Spain | Launched “Tourism Strategy 2030”, a New Plan to Make its Tourism Sector more Sustainable, Digital, and Resilient

Spain has launched “Tourism Strategy 2030”, a new plan to make its tourism sector more accessible, digital, and resilient by tackling issues like overcrowding and high housing costs with key initiative include creating a new Tourism Housing Observatory to manage short - term rentals and a focus on off - season and rural tourism to balance visitor numbers with resident quality of life.

The Government of Spain has approved this initiative in the Council of Ministers, a common agenda to guide the transformation of Spanish tourism, a strategic transversal plan made up of 5 programmes, 50 measures and 148 concrete actions that reflect its commitment to to making the defined objectives a reality, covering the five main axes involving different ministries and bodies, after the reactivation of Interministerial Commission on Tourism aiming to transform tourism in a more inclusive, balanced and environmentally conscious model.

The commitment is materialized in the approval of 15 common goals, resulting from the intersection of five axes generated by the partecipatory process and joint reflection with other administrations, companies, social agents and they are : 

• Destinations – This ax focuses on workers who create destinations aiming to strengthen tourism management and promoting collaborative governance boosting green and blue tourism that reduces emissions, protecting biodiversity and using natural and coastal resources responsibly. The purpose is to strengthen institutional strength as well as climate sustainability and resilience of the destinations. To this end a “Destination Regenerative Program”, a “Platform for the Adaptation of Tourist Destinations to Climate Change” and a “Rapid Response Committee in Tourism” will be implemented.

• People who create jobs - Regarding measures for people who create jobs, the strategy is intended to foster innovation and digitalization as drivers of competitiveness. The plan supports responsible companies that integrate sustainability criteria and practice a circular economy based on efficiency, waste reduction and local consumption. The actions will be directed to boost the digital transformation through a “Digital Advisory Programme” aimed at strengthening the technological capacity of tourism SMEs, as well as a “Programme to boost Circular Economy in Tourism” with goals also to create competitive innovation and responsible companies.

• Tourism workers - The aim is placing people working in the tourism sector at the centre of the model through continuous training, improved working conditions and inclusion, guaranteeing decent and sustainable jobs in the context of the dual green and digital transition. The objective of the plan is to evolve from a model based on temporality to one based on stability, through actions such as a “Pact for the Labour Wellbeing of the Tourism Sector” and the reinforcement of dual training in tourism. The goals are highlighting talent, labour equity, dual transition and boosting tourism employment.

 • Residents - Concerning residents, the objectives include strengthening social cohesion, balancing the use of public space, and protecting local culture, in order to harmonize tourism activity with the lives of host communities. The creation of a Tourist Housing Observatory to develop an atlas of tourism intensity has the aim of better reconciling tourism and coexistence with residents.The goals are social cohesion, culture and heritage, and environmental commitment. The objective is also promoting the development of digital tools that improve the management of public spaces, resources and public services, within the scope of the “Intelligent Platform of Destinations”. 

 • Tourists - With regard to measures aimed at tourists, and in order to attract a more responsible aware and participatory visitor, promoting responsible marketing actions will be developed to promote the geographical, temporal and motivational diversification of tourism with the aim to position Spain as a sustainable destination. This ax focuses to raise awareness among travellers and encourage environmentally respectful behaviour, implementing actions focus on responsible tourism, social and environmental awareness.

According to the Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu, this strategy represents a commitment by the Government of Spain to place the country’s main industry at the centre of its political agenda.

The Minister also highlighted that with the preparation of this strategy and its implementation plan, the Spanish Government takes on the challenge of managing the current success of Spanish Tourism, believing in this industry as a responsible and redistributive activity which generates opportunities for all, including residents, and which preserves the cohesion and identity of the territories.

In a press release, the Spanish Government stated that the “Spain Tourism 2030 Strategy” is in line with the international consensus on sustainable tourism, drawing inspiration from recent milestones such as the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Palma Declaration (Spanish Presidency of the Council of the EU, 2023), the European Union Strategy for Sustainable Tourism,  and the Madrid Declaration, Conestur.

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/10/22/espanha-define-nova-estrategia-para-o-turismo

Tunisia | Welcomed a Record of Tourists, Exceeding the Most Optimistic Forecasts

Tunisia welcomed a record 9.057 million tourists by October, 20, 2025, exceeding the most optimistic forecasts. These numbers reflecting a 9.2% increase from the same period in 2024 is attributed to improved security, targeted marketing, and a rebound in European tourism, particularly from the UK and France. 

These relevant performances were announced by the Director of the National Tourism Office, Mohamed Medhi Hlaoui to a local radio station who stated that the destination maintains the effort to reach the goal of 11 million visitors by the end of the year. 

With a focus on quality, diversification of supply and the development of cultural, ecological, sports and wellness tourism, the North African country is highly performing as a tourist destination and factors for this growth are undoubtedly a strong security presence that has helped build confidence among potential visitors and the active work led by the government which has engaged targeted promotional campaigns in key markets, such as Asia, Europe and Algeria.  

A further factor of this success is linked to an increase in low - cost flights connecting Tunisian cities with European hubs that has made the destination more accessible. 

The Director of the National Tourism Office also highlighted that the diversification of the Tunisian tourist offering plays a pivotal role, it can enrich the sector and contributing to the the reduction of seasonality, a recurring problem in recent years. 

The official added that the positive figures recorded in September and October show that the tourist season is gradually extending throughout the year, which preserves the operational capacity of tourist units and boosts development in all regions of the country. 

The head of Tourism of the Maghrebi country highlighted the 10.7% increase in the number of European tourists, with strong growth in the British, French and Polish markets, however the destination still face some difficulties with German market, in which the Tourism Office is working.

Thanks to its ecological richness, as well as its cultural, archaeological and culinary heritage, Tunisia has an immense and untapped tourist potential, tourism outlook is positive supported by an improved air connectivity, strong promotional campaigns, diverse offerings and a return of confidence in the destination.

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/10/27/tunisia-ultrapassa-os-nove-milhoes-de-turistas-ate-20-de-outubro-e-supera-as-previsoes-mais-otimistas

China Tourism Group | Riyue Bay Surf Resort Set to Open on November 11, 2025 in Wanning, Hainan, China

Riyue Bay Surf Resort, developed by China Tourism Group Corporation Limited,  China’s largest travel group, state - owned enterprise under the direction of the State - Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, providing tourism, hotel, scenic, passenger transport, and other travel services is set to open on November 11, 2025, in Wanning, a county - level and beach city in the southeast of Hainan Province,  China. 

Wanning is known for its unique landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage substantially influenced by a wave of Overseas Chinese who immigrated to Wanning from Southeast Asia during the mid - 20th century and its coastal areas are very famous across the country competing with Lingshui and Ssnya, highlighted by Riyue Bay which has emerged as the surfing capital of China and hosts regular surfing events and competitions. 

The resort is positioned as China’s first surfing - themed destination and is one of four signature properties along the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, also called the “National Coast No.1 Scenic Road”, a 998 - kilometre route that encircles the island of Hainan, connecting 12 cities and counties. This long road features stunning coastal scenery and is built with a focus on ecological preservation, with construction methods designed to protect local wetlands and wildlife. 

 The resort spans over 10 hectares and includes two hotels designed to cater to both surf enthusiasts and leisure travellers such as the Yue Chao Surf - Themed Hotel and the Yu Yue Designer Hotel, offering a total of 132 rooms, and additionally, the resort’s X - LIVIN. 

The large complex divided into four - surf inspired zones designed to offer year - round surfing and leisure activities also include various amenities such as the resort’s X – LIVIN Streets which offers dining and enterntainment, including a live music venue, a beachfront club, and various restaurants, a surf park and a retail district. 

 The resort’s centrepiece, SURFLAND, features China’s first super artificial wave pool, powered by PerfectSwell system from American Wave Machines, creating waves ranging from 0.5 to 2.7 metres high, with rides lasting up to 18 seconds. The wave pool can generate waves every 6 seconds and offers 23 different wave configurations suitable for all skills levels. 

Riyue Bay Surf Resort’s opening is expected to enhance Wanning’s tourism appeal and contribute to Hainan province’s development as an international leisure destination.

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138654.html

IHCL, The Indian Hotels Company Limited | Outlined a Major Expansion in Sub - Saharan Africa with its Taj Hotels Brand

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), hospitality firm part of Tata Group and based in Mumbai, India has outlined a major expansion in Sub - Saharan Africa with its Taj Hotels flagship luxury hotel brand of IHCL founded in 1903, known for its collection of historic palaces, resorts, and 5 – stars hotels, with a strong emphasis on authentic Indian hospitality.

As IHCL targets 700 hotels and its total room count to 70.000 globally by FY2030, the Indian company has started its expansion acquiring three lodges in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park such as the Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge, currently under renovation, Taj Lion Kings River Lodge scheduled to open in early 2026 and Taj Lion Hilltop Tended Camp,  schedudeled later in 2026, with additional properties planned for 2027. 

Taj Hotels is also pursuing projects in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, Botswana and Zambia aiming to build regional infrastructure to support seamless multi - stop itineraries and Taj Cape Town in South Africa has completed a full rooms and suites refurbishment, underscoring ongoing investment in Africa’s luxury city and safari offering.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/taj-hotels-steps-up-sub-saharan-growth.html

Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas | Developing a New Hotel and Residences at the Foothills of Mount Myoko, Japan

Six Senses Hotels, Resorts and Spas, a luxury brand founded in 1995 and owned by IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, known for its sustainable and wellness - focused hospitality, with properties in unique locations around the world has signed a hotel management agreement with Patience Capital Group, a Singapore - based real estate investment and management company founded in 2019 with also an office in Tokyo to develop a new hotel and residences at the foothills of Mount Myoko.

The development is situated in Myoko Kogen, a well known ski region, notable for its extensive snowfall, averaging 13.4 metres annually, a location that is also known for its natural hot springs and scenic landscapes and accessible from Tokyo, with a three - hour drive or a two - hour train ride.

The project, named Six Senses Myoko is located in Japan’s Suginohara ski resort, well known to have one of the longest run in Japan of 8.5 kilometres and its highest vertical drop at 1.124 metres, a wide ski area that offers 90 hectares of skiable terrain boasting a variety of slopes suitable for all levels and abilities that is spread at the foothills of Mt. Myoko with the village of Suginosawa Onsen at its base.

Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, a project that is part of Patience Capital Group’s broader vision to enhance Myoko Kogen as a year - round destination, contributing to the local community’s economic development.

The architectural design of the property will be led by Kengo Kuma and Kume Sekkei, with a focus on integrating the hotel into the surrounding environment and adopting the concept called “Golden Wind” that aims to reflect the area’s natural elements often inspired by terraced rice fields, the flow of wind and sunlight, and seasonal changes.

The property will feature a hotel with 57 rooms and suites, as well as 21 branded residences, two restaurants, a bar, a boutique offering tailored services, a spa with eight treatment rooms and hydrotherapy facilities.

This development is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ strategy to expand the Six Senses brand, which currently operates 27 hotels and resorts in 22 countries, with 38 additional properties in the pipeline.

Links 
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/six-senses-myoko-ushers-in-a-new-era-of-purposeful-rejuvenation-in-japans-historic-ski-region
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138630.html

Florida Keys & Keys West, U.S. | Introduced the First AI - Powered Destination Website in the State Boasting a Trip Planner Using Over 45 Languages

Visit Florida Keys & Key West, the official tourism website operated by Visit Florida Keys (VFK), a not - profit corporation contracted by Monroe County to serve as its official destination marketing organization, operating under the direction of a nine - member of Directors, which is also the Monroe Country Tourist Development Council (TDC) has rolled out a new refreshed VisitFloridaKeys.com website. 

This project marks the first AI - powered destination in Florida state and features the “Conch - cierge” a multilingual virtual travel assistant that supports visitors to plan trips and itineraries in over 45 languages.

 The new website is part of Visit Florida Keys’ growing focus on artificial intelligence and data innovation, developed in partnership with MMGY Global, a leading integrating marketing company specializing in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry representing multiple agency brands headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, U.S., accurately designed to deliver personalized travel experiences through intelligent technology, automation and structured data.

This innovative AI - powered platform enables travellers to plan, explore the Florida Keys, a famous string of tropical islets stretching about 193 kilometres off the southern tip of the U.S. state of Florida between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, known as a destination for fishing, boating, snorkeling and scuba diving in more dynamic ways, with new tools designed to benefit both travellers, travel planners and tourism partners. 

The new website ensures Florida Key businesses remain discoverable when travellers ask AI where to go and a notable enhancement to the website is the “Conch – cierge”, an intelligent travel companion, a nod to the Conchs as local residents are called.

This  ChatGTP - powered virtual assistant built on Matador Network’s GuideGeek platform launched in April 2023 and well known to have over 1M consumer users and powers customs conversational AI for dozens brands and destinations.

“Conch - cierge” is fluent in over 45 languages and instantly helps travellers uncover hidden gems, local insisghts and the best ways to experience the community providing answers and detailed information about attractions, landmarks and sites of interest.

VisitFloridaKeys.com website features : 

•    AI - optimized listings for more than 2.000 tourism businesses, offered for free, and designed for maximizing visibility in AI searches.
•    Site - wide individual translation capabilities in multiple languages.
•    Dynamic event calendar integration, offering real – time updates for easier trip planning.
•    Expanded content automation ensuring customized visitor experiences. 
•    Co - op advertising opportunities helping local businesses to reach travellers directly.
•    Structured data integration that supports search engines and AI platforms.

 Looking ahead, Visit Florida Keys expects that the enhanced website features and the introduction of the “Conch – cierge “ will drive a 20 - 25% increase in partner engagement over the next year.

Visit Florida Keys President and CEO, Kara Franker said that this launch marks a huge milestone in how the entity serves its community, partners and future visitors, representing a broader evolution in how the organization markets and manages the Florida Keys as a destination. 

SVP of Partnerships and Technology at Visit Florida Keys, Jeanne Quinn said that building the site from the ground up let the organization focuses on AI and digital - first innovation from the start and now Visit Florida Keys has a best - in class platform that the technology team will continue to evolve.

Link  

https://www.travelmole.com/news/visit-florida-keys-introduces-ai-trip-planner/

Akagera National Park, Rwanda | Named as One of National Geographic’s Best Places to Visit in 2026

Akagera Nattional Park, central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah - adapted species, located in eastern Rwanda hugging the border with Tanzania, has been named as one of National Geographic’s “Best Places to visit in 2026”. 

National Geographic, a prestigious American organization monthly magazine published by National Geographic Partners and based based in Washington D.C. has been inspiring people to care about the planet since 1888, one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions in the world highlighting interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, and well known for the promotion of environmental and historical conservation recognized Akagera National Park one of 25 must - visit destination for next year.  

Characterised by woodland, swamps, low mountains and savannah, highlighted by varied terrain shelters, celebrated for its lush wetlands, and peaceful wilderness, telling a story of restoration and resilience and described as “a Big Five safari destination with a fraction of the traffic”, the park is recognised for thriving wildlife with the Big Five now present following recent rhino reintroductions in 2021 and May 2025 that strengthened conservation outcomes.

National Geographic highlights Akagera National Park’s quieter safari experience compared with busier African parks, positioning it as a compelling alternative for nature - led travel.

The accolade follows a 15 year rehabilitation effort by African Parks and the Rwanda Development Board and tourism is growing alongside wildlife recovery.

Akagera National Park welcomed over 56.000 visitors in 2024, generated $4.7 million in revenue, and has seen new and upgraded lodges such as Magashi and Karenge Bush Camp consolidating itself as a pillar for Rwanda’s tourism. 

This prestigious recognition is expected to further lift demand and international visibility for Rwanda’s protected areas into 2026.

 Link  

 https://atta.travel/resource/rwanda-s-akagera-named-to-national-geographic-s-best-of-the-world-2026.html