Cape Town, South Africa | Established a Southern Africa Tourism Alliance with Namibia and Zimbabwe Focusing on Multi - Travel Itineraries

Cape Town, vibrant port city of South Africa’s southwest coast, located on a striking peninsula overlooking the Atlantic and Indian oceans, highlighted by a unique natural setting in the Floristic Region and boasting stunning landmarks include Cape Point and Table Mountain, through Cape Town Tourism, the city’s official regional tourism organization, has established a Southern Africa alliance with the Namibia Tourism Board and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, a strategic partnership to strengthen the region’s position as a connected, high – value international destination. 

The alliance focuses on multi - country travel itineraries that link iconic experiences in Cape Town, Namibia, and Zimbabwe offering tourists a unique opportunity to explore Cape Town’s Table Mountain and Winelands, Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, and Namibia’s deserts and wildlife reserves in a single journey.

Joint digital campaigns are planned, with activity expected to launch ahead of the peak international travel planning period in November.

The partnership will also leverage major sporting, cultural, and business events a catalysts for multi - country travel, encouranging visitors to extend trips and explore beyond single destinations.

First explored at World Travel Market Africa 2025, the agreement focuses on shifting from volume to value - promoting longer stays, higher per – trip expenditure, and a more equitable distribution of tourism benefits across Southern Africa.

The partnership support local employment, investment in hospitality infrastructure, and growth in ancillary sectors such as cultural services, gastronomy, and transport.

CEO of Cape Town Tourism, Enver Duminy, noted that global travellers increasingly seek depth and diversity rather than single - stop experiences, positioning the collaboration as a means of competing more effectively on the international stage.

CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board, Sebulon Chicalu, added that removing friction in regional travel and attracting high - value visitors would support broader economic resilience across the region.

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/cape-town-zimbabwe-and-namibia-form-southern-africa-tourism-alliance.html

Hoi An, Vietnam | Leading the List of Prominent Slow - Paced Tourism Destinations in Asia

Hoi An, a mesmerizing UNESCO - listed ancient port city along the Thu Bon River in Central Vietnam, famous for its vibrant, lantern – lit streets, yellow - hued French - colonial architecture, and rich culinary scene, offering a magical blend of centuries - old temples, bespoke tailoring, and nearby tropical beaches  is leading the list of prominent slow - paced tourism destinations in Asia, as ranked by online travel platform Agoda. 

Highlighted by its charming old town with its labyrinth of narrow, traffic - free streets to explore historical merchant homes, the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, and colourful Chinese assembly halls, perfect to discover its attractions on foot or by bike, this once - important trading port allows visitors to experience the nostalgic atmosphere of its leisurely pace of life.

 While traditionally known as a peaceful respite, its soaring popularity has transformed this Vietnamese city into a fast – paced, bustling centre for international tourism, local culture, and exceptional culinary experience. 

According to Agoda, more and more international travellers are opting for immersive experiences instead of overloaded itineraries, from local cuisine and culture to moments in contact with nature.  

Key Highlights of Hoi Han: 

•    The Old Town: The city’s beating heart features architecture influenced by Chinese, Japanese, and French traders, with iconic landmarks like the Japanese Covered Brisge. 
•    Culinary Capital: It is famous for regional dishes like Cao Lau, Mi Quang, and White Rose Dumplings. 
•    Fast - Paced Tourism: Voted one of the top cities globally in the Travel + Leisure Awards, Hoi Han balances its ancient charm with a highly active, dynamic tourism scene complete with bustling night markets, custom tailor shops, and boat tours along the Thu Bon River.
•    Sustainable Shift: Despite its rapid growth, Hoi Han is a pioneer in eco – tourism, featuring bicycle – friendly roads, pedestrian – only and vehicle – free zones in the historic centre, and plastic reduction campaigns.

Hence, Hoi Han heads a list that includes, among other, Chiang Mai, Thailand, Galle, Sri Lanka, Kerala, India, Kyoto, Japan, and Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

The inclusion of Hoi Han in the list of prominent slow tourism destinations in Asia further reaffirms Vietnam’s attractiveness in the eye’s friends, the National Tourism Administration portal said in releasing the information. 

The attractiveness of the Southeast Asian country responds not only to its diversity of landscapes, but also to its cultural depth and its rich and emotionally significant experiences, in line with the growing global trend of sustainable tourism. 

On the other hand, and according to press reports, Vietnam has just issued, for the first time a specific national standard for adventure tourism, which establishes, safety requirements for participants, guides, and attendees in activities such as hiking and trekking. 

According to sources, an essential element of the regulation lies in the fact that, before organizing any excursion, it is mandatory to carry out a risk assessment, which includes the analysis of the terrain, weather conditions, the difficulty of the route and the capacity to respond to emergencies. 

The new standard also sets clear criteria for route classification and stricter requirements for the ongoing training of guides and group leaders, who must not only direct the activities, but also be responsible for risk management at the activity site. 

It was also announced that the Hanoi Department of Tourism presented eight new tourism products and destinations conceived as an ecological trip, focusing on nature conservation, cultural heritage enhancement and the promotion of community responsibility. 

Among the most attractive offers are the Nam Than Long, Hanoi heritage tours with the themes “Return to the roots” and “Quintessence of Vietnamese Trades Villages”, as well as rural tourism “Flower of Tuong Phieu”, and community tourism in Mien Village in Ba Vi. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/ciudad-vietnamita-de-hoi-an-lider-entre-destinos-de-ritmo-pausado/

Cairo, Egypt | To Introduce a New Digital Visa - On - Arrival System at its International Airport

 Cairo, Egypt's capital and largest city will introduce a new digital visa - on - arrival system at its International Airport, continuing its process of modernization and techological advancements in its infrastructure, with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly overseeing the signing of two operational agreements between platform developer CyShield Technology and payment partners the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr.

This electronic visa on arrival allows travellers to obtain their Egypt tourist visa within minutes, directly at the airport. Using automatic kiosks, an upgraded online portal or a mobile app, visitors can bypass long lines and tedious paperwork.

Under the new system scheduled to launch across all Cairo Airport terminals in August 2026, visa and service fees will be paid electronically allowing travellers to obtain visa - on  - arrival approvals digitally through self - services kiosks, a mobile application, or online digital platform using QR code verification that function as a digital visa stamp, to be scanned by passport officers on arrival.

Travellers will also have the option to obtain their visa up to 48 hours before arrival, either directly through the platform or via tourism companies.

This move forms part of the country’s broader digital transformation strategy and follows a separate decision by the Ministry of Civil Aviation on 11 April April 2026 to cancel the paper passport card for Egyptian passengers departing from and arriving at all Cairo International Airport terminals

Link

https://atta.travel/resource/eu-backs-new-conservation-project-for-kgalagadi-transfrontier-park.html

Accor S.A.| Partnered with Shoreline Group to Establish Nigeria’s First National Hotel Platform

Accor S.A., French multinational hospitality company headquartered in Issy - les - Moulineaux has partnered with pan - African investor Shoreline Group to establish Nigeria’s first national hotel platform, backed by a $300 million investment. 

The initiative will introduce ten new hotels across eight Nigerian cities, delivering over 1.200 rooms by 2030 and the creation of a Hospitality Academy, signalling continued confidence in West Africa’s hospitality market.

Nigeria’s expanding business travel market and rising tourism ambitions continue to attract international hotel investment and the collaboration between Accor S.A, and Shoreline Group is also expected to support the development of new hotel properties aimed at meeting growing demand from both domestic and international travellers.

Core Features and Highlights of the Partnership: 

•    Property Portfolio: The Development spans various tiers, from midscale to luxury segments, to cater to both business travellers and tourists. 
•    Hospitality Training Academy: A core pillar of the agreement is the establishment of a dedicated Training Academy. This will help develop local talent, raise industry standards, and generate approximately 1.000 direct jobs. 
•    Timeline and Locations: The project will roll out 8 strategic Nigerian cities, targeting full completion by 2030 to serve the currently underserved high – quality room supply. 
•    Investment: Shoreline Group is funding the project with a $300 million investment, while Accor S.A. will provide operational expertise and leverage its extensive portfolio of international brands. 

The partnership also highlights the increasing role of strategic collaboration in accelerating hospitality growth across Africa. With international hotel brands looking to strengthen their footprint on the continent, development such as this are expected to contribute to job creation, tourism infrastructure expansion, and improved visitor experiences in key African destinations. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/accor-and-shoreline-partner-on-nigerian-hotel-expansion.html

Hilton | Signed Agreements to Launch the First 10 Spark by Hilton Hotels in India

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Virginia, has signed agreements to launch the first 10 Spark by Hilton hotels in India, as part of a strategic plain of expansion across the Asian country aiming to open 150 franchised properties nationwide.

The operation is part of a strategic agreement with Olive Hospitality, an Embassy Group venture and India’s fastest growing, tech - enabled hospitality platform based in Bengaluru.

The signings marks a milestone in the brand’s expansion in the country, part of Hilton’s expansion in India’s midscale segment, linked to a strategic agreement signed in 2024.

The new hotels are planned for relevant locations including Bengaluru, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Mathura, Nashik, Pune, and Rajkot, an expansion aims to increase Hilton’s presence in both metro and non – metro cities serving both business and leisure travellers.

Hilton’s existing pipeline and these agreements are excpected to position the company to exceed 400 trading hotels in India in the coming years.

The partnership with Olive Hospitality follows agreements with NILE Hospitality, a highly engaged, vertically integrated management company based in Udaipur , Rajasthan for 75 Hampton by Hilton hotels and 125 properties of the same brand with Royal Orchid Hotels, a hotel chain headquartered in Bengaluru operating hotels in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. 

Spark by Hilton brand targets value - conscious travellers with a focus on consistency and affordability, a premium economy brand offering reliable and comfortable stays with essential amenities and a friendly, approachable service, all at an accessible price.

Spark by Hilton hotels in India wil feature public spaces with multi - functional seating, such as communal tables and rocking chairs. Guests will receive complimentary breakfast with local items and have access to a 24 - hour retail market.

The hotels will participate in Hilton Honors, Hilton’s guest loyalty program. Members who book directly through Hilton channels will have access to benefits including flexible payment options, member discounts, complimentary standard Wi -Fi, and digital tools such as digital check - in, room selection, and digital Key through the Hilton Honors mobile app.

No opening dates for the 10 Spark by Hilton hotels have been specified.

Link

https://stories.hilton.com/apac/releases/hilton-and-olive-hospitality-sign-indias-first-10-spark-by-hilton-hotels

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141037.html

Hotel Mount Fuji, Yamakako Mura, Japan | To Join IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Vignette Collection After Renovation

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK  and FUJI KYUKO Co., a Japanese conglomerate headquartered in Yamanashi, renowned for integrating premier transport, leisure and hospitality services in the Mount Fuji and Fuji Five Lake region,  known for operating the Fujikyuko Line and Fuji - Q Highland, have entered in partnership to convert Hotel Mount Fuji into a Vignette Collection property.

The Hotel Mount Fuji is located in the area of Yamanakako - mura a village in the Yamanashi Prefecture of Japan on Honshu Island just west of Tokyo in a landlocked, mountainous region renowned for the stunning presence of Mount Fuji, the Fuji Five Lakes and the Japanese Alps.

The property originally opened in 1963, is situated at 1360 - 83 Yamanaka atop Mount Odeyama at an elevation of 1.100 metres overlooking Lake Yamanaka offering unique panoramic views of the iconic Mount Fuji , approximately a 20 - minute drive from the Fujikyuko Line’s Fujisan Station and about a 2 - hour drive from central Tokyo, making it an accessible retreat for those exploring the emblematic mountain and Five Lakes region which is accessible year - round.

Visitors can also reach the hotel by bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal in 2 hours and 20 minutes, with a hotel shuttle service available upon arrival.

The hotel features 150 rooms and will undergo extensive renovation before reopening as Hotel Mount Fuji, Vignette Collection becoming the third property in Japan to join the Vignette Collection, alongside RIGHA Royal Hotel Osaka, and The Windsor Hotel TOYA.

The property will offer dining options, on - site springs, a sauna, and a swimming pool. The hotel will provide access to activities such as golf, lake cruises and visits to local attractions, including Oshino Hakkai, a World Heritage site.

The hotel’s elevated location allows for stargazing and, during certain seasons, the observation of the “sea of clouds,” a natural phenomenon where fog creates the appearance that the hotel is floating above the ground.

The establishment joins the Vignette Collection brand that currently has a global portfolio of more than 79 open and pipeline hotels, an upscale family of hotels and resorts where guests can indulge a growing passion for stays that are authentic, experiential and special, proudly independent establishments which emboly comfort, excellence in service and luxur.

Links

https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2026/third-iconic-hotel-joins-ihgs-vignette-collection-in-japan

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article141252.html

Zimbabwe | Successfully Integrated 118MW of Net Metering Capacity into its National Electricity Grid

Zimbabwe has successfully integrated 118 megawatts (MW) of net metering capacity into its national electricity grid, a major milestone in the country’s renewable energy transition. 

The program managed by the Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC), allows households and businesses with solar PV systems to feed surplus power back into the national grid. 

The initiative seeks to strengthren the stability of the electricity grid and support Zimbabwe’s transition to a more sustainable and green energy future.  

The net metering system allows consumers who generate renewable energy, primarily through solar panels, to return excess energy to the energy infrastructure. 

That surplus is recorded as credits which can be used, for example, at night or on cloudy days, thus reducing monthly electricity costs. 

This model accelerates the return of investment in renewable energy sources, reduces costs for homes and businesses, and increase the lifespan of battery systems by decreasing the need for large, expensive batteries. 

Participation in the program is open to residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural consumers, with a maximum export capacity of 5 megawatts (MW). 

Key Features and Impact: 

•    Capacity Goal Achieved: The 118MW milestone surpasses earlier targets and marks a significant rise in user – driven solar adoption, primarily using rooftop solar systems. 
•    Policy Reforms: To boost adoption the Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) removed upfront connection fees, allowing them to be recovered through energy credits generated by the customer’s system. 
•    Virtual Battery System: The net metering program operates as a “virtual battery bank,” allowing solar users to feed excess power into the grid and earn credits to offset nighttime or low – sunlight usage. 
•    Grid Support: This distributed model helps reduce load – shedding pressures and enhances grid stability during the day. 
•    Application Process: Customers can apply for net metering via the Zimbabwe Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) self – service portal, with approvals typically taking one week. 

The initiative aligns with the country’s goal of supporting national energy security while providing faster returns on investment for customers installing captive solar solutions.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/zimbabue-integra-118-megavatios-al-sistema-de-medici-n-neta-en-su-red-el-ctrica-nacional/