Natural Selection | To Open Expeditions Camp in Northern Okavango, Botswana

Natural Selection, a group of owners and operators of safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, dedicated to nature conservation, community, upliftment, offering authentic and unique experiences in the African continent is set to open on April 1, 2026  Expeditions Camp in a 90.000 - hectare Northern Okavango Concession, adjacent to a seasonal floodplain in the northern part of Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

The area is a prime safari region known for its pristine wilderness, diverse wildlife (leopards, lions,, elephants, wild dogs, antelope like the sitatunga, plus excellent birdlife) , a mosaic of islands, lagoons, woodlands, and waterways, receiving the delta’s first waters, creating rich, wet environments, offering year - round activities like mokoro (canoe) trips, motorboat safaris, game drives, and walking safaris, especially spectacular during the flood season.

The semi - permanent camp will operate from 1 April to 9 January each year, adding capacity in a prime wildlife area and broadening high - end safari in the Okavango Delta.

The camp will feature eight Meru tents with fully plumbed en - suite bathrooms, four - poster beds, antique furnishing, Wi - Fi, charging points and private decks overlooking the floodplains.

Activities at the camp include mokoro excursions, game drives, boating, night drives and a scenic helicopter flight to the Tsodilo Hills UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the “Louvre of the Desert” for their vast collection of ancient San Busjmen rock art, with over 4.000 paintings in caves and shelters, depicting animals, humans, and geometric patterns, significant for their archaeological and spiritual value.

The access is via Xaraxai Airstrip, more commonly known as Xaxaba Airfield (FBXB), a small airstrip, serving as a vital gateway for light aircraft accessing safari camps and lodges in the remote wilderness, and a 30 minute - transfer.

Links

https://naturalselection.travel/camps/expeditions-camp/

https://atta.travel/resource/natural-selection-to-open-expeditions-camp-in-northern-okavango.html

AvantStay | Portfolio Expansion with the Future Opening of a New Property in Miami, Florida, U.S.

AvantStay, a short - term rental hospitality company and full - service rental management group founded in 2017 by entrepreneurs Reuben Doetsch and Sean Breuner, and headquartered in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California will expand its portfolio with the opening of a new property in Miami, Florida, US, a development which follows AvantStay’s previous expansion in Nashville, Tennessee with The Gilmore.

The property named Sense28, scheduled to open in March 2026 will open its doors in Miami’s Edgewater neighbourhood, a lively area located north of Downtown and the Arts & Entertainment District, and south of Midtown and the Upper Eastside, skirting the shore of Biscayne Bay.

Edgewater is an area known for its luxury apartment building and high rise condos lining the waterfront, numerous parks like Margaret Pace Park for recreation, a mix of trendy and high - end dining/shopping, cultural proximity to museums (PAMM, Frost Science) and Arsht Center, offering bay views and easy access to other Miami hotspots like Wynwood and the Design District.

The location at 329 NE 28th Street was chosen for its proximity to Miami’s cultural and creative hubs and the property is designed to accommodate group travel and extended stays, offering residential - style accommodations. 

The property will feature 52 units, including one - and two bedroom suites, each equipped with full kitchens, contactless check - in and check - out options, a pool deck, fitness centre, on - site garage parking, a staffed lobby, as well as concierge services.

With its upcoming opening part of AvantStay’s strategy to expand into urban markets, Sense28 aims to deliver a residential experience through spacious layouts and tech - enabled services in a leading destination like Miami.

Links

https://avantstay.com/829873/miami/sense28-full-buyout?adults=1

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139451.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened its First Kimpton Hotel in Malaysia, Located in Kuala Lumpur

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK,  has officially opened its first Kimpton hotel in Malaysia, located in Kuala Lumpur, capital and largest city of the country, a sprawling metropolis known for its blend of modernity and culture, highlighted by impressive landmarks like the Petronas Towers, diverse religious sites, a vibrant centre with a relevant mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences, all elements making it a very attractive destination for a unique and enjoyable travel experience.

Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur by IHG is located in the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), a major urban development centred around The Exchange TRX Mall, boasting over 400 retailers, a huge 10 - acre rooftop, TRX City Park with gardens, playground, and dining, close to the Bukit Bintang, a bustling shopping and entertainment district, famous for its upscale malls, and 2 kilometres from the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Owned by LQ Hotel Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between Lendlease and TRX City Sdn Bhd, the hotel features 466 rooms and suites across 26 stories, offering stunning views of relevant city landmarks, including KL Tower and Merdeka 118. 

The interior design led by Hassell, a leading international design practice with studios in the United Kingdom, Asia, Australia, and the United States, incorporates elements inspired by Malaysia’s natural landscapes, with a focus on earthy tones and organic textures.

The hotel includes four dining and social venues such as Tuai + Till, a dual dining space, Four Siblings, a spice - themed rooftop bar inspired by the historic spice trade, Rise & Grind, an espresso bar featuring locally sourced Liberica coffee beans, and Sabato’s, an Italian - American restaurant set to open in early 2026.

The property offers a range of guest amenities including a rooftop fitness centre with TRX suspension training and a variety of workout sessions, in - room yoga mats, complimentary bicycles, and a daily morning energizer session featuring local beverages.

The establishment joins the Kimpton brand characterized by hotels known for their boutique style, focusing on unique design, often incorporating local art and culture to create a distinctive environment, and highlighted by personalized service, and an immersive atmosphere.

Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ expanding portfolio of luxury lifestyle hotels, joining recent openings in Algarve, Portugal, Frankfurt, Germany, Hainan and Hong Kong, China, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Future openings are planned in locations such as Bali Ubud, Indonesia in 2026.

 Links

https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/kuala-lumpur/kulte/hoteldetail

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article139484.html

Michoacán, Mexico | Relevant Tourist Flows with Record Number in 2025

Michoacán, a state located in western Mexico, known for its beautiful colonial cities like UNESCO - listed Morelia, a breathtaking biodiversity including the Monarch Butterly Biosphere Reserve, a stunning Pacific coastline, all set within a rugged, mountainous landscape, a land highlighted by a rich cultural and historical heritage, a delicious cuisine, often referred as the “Soul of Mexico” for its deep cultural roots, historic towns and for boasting one of the most diverse indigenous populations in the country experienced relevant tourist flows with record number in 2025. 

The state welcomed a record - breaking over 10 million visitors last year, consolidating its position as a major cultural destination. The number of tourists arriving by air also hit a record high of over 1.5 million, the highest figure in three years as highlighted by Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla. 

The official stressed that the eight new routed operated by Volaris airline allowed an increase of 15.4% of passengers to the airport of the Michoacán capital compared to 2024, going from 1.304.000 to 1.5 million last year. 

The Governor said that with the increase in connectivity, the state received numerous U.S. tourists from important cities such as Dallas, Houston, Ontario, Sacramento, and San Antonio, in addition to strengthening national tourism by having direct flights to Ixtapa, Mexicali and Puerto Vallarta.

Michoacán’s Governor explained that the state has historical monuments, traditional gastronomy, natural beauties, crafts and customs, which are great attractions for tourists adding that visitors once reached their destinations in the state have good transportation services through which they got to know the Michoacán lands, such as private vehicles and commercial buses.   

Key Figures for Michoacán Tourism (2025):

•    Total Visitors: 10.635.487 
•    Growth: 5.6% increase compared to 2024. 

Key Features and Attractions Driving Growth: 

•    Cultural Heritage: Strong draw from traditions like the “Día de los Muertos” (the Day of the Dead) , historical cities like its UNESCO World Heritage capital, Morelia, the ancient Purépecha pyramids (Yacatas) at Tzintzuntzan, and cultural towns like Pátzcuaro. 
•    Natural Beauty: Ecotourism, rural tourism, and community – based initiatives. 
•    Pueblos Mágicos: Popularity of designated magical towns. 
•    Strategic Promotion: Active participation in tourism fairs (Tianguis Turístico) to form alliances and highlights operators. 
•    Business Growth: New partnerships and increased business meetings. 

In essence Michoacán capitalized on its unique offerings, achieving historic visitor numbers in 2025 through cultural events, nature tourism, improved air connectivity, and focused promotional efforts, with a positive outlook for 2026 and beyond. 

Link 

https://infoturlatam.com/michoacan-alcanza-cifra-record-en-2025/

Monseñor Nouel, The Dominican Republic | Unanimously Declared by the Senate as an Ecotourism Province

Monseñor Nouel, a province in the Central Dominican Republic, located northwest of Santo Domingo, has been unanimously declared by the Senate as an Ecotourism Province.

The province created in 1982 from La Vega province, officially becoming a province in 1991, named after Archbishop Adolfo Alejandro Nouel, a former interim president, is known for its natural beauty, offering opportunities for nature retreats, adventure, hiking, waterfalls like Jima Falls and Rodeo Falls and other relevant natural attractions include Loma de Blanco, Río Masipedro, and Sendero Yuboa with its hiking trails.

 Of relevance are activities like bird watching, hiking and exploring mountains for relaxation and adventures, swimming in Blanco and Juna Rivers. Key sites in the province for a stay are the Casabito ecotourism centre within the Las Neblinas National Park area, and  mountain villas like Villa Santanita and Villa Paraiso featuring river access and pools highlighted by very quiet surroundings.

This move championed by Senator Héctor Acosta to pave the way for a new phase of sustainable development in the region, offer tax incentives (Law 158 - 01), and fund to support ecotourism startups via a RD$20 million annual fund for four years, and policies to promote, micro, small and medium - sized enterprises (MSMEs) as a strategy to reduce unemployment and benefiting residents.

This initiative signifies a strategic shift in the region, aiming to create a sustainable tourism model that preserve biodiversity, enhancing the visibility of the province as a tourist destination while delivering tangible, economic and social benefits to residents

The Senator Acosta expressed gratitude to lawmakers in both the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies for supporting the legislation. The bill updates the province’s previous ecotourism framework, originally enacted in 2004 and repealed in 2021, bringing it into line with current public administration standards following rulings by the Constitutional Court.

The legislation also established the Monseñor Nouel Ecotourism Development Council, an autonomous body headquartered in Bonao, responsible for regulating, promoting, and ensuring inclusive and environmentally sustainable ecotourism development in the province.

With unanimous approval from the National Congress, the bill now moves to the Executive Branch for final enactment, a step expected to unlock new investment opportunities and position Monseñor Nouel as a key ecotourism destination in the Dominican Republic.

Link

https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2025/12/17/senate-unanimously-declares-monsenor-nouel-an-ecotourism-province/

Negliubka, Belarus | The Textile Tradition of the Village Inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

The Textile tradition of the village of Negliubka in the Vetka district of the Gomel region of Belarus, was inscribed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding as reported Telegraph Agency BelTA, Belarus’s largest news agency, citing the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 The decision to recognize that Negliubka unique fabric is in urgent need of protection from the risk of disappearance was taken by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage during its 20^th session in New Delhi, India, recognizing its unique weaving, rich symbolism in items like “rushnyks” or “rushniki” ( ceremonial towels),  clothing, household objects and complex patterns using original weaving and embroidery techniques, ensuring its preservation as a vital part of Belarusian culture.

 The tradition, which dates back to the 17^th century, is a significant symbol of community identity and cultural pride, with knowledge and skills passed down within families from grandmothers and mothers to daughters, however today the tradition faces the risk of disappearing due to the decrease in the number of artisans.

 Negliubka's rushnyks are particularly famous for their complex polychromatic designs, featuring up to 25 shades often with red, white, and black dominant, and over 120 geometric and floral patterns.

 The motifs often convey wishes for kindness, love, health and prosperity and a unique aspect of the technique is that weaving is carried out from the reverse side, making each piece one - of - a kind.

Another highlight of the textile tradition of Negliubka is the execution of the traditional outfit, one of the most archaic and complex in Belarusian folk clothing, characterized by a white ornamental shirt, aprons, a woven shawl, and a wide red belt.

Residents continue to use these traditional textiles in their daily lives and they actively work to preserve the art through training programs at the Negliubka village weaving centre, the local school, and the Vetka children’s and youth art centre, and the village also hosts a biennial festival called “Krosentsy” to celebrate the craft.

 The tradition is showcased in the Vetka Museum of Old Believers and Belarusian Traditions, and its inclusion in the UNESCO list is a result of collaborative efforts by local artisans, experts, and national institutions to safeguard this unique heritage.

 This inscription brings the total number of Belarusian elements on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage lists to seven, highlighting diverse cultural practices from traditional crafts to rituals.

Link

 https://tvbrics.com/es/news/tradici-n-textil-de-negliubka-en-bielorrusia-queda-bajo-la-protecci-n-de-la-unesco/

Durban, South Africa | Relevant Investment for the Development of a Beachfront Amusement and Family Entertainment Park

eThekwini Municipality (Durban) has announced the development of a beachfront amusement and family entertainment park, replacing the old Funworld on the Golden Mile, a relevant R1 billion investment (about US$61 million).

This future entertainment park will include a Lightining Roller Coaster, Disko 24, a vertical swing, a 0.15 - hectare virtual reality area with more than 160 interactive games and e - sports activations.  family rides, water park elements (slides, wave pools), themed food courts, interactive kids’ areas, and other immersive experiences for all ages with ocean views.

The project with completion targeted for 2027 aims to boost tourism and revitalise the beachfront economy and strengthen Durban’s appeal as year - round coastal destination, the project forms part of the city’s broader investment strategy and construction will commence once statutory and commercial approvals are finalised. 

The scheme will be delivered with two Italian amusement engineering firms linked to Ferrari World, Universal Studios and Disneyland, with operations led by Durban - based Consulting and Project Managers.

Key Features and Attractions Planned: 

•    Thrill Rides: Expect modern roller coasters and high – adrenaline experiences like free – fall towers. 
•    Water Park Elements: Look for giant water slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and possibly foam parties.
•    Virtual Reality (VR): Dedicated VR zones for immersive gaming. 
•    Family and Kids’ Zones: Mini rides, character meet – and greats, and safe interactive play areas.
•    Themed Dining: Neon – lit walways leading to themed food courts. 
•    Ocean Views: Integration of panoramic ocean views, enhancing the beachfront setting

The development is expected to create 900 construction jobs and more than 500 permanent jobs, with added features such as pedestrian walkways and viewing decks also part of of this initiative to enhance the appeal and attractiveness of Durban.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/durban-plans-beachfront-amusement-park.html