Zimbabwe | Successfully Integrated 118MW of Net Metering Capacity into its National Electricity Grid

Zimbabwe has successfully integrated 118 megawatts (MW) of net metering capacity into its national electricity grid, a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy transition. 

The program managed by the Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), allows households and businesses with solar PV systems to feed surplus power back into the national grid. 

The initiative seeks to strengthren the stability of the electricity grid and support Zimbabwe’s transition to a more sustainable and green energy future.  

The net metering system allows consumers who generate renewable energy, primarily through solar panels, to return excess energy to the energy infrastructure. 

That surplus is recorded as credits which can be used, for example, at night or on cloudy days, thus reducing monthly electricity costs. 

This model accelerates the return of investment in renewable energy sources, reduces costs for homes and businesses, and increase the lifespan of battery systems by decreasing the need for large, expensive batteries. 

Participation in the program is open to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural consumers, with a maximum export capacity of 5 megawatts (MW). 

Key Features and Impact: 

•    Capacity Goal Achieved: The 118MW milestone surpasses earlier targets and marks a significant rise in user – driven solar adoption, primarily using rooftop solar systems. 
•    Policy Reforms: To boost adoption the Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) removed upfront connection fees, allowing them to be recovered through energy credits generated by the customer’s system. 
•    Virtual Battery System: The net metering program operates as a “virtual battery bank,” allowing solar users to feed excess power into the grid and earn credits to offset nighttime or low – sunlight usage. 
•    Grid Support: This distributed model helps reduce load – shedding pressures and enhances grid stability during the day. 
•    Application Process: Customers can apply for net metering via the Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) self – service portal, with approvals typically taking one week. 

The initiative aligns with the country’s goal of supporting national energy security while providing faster returns on investment for customers installing captive solar solutions.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/zimbabue-integra-118-megavatios-al-sistema-de-medici-n-neta-en-su-red-el-ctrica-nacional/

Laos | Strengthening Cultural and Tourism Cooperation with Vietnam

Laos is strengthening cultural and tourism cooperation with Vietnam, the two countries signed a new collaboration programme that will boost cultural exchanges, heritage preservation and joint educational projects.  

The two Southeast Asian countries agreed to expand their cooperation in culture and tourism following an official meeting held in the Laotian capital, Vientiane between Laos Minister of Culture and Tourism Suonsavan Vignaket and the Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). 

During the talks, both sides positively assessed the excellent results achieved between 2021 and 2025, highlighting the organization of cultural weeks, artistic activities and joint programs that have contributed to strengthening the special relationship between the two nations. 

The ministers agreed for a continuation of this cooperation for the period 2026 - 2030 that will be focused on intensifying cultural exchange, promoting shows and festivals that reflect the identity of each country and strengthening collaboration in heritage preservation, museums and libraries. 

The Ministers of Laos and Vietnam also agreed to promote training and cooperation between educational institutions of art and culture, with the aim of enhancing ties between the two peoples and expanding mutual knowledge.  

At the conclusion of the meeting Laos and Vietnam officially signed the Cultural and Tourism Cooperation Programme 2026 - 2030, a plan where the two nations boost cross - border travel, expanding direct flights, and hosting reciprocal cultural events to strengthen their strategic alliance and promote regional tourism.

In addition, the Vietnam Laos Cultural Week 2026 was inaugurated in Vientiane, which run until 16 May, an event that included artistic presentations and traditional shows, including the iconic Vietnamese water puppet theatre. 

Cultural Connections and Joint Activities between Laos and Vietnam include: 

•    Historical Solidarity: Ties between the two countries are grounded in exceptional political and social solidarity. 
•    Cultural Exchange Weeks: Regular events, such as the Vietnam Cultural Week in Laos, showcase traditional arts like water puppetry, traditional music and handicrafts, fostering mutual understanding. 
•    Education and Language: Many Lao students study in Vietnam, creating a strong people – to – people exchange that keeps the cultural bond vibrant.  
Tourism Links and Travel: 
•    Visitor Statistics: Vietnamese travellers make up one of the largest tourist demographics for Laos, frequently utilizing sea – to – mountain itineraries that span both countries. 
•    Joint Circuits: Laos is actively expanding joint tourism circuits with Vietnam, allowing travellers to experience the UNESCO Heritage Sites and bustling urban life of Vietnam alongside the tranquil temples and dramatic nature of Laos. 
•    Cross - Border Travel: Enhanced infrastructure, digital tourism promotion, and seamless for international visitors.

Laos and Vietnam share deep cultural ties forged by centuries of geographic proximity, ethnic overlaps, and intense 20 th - century geopolitical alliances. Their vibrant shared heritage blends Vietnam’s historically Confucian and Chinese -  influenced traditions with Laos’s Theravada Buddhist philosophy that together are undoubtedly unique elements to live unique, immersive experiences in Southeast Asia. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/vietnam-y-laos-fortalecen-su-cooperaci-n-cultural-y-tur-stica-para-el-per-odo-2026-2030/

Portugal | Launched a New Campaign Aimed at Promoting Domestic Tourism

Portugal through Turismo de Portugal, the national tourism authority responsible for the promotion, enhancement, and sustainability of the country’s tourism sector has launched a new campaign aimed at promoting domestic tourism and encouraging Portuguese residents to travel throughout the country year – round.

The campaign for the internal market was officially unveiled on May 19, 2026, at the Castelo de Porto de Mós led by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Pedro Machado and Turismo de Portugal President Carlos Abade, in the presence of the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida.

The initiative directly supports the local economies of regions impacted by severe winter storms while advancing a broader strategy for more sustainable, balanced tourism.

Turismo de Portugal explains that this new campaign aims at a more balanced and sustainable distribution of tourism flows across the different regions of the country and arises in a context in which several regions of Portugal face an increased need to boost the local economy, following the impact caused by the storms of the las internal one.

Given the structuring role of tourism in the economy of Portugal, this sector can should make an active contribution to the recovery and enhancements of the territories.

In this context Turismo de Portugal launched this campaign aimed at promoting tourism the national territory throughout the year encouraging travellers to discover the rich cultural and historical heritage of its inland regions. 

Aligned with the nation’s long - term sustainable goals, the campaign also focuses on spreading tourism geographically and tempotally to alleviate pressure on major coastal hotspots.

Domestic tourism has served as a powerful economic stabilizer for Portugal. Residents have accounted for nearly 13 million guests in recent years. By boosting internal travel, the tourism board continues to foster a highly resilient sector year - round.

Link

https://www.publituris.pt/2026/05/18/turismo-de-portugal-lanca-campanha-para-promover-turismo-interno

Tunisia | Strengthening its Leadership as a Premier Mediterranean Destination for Health, Wellness and Sustainable Coastal Tourism

Tunisia is strengthening its leadership as a premier Mediterranean destination for health and wellness, combining high - quality, cost - effective clinical care with world - class sustainable coastal tourism. By aggressively expanding its marine and therapeutic sectors, the North African country is drawing millions of medical and wellness tourists each year.

The country aims to harmonize tourism competitiveness with the preservation of coastal ecosystems, while strengthening its attractiveness as a leading destination in the Mediterranean and is currently the leading medical destination in Africa and a top choice for European and Sub - Saharian patients seeking high – end treatments.

Tunisia is globally recognized for cosmetic surgery, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and bariatric surgery, often offering savings of up to 70% compared to western Europe or the U.S.

The North African country is also the second – largest destination in the world for seawater - based spa and wellness tretaments, boasting over 60 dedicated thalassotherapy centres along its stunning 1.300 - kilometre Mediterranean coastline.

International tourists are supported by Tunisian Government that approved clinics and board - certified medical professionals who frequently dual - practice in both public and private systems. 

The Maghrebi Kingdom is strongly focusing on sustainable and blue coastal tourism. Recognizing the environmental pressures of its popularitiy, Tunisia is actively working integrating its coastal tourism with the Mediterranean 2030 sustainability agenda.

Tunisia’s Minister of Tourism, Sofiene Tekaya, said that the internationally recognized thalassotherapy centres in the country help consolidate its position as the world’s second destination in health tourism, according to information from Tunis Afrique Presse.

During his speech at a national forum on “Sustainable Coastal Tourism in the Mediterranean” the Minister highlighted that Tunisia also has six major marinas offering more than 2.930 berths, which is evidence of a solid maritime infrastructure.

The Minister also explained that Tunisia is promoting a new approach that turns each region into an integrated hub of tourism and development, taking advantage of the strategic value of extensive coastline and islands.

Among the island territories, the official mentioned Djerba, Kerkennah, Khniss and Zembra as key assets to develop eco - tourism, science and the blue economy. These initiatives seek to diversify the tourist offer beyond the traditional model of sun and beach.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/t-nez-refuerza-su-liderazgo-en-turismo-de-salud-y-costas-sostenibles-en-el-mediterr-neo/

Panama | Welcomed Nearly One Million Visitors in Q1 2026, Marking a 17.3% Year - Over - Year Growth

Panama welcomed nearly one million international visitors in Q1 2026, marking a 17.3% year - over - year growth. This surge generated over $2 billion in economic activity, significantly boosting the country’s tourism and real estate sectors, figure considered today as a record and that consolidate the sector as the engine of the Panamanian economy. 

 The explosive first - quarter numbers of Panama are primarily driven by three strategic initiatives: 

•    Incentivized Events: The Panama Authority hosted over 40 major international conventions and meetings during Q1 2026, with 86 more confirmed for the remaining of the year. 
•    Panama Stopover Program: Backed by Copa Airlines, this initiative allows transit passenger at Tocumen International Airport to stop in Panama for up to 15 days at no additional airfare. 
•    Targeted Marketing: A multi - million dollar campaign directed at priority markets (notably Canada, the United States, Europe, and Latin America) has vastly increased global visibility. 

During the balance of the industry in 2026, the Administrator of the Tourism Authority of Panama (ATP), Gloria De León, said that from January to March 2026 999.934 travellers have visited the isthmus, which makes the country one of the fastest growing destinations in Latin America. 

The number of visitors in Q1 2026 reflects an increase of 17.3% in relation to the same period of the previous year, and the economic impact also marked a milestone with more than $2 billion circulated in the national economy thanks to the tourist movement, according to official statistics from the National Institute and Census (INEC). 
ATP Administrator also stressed that these data reflect the strengthening of the international positioning of the canal nation and the positive effect of the new global promotion strategies, mentioning that one of the axes of this success has been the segment of conventions, meetings and international events.   

Panama plans to carry out 86 confirmed activities during this year, including high - profile meetings such as the World of Coffee Panama 2026, held for the first time in Latin America an event will take place on October 23 - 25 at the Panama Convention Center and will bring together more than 13.000 visitors and estimated 370 global exhibitors in a relevant appointment for international buyers and producers of the bean. 

Also noteworthy is the celebration of the 65th edition of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) that will take place from November 8 - 11, 2026, one of the most important forum of the meeting industry with the participation of more than 1.600 delegates, 1.400 buyers, and 120 associations. 

Additionally, ICCA expanded its strategic presence in the region by establishing an official office at the Panama Association Hub (PAH) to support Latin America and the Caribbean. 

According to the Administrator of the Tourism Authority of Panama these events would generate the arrival of more than 58.000 visitors, boosting hotel occupancy, gastronomic consumption and local commerce.   

The official also announced that the country is making progress in the implementation of the new free insurance for tourists, an initiative that would come into force in the coming weeks once the process of endorsing the contract is concluded. 

Another outstanding initiative that enhances the success of Panama as a destination of relevant level is the tourism promotion strategy led by the agency Promtur Panama with important actions in Latin America in countries such as Argentina, Colombia and Mexico as well as in Europe with campaigns in France, Germany and Spain. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/casi-un-millon-de-turistas-visitaron-panama-este-primer-trimestre/

Sahkar Hospitality Corporation | Acquired a 90 - Key Property in Humble, Texas, U.S.

Sahkar Hospitality Corporation, a commercial real estate and hotel investment group based in La Mirada, California has acquired a 90 - key property in Humble, a historic, family - friendly city located in the Houston metropolitan area in the U.S. state of Texas, known for its oil boomtown history, convenient access to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), and a mix of small - town charm with big – city retail convenience,  also highlighted by Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center, the Humble Rodeo and Deerbrook Mall. 

HSV (hospitality Valuation Services) Brokerage & Advisory , a major firm in the hospitality sector has announced the sale of the 90 - key Staybridge Suites Houston - Humble Beltway 8 East to the Californian group, a property operated under the brand Staybridge Suites, an all - suite, residential - style brand owned by IGH Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor,  Berkshire, England, U.K.

The property built in 2018, was sold by Houston – based Fresh Start Hospitality LLC. The sale followed a previous unsuccessful attempt to sell the property with another broker in 2022 amd HVS Brokerage & Advisory provided a broker opinion of value and completed the sale within the initial pricing range. The buyer retained the existing management company fo the property.

The transaction generated five competitive offers, four from West Coast buyers and one from a buyer in Dallas. The selected buyer as a 1031 - exchange investor. The buyer used an SBA loan, and the sale was completed with no changes to the contract price.

HVS Brokerage & Advisory team members Eric Guerrero, James Rebulllida, Kyle Peterek, Fadi Rawashdeh, and Daneen Godinet participated in the transaction. Aseem Tandon with Cushman & Wakefield represented the buyer.

The establishment is located at 4819 Canyon Lakes Trace Drive within the Canyon Lakes Shopping Centre, near the Wilson Road Exit of Sam Houston Tollway 8, in an area offering several dining, entertainment, and retail options, approximately 6.4 km from Generation Park, in a 4.200 acre mixed - use district featuring industrial , office, residential, and retail components, as well as parks and trails.

Local demand generators include the Golf Club of Houston, Lake Houston, Kingwood Medical Center, the Port of Houston, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

The area is expected to see additional demand from developments such as Eli Lilly & Company’s $5.9 - billion pharmaceutical bio - manufacturing facility, scheduled to break  ground this year, and HTX Surf, a surfing destination within Generation Park projected to attract over 200.000 visitors annually once operational in 2027.

The property is an extended – stay hotel featuring 90 modern, air-conditioned studios and one-- bedroom suites providing fully equipped kitchens with a stovetop, dishwasher, microwave, and full - sized refrigerator/ freezer. Rooms also include flat - screen TVs, work desks, and seating areas.

Facilities at  thr hotel include, a year - round outdoor pool, a 24/7 fullly equipped fitness centre,  complimentary laundry facilities, free WiFi and pet - friendly rooms. Guests can enjoy evening social receptions and utilize the one – site barbecue grills.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141240.html

Miraval Resorts & Spas | Unveiled the Opening of its First International Resort at the Red Sea on Shura Island, Saudi Arabia

Miraval Resorts & Spa a hospitality group offers luxurious, all inclusive wellness retreats that focus on transformative experiences, part of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago Illinois, has unveiled the opening of its first international resort at the Red Sea on Shura Island, also known as Shurayrah, an island facing the Red Sea coast of Tabuk province in Saudi Arabia.

Shura Island is the vibrant, dolphin - shaped heart of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea mega - project. Designed as an ultra - luxury, eco – friendly mega - resort hub, connected to the mainland by a 1.2 km water bridge,  it hosts 11 five- star hotels, exclusive private residences an 18 - hole championship golf course designed by Brian Curley, a yacht marina, and an extensive water sports offering ranging from kayaking, sailing, and stand – up paddleboarding for high - adrenaline e - foiling and PADI scuba diving.

Miraval The Red Sea opened its doors on 15 May, marking the brand’s first resort outside of the U.S., easily accessible via Red Sea Inteernational Airport (RSI), which is a short 25 - 30 minute EV transfer away.

Developed by Red Sea Global, a leading real estate development company based in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, this adults - only, all inclusive wellness retreat adds 180 thoughtfully rooms and suites feature meditation nooks, cloud - like bedding and in - room Tibetan singing bowls, blending desert tones with natural textures.

Every stay covers gourmet dining, healthy snacks, non - alcoholic beverages, and a daily resort credit to be used toward specialty spa services of fee - based private sessions.

At the earth of the resort is the massive 3.000 square - metres sanctuary Life in Balance Spa, the largest of Shura Island, with 39 indoor - to - outdoor trearment rooms, salt rooms, a hammam, a vitality pool, and the Majlis suite for group wellness that anchors to Serenity Center.

Further highlights are Body Mindfulness Center that provides state - of - the - art Technogym equipment, HIIT rooms, barre/Pilates studios, and open - air fitness decks overlooking the Red Sea, Miraval Challenge Course, and Life in Balance Culinary Kitchen, respectively offering expert - led programming across integrative wellbeing, outdoor activities and interactive nutrition.

Guests at the resort will experience restorative journeys characterized by mindfulness, connection, and intention. Each stay presents personalized daily itineraries spanning wellness guidance, aerial yoga, meditation, creative expression, equestrian activities, outdoor adventure courses, and locally inspired cuisine.

The resort aligns with Red Sea Global’s commitment to regenerative tourism, integrating sustainable design and operations that reflect the organization’s broader ambition for a 30% net conservation gain by 2040. This includes being powered solely by renewable energy and implementing advanced waste and water management systems to minimize environmental impact while enhancing biodiversity. 

CEO of Red Sea Global, John Pagano, said that welcoming Miraval Resorts & Spas, a globally respected wellness brand, to the destination, reflects ongoing confidence in Saudi Arabia’s tourism offering. Demand during Ramadan and forward bookings for Eid - Al - Adha point to strong momentum for the destination. Whether to celebrate Eid or simply enjoy a luxury getaway, the aim is to look forward to welcoming guests across the Kingdom and around the world to experience Saudi Hafawah.

To support the increase in visitors this Eid, an additional 32 flights to RSI have been added. The destination is hosting a curated program of dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences for guests staying during the festive period.

Red Sea G?lobal is expanding the offering at The Red destination after occupancy reached 82% during the final 10 days of Ramadan. Anticipating even stronger demand for the peak Eid - Adha travel period, the company is opening a new resort on Shura Island.

Further expanding Shura Island’s luxury offering, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island is also preparing to open and is accepting reservation from 20 May.

The Red Sea hub now has 11 hotels opens, with six more due to open on Shura Island in the coming months.

Link

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141265.html