San José, Costa Rica | The National Convention Center : a Modern, Versatile Infrastructure for High - Impact Institutional Meetings

San José, the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, located in the centre of the country, in the mid - west of the Central Valley, within San José Canton, focal point of political and economic activity, and major transportation hub of the Central American nation within its relevant infrastructure system boasts The National Convention Center, the “Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica” (CRCC)  located at Autopista general Cañas, eight kilometres from the Juan Santamaría International Airport and 10 km from downtown San José, the a modern,versatile, avant – garde, adaptable infrastructure for high – Impact Institutional meetings. 

The Centro de Convenciones de Costa Rica, an environmentally responsible architectural project inspired by biodiversity, with a design that combines functionality, sustainability, and contemporary aesthetics offers comprehensive solutions for organizing national and international events of high level.

The National Convention Center stands out for its excellence in service,  operational efficiency and sustainability, and  has earned prestigious recognitions such as the Ecological Blue Flag Program with 5 stars. 

Positioned as a strategic space for professionals, business, and government activities, it can accommodate up to 5.800 people for congresses, conferences, exhibitions, fairs, concerts and weddings, providing unique versatile spaces, and along with its services that are certified for quality and biosafety. 

The venue features spacious, modular spaces equipped with natural lighting systems, full connectivity, and cutting - edge audiovisual technology, and efficient energy management systems, enabling it to meet the most demanding logistical and technical requirements of the MICE tourism ( Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment.

The center provides reflective roofs, rainwater reuse, self closing faucets, high - tech air conditioning systems, LED lighting, solar panels, and wastewater treatment systems.

Additional services include exhibition areas, pre - function areas, lobbies, parking areas and loading and unloading areas.

Main Halls features to host leading events : 

Talamanca Hall - Its total area is 3.739 m², designed to accommodate up to 40 people, this hall stands out for its modern architecture and mirrored dome that allows natural light to enter, creating a unique environment. Services include electrical, internet, telephone, water,  and deainage connections every nine metres in the basement.

Central Hall - This hall boasts a surface area of 1.274 m² with a maximum capacitiy of 1.360 people. It can be divided into three independent sections thanks to its soundproofing system. Suitable for medium - sized events, it allows for efficient organization in various formats.

Guanacaste Room - Inspired by the Cordillera de Guanacaste, a volcanic mountain range in northern Costa Rica, this space features three rooms that can be integrated to form a single event area. It is a very suitable option for large - scale corporate or executive events, boasting a flexible layout adapted to the organizer’s needs.

Every room of  the Convention National Center has been designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, ensuring a high - quality experience for both organizers and attendees. The available infrastructure allows for simultaneous events, integrating technology, design, and comfort in a single location making it a benchmark in Latin America.

Link 
https://en.travel2latam.com/news-98943-costa-rica-convention-center-adaptable-infrastructure-for-high-impact-institutional-meetings

Dubrovnik, Croatia | Iconic City Walls Revenue Tops €8 Million, a Relevant Income Funding National’s Cultural Heritage Restoration

Dubrovnik, stunning city in southern Dalmatia, Croatia facing the Adriatic Sea, one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, highlighted by a vibrant culture, a rich history, outstanding medieval, baroque and renaissance architecture, a distinctive Old Town encircled with massive stone walls and a beautiful coastal setting experienced that its iconic walls revenue tops €8 million, becoming a relevant income funding national’s cultural heritage restoration.

Dubrovačke gradske zidine, the emblematic Walls of Dubrovnik, consists in a series of defensive rampants surrounding the Dalmatian city, developed in the outlying areas of Dubrovnik, including the mountain slopes as part of a set of statues from 1272, and the existing city walls were developed mainly during the 13th – 17th centuries.

The historic value of the Dubrovnik city walls lies in their status as one of Europe's most well - preserved and significant medieval fortification systems, a testament to centuries of skilled engineering, defensive strategy, and community effort against numerous invaders and  natural disasters. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these imposing structures protected the indepenpent Republic of Ragusa for centuries and are a tangible link to the city's rich past.

Nearly half a million people have visited this authentic masterpiece so far this year, recording a historic number of visitors in July. The revenue from the tickets is vital for the economy of Dubrovnik and Croatia, as it directly funds the Society of Friends of Dubrovnik Antiquities (DPDS), which will invest all surplus income into funding and preserving cultural heritage across the country as reported by JugInfo.hr, well known information portal spreading news about the city and the Dubrovnik - Neretva County.

In 2024, DPDS generated around €4.8 million from direct ticket sales and an additional €3.6 million from the Dubrovnik Pass, exceeding €8 million in total. After covering taxes and salaries, all remaining funds are reinvested into heritage projects.

DPDS Presient Vedran Kosović explained that most of Dubrovnik city walls revenue comes from ticket sales, either directly or through the Dubrovnik Pass. From each ticket 60% goes to the City of Dubrovnik, and 40% remains with the society, and the goal is not profit but preserving cultural heritage for future generations.

Among the largest current investments with the funds coming from the City Walls of Dubrovnik is the restoration of the Koruna Fortress or Fort Kaštio, famous, historic defensive structure located at the entrance of the town of Mali Ston on the Pelješac Peninsula, expected to open by the start of the next tourism seasons. 

Other projects include the renovation of the Rector’s Palace in Janjina,  a medieval structure built in 1465, and the refurbishment of the Mala kuća, on Lopud island,  in the Elaphiti archipelago, off the coast of Dubrovnik, an old house set to become part ot the island’s Rector’s Palace.

Link
https://www.thedubrovniktimes.com/news/dubrovnik/item/18554-dubrovnik-walls-revenue-tops-8-million-funding-heritage-restorations-across-the-county

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Rio Carnival Recognized by Law as a National Cultural Heritage

Rio de Janeiro, vibrant seaside city in Brazil, one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere, a South American metropolis well known for its cultural diversity, natural settings, iconic beaches such as Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Tijuca, samba, bossanova and its emblematic carnival which was recently recently recognized as a national cultural heritage.

The Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed an important bill into law for the iconic carnival : Bill 1730/2024 which recognises Rio de Janeiro Carnival as a Manifestation of National Culture.

The law contemplates all expressions of the Rio Carnival, from its vibrant parades to the samba schools and  the streets blocks over Rio de Janeiro, all protagonists of this event celebrated in February that is not only mere fun, but is part of a national identity, tradition, and representing a  popular art in its deepest form and essence. 

Rio Carnival is a vibrant, five - day pre - Lenten festival that is a cornerstone of Brazilian culture, blending Portuguese, African, and indigenous influences into a unique celebration of life and creativity.

With vibrant rhytms and dances deeply rooted in Afro - Brazilian traditions also linked to the “Entrudo” a festival introduced in the 18th century by Portuguese colonists, and the feathered costumes and lighter apparel seen in many parades draw inspiration from the Native American cultures of Brazil, Rio Carnival is a unique blend of identities and people of different provenance who met themselves centuries ago creating something unique that continue to live today.

The modern Rio Carnival is a powerful synthesis of these diverse cultural influences, reflecting the rich history and ethnic variety of Brazil in all its essence.

This unique and iconic event is known for its spectacular parades, extravagant costumes, infectious music, and joyful street parties with the samba school’s competitions in the Sambódromo being a central highlight, where the atmosphere is energetic, vibrant, and joyous, filled with dancing and raw human energy.

Beyond being a major tourist atrraction, Rio Carnival plays a strategic role in defining Brazilian national identity and showcasing the country’s passionate, diverse, and also irreverent spirit during this event. 

In conclusion, the objective with this official recognition is now to continue to value and preserve this cultural manifestation as an essential part of the South American country’s intangible heritage.

Link 
https://www.timeout.com/pt/rio-de-janeiro/noticias/carnaval-do-rio-e-reconhecido-por-lei-como-manifestacao-da-cultura-nacional-081425

Athens, Greece | Metro to Undergo its First Large - Scale Rail Replacement Since Operations Began

The Athens Metro serving the Greek capital which started its operations in 1869, making it the second oldest underground system in the world after London, with a network of three lines as well as a future new Line 4, whose central section began construction in October 2021, will undergo its first large - scale replacement since operations began. 

The Metro of Athens is preparing for its first major replacement in 25 years, a significant project that will involve upgrading 32 kilometres of track on Lines 2 and 3 (Sepolia – Dafni and Monastiraki – Ethniki – Amyna).

The €7.3 million project includes a main contract worth €4.8 million (excluding VAT) for the inspection and replacement of rails, in line with a study by Urban Rail Transport Company (STASY), the public transport operator of the Athens Metro and Tram.

The agreement approved by the Hellenic Court of Audit was concluded between STASY and the contract consortium Leonardos Rigas Techniki S.A. & Sidirorodomika Erga AtTE. 

The project is considered vital for the metro’s operation and, according to STASY, will be implemented with the company’s own resources and within the original schedule.

STASY CEO Athanasios Kottaras said that this initiative is part of a broader plan to upgrade all three metro lines, which also includes improvements to rolling stock, track infrastructure, systems, workforce capacity, and revenue streams.

Separately, the delivery of new rails to STASY depots is already underway under a €2.4 million supply contract (excluding VAT) carried out by the company Artemis S.A. The works will focus on curved sections of Line 2 and 3 and are set to begin immediately, with completion expected by the end of 2026.

Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis during the contract signing ceremony said that this is the first time in 25 years that the preventive replacement of rails will take place on the core network of Lines 2 and 3.

The Minister also noted that the works will be carried out in a timely and planned manner, as the materials approach the end of their service life, with the aim of ensuring the network remains safe and reliable for passengers.

Link
https://news.gtp.gr/2025/08/12/athens-metro-to-replace-32-km-of-rails-for-the-first-time-in-25-years/