Albufeira, Portugal | Approved a New Code of Conduct to Prevent Abusive Behaviour Combating a Negative Image of Tourism

Albufeira, the largest, liveliest and most exciting of all the resort towns that line southern Portugal's beautiful Algarve coastline in the Faro district, after a public consultation of its municipal Council has unanimously approved a new code of conduct to prevent abusive behaviour to combat a negative image of tourism and highlighted in a new version of the document that promote the municipality as a tourist destination of excellence.

According to the local Council this is another step towards the entry into force of a regulatory framework that is more in line with the current reality, which will be followed by discussions and voting in the Municipal Assembly and subsequent publication in the Official Gazette.

The Mayor of the Municipality José Carlos Rolo stated that this is a fundamental move to combat a negative image of tourism in Albufeira and to promote harmony between this sector and the resident population.

The Code of Conduct has as its main objective the prevention of abusive behaviour, and ensures that there will be the ability to monitor compliance with the rules, by entities such as the Municipal Police and other police authorities.

The decision by the Albufeira City Council represents an important step and the culmination of a process that began almost a year ago, when the administrative procedure that would lead the drafting of the Code of Conduct was launched.

During the period of drafting the document, entities such as APAL, the Albufeira Promotion Agency, a joint public – private association responsible for promotion tourism in the Algarve municipality, AHETA, the Algarve Hotel Hotels and Tourist Enterprises Association, ACALB, the Albufeira Commercial Association, AHRESP, the Portuguese Hotel, Restaurant and Similar Association were involved.

Aftrer approval of the Draft Code at the Chamber Meeting at the end of 2024, the public consultation process began, open to all people and entities interested in contributing.

During the period between 13th February and 26th March 2025, close to 50 contributions reached municipal services, with the majority, about the 69% expressed their agreement with the implementation of the Code.

The version approved by the Municipal Executive includes small changes to the wording of some of the Project' rules, resulting from suggestions submitted within the scope of the public consultation process. 

The Mayor of Albufeira added that it was important to feel that people wanted to contribute to this process and he guarantees that an effort was made ti integrate the suggestion that came to the the community, and that the initial objective of creating a framework that contributes to improving the image of the municipality was achieved.

The Code of Conduct of the Municipality of Albufeira will now be discussed and voted on at the Municipal Assembly and if approved, the document will then have to be published in the Official Gazette. 

Link - https://www.theportugalnews.com/news/2025-05-20/algarve-hotspot-approves-new-code-of-conduct-to-prevent-abusive-behaviour/97826

Southampton, England, UK | Major Security Upgrade to the City's Airport Announced

Southampton, lively port city and unitary authority in Hampshire, England, UK, located on the southern edge of the country on the Gulf of Solent opposite the Isle of Wight, approximately 130 kilometres southwest of London, will have major security upgrade to the City' Airport.

After a multi - million pound upgrade security screening has been improved at the airport located in Eastleigh, 3.5 kililometres from the city centre with the installantion of NGSC, Next Generation Security Checkpoint scanners enabling passengers to keep electronic devices such as laptops and tablets in their hand baggage during screening.

The upgrade also means that multiple liquids, up to 100ml each, can be taken through as hand baggage. 

Upgrades were announced in February 2025 and this is expected to make the security process quicker and more convenient for travellers.

Managing Director of operations at Southampton Airport, Gavin Williams, said that the completion of this project represents a transformative step formard for Southampton Airport.

These next generation scanners not only reflect a substantial investment in the airport's infrastructure but also demonstrate the dedication to delivering a smoother, faster, and more secure journey for the passengers, proud to be at the forefront of this innovation in airport security.

Southampton International Airport has thanked all travellers for their patience during the upgrade period, and also encouraged all travellers to stay informed about current travel guidelines and to arrive in good time for their flights.

Link - https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/25184422.southampton-airport-announces-major-security-upgrade/

Cuenca, Ecuador | To Host AdventureNEXT 2025 in September

Cuenca, Ecuadorian city, head of the canton of the same name and capital of the province of Azuay, situated in the south - central intern - Andean region of the country in the Paute river basin, locally called "Cuenca of the Andes" or "Athens of Ecuador" for its outstanding architecture, cultural diversity, its contribution to Ecuadorian arts, science and literature and for being the birthplace of many figures of the national society will host AdventureNEXT 2025 in September.

The South American city has been confirmed as the venue of this relevant appointment, one of the most important adventure tourism event worldwide organised by ATTA, the Adventure Travel Trade Association.

The event will be held in September 2025 and will bring together, buyers, tour operators and specialized media from all over the world, who will participate in workshops, educational sessions, business roundtables, and networking spaces with focus that will be on the promotion of adventure tourism, a segment that has experienced steady growth in Latin America including in Ecuador.

 AdventureNEXT 2025 not only positions Cuenca on the global map of adventure tourism, but also reinforces the country's leadership in responsible practices and in the conservation of its natural resources, key to the development of the sector.

This international meeting is a showcase to highlight the world Ecuador's tourism potential, especially in regions such as the Sierra and the Austro, where the combination of landscapes, history and culture offers unparalleled experiences for the international visitor.

Before the main event, participants will enjoy four days of exploration in different regions of Ecuador, with authentic experiences that reflect the natural and cultural richness of the South American country, activities that are designed under sustainability and inclusion criteria.

The choice of Cuenca as the venue confirms the international recognition of the work that has been done in the diversification of the country's tourism offer, as well as in the strengthening of the local infrastructure to host high - level events.

With this edition of AdventureNEXT, Ecuador undoubtedly consolidates its presence as a strategic destination in the adventure tourism industry, promoting growth that benefits both the local economy and the communities directly linked to this tourism sector.

The Minister of Tourism of Ecuador, Mateo Estrella, underlined the relevance of the meeting by pointing out that AdventureNEXT Cuenca 2025 will become a key platform for the Ecuadorian tour operators to access international markets and in addition he highlighted the opportunity to show first - hand the unique experience that Ecuador offers in this segment.

From the Adventure Travel Trade Association, its Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Nicolás Caram, said that the event will be a catalyst to attract new travellers to Cuenca and it will also promote strategic alliances and facilitate the signing of contracts between local operators and international buyers.

ATTA's Regional Director stressed that this type of event has a real economic impact on the host destinations. Returns can reach between $8.0 and $18.0 million in three years, thanks to the commercial activation of local suppliers. In addition the event attracts a profile of conscious tourists, high spending and committed to sustainability.

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/cuenca-sera-epicentro-del-adventurenext-2025-en-septiembre/

Hilton | To Introduce NoMad Brand to Asia Pacific Region with its First Hotel in Singapore

Hilton Worldwide Inc, introduced NoMad brand to Asia Pacific with its first hotel to Asia Pacific region in Singapore, an island country and city - state in Southeast Asia, a popular tourist destination, a blend of historical landmarks, futuristic attractions and stunning gardens also known for its vibrant culture, modern architecture, and delicious cuisine.

This move follows the successful opening of NoMad London in 2021 and it is the result of an agreement with UOL Group Limited, a Singaporean company focusing on development, investment, and management of real estate across the Asia - Pacific region.

The future hotel, NoMad Singapore, set to open in 2027 enters in Hilton’s brand NoMad, a luxury lifestyle hotel concept focused on creating an immersive, locally inspired experience which offer guests a sense of belonging and connection to their destination through exceptional design, culinary experiences and personalized service.

NoMad envisions a hotel as a welcoming home, layered with stories and reflecting the collective spirit of its residents and it aims to be an “artfully life” with a focus on grand and intimate spaces, original local art collection and a blend of classic and playful elements.

The property will be situated on Orchard Road, a prominent shopping area in Singapore, known as as the city’s retail heart, a 2.2 km long tree - lined one - way boulevard with numerous shopping malls, department stores and boutiques, offering an easy access to the major tourist attractions of the city.

The prime locatio of NoMad Singapore will allow guests to explore and discover Singapore’s rich culture and history, with proximity to heritage sites such as Arab Street, Bugis and Chinatown.

The hotel will feature 173 stylish and comfortable rooms offering guests an outstanding blend of luxury lifestyle and cultural immersion, and it aims to provide a unique balance between grandeur and intimacy, classic and contemporary design, symbol of the brand’s curated identity through bespoke local artworks featured in each guestroom.

The opening of NoMad Singapore is in line with Hilton’s growth strategy in the Asia Pacific region contributing to the company’s goal to expand its luxury presence to 150 hotels in the coming years.

In addition Hilton is planning to introduce its Waldorf Astoria brand with various properties in different cities in the region including Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai, Tokyo and Xi’ an.

Concerning other brands and Asia region, Hilton is set to expand its Conrad Hotels & Resorts brand with upcoming properties in relevant destinations across China and Nagoya, Japan and it also introduced LXR Hotels & Resorts with Umana Bali and ROKU KYOTO in Japan, which will join Hilton’s global luxury portfolio of over 500 properties.

Link - https://stories.hilton.com/releases/nomad-to-debut-in-asia-pacific-with-first-hotel-in-singapore

Senator Hotels & Resorts | Upcoming Opening of a New Adults - Only Hotel in Enix, Almeria, Spain

Senator Hotels & Resorts, a family hotel chain headquartered in Roquetas de Mar, Almeria, whose main goal has always been offering a top - quality service and for their guests to live unique experiences at their properties, is preparing itself for the the upcoming opening of a new adults - only hotel in Enix, in Costa de Almeria, a Mediterranenan coastal stretch in the community of Andalusia situated between the Costa Cálida de Murcia and the Costa Granadina, a comarca corresponding to the coastline of the Province of Granada.

The new Mirador del Cabo Hotel Affiliated by Senator will open its doors 21st June 2025 is a beachfront accommodation which will operate under the Affiliated by Senator brand known for its collection of hotels and resorts primarily in Spain, with a focus on vacation properties.

Affiliated by Senator hotels is a brand boasting properties that often offera a similar level of quality and service associated with the Senator Hotels & Resorts brand while still having their own unique characteristics and amenities and maintaining their own separate identity and management.

The hotel is located at Bahía de El Palmar Carretera Nacional - 340 in Enix, small municipality in an intimate cove between the capital of the province Almeria and Aguadulce, centre in the municipality of Roquetas de Mar, a few minutes from the Aguadulce Marina, well known to offer a wide range of leisure activities, bars, restaurants, and guided outings, along a coast that allows to enjoy water sportssuch as diving and snorkeling.

The property will provide Double Sea View Front Deluxe and Deluxe King Size rooms, all them with frontal sea views and  the gastronomic proposal include a buffet restaurant with show cooking. 

Amenities include a lobby bar, a pool bar, three outdoor swimming pools with solarium and activities such as table tennis or mini - golf.

Link - https://www.hosteltur.com/169858_senator-abrira-un-nuevo-hotel-solo-adultos-en-almeria.html

Costa Rica | Relevant Investment to Boost Tourism to the Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes

Costa Rica through ICT, the Costa Rican Tourism Institute and INDER, the Rural Development Institute planned a relevant investment relevant to boost tourism to the e Irazú and Turrialba Volcanoes in the development of this recreational industry in areas among the most suggestive ad attractive of the entire country.

The two entities will allocate more than ¢2.800, about $5.5 million to projects that will strengthen visitor service and promote sustainable tourism in two of the most important National Parks in the country ready to receive important improvements in their infrastructure and to be launched as leading destinations offering visitors authentic experiences.

The Irazú Volcano National Park will be intervened through the project "Development of sustainable tourism management works and services in the Craters and Prusia sectors" promoted by ICT in conjunction with MINAE, the Ministry of Environment and Energy, as part of an agreement aimed at strengthening ecological tourism in protected areas.

The initiative currently in the process of approval by MIDEPLAN, the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Policy, contemplates an investment of ¢1.200 million and considers the construction and maintenance of key infrastructure, such as : 

•    Viewpoints and trails
•    Bootths and entrance gates
•    Parking lots and internal roads
•    Cafes, nature shops and wineries
•    Aqueducts and wastewater treatment plants
•    Signage

These works will directly benefit the Craters and Prusia sectors, two of the most visited points of the National Park, seeking to improve the visitor experience and strengthen the protection of natural resources.

The Turrialba Volcano National Park will receive an investment of ¢1.600 million through INDER, as part of the "Nueva Turrialba – Jiménez" strategy, an investment that is expected to improve the visitor experience and ensure their safety.

The project includes the purchase of a 10 - hectare plot of land and the construction of a visitor centre that will feature : 

•    Administrative offices and staff housing
•    Parking areas and restrooms
•    Cafeteria, nature shop and drinking water and sanitation systems 

Link -  https://www.larepublica.net/noticia/inversion-de-c2800-millones-potenciara-turismo-en-los-volcanes-irazu-y-turrialba

Tanzania | Introducing a New Comprehensive Code of Conduct and Ethics for Tour Guides

Tanzania, an East African country recognized for its stunning wildlife and unique natural landscapes particularly the Serengeti National Park and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa's highest mountain, a destination also known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful, pristine beaches, including those on Zanzibar island through TATO, the Tanzanian Association of Tour Operators has launched a new comprehensive Code of Conduct and Ethics for safari - driver - guides and tour guides aimed at enhancing professionalism and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

The guidelines address seven core areas including environmental conservation, cultural sensitivity, vehicle safety, and guest welfare.

The initiative supports the country's tourism growth, particularly in key destinations such the Serengeti, large ecosystem, spanning the Arusha and Mara regions, a protected area spanning approximately 30.000 square kilometres of land, including the emblematic Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro, a protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Arusha Region spans vast exapanses of highland plains, savanna and forests in northern Tanzania, by ensuring a consistent, hig - quality visitor experiences.

The programme, which began with the training of 530 driver – guides in Arusha, combines theoretical instruction and practical guidance facilitated by tourism and education experts.

The code available in multiple language and accessible via QR code, outlines standards for responsible tour guiding emphasising appropriate conduct, waste reduction, wildlife protection, as well as respectful interactions with local communities.

As the African country continues to draw global interest for its iconic wildlife safaris, these measures aim to reinforce the country's image and reputation as a leader in ethical and sustainable tourism.

 Link -  https://atta.travel/resource/tanzania-introduces-new-code-of-conduct-for-tour-guides.html