Riu Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened its Sixth Property in Cancun, Mexico

Riu Hotels & Resorts, a Spanish family - owned chain company founded in 1953 and headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, a group specializes in holiday hotels and all - inclusive resorts offering a variety of brands with of locations across the world has officially opened its sixth property in Cancun, renowned destination located on the Yucatán Peninsula facing the Caribbean Sea in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, well known for its beaches, numerous resorts and a very vibrant nightlife.

With this opening, the company reaches 23 hotels in Mexico, expanding its presence in a key destination in the Caribbean.

The new Riu Ventura, an all - inclusive establishment aimed at families that also incorporates areas for adults as the main innovation in the destination is located in Playa Delfines, a sloping expansive beach with soft, tawny sand and tuequoise blue waters situated in Punta Nizuc, a sinuous promontory known for its tranquil beaches, stunning sunsets, and especially the MUSA Underwater Sculpture Museum,  featuring hundreds of art pieces that foster coral growth, creating unique snorkelling/diving spots with rich marine life.

The property features 705 guestrooms, including 36 swim - up units located on the ground floor. These rooms, which are the first kind within Riu Hotels & Resorts’ offer in Mexico are distinguished by their greater privacy and privileged views thanks to their high - rise layout.

As a differentiating proposal the resort incorporates an adult - only area located on the sixth floor, where a swimming pool and a Sky Bar are located with panoramic views of the Caribbean, a space that is another of the great novelties of the brand in Mexico.

Riu Ventura boasts a varied culinary offering, including:

·       Agave: Dedicated to Mexican cuisine.

·       Kaori: An Asian speciality restaurant.

·       Kulinarium: A restaurant focused on fusion cuisine.

·       Rimini: A dining option serves Italian cuisine.

·       Steakhouse: Classic concept of Riu Hotels & Resorts.

 In addition to these venues, there is a buffet restaurant with show cooking, as well as two snack stations: Pepe’s Food with grilled dishes, and Tiki Taco, focused on Mexican tacos.The Sports Bar features the new American Country concept, offering guests, a la carte “All American favorites”, drinks and snacks 24 hours a day and the property also offers six bars.

On the ground floor, guests will find four outdoor swimming pools and a children’s aquatic area. Riu Ventura also includes a full gym, a spa, and the Riu Land children’s club, with activities supervised by the entertainment team.

In addition to an extensive daytime and evening entertainment programme, guests at hotel will be able to access the RIU Party, which is held at the Hotel Riu Caribe and has become a hallmark of the chain’s leisure, with its four weekly themes: White Party, Jungle Party, Pink Party and Neon Party.

With this opening, the chain adds six hotels in Cancun, six in Playa del Carmen and three properties in Costa Mujeres, reaching 15 establishments in the state of Quintana Roo.

Looking ahead to 2026, Riu Hotels & Resorts plans to renovate the Riu Palace in Cancun and the Riu Palace Mexico in Playa del Carmen. Subsequerntly, construction will begin on the new Riu Palace Quintana Roo, which will be located in Costa Mujeres.

Links 

https://www.riu.com/en/hotel/mexico/cancun/hotel-riu-ventura

https://www.hosteltur.com/173164_riu-hotels-resorts-abre-su-sexto-hotel-en-cancun-el-riu-ventura.html

Gaiarooms | Portfolio Expansion in Portugal with the Future Opening of its Second Hotel in Porto

Gaiarooms, hospitality company based in Madrid, part of the Gaia Capital Investment Group, specializes in the tourist accommodation and “flex living” sector in Spain has expanded its portfolio in Portugal with the opening of its second hotel in Porto, vibrant city and the second largest centre in the country after Lisbon, highlighted by a rich cultural and historical Heritage visible in its stunning medieval treasures in the Ribeira district, its historic core declared a World Heritage Site, a city boasting a long tradition about the production of fine wines, a delicious cuisine and a vibrant nightlife.

The future opening of the new Hotel Bom Sucesso reinforces Gaiarooms growth strategy in Portugal, where it already operates the Blissful Suites Porto and has two other establishments in negotiation.

This operation is part of its expansion plan that includes new additions in other Portuguese cities in the coming years with the aim to reach 4.000 rooms managed by 2028

The Hotel Bom Sucesso is located in the neighbourhood of Lordelo do Ouro e Massarelosen that stands out proximity to the Douro River and the sea, a former shipyard area with history linked to navigation and establishments, with Roman remains and historical buildings such as the Church of of São Martinho de Lordelo.

The neighborhood combines modernity highlighted by contemporary architecture with the nature of Jardim Botânico do Porto garden, boasting a strong presence of green spaces, including community gardens.

The Hotel will feature 58 rooms incorporating the brand’s philosophy and characteristics services: smart locks, automatic check - in and check - out, keyless access control and monitoring systems for efficient energy management.

Amenities at the hotel will include a fully equipped gym, the company’s second coworking space, designed for dynamic travellers who combine work and leisure that reinforces Gaiarooms’ proposal for the new profile of urban guest who demands flexibility, connectivity and services adapted to active lifestyles.

CEO and founder of Gaiarooms Enrique Dominguez said that the acquisition of the Hotel Bom Sucesso represents a further step in the company consolidation in Portugal, a key country in the group internationalization strategy. Porto is one of the most attractive tourist destination in Europe, and Gaiarooms is convinced that its flexible and digital accommodation model fits the needs of its visitors. The company has two more establishments in the process with which the hope is to continue growing in this stunning city.

Link

https://www.hosteltur.com/173160_gaiarooms-crece-en-portugal-con-un-segundo-hotel-en-oporto.html

Alto Paraná, Paraguay | The Tourism Authorities Bet on the Appeal and Tourism Quality in the Region

The Department of Tourism Quality of Senatur, the government branch that establish the Paraguayan national tourism policy, guidelines and promotion carried out technical visits to establishments linked to the tourism sector and the territory of the Alto Paraná, a department located in the central eastern part of Paraguay, defined by the presence of the Paraná and Acaray Rivers, which shape its appeal with a very attractive natural environment which include several natural reserves, parks, and a variety of attractions including museums and historical sites.

These visits are part of the process to obtain the Tourism Quality Distinction, titles generated by the National Tourism Quality System (SNCT), an initiative developed by the National Government through the National Tourism Secretariat (SENATUR) to strengthen and professionalize the sector by developing policies, indicators, and action plans focused on the continuous improvements of tourism.

The SNCT has structured a roadmap that includes training, education, and a robust information system, as the government has recognized it as a crucial factor for increasing tourism flow, fostering innovation, and enhancing the country’s positioning.

The companies visited by the Department of Tourism Quality of Senatur were Viajes Más, an active travel agency offering designed tourism services tailored to each type of traveller, providing personalized assistance and adapt to the specific needs of its clients, based in Hernandarias, a city located across the highway from the Itaipu Dam, and Casa Mestiza Café, a charming and cozy specialty coffee shop, known for its impeccable coffee culture curated by hospitable owners, located in Ciudad del Este, the second - largest city in Paraguay and capital of the Alto Paraná Department, situated on the Paraná River.

These visits represent a bet of Paraguay on tourism quality and to reward organizations and companies which with their work enhance the appeal and relevance of the destination.

The Minister of Tourism, Angie Duarte, expressed the institutional interest in promoting tourism excellence with actions that are part of Senatur’s commitment to elevate the tourist experience in Paraguay.

About Tourism in Alto Paraná:

In Alto Paraná tourism centres on massive engineering visiting Itaipu Dam, duty - free shopping in Ciudad del Este, natural beauty with Iguazu Falls, nearby Salto del Monday, history such as Bertoni Monument, San Blas Cathedral, and is border location Hito Tres Fronteras, offering a mix of commerce, colossal infrastructure, and lush subtropical landscapes for visitors.

Key Features, Attractions and Experiences:

·       Engineering Marvels: The colossal Itaipu Sam shared with Brazil, is a major draw, offering tours of the world’s second largest - hydroelectric plant.

·       Shopping Hub: Ciudad del Este, a massive duty - free zone, is famous for electronics, perfumes, imported goods, bustling markets and bargains, attracting shoppers from across the globe.

·       Natural Wonders and Explorations: While Iguazu Falls (Brazil/Argentina) is a short trip away Alto Paraná itself boasts the scenic Salto del Monday, lush natural areas, the Atlantic Forest, Parque das Aves, waterfalls, national parks (nearby) and various riverfront activities.

·       Historical and Cultural Sites:  Relevant attractions are the Monument of Moises Santiago Bertoni, a historical site surrounded by fields and hamlets,  the Hito Tres Fronteras (Triple Frontier) landmark, historic churches like the Catedral de San Blas in Ciudad delk Este, a unique stone and wood architectural treasure.

·       Riverfront and Recreation: The Costanera de Herrnandarias area offers pleasant walking, cycling, hiking, kayaking, and playgrounds along the Paraná River.

·       Border Tourism: Various experiences for the unique convergence of Paraguay, Argentina, and Brazil at the Triple Frontier.

Link

https://senatur.gov.py/noticias/senatur-apuesta-a-la-calidad-turistica-en-alto-parana/

Giza, Egypt | Designated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Film

Giza, a city in Egypt located on the west bank of the Nile River near Cairo, most famous as the location of the emblematic Giza Plateau, the site of some of the most impressive Egyptian royal mortuary and sacred structures, among which are the Great Sphinx, the Great Pyramid, a number of other large pyramids and temples and home of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has been designated a UNESCO Creative City of Film for 2025.

The announcement coincided with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum on November 1, 2025 and this prestigious recognition celebrates the rich cultural heritage and historic role of the Egyptian city in the film industry that joins the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in the film category highlighting its enormous potential .

UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) membership provides access to collaborative projects, capacity – building and global visibility for local creative sectors. Giza’s cultural and film - industry assets, such as studio clusters, the National Centre for Cinema and major production sites were cited during the application process as part of the justification for the film - category recognition.

This honour supports government plans to develop furthermore a state - of - the - art film production city near the iconic pyramid and around the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) featuring advanced studios and integrated facilities creating a comprehensive cultural and creative destination and aiming to attract international shoots solidifying Egypt’s position as a global media centre.

The initiative is part of Egypt Government vision and strategy to leverage Giza’s cultural heritage, enhance tourism, and placing the city as a regional hub for filmmaking, streamlining processes for foreign crews. Giza will welcome private - sector investment with the government encouraging partners to join in shaping Egypt’s next filmmaking landmark.

This designation and development project also aim to elevate Giza’s status, attracting global talent, and foster international collaboration in the film industry, capitalizing on its unique blend of ancient wonders and modern ambitions.

Following the recognition, the Giza Governorate plans to implement a comprehensive action plan to capture the benefits of this distinction to support youth, filmmakers and media professionals in the region.

Link

https://cairoscene.com/Buzz/Giza-Joins-UNESCO-Creative-Cities-Network-for-Film

Nova Gorica, Slovenia | The EPIC Centre, a New Cultural Venue Dedicated to Life Opened on the Border

Nova Gorica, a town in wester Slovenia crossed by the Isonzo River, on the border with Italy, a unique blend of Slovenian and Italian cultures, modern architecture, rich history, and stunning nature, serving as a gateway to the Soča Valley and Vipava wine region, with vibrant as the 2025 European Capital of Culture focusing on art,  tech, and borderless unity, has a new cultural venue dedicated to life.

The EPIC Centre (European Platform for Interpretation of the 20th Century) located near Europe Square, is a key project for the European Capital of Culture 2025, which opened with the permanent exhibition “City on the Border: Goriška in the 20^th Century” focusing on personal stories and the shared history of the Slovenian - Italian border region.

For the opening of the venue the €6.38 million was financed by the municipality o Nova Gorica, the Slovenian government and the European Regional Development Fund.

The site is the result of the transformation of a former railway depot on the Slovenian side of the border between Nova Gorica and Italy’s Gorizia, a town and municipality in the autonomous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia located at the foot of the Julian Alps in northeast Italy has been turned into a new cultural venue,  a vibrant hub for events, education, and reflection on cross – border identity.

The curator of the exhibition, historian Kaja Širok said at the 26^th November launch that “City on the Border”,offers visitors a look into the future through the understanding of a shared past.

The historian added  that “City on the Border” is dedicated to individual and collective stories of people on both sides of the border, told through Slovenian, Italian, as well Friulian and German experiences to enrich the understanding of the area’s history through different viewpoints. 

EPIC Centre aims to go beyond national narratives, creating a shared space for reflection, cultural exchange, and understanding the complex history that shaped this unique borderland, inviting visitors to contribute their own memories.

The exhibition aims to highlight the region’s multiculturalism and show how important multicultural hubs started disappearing after the world wars and made way for nation focused storytelling.

The exhibition is structured chronologically, featuring personal stories, objects, and videos testimonies as part of the narrative, offering an intimate look at life, before, during, and after the World Wars and it shows how the same events were interpreted in different ways, including by how they were termed such as the occupation or liberation of Gorizia.

As visitors walk through the rooms the interiors change to show how styles, design and architecture changed. One ois for example in the Biedermeier style, an early 19^th century. a  Central European design style that emerged from a reaction to the opulence of earlier styles, prioritizing simplicity, functionality, and domestic comfort for the rising middle class, and characterized on clean lines, geometric shapes, restrained elegance, and the use of lighter, local wooids like cherry and maple that highlight the natural grain.

A separate display curated by journalist Ali Žerdin features front pages of newspapers to show how the same events were reported in Italy, Slovenia and other countries.

This way, the exhibition portrays the complexity of history and relationships in the 20th century, not only in the region but throughout Europe.

Guided tours are available in Slovenian, Italian and English and an accompany catalogue will be published next year featuring reflections by authors from both countries and how they experience and understand the border and the border region.

 EPIC Centre located just a stone’s throw away from Europe Square straddling the border, also includes a multifunctional conference hall, a  gallery, a café and is designed as a new urban meeting point and creative venue.

Link  

https://sloveniatimes.com/45803/new-cultural-venue-in-nova-gorica-dedicated-to-life-on-the-border

Malindi, Kenya | Reopened Talks to Revive the Long - Stalled Expansion of the International Airport

Kenya Government and Kilifi County have reopened talks to revive the - long stalled expansion of Malindi International Airport, located west of the central business of the town of Malindi, in southeastern Kenya, at the Indian Ocean coast, an air hub thar serves Malindi, Mambrui and Watamu, an initiative confirmed by Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano.

The project sits within Kenya wider aviation and tourism agenda aims to improve air access to the coast, addressing current constrains that limit the the airport to small aircraft and require international travellers to route via Mombasa or Nairobi.

The expansion aims to attract direct international flights, boost tourism, support regional trade by extending the runway to handle larger aircraft such as Boeing 737s, modernising terminals, upgrading navigation systems, adding infrastructure like a large a apron and parking, potentially overcoming past land compensation issues to tran,form the airport into a major coastal gateway.

The upgrades are expected to enable potential services form Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, ease pressure on Mombasa’s International Airport and stimulate higher - value tourism and investment.

Key Features and Goals:

·       Runway Extension: Lengthening Runway 17/35 to about 2.500 metres to handle long – haul and larger aircraft.

·      Terminal Modernization: Upgrading passenger facilities, security, and immigration to international standards.

·       Increased Capacity: Enlarging the apron for more planes and building a 500 – vehicle parking lot.

·      Enhanced Security: Constructing a 7.5 perimeter fence.

·       Economic Boost: Attracting direct charters from Europe, Middle East and Africa, creating jobs, and stimulating local hotels and investment.

·       Regional Connectivity: Supporting Kenya’s goal to offer integrated East African travel experiences.

Industry stakeholders, including Pollmans Tours’ Mohamed Hersi, HotelOnline’s Håvar Bauck and Ocean Beach Resort’s Roberto Marini, have welcomed the momentum but stress timely, transparent delivery after earlier delays tied to compensation disputes and bureaucracy, noting interest from carriers such as Flydubai once runway are resolved.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/malindi-airport-expansion-revived-kenya-and-kilifi-resume-upgrade-talks.html

Athens, Greece | ATH. ENA GO App, Making City’s Public Transport Easier for Residents and Visitors Launched

Athens, Greece’s capital and largest city is making public transport simpler and more convenient for residents and visitors alike with the launch of ATH. ENA GO, a mobile app that replaces paper tickets and plastic ATH. ENA Card.

Designed for both Greek and English speaking users the app aims to streamline travel across Athens public transport network by letting you buy tickets, manage virtual/physical cards and pay by mobile phone city’s bus, metro, tram, trolley and suburban rail networks.

Android users with NFC - enabled devices that can issue a fully transport card on their phone, which can be topped up, validated and used across all public transport modes without the need for a plastic card.

Available on iOS and Android, ATH. ENA GO enables passengers to manage their journeys digitally, offering a smoother, more efficient experience,  getting instant virtual cards and best fares and resulting particularly useful during peak tourism periods.

App’s features include managing card info, language settings, buying products and loading onto cards. The app reduces queues at ticket counters, simplifies fare purchases and aligns Athens with the smart mobility trends seen in other major European capitals. 

According to the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA), personalized digital cards will soon be introduced, expanding functionality and catering to frequent users.

OASA said in an announcement that ATH. ENA GO represents a key step in Athens’ broader digital transformation efforts, reinforcing the city’s goal of a modern, user – friendly urban transport system.

Link

https://news.gtp.gr/2025/12/02/ath-ena-go-app-makes-athens-public-transport-easier-for-residents-and-tourists/