Meliá Hotels International | Expanding its Presence in Italy with a New Hotel in Venice

Meliá Hotels International S.A., renowned Spanish hotel chain founded in 1956 in Palma de Mallorca, market leader in both resort and urban hotels announced the signing of the Meliá Venezia Lido Hotel that will open its doors in June 2025, expanding its presence in Italy in one of the most charming and loved cities in the world : Venice.

 The project is managed by the Italian company SoGes Group Spa, a well kn own firm engaged in in the hotel and hospitality industry focusing primarly on ownership, operation and management of hotels, headquartred in Florence in a partnership with Meliá Hotels International assisting in distribution and loyalty programs.

 This new venture underscores Meliá Hotels International's solid expansion in the Italian Peninsula where the Spanish company already operates eight hotels with strategic plans to open six more, including the Meliá Venezia Lido.

The Meliá Venezia Lido Hotel is located in the heart of Lido di Venezia, a 11 - kilometre - long barrier island in the Venetian Lagoon, forming with Pellestrina the central part of the coastline of the famed lagoon on the Adriatic Sea, favourite destination for Venetians and tourists during the summer for the presence of renowned beaches, a 20 - minute ferry ride from the iconic Piazza San Marco, symbol of the capital of the Veneto region. 

The hotel will be housed in a refurbished 1920s building, aligning with Meliá's brand standards to provide guests with a unique and memorable experience featuring 60 comfortable rooms, offering a blend of design, functionality and essential amenities to ensure a great and very pleasant stay for the guests, and dditional facilities include a restaurant and bar serving a variety of culinary delights.

The Chairman and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, Gabriel Escarrer Jaume, expressed his enthusiasm about the expansion of the company stating that the Mediterranean remains one of the key growth region for Meliá Hotels International, thrilled to partner with local groups like SoGes Group Spa and exploring new avenues of collaboration to the expand the presence of the group in strategic destinations.

The CEO of SoGes Group Spa, Paolo Galardi, highlighted the significance of this partnership, expressing his delight  to have such renowned partner, looking to the future with great confidence, hopeful that this collaboration will pave the way for many more successful joint projects.

Link  - https://hospitality-on.com/en/hospitality/melia-hotels-resorts-open-new-property-venice

 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Opened the Classy Hotel La Compañia del Valle in El Valle de Antón, Panama

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American mutilantional hospitality company founded in 1957 in Los Angeles, California and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, group that manages a large number of luxury and business hotels, resorts and vacation properties around the world, opened the classy Hotel La Compañia del Valle, in the Valle del Antón, a picturesque centre situated in the middle of the crater of an inactive volcano in the province of Coclé, in central Panama, about 80.0 kilometres from Panama City. 

The hotel will operate as part of the Unbound Collection by Hyatt portfolio, a brand which includes new and existing upper - scale and luxury properties that will maintain a distinct character while providing guests and owners Hyatt’s award - winning customer loyalty program, robust operational and marketing resources and trusted, quality brand, independent, premium hotel properties, ranging from historic urban gems to contemporary trend - setters and boutique establishments to resorts.

This new hotel represents the second accommodation opened under the La Compañia del Valle Hotels & Resorts portfolio,  a significant step in the brand’s expansion of luxury offering by Hyatt Hotel Corporation in Panama and sets a new standard for transformative hospitality in the region and as additional important note, it is the first establishment to combine art and wellness, offering guests unparalleled experiences in the mountainside.

Hotel La Compañia del Valle is inspired by a Tuscan retreat nestled in an extint volcanic crater embracing the beauty of El Valle de Antón, blending art, nature and organic healing to create a sort of luxury and stylish sanctuary. A great highlight is undoubtedly a one - of -  a -  kind sculpture park boasting over 200 art pieces placed around the corridors and public areas creating a magic, artistic aura all around the accommodation.

The property currently boasts 40 rooms and suites with balconies and terraces overlooking the mountains and the garden courtyard and the surrounding common spaces, with other 30 rooms expected to debut by May 2025 spread across four wings, developed with a modern and elegant aesthetic incorporating natural undertones, and creating a refined and welcoming experience.

Executive Chef Patrice Jaumon, a master of French gastronomy with a distinguished career spanning Michelin - starred kitchens across Europe and other iconic places the world, known for his modern take on the creative Panamanian cuisine, leads the hotel’s culinary offerings with a progrsm onsite restaunrants, each pegged to an element : fire, earth, and wind.

The establishment boasts uniquely combined wellness relax, art  and personalized service, such as the 18.000 square foot Elysium Spam opening in May 2025 with underground Roman baths, chocolate and wine therapy, a saltwater pool and a sundeck overlooking La India Dormida mountain.

The hotel also offers more 11.000 square feet of event spaces making it very suitable for the organization of celebrations, conferences, meetings and events.

The Activity Centre offers e - bikes, horseback riding and hiking tours to explore and enjoy the untamed nature of the Valle de Antón and its surroundings and for sporting activities it provides paddle, pickeball and tennis courts.

As part of its opening promotion, the Hotel is part of World of Hyatt loyalty program, allowing members to earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights stayed in the hotel from 18th February to 30th May 2025.

Link -  https://www.hyatt.com/unbound-collection/en-US/ptyuv-unbound-hotel-la-compania-del-valle

 

 

 

 

 

Radisson Hotel Group | Announced the Opening of Radisson Blu Resort, Hoi An in Vietnam

Radisson Hotel Group, international hospitality company headquartered in Brussels, Belgium leading group boasting a large portfolio of hotels and properties across the world announced the opening of the Radisson Blue Resort, Hoi An situated on the unspoiled Ha My Beach in Dien Duong ward, Dien Ban Town , in the province of Quang Nam,Vietnam about 7.0 kilometres north of Hoi Han Ancient Town,  a UNESCO World Heritage Site, well known for its rich history and well preserved architecture and 24.0 kilometres southeast of Da Nang city.

 The opening of this new property, the third Radisson Blu establishment in Vietnam, is a significant milestone in Radisson Hotel Group's continued growth in the Asia Pacific region representing a strategic expansion in a very emerged destination with the group that currently operates six hotels and five properties under development in the Asiatic country.

 This new resort blends contemporary elegance and natural tranquillity, making it an attractive destination for both leisure and business travellers and it is part of Radisson Blu, an upscale hotel brand that boasts stylish properties in popular destinations around the world, well known for their personalized service, memorable design and inviting ambience.

 Radisson Blue Resort, Hoi An features 674 rooms, suites and 66 private villas, all boasting modern décor and ocean views, the resort's lush garden and the local village. The private villas, opening later this year, are ideal accommodations for extended stays or family vacations, providing open - plan kitchens, dining and living areas.

The resort offers a diverse dining experience, such as Evolve, the all - day restaurant delivering a rich international breakfast buffet, Hooked, seafood restaurant serving dishes made from local fresh catches, and  Noodle Bowls, specialised in Asian street food classic. 

Quench Pool Bar and Gravity Rooftop Bar offer a variety of handcrafted cocktails and light bites, while the Nectar Lobby Bar is a versatile space for morning coffee meetings to evening conversations over wine or cocktails and guests in the resort exclusive villas can enjoy bespoke private experiences.

Facilities include a superb spa, three outdoor swimming pools, beach volleyball, cycling, tennis and yoga activities, a dedicated Kid's Club, three versatile event venues and a spacious foyer.

COO, Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia Pacific at Radisson Hotel Group, Tim Cordon, said that the opening of Radisson Blu Resort, Hoi An is a testament to the Group's commitment to expanding its footprint in Asia - Pacific with exceptional resorts that resonate with both domestic and international travellers.

Link - https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-resort-hoi-an

 

 

The Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario, Canada | Set To Make its Grand Debut in Spring 2025

The Hard Rock Hotel London, Ontario is set to make its grand debut in Spring 2025, a new establishment that will open its doord in Canada part of Hard Rock International, company with its corporate headquarters in Davie, Florida, U.S., one of the most globally recognized groups in the world boasting in its large portfolio Venues, Cafes, Casinos and Hotels in over 70 countries. 

The hotel is located in London, a Canadian city in southwestern Ontario, just north of Lake Erie and the U.S. border along the Quebec City - Windsor Corridor, a relevant centre of education and healthcare, situated within the iconic 100 Kellogg Lane, London's world - class indoor entertainment complex, in the Old Est Village, a short drive from downtown and near the Western Fair District in the heart of Canada's only UNESCO City of Music.

This opening is the result of a collaboration with Indiana, U.S. based group Dora Hotel Company LLC, a second – generation hospitality management group committed to excellence service through hands – on management of hospitality professionals.

 The Hard Rock Hotel London will feature 164 comfortable, tastefully designed rooms and suites, boasting unique amenities including family - style guestrooms with separate rooms featuring bunk beds and a Rock Star Suite, with a private kitchenette and high - end amenities for a very pleasant, comfortable and luxurious experience.

 The property will offer innovative culinary and beverage concepts such as GMT - 5 bar, Sessions Restaurant & Bar, and 1913, a unique speakeasy paying tribute to the year the Kellogg's Factory opened.

The hotel's lobby will combine historic Kellog brick building elements, with new stone tile, skylights and significant musical memorabilia, reflecting in all its essence and spirit London's history and Canada's contribution to the global music scene.

Part of the Hard Rock Hotel experience is a holistic wellness approach, the Rock Om program blends yoga sessions with DJ  curated soundtracks for on - demand, in room - sessions, promoting relaxation and balance and guests who are seeking a dynamic workout can visit and enjoy Rock Fitness Centre, well equipped with Technogym equipment and playlists.

A great highlight and integral part of the hotel experience is the music - infused sensory experience created in collaboration with award - winning BBB, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, Architects and Interiors specializing in historic preservation, urban design, and new construction with a strong focus on interior design.

The hotel will offer an immersive music experience through the Sound of Your Stay program, connecting guests with music, from streaming curated playlists to playing a premium guitar delivered to their rooms.

The Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Hard Rock International, John Rees, expressed his enthusiasm about bringing the iconic brand to London, Ontario in Canada, stating that the hotel promises an unforgettable experience, blending music, entertainment, and hospitality.

The President of Dora Hotel Company, Tim Dora acknowledged the extraordinary partnership between Dora Hotel Company, Hard Rock International, the Cribbage Group, and the city of London, a collaboration that aims to create an unparalleled energy that will undoubtedly transform the hotel into a significant destination for Canadians and international travellers visiting Ontario.

 Link - https://hotel.hardrock.com/london-ontario-micro.aspx

 

 

 

Italy - Paraguay | Strengthening their Cultural Ties Highlighting the Historical Importance of the Spaces of Heritage Value at the iconic Misión Jesuitica the la Santisima Trinidad del Paraná

Italy and Paraguay decided to strengthen their cultural ties highlighting the historical importance of the spaces of heritage value, a theme which refers to locations, buildings, or landscapes that hold significant cultural, historical, or social relevance to a community, providing a connection to the past and contributing to a a sense of identity through their features, stories and associations with people and events, essentially places that are considered valuable due to their heritage significance.

The Italian Ambassador to Paraguay, Marcello Fondi, visited the iconic Misión Jesuitica the la Santisima Trinidad del Paraná, the Most Holy Trinity of  Paraná in the department of Itapúa in the southern region of Paraguay, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.

The Misión Jesuitica the la Santisima Trinidad del Paraná was established in 1706 and completed in 1712 designed to convert the indigenous Guarani to Christianity.It is one of the 30 missions erected by the Jesuits in various locations in South America between the 17th and 18th centuries in what is now Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina and they are an integral part of the World Heritage of Humanity, constituting a valuable testimony of the presence of the Jesuits in the region, and today continuing to attract national and international tourists every year.

Currently the Jesuit complex that was constructed in stone with a fine dome and elaborate decorations is an archaeological ruin well preserved that includes a main church, a small church, a plaza, belfry, college and cloister, housing, gardens, and workshops.

 The Ambassador of Italy in Paraguay during his visit invited Italians living in Paraguay, as well as tourists from Italy to get know this important historical site, pointing out that every time you are fortunate enough to visit Paraguay, you should come to this place, because it tells the history of the country and also the religious presence in this part of South America.

During the aforementioned visit, the National Secretariat of Tourism of Paraguay has reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion of tourism in the country, underlining the importance of strengthening cooperation ties with Italy to continue promoting the development of the tourism sector through the conservation and enhancement of World Heritage Sites like Misión Jesuitica the la Santisima Trinidad del Paraná, an authentic national treasure in the country.

The commitment of the two countries in the preservation of these relevant heritages sites is a proof of  the deep respect for shared history and traditions and the Misión Jesuitica the la Santisima Trinidad del Paraná in all its essence and historic value represents a sort of emblem linked to all that.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/105260_el_turismo_cultural_une_italia_y_paraguay

 

Greece | The Digital Work Card Fully Implemented also into the Tourism Sector

Greece, country in southeastern Europe, cradle of the Western civilization highlighted by thousands of stunning islands throughout the Aegean and Ionian seas, boasting a great heritage and top destination for a multitude of travellers through the Minister of Labour and Social Security has confirmed that the Digital Work Card was fully implemented in the food and beverage industries and also in the tourism sector with the debut which took place on 1st March 2025.

 The Ministry announced the specification for the full implementation of the measures, the Greece’s Digital Work Card designed to track employees’s working hours has been in force since September 2024 through a pilot program in the aforementioned sectors, ans since then the Ministry headed by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Niki Keremeus has held extensive discussions with workers and employers’ representatives to refine its application in the tourism sector.

These several conversations led to accurate adjustments, including acknowledging the time employees need to prepare for work after arriving for example to put on the uniform among other considerations and specifications published on 10th February 2025 by the Ministry’s Secretary General for Industrial Relations, Nick Milapidis reflects these adjustments as : 

•    Ensuring fair compensation and protecting businesses.
•    The main purpose of the Digital Work Card is to ensure that employees are properly compensated for the hours they actually work.
•    The system aims to protect both workers and companies from unfair competition. The Digital Work Card records the employee’s entry and exit times to their workplace.

These schedules are compared with the hours initially declared by the employee on the Ergani digital platform, a tool designed to document and manage key employment information.#

Any discrepancies between the two times are flagged and notified, in addition penalties will be imposed if a worker is found at their workplace without their card having been registered, or if they remain there after their departure time has been recorded.

 Guidelines for Daily Logging

The Ministry has provided specific guidelines on how the Digital Work Card should be registered on a daily basis as : 

•    Zero Logs. - If an employee is working remotely or is not required to be physically present at the workplace due to certain reasons, for example participating in a strike or not being able to attend work, their daily log should be recorded as zero.
•    Two Registrations -  If the employee works at the company’s facilities during a continuous shift, only two registrations are required, one at the beginning and one at end of the shift and in between, additional registrations will not be considered.
•    Four Check - Ins. - Employees working two shifts on the same day will be required to clock in and out for both the morning and afternoon shifts, and afain, intermediate r4ecords will not be considered.

Exemptions
•    It should be noted that employees with managerial, inspection, or also high – security roles are exempt from the requirenment to use digital work cards. 

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/105129_la_tarjeta_de_trabajo_digital_de_grecia_se_aplicara_al_sector

Guatemala | Key Agreements Signed with UN Tourism to Position the Country as a Destination of Excellence

Guatemala, Central American country south of Mexico, a land highlighted by a vibrant culture and a rich history that reaches back centuries hosting the core of the iconic Mayan civilization which extended across Mesoamerica and, left important ruins and archaeological sites, an immense natural beauty with breathtaking landscapes, vast untamed rainforests, pristine beaches and a stunning colonial architecture in its cities and towns signed key agreements with UN Tourism, specialized agency of the United Stations which promotes responsible, sustainable and universally - accessible tourism to position the country as a destination of excellence.

The Director of INGUAT, the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism, Harris Whitbeck and the Secretary - General of UN Tourism Zurab Pololikashvili signed two relevant agreements in Madrid, Spain to enhance and boost tourism in the Central American country, an emergent destination in the international tourism landscape.

Within Inguat’s efforts to position Guatemala as a tourist destination of excellence on the international map, these two relevant agreements are improving air connectivity in the country and to update the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism. 

The Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism should encompass a comprehensive strategy to develop tourism in a region while prioritizing environmental protection, socio - cultural preservation, and economic benefits for local communities, achieving a balanced approach across the three P, “People, Planet, Profit”, pillars, with key elements including, baseline assessment, stakeholder engagement, responsible tourism practices, infrastructure development, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and finally adaptation to climate change, all tailored to the unique characteristics of the destination.

The aim with this Master Plan is to promote sustainable tourism development in Guatemala, a country that has in the tourism industry, a pillar of its economic and social progress.

The vision is to guide the sustainable development of tourism for the next years, with the intention of consolidating and promoting the growth of the sector and taking advantage of its socio - economic benefits, in terms of foreign exchange generation and employment, allowing Guatemala to be recognized as one of the most interesting cultural tourism destinations in Latin America. 

According to an analysis led UN Tourism, Guatemala is of of the most emerging tourist destinations in the international landscape thanks to the improvements in infrastructure, services and innovative tourist proposals and in 2025, the country’s travel and tourism industry is expected to grow to $323,7 million in revenue and these two key agreements signed with UN Tourism will be undoubtedly a relevant advance to elevate the destination  furthermore in the international tourism scene.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/105325_firmados_acuerdos_clave_para_el_turismo_de_guatemala

 

 

Jordan | Established a Strategic Partnership with Wego to Showcase and Promote the Country as a Must - See Destination Globally

Jordan, an Arab Nation in the Middle East located on the east bank of the Jordan River in the Levant Region, a country where history meets an authentic culture and a breathtaking beauty established a strategic Partnership with Wego to Showcase and Promote the Country as a Must – See Destination Globally.

The country defined by great ancient monuments like the iconic archaeological site of Petra, the Nabatean capital dating to around 300 B.C., and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the sublime desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, the unforgettable Dead Sea, a unique gastronomy blend of multiple flavours, a destination that has delighted visitors for centuries through the Jordan Tourism Board established a strategic partnership with Wego,considered the leading travel app and the largest online marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa.

Wego Pte Ltd is a renowned company founded in in 2005 and headquartered in both Singapore and Dubai, boasting an innovative travel metasearch engine operating in 76 countries in over 22 languages and local currencies collaborating with tourism boards of various countries such as Great Britain, Japan, Macau, Singapore, Thailand and South Korea among others aiming to increase travel demands to and from said countries.

This collaboration aims to showcase the stunning experiences and destinations that make Jordan a must - visit destination highlighting the country’s timeless stories of a land which is an authentic jewel for all tourists seeking ancient history, culture, unique landscapes and natural beauty.

Jordan and Wego’ s partnership marks an important step in promoting the Middle East country as a premier hub for adventure, culture and relaxation, a destination renowned for its rich and unique heritage, stunning scenery, unparalleled hospitality with a large fan of options in several tourist segments allowing to live memorable experiences, an initiative focuses to inspire travellers from around the world to explore the wonders of Jordan through several resources provided by Wego to create captivating trips leaving unforgettable memories.

 Jordan’s Director General of Tourism Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, said that the partnership with Wego is an important milestone in the efforts of the tourist organization to showcase Jordan’s rich and diverse offering to travellers from around the world.

With Wego’s expertise and broad reach, Jordan Tourism Board is confident that this collaboration will inspire more visitors to experience the wonders of Jordan, from its world - renowned attractions to the warmth of its people and the beauty of its culture.

Link -https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/agencias/105351_wego_promovera_el_turismo_global_de_jordania

 

Uruguay | Notable Growth in Domestic Tourism Applying Successful Strategies

Uruguay, nation located on the southeastern coast of South America between Argentina and Brazil bordered by the Rio de la Plata River and the Atlantic Ocean, known for its stunning white sand beaches, a verdant interior, a diverse wildlife and rolling countryside, centuries - old colonial towns also highlighted by a vibrant culture, a lively artistic scene and boasting a level of stability that few countries on the continent can match is experiencing a notable growth in domestic tourism.

The country is applying successful strategies to achieve excellent performances to enhance its inbound tourism such as a solid promotion of its territory, a diversification of its destinations, improving infrastructure and integrating new, innovative technologies like augmented reality and AI in its tourism services which are expected to boost visitor engagement, streamline operations, and offering perosnalized travel experiences.

Domestic tourism, carried out in the country by Uruguayan citizens, has marked a notable increase in the period 2020 - 2024, also due to notable investment operations, modernisation of infrastructure and with a constant participation to internationa tourism fairs and events showcasing its varied tourism proposals.

In 2024 Uruguayan citizens have registered a record in  domestic tourism with a notable increase of 22% more than the previous year, and, it has been the Metropolitan Region that one that had the most visits up to 41.4%, followed by the Eastern Region with 26.3%, the South Central Region,13.6%, the Littoral Region with 10.2% and finally the Northern Region, 8,5%.

This increase was specifically 61.9% confirming the post - pandemic recovery, together with continuous strengthening, given the investment in different development strategies that encourage the internal movement of travellers attracted by different destinations, including those less known.

With these high performing results, Uruguay's tourism industry is expected toi continue to grow, with also a special focus on sustainable tourism in rural areas and coastal regions and is seeing a rise also in eco - friendly tourism across the entire territory.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/105322_importante_auge_del_turismo_domestico_de_uruguay