Vila Galé Hotéis | Continuing its Expansion in Brazil, Planning the Opening of a New Hotel in Florianópolis

Vila Galé Hotéis, the second largest hotel group in Portugal, a company founded in 1986 and based in Lisbon, boasting a relevant portfolio and dedicated to the development and management of properties offering comfort, excellence in services and the construction of new tourism ventures is continuing its expansion in Brazil, planning the opening of a new hotel in Florianópolis. 

Florianópolis is the vibrant capital of southern Brazil’s Santa Catarina state, which is made up mostly of 54km - long Santa Catarina Island, highlighted by a rich cultural heritage, a great diversity of landscapes, formed by mangroves, lagoons, dunes, hills, and small islands, make up the coastline of this region, which has been blessed with 42 breathtaking beaches, including popular resort areas such as the beach Praia dos Ingleses at the island’s northern tip, and for windsurfing and boating in its saltwater lagoon in Lagoa da Conceiçao.  

After opening its 13th hotel in Brazil, the Vila Galé Collection Amazônia, located in Belém in the state of Pará, the Vila Galé group announced during its inauguration the investment in another hotel unit in the South American country, this time in Florianópolis.

The future hotel, with an estimated investment of between 170 and 180 million reais, about 27 to 28 million euros, will be located in the Florianópolis Alfa Techonology Park that along with the high concentration of technology companies along the SC - 401 highway, form the “Silicon Island”, attracting investment and talent and establishing the city as a significant tech centre in Latin America. 

The expectation is that the construction of the future Vila Galé hotel in Florianópolis will start in the next six months, with the opening estimated for the end of 2027, for the high season of November. 

Although the concept of the hotel is not yet fully closed, the Administrator of Vila Galé Hotéis, Gonçalo Rebelo de Almeida, told Publituris, a renowned media production company based in Lisbon, Portugal, that the hotel should have about 270 rooms, along with facilities such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools and leisure areas.

Located 500 metres from the beach, the hotel is seen by the group with potential not only for events and corporate aspects, due to its proximity to the congress center, but also in the leisure segment, in a “mix of resort and events” with the objective to diversify, both in terms of territory and product.

The Administrator of Vila Galé Hotéis added that the company saw it made sense to have a presence in the south of Brazil where a significant part of its issuing market is also located. Also diversify from a territorial and product point of view, basically, go to a completely different region from this presence, Vila Galé Hotéis has had in the Northeast. 

With this future opening, the group is continuing its expansion in Brazil, and Vila Galé Hotéis has in mind the inauguration of four new projects, in which €48 million will be invested in the Vila Galé Collection São Luís; the Vila Galé Collection Maranhão; the Vila Galé Collection Coruripe Alagoas and the Vila Galé Coruripe Alagoas, the latter aimed at children.  

In addition, a hotel in Brumadinho, located next to the Inhotim Institute, a project that the group says is still underdeveloped, since they are still closing the agreement of the land with the city hall.  

In Portugal, Vila Galé Hotéis is planning various projects. It will open five hotels by 2027, with a total investment of €96 million. Among these are the future Vila Galé Miranda do Douro; Vila Galé Penacova; Vila Galé Paço Real de Caxias, in Oeiras, and Vila Galé Tejo, in Quinta da Cardiga. To this list is added a new project, the Almada Carvalhais Palace in Conde Barão in Lisbon, in which around €30 million will be invested. 

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/11/01/vila-gale-prossegue-expansao-no-brasil-com-novo-hotel-em-florianopolis

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Officially Opened its first Thompson Hotel in Asia, Located in Shanghai, China

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois has officially opened its first Thompson hotel in Asia, located in Shanghai, sprawling city on China’s central coast, a vibrant metropolis with a mix of historic architecture and futuristic skyscrapers, a world’s class shopping destination and major hub for culture, finance and technology, often called the “Magic City” or “Paris of the East” for its dynamic international feel of old and new.

The Thompson Shanghai Expo is situated in Shanghai’s World Expo area near Huangpu River, a key development zone in the Pudong New Area that was the site of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and features the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center, the Shanghai Expo Cultural Park, the Mercedes - Benz - Arena, the World Expo Museum and the China Art Museum.  

Today this district continues to be developed into a modern public activity zone with a focus on public activities, hosting modern services, high - end cultural industries, a green waterfront and known for its business, cultural and event venues.

The hotel is part of the Expo Place, a commercial complex that includes art, retail, and leisure facilities along the riverfront and is designed by Chicago - based Goettsch Partners (GP) with interiors by SilverFox Studios from Singapore. The architecture includes a curved tower with a glass façade, while the interior design draws inspiration from the Expo 2010 Shanghai pavilions.

The hotel features 254 rooms and suites and three dining options include BAOBAO Lounge, which offers a social atmosphere with a menu of steamed delicacies and local beverages, The Fishermen’s Pavilion serving regional cuisine from the Yangtze River Delta, with a focus on seafood and freshwater fish and TOTS, located on the 20th floor, featuring a bar,  outdoor dining, and cabanas, offering a variety of drinks, tapas, and live entertainment.

The Thompson Shanghai Expo provides eight event venues, including Thompson Hall, a large ballroom with a capacity of up to 1.150 guests, The Oval, another venue, is designed for creative gatherings, and other meeting rooms with natural light and modern technology. 

The establishment is part of Thompson Hotels an upper - upscale, boutique lifestlyle hotel brand owned by Hyatt, known for its stylish properties that blend local culture with design and culinary experiences.

In celebration of the opening, guests booking through Hyatt.com and the World of Hyatt APP by November 30, 2025, can participate in curated cultural programs. World of Hyatt members can earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at the hotel until January 31, 2026.

Link 
https://www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/shath-thompson-shanghai-expo
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138720.html

Minor Hotels | Unveiled Plans to Open a New Tivoli Hotel in Lecce, Italy

Minor Hotels, an  international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry, a firm founded in 1978 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, has unveiled plans to open a new Tivoli hotel in Lecce, a city in Italy’s southern Apulia region, famous for its outstanding baroque architecture, earning it the nickname of “Florence of the South”, built from the local soft, creamy Lecce stone, also highlighted by ancient Roman ruins, vibrant city life, and its status as a relevant centre alongside its province for producing olive oil, wine, and papier - mâché art. 

The opening of Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce aims to enhance the city’s hospitality offerings in the city, a development which marks an expansion of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts in Italy and contributes to Minor Hotel’s portfolio, which will include 60 properties in the country.

Following a comprehensive renovation the hotel is scheduled to open in April 2026 and will be situated in Lecce’s historic centre, on Via Imperatore, between the iconic squares Piazza Sant’ Oronzo and Piazzetta Santa Chiara, providing  an easy access to several key attractions within walking distance, such as the Roman Amphitheatre, the Basilica di Santa Croce,  and Lecce Cathedral.

Tivoli Palazzo Risorgimento Lecce is also approximately a 20 - minute drive from nearby beaches, accessible via Brindisi Airport, which is 35 - minute drive away, and is connected by high - speed rail to major Italian cities.

The hotel will feature 45 rooms, a ground - floor restaurant, and a rooftop lounge bar offering views of the Cathedral Bell Tower, a wellness area with pool, treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, and a gym.

The property will be part of the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts brand founded in Portugal in 1933, known for its elegant ambiance and unique local experiences. The brand features properties in cities, beaches, and resorts across Europe, Brazil, the Middle East and Asia, emphasizing a philosophy of “slow living” encouraging guests to stay in the moment and discover the local culture through curated services and distinct hotel personalities.

Links 
https://media.minorhotels.com/en-GLO/256169-minor-hotels-announces-the-expansion-of-tivoli-hotels-resorts-in-italy-with-the-tivoli-palazzo-risorgimento-lecce/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138709.html

South Africa | Recorded a 24% year - on - year Rise in Overseas Arrivals in Q3 2025

South Africa recorded a 24% year - on - year rise in overseas arrivals in Q3 2025, according to Statistics South Africa, reinforcing confidence ahead of the peak summer season, showing a strong growth, driven by Europe and North America.  

Key features include a spike in arrivals due to stronger air access, major congresses in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and a strong demand for luxury travel.

The country saw a 6.2% increase in trips compared to the previous year. Europe delivered 280.322 arrivals, up 21.7%, while North America rose 18.4% to 122.557 arrivals.

The luxury segment is outperforming pre - Covid levels, though mid - market demand remains cost  sensitive due to airfares and longer itineraries.

Year - to - date overseas arrivals are up 10.5% yet recovery is still at about 90% with the South Africa Tourism Service Association (SATSA) calling for sharper, data – led destination marketing. Including intra - African travel arrivals on September reached just over 7.6 million, about 73.000 above 2019. 

Operators reported firm demand, Go2Africa, a well known South African luxury safari headquartered in Cape Town noted almost 30% year - on - year revenue growth in September, driven largely by first - time travellers drawn to Cape Town, the Winelands, and easy links to Kruger National Park. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/south-africa-overseas-arrivals-up-24-in-q3-2025-momentum-builds-into-summer.html

Portugal | Named Europe’s Leading Destination at 2025 World Travel Awards

Portugal has been named “Europe’s Leading Destination” at the 2025 World Travel Awards, a recognition that marks the seventh time the country has won the award since 2017, and it was presented at the Europe Gala Ceremony which took place on 22nd October at the Forte Village Resort in Sardinia, Italy regaining the title from Greece, which won the award last year.,

 Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado said that the award   “Europe’s Leading Destination”reflects the work, dedication and quality of all professionals who, on a daily basis, make tourism one of the main pillars of Portuguese economy.

President of Turismo de Portugal, Carlos Abade, underlined that this award demonstrates Portugal’s great ability to assert itself as one of the best tourist destinations in Europe. In a press release, the President also underlined that this accolade is the consolidation of a prominent position that the country has been building in a sustained way, and serves as an incentive for the country to continue to permanently qualify the destination and its offer and to innovate to ensure that the destination is able to respond to the needs of demand.

 Portugal received other distinctions that recognized Portuguese regions and cities with Madeira archipelago winning for “Best Island Destination”, Porto for “Best Urban Destination in Europe”, and Lisbon for “Best City Break Destination in Europe” as well as seven hotels in Portugal.

The list of winners in Europe also includes in the airline segment TAP Air Portugal, the flag carrier of Portugal and SATA - Azores Airlines, doubly distinguished. 

TAP was twice awarded by being recognized as the best airline in Europe for Africa and South America. It should be recalled that, currently TAP Air Portugal has 85 weekly flights, from Porto and Lisbon, to 14 destinations in Angola, Cape Verde, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea - Bissau, Morocco, Mozambique, São Tomé and Princípe and Senegal. 

To Brazil the Portuguese airline offers 96 weekly flights to 13 Brazilian capitals, an average flights per day and in South America, and TAP Air Portugal also flies to Caracas, Venezuela. 

Likewise SATA - Azores Airlines was recognized not only the best airline in Europoe for North America but also the best regional airline.  

Seven hotels in Portugal distinguished at European gala of the World Travel Awards. In the capital of the country, Lisbon, the 1908 Lisboa Hotel was awarded as “Best design hotel in Europe”, while the LUMEN Hotel & The Lisbon Light Show received the award for “Best lifestyle hotel in Europe”.

Also in the Portuguese capital, two Valverde hotels were awarded : the Valverde Lisbon Hotel & Garden, as “Best luxury hotel in Europe” and the Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais as “the most romantic hotel in Europe”. 

In the Algarve region, Dunas Douradas Beach Club was distinguished as “Best Villa Resort in Europe” and Pine Cliffs Residence, a Luxury Collection Resort was named as the “Best Hotel Residences in Europe”.

In Madeira, the Savoy Palace stands out, considered by the World Travel Awards as the “Best luxury hotel in Europe”. 

Finally in the hospitality management segment, Amazing Evolution was twice distinguished at 2025 World Travel Awards 2025 as the “Best Hotel Management Company in Europe” and the “Best Boutique Hotel Operator in Europe”.

Portugal was also awarded for a list of projects at European level, and they are : 

•    Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2025 : Paiva Walkways – Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark.
•    Europe’s Leading New Tourist Attraction 2025 : Ah Amália – Living Experience.
•    Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction : Dark Sky Alqueva.
•    Europe’s Leading Tourist Board 2025 : Madeira Promotion Association.
•    Europe’s Leading Travel Agency : Top Atlântico
•    Europe’s Leading Water Park : Aquashow Water Park. 
•    Europe’s Reponsible Tourism Award : Dark Sky Alqueva.

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/10/23/world-travel-awards-distinguem-portugal-como-o-melhor-destino-da-europa

Uzbekistan | Proposing a UNESCO Media Literacy Strategy for the Development of Inclusive Education for Children with Special Needs

The 43rd session of the General Conference of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Orgnization (UNESCO) opened in Samarkand, an iconic city located in southeastern Uzbekistan, among the oldest and continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, known for its majestic mosques and mausoleums and to situated on the emblematic Silk Road, the ancient trade route linking China to the Mediterranean.

The conference brought together heads of state government, leaders of international organisations, and delegations from around the world, and speaking at the solemn ceremony, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the country’s role as bridge between East and West, North and South, as reported by the head’s of state press service. 

Uzbekistan’s President said that in recent years, the country as an equal member of UNESCO, has been taking consistent steps aimed at raising interaction with the organisation to a qualitatively new level. In particular, the five - year cooperation programme until 2027 is being effectively implemented. 

The leader of the Central Asian country put forward a number of initiative among them the establishment of the UNESCO International Insitute of Digital Heritage, the launch of the “UNESCO Ecological Capital” initiative and he also proposed declaring 19 November as the International Day of Documentary Heritage. 

Uzbekistan President paid particular attention to the sectors of science and technology, proposing to create a UNESCO platform for the development of inclusive education for children with special needs, holding a World Summit on Teachers.

This development features a focus on equity and access, which means creating accessible physical and learning environments, alongside flexible teaching and support. Key features include a collaborative approach among teachers, specialists, and parents, and the use of assistive technology to help students with disabilities participate fully alongside their no - disabled peers. Other important aspects are adapting curricula and assessments to individual needs and providing ongoing training for all teachers to foster inclusive practices.

The initiative is part of a broader set of proposals from Uzbekistan, which also includes developing a comprehensive strategy for media and information literacy and an International Forum of Experts on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (AI) under the auspices of UNESCO. 

Finally the President of Uzbekistan recalled that about 20 objects of the country’s intangible cultural heritage have been included in the UNESCO list. The opening ceremony concluded with a concert featuring works of Uzbek classical music and world heritage performed in a contemporary style by a symphony orchestra, choir, and national ensemble.

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/en/news/president-of-uzbekistan-proposes-unesco-media-literacy-strategy/

Peru | Included in the Prestigious “Best Countries for Food “ Category of the Readers’s Choice Awards

Peru has been included in the prestigious “Best Countries for Food” category of the Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 of Condé Nast Traveller United Kingdom, one of the most important recognitions in the international tourism sector as reported the Peruvian Commission for the Promotion of Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ). 

The South American country is considered a favourite gastronomic destination in 2025 having won “Best Culinary Destination in Latin America”, and “Best Culinary City in Latin  America” for Lima at the world Culinary Awards, and the World Travel Awards for its cuisine, highlighting its unique blend of traditional and modern culinary diverse ingredients, and influential chefs.

The Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the experience most valued by travellers around the world and in this edition, nearly 200.000 British readers of the publication shared their travel recommendations and experiences, voting for their favourite airlines, cities, destinations, hotels and experience and the results of the the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards will be included in the magazine’s November issue.

This relevant recognition was delivered by Condé Nast Traveller, luxury and lifestyle travel  magazine considered among the oldest, most influential and respected in the tourism industry, published by Condé Nast, a prestigious global mass media company based in New York, U.S., founded in 1909 by Condé Montrose, and owned by Advance Publications, directly reflecting the real preferences and experiences of international travellers. 

This award reaffirms Peru’s position as one of the world’s leading gastronomic destinations. Peruvian gastronomy’s success stems from a combination of its extraordinary biodiversity, diverse cultural fusions, and the innovative spirit of its chefs.

The country’s unique geography provides a vast array of local ingredients, from the Andes and Amazon to the Pacific Ocean, which are blended with influence from Spanish, Chinese, Japanese and other immigrant cultures. 

This fusion showcased through globally recognized dishes from the traditional  "ceviche", "anticuchos" and "lomo saltado" to its contemporary haute cuisine  has led to international awards, frequent appearances on world’s best restaurant lists, a boom in gastronomic tourism and today Peruvian gastronomy continues to captivate and consolidates its leadership in the global culinary scene.

According to the UK Tourist Profile prepared by PROMPERÚ’s Tourism In, 99% of British visitors  to the country carry out activities related to gastronomy, which confirms the great interest in the country’s culinary culture.

Among the most popular experiences are visits to picanterías and regional or local restaurants (94%) tours of markets and fairs where local supplies are purchased (75%) and tastings of organic products.

PROMPERÚ, an entity attached to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETOUR) , leads a comprehensive promotion strategy aimed at promoting travel to Peru motivated by gastronomy, through the positioning of the national culinary offer.

To this end, two international versions of the emblematic gastronomic fair “Peru, Mucho Gusto” have been successfully developed in the cities of Madrid in April and New York, U.S. in September. The next international edition will be held in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, at the beginning of December, another relevant move to consolidate the successful Peruvian gastronomy globally.

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/peru-destino-gastronomico-favorito-por-conde-nast-traveller/