Argentina | Launch of "Promover Turismo Argentina" Programme to Strengthen the Tourist Offer Launch

 

Argentina, federal republic located in the southern part of South America, second largest state in Latin America after Brazil with its territory which occupies a large part of the Southern Cone between the Andes mountain range and the Atlantic Ocean, launches the programme "Promover Turismo Argentina", initiative which has the objective of encouraging the municipalities of the country to strengthen the tourist offer through training and digital transformation.

This initiative was presented by the Secretary of Tourism, Environment and Sport Daniel Scioli together with the Undersecretary for Tourism Yanina Martinez.in virtual meeting and training in which the programme was explained and questions answered with the participation of over 300 operators from different Argentine destinations.

The Secretary Daniel Scioli commented that in terms tourism the Secreatariat of tourism is prepared with all the tools to assist the operators with training and incentive programs higlighting that the presentation of this program on the eve of a new summer is important and very timely.

Undersecretary of Tourism Yanina Martinez stressed that the "Promover Turismo Argentina" program seeks to strengthen the country's tourism offer, promoting and disseminating destinations through digititalization to improve promotion and have a greater impact and more jobs.

Basically "Promover Turismo Argentina" is an initiative to work together with municipalities to strengthen the dissemination of tourism through promotional campaigns on digital media, training for local tour operators and the digitalization of tourism services as sources of local information, direct attention and problem solving among others.

This first call seeks to promote digital transformation in more than 60 municipalities across the country for one of the four lines of action :

·       Digital transformation : acquisition of equipment for the digitalisation of the tourism sector and its attractions.

·       Responsible tourism : digital communication campaign to minimize negative impacts on the ecosystem, economy, culture and society.

·       Digital promotion of the destination : digital communication campaigns to position the attractions of the destination.

·       Training and education : for tourist operators in the destination, aimed at promoting their attractions, digitalizing their offering aned marketing their products.

Municipalities in emerging tourist destinations or circuits that adhere to the Program Bases for the Comprehensive Management of Sustainable Tourism Municipalities, framed within the Argentine Tourism Quality System, will be able to participate.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/103430_lanzado_el_programa_promover_turismo_argentina

Puerto Rico | The Caribbean Country Shines with 15 Blue Flag Awards

 

Puerto Rico, Caribbean archipelago consisting of the largest homonymus island, the smallest of the Greater Antilles and other minor islands, including Culebra, Mona and Vieques, situated in the Caribbean Sea between the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands, self- governing island commonwealth of the West Indies associated to the United States of America as a non - incorporated territory well known for its rich history and culture, colonial Architecture, pristine beaches, suggestive mountains, exceptional food and cocktails has once again been internationally recognized with 15 Blue Flag Award for the 2024 – 2025 season.

Two beaches, a marina and four tourist boat administrative companies received the Blue Flag Award on the island.

The winners by category are : 

·       Beach Category : Playa de Puerto Nuevo in Vega Baja and Playa Palominos in Fajardo.

·       Marina Category : Marina Safe Harbor Puerto del Rey

·       Sustainable tourist boat category : East Island excursions on East Wind vessels, Caribe Spirit, Eco Isleño, Island Flyer, Tropical Escape, Blue Paradise and Zatara, Bella Venturas by Josiah's Reach and U Turn, Caribe Bliss with vessels the rabid

·       East Island excursions on East Wind vessels, Caribe Spirit, Eco Isleño, Island Flyer, Tropical Escape, Blue Paradise and Zatara; Bella Venturas by Josiah's Reach and U turn; Caribbean Bliss with La Rabiosa and Abillo and Sea Ventures with Coral Queen II vessel

The Blue Flag Award – The "Blue Flag" is an international recognition awarded annually to beaches, marinas and tourist boat operators that meet rigorous criteria established globally to improve standards of operation, safety, services and environmental education. Requirements include water quality, hygiene, cleanliness, lifeguard services accessibility for people with disabilities and proper environmental management.

Each award – winning site is regularly inspected to ensure compliance with these strict requirements, which become more demanding over time.

The BFI, Blue Flag International Program was created in 1987 by FEE, the foundation for Environmental Education based in Denmark. 

Currently more than 4.800 beaches, marinas and tourist boats in 50 countries participate in this program, aspiring to obtain this prestigious recognition.

In Puerto Rico, the OPAS, Fundación Pro Ambiente Sustentable is the organization responsible for representing FEE, implementing the program since 2005 in accordance with the Law 173 of 2000 "Programme for the Promotion, Protection and Conservation of Puerto Rico's Beaches Aspiring to the Blue Flag".

Thanks to the management of OPAS and the support of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the program has helped promote conservation, environmental education, sustainability, as well as the economic and tourist development of the island over the past 20 years.

It is estimated that the Blue Flag has a direct impact on about 110.000 people of which 60.000 enjoy Puerto Rican beaches.

The Executive Director of OPAS, Carmen Rosa Valentin del Rio said that OPAS remains firm in its commitment to continue educating and promoting the protection of Puerto Rico coastal and marine ecosystem, which in turn drive the economic and tourism development of the country.

OPAS applauds the effort and dedication that companies awarded this year have shown to maintain this prestigious recongnition and will continue to provide them with all its support and technical assistance so that they continue to achieve their goals.

The Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company Carlos Mercado expressed his satisfaction in highlighting the fundamental role that Blue Flag plays in promoting sustainable tourism on the island commenting that a significant percentage of tourism activity in Puerto Rico in centered on the terrestrial and marine diversity of the country, so the conservation of these reources is vital to maintaining rhe Island's position as a world - class destination in a market as competitive as that of the Caribbean region.

By working alongside the Blue Flag program on mamagement and conservation measures, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company supports nature and the development of tourism businesses that depend on the accessibility, high quality, and beauty od the beaches of the country so that generations of residents and visitors can continue to enjoy them.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/103316_puerto_rico_brilla_con_quince_galardones_de_bandera_azul

Qiddiya, Saudi Arabia | Megaproject to Revolutionize Tourism with Unique Attractions

Qiddiya, locality situated in the area of the Tuwaiq Mountains, a mountain range that forms a narrow escarpment to the east of the Sarawat Mountains west of the capital of Saudi Arabia Riyadh which is only 40 minutes away between Al Duwadimi and Ar Rayn on the road to Saja and um Al Ramth Sanctuary wildlife is one of the most ambitious megaprojects of the Saudi Kingdom destined to transform the global tourism landscape by becoming the epicenter which will combine cultural attractions, sporting events and entertainment venues in a highly innovative way.

The construction started at the beginning of 2019 is part of Vision 2030 project, which aims to diversity the Saudi economy supported by the PIF, the Public Investment Fund having as founder Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia reigning since 2015.

The major projects include Aquarabia waterpark, Six Flags Qiddiya, a Formula 1 racetrack with forecasts to reach 17 million of annual visitors by 2030 and according to the organizers it will be the "world largest tourist destination”.

Quiddya at its core symbolizes Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global leader in experiential travel by raising its international tourism profile, a center that has been dubbed the "Global Ambassador of the Game" will be developed with a wide variety of innovative activities and attractions created to cater to diverse and varied interests capable of capturing the growing demand for immersive travel experiences.

Nowadays travelers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer a blend of components such as leisure, fun, culture, exploring, trying something new and out of the common standards and Qiddya with its development seems to have assembled all these details in its project aiming to establish a new level to provide active holidays and above all generating memorable experiences.

The development of Qiddiya is in line with the Saudi Kingdom's goal of economic diversification and embodies the Arab country's progressive vision for tourism with the primary objective of attracting local, regional and international visitors by creating a place that blends world-class cultural experiences with entertainment ans also with sports and leisure as protagonists redefining what it means to travel for pleasure.

From thrilling theme parks to large-scale cultural festivals, the city of Qiddiya is built on the concept of play and fun.

Qiddiya megaproject has been designed to tap into the human desire for leisure, connection, exploration, discovery and living experiences, a sort of beacon for all curious people, travelers looking for new sensations and emotions who will find in this location a destination with a varied tourist offer.

The entire spectrum of tourists includes people fond to visit theme parks, families with children to enjoy places of entertainment, tour groups interested in participating in live events, individual travellers looking for new adventures in a country that offers several opportunities even in a large complex like Quiddiya.

One of the great highlights of Quiddiya will be Six Flags, a huge theme park scheduled to open in 2025 that will offer a variety of remarkable entertainment such as roller coasters and thrilling rides, attracting a large number of adrenaline-loving visitors.

Aquarabia will be another stunning attraction, a large water park conceived and designed to offer memorable aquatic experiences, inspired by the landscape of the region offering a combination of high-energy slides, with a full range of entertainment for all age groups as well as relaxation areas.

Qiddiya is also aimed to develop avant-garde stadiums that will host major sporting events giving visitors the opportunity to attend national and international competitions in ultra-modern environments and facilities for outdoor adventures to complete a highly diversified offer.

Also of note will be the installations of stages that will host Cultural Festivals and various shows and also in this case a further option for those who wish to enjoy shows or events of various types ensuring that the destination also covers these segments.

Qiddiya is also based on sustainability as a primary component with a project that is remarkably based on preserving and enhancing the beauty of the territory with the Tuwaiq mountains as protagonists, an escarpment across the Nedjd plateau in central Arabia at the northern end of the Rub' al - Khali desert with many narrow valleys known as "wadis" running along its sides as Wadi Hanifa and a cluster of cities located in its central section including Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh.

In such a scenario, adventure tourism stands out exploring this area that offers wonderful natural spaces for outdoor activities, with many opportunities for lovers of hiking, trekking, mountain running, rock climbing, zipline and mountain biking among others.

The integration of ecological practices and sustainable construction methods are part of Qiddiya's plan to minimize its environmental impasses while creating a responsible tourism model.

The cultural aspect of Qiddiya will have its considerable relevance with visitors who will be able to learn about the history, traditions, customs and curiosities of Saudi Arabia by living unique and engaging experiences by coming into contact with local artists and performers.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/103422_qiddiya_en_arabia_saudita_revolucionara_el_turismo_con_atracciones

Punta Mita, Mexico | 25 Years of History and Leading Destination in Riviera Nayarit for 2025

 

Punta Mita is a luxurious 1.500 - acre private area located on the north end of the stunning Banderas Bay in the state of Nayarit - Mexico, about 16.0 kilometres north of the famed destination of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, a residential community that lues on a spear - shaped peninsula surrounded on three sides by sand beaches with clear blue waters and tropical weather which today celebrates its 25 years of history and excellence on the beautiful coast of the Pacific Ocean of Mexico and ready to be a leading destination in Riviera Nayarit for 2025 with further news coming soon.

To mark this important milestone, a special event was held with the presentation of new products in the hospitality, real estate and international sporting events sector with particular attention to golf.

At the end of the event it was presented a book entitled "Viva Punta Mita" which tells the story and essence of this destination in Mexico that has made residents and many visitors from all over the world fall in love, a publication which reveals and highlights the places and moments that have elevated Punta Mita as an emblem of personalized hospitality and a lifestyle in perfect harmony with the natural environment local.

Punta Mita's Director of Marketing and Operations, Carl Emberson, commented that "Viva Punta Mita" is a reflection and a tribute in honor of this destination. On each page  you will find the natural wonders and the entertainment and gastronomic offerings that Punta Mita boasts.

This edition perfectly captures the stories of a place that for 25 years has consolidated itself as a unique community in the region that has amazed residents and visitors from abroad.

Punta Mita's Director of Marketing and Operations shared with attendees new residential opportunities in Punta Mita, such as Bellavista Residences, a collection of 11 four-bedroom residences located on the hillside and mentioning the 7 Eight Bahia Golf Residences project, a group of condominiums located in front of the 7 & 8 fairways of the iconic Bahia Golf Corse designed by the famed Jack Nicklaus.

Other news were illustrated such as the arrival of two new resorts in Punta Mita such as Montage International, luxury hotel and resort management company based in Irvine – California – U.S. and Pendry Hotels and Resorts, a chain of luxury boutique hotels owned by Montage International well known for their 1st class service and premium hotel facilities.

 Punta Mita also highlighted the incorporation of new events such as the WCM Mexico Senior Open which will take place from 14th to 17th November, a golf tournament that will be played at the beautiful location on the Mexican Pacific Coast and will bring together legends of the sport from all over the world including champion Lee Trevino, winner of six majors.

Currently, Punta Mita is home to more than 25 residential communities, five-diamond hotels such as the Four Seasons and St. Regis as well as unique benefits for its residents by joining the Punta Mita Club.

Punta Mita offers an unparalleled lifestyle for its residents and visitors with privileged access and aquatic experiences, crystal clear waters, five beach clubs, extreme sports spaces and two world-class golf courses.

Over the course of these 25 years, Punta Mita has grown significantly and has also become an ideal destination for all those looking for a balance between excellent comfort and nature, continuing year after year to be a reference point for hospitality and elegance in Riviera Nayarit.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/103327_punta_mita_se_posiciona_como_destino_lider_en_mexico_para_2025