Grupo Puntacana | To Open an Ultra - Luxury Hotel in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic

Grupo Puntacana, a pioneering Dominican conglomerate, known to offer luxury hospitality and sustainable tourism, famous for owning the world’s first privately owned international airport and operating exclusive oceanfront golf and residential communities in the Dominican Republic, will open an ultra – luxury hotel at Puntacana Resort & Club in December.

The site is an exclusive 15.000 - acre beachfront estate, located just a 4 - minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) featuring 4.8 km of white - sand beaches, two PGA - level championship golf courses (Corales and La Cana) , the Caribbean’s only Six Senses Spa, and the Ojos Indigenas Ecological Reserve.

Playa Serena Punta Cana Resort hotel is the exclusive establishment designed to seamlessly merge tropical nature with premium exclusivity that will elevate Grupo Puntacana luxury and high - level hotel proposal in the Caribbean country.

The resort spans a highly sought - after stretch of white sand known for its natural barrier reef, which provides calm, tranquil Caribbean waters. The new development is part of a larger plan to elevate high - end tourism in the Dominican Republic.

The highly anticipated property is designed for high - end travellers and boasts a capped, intimate capacity for 160 guests.

Accommodations include 75 luxury suites and 5 exclusive overwater villas. Amenities will include 3 full - services restaurants, a themed dining room, a beach restaurant, 4 bars, a private beach club and 8 specialized spa bungalows.

Grupo Puntacana founder Frank Rainieri highlighted that the property is a Small Luxury Collection hotel in Playa Serena that will offer spaces and amenities of high luxury and exclusivity to its guests.

The Hospitality Group leader added that this Luxury Collection hotel, with less than 100 rooms of very high luxury and exclusivity, will not be an all - inclusive, it is an establishment of the line that the company,y carries within the Puntacana Group.

Grupo Puntacana head reiterated that is a novel concept that will boost the luxury segment of the tourism industry in the East and the rest of the Dominican Republic in the coming years.

The project is part of the diversification and expansion strategies of the Puntacana Group, since the portfolio of brands of the hotel division is focused on the growth of its hotel plant with constructions that include Miches, Punta Bergantín, in Puerto Plata and Pedernales, in the south of the country.

The businessman attributed the constant growth of the sector (not only in his tourism group) to the excellent projections of constant and sustained growth that tourism in the Dominican Republic has, in addition to the confidence of the public and private sectors that bet on and support the initiatives for the development of the hotel plant.

Link

https://www.arecoa.com/hoteles/2026/07/09/grupo-puntacana-abrira-hotel-ultralujo-playa-serena-en-diciembre/

Marriott International | Unveiled the Opening of a JW Marriott Camp within Solio Game Reserve, Kenya

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Maryland has unveiled the opening of a JW Marriott camp within Solio Game Reserve, located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains in Kenya, known as the world’s oldest private Eastern Black rhino sanctuary.

Established in 1970, the 45.000 - acre private conservancy Solio Game Reserve is globally renowned for its successful breeding program and massive populations of black and white rhinos, in a land that features beautiful golden savannah grasslands, sweeping marshes, and enchanting acacia forests.

The Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp opening strengthens Kenya’s luxury safari offering of Marriott International in the African continent. The camp features 19 tented accommodations, 18 - one bedroom bedroom units and one two - bedroom option, designed by LW Design using timber and canvas to complement the surrounding landscape.

Each tent features a private outdoor area with a plunge pool, interiors drawing on Kenyan influences, and pieces sourced from local artisans including Kitengela Glass and Safari Bronze.

The property signature restaurant, Mavuno serves seasonal menus with Kenyan flavours and open - fire cooking, while wellness offering include a treatment menu and the half - day Solio Passage experience featuring volcanic stone therapies and glacial hydrotherapy.

Guests at the Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp can explore and enjoy the beauty and unique appeal of Solio Game Reserve, home of Africa’s largest populations of both black and white rhinos, alongside leopards, lions, zebras, reticulated giraffes, oryx, impalas, eland, and warthogs, as well as more than 350 recorded bird species ranging from waterfowl in the marshy areas to birds of prey.

Guest experiences at the camp include guided day and night game drives, walking and cycling safaris, helicopter adventures, trout fishing an Mount Kenya, and visit the Solio Rhino Orphanage, where rhino calves and other animals are rehabilitated before being reintroduced into the wild.

The property joins JW Marriott, a  brand characterized by an approachable mindful luxury, focusing on guest - wellbeing through holistic wellness programs, serene spaces, and experiences inspired by nature and local culture. The brand now has more than 130 properties globally.

The opening reinforces Kenya’s position as a premier destination for high - end safari tourism an the African continent.

Rates start from $1.499 per person per night, inclusive of full - board dining, game drives, and transfer to and from Nanyuki airstrip.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/nborj-jw-marriott-mount-kenya-rhino-reserve-safari-camp/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

https://atta.travel/resource/jw-marriott-strengthens-kenya-s-luxury-safari-offering-with-solio-camp.html

Hilton | Officially Opened a 81 - Room Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel in San Sebastián, Spain

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Vurginia, has officially opened an 81 - room Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in San Sebastián, a resort town on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s autonomous community of Basque Country, known for Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta beaches framed by a picturesque bay front promenade, and famous for its world - renowned restaurants helmed by innovative chefs.

San Sebastián, officially Donostia in Basque, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, is a stunning coastal gem in northern Spain, famed for a world - class culinary scene, Belle Époque architecture, it offers an unmatched blend of beach relaxation and gourmet exploration just 20 km from the French border.                                                                                                                                                            

Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton, has officially reopened its doors after an extensive restoration of the 1914 Beaux Arts building. The property, which originally housed one of Spain’s earliest cinema, now operates as an 81 - room hotel.

The restoration included the reconstruction of the building’s dome the refurbishment of the façade and decorative detailing, operations led by architect Ignacio Quemada. The reconstruction preserved key Beaux Arts features while introducing contemporary design elements inspired by the building’s cinematic history.

The hotel is located at Urbieta Kalea, 61, within walking distance of the city’s coastline, historic Old Town, galleries, theatres, pintxos bars, a short walk from Maria Cristina Bridge, the Cathedral of the Good Sheperd, 1 km from the iconic La Concha beach, offering an easy access to Concha Promenade, Zaldiko Maldikoa, and Donastia - San Sebastián Aquarium while San Sebastián Airport is 20 km away.

The interiors were reinterpreted by the Spanish interior design firm Isabel López Vilalta+ Asociados, while maintaining respect for the cinema’s original layout.

Guests enter through the former stage, passing beneath the proscenium arch, with spaces throughout the hotel influenced by themes of light, movement, and shadow.

The property features 81 stylish, comfortable rooms subdivided in various categories, such as Amphitheatre Rooms, Gallery Rooms, and suites like the Front Bar, Corner Box, and Cupula Suite beneath the restored dome. Each room features a work from the site - specific art collection “Creation Light, Movement and Gaze” curated by Basque artist Lander Andonegi, referencing the building’s origins as a theatre and cinema.

Dining options offer are anchored to Lotu, a restaurant led by famed chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, serving a menu that includes classic dishes such as pâté en croûte, beef Wellington, and sole meunière, as well as regional items like tcanguro donostiarra and chuleta.

Lotu operates throughout the day and features a street - level bar and an on - site bakehouse that produces breads and pastries daily. Breakfast is served at the table and features items such as breads, brioche egg sandwiches, eggs benedict, Japanese pancakes, and viennoiserie.

Dry cleaning laundry services, in - room Wi-Fi with a speed of 25+ Mbps, and a gym are available to all guests.

The hotel joins the Curio Collection by Hilton brand characterised by individually remarkable hotels and resorts picked for the their unique character, design, and story.

Each location of the brand offers distinctive architecture,locally inspired design, world - class food and beverage options, and curated local experiences, a soft brand that allows hotels to retain their unique identities within Hilton’s portfolio.while still providing the benefits of Hilton Honors program.

Links

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/easmtqq-hotel-palacio-bellas-artes-san-sebastian/?SEO_id=GMB-EMEA-QQ-EASMTQQ

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142046.html

Mexico | International Tourist Arrivals to the Country Grew by 4.5% Year - Over - Year in May

In May international tourist arrivals to Mexico grew by 4.5% year - over - year. Foreign currency spending also saw a boost. However, arrivals specifically by plane declined by 5.6% due to high jet fuel costs and inflation caused this drop.

 The country received 3.921.172 international tourists in May 2026, 4.5 percent more than the same period last year, as reported by Inegi the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.

According to a statement from the entity, non - border visitors totalled 1.904.975, an annual drop of 6.6%, and accounted for 48.6% of the entries.

The remaining 51.4% was concentrated in border tourists enter by land and remain, durng their visit, within the delimitation of the northern or southern border strip, who totalled 2.160.197, an amount 17.8% higher than in May 2025.

In relation to the country of residence, the majority of non - border travellers came from the United States, with 1.249.653 (65.6%), followed by visitors from South America and the Caribbean countries, with 242.899 (12.8%) and from Canada, with 156.530 (8.2%).  As top destinations, Cancún is the most visited airport, followed by Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.

Although in a smaller proportion, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography also reported arrivals from Central America (100.104), Europe (86.696) and Asia (52.521).

During the fifth month of 2026, the average expenditure by international tourists amounted to $595.7, Inegi said, adding that international tourists who entered by air spent an average of $1.268.7 and border tourists $110.8. 

In 2025, a total of 47.786. 706 tourists arrived in the country, 6.1% more than the previous year. Mexico currently ranks sixth in the world in terms of the arrival of travellers, a reality that the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum seeks to overcome even more, by placing it in fifth position in that ranking.

Link

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2026/07/10/llegada-de-turistas-a-mexico-aumenta-45-por-ciento-en-mayo/

Italy | Foreign Tourism Contributes €56,7 Billion Annually to the Country

Foreign tourism contributes significantly more to Italy today, with international visitors spending reaching an estimated €56.7 billion annually and projected to surpass €60 billion, making this massive revenue a major driver for the country’s economy.

The travel and tourism sector now accounts for roughly €230 billion annually, which is about 11% of Italy’s entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the industry provides steady work for over 3.2 million people across the country.

Visitors from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom are the biggest international contributors. Foreign tourists spend nearly half of their money on accommodation, with food and beverages taking up the second - largest portion.

During 2025, foreign tourism brought some €56.7 billion to Italy, for an increase of 4.6% compared to the figures recorded in the previous year.

This growth is expected to continue in 2026, with an estimated year - on - year increase of 3.9%, to reach €58.9 billion, according to a report of the Center for Tourism Studies (CST) presented to the Italian Confederation of Commerce, Tourism and Services (Confesercenti).

In this analysis, based on data from the Bank of Italy, it is highlighted that the largest percentage of spending by international visitors was allocated to hospitality, with 45.2% of the total, while the consumption of food and beverages concentrated 23% and in purchases made in commerce the percentage reached 15.2%.

In addition, international tourism generated €2,510 billion more last year than in 2024, but the growth was not evenly distributed, as it was driven almost entirely by accommodation with an increase of 4.5%, obtaining an additional one thousand 101 million euros.

A very positive result was also seen in gastronomic sales, with an increase of 7.9% compared to the previous year, registering a contribution of an additional €955 million, due to the growing interest to Italian cuisine.

However, an outstanding percentage growth was seen in the category of other services, which includes guided tours, excursions, museum tickets, concerts and other personalized experiences because, although the year - on - year increase was only €551 million, it represented an increase of 15.7%.

The Italian region with the highest expenditures by international tourists was Lazio, where Rome, the capital; of the country is located with €10.2 billion, for 18.1% of the total,followed by Lombsrdy, whose capital in Milan, with €9.9 billion, representing 17.6%.

The two regions are followed by Veneto, where Venice is located, with €6.3 billion representing a 11.1%., in addition to Tuscany,whicyh main city is Florence, with €5.3 billion for 9.4%, as well as Campania, with Naples as its capital, with €3.39 billion, corresponding to 6%.

The President of Confesercenti, Nico Gronchi, stressed when these figures were released that international tourism continues to be an irreplaceable economic engine for Italy, with a positive impact not only on the accommodation sector, but also in gastronomic sales, retail trade and services.

Link

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2026/07/11/turismo-foraneo-aporta-a-italia-56-mil-700-millones-de-euros-anuales/

Ethiopia | Launched a Digital Wildlife Monitoring Platform Across 106 Protected Areas Nationwide

The Government of Ethiopia has launched a digital wildlife monitoring platform on a pilot basis across 106 protected areas nationwide to modernize conservation and support sustainable eco - tourism. The system integrates satellite data, geospatial tools, and unmanned aerial tools to analyze land - use patterns, and predict human - wildlife conflicts. 

 Initially deployed at Bale Mountain National Park and the Denkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary, the system provides early warnings of environmental changes that could affect biodiversity. 

The platform marks a significant shift from the previously manual and fragmented approach to natural resource management, which had limited converge across the country’s protected areas.

Key Features and Objectives: 

•    Advanced Data Integration: Combines real – time satellite imaging and geospatial analysis to continuously monitor changes in biodiversity and ecosystems. 
•    Conflict Prevention and Alerts: Analyses competing land uses to protect and mitigate potential clashes, offering early warnings for environmental shifts that affect animal habitats. 
•    Targeted Deployment: Initially launched across key sites like Bale Mountains National Park and the Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary, representing a major shift away from traditional, manual tracking methods. 
•    Eco - Tourism Support: By providing up – to – date populations and landscape data, the system directly assists in the management and development of tourist destinations, including eco – tourism offerings in parks like Simien Mountains and Nechisar. 

Ethiopia’s State Minister for Tourism Seleshi Girma, highlighted the platform’s dual role in conservation and tourism development, noting that up - to - date data on annual populations and natural landscapes directly support the growth of tourist destinations.

Authorities emphasised the system’s contribution to scientific research, data - driven decision - making, and more effective management of protected areas - resources that form a key foundation of Ethiopia’s economy and tourism sector. They added that project is designed to enable more systematic long - term planning for the development and conservation of the country’s natural heritage. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-launches-digital-wildlife-monitoring-platform-across-106-protected-areas.html

Nicaragua | Strengthening its Tourism Promotion Strategy to Attract New Markets

Nicaragua is strengthening its tourism promotion strategy in international markets to attract and increase the arrival of visitors and consolidate the sector as one of the main engines of national economic development.

The Central American country is targeting new global markets by attending major travel fairs in China, Germany and the UK and also showcasing its culture and attractiveness at events in Mexico and hosting travel agent webinars in Canada. These efforts aims to attract visitors with Nicaragua’s tropical climate, diverse nature, historical and cultural attractions, as well as affordable travel costs.

Nicaragua is actively working to promote local folklore, art, and high - altitude coffee in urban centres. This turns historic towns into destinations for cultural tourism, with a diversified offer with the aim to attract different types of tourists.

The Director of Promotion and Marketing of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (Intur), Ana García, said that Nicaragua’s recent participation in two important international fairs held in China made it possible to strengthen furthermore the country’s tourism and commercial promotion, as well as opportunities in new markets.

 The official in a statement to the Live Magazine of Channel 4 Television stressed that is a great effort that the organization has been making for years, where tourism has been seen as one of the great important areas for the country.

 According to the Intur’s official the interest of the Chinese market is focused on the culture, history and cultural heritage of Nicaragua, elements that, he said, distinguish the national tourism offer, explaining that visitors to the country value the conservation of the environment, natural landscapes and taking in high consideration the possibility of learning about the traditions and identity of the Nicaraguan people.

The official also stressed that tourism also boosts national commerce, since many visitors include in their tours emblematic spaces such as the Oriental Market, attracted by crafts, gastronomy and other traditional products.

According to Director of Promotion and Marketing of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism, Nicaragua maintains a sustained growth in the arrival of tourists from emerging and traditional markets, including Australia, Canada, China, Russia, the United States and Central America.

 He said that the country is registering a constant increase in the influx of visitors and that it already exceeds one million, drives by the attractiveness of its beaches for surfing, nature, hotel offer and rural tourism experiences.

In this sense the official pointed out that Australian market continues to expand due to the international recognition of Nicaraguan beaches for surfing, while Russian tourists show a preference for high - end hotels and luxury services in natural destinations. Canada experienced a growth of close 30% in the last month, while the United States and Central American countries continue to be among the main sources of visitors to Nicaragua.

The Director of Promotion and Marketing also highlighted the potential of agrotourism, a modality aimed mainly at the European market, whose visitors seek experiences related to the production of coffee, tobacco, and other emblematic crops of the country.

The official stressed that citizen security, peace, the hospitality of the population and an accessible tourist offer are competitive advantages for Nicaragua, along with a gastronomy that, he said, has received international recognition for the quality and variety of its dishes.

 Link

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2026/07/09/nicaragua-impulsa-promocion-turistica-para-atraer-nuevos-mercados/