Matusadona National Park, Zimbabwe | Major Wildlife Restoration Programme Strengthening its Biodiversity and Ecological Resilience Launched

 ZimParks, Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Management Authority which manages one of the largest estates in the country, about 5 million hectares of land of 13% of Zimbabwe total land area has launched a major,  multi - year wildlife restoration programme at Matusadona National Park situated in northern Zimbabwe on the shores of Lake Kariba and two perennial rivers : the Ume and the Sanyati.  

Matsudona National Park, which takes its name from the local rolling Matusadona hills that form part of its rich landscape, is the first park in the country to fall under the African Parks mandate and covers 1470 square kilometres.

This remote and beautiful wild area with its diverse ecosystem encompasses crucial aquatic breeding, dense thickets , abundant valley - floor woodlands and grassland along the southern shore of Lake Kariba surrounded by mountains. 

The rugged landscape of the Zambezi escarpment offers excellent game, the park is home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, zebra, an impressive variety of antelope species as well as many aquatic dwellers, hippo, crocodile and hundreds of fish species. It also nurtures nearly 400 birds species, a remarkable abundance that showcases the park's thriving biodiversity.

ZimParks aims at strengthening biodiversity and ecological resilience at Matsudona Nationalk Park in partnership with African Parks Network and the Matsudona Conservation Trust with an initiative which will see the translocation of key herbivore species including eland, buffalo, sable and roan antelope from protected areas across the country, to re - establish viable wildlife populations within the park.

The strategy forms part of broader efforts to rehabilitate ecosystems across the Sebungwe landscape and including supporting measures like enhanced anti - poaching operations, biodiversity monitoring and community development projects.

Backed by scientific ecological assessments, the programme highlights Zimbabwe commitment to sustainable conservation and aims to revitalise Matsudona National Park as a premier conservation destination with long-term benefits for surrounding communities and ecotourism.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/zimbabwe-undertakes-major-wildlife-restoration-at-matusadona-national-park.html

Guanajuato, Mexico | Launched a Promotional Campaign, Expecting a Summer Season with a High Influx of Tourists

 Guanajuato, central Mexican state, situated between the arid north of the country and the lusher south, part of the Trans - Mexican Volcanic Belt, cradle of the National Independence and home to several relevant cities and towns, especially those along the "Bicentennial Route", famed for its stunning colonial architecture and also distinguished for being the only state in Mexico with two World Heritage Cities such as San Miguel de Alllende and Guanajuato capital launched a promotional campaign and is expecting a summer season with a high influx of tourists.

Guanajuato's tourism sector is experiencing a strong recovery and growth, particularly in international arrivals. The state is seeing increased visitor numbers particularly from the U.S. and is actively working to attract more tourists through events, promotions, and strategic marketing with a focus on sustainable and diversified tourism offerings. The state in addition is emphasizing wellness, nature - based experiences, and cultural immersion, aligning with post pandemic travel trends.

As confirmation of these relevant efforts, the state launched a summer campaign promoted by SECTURI, the Secretariat of Tourism and Identity of the State of Guanajuato contemplates a national promotion strategy that seeks to make visible the cultural, natural and gastronomic wealth of the 46 municipalities, strengthening consolidated destinations and promoting emerging ones.

The promotional campaign will be disseminate in the media and networks to enhance the presence of the state on digital platforms, as well as includes a coordinated work with travel agencies and tourism service providers.

Next to this positive trend concerning incoming tourism and launch of initiatives, the Secretariat of Tourism and Identity of the State of Guanajuato anticipates a summer season with a high influx of tourists, driven by the extension of the vacation period of the 2025 - 2026 school year.

This year, the return to school will be in September which means 46 days of vacation, 11 more than the previous year, and with it, greater opportunities for families to travel and enjoy the state attractions in the 7 regions of tourist vocation into which the state is divided.

The Secretary of Tourism and Identity of the Government of Guanajuato, María Guadalupe Robles León stated that from the World Heritage Cities to the magical towns, archaeological sites, artisanal and gastronomic routes, Guanajuato has a solid, integrated and constantly evolving tourism offer.

During the summer period, it is estimated that more than 592.000 tourists stay in hotels in Guanajuato, with an average occupancy of 38%. In total the entity expects to receive more than 2.9 million visitors, including tourists and excursionists, who could generate an economicof more than 7 billion 189 million pesos.

The Secretary highlighted the constant research for the integration of a consolidated valued chain mentioning the work of hoteliers, restaurateurs, producers, tourist guides, cooks and traditional cooks as drivers of the sector. In general, everything revolves around tourism, which is recognized for the quality of the offer the state has. 

León will be the destination with the highest influx, projecting the arrival of more than 181.000 tourists and a hotel occupancy of 50%. In Guanajuato Capital, the arrival of 102.000 visitors is expected, with an occupancy of 34%, while San Miguel de Allende will receive more than 83.000 tourists, with an estimated occupancy of 36%.

In Celaya, more than 39.000 tourists are expected and an occupancy level of 35%, while Irapuato projects an occupancy of 35% with 58.000 visitors, and in Dolores Hidalgo, the cradle of the National Independence, occupancy will be 28%, with just over 14.000 tourists.

 The Secretary added that there pride to see how Guanajuato is consolidated as a symbol of quality, tradition and modernity. This impulse is part of the entity strategic vision to promote the 46 municipalities of the state, because the excellent work doing things well and knowing how to share the best favour of residents, generating the ideal conditions to attract millions of visitors.

The Government seeks that communities are the main recipients of the good results of tourism, the commitment to the generation of social development is a priority, which boosts the local economy and strengthens the identity of Guanajuato elevating it as one of the most attractive destinations in the country.

Link 
https://boletines.guanajuato.gob.mx/2025/06/19/guanajuato-espera-un-verano-con-alta-afluencia-turistica-con-mas-de-2-9-millones-de-visitantes/

Gibraltar | Paving the Way with an Agreement with Spain for an Open Border and a Spanish Presence at the Gibraltarian Airport Terminal

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory and headland located on Spain's south coast at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, near the exit of the Mediterranean Sea into the Atlantic Ocean, dominated by the Rock of Gibraltar, a 426 metres - high limestone ridge is paving the way for an agreement with Spain for an open border and with a Spanish presence controlling the Gibraltarian  air terminal.

Gibraltar being part of the United Kingdom left the European Union along with Great Britain in January 2020, although Gibraltarians have voted overwhelming to remain in the European Community in the 2026 UK referendum on EU membership.

On 11th June 2025, Gibraltar, the UK and Spain announced an agreement focuses on the core aspect of a future formal treaty between the European Union and the United Kingdom in respect of the British overseas territory.

The main objective of the agreement is to secure the future prosperity of whole region, this will be done by removing all physical barriers, checks and controls on persons and goods circulating between Gibraltar and Spain, while preserving the Schengen area, the EU Single Market and Customs Union.

In the area of persons, the parties agreed to establish dual Gibraltar and Schenghen border checks and Gibraltar port and airport. The full cooperation between Gibraltar as part of the UK and the European Union authorities will remove all checks at the crossing point between La Línea de la Concepción, Spain and Gibraltar.

For the EU, Spain border guards will carry out full Schenghen checks while for the UK, full Gibraltar checks will continue in their current form.

Maintaining the fluidity of people's movements across the border is of utmost importance for the British overseas territory. Some 14.400 EU citizens work in Gibraltar, including over 9.000 Spaniards, who commute daily from the border of La Línea de la Concepción, Spanish municipality in the province of Cadiz, a number that represents over half of Gibraltar's workforce.

Better fluidity will also radically transform air travel to Gibraltar. Spain is now looking at developing its own passenger terminal at Gibraltar airport. It follows proposals to create a cross - border transport hub serving more than 120.000 residents.

 According to a memorandum drafted by the La Línea de la Concepción city hall this month, the disappearance of border controls between Spain and Gibraltar will create a unique opportunity to transform the airport of the British overseas territory into a fully integrated facility serving both sides generating numerous advantages.

Establishing a Spanish presence at Gibraltar's airport would enable commercial air routes to and from Spanish territory, an operation which will enhance regional connectivity and the La Línea de la Concepción's economy will strengthen through increased airport - related services and activities.

The agreement is vital for Gibraltar tourism. According to data from various Gibraltar authorities and institutions, the British overseas territory received in 2023 over 9.3 million visitors and is actively promoting itself as a destination with a mix of natural attractions, historical sites, and cultural events including concerts, festivals, and sports competitons, throughout the year.

Currently Gibraltar airport has only flights to the UK with two daily flights operated by British Airways to London Heathrow, EasyJet flies daily to London Gatwick and Manchester and has 3 weekly flights to Bristol and 2 weekly flights to Birmingham.

An overwhelming share came by land over the border, 8.79 million equivalent to 94.5% of all arrivals and by comparison Gibraltar airport welcomed in the same year a mere 235.000 passengers while cruise passengers topped 272.000 and this initiative will enhance more air traffic and increase tourist arrivals to the British Overseas Territory. 

Link
https://www.travelmole.com/news/gibraltar-spain-agreement-paves-way-for-an-open-border-and-a-spains-controlled-air-terminal/

Porto, Portugal | Announced the Expansion Plan for Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport

ANA - Aeropuertos de Portugal, the national airport management company responsible for managing, operating, and developing airport infrastructure across the country, part of the VINCI Airports network has announced the expansion plan for Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, the international airport of Porto located in Vila Nova da Telha, 11 kilometres from the city centre, currently the second - busiest airport in Portugal, based on aircraft operations, and the second - busiest in passengers after Lisbon Airport, according to traffic statistics.

The expansion of Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport has been a demand for several years, following a strong growth and the government itself has stated its desire to support infrastructure growth and to consolidate Porto as a second hub in Portugal.

The plan of expansion aims to strengthen the airport’s capacity to accommodate increased demand in the long term, in addition to expanding the entire airport complex, promoting greater operational efficiency and connectivity, enhancing the regional hub strategy, as positioning Francisco Sá Carneiro air hub as a benchmark airport in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula.

The improvement and expansion of Porto Airport is one of the measures included in the TAP privatization plan, announced by the government, which provides for the sale of up to 49.9% of the Portuguese airline’s capital.

According to the Minister of Infrastructure, Miguel Pinto Luz, ANA – Aeropuertos de Portugal is working on developing Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport expansion plan, which should be presented either later this year or early next year.

Concurrently, work is underway to improve the runway. The Minister announced that the runway’s structural reinforcement work, costing €50 million, should be completed by March 2026.

The works began on 31st July 2024 and were expected to last 19 months. The investment will include the reinforcement of the pavement, replacing the lighting and drainage systems, and installing a new lighting system for operation in low visibility conditions.

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport with its significant growth has been recognized for its excellent service. In 2024, the Portuguese airport served 15.9 million passengers.

Porto Airport is well known for its balance of full - service and low - cost airlines, with Ryanair and easyJet being major players.

The Portuguese airport also seen a substantial increase in routes, adding 41 new routes in the past five years, and is expanding its long - haul network with new routes planned for 2025, including Air Canada, Azul, and Ethiopian Airlines.

Link
https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-07-11/porto-airport-expansion/99322