Buenos Aires, Argentina | Elected as World Capital of Sports for 2027

The City of Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina was elected as World Capital of Sports for 2027, an accolade that recognized exceptional dedication to promoting sports, health, and community engagement. 

ACES, the Association of European Capitals and Cities of Sports based in Brussels, Belgium, a pioneering foundation in the promotion of sports, a non - profit organization that awards various titles annually, including World Capital of Sport, European / American / Asian / African / Oceanian Capitals, Regions, Cities, Islands, and Towns of Sport said that this recognition is given to cities showcase their relevant  sports promotion and development.

The association awards the European Capital of Sport since 2001 and since the 2019  also the World Capital in this special area. The Principality of Monaco is the current distinguished and Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan will be in 2026. 

The Head of the Buenos Aires Government, Jorge Macri, who presented this presgtigious recognition at Villa Soldati Olympic Park said that the election of Buenos Aires as World Capital of Sports for 2027 is an award that places the city next to the major capitals in the world, elevating Buenos Aires as a global leader at the same level as the main cities in the globe. 

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/buenos-aires-elegida-capital-mundial-del-deporte/

IHG Hotels & Resorts | To Open Holiday Inn Express Hotel in Cairo's New Capital, Egypt

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational company headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK has signed an agreement to open the Hotel Holiday Express Inn in Cairo's new capital, emerging administration area in the major centre of Egypt.

The Holiday Inn Express Cairo New Capital is scheduled to open in 2030 and its development is the result of a partnership with Samco Holding, a leader real estate company based in Cairo with over 30 years of experience delivering excellence across various sectors, including construction, energy, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals.

The hotel will be managed by Ishraq Hospitality, the Asset Management and Hospitality Division of Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group, a company established in 2007, with a diversified portfolio of hotel property brands headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

IHG Hotels & Resorts introducing Holiday Inn Express to Cairo New Capital aligns with the company's growth strategies in key cities.

The property enters into Holiday Inn brand, a very performing mid - scale brand hotel offering comfortable stays, with focus on offering great value for guests providing a balance of comfort and affordability.

 Holiday Inn Express Cairo New Capital will implement the brand's Generation 5 design, merging lifestyle focused hospitality with the practical needs of business travellers, offering design flexibility and scalability, which is conscious while continuing to drive performance and returns.

The hotel will be located in "The Five" a mixed use - development in Egypt's New Administrative Capital, a new urban community east of New Cairo, about 45 km from downtown Cairo and 60 km from the Suez Canal, represeting a satellite city of the Egyptian capital planned to house over six million people when it is complete. 

This strategic "city in a city" has been built as part of Egypt Vision 2030 to stimulate the country's economic development, and it is rapidly becoming a crucial business and innovation centre drawing local and international visitors with its planning and accessibility just outside the Regional Ring Road.

The hotel location will provide easy access to key government and commercial entities, modern infrastructure, educational institutions, hospitals, public parks and cultural landmarks.

Currently, IHG Hotels & Resorts operates seven hotels across four brands in Egypt, such as InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites, and the company is planning to open 21 more hotels within the next 2 - 5 years.

Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136245.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Debut of its First Branded Hotel in Croatia in Zadar

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois, marked the debut of its first Hyatt - branded hotel in Croatia, in Zadar, historically known as Zara, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the country, situated on the Adriatic Sea at the northwestern part of Ravni Kotari, that serves as the seat of Zadar County and of the wider northern Dalmatian region,  a centre that boasts a rich cultural and historical patrimony with its Old Town listed in the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

The Hyatt Regency Zadar opening reflects the company's ongoing expansion strategy in Europe's popular travel destinations, a significant milestone for Hyatt Hotels Corporation that by 2027 expects to increase the growth of the Hyatt Regency brand by 70% on the Balkan Peninsula.

 Hyatt Regency is a brand offering a blend of business and leisure amenities with a focus on customer service and personalized experiences, known to offer functional and clean spaces, with its hotels often strategically located in both and leisure destinations, and designed for travellers who enjoy a balance of comfort and convenience.

The hotel, a blend of contemporary design with historic architecture is located on Croatia's Adriatic coast at Obala kneza Trpimira 7 near Zadar Airport and national parks, offering guests easy access to local attractions including the Roman Forum, St. Donatus' Church and all the wonders in Zadar's UNESCO – listed Old Town, making it an ideal base for leisure and business travellers.

The property features 133 comfortable rooms and suites, each offering stunning panoramic coastline views and in – room comfort amenities include a 65 - inch HDTV with smart functions and high - speed Wi – Fi. 

Hyatt Regency Zadar offers various dining concepts, where guests can enjoy dishes inspired by the Dalmatian coast and Italian traditions and a poolside setting offers an upbeat ambiance providing crafted cocktails and a broad selection of regional wine.

The establishment boasts over 7.965 square feet of flexible event space, suitable for corporate gatherings, intimate events, or weddings, a pillarless ballroom, flooded with natural daylight and with access to a poolside terrace, that can accommodate up to 350 guests.

 Lavanda Spa is the ideal place for relaxation, boasting heated indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, steam room, hammam, hot tubs, and treatment rooms.

In addition the hotel provides a Beach Day Experience, with transfers or a boat ride to a nearby coastal town, where guests can enjoy private cabanas and beachfront dining along the Adriatic Sea.

Link
https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/zadrz-hyatt-regency-zadar

Panama | Surf Tourism Attracts More International Visitors Generating a Notable Foreign Exchange Income

Panama, a country located on the isthmus linking Central and South America, well known for its iconic Canal, a famous feat of human engineering developed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific oceans to create an essential shipping route, highlighted by a vibrant culture, a rich biodiversity, a delicious cuisine and dramatic landscapes found in the so - called surf tourism a relevant resource to attract more international visitors generating a notable foreign exchange income.

The Central American country is a popular surfing destination offering diverse waves ideal for sliding to the coast on a board and a vibrant surf culture and thanks to that is capitalising this advantage to the maximum this unique opportunity to call more and more surfers.

Both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts provides opportunities for surfing, the Pacific coast being known for consistent waves and the Caribbean coast for its more dramatic and potentially bigger waves.

The Latin American country ticks the boxes for all skills levels, from gentle sandy beach breaks ideal for beginners to powerful reef breaks that challenges seasoned and expert surfers, Santa Catalina long waves, Playa Venao's versatile conditions, and Bocas del Toro's mix of reef and beach breaks provide options for every type of surfer and that is the key of success to be a leading destination for this activity.

Aware of the positive economic impact of this segment of sport touris, the Panamanian authorities are promoting major competitions after the recent Pan American championship held at the end of April on the beaches of Santa Catalina facing the Pacific that left $2.0 million through the consumption of local products and services.

Beyond the direct income generated by the event, specialists considered that the global impact of having gathered 36 million fans through streaming and local television broadcasts was even greater, as in potential broadcasting countries such as Canada, the United States or Spain.

In addition ATP, the Tourism Authority of Panama issued an official press release informing that this tournament also maximized hotel occupancy with the reservation of 100% of the available rooms.

 The General Administrator of the ATP, Iván Eskildsen said that the advantage will be seen in the long term with the positioning that Panama will achieve as a destination because of the thousands of people who, thanks to this type of event, learn about the quality of the Santa Catalina wave.

The General Administrator also said that Panama developed a master plan for sustainable tourism that has surfing as the spearhead in terms of adventure travel in the Central American country stating that when a destination become attractive for surfing, they generate a whole environment around activities that begin to consolidate.

This government commitment to surfing began in 2022 when a Pan American championship was held in Playa Venao, in the province of Los Santos, repeating the experience in 2023 in Santa Catalina, events that consolidated Panama as a leading hub at international level.

Linked to that and highlighting the surf success i the Central American Coutry,ATP specialists reported that 521.107 international tourists stayed ore than 24 hours in Panama, implying an increase of 57% compared to what was recorded in 2022.

Link - https://www.eldiariodeviaje.ar/index.php/es/destinos/centroamerica/item/2158-panama-centroamerica-turismo-viajes-surf

Nigeria | Ready to Launch a e-Visa Digital Card to Enhance National Security

Nigeria, African country located on the Gulf of Guinea, a vast and diverse land, with a rich cultural heritage, several natural ladmarks and wildlife reserves, well known to be a major producer of oil and natural gas, making it a significant economic power in the region, through the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyramo announced that will launch a e-visa system and digital landing / exit cards to enhance national security.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace disclosed that when he received a delegation led by the Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji - Ojo, declaring that the e - visa system will enable applicants to submit visa requests online and upload required documents electronically.

The manual landing and exit cards would be digitalised, requiring visitors to pre - fill their information before travelling to Nigeria. 

The Minster said that what the country is doing today reflects the government commitment cooperation between ministries with overlapping mandates and he added that this is an example of inter - ministerial collaboration concerning the introduction of the e-visa system.

Further details would be given by the Minister of the Interior, and the relevant agencies, such as Immigration, NCAA, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and FAAN, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria would fully support the initiative.

In addition the Minister emphasised that there was no objection to the programme, which primarily falls under the Interior Ministry.

The Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji - Ojo stated that th the automation system will commence on 1st May 2025 and he noted that the e - visa application will be free and is designed to simplify entry into Nigeria while boosting national security.

NCAA, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has the responsibility to coordinate and issue regulations to airlines and will manage landing and exit cards, which travellers must complete online before boarding.

The Minister of Interior revealed a central visa approval centre already exists at Immigration Headquarters, with trained officers and integrated global criminal record checks and better background checks will be conducted for travellers entering the country, with the aim to eliminate bottlenecks and ensure a transparent visa process.

Finally, the Minister stated that the goal of the country is to open Nigeria's borders without compromising security, both Interor and Aviation ministries have a critical role in this.

Link - https://allafrica.com/stories/202504100361.html

Spain | Focusing on Sustainable Tourism with Key Advances in Mobility, Energy and Conservation

Spain is consolidating its position as a global leader in sustainable tourism, focusing on this aspect, with innovative policies, strategic investments and a clear vision of the future with key advances in mobility, energy and conservation.

The country has been able to position itself as a responsible destination, committed to the environment and the well - being of its communities.

One of the axes of the Iberian country’s strategy is focused on environmental care, with millionaire investments, energy efficiencies and protection of natural and cultural heritage.

In a global context where travellers are increasingly prioritaising environmental and social responability, Spain always responded with concrete facts, and with an investment of €3.400 million from the European Union’s Recovery Plan, the country is strongly committed to the evolution of its tourism model.

This planned strategy not only generates ecological benefits, but also enhances local economic development, improve life of residents, enriches the visitor experience and stimulate further efforts in improvements and consolidation. 

Spain currently leads the European level concerning protected areas, with more than 36% of its territory and 12.3% of its waters included in regulated natural areas, the network includes 16 national parks, 291 reserves, 363 natural monuments, and 2 marine protected areas, along with more than 900 spaces designated by the autonomous communities.

In addition the country has the largest number of Biosphere Reerves recognized by UNESCO, with a total of 55, data that not only reflect the ecological wealth of the national territory, but also a clear political and social commitment to environmental conservation.

With 3512 kilometres of high – speed tracks, Spain currently has the most extensive railway network in Europe and the second in the world, only behind China. The AVE, Spanish High Speed train service allows quick regional connections, safely and with low emission positioning the train as the ideal alternative to air transport on medium - distance routes.

Important cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia are developing notable ambitious plans for the promotion of electric transport and cycling infrastructure, initiatives that seek to reduce the urban carbon footprint and improve air quality, while promoting  an advanced culture of active mobility.

The country will allocate of €1.858 million to the Destination Tourism Sustainability Plans, focused on strengthening the tourism offering from  green and responsible perspective.

These plans include relevant actions such as the recovery of natural spaces, the digitalization of tourist services and the improvement of waste management.

The rehabilitation of historical heritage for tourist use will see in Spain an investment of of €500 million guaranteeing its preservation and enhancement for future generations. 

In turn, of €200 million is the investment that Spain will allocate to energy efficiency and circular economy projects, form SMEs, small and medium sized - enterprises, promoting the ecological transition from the ground up. 

Hotel groups and chains such as Barceló, Iberostar and Meliá Hotels International are leading the way towards greener hotels.

These hospitality companies established  plans include everything from eliminating single - use of plastic and efficiently managing water to generating renewable energy on - site, and these actions respond to a tourist profile that demands coherence and transparency in their choices.

Sustainable tourism in Spain also places emphasis in the social dimension and programs like “Tourism Hosts” promote labor inclusion, gender equality, and universal accessibility, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach all sectors of society. 

These programs include initiatives that encourage individuals to share their local knowledge and resources with visitors, fostering more authentic and personalized travel experiences, they can range from informal home - stay arrangements to professionally guided tours and cultural exchange.

Finally initiatives such as the program named “Experiencias Turismo España", endowed with €20 million, support tourism projects that combine sustainability, digitalisation and integration.

From ecotourism routes to starlight destinations for astronomical observation, atrotourism, stargazing, Spain offers unique proposals that connect visitors with nature, culture and local communities.

Link - https://mensajero.com.ar/actualidad/espana-y-el-turismo-sostenible--avances-clave-en-movilidad--energia-y-conservacion_a6814ec26d2de11710cd7a503

The British Virgin Islands | Remarkable Increase in Tourist Arrivals in Q1 2025

The British Virgin Islands, a British overseas territory located the east of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles and part of the West Indies, a volcanic archipelago in the Caribbean comprising four main islands and many smaller ones, well known for its stunning reef - lined beaches, pristine nature and as a relevant yachting destination experienced a remarkable increase in tourist arrivals in Q1 2025.

According to the Central Statistics Office, the Caribbean territory recorded 106.750 overnight visitors arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, up 6.4% on 2024.

In March alone, the British Virgin Islands welcomed 40.569 overnight guests marking the first time, since 2017 that monthly overnight arrivals surpassed 40.000 tourist arrivals.

In addition to overnight stay growth, day - tripper arrivals surged by 60%, reaching 5.799 during the first quarter of this year.

The Director of tourism of the British Virgin Islands, Clive McCoy stated that the British overseas territory is continuing the upward momentum experienced in 2024, when the destination welcomed over one million visitors for the first time since 2016.

Overnight stays are key indicator of the health of the local tourism industry, benefiting both land -  based and marine accommodations and driving economic activity.

Finally the Director of Tourism added that cruise visitor arrivals dipped slighty by 2.5%, the overall impact on total arrivals was minimal.

Link - https://www.travelmole.com/news/british-virgin-islands-hails-increase-in-q1-tourist-arrivals/