Croatia | Planning a Major Ferry Fleet Upgrade to Modernize Maritime Transport Across the Adriatic

Croatia is planning a major ferry fleet upgrade to modernize maritime tramsport across the Adriatic.The announcement made by Transport Minister Oleg Butković, underscores a broader effort to upgrade the country’s infrastructure, with a particular focus on the vital role ferries play in linking the Croatian mainland with its islands, improvements that aim to increase capacity, safety, and efficiency for Adriatic connectivity according to a Dubrovnik Times report.

Supported by a World Bank loan the country is preparing a significant overhaul with a programme aimed at replacing gradually its 28 - year - old average fleet.  

Jadrolinija, Croatia’s state - owned ferry operator has already begun modernizing its fleet acquiring up to 10 new, eco - friendly vessels, including seven new ferries after the acquisition in recent years of six new catamarans to improve passenger services.

For many coastal communities ferries are not simply a convenience but a necessity, a lifeline connecting residents, goods and services throughout the year. 

With more than a thousand islands in the Adriatic scattered along its coastline, Croatia depends heavily on maritime transport to sustain both daily life and its tourism - driven economy. 

Modern, reliable ferries are essential not only for residents but also for millions of visitors who travel between coastal cities and island destinations each year.  

Croatia’s shipbuilding sector in recent decades has faced difficulties, and while the government has expressed a preference for domestic production, foreign shipyards are expected to compete for the contracts.  

Officials describe the latest plans as a continuation of a process that aims to replace aging vessels and adapts the fleet to the demands of modern travel, particularly during the peak summer season when passenger numbers surge.

Key Aspects of the Modernization Programme include: 

•    Targeted Expansion: Jadrolininija ferry operator plans to add 10 new vesselks, including seven new ferries and three additional passenger vessels. 
•    Green Technology: The investment focuses on sustainability, with new ships designed for energy efficiency and to reduce emissions. 
•    Funding and Support: The project is supported by financial partnerships with the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). 
•    Goal: The primary aim is to modernize the existing 58 – vessels fleet and reduce the average age. 
Upgrades for 2026: 
•    Plan Readiness: All 58 existing vessels are scheduled to be ready for the upcoming 2026 season. 
•    New Routes: A new Split - Bari and a Zadar - Ancona service are expected to launch during the 2026 summer season. 
•    Enhanced Service: The upgrades refects a growing need for improved, reliable transport throughout the year, with new high – speed catamarans services scheduled for the Adriatic coast. 

As Croatia continues to invest in infrastructure, from ports to railways, the renewal of the Jadrolinija fleet represents a key toward strengthening one of the country’s most distinctive transport networks. 

For island communities, the promise of newer, safer and more efficient ferries signals more than an upgrade, it points to a future in which connections across the Adriatic are faster, cleaner and more reliable. 

Link 
https://www.thedubrovniktimes.com/news/croatia/item/19607-croatia-plans-major-ferry-fleet-upgrade-to-modernize-adriatic-transport

Eswatini | Experienced a 16.3% Rise in International Visitor Arrivals Driven by a Strong Regional Tourism Performance

Eswatini, also known by its former official names Swaziland and the Kingdom of Swaziland, a landlocked country in Southern Africa bordered by South Africa on all sides except the northeast, where it shares a border with Mozambique, experienced a 16.3% rise in international visitor arrivals in February 2026, totalling 84.744 international visitors, driven by a strong regional tourism performance,  particularly from SADC countries, and continuing a positive momentum this year.

For the first two months of 2026, the country recorded a cumulative 177.182 international arrivals, an 11.8% increase on the same period period in 2025.

Africa remained the dominant source market at 90.5% of total arrivals, with SADC countries accounting for 88.6% of that figure. Regional growth reached 18.8%, led by strong performances from Malawi (+210.3%), Tanzania (+39.7%), Zimbabwe (+36.7%), Mozambique (+27.7%), and Lesotho (+28.8%).

The Middle East also recorded a notable 46.5% surge, Asia - Pacific grew by 9.9%. while Europe and the Americas recorded declines of 7.9% and 8.4% respectively, attributed to rising travel costs, flight disruptions, and shifting consumer preferences.

The figures built on a landmark 2025, in which the African country surpassed one million international arrivals for the year, a 7.5% year 0 on 0 year increase that Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Simelane described. affirming renewed confidence in Eswatini as a competitive tourism destination.

Speaking at an industry workshop in Mbabane, one of the two capitals of the country, the Minister acknowledged that key metrics including average length of stay, currently mark 2.6 nights, and visitor spending remain below optimal levels, calling for targeted policy interventions.

 The Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs highlighted domestic and diaspora tourism as a resilient growth segment and outlined strategic priorities improved data system, community - based tourism, and stronger public - private sector collaboration, in line with national development agenda.

The surge in regional visitors is considered a testament to the resilience of Eswatini’s tourism sector, offsetting fluctuations in long - haul market.

The government is aiming to reach two million tourist arrivals annually by 2027, driven by eco - tourism and wildlife experiences, supported by areas like Hlane Royal National Park, Eswatini’s largest protected area, renowned for its unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.

 Link

https://atta.travel/resource/eswatini-records-16-3-rise-in-international-arrivals-as-regional-tourism-strengthens.html

Brazil | Signed Strategic Alliances with Arab Countries to Boost Tourism and Attract Investment

The Brazilian Ministry of Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Arab - Brazilian Chamber of commerce, strengthening strategic alliances with the aim of boosting tourism increasing the flow of tourists from the region, and attracting investments.  

According to the Brazilian Ministry of tourism, the agreement was formalized during an international seminar that brought together authorities, representatives of the productive sector and investors, with the purpose of consolidating cooperation between Brazil and Arab countries, highlighting the potential for expansion of tourism and the generation of new economic opportunities.

The South American country is strengthening ties with Arab nations, particularly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to boost tourism and attract foreign investment with key initiatives include direct flight routes Riyadh/Jeddah - São Paulo, halal - friendly tourism infrastructure, and increased investment in sectors like agribusiness, energy, and infrastructure, aiming to diversify trade and enhance cooperation. 

The strategy covers different segments of the tourism chain, with special emphasis on infrastructure, hotels and the development of new tourist poles.

During the event, the Brazil Tourism Investment Guide was also presented, a tool that complies structured projects and facilities decision - making for international investors.  

The seminar also addressed issues such as innovation and business opportunities, within the framework of the government’s efforts to diversify the tourist source markets and expand the country’s international insertions, and highlighted estimationa that the tourism sector in Brazil has the potential to mobilize $384.000 million until 2028.

Key Aspects of the Strategic Alliances: 

•    Tourism Expansion: Brazil is adapting its tourism infrastructure to welcome more Muslim travellers from Gulf nations, highlighting eco – tourism and cultural experiences, as noted by the Arab News, daily newspaper published in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 
•    Investment Focus: Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with Saudi Arabia to attract investmernt in tourism, according to GCC Business News, web portal platform based in Sharijah, UAE. Partnerships with the United Arab Emirates focus on sectors like agrobusiness, defense and technology. 
•    Infrastructure and Trade: Discussions include strengthening infrastructure projects, such as ports and railways, and enhancing trade, particularly for fertilizers and food, as reported by Reuters. 
•    Direct Flights: The expansion of direct flights between major Arab hubs like Riyadh and Jeddah and Brazil (São Paulo) is a priority to facilitate travel, as mentioned by Gulf Research Centre report. 

The initiative involves high - level diplomatic efforts, including trips to the Middle East and the potential establishment of a Brazilian - Saudi sovereign investment fund. 

Minister of Tourism of Brazil Gustavo Feliciano, pointed out that tourism sector plays a strategic role in economic development and international integration, moving forward to transform a historic and solid relationship into concrete opportunities for investment, business and job creation. 

The Minister added thart Brazil is prepared to receive tourists and investors from Arab ountries with hospitality ans in an increasingly attractive environment for international capital. 

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/brasil-firma-alianza-con-pa-ses-rabes-para-impulsar-el-turismo-y-atraer-inversiones/