Dubai, United Arab Emirates | Steady Growth in the International Tourism Scene in Q1 2025

Dubai, city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, located south of the Persian Gulf in the Arabian Peninsula, known for its ultramodern architecture, luxury shopping, and a vibrant nightlife scene, with an economy relies on revenue from trade, tourism, aviation, real estate and financial services, continues its steady growth in the international tourism scene in Q1 2025.

According to Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, the Arab Emirate attracted 5.31 million international visitors between January and March 2025, a 3% rise compared to the same period of last year, continuing its path of ascent in the international tourism landscape.

The figure published by the Det follows the overall growth of 9% recorded in 2024 when the city - emirate welcomed a record 18.72 million international overnight visitors.

The CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, Issam Kazim said that the sustained growth of the tourism sector, which will be highlighted at ATM, Arabian Travel Market, continues to be fundamental not only for its direct economic impact, but also as a gateway for investment, talent and business in the city.

This momentum linked to this steady growth is strategically aligned with the long - term goals of Dubai's Economic Agenda, D33, a strategic plan which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033, making Dubai one of the top 3 cities for living, investing and working.

The mission is to work to achieve goals through a multi - pronged approach and enhancing global visibility with dynamic marketing campaign, as well as strengthening collaborations with key domestic stakeholders and international partners.

Concerning data and statics between January and March 2025, Western Europe was the main resource market for travellers in Dubai with 1.15 million visitors, representing an overall share of 22%, followed by the CIS and Eastern Europe with 891.000 visitors representing 17%.

The GCC recorded 772.000 visitors representing a 15%, South Asia and the Mena region, Middle East and North Africa ranked fourth and fifth, with 752,000 representing a 14% share, and 620.000, 12% share visitors respectively.

The Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia recorded 474.000 to Dubai, (a 9% share) followed by the Americas 374,000 (7%) , Africa 197,000 (4%) and Australasia 78,000 (1%).

A postive trend is also for the hospitality sector, in Q1 2025, the average daily rate increased by 2% compared to the previous year, reaching AED647; total overnight stays, amounting to 11.19 million and revPar of AED528, were in line with the corresponding results obtained in 2024.

Link - https://gulfnews.com/business/tourism/atm-2025-dubai-welcomes-more-tourists-soars-3-in-q1-2025-1.500107344

Havana, Cuba | The Chinese Government Will Lease the Iconic Hotel Copacabana

China is positioning itself in Cuban tourism with various initiative of support and modernisation of Cuban services and infrastructure and the Chinese Governmet will lease the iconic Hotel Copacabana, renowned accommodation located at Avenida No. 4404 E/ 44 y 46, Miramar in Playa, seaside on Miramar residential town, in the business and embassies area westward downtown Havana, a few minutes away from the city’s Convention Center and the National Aquarium. 

The lease of  this emblematic hotel would mark a new chapter in foreign investments in Cuban tourism, consolidating the Chinese presence on the Caribbean island. This agreement is  part of a broader strategy that seeks strengthen economic ties between China and Cuba, according to the President of the China Tourism Academy, Dai Bin.

As part of this approchement, two letters of intent were finalized to negotiate the lease of the Copacabana Hotel by China, a significant step in the consolidation of the Asian country presence in the Cuban tourism and hospitality sectors.

This operation is also integrated in the packages on measures announced by Prime Minister Manuel Marrero within the plan named “to save Cuban tourism", highlighted by a comment saying “the leasing of national hotels as a new form of business” a strategy which will benefit visitors and passengers and will also impact the population.

This cooperation is also linked within the framework of the Cuba - China Business Forum, a memorandum of understanding signed for collaboration in tourism between the two nations, as the official newspaper Granma confirmed.

The experts assured that this bilateral cooperation in ther tourism sector will advance with firm steps and is heading towards promising horizons, with a constant growth in the exchange of tourists with new air route from Beijing to Havana, with a stopover in Madrid, Spain. 

China is also pushing an ambitious plan to turn Cuba into the Caribbean’s main air hub for flights from Asia, with tourist routes that include multiple stops in the region.

Finally, both sides are actively working on initiative to strengthen mutual cultural understanding and improve tourism services and experiences for Chinese travellers in Cuba.

Link -  https://www.directoriocubano.info/actualidad/china-arrendara-este-emblematico-hotel-en-la-habana/

Minor Hotels | Expansion in North Africa with the Future Opening of an Anantara Brand Resort in Soma Bay, Red Sea, Egypt

Minor Hotels, hospitality company headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand managing and operating a large portfolio of hotels and resorts under several brands across the world has announced plans of expansion of its portfolio in North Africa, concretely in Egypt with the future opening of an Anantara brand resort that will arise in Soma Bay on the Red Sea. 

 The hotel company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Soma Bay Hotel Company SAE, an Egyptian hospitality group which owns several properties along the Red Sea.

This operation marks the first project under this partnership, a collaboration which establishes the groups' commitment to long - term investment that create value and drive growth in the region.

Minor Hotels and Soma Bay Hotel Company SAE will develop a a hotel under Anantara luxury brand, known for its blend of authentic experiences and heartfelt hospitality, characterized by a philosophy and concepts that aim to connect guests to the local cultures and history of each destination offering authentic experiences.

The proposed resort will be located in Soma Bay, a renowned coastal resort nestled on a peninsula between  the shimmering Red Sea and the majestic desert mountains of Egypt, 28 kilometres north of Safaga Port, 45 kilometres south of Hurghada International Airport and only one - hour flight from the capital of the country, Cairo.

The destination is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful pristine beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, offering a mix of relaxation and adventure, with several options for water sports, golf and spa treatments.

The property will arise on a 2.500 acre community providing a variety of leisure activities including diving, sailing and windsurfing, featuring one of the region's largest naturally spas and thalassotherapy complex, where guests can enjoy seawater - based treatments.

The expansion into Egypt represents a significant move for Minor Hotels, the Egyptian tourism sector is ecperiencing a positive outlook, with projections for continued growth despite regional challenges.

Details about the new Anantara resort and branded residence complex in Soma Bay will be announced in the coming months.

Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136231.html

Hilton | Grand Opening of the Luxury Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique

Hilton, has recently announced the grand opening of the luxury Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique, a new exclusive and upscale located on the shores of Playa Penca in the Punta Cacique peninsula, an ecological gem nestled along Costa Rica's pristine north Pacific Coast in Guanacaste province within an hour's drive of eco - adventure parks and wildlife tours, less then two hours away from Miravalles Volcano and just 25 minutes from Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, a prime location providing easy access to nearby attractions and beach towns.

The property enters in the Waldorf Astoria brand characterized by hotels that creates a unique sense of place with a relentless commitment to personal service and culinary expertise in landmark locations around the world and this new entry represents for Hilton, a relevant addition to its luxury portfolio oin the Caribbean and Latin America.

The property offering guests a refined retreat with spectacular views of Costa Rica's Northern Pacific Coast showcases a stylish architecture fully integrated with the landscape's natural contours, capturing distinctive panoramic views of stunning and emblematic Costa Rican sites like Coco Bay to the South and Culebra Bay to the North allowing guests to immerse themselves in the essence of Costa Roca and its renowned "Pura Vida" lifestyle.

Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique features 188 stylish and elegant rooms and suites highlighted by a modern and refined design, earthy tones, spacious balconies and terraces create a serene connection with nature offering breathtaking views of Punta Cacique's dramatic landscapes, highlighted by pristine beaches and lush tropical forests.

 For a more and unique elevate experience, guests can indulge in of the 40 suites, 22 offering private pools. 

 Other amenities and services include six dining experiences inspired by the region, each infused with the traditional flavours of Guanacaste province, multi - level pool surrounded by lush vegetation, a secluded stretch of beach along the coast, and clubs designed specifically for children and teenagers.

Highlights of the hotel are its fitness centre and spa encompassing 17.000 square feet featuring 11 tranquil treatment rooms, pre - and post treatment, lounges combining modern technique with ancient practises, saunas, steam rooms.

The property also offers 10.000 square feet of versatile meeting space can accommodate sophisticated events of up to 382 attendees.

Link
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lirguwa-waldorf-astoria-costa-rica-punta-cacique/

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Kimpton Brand Opened its First Hotel in Germany, in Frankfurt Financial District

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, group that manages, operates and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties across the world expanded its portfolio with its Kimpton Brand which opened its first hotel in Germany, in Frankfurt Financial District ; The Kimpton Main Frankfurt by IHG.

The new hotel enters the brand Kimpton Hotels, a boutique hotel brand headquartered in San Francisco, California, U.S that has expanded globally with establishments in urban locations, resort destinations and emerging markets, known for its design - led hotels and restaurants, thoughtful amenities, emphasizing a personal and unscripted guest experience, with a focus on making guests feel as at home.

 The opening of this property marks a strategic move by IHG Hotels, placing one of its units in a very important city well known to host congresses, meetings, fairs and events of international level and adding it to existing Kimpton hotels present in Europe such as Barcelona, London, and Paris with upcoming openings in Marbella and in the Algarve.

 The property opened its doors in Frankfurt, a relevant central German city on the river Main, a major financial hub that's home to the European Central Bank, a centre that combines warmth, cosiness and cosmopolitanism, where tradition meets modernity and historical charm, boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage highlighted by its stunning Old Town several musems and galleries, an active art scene and well known to be the birthplace of famed wirter Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Kimpton Main Frankfurt by IHG is located at Junghofstraße 7 in the heart of the vibrant financial district, sterp from Frankfurt Old Town within the new FOUR Frankfurt development, consisting in four high - rise buildings that are currently built on a site formerly used by Deutsche Bank, and will form a new urban quarter.

The hotel features 155 comfortable rooms and suites with a design drawning inspirations from the 20th century Bauhaus movement, a style prioritizing function and utility, aiming to create structures that were both aesthetically pleasing and practical and the building's previous function the Deutsche Bank headquarters, showcasing with this blend an aesthetic that combines minimalist elements with rich tactile touches, creating a refined and inviting atmosphere.

The property offers various dining and social spaces, including ANNI, a European brasserie with Germanic culinary influences, LAZULI, a rooftop venue serving Mediterranean inspired dishes, innovative cocktails and offering breathtaking views of Frankfurt skyline and MAY, a lounge serving craft cocktails.

At Kimpton Main Frankfurt by IHG guests can enjoy complimentary bikes for urban exploration, in room - yoga mats, the Kimpton Kickstart and Social hour and the hotel also welcome pets of all sizes, weights, or breeds at no extra charge.

Links
https://www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/hotels/us/en/frankfurt/frajg/hoteldetail
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136327.html

Argentina | Plans to Improve the Competitiveness of Investments in the Hotel Sector

The Secretary of Tourism, Environment and Sports of Argentina, Daniel Scioli met with the President and Vice President of AHTRA, the Hotel Association of Tourism Hotels of the Argentine Republic, Gabriela Ferrucci and Aldo Elias to analyze opportunites with plans to improve the competitiveness of investments in the hotel sector.

In recent times investments in the Argentina hotel sector are being actively promoted, with several initiatives in place to attract both domestic and foreign investments.The South American country is experiencing growth in the tourism and hospitality industry and the government is providing incentives and tools to foster development and attract further investments in the sector. 

For the first half of the year the opening of fifteen new hotels is planned with a significant expansion in the offer of high-end accommodations.

In addition more than 80 hotel projects including expansion, refurbishments and inaugurations of international and national chains will be completed by 2025.

In this context, the Undersecretary of Tourism of the country has been organizing joint work meetings with the provinces in which tools are provided for the detection of private investment opportunities, available lines of financing and project formulation.

Public and private financial institutions participate in the meetings that present their available lines of credit and also work together with interested parties and potential borrowers in the preparation of financing applications.

Link
https://infoturlatam.com/impulsaran-en-argentina-inversiones-para-el-sector-hotelero

Malawi | Ushered in a New Era for Tourism with the Implementation of a Landmark Legislation

Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, defined by its highlands split by the Great Rift Valley and enormous Lake Malawi, part of Lake Malawi Park, designed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, particularly renowned for a numerous range of fish species inhabit the lake, most of them endemic, a land with a remarkable biodiversity, dramatic landscapes with spectacular highlands and a vibrant culture ushered in a new era for tourism with a the implementation of a landmark legislation.   

The enactment of the 2025 Tourism Act marks the first significant overhail of Malawi's tourism legislation since 1968 and the announcement was made in an exclusive interview led by VoyagesAfriq wth the Minister of Tourism of Malawi, Vera Kamtukule. during the UN Tourism Africa and Americas Tourism Summit which took place in Zambia.

The new law aims to streamline governance and focusing on product development and destination marketing, ultimately, positioning tourism as a key driver of national transformation placing the country in the tourism international scene.

This important move with main protagonists the Malawi Tourism Authority and the Malawi College of Tourism focuses at revitalizing and modernizing the tourism sector, enhancing local capacity, professionalizing the nation's tourism sector and attracting investment.

For decades, Malawi's tourism industry operated under a law dating back to 1968, a relic that proved increasingly inadequate in addressing the dynamic demands of the modern travel market and now it's time to set the groundwork for a more modern, structured, and skills - focused industry with this landmark legislation.

The implementation of this new legislation is expected to unlock the vast potential of Malawi's tourism sector, positioning the country to capitalize on its natural beauty and cultural heritage. 

By addressing the limitations of the outdated legal framework, the 2025 Tourism Act paves the way for sustainable growth, increased investment and enhanced visitor experiences.

The 2025 Tourism Act, represents a pivotal step in aligning Malawi's tourism framework with contemporary standards as best practices. 

A key component of the Act is the establishment of the Malawi Tourism Authority, dedicated body tasked with driving product development and destination marketing.

This separation of functions from the Ministry of Tourism will allow the Ministry to focus on policy and strategic direction, streamlining the sector's governance and fostering greater efficiency and fluid operations.

In addition, the Act introduces the Malawi College of Tourism, a significant upgrade from the existing Malawi Institute of Tourism.

The Minister of Tourism said that in terms of tourism in Malawi, the country is still using an archaic law enacted in 1968, so that was creating a lot of problems because it did not have a lot of provisions that need to be looked into. 

The tourism industry is an ever – changing and you need to move with the times, but the old law was unable to do that, so it was impeding on the growth of the sector. 

The Minister added that with the Authority now with Ministry, there is going to be a lot of division of functions, where the Ministry is now going to be at the policy and strategy level and all the issues with product development, destination marketing is going to be the functions of the Tourism Authority from now on.

This development underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the skill level and professional capacity within the sector, there was as support the Malawi Institute of Tourism that was providing skills at the lower level, but with a College now, it's going to upgrade the profile and the skills within the tourism sector.

This focus on Malawi's professional development aligns with President Lazarus Chakwera's vision, who has identified tourism as a critical driver of the nation's structural transformation and you may also be aware that the President considered tourism as one of the key sectors for the country's structural transformation but to manage a successful strategy  was not possible with an archaic law.

Link - https://voyagesafriq.com/2025/04/15/malawi-ushers-in-new-era-for-tourism-with-landmark-legislation/