Turkey | International Tourism Hits Record Highs in Q1 2025

International tourism hits record highs in Q1 2025 in Turkey, a record - breaking 8.84 visitors coming from abroad, generating $9.5 billion in tourism receipts. This surpasses previous records for the first quarter of the year.

According to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mehemet Orsoy who shared this information at a press conference which took place in Istanbul, these figures represent the highest level recorded in the history of Turkish tourism in the first quarters.

The Minister highlighting the country's strong performance also noted that Turkey aims to host 65 million visitors and geerate $64 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2025, with the current Q1 performance indicating they are on track.

The Minister also stated that tourism revenues increased by 5.6% in the first three months of 2025 and commented that according to data from UN Tourism, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Turkey became the 4th largest tourism market in the world in 2024 when the country aimed to receive 60 million tourists but ended the year with 62.2 million visitors.

Concerning relevant markets, uring the first quarter of 2025 Turkey welcomed 733.000 tourists coming from Iran, 601.000 Russians, 572.000 Germans, 560.000 Bulgarians and 304.000 British visitors.

On average visitors stayed in Turkey for 11 nights and spent approximately $98.90 per day according to figures provided by the Presidency ot the Republic of Turkey, Directorate of Communications.

Link - https://www.newscentralasia.net/2025/05/16/turkiye-generates-9-5-billion-in-tourism-revenues-in-the-first-quarter-of-2025/

The Dominican Republic | Emerging as a Sports Tourism Hub in the Caribbean

The Dominican Republic, a nation located on the island of Hispaniola in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean Sea in the North Atlantic Ocean, known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, leading golf courses, with a terrain comprise highlands, savannah and rainforest is emerging as a sports tourism hub in the Caribbean.   

The country is projected as a new attractive destination for sports tourism thanks to its combination of beaches with white sands and clear waters plus extreme activities in a privileged natural environment that offers several opportunities for visitors to enjoy a wide range of sports for the unique characteristics of its areas.

This approach is supported by the fact that this segment of the travel industry represents approximately 10% of the local number of travellers worldwide, generating $700.000 million annually.

Much more than a passing trend, the importance of this sector linked to outdoor sports discipline becomes even more relevant if one considers that, according to UN Tourist specialists, it would have an annual growth of 17.5% between now and the end of 2030.

The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic confirmed that a significant percentage of visitors to the Caribbean island do so to enjoy sports activities, from world - class golf courses to thrilling water sports experiences, the country offers endless options for all sports enthusiasts.

Golf stands out as one of the main sporting attractions in the Dominican Republic with more than 25 courses. Golfers find their rhythm at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in La Romana masterfully designed golf courses crafted by the legendary Pete Dye, including the number one ranked golf courses in the Caribbean, Teeth of the Dog boasting 18 beautifully landscaped holes with seven along the ocean.

Punta Espada in Cap Cana, offers an upscale golf course with a scenic beachfront setting and a global restaurant the first of three Signature courses designed by former international number one Jack Nicklaus at Cap Cana, a challenging par - 72 course that has been ranked by Golfweek Magazine as the number one golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico for eight consecutive years.

Golf in the Dominican Republic offers unique experiences with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea, and international tournaments such as the PGA Tour Corales Championship in Punta Cana that attracts amateurs and professionals from various part of the world.

Water sports make the Caribbean country a paradise for adventurers, who can enjoy a coastline of more than 1.600 kilometres offering perfect conditions for surfing and kitesurfing in Cabarete, a resort town on the Dominican northern coast facing the striking Cabarete Bay protected by a coral reef, locality famous for its ideal winds.

Dive sites in Bayahibe, town just 16.0 kilometres east of La Romana, where divers will find spectacular coral formations and three shipwrecks, Sosua, in the Puerto Plata province boasting a great coral reef and colourful fish, a great place also for snorkeling, and Samaná, idyllic destination on Samaná peninsula, allow visitors to discover stunning coral reefs and marine life

Sport fishing activities are popular in Marina Cap Cana in the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, abuts the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic and Puerto Plata, on the Atlantic north coast, also known for its stunning beaches and access to attractions like the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua. 

The country's varied geography makes it perfect for hiking and cycling. Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Dominican Republic and in all the Caribbean with its 3.101 metres in altitude, part of the Cordillera Central range offers a spectacular and unique challenge for those seeking adventures on the mountain.

Likewise, Los Haitises National Park features great trails surrounded by mangroves, merging ecotourism and adventure, presenting in addition a truly profusion of wildlife. This protected area is home to over a hundred different bird species, from pelicans and herons, to endemic species at risk of extinction such as the Ridgway hawk and the Hispaniola sparrowhawk.

Destinations such as Jarabacoa, a town located in the central region of the Dominican Republic and second largest municipality in La Vega Province and Constanza, centre located in the Cordillera Central region, known for having the coldest temperature for a settlement on the island of Hispaniola, as well as the entire Caribbean are ideal destinations for cyclists due to their mountainous routes.

The Dominican Republic is not far behind in the field of motorports with events and circuits for many enthusiasts. The Autodromo Petronan in the territory of the capital of the country Santo Domingo is a famous speed circuit, while rally and motocross competitions take advantage of the diversity of the mountainous and rugged terrain to provide adrenaline - pumping experiences.

Sports tourism in the Dominican Republic is more than just physical activities, it is also an immersion in the vibrant culture of the Caribbean country. 

After an active day offering authentic experiences, visitors can enjoy the rhytms of the vibrant and contagious Dominican music, where merengue and bachata are the most emblematic genres, a delicious cuisine consisting in a vibrant blend of Taino, African and Spanish influences, creating a unique and flavorful culinary tradition next to a warm hospitality that characterizes this beautiful Caribbean country,  making their experience unique and memorable.

Considered as the segment where people travel to participate in a competition perform a physical discipline, such as climbing, skiing or trekking, sports tourism increased after the Covid - 19 pandemic because people turned page opting for a healthier lifestyle enjoying nature outdoors and the Dominican Republic is undoubtedly a country which totally embraced this trend. 

Link  
https://www.eldiariodeviaje.ar/index.php/es/destinos/latinoamerica/item/3960-dominicana-turismo-deportivo-deporte-golf

Machaba Safaris | Set to Open its First Permanent Water Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana

Machaba Safaris, operator in both Botswana and Zimbabwe, a family – owned conservation organization with its camps located in various safari destinations like the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Mana Pools National Park and Hwange National Park, a group focused on preserving African wildlife minimising environmental disruption, offering authentic safari experiences and providing connections to local communities launches Water Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve in the territory of the Okavando Delta, Botswana in May 2025.

The new gem of Machaba Safaris is Monachira Camp, named after the Monachira channel that flows alongside the camp is located in the Moremi Game Reserve in northern Botswana in the Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush animal habitat during seasonal floods, with dugout canoes used to navigate past birdlife, hippos and crocodiles on waterways like the Xakanaxa Lagoon

Moremi Game Reserve is also well known to be home to the most endangered species of large mammals such as white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, lion, African wild dog, the cheetah, over 500 bird species, from water birds to forest dwellers, and over a 1.000 species of plants.

All accommodations are developed on elevated wooden docks providing views of the surrounding floodplains and wetlands.

The property features eight luxury twin / double tents with ensuite bathrooms, and two family tents, each equipped with two bathrooms and rates start at $920 per person sharing for a stay during the "secret season", from January to March, and go up to $1.600, per person sharing for high season.

Monachira Camp's primary focus will be water activities and experiences and guided nature walks, guests will have the options to explore via motorboat safaris to view aquatic species and larger wildlife from the water on take traditional mokoro, typical dugout canoe rides through water lilies while traditional game drives will be available.

The camp's proximity to the Gudigwa heronries, offering great viewing of this amazing nesting grounds for thousands of herons, egrets and storks position Monachira Camp as a special destination for bird -watvhing enthusiasts.

Accessibility to the remote location will be provided by light aircraft or helicopter transfers from Shinde Airstrip .

Link - https://www.travelweekly.com/Africa-Middle-East/Machaba-Safaris-will-open-a-water-safari-camp-in-Botswana-Okavango-Delta/370897

Libere Hospitality Group | Debut in Italy with Two New Assets in Milan

Libere Hospitality Group | LHG, a European alternative real estate operator based in Madrid, Spain, a firm characterized by their tech - driven management model focuses on optimizing assets like hotels, aparthotels, and residential properties, emphasizing profitability through efficient sales channels and revenue management tools, debuts in Italy with two new assets in Milan, the capital of the region Lombardy and the second largest city of the country after Rome.

The group enters its fourth country, the addition of Milan to LHG's portfolio with two apartment complexes represents a relevant step in the expansion strategy of the brand, which already has a presence in Greece, Spain and Portugal. 

The two assets, for a total of 68 units, distributed in a building that is already in operation and another that will be inaugurated next year mark a milestone, increasing the portfolio in a relevant city like Milan, a very demanded destination, international hub for fashion and design, well known to host meetings, fairs and congresses of international level and also famed for its rich cultural and historical heritage,  art scene and a vibrant nightlife.

The building located at Via Don Bartolomeo Grazioli, 4 composed of 17 apartments has undergone a comprehensive renovation, maintaining its historic character and since mid - April Libere Hospitality Group has been managing the building under the name Naitly Milano Dergano.

The property is located in the Dergano neighborhood, in Northern Milan, just a stone from Bovisa district and the Politetcnico di Milan, a llvely area that has slowly been imbued with design culture, lending its industrial spaces to young creatives and showrooms and set for years.

The second asset is located in Via Vincenzo Monti, 51, in the heart of the city not far from Fiera Milano City area, Cenacolo Vinciano and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Sforza Castle and 1.1 km from CityLife. 

The building occupying more than 4.000 square metres will have 51 apartments, including five penthouses and it will be LHG's largest asset internationally to date and the company expects to have the asset operational in autumn 2026.

The building will be managed under Libere trademark and after the relevant refurbishment it will provide 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, with capacity to accommodate up to 6 people.

The Head of Business Development at LHG Italy, Niccolò Pravettoni said that the company is committed to offering customers a unique experience in a city in constant growth, which has become an absolute benchmark in hospitality and international mobility.

Co – CEO of LHG, Antón de La Rica stated that after agreeing that Milan is one of the most emblematic cities in Europe, with these projects the company continues to consolidate its growth strategy, hoping to announce new openings in these markets in the coming months, thus marking new milestones in LHG's international expansion.

Link - https://www.hosteltur.com/169830_libere-hospitality-debuta-en-italia-con-dos-activos-en-milan.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Launched its Candlewood Suites Brand in Europe by Opening a Hotel in Berlin, Germany

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company headquartered in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK, group that manages, operates and franchises hotels, resorts and vacation properties across the world under several brands launched its Candlewood Suites brand in Europe by opening a hotel in the capital of Germany, Berlin.

The Berlin Charlottenburg is the first Candlewood Suites property to open outside of the Americas, and is part of a dual - brand project in partnership with NOVUM Hospitality, a group founded in 1988, ranked among the biggest hotels groups in Germany and headquartered in Hamburg.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has taken its first steps into Europe with the launch of this performing brand in Berlin, a very demanded destination for leisure and business travellers, hosting several congresses, meetings and fairs of international level and boasting a rich historical heritage offering a notable art scene, outstanding museums and a multitude of attractions.

Candlewood Suites is a midscale long - stay aparthotel brand offering guests casual, reliable and spacious studios and apartments equipped with kitchens. This provides guests the personal and physical space they need not just stay comfortably but feel at home. 

Guests can enjoy the flexibility to cook their own meals, utilising the kitchens in each room, complete with a microwave, refrigerator, dishwasjer and coffee and tea - making facilities.

In addition to the in - room amenities, Candlewood Suites properties offer self - service laundry facilities, access to gym facilities and weekly housekeeping services. Guests also have access to the Candlewood Cupboard and this marketplace offers a selection of drinks, snacks, personal essentials for purchase, and quality bean - to - cup coffee and tea available around the clock.

The Berlin Chalottenburg property forms part of a dual - brand project, sharing its location with the newly openend Holiday Inn - the niu Flash Berlin Charlottenburg by IHG.

The hotel is located in the bustling district of Charlottenburg district, centrally located along the living Franklinstraße just a short walk from the Spree River, a 2 - minute drive from Zoo Berlin, 9 minutes from the emblematic Brandeburg Gate, 4.7 km from Potsdamer Platz and 5.9 km from the iconic Checkpoint Charlie, a prime location offering an easy access to the main attractions of the German capital.

IHG Hotels & Resorts will contiue its expansion within Germany with five more locations include Candlewood Suites Fürth, located near supermarkets and shopping centres, Candlewood Suites Heidelberg in the Quartier Am Turm district, Candlewood Suites Düsseldorf Airport, Candlewood Suites Augsburg in Regensburger, and Candlewood Suites Berlin Airport, set to open in Q3 2025.

These properties have been converted from NOVUM Hospitality’s acora Living the City and Novum hotel brands, following a long - term agreement to bring 13 Candlewood Suites hotels to Germany.

Link - https://www.ihg.com/candlewood/hotels/us/en/berlin/berac/hoteldetail

Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba | One of the Most Attractive Tourism Proposals of the Country

Cayo Santa Maria, a small island off Cuba's northern coast in the Jardines del Rey Archipelago, linked by road and bridge to the town of Caibarién on the main island, known for its pristine, white sand beaches, water sports and luxury resorts is today one of the most attractive tourism proposals in this small archipelago and of the entire country.

This idyllic destination means beauty, serenity, relaxation and adventure, offering a landscape with an adequate infrastructure, and a delicious cuisine that highlights the recipes of the Creole tradition, known for its bold flavours, often incorporating rice, seafood, spicy seasoning, but adapted to the value of health and standards.

Cayo Santa Maria is a small paradise of white sands and extremely clean waters, a characteristic that accompanies other keys, no less famous, around it as the sunny and shining Ensenachos and Las Brujas, suggestive names capable of attracting the most skeptical travellers.

This Cuban cayo is 13 kilometres long and 2.0 kilometres wide, to transform it into the most important of the geographical group with 18 square kilometres, known as "La Rosa Blanca de los Jardines del Rey", the White Rose of the archipelago of Jardines del Rey for its unique white beaches.

The beaches of Cayo Santa Maria reach 11.0 kilometres with significant and suggestive names such as Perla Blanca, Las Caletas, Cañón and Cuatro Punta.

This extremely paradisiacal site, with environmental conservation, and a hotel and service structure that surprise the most demanding, in a perfect combination of landscape and comforts also offers a high - carat recreational boating.

This Cuban key conquers everyone in a while, it's enough to reach Playa Las Gaviota, beach situated in the northeast backed by a lush vegetation of Cayo Santa Maria Wildlife Refuge which shelters birds such as the emblematic Cuban trogon to have immediately the sensation to be in a Caribbean paradise.

The Pueblo La Estrella, a complex featuring a handicraft market, restaurants, bars and shops is the face of the tourist Cayo Santa Maria but colourful, lively and extremely vivacious, and the Dolphins performing at the Acuario Delfinario Cayo Santa Maria is a further attraction delighting everyone.

From the stunning Bay of Buenavista bordering a wide coral reef where tourists can reach 500 little keys, the traveller can enjoy a place that in all its splendour embodies the total essence of the Caribbean beauty, the landscape is surprising in a site that is also a Wildlife Refuge with several endemic species. 

To get to Cayo Santa Maria, the ideal way is through a 48 - kilometre causeway, a road over emerald waters known to Cubans as Pedraplén which starts from the lively town of Caibarién, located on the north coast of Villa Clara province, and known as "La Villa Blanca" the White Town for the colour of its beaches and famous for its "Parrandas" ,  renowned festivals highlighted by conga groups, rumba dancing, floats and large - scale fireworks displays.

The enjoyment that the sun and the beach propose, the special lights ad incomparable sunsets Cayo Santa Maria boasts, make this Cuban Cayo unique in its kind.

This Caribbean wonder offers ideal places for diving, snorkeling, yacht rides and other excursions since the authorities of that area propose to travellers more than 30 recreational options of different kinds.

Cayo Santa Maria offers a scenario that is highly demanded by a multitude of travellers from all over the world, and that already carries the attention of several travel agencies and global tour operators which without hesitations once they knew the destination promote it without hesitations as one of the most attractive proposals of the entire Cuba.

Link -https://infoturlatam.com/vivir-la-magia-de-cayo-santa-maria-en-cuba/

Cape Town, South Africa | Launched a New Visitor Guide Spotlighting Inclusive Tourism and Local Creativity

Cape Town, bustling port city on South Africa's southwest coast, located on a peninsula beneath the imposing Table Mountain, the legislative capital and the seat of the Parliament of the country, launched a new Visitor Guide spotlighting the city's diverse cultural offerings and commitment to inclusive tourism and focusing on local creativity. 

The new Visitor Guide was launched at Africa's Travel Indaba, one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar, relevant platform which showcases Southern Africa tourism products, proposals and services for the international travel trade.  

This year's edition features original artwork by students from Oakley House High School based in Cape Town, learning institution offering neurodiverse students who experience learning challenges, the opportunity to achieve a National Senior Certificate, and with the aim to reinforce the city's focus on accessibility and representation across its tourism output.

The guide is available in both digital and print format, introduces interactive elements and showcases experiences beyond traditional highlights, indicating a strategic move to cater both traditional users and the growing demographic of tech – savvy travellers.

 This dual format was viewed as crucial for improving global accessibility, allowing users to explore Cape Town's offerings remotely before visiting the city in person.

Tourism analysts saw that this initiative is a testament to inclusive tourism, a celebration of creativity, and a compelling case study on how destinations could blend cultural engagement and digital innovation to elevate and consolidate their appeal globally.

City officials underscored tourism's role as a key economic driver, and Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos describing it as "more than a selfie with Table Mountain".

Cape Town Tourism CEO, Enver Duminy stated that the new Visitor Guie aims to reflect the city' creative energy while offering a platform for local talent, encouraging travellers to engage with Cape Town as a dynamic, inclusive destination.

Link - https://atta.travel/resource/cape-town-launches-new-visitor-guide-highlighting-local-creativity-and-inclusive-tourism.html