Guinea - Bissau | Government Signed a MoU with United Nigeria Airlines to Establish a New National Carrier for the Country

The Government of Guinea Bissau has signed s Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) with United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) , a fast – growing Nigerian carrier that features expanding regional and international routes, a diverse fleet featuring Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and unique in - flight promotion, operating scheduled flights designed to “Fly to Unite” across West Africa, to establish Air Bissau,  a new national  carrier for the country.  

The agreement was signed in Bissau by Guinea Bissau’s Transport Minister, Dr Florentino Mendes Pereira and United Nigeria Airlines Chairman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, marking the beginning of what both parties have described as a pivotal partnership that would improve Guinea - Bissau’s connectivity with the rest of the African continent and the world. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (Mou) takes immediate effects and remains valid for 13 months, or until a final joint venture agreement is concluded.   

Under the terms of the agreement, the Guinea – Bissau Government will designate Air Bissau as the country’s official national carrier, granting it rights under existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs) to strengthen its access to regional and international routes.  

United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) will oversee management and operational control, while also committing to training Guinean nationals as pilots, cabin crew and maintenance audits, full liability and hull insurance coverage, as well as asset promotion mechanisms to safeguard UNA’s investment against regulatory uncertainty, signalling a structured and commercially focused approach to improving connectivity across West Africa. 

Air Bissau will be based at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport and its launch aims to end the country’s multi - decade reliance on foreign operators.  

Core Features and Agreement Details: 

•    Strategic Backing: United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) is providing the majority of the financial ivestment, aircraft management, and operational expertise. 
•    Network and Routes: The airline will operate from Bissau, connecting the country to regional African hubs and international markets. It will serve existing Bilateral Air Service (BASAs) entitlements previously limited by foreign carriers. 
•    Government Transport: The agreement includes provisions for the airline to supply and operate an executive jet specifically for the President and Government of Guinea - Bissau. 
•    Local Workforce and Training: United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has committed to training Guinean nationals as pilots, cabin crew, and technical personnel. 

Safety and Operations: 

•    Insurance and Audits: Operations are backed by full liability and hull insurance coverage, alongside independent annual safety and maintenance audits. 
•    Infrastructure Support: The Government of Guinea - Bissau is streamlining licensing processes through its Civil Aviation Authority and providing support for ground services, security, and immigration. 
•    Investment Protection: The joint venture includes measures to protect agsinst regulatory uncertainties and adverse policy changes.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/united-nigeria-airlines-signs-mou-to-launch-guinea-bissau-s-national-carrier.html

Paraguay | Deepening Bilateral Cooperation with Spain to Position Tourism as a Strategic Driver for Sustainable Development

Paraguay and Spain are deepening bilateral cooperation to position tourism as a strategic driver for sustainable, cultural and  social development as well as focusing on ecological transition. Paraguay Secretariat of Tourism (SENATUR) and Spanish officials recently solidified a joint agenda to boost sector competitiveness and global visibility. 

The Minister of Tourism Jacinto Santa Maria received the Ambassador of Spain in Paraguay, Javier Parrondo and his advisors, with the aim of deepening a collaboration in tourism, and developing a framework and guidelines aimed at positioning tourism as a strategic and central axis for the South American country.

At the meeting the two officials discussed the importance of promoting initiatives that strengthen the competitiveness of the sector, boost the country’s international projection and generate new opportunities for sustainable growth for national tourist destinations. 

 This partnership builds upon broader framework and leverages various key initiatives: 

•    Official Cooperation Framework: The Spanish Agency foir International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the Paraguayan Government enacted a $100 million+ Partnership Framework by Sustainable Development which support ecological transition and sustainable development programs. 
•    Long Term Vision (Paraguay Turístico): The Paraguay Secretariat of Tourism (SENATUR) is actively executing a long – term goal to attract 10 million tourists to the country by 2037. Spain’s experience with the Spanish Sustainable Tourism Strategy 2030 serves as foundational model for this growth. 
•    Knoeledge Exhange: The joint agenda facilitates bilateral training, statistical data exchange, and the promotion of sustainable, community – led cultural tourism. 

The Minister of Tourism of Paraguay highlighted the support and cooperation of the Spanish government for the sustainable development of the tourism sector in Paraguay. 

Link 

https://senatur.gov.py/noticias/paraguay-y-espana-avanzan-en-una-agenda-conjunta-para-consolidar-el-turismo-sostenible/

Slovenia | Rolled Out a New Generation of Passports Introducing more than 100 Security Features

Slovenia has rolled out a new generation of passports, introducing more than 100 security features, updated biometric protections, and a redesigned visual identity that combines cutting - edge anti - counterfeiting technology with in addition art symbols celebrating the nation’s heritage. 

Existing valid passports will remain completely in use until their normal expiration date, meaning holders do not need to replace them prematurely or Slovenian citizens may choose to apply for the new version, according to the Interior Ministry.

The redesign aligns the passport's appearance with the latest version of the identity card and introduces several technological upgrades.

For the first time, the document features a colour photograph of the holder, protected by multiple personalised security elements, including ultraviolet printing and repeated images embedded throughout the state portal passport.

Authorities have also improved the visibility of the passport serial number and added a QR code that contains a quick - response system that directly links to a state portal for verifying the passport authenticity.

Enhanced biometrics features include advanced, microtext, protection, and specialized UV security elements.

Beyond its security features the passport incorporates a range of iconic national symbols such as verses of Slovenia’s national anthem, A Trust, appears in ultraviolet elements and microtexts, while embossed image of Mount Triglav, the country’s highest peak, features on the back’s cover.

Other design elements draw on Vače Situla,  a 5th- century BC bronze vessel regarded as one of Slovenia’s most important archaeological artefacts, and Ljubljana Robba Fountain, an artisitic masterpiece located in the Slovenian capital.

The passport’s holograms and interior covers also feature the constellations Capricorn and Cancer, representing the skies above Slovenia on key dates associated with the country’s independence from the former Yugoslavia, the 1990 referendum, and the declaration of independence in 1991.

In addition the stylised image of the new passport refers to Slovenia’s sea, rivers, and the international county code SVN.

The motifs on the visa pages remain unchanged from a design first introduced in 2001 by Slovenian graphic designer Miljenko Licul.

The new passport will be slighty more expensive than their predecessors. An adult passport valid for 10 years will cost almost €59, while passports for children and toddlers, valid for five years and three years cost €52 and €48 respectively.

According to the Interior Ministry, Slovenia currently has more than 771.000 valid passports in circulation. More than 26.000 are due to expire by the end of 2026, while nearly 41.000 passport application had been submitted by 29 May 2026.

Slovenian passports are issued in seven versions such as the standard Slovenian, Italian and Hungarian versions., a diplomat passport, a passport for foreigners, and a passport for refuges.

Link

https://sloveniatimes.com/47796/slovenia-introduces-redesigned-passport

Egypt | Tourist Arrivals Rises 4% Amid Regional Tensions and Global Pressures

 Egypt’s tourist arrivals rises 4% between January and the first week of June as announced by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy at a press conference organised by the Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF).

Amid regional tensions and global travel pressures Egypt’s tourism sector has remained remarkably resilient, the country successfully countered regional geopolitical concerns and higher fuel costs through aggressive marketing and remains a highly affordable destination for European and UK holidaymakers.

Despite broader travel pressures, the Egyptian tourism industry is utilising targeted campaigns and incentives to support the momentum and sustain growth. Promotional efforts over the recent months have included hosting international influencers, bloggers, familiarisation trips, and meetings with major tour operators helping assure the public of the country’s stability and safety, alongside positive exposure generated by Egypt’s hosting of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) meetings.

Other factors linked to these excellent performances include the official opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) located in Giza that has been a massive draw, alongside traditional cultural hubs like Cairo and Luxor, and established beach destinations on the Red Sea such as Hurgada and Sharm -Sheikh, consistently rank among the most affordable and high - value options in annual global travel surveys protecting the market against general economic inflation.

The Egyptian Tourism Authority is also deploying technology - driven narketing tools and targeted campaigns to reach key source markets, while continued infrastructure investment, including roads, bridges, and transport networks are improving connectivity between the country’s tourist destinations.

In addition the Egyptian Government has introduced flexible aviation support and incentive programs with international carriers to offset rising operational and fuel costs, maintaining robust connectivity.

These efforts and resilience of the North African country support the nation’s ambitious Egypt Vision 2030 strategy, which aims to double annual tourist intake to 30 million visitors, positioning the nation as a leading destination in the region.

Speaking to industry stakeholders Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy acknowledged that the growth came despite ongoing regional tensions and broader global travel challenges, with rising fuel prices placing increased pressure on operating and transportation costs across the sector.

 The Minister stressed that to offset the impact, the country has introduced targeted incentive programmes to sustain inbound tourism flows and air traffic, helping to counter booking cancellations linked to regional developments and highlighting that the government is working closely with  the Egyptian Tourism Federation (ETF) and private sector partners to implement flexible marketing strategies that can adapt to shifting market conditions.

 Link

https://atta.travel/resource/egypt-s-tourist-arrivals-rise-4-amid-regional-tensions-and-global-travel-pressures.html

El Salvador | Actively Expanding its Tourism Sector by Targeting the Booming Destination Wedding Market

El Salvador is actively expanding its tourism sector by targeting the booming destination wedding market. The country is a stunning, up - and coming destination wedding location offering a blend of natural landscapes, from Pacific surf coasts and pristine beaches to mountainous towns and volcanic coffee haciendas. Whether you envision a lush mountain ceremony or an oceanfront celebration, popular regions like La Libertad and San Salvador offer breathtaking backdrops and extensive local amenities. 

As an attractive, emerging destination, El Salvador is positioning itself as an affordable and culturally rich alternative to traditional Caribbean wedding spots. 

The Executive Director of the Salvadoran Tourism Corporation (Corsatur), Alejandra Durán, explained on 17 June on the Television program Diálogo 21 that the wedding destination in the country is part of the sector’s strategies supported by growing air connectivity and security.  

The Central American country seeks to motivate, encourage and promote specialized tourist destinations, among which is the wedding segment, couples and their guests travel to a country to live and enjoy the experience for several days.

The executive added the attendees consume an estimated $400 per person, more than double the average the average international visitor, and the goal is that for every $100, 80 dollars of spending remain within the territory.   

Regarding the growth of tourism the head of Corsatur recalled that in May the country reached 2.1 million visitors, half of the goal proposed for 2026, 4.2 million travellers. 

Meanwhile, the organizer of international events, Erik De Almen, pointed out that Since June 14, the Beloved Wedding Summit 2026 took place in El Salvador, which brought together 100 experts from three continents to learn about the Salvadoran offer. 

 Why Couples Choose El Salvador as a Wedding Destination: 

•    Diverse Backdrops: Couples can choose from intimate beachfront ceremonies in surf hubs like La Libertad and El Tunco, perfect for romantic oceanfront sunsets, or culturally rich mountain – based weddings along the stunning "Ruta de las Flores., a picturesque 35 km tourist route located in western El Salvador, crossing mountainous highlands, connecting five charming colonial towns famous for their cool climate,  coffee plantations, street art and a delicious local cuisine.
•    Integrated Honeymoons: After the ceremony, newlyweds can easily transition into honeymoon exploration, including visits to ancient Mayan ruins, volcanic craters and lush national parks. 
•    Economic Value: The push is heavily backed by local small and medium enterprises (PYMES) who are tailoring authentic cost – competitive experiences for international travellers. 

Planning and Logistics: 

•    Booking Window: Local wedding experts recommend reserving venues and suppliers 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if planning for peak season. 
•    Where to Stay: Major venues like the Hotel Barceló San Salvador serve as excellent hubs to accommodate large international guest lists. 
•    Entry Requirements: International guests must hold a valid passport, and depending of their nationality, may need a tourist visa. It is always best to check exact documentation requirements with your consulate beforehand. 

In the expert’s opinion “El Salvador has the jewel in the crown”, due to safety, the opportunity to make a variety of routes in a short time, competitive costs, historical and natural attractions, the Central American country is undoubtedly a very attractive destination for honeymoons and wedding trips. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/el-salvador-apuesta-por-el-turismo-de-bodas/