featuring 91 rooms and set to open in February 2026 is located in Balborough, a village and civil parish in the Bolsover district of Derbyshire, near junction 30 of the M1 motorway and about 8 kilometres north of Bolsover, with an easy access to various attractions include Bolsover Castle, Sherwood Forest,  and Ballborough Links Golf Club. 

These developments expand IHG Hotels & Resorts with Fairview Hotels to six properties annd new hotels are part of IHG’s strategy to grow its Garner and voco brands in Great Britain. 

The voco brand, launched in 2018, reached 100 open hotels globally in 2025 and now includes 21 open and 5 pipeline properties in the UK and Ireland. The Garner brand has 5 open and 7 pipeline properties in the United Kingdom, including in relevant locations such as Edinburgh, London, and Nottingham.

Links 
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/ihg-strengthens-uk-presence-with-four-hotel-agreements-across-garner-and-voco-brands
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139810.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Announced the Opening of a 278 - Room Hyatt Regency Hotel in Gongbei, Zuhai, China

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois has announced the opening of a 278 - room Hyatt Regency hotel in Gongbei, a major district and bustling land port of entry in Zuhai, Guandong, connecting mainland China with Macau, one of the world’s busiest land crossings, handling over 100 million annual passengers highlighted by extensive underground shopping malls,  significant duty - free retail, and a strategic location, adjacent to the Zuhai Railway Station and Bus Terminal.

The  new Hyatt Regency Zuhai Gongbei is steps from Gongbei Port and Zuhai Railway Station, within a 15 - minute drive of Cotai Strip and Venetian Macao Casino, and its opening is part of Hyatt’s portfolio expansion in East Asia, with a strategic presence in key destinations.

The hotel features a design incorporates Lingnan architectural elements, spacious courtyards, and coastal influences. Public areas include a sky lobby, spaces with open layouts, varied palettes, and layered lighting.

The property provides 278 rooms and suites, and dining options include Market Café, offering all - day dining with Chinese and Western dishes, Xiangyue, a Chinese restaurant, specializes in seafood and traditional Cantonese cuisine. 

Part of the F&B options are also Lobby Bar, serving beverages and light fare and overlooking the Gongbei Port area, and Regency Club, a private lounge with panoramic views of Gongbei Port and the surrounding skyline.

Leisure and wellness facilities at the Hyatt Regency Zuhai Gongbei include a fitness centre, an indoor heated swimming pool, and a yoga studio, all located on the upper levels.

In addition the hotel offers 1.600 square metres of meeting and event space. The pillar - free Grand Ballroom measures 625 square metres, with a seven metre ceiling and is accompanied by a 350 - square - metre pre - function area with bay and city views.

Event spaces are equipped with independent lighting, sound, and climate control systems, professional audiovisual equipment, flexible connectivity interfaces, blackout curtains, and projections systems. The Grand Ballroom includes a 10.24 - metre by 4.8 metre high - resolution LED display, covering nearly 50 square metres.

The hotel joins Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Hotels Corporation ‘s flagship brand, known for connecting travellers with what matters through a blend of productivity and relaxation, offering modern yet, functional, comfortable rooms, spacious lobbies, diverse culinary experiences, ample workspaces, and meeting facilities.

The brand catering to both large conventions and family vacations, has a focus on seamless, tech - enabled experiences and dedicated event planning, and often provides a Regency Club lounge for elite members, positioning them as central hubs in urban and resort destinations.

World of Hyatt members can earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Hyatt Regency Zuhai Gongbei for stays until May 31, 2026, as part of a new hotel member offer.

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/zuhrg-hyatt-regency-zhuhai-gongbei

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139887.html

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