The Dominican Republic | Tourism in the Country Achieves Best - Ever December in History

The Dominican Republic just had its best – ever December in history, shattering tourism records with projections nearing 900.000 air arrivals, a huge jump from previous years, driven by strong demand from the U.S. and Canada, new luxury resorts, and a diverse tourism strategy focusing on destinations like Punta Cana, Samaná, and the cultural north, leading to massive economic impact and solidifying its role as the Caribbean’s top destination.

Tourism Minister David Collado, announced that December marks a historic milestone for tourism in the country, setting new records in arrivals. On a single day, 42.949 tourists arrived by air, the highest daily ever recorded, while 120.475 visitors made it the best tourism weekend in the country’s history. 

The Minister highlighted that by December 21, the Caribbean country had already matched December 2019’s pre - pandemic figures, reaching 627.000 tourists for the month, emphasising that this relevant performance confirms the sector is experiencing its strongest period to date, surpassing previous records. 

Some of the factors driving the Dominican Republic's success as a leading destination: 

•    Key Investment: Continued investment in infrastructure and innovation in key areas by the Ministry of Tourism.
•    Diverse Destinations: Growth in established areas like Punta Cana with the opening of new resorts like Zel by Meliá and emerging eco - luxury spots like Miches, plus cultural hubs like the capital of the country Santo Domingo and Santiago de los Caballeros.
•    Strong U.S. Market: The Northeastern U.S. remains a key powerhouse, with significant numbers of both tourists and the Dominican  diaspora visiting. 
•    “Dominican Smiles at You” Campaign: This successful campaign, a global effort highlighting local hospitality supports the appeal of the country as a  very attractive destination. 

Beyond visitor numbers, the Minister stressed that the economic and social impact of tourism, noting the generation of more than 73.000 jobs, RD$7.699 billion in tax revenues, and a contribution of US$2.614 billion added to the national GDP, results that translate into growth, employment, and improved well – being across the country. 

This record - breaking December undoubtedly caps a landmark year, positioning the Dominican Republic as a resilient and leading Caribbean tourism leader. 

Link 

https://dominicantoday.com/dr/tourism/2025/12/23/tourism-in-the-dominican-republic-achieves-best-december-in-history/

India | Signed a Bilateral Agreement with Saudi Arabia, Approving Visa - Free Travel for Officials to Strengthen Strategic Diplomatic Ties

With the aim to improve an already existing strong relationship India and Saudi Arabia have signed a bilateral agreement allowing visa – free travel for officials to strengthen strategic diplomatic ties.

 The agreement was signed in the Saudi Capital, Riyadh by the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan and Deputy Minister of protocol affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari.

 The initiative is designed to facilitate official travel and enhance institutional interaction within the framework of the India - Saudi Strategic Partnership Council.

 As reported by Asian News International (ANI), an Indian news agency that offers syndicated multimedia news feeds to news bureaus in India, this agreement seeks to simplify official travel and bolster diplomatic and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, marking a new step in the expansion of their strategic partnership.

 The visa waiver is expected to expedite diploimatic engagement, encourage more frequent official visits, and support broader cooperation in the political, administrative, and strategic spheres. Both sides see the move as an important tool to improve coordination between government institutions and accelerate bilateral initiatives.

 Discussions focused on expanding parliamentary diplomacy as a mechanism for sharing good practices, strengthening legislative cooperation and fostering mutual understanding. 

 During the talks, the Indian delegation highlighted the long - standing historical, culturalk and economic ties between the two nations, noting that the engagement sustained at a high level over the past decade has significantly elevated cooperation in defence, energy, skills development and emerging strategies sectors.

Particular attention was paid to the role of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, which has contributed to economic growth and social development, serving as a key bridge between the two societies.

 The move comes against a backdrop of growing momentum in interparliamentary copperation.The announcement followed a meeting in in New Delhi, India between the Indian government and a Saudi parliamentary delegation led by Maj. Gen. Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al - Harbi, chairman of the Saudi - India Parliamentary Friendship Committee within the Shura Council.

The visa waiver agreement and the expansion of parliamentary ties reflect the two countries' continued commitment to deepening cooperation, strengthening trust and advancing a comprehensive bilateral agebnda.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/india-y-arabia-saudita-aprueban-viajes-sin-visa-para-funcionarios-para-fortalecer-lazos-estrat-gicos/

Ethiopia | Expanding Government - Backed Tourism Projects to Position the Country as a Global Destination

Ethiopia is expanding government - backed tourism developments to position the country as a global destination with six years of investment under the Dine for Ethiopia initiative, a program led by PM Abiy Ahmed to transform Ethiopia’s tourism sector by developing world - class by developing world class - eco-friendly resorts, modernizing infrastructure, creating attractions in key areas and other major projects as reported by state news agency Ena on 14th December 2025. 

Through this programme the African country is aggressively scaling up tourism by developing new - eco resorts (like Gorgora Resorts and Lodges, Halala Kela Resort and Wonchi Eco - Tourism) , modernising Addis Ababa’s infrastructure, upgrading the capital with grand conferences centres, urban corridors, riverbank enhancements and the development of new lodges and resorts in the city with the aim to attract MICE (Meetings,  Incentive, Conferences, Exhibitions) tourism and becoming a leading hub in the region.

Leveraging its rich cultural heritage promoting UNESCO sites, the Simien Nountains, the “Lucy” fossil, coffee, wine, and traditional cuisine are also part of the program aiming to attract global visitors, create jobs, and boost global appeal and the economy by blending natural beauty with modern hospitality and cultural experiences.

New sites such as Beynouna Village and Elephant Paw Lodge located in the Chebera Churchura National Park on the western side of the Central Omo Gibe basin between the Dawro zone and Konta zone in South West Ethiopia aim to enhance visitor experiences and showcase biodiversity and generate local revenue.

The programme seeks to blend heritage with modern infrastructure boosting diversification of products and tap projected global tourism growth, with news Agency ENA citing forecasts of more than US$15 trillion in revenue and numerous jobs over the next decade.

Projects’ Goals and Impact : 

•    Economic Growth: Tapping into global tourism projections and creating several jobs in hospitality and related sectors.
•    Global Appeal: Positioning Ethiopia as a competitive, modern destination alongside its rich history and natural wonders.
•    Sustainable Development: Integrating local communities and ensuring environmental preservation within tourism developments.

In essence, Ethiopia is undergoing a significant tourism overhaul, investing heavily in infrastructure and unique experiences to become a major player in the region as well as in the international travel market. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-scales-up-tourism-projects-to-boost-global-appeal.html

Brazil | Launched a National Program to Strengthen the Preservation and Management of Archaeological Heritage Throughout the Country

Brazil, the largest and most populous country in South and Latin America has launched a national program aimed at strengthening the preservation and management of archaeological heritage throughout the country.

As reported by the Brazilian news portal Brasil 247, the initiative focuses on technical visits to strategically important archaeological sites in order to identify, systematize and disseminate the best practices in different regions and will guide public policies and long - term managenement of archaeological sites.

The first phase of the programme was carried out in the Parque Nacional Serra da  Capibara, a national park of archaeological and natural character, situated in the southeast of the state Piauí in the Brazil’s Northeast region, created in 1991 to protect an area where the most important sample of the country’s prehistoric heritage, internationally recognized for its exceptional archaeological value and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The pilot mission marks the starting point of a broader effort to improve national policies related to the conservation, governance and public participation of archaeological sites across the South American country.

During the fieldwork, specialists conducted on - site inspections of key sites, research facilities, museums, and surrounding communities. The team held discussions with researchers, site managers and local residents to better understand established approaches to the conservation and social use of archaeological heritage.

The experts involved in the programme stressed that direct engagement with territories is essential to shape effective national guidelines.

According to specialists, Serra da Capivara National Park represents a “living laboratory” where decades of research, conservation and visitor management offer valuable lessons that can be adapted to other regions of Brazil.

Serra da Capivara caves are world renowned for their vast collection of ancient rock painting estimated to be up to 30.000 years old, depicting early human life, rituals, and extinct animals, challenging theories of American settlement and revealing rich cultural history in the Caatinga landscape of Piauí state, with sites like Pedra Furada showcasing significant archaeological finds, making the park a benchmark for international relevant researches linked to archaeology.

The technical agenda included visits to sites of great scientific importance, as well as exchanges with academic institutions and community initiatives focused on heritage protection and sustainable tourism. 

These interactions provided insights into professional training, ongoing research, and models of community participation in site management.

Authorities plan to expand the programme in 2026, extending technical visits to other areas of the country and covering a wide range of ecosystems, archaeological typologies, and management models.

The long - term goal is to establish a a national network for the exchange of knowledge between researchers, public authorities and local communities.

Link

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-lanza-un-programa-nacional-para-fortalecer-la-preservaci-n-arqueol-gica/