Paraguay | Actively Working to Promote Crafts as a Tourist Attraction

Paraguay is actively working to promote crafts as a tourist attraction. The Paraguayan National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur) and the Paraguayan Institute of Handicraft (IPA) are integrating artisanal traditions with national tourism reinforcing joint work to promote this initiative making crafts a driver to highlight the rich cultural heritage of the country.

This initiative led by the Minister of Tourism, Jacinto Santa María, and representatives of the IPA, headed by its president Andrea Vázquez, was launched in a meeting where they analyzed the advances in the artisanal circuits that seek to strengthen the production, marketing and economic development of artisans as a relevant resource for tourism and the national economy. 

This collaboration aims to empower local artisans, including indigenous communities by boosting commercial skills and promoting regional heritage like Ao Po’i textiles, a delicate handmade 100% cotton textile distinguished by its intricate hand - embroidery, Ñanduti lace, a traditional needle lace whose Guarani name translates to “spider web.”, featuring intricate, radiating geometric spokes and vibrant motifs, and cedar wood carvings to visitors.

Both institutions highlighted the importance of integrating artisans and their creations into the Paraguayan tourist landscape, in order to increase the visibility of their products to the preservation of national traditions. Thr two entities also evaluated the diversification of the artisanal circuits to benefit more communities, promote cultural exchange and foster sustainable development throughout the country.

This partnership connects traditional crafts to major routes like the “Golden Circuit” making cultural appreciation a cornerstone of the country’s broader tourism growth. In addition the IPA is advancing copyright protection and commercial skill - building to ensure these creations thrive in the market.

Link

https://senatur.gov.py/noticias/buscan-promocionar-la-artesania-como-atractivo-turistico/

India | Successfully Brought 21.76 Million Hectares of Degraded and Deforested Land Under Active Restoration

India successfully brought 21.76 million hectares of degraded and deforested land under active restoration. This remarkable achievement accounts for nearly 84% of the country’s pledge to reclaim 26 million hectares by 2030 under the global Bonn Challenges. 

The works are carried out throughout the national territory and include the restoration of forests, rivers watersheds, grasslands, mangroves, wetlands and agricultural lands. Particular attention is paid to tree planting agroforestry, develoment, grassland protection and coastal ecosystem restoration, which is important for both nature and rural dwellers. 

Among the achievements is also the treatment of more than 27 million hectares within the framework of the watershed management facilities with georeferencing. Under the “Green India” programme, re -vegetation and forest restoration work has been carried out on an area of approximately 172.000 hectares.

In addition with the support of the National Reforestation Compensation Fund Management and Planning IIn addition Authority (CAMPA), some 220. 000 hectares have been reforested in the last five years. 

Talangana state has taken the lead in maximum area restored, closely followed by Andhra Pradesh ,Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha. 

These vast restoration efforts have generated approximately 1.2 billion person - days of employment, significantly boosting rural livelihoods and climate resilience. 

India relies on a blend of policy initiatives, scientific interventions, and community - led participation to combat desertification. 

Methods Used for Reclamation: 

•    Agroforestry and Silviculture: Integrating trees and shrubs into farming systems to improve soil fertility and prevent erosion. 
•    Aravalli Green Wall Initiative: A massive ongoing project designed to restore degraded land and establish a natural barrier against the eastward expansion of the That Desert. 
•    Mangrove Restoration: Programs like MISHTI are actively rehabilitating coastal ecosystems to prevent erosion and increase resilience against severe weather. 
•    Digital Monitoring: Advanced spatial platforms like Bhuwan, Vedas, and Yuktdhara are used to plan and scientifically track restoration progress. 

These measures are of great importance for the future food and environmental security of the country. Experts note that these initiatives are particularly relevant for India’s arid region, as they directly impact the yield of agricultural crops, including fodder, water availability and the income level of the population.

 
Link 
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/india-lucha-contra-la-desertificaci-n-recuperando-21-76-millones-de-hect-reas-de-tierras-en-el-pa-s/

Zimbabwe | ZBC Launched Africa’s Forst Weekly Wildlife TV Magazine Series

The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Zimbabwe’s state - owned national broadcasting service, operating television and radio from its Pocket Hills headquarters in Harare launched on 30 June 2026 ”ZBC’s Wild Africa Adventures”, marking the debut of Africa’s first weekly wildlife television magazine series.

The 13 - episode series follows presenters Rumbie Takawira, Dr Mark Ofua and Zandile Ndhlovu as they document conservation efforts across the continent, highlighting on - the - ground conservation heroes, celebrity advocates like Lupita Nyong’o,. Danai Gurira, Djimon Hounsou and African wildlife in a bid to fight Africa’s declining populations and habitat loss.

The series is produced in Cape Town by Wild Africa, with support from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and the Tammy Estrada Strome Foundation and will air across multiple African broadcasters.

Created specifically for African audiences, the series aims to raise awareness of the continent, by spotlighting accelerating wildlife crises over the past 50 years, Africa’s monitored wildlife populations have decided by 70% with an estimated 3.9 million of forest annually.

Episodes span a wide range of conservation stories, from sea turtle rescue in Nigeria and pangolin protection in Namibia to Zimbabwe’s all female anti - poaching unit.

The program focuses heavily on how humans and animals can coexist, such as exploring chili farming to prevent human - elephant conflicts.

By intertwining cultural community leadership with celebrity segments, the series ensures conservation messages are engaging and reach a broad, multi - generational audience.

ZBC Director of Content and Channels Charles Munganasa noted that the series aligns with the broadcaster’s commitment to dedicating at least a quarter of its contest to Zimbabwe’s wildlife and natural heritage, while Wild Africa CEO Peter Knights Obe described the show as a platform to showcase Africans with  passion to protect their incredible wildlife.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/zbc-launches-africa-s-first-weekly-wildlife-tv-magazine-series.html

Misr Italia Properties | Outlined Plans to Develop 21 Hotels in Egypt by 2032

Misr Italia Properties, a premier Egyptian real estate developer based in New Cairo and owned by the Al Assaf family, known for luxury, Italian - inspired architecture, and holistic living with projects feature expansive green spaces, crystal lagoons, and sustainable smart infrastructure, outlined to develop 21 hotels in Egypt by 2032, comprising 3.214 rooms across multiple destinations in partnership with international hospitality brands including some entering the Egyptian market for the first time.   

This expansion, significantly expanding the company hospitality footprint in the country  targets multiple destinations such as the North Coast, Ain Sokhna, and New Cairo, while creating approximately 6.000 new jobs. 

Egypt Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy has held discussions with Misr Italia on expanding hotel investment across the country’s key tourist destinations. During a meeting with CEOs and Managing Directors Karim and Mohamed El Assal, the Minister underscored the strategic importance of tourism to Egypt economy, citing its role in generating foreign currency revenues and creating employment, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to incentivising hospitality investment to strengthen Egypt’s competitiveness as a global destination.

 Discussions also covered the growth of branded hotel apartments as an emerging accommodation model, with the ministry noting recent regulatory measures to ensure quality, safety, and occupational health standards across the segment. 

Key Features of Misr Italia Property Developments: 

•    Significant Hospitality Expansion: Development of 21 hotels with a capacity of 3.214 rooms in various destinations in partnership with international hotel brands. 
•    World - Class Masterplans: Projects like Solare Ras El Hekma on the North Coast feature expansive swimmable lagoons, beach pockets, and residences that offer sea and water views. 
•    Sustainable and Eco - Friendly Living: Developments such as Il Bosco in the New Administrative Capital prioritize “forest like” environments, promoting green ecosystems and healthy outdoor living. 
•    Smart Infrastructure: Features include automatic backup generators, modern natural gas networks, and dedicated, traffic free walking and cycling tracks. 
•    Mixed - Use Innovations: Commercial and business spaces, ssuch as Cairo Business Park, offer entrepreneurial – focused spaces and dynamic work – life environments. 

Top Projects: 

•    Coastal Resorts: Solare Ras El Hekma on the North Coast and Kai Sokhna in Ain Sokhna. 
•    Residential: Il Bosco City, Vinci, and Sila in New Cairo/Mostakal City and LA Nuova Vista in New Cairo. 
•    Commercial: Cairo Business Park and Garden 8 in New Cairo. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/misr-italia-plans-21-hotels-and-3-200-rooms-in-egypt-by-2032.html

Minor Hotels | Officially Opened a 197 - Room Avani Hotel in Vientiane, Laos

Minor Hotels, an international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry founded in 1978 and based in Bangkok, Thailand, has officially opened a 197 - room Avani hotel in Vientiane, the laid - back capital of Laos, situated along the Mekong River near the Thai Border.Known for its quiet, tree - lined boulevards and easygoing vibe, Vientiane features a unique blend of French colonial architecture and sacred Buddhist sites like the golden That Luang stupa and Patuxai monument, as well as ancient shrines, and bustling street markets.

The opening of Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane Hotel marks the second Avani property in Laos after Avani+ Luang Probang. The property is positioned as a base for business trips, city breaks, and riverside stays in the Laotian capital.

Avani+ Lanexang Vientiane is located on Fa Ngum Road in Xiengyue Village, within Chantabouly District in the historic city centre across from Chao Anouyong Park with views of the Mekong River,  600 metres to Wat Ssaket, just a 3 - minute walk to the Laos National Museum and only 4 kilometres from Wattay International Airport.

The hotel features 197 comfortable rooms and suites including Deluxe Rooms and a President Suite with layouts supporting both business and leisure stays.

The property offers dining venues include a main restaurant for all - day dining with live cooking stations, Salongway, a fine dining space for special meals,  a ground - floor bar with direct street access, and The Pantry, a casual café and deli.

Additional amenities at the hotel include wellness facilities, Avani spa featuring a relaxation lounge with multiple massage rooms, an outdoor swimming pool,  a large, state - of - the - art gym with yoga spaces, social spaces, and meeting and event spaces for local and international guests highlighted by the Lanexang Hall, a big ballroom that holds up to 320 people for parties or business meetings.

The opening is being conducted in phases, with a selection of rooms, dining, leisure, and meeting facilities available from launch. Additional venues and services will be introduced progressively in the coming months.

The hotel joins Avani Resorts & Hotels portfolio, an upscale stylish brand launched by Minor Hotels in 2011, focused on offering a balance of comfort and style for guests, particularly for whose who appreciate good design and value. It represents a very performing brand in a market in continuous growth.

Links

https://media.minorhotels.com/en-GLO/267314-avani-lanexang-vientiane-hotel-opens-in-the-heart-of-the-lao-capital/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141943.html

The Inn at Good Harbor Beach Officially Opened in Gloucester, Massachusetts, U.S.

The Inn at Good Harbor Beach officially opened on July 1, 2026 in Gloucester, a historic coastal city on Cape Ann, in Massachusetts, U.S., America’s oldest seaport, highlighted by a bustling working waterfront, award - beaches like Good Harbor and Wingaersheek, and a rich arts community, located near the feeding grounds of Stellwagen Bank, a top spot to see humpback and right whales in the wild.

The property formerly known as Good Harbor Beach Inn, has reopened after a comprehensive transformation led by Martignetti Hospitality Group, a company based in Woburn, Massachusetts that exemplifies guest excellence in the hospitality industry, showcasing a commitment to unparalleled service and has been making  waves in the culinary and hotel scene in New England since its inception.

This down - to - earth inn in a low - rise building is located at 1 Salt Island Road, offering direct access to Good Harbor Beach, known for its soft white sand, and family - friendly surf, Atlantic views that has been recognized by Travel + Leisure and USA Today for its quality, low - tide access to Salt Island, 3.7 km from Cape Ann Museum, and 8 kilometres from Hammond Castle.

The establishment features 18 comfortable rooms and suites in king, queen, double - queen, and suites configurations. Many accommodations offer private balconies, furnished decks, courtyard access, entertainment spaces, and panoramic views of Good Harbor Beach, Salt Island, Bass Rocks, and the Atlantic Ocean.

The Salt Island Suite and Deck serves as the inn’s premier accommodation, designed for families, entertaining and extended stays. The suite includes a full chef’s kitchen, dining space, dedicated bunk room, in - suite washer and dryer, vaulted ceilings and a private 900 - square - foot deck with lounge seating, fire pit, outdoor dining and a professional - grade exterior grill cookline.

The property offers a beachside bar and a patio with lounge chairs, plus a casual seating area in the lobby.

Amenities for the opening season include beach towels, lounge chairs, cabanas, beach toys and games for children, and prepared coolers delivered to guest cabanas. Additional guest services include sunrise walks, a continental breakfast or a room - side breakfast basket delivery, and programmed activations.

Seasonal programming is available on the Beach, The Green, and in the Courtyard, with activities such as clambakes, barbecues, and live music nights.

Additional guest services include access to bike rentals, food tours, itinerary assistance, and help with local reservations and experiences. Complimentary parking and on - site conveniences are also provided.

Links

https://innatgoodharborbeach.com/

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141958.html

Zuhai, China | Launched the World’s First Offshore Wind Platform

China launched the world’s first offshore wind platform in Zuhai, a vibrant, coastal city in Guandong Province in the south of the country, famous for its laid - back vibe, expansive seaside promenades, and role as the starting point for the Hong Kong - Zuhai - Macao Bridge, one of China’s premier liveable cities and a major tourist destination for family travel and island hopping.

Developed by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), the floating offshore wind platform is heading to the Lufeng oilfield area in the South China Sea, where it will start operations, designed for a single turbine of 16 megawatts of power, with 15 MW tensioned supports, departed into the sea.

The Tension – leg platform (TLP) structure is held in place by tensioned anchor cables as reported by China Global Television Network (CGTN), one of three branches of state - run China Media Group.

The project integrates offshore wind with oil and gas operations, reducing carbon dioxide emissions from offshore oilfield activities and promoting the development of the floating offshore wind farm industry.

The initiative is intended to stimulate the growth of the marine economy and the transition to greener energy.

The height of the platform exceeds 307 metres, and its weight is approximately 8.000 tons, marking it the world’s largest platform of its kind in terms of power from a single turbine.

To create stability the vertical tension - leg mooring systems uses nine tendons to keep the platform’s tilt under one degree, even during typhoons. The design required nearly 50% less steel than conventional semi - submersible platforms.

Electricity will be transmitted to the gas and oil platforms using submarine cables. In this way, part of the fuel used in oil and gas extractions can be replaced by wind energy.

After commissioning.the facility will generate around 54 million kilowatt - hours (KWh) of electricity annually. This volume will reduce carbon dioxide approximately 35.000 tonens per year and serve around 15.000 cubic metres of diesel fuel annually.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/china-lanza-primera-plataforma-e-lica-marina-con-soportes-tensados-de-16-megavatios-de-potencia/