Egypt | Historical Record with 7,069,000 International Visitors in the First Half of 2024

Egypt, fascinating North African country, cradle of one of the oldest civilizations in history boasting a unique historic -cultural heritage, received 7,069,000 international visitors in the first half of 2024 according to data reported by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquity, significant figures that exceed by about 7000 unities more than in the same period of the previous year.

This great result, which stands as a historical record in terms of incoming flows, confirms the great efforts of the country which with some relevant international investments and a notable plan developed some years ago by the government confirms itself as an important destination always loved worldwide.

Officials from the Egyptian Tourism Board released news regarding tourism revenues, which have already exceeded €6.102 million, reflecting a year-on-year growth equivalent to €277 million.

The Ministry of Tourism in a declaration attributes these excellent results to the good tourism strategy adopted by the country and to a greater number of hotel rooms that favor greater flows to preferential and important destinations.

These figures bode well for the Egyptian authorities, who aim to attract a total of 30 million tourists by the year 2028, a figure that will be double that achieved in the year 2023.

Link : https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/101232_en_medio_ano_egipto_recibio_mas_de_7m_de_turistas_internacionales

InterContinental Crete | New Hospitality Gem in the Aegean Sea

InterContinental Hotels has proudly presented its new property in Crete, a historic and fascinating Greek destination located 95 kilometers from mainland Greece in the southern limit of the beautiful Aegean Sea and the northern limit of the Libyan Sea about 300 kilometers from the stupendous Turkish territories of Anatolia.

This new opening strengthens IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio with a property as the InteContinental Crete that embodies the essence of contemporary Greek hospitality and represents for the group a kind of transformative evolution reinventing the luxury travel experience based on its legacy of over 75 years ago, opening a new chapter in a destination that has always attracted visitors from all over the world.

The Hotel is located in an area where the typical rugged, unspoiled coastal backdrop of Crete stands out with breathtaking panoramic views of the bay of Mirabello a few steps from the historic and cosmopolitan center of Agios Nikolaos to the east of the Cretan capital Heraklion with its airport reachable in less than an hour by car, north of the living city of Ierapetra and west from the center of the strategic Sitia, a short distance from other magnificent nature highlights such as the beautiful White Mountains and the impervious Samaria Gorges.

The hotel boasts a design developed with modern architectural canons and cutting edges services in a geographical space that inspires peace and tranquility.

The selection of rooms is remarkable, most of them with private pools, interconnection capabilities, a hotel suitable for families, multigenerational travelers and families.

This kind of accommodation is an open door for all those who wish to live a unique experience in a comfortable environment close to historical and fascinating places loyal to the philosophy of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts which with the evolution of its brand aims with conviction in the power of travel by putting the visitor's mind in contact with the destination and in connection with cultures.

InterContinental Crete fits perfectly into this philosophy, strongly connected with the local landscape visible in its otherworldly design taking inspiration from the typical Cretan territory which has as highlights rock formations and rugged dominating the center of the building and boasting marked details reflecting the iconic Hellenic mythology through works executed by local artists.

The accomodation provides 199 rooms and suites equipped with all services, bright and welcoming evoking serenity in the design with stylish soft furnishings and elements of organic inspiration and others of pure, traditional Cretan influence.

The Classic and Premium rooms show a sophisticated elegance combined with the typically minimalist design that forms a splendid setting and feature a private swimming pool, balcony, infusion and coffee making facilities, walk-in showers and luxury toiletries.

The Hotel offers three restaurants named Knossos, Minoan and Zeus of Mediterranean gastronomic inspiration led by the talented Michelin chef Nikos Roussos known for having been awarded 2** Michelin stars and currently executive chef and co-owner of prestigious Greek restaurants in London.

The highly decorated Greek chef True to his commitment and philosophy to seasonality and interconnection with modern Greek cuisine, he creates menus with elegant and stylish dishes that deeply reflect the Cretan culinary heritage using local ingredients that are always carefully selected.

Also noteworthy is the wine list, produced from native vines and the menus of the eclectic cocktails created by Elias Stergiopulos, mixologist who boasts numerous awards and develops his talent and knowledge by creating drinks designed to enter into symbiosis with the hotel environment.

The Aegeo Spa is another highlight offering several unique and traditional treatments including a Cretan massage with local olive oil, an anti-aging massage of the saffron face and neck and another cryotherapy rich in antioxidants.

At guests' disposal there are also a sauna, a Turkish bath, a hammam, a covered swimming pool, a relaxation area, four spa treatment rooms, two of which are double and ideal for couples who can undergo treatments together and a multi-equipped gym.

An additional, superb service available to guests is the presence of The Concierge who will facilitate by introducing guests unique experiences with the discoveries and explorations of the local area rich in splendid historical and natural attractions through tailor-made excursions to important archaeological sites, historic and characteristic villages, vineyards, olive groves, monumental areas and everything the visitors wishes to know about Crete

Link : 

https://www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41011250.html

Cuba | Reaffirmation as Best Cultural Caribbean Destination by World Travel Awards 2024



Cuba, splendid country made up of 4,195 islands and islets around the major island located at the point where the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the northern Caribbean Sea embrace, reaffirms itself in receiving the award for best Cultural Caribbean destination 2024 obtained by the WTA World Travel Awards which represent the Oscars of tourism in the world.


The fascinating Caribbean nation that has received this coveted award since 2021 won this title facing major competitors such as Barbados, Bermuda, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad.


Cuba receives this umpteenth title after it had already been awarded by the Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2024 as the best cultural destination by the famous travel and tourism platform Tripadvisor.


Cuban culture has always fascinated millions of visitors for its immense diversity with numerous influences that have settled throughout its history, such as American, European, African, the autochthonous, a unique blend that has formed its unique and captivating identity.


Cuba's cultural achievements are highly famous all around the world for the relevance of the Cuban Institute of Art and Film Industry, the Casa de las Américas, the National Typography, the National Ballet, the National Symphony Orchestra and the National School of Art Instructors, all elements that together gave popularity to a destination with a unique cultural heritage all to know, live and enjoy.


Link : https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/101270_cuba_otra_vez_mejor_destino_cultural_del_caribe

The Bahamas Awarded as Best Luxury and Sports Tourism Caribbean Destination

 

The Bahamas, state in Central America consisting of a wonderful archipelago made up of 700 islands and islets located in the Atlantic Ocean east of the state of Florida and north of Cuba was recognized as best luxury and sports tourism destination in the Caribbean at the WTA World Travel Awards, prestigious prizes, symbols of excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

The Bahamas' Deputy Prime Minister of Tourism, Investment and Aviation enthusiastically stated his satisfaction for the awards that demonstrate the dedication and hard work with constant efforts to promote sustainable tourism.

The Bahamas offers unforgettable experiences for travelers looking for luxury and sporting adventures who will find in the country a paradise with pristine beaches, excellent sports facilities and The Tourism Organization always striving to exceed visitors' expectations.

The Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investment and Aviation said that these awards motivate to continue the Bahamas' path towards excellence. Over the years the country has focused a lot on the growth of sports tourism, with sailing regattas, fishing tournaments, sporting events, offering a dynamic landscape for many sports enthusiasts.

The Bahamas with 16 main islands and hundreds of other islands and islets spread over 260,000 square kilometers are a great invitation and a jewel for travelers, in addition to the seductive culture that embraces adventure and fun in the sun in excellent weather conditions.

The country offers easy access by air, sea with accommodations ideal for every budget, the presence of marine parks, national parks, historical sites, art galleries, museums, excellent restaurants and shopping make the Bahamas a country ready to satisfy anyone.

Divers and snorkelers will be thrilled by the underwater wonders of the Andros Reef, the third largest in the world. Rental of boats for deep sea fishing, kitesurfing, parasailing, barefoot sailing are other remarkable opportunities.

The Leon Levy Native Plant Reserve on the island of Eleuthera with more than 300 species of native plants, 70 species of birds and 100 species of medicinal plants are other highlights as well as the wonderful trails that cross 20 acres of natural beauty.

A further marvel is the Moriah Harbour Cay National Park in Exuma with its 22,833 acres of pristine beaches,  sand dunes and coral reefs is another paradise to discover and enjoy.

Alongside all that, worth a mention that the Bahamas is also a leader in sustainable tourism in the Caribbean area employing innovative strategies and collaborative efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

Link : https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/101209_tres_premios_wta_para_las_bahamas

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed an Agreement to Open a Regent Hotel in Chengdu, China

IHG Hotels & Resorts , British multinational hospitality company based in Windosr, Berkshire, England, UK has signed an agreement with ...