Mauritius | Preparing to Introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization

Mauritius, an exoric island country in the Indian Ocean, about 2.000 kilometres off the southeastern coast of East Africa, east of Madagascar is preparing to introduce an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to modernize and streamline its border control procedure formalities with the aim to improve efficiency for travellers and enhances the nation’s tourism sector.

During the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Constance Hotels & Resorts, a leading luxury hotel group with properties primarily located in the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar, the Maldives, Mauritius, Rodrigues and Seychelles, Mauritius’s Prime Minister, Dr, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, unveiled several major policy directions for the tourism sector, which remains central to the country’s national development strategy.

Among these initiatives was announced a forthcoming electronic travel authorization system, expected to reshape entry and exit procedures for all travellers.

Key details about Mauritius’s upcoming ETA :

 ·       Purpose: The ETA is intended to reduce wait times and simplify entry and exit for both tourists and Mauritian citizens.

·       Target users: Mauritius’ Government has indicated that the system may apply to all travellers, potentially including those who are currently exempt from visa requirements. 

 

·       Technology: The new system is expected to feature a digital recognition component to support the overall digitalization of border control process. 

 

·       Implementation timeline: The specific start date for the ETA has not yet been announced.

 The new ETA is expected to replace the current All - in  - One Digital Travel Form to create a more integrated and efficient entry process. Unlike the current form, which is an arrival declaration, the ETA will be an electronic pre - travel authorization, similar to the ESTA in the United States or the ETIAS in Europe.

 Apart the announcement of the ETA upcoming introduction, addressing an audience of public and private - sector representatives, the Prime Minister highlighted the crucial role tourism plays in the Mauritius economy, noting that the country welcomed 1.4 million arrivals in 2025.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/mauritius-prepares-to-introduce-an-electronic-travel-authorization.html

Vietnam | Planning for a Great Growth in its Airport Infrastructure

Vietnam is preparing for a great growth in its airport infrastructure, according to the revised plan drawn up by the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority, the country plans to operate 33 airports with a capacity of 297 million passengers by 2030 as reported by Vietnam New Agency (VNA).

The network expansion is part of a larger master plan aiming to boost regional connectivity, support tourism and logistics, and meet growing passenger demand.

The new plan includes the integration of Mang Den airport in Quang Nai Province projected to be a major tourist hub while Van Phong Airport located in Khanh Hoa Province will be a service and logistic hub.

The project is estimated to require nearly VND 500 trillion in investment by 2030, sourced from the state budget, private sources and other channels.

The network expansion also includes integrating advanced technology for improved efficiency and passenger experience. The operations involves infrastructure modernizayion  with technologies like biometrics, automated baggage handling, smart security and 5G connectivity.

These projects are essential to boost economic growth, attract private investment and improve connectivity between the country’s region and the expansion plan extends beyond 2030, with a vision have 36 airports by 2050.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/vietnam-planea-expandir-la-red-de-aeropuertos-a-33-para-2030/

France | The Senate Has Approved a €15 Per Person Per Port Fee for International Cruise Passengers

The French Senate has recently approved a proposal for a new €15 tax per person, per fort fee for international cruise passengers. This tax applies to each port of call within France as part of the 2026 budget proposed by Senator Jean - Marc Delia, is intended to fund coastal conservation under the “polluter pays” principle, though it still needs approval from the Assemblée nationale (the National Assembly) and faces government opposition due to logistical concerns.

France follows similar moves in other European countries like Greece and Norway to address cruise ship pollution and the aim is to generate revenue for protecting France’s vulnerable coastal areas, a move that is expected to raise about €75 million a year.

In addition to the solidarity fees applied to aviation, there is now the proposal of this new fee which could be named “sea stopover” because the French Republican senators, the traditional centre - right include not only cruise ships, but also scheduled passenger ships, such as those linking mainland France to Corsica and Great Britain, which is supposedly a mistake.

The centre - right project had the support of the left and the ultra - right so the proposal was approved, however the government, which is in a minority in Parliament, is opposed.

The senators referred almost exclusively to cruise ships and have insisted on the tax to deter these pollution ships.

French Minister Amélie de Montchalin, pointed out that regular passenger ships have not been excluded from the measure, which could create problems with the United Kingdom, but above all with Corsica, a very sensitive island territory for France.

Although the Senate has approved the bill, it will not enter into force because it has to be processed and the Assemblée nationale is expected to review the proposal later in December 2025.

Link

https://www.preferente.com/noticias-de-agencias-de-viajes/francia-el-senado-aprueba-una-tasa-de-15-euros-para-cada-crucerista-346964.html

South Africa | Installed Southern Africa’s Highest Weather Station in the Mont - aux - Sources Area

A consortium led by the South African Enviornmental Observation Network ( NRF - SAEON) in partnership with a research unit from the University of the Free State’s Afromontane Research Unit (ARU), has installed in the Mont - aux - Sources area, part of the Maluti - Drakensberg mountain range, a spectacuar basalt plateau forming a natural border between Lesotho and South Africa, specifically above the Drakensberg amphitheatre,  the highest weather station in Southern Africa at an altitude of 3.100 metres.

The development is part of SAEON’s EFTEON network, which includes five stations along an altitudinal range according to information from the South African Government News Agency.

This fully automated station addresses data gaps in high - mountain ecosystems that are particularly vulnerable to climate change. It collects high – resolution, real - time data on various climate variables, including temperature, humidity, wind, solar radiation, rainfall, and barometric pressure, essential information to follow phenomena such as climate change, extreme episodes and the health of the watersheds.

The data is publicly available through SAEON’s online platform, benefiting researchers, government, conservationists, as well as operators in the tourism sector including land managers, tour operators and anyone interested. 

The data helps monitor climate trends and catchment health, supporting the cross - border MaS - LTSER research platform.

The collected data is especially important for water security, as the Maluti - Drakensberg is a crucial water source region for major South African river systems such the Orange, Vaal and Tugela, which makes it significant to understand how climate, land use and air pollution transform this landscape.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/se-instala-la-estaci-n-meteorol-gica-m-s-alta-del-frica-austral-para-investigaci-n/

Brazil | Inaugurated the Latin America’s Longest Marked Hiking Trail

Brazil recently inaugurated the Amazon Trail parts of the Trilha Amazônia Atlântica, set to be Latin America’s longest marked hiking trail, announced during the 2025 Climate Conference (COP30) which took place in Belém, capital of the state of Pará.

Spanning 468 km through the Atlantic Forest the route starts in the historic centre of Belém and continues to the Serra do Piriá, a lateritic plateau known for its unique geological formations, caves, rich biodiversity, and scenic views, located on the border with the state of Maranhão.

The trail connects 17 municipalities in the state of Pará and 13 protected areas, including the territories inhabited by the Quilombola, Afro - Brazilian residents, descendants of Africa slaves, who established their own settlements in this Brazilian area.

This new route showcases immense biodiversity for tourism, bringing visitors closer to mangroves, pristine forests, exotic animals and small villages where local communities share their ancestral knowledge culture and traditions and where visitors can try artisanal fishing, picking wild foods or help with agricultural tasks.

Visitors can explore the trail on foot, by bike or on horseback, following the recommendations of the official eTrilhas app, a multilingual online platform that has been launched by Embratur, the Brazilian Institute of Tourism.

According to the Brazilian authorities, more than 10.000 visitors are expected to walk this new trail next year, discovering along the way the culture, traditions, cuisine, handicrafts of diverse Amazonian communities.

Link

https://www.publituris.pt/2025/12/04/brasil-inaugura-a-rota-demarcada-mais-longa-da-america-latina

Viceroy Hotels & Residences | Announced its Entry into Africa with the Opening of Three Luxury Safari Lodges in Botswana and Zambia

Viceroy Hotels & Residences, a luxury lifestyle brand that operates hotels and residences in unique, high - end destinations, owned by Highgate, a group based in New York, U.S., a firm which boasts an exciting portfolio of properties known for their design, impeccable service and offering immersive experiences has announced its entry into Africa with the opening of three luxury lodges in Botswana and Zambia,  managed by African Bush Camps, a group headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa offering authentic safari experiences and lodges in unique locations in Africa. 

This expansion represents a defining step in the Viceroy brand evolution, toward immersive, transformative travel experiences that connect guests to nature, culture and adventure. 

The portfolio comprises :

Atzaró Okavango Camp, Botswana: Located in a private concession within the south - eastern Okavango Delta, located between the Moremi Game Reserve and Gomoti Plains. The property features luxury suites with private plunge pools, a 20m swimming pool, a wellness spa, a gym, wine bar, and offers specialized children’s programmes.The camp is powered entirely by solar energy and offers activities like game drives, walking safaris, and water - based excursions. Guests can also experience unique offerings like sky beds for stargazing and culturally - focused activities.

Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia: Situated along the picturesque banks of Zambia’s Zambezi River within Mosi - Oa - Tunya National Park near Victoria Falls, the lodge features comfortable, luxurious accommodation, a range of amenities, and numerous activities. Each of the eight suites and two family units has private decks, plunge pools, and river views, while the main lodge includes a lounge, dining area, bar, spa, and gym. Guests can enjoy communal areas, like a sunken boma, a sunken fire pit deck over the water, an an infinity pool. Activities offered include visits to Victoria Falls, game drives, rhino trekking, canoeing, sunset cruises, and cultural village tours.

Lolebezi Safari Lodge, Zambia: The property is located in Jeki on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Zambia. This stunning safari lodge features luxury accommodations in six riverfront suites. The suites have private decks, plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, and are designeds for privacy and relaxation while offering immersion in nature.Amenities include a communal infinity pool, spa, gym, and an open - air cinema. The property emphasizes a connection to its environment, using natural materials and local furnishing and  offers diverse activities including guided game drives, walking safaris, and canoeing. 

Viceroy CEO Arash Azarbarzin called the move a milestone in the group’s global growth, signalling continued demand for high - end safari experiences in Southern Africa.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/viceroy-expands-into-africa-with-three-safari-lodges.html

Limelight Hotels | Launched its First Property in California, U.S., Located in Mammoth Lakes

Limelight Hotels, a brand of Aspen One, a hospitality and management company based in Aspen, Colorado, U.S., which develops and operates a portfolio of contemporary hotels, residential properties and private clubs, providing a unique adventure in mountain towns and urban communities emphasizing sustainability, warm hospitality and connection to their surroundings has officially launched its first property in California located in Mammoth Lakes, a stunning town nestled in the beautiful  Sierra Nevada mountains.

Mammoth Lakes the only incorporated town in Mono County is one of the most beautiful places in the US state of California, located immediately to east of Mammoth Mountain, known to be a popular ski area with the nearest June Mountain, highlighted by an abundance of enormous mountains, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and exciting trails, making it and ideal destination for hiking, skiing, adventures and more.

Limelight Mammoth is located at 132 Lake Mary Road near The Village and Village Gondola offering spectacular views of the Sherwin mountain range.

The establishment offers modern mountain luxury with an all - electric design, utilizing efficient heat pumps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and this aligns with the sustainability goals of the property developer Aspen One.

The property emphasises comfort and adventure with practical amenities, making it a central, eco - friendly base for exploring Mammoth Lakes and features 149 rooms, 25 suites, and 15 private residences with kitchenettes, luxury linens and tech.

Amenities and services include a casual lounge with live music, outdoor pool, hot tubs, fitness centre, kid’s games rooms, and complimentary shuttle.

The establishment also introduces the Mammoth Lake Mountain Club, a member - only ski and social club. The club offers amenities such as a private lounge, an outdoor terrace, ski valet, personal lockers, and access to a fitness centre. In addition Members can also enjoy a year - round calendar of events.

The property also provides over 8.000 square feet of event space, including the Ridgeline Ballroom and Viewline Plaza, suitable for corporate retreats and other events. The Limelight Lounge serves as a communal space offering meals throughout the day and features live music as part of the Limelight Live program.

The establishment features reclaimed materials and native landscaping EV charging stations and an all - electric Audi fleet available for guest use.

Limelight Mammoth joins Limelight’s hotels existing in Aspen, Boulder, Denver, Ketchum, and Snowmass. The brand plans to expand further with a location in Charleston, South Carolina, set to open in 2028.

Links

https://aspen.com/articles/limelight-mammoth-officially-opens/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139123.html