Ethiopia | Strengthening its Partnership with UN - Habitat to Accelerate Affordable Housing Delivery and Foster Sustainable Urban Development

 Ethiopia is strengthening its partnership with UN - Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements that works to promote sustainable cities and towns, addressing rapid urbanization and providing adequate shelter for all, aiming to accelerate housing delivery and foster sustainable urban development across the country. 

The plan aims to expand access to housing through public - private partnerships, building capacity for urban planning, implementing the Water for African Cities Programme, creating sustainable transport, enhancing public spaces, supporting slum upgrading, and developing resilient, solid waste management solutions

. During a high - level meeting which took place in the capital of the country, Addis Ababa, Minister of State for Finance Semereta Sewasew and UN - Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach discussed tailored strategies for inclusive, resilient, and well - planned urban development in Ethiopia’s expanding cities. 

A central focus on the dialogue was to expand affordable housing through public - private collaborations and innovative financing models, while leveraging housing development as a driver of job creator and broader economic growth. 

The Minister of State for Finance reaffirmed the Ethiopian government’s commitment to building liveable and economically vibrant urban centres, citing ongoing reforms to strengthen urban governance, institutional coordination, and service delivery systems. 

The official underscored the need for a robust implementation framework that includes clear institutional leadership, effective coordination mechanisms, more efficient processes for land access and project implementation, critical elements for delivering housing at scale. 

In addition Ethiopian Government has been promoting a set of interventions that combine formal housing construction with social support programs aimed at the neediest sectors, seeking to address both the long - term structural needs of urban housing and the immediate challenges faced by at risk communities. 

Key areas of Collaboration and Urban Development Features: 

•    Affordable Housing Delivery: Focusing on expanding access to housing for low – and middle – income households to address shortages. 
•    Sustainable Urban Planning: Developing structure plans, regional spatial projects, and improving public spaces in Ethiopian cities and towns. 
•    Capacity Building: Enhancing local and national capacities to manage sustainable urban growth. 
•    Water and Sanitation: Implementing the Water for African Cities Prgramme to improve access. 
•    Resilient Infrastructure and Waste Management: Planning for city resilience, particularly concerning climate change and improving solid waste management. 
•    Support for Displaced Populations: Providing durable housing solutions for communities affected by displacement. 
•    Urbanization Strategy: Aligning with the New Urban Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure compact, integrated, and resilient development. 

In essence, this collaboration between Ethiopia and with UN - Habitat seeks to address the challenges of rapid urbanization by transforming them into assets for national growth. 

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/etiop-a-y-onu-h-bitat-fortalecen-alianza-para-vivienda-asequible-y-desarrollo-urbano/

Chile | Developed and Launched a Pioneering Circular Economy Platform for the National Tourism Sector

Sernatur (Servicio Nacional de Turismo), Chile's public tourism board and Transforma Turismo, a strategic public 0 private program that drives innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation within the Chilean tourism sector have developed and launched a pioneering digital platform dedicated to circular economy and energy efficiency for the national tourism sector. 

 Within the framework of the National Symposium on Municipal Tourism Legislation and Regulations, which took place between May 26 and 28 in Arica, Chile’s northernmost city located only 18 km south of the border with Peru, the new Circular Economy Platform for Chilean Tourism was successfully presented. 

The presentation was given by the Manager of Transforma Turismo Marilyn Masbernat, who participated in this national meeting organized by the Association of Tourist Municipalities of Chile (AMTC), an instance that brought together municipalities, authorities, guilds, and actors of the tourism ecosystem to discuss governance, legislation and territorial tourism development. 

The platform was developed based on the results of the first national survey on circular economy and energy efficiency applied to the tourism sector, becoming a pioneering tool to characterize the state of progress of the industry and deliver concrete resources for its sustainable transformation.

Its main contents include self - assessments tools differentiated by type of tourism provider, success stories, educational material, specialized recommendations, access to financing and an interactive dashboard with the results of the national survey. 

The platform provides the access to diagnostic tools, educational resources, real - life success stories, and funding sources and efficient practices guidelines to help tourism businesses transition to sustainable models.

 The launch aligns perfectly with the strategic global frameworks championed by UN Tourism and various international bodies, which prioritize circular procurement, operations, and the built environment. 

Key Features of the Circular Economy Platform: 

•    Purpose: Designed specifically for SMEs and tourism destinations, the digital hub delivers practical localized solutions. 
•    Self - Assessment Tools: Allows operators to evaluate their current understanding and application of circular economy principles across ten key areas of their business. 
•    Resource Center: Provides downloadable materials, specialized guidelines, and actionable tips to reduce waste, optimize energy use, and conserve water. 
•    Funding and Incentives: Connects operators with available financial support and green investment opportunities to help implement these structural or operational changes.
•    National Dashboards and Data: Aggregates findings from Chile’s first National Survey on Circular Economy and Energy Efficiency to inform and improve industry with decision – making.  
•    Case Studies: Showcases inspiring example of businesses that have successfully transitioned from linear to circular systems, helping to foster cross – sector learning and collaboration. 

The new platform is now available to companies and tourist destinations throughout the country, ensuring its continuity and access for the sector. 

The Manager of Transforma Turismo, Marilyn Masbernat stressed that the platform represents a new step to continue promoting more competitive, resilient and sustainable tourism.  Transforma Turismo wants to provide concrete and practical tools so that tourism companies can advance in circular economy and energy efficiency in accordance with their reality and capabilities.

For his part, the National Director of Sernatur, Cristtóbal Benitez, pointed out that this tool will bring information of great value to thousands of tourism providers in the country, strengthening a more efficient and sustainable management of tourism destinations. This platform allows to make a concrete progress in the objectives of Pillar 2 of the National Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2035, promoting more sustainable and information – based tourism for better decision - making. 

Meanwhile, the President of ChileSertur, Evelyn Henríquez, stressed that for smaller companies, sustainability is no longer just a way to reduce operating costs; it is a central part of its value proposition, of the identity of Chilean destinations and of the country story offered to the world. This tool is the practical bridge that entrepreneurs needed to transform their operations, connect with new market demands and lead conscious, responsible and environmentally friendly tourism.

 
Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/transforma-turismo-y-sernatur-presentaron-nueva-plataforma-de-economia-circular-para-el-turismo-chileno/

Vietnam | Rapidly Expanding Cooperation in Green Industry and Clean Technologies with China

Vietnam is rapidly expanding cooperation in green industry and clean technologies with China, cementing a strategic alliance for sustainable development following a high - level exchange programme held in Beijing, integrating environmental protection with economic growth through several targeted initiatives, according to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA). 

 The event in the Chinese capital organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in China together with the International Cooperation Center of China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDCR), brought together about 80 officials, diplomats, researchers and industry representatives from both countries with the aim of strengthening policy coordination and promoting cooperation on green development. 

During the opening session, Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh affirmed that green and sustainable development remains a strategic priority for Vietnam, noting that the country’s next policy framework for the period 2026 - 2030 will place environment policy on the same level as economic and social development, positioning green transformation as a key driver of competitiveness and long – term growth. 

 The Ambassador also highlighted China’s progress and achievements in renewable energy, environmental governance and carbon market development, stressing that both countries have great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in green industry and climate - related initiatives. 

 Representatives of the Reform Commission indicated that the next stage of bilateral cooperation will focus on three strategic areas:

•    Harmonizing green regulations and standards.
•    Expanding collaboration on clean energy and circular economy projects. 
•    Strengthening long - term support mechanisms for technology transfer and workforce development.

 Chinese officials also linked the initiative to the priorities of the country’s Five 0 Year Plan, which places ecological security and sustainable growth at the centre of national development policy.

 The program included discussions on green manufacturing, wastewater treatment, waste - to energy technologies, industrial connectivity, and sustainable finance. 

Delegates from government institutions and research organizations exchanged practical experiences on the creation of circular economy zones and the expansion of environmentally sustainable infrastructure projects.

 Core Areas of Cooperation: 

•    Clean Energy and Infrastructure: Focus on renewable energy (solar and wind), regional power network integration, cross - border transmission lines, and smart grid management systems. 
•    Circular Economy and Manufacturing: Joint projects in waste to energy conversion, wastewater and solid waste treatment, and the development of circular economic zones. 
•    Policy and Standards: Harmonizing green regulatory frameworks, developing carbon markets, and facilitating climate technology transfer. 
•    Corporate Partnerships: Major Vietnamese firms such as FPT Group and VietinBank are collaborating with Chinese zones and holdings to advance smart city infrastructure and green finance. 

Stratregic Impact:    

Ecological transformation is now a primary strategic focus for Vietnam, with environmental goals aligned with broader socio - economic development. By utilizing China’s advanced capabilities in clean technologies, both nations aim to build a “community with a shared future” that yields mutual benefits. 

 Experts believe that this initiative could generate new opportunities for joint research, cross - border clean energy and increased investment in sustainable infrastructure across Asia. 

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/vietnam-y-china-ampl-an-la-cooperaci-n-en-industria-verde-y-tecnolog-as-limpias/

Mexico | Officially Launched the Ambitious Promotional Campaign “Mexico in the World; tourism that transform”

The Government of Mexico through the Secretary of Tourism (Sectur) has officially launched the promotional campaign “Mexico in the World; tourism that transform”, an initiative aimed to strengthen the country’s positioning in international markets.  

This ambitious and comprehensive strategy, structured under a vision of shared prosperity, has its priority goals to reinforce the competitive position of the country, the economic impact of international visits and simultaneously boost national domestic tourism. 

The head of the Ministry of Tourism (Sectur) Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, explained that the tourism sector will have a specific federal budget fund of 100 million pesos for the deployment of commercial campaigns scheduled between June and December of this fiscal year. 

The official stressed that this assignment respond to a direct instruction from the President of the Republic, Claudia Sheimbaum Pardo with the aim of positioning Mexico among the main global powers in the tourism sector. 

According to the official report of Sectur, the new tourism marketing campaign is based on five fundamental operational pillars: 

•    Intelligent Promotion: Utlising data, technology, and market research to target valuable audiences. 
•    Market Diversification: Expanding the country’s reach into new international demographics and key locations. 
•    Authentic and Sustainable Experiences: Highlighting regional heritage and eco – friendly tourism that directly benefits local communities. 
•    Global Narrative: Projecting a modern, comprehensive image of Mexico’s vast cultural and natural grandeur. 
•    Enhanced Tourist Quality: Upgrading the overall visitor experience across Mexico’s 32 states. 

Financial and Operational Background.

The initiative includes an initial investment of MXN $100 million dedicated to Strengthening the country’s image abroad. The strategy follows significant milestones for the Mexican tourism industry, such as record - breaking in various segments, relevant international visitor numbers and substantial growth in the Maya Train, and comes alongside global promotional efforts as the country’s showcase as the guest country at FITUR, relevant tourism fair which took place in Madrid, Spain. 

 The agenda also ncludes strengthening the presence of the country brand in traditional mature markets such as Canada and the United States, while diversifying the promotion to issuers in Asia, Europe, and South America. 

To this end the government will implement targeted campaigns focused on high - value added niches, ranging from meetings, community, gastronomic, and cultural tourism to romance and wellness tourism, prominently featuring new products associated with the Maya Train route. The strategic plan of promotion  will also integrate updated digital tools such as the Datatur system, market intelligence studies and the recently launched “Mexico Invita” mobile application.

At the same time, the General Director of the National Fund for the Promotion of Tourism (Fonatur) Sebastián Ramírez Mendoza, announced the redefinition of the entity towards the “New Fonaur”.  This new corporate scheme will abandon the historical approach based on the commercialization of land to move towards comprehensive management of the territory. 

The executive emphasised that the restructuring of the organization will be based on three essential axes: innovation, institutional support and promotion of private investment, seeking to ensure the well - being of the receiving communities at a time when the country leads the global growth of international arrivals with a rebound of 7.1% registered in the month of March. 

The business sector, represented by the President of the National Tourism Business Council (CNET) Antonio Camírssio Pando, ratified the full willingness of the private initiative to work in a coordinated manner through co - investment schemes with the federation and the states. 

The support of the international industry was seconded by Brian Hegarty, Vice President of Marketing at Internova Travel Group, who stressed that the main competitive advantage of the Mexican industry does not lie in its hotels but in the authenticity of its cultural heritage d the hospitality of its human capital.

Link
https://infoturlatam.com/sectur-presenta-la-estrategia-nacional-mexico-en-el-mundo-turismo-que-transforma/

Mauritania | Making a Gradual Return to the International Tourism Map After a Sharp Decline in Visitors

Mauritania is making a gradual return to the international tourism map after a sharp decline in visitors caused by armed attacks in the late 2000s linked to al -Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Thanks to a decade without reported attacks, government security enhancements, and aggressive international marketing, the African country has welcomed roughly 7.000 visitors, signalling a strong post - security recovery.

The country, which one attracted around 30.000 tourists annually, largely from France and partly drawn by the Dakar Rally, saw new arrivals collapse following a 2007 attack in which four French tourists were killed near the town of Aleg, the capital of the Brakna Region in southwestern Mauritania, best known for its strategic location along the Trans Mauritanian Highway and the picturesque Lake Aleg, serving as a vital cultural, geographical, and agricultural crossroads in the Sahel.

With no reported attacks since 2011, the government has since strengthened its security apparatus, engaged religious leaders in counter - extremism efforts and stepped up international tourism marketing.

Mauritania offers an off-the-beaten-path desert adventure, blending vast, untouched Saharan landscapes with a rich, welcoming nomadic culture with deep - rooted traditions of desert hospitality. Major highlights range from ancient ruins, UNESCO-listed libraries, bustling coastal markets, to world - renowned wildlife reserves, and geological wonders.

One of these wonders is the Richat Structure, a 40km geological formation known as the “Eye of Africa” located in the Adnar Plateau, a spectacular and remote highland region in the Sahara Desert of northern Mauritania, characterised by shifting sand dunes, deep wadis, and storied deserts, containing ancient desert towns, oasis palm groves, and Neolithic archaeological sites.

Further attractions include Chinguetti, known as the seventh city of Islam, a medieval hub highlighted by centuries - old Qur’anic libraries holding ancient, hand - written Islamic mauscripts, Oudadane, is another site of relevance, an older 12th century trading post consisting of beautiful, stone - built ruins situated in a dramatic rocky setting, and Oualata, a beautifully fortified, terraced medieval town famous for its intricately painted traditional mud - brick walls and a notable historic manuscript museum, alongside the viral Iron Ore Train route are other highlights of Mauritania rich cultural and historical heritage.

In April 2026, Sheraton, a renowned brand part of Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland, became the first international chain to open in the capital Nouakchott, signalling growing investor confidence.

However challenges remain, with visitors noting gaps in site infrastructure, limited luxury accommodation and inconsistent tour coordination, travel expert Sean Connolly named Mauritania his destination of the year for The Times of London, described it as one of the last places where travellers can freely and safety explore the Sahara, adistinction that is increasingly rare across the region.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/mauritania-bids-to-revive-tourism-after-decade-of-security-driven-decline.html

The Lux Collective | Launched Two Properties as Part of Five - Resort Tourism Circuit in Rwanda

The Lux Collective, an award - winning luxury hospitality operator and a global brand  that operates luxury eco - safaris and beachfront resorts across Africa with properties renowned for blending immersive, eco - conscious wildlife experiences with high - end, 5 - star comfort and sustainability has made its debut in Rwanda with the simultaneous opening of LUX* Lake Kiru and SALT of Akagera,   the first two properties in a planned five - resort Rwanda Tourism Circuit.

Both properties are guided by The Lux Collective’s Circle of Care ESG framework with operations centred on local procurement, community uplift, and responsible sourcing.

The launch of the two properties marks the expansion of The Luze portfolio in Rwanda, where tourism sector has recently achieved unprecedented success, establishing itself as a premier, high - eco - conscious destination in East Africa. The industry generates over $600 million in revenue annually, directly contributing nearly 10% to the national GDP, while supporting over 300.000 jobs.

The two properties are: 

LUX* Lake Kivu - The property is a 14 - key retreat located in Rwanda’s Western Region within the Albertine Rift Valley at the shores of Lake Kivu, the country’s largest body of water covering roughly 2.370 km², featuring the massive Idjwi Island, the world’s tenth - largest inland island, lying at an elevation of 1.463 metres, with a maximum depth of 485 metres, its warn, clear waters are entirely free of crocodiles and hippos, making them safe for kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming.

The property offering wellness, water - based experiences, and destination dining features spacious accommodations, a swimming pool, and a variety of family - oriented activities. Guests of all ages are welcomed into a relaxed and inviting setting, ideal for discovering and enjoying the beauty of Lake Kivu together.

SALT of Akagera - This reimagined eco - lodge is a 60 - key luxury safari retreat overlooking Lake Ihema within Akagera National Park, Rwanda’s only Big Five reserve, a 1.222 sq km in the eastern part of the country featuring diverse habitats, including rolling woodlands, sprawling savannahs, and Central Africa’s largest protected wetlands.

The eco -lodge heavily pioritized sustainable architecture, renewable energy, and community empowerment.

The propetyr overlooks the stunning wetlands and waters of Lake Ihema features 60 reimagined keys including Garden View rooms, Family Suites and Villas blending earthy tones, natural textures, and locally crafted details. Standard rooms features air conditioning, business desks, minibars, private balconies and lounge  areas.

The opening of Salt Akagera marks the world’s first SALT - branded safari property, with a focus on conservation, sustainability, and it features regenerative tourism experiences, zero - waste farm  - to table dining concepts focusing on fresh ingredients sourced from Rwanda’s fertile volcan soil alongside big bold flavours.

SALT of Akagera offers guided game viewing to the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo) in Rwanda’s celebrated savannah reserve, as well as immersive cultural and community programmes including SALT Shakers and Skill Swap place that connect guests with local artisans and conservation efforts to promote shared learning.

The Lux Collective CEO Olivier Chavy described the openings as a significant milestone in the group’s Africa expansion that will continue with three global  developments planned for 2028 across Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe National Park, and Akagera National Park. Together, the properties position Rwanda as an emerging destination on the global luxury travel circuit.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/the-lux-collective-launches-two-rwanda-properties-as-part-of-five-resort-tourism-circuit.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Announced the Official Opening of a 204 - Room Hyatt Place Hotel in Seongnam -si, South Korea

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, has announced the official opening of a 204 - room Hyatt Place hotel in  Seongnam -si , South Korea’s fourth - largest city, located immediately southeast of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province, marking the debut of the brand in Seoul metropolitan area.

Part of the district of Bundang - gu, developed in the early 1990s, the city is home  to nearly one million residents, it is the country’s first artificial  planned city, featuring a meticulously designed clean cityscape with no overground telephone  poles, heavily integrated into the Seoul metropolitan network, Seongnam is famous for its tech industry and cultural attractions.

Hyatt Place Seoul Pangyo is located at 49 Daewangpangyo, 606 beon - gilro 605 within Pangyo, a business and innovative dynamic hub of technology and culture offering a highly sought - after residential environment characterised by its integration of modern architecture, communal living, and proximity to the Pangyo Techno Valley, it features both high - end luxury apartments, and innovative,  low density multi – family housing complexes.

The property provides access to corporate offices, transportation links, shopping, dining, and other destinations in the neighbourhood, moments away from Seoul’s vibrant Gangnam, district and various destinations in the Greater Seoul metropolitan area.

The hotel features 204 comfortable guestrooms, including Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Corner Suites, Residence Suites, and a Specialty Korean Suites, designed for both short and extended stays. Each room features separate zones for sleeping, working, and relaxing. Select suites provide expanded living areas and residential - inspired features.

Dining options at the hotel include The Kitchen, an all - day restaurant with an open – kitchen concept, serving international and locally inspired dishes for breakfast, business meals, casual dining, and private occasions.

Sole House located on the 17th floor is a penthouse - style venue offering panoramic city views available for private gatherings and events,  situated next to Sole Bar that offers s private room, and a selection of beverages.

Event facilities at the hotel include a ballroom with a media wall and flexible meeting rooms, accommodating conferences, corporate gatherings, social celebrations, and private events. 

The property joins Hyatt Place hotels,  a select - service brand as Hyatt Place, designed for mid - to upper income business and leisure travellers, known for its modern comforts, offering a blend of spacious rooms with distinct work and rest zones, 24/7 convenience and a focus on style and innovation.

 

Links

https://newsroom.hyatt.com/2026_06_17_Hyatt_Place_Seoul_Panyo_Celebrates_Official_Opening

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141719.html