Abu Dhabi, UAE | The Department of Culture and Tourism Launched an Incentive and Reward Programme to Recognize Exceptional Service Delivery

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, the United Arab Emirates through its DCT, Department of Culture and Tourism launched an incentive and reward programme to recognize exceptional service delivery, an initiative unveiled at the ATM, Arabian Travel Market 2025 designed to showcase and celebrate excellence in visitor experiences in Abu Dhabi thriving tourism and culture sectors.

This initiative underscore DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to promoting exceptional service across all visitor touchpoints to the city and emirate, incentivising and rewarding tourism, businesses frontline operators active in the attractions, dining, frontline in the hospitality, retail and other services sectors.

Tourism Companies and frontline operators are at the heart of the visitor experience in Abu Dhabi and this initiative enhances them, celebrating their passion and inspiring even higher levels of service.   

General Manager of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry said that through recognition programmes, the emirate is investing in its future tourism industry, while ensuring flawless experiences for every visitor.

The incentive and rewards programme supports Abu Dhabi's long-term ambition to become the world's leading destination, offering unparalleled experiences and a very consistent service, led by the frontline operators who continuously deliver a robust and efficient visitor experience.

DCT Abu Dhabi to strengthen this workforce announced the creation of an all new VX, Visitor Experience Academy in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy - Les Roches, one of the world's leading hospitality schools. 

The VX Academy will play a vital role in upskilling frontline workers, enabling them to deliver exceptional service and become eligible for these incentives and rewards.

This investment in tailor - made professional training courses will contribute to a consistently high level of service across the city and the emirate.

In addition DCT Abu Dhabi encourages all companies and operators at the forefront of Abu Dhabi's tourism ecosystem to embrace this unique opportunity and actively engage in raising service standards.

The award will be given to all those who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to the visitor experience, adhering to Abu Dhabi's standards and service guidelines.

 Link - https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/tourism/department-of-culture-and-tourism-abu-dhabi-launches-incentives-and-rewards-programme-to-recognise-exceptional-service-delivery/

Blue Flamingo Resort Set to Open in July 2025 in Key West, Florida, U.S.

Blue Flamingo Resort Key West will open its doors in July 2025, a new property situated at the entrance to the new Town area of Key West, the southernmost city in the contiguous United States and westernmost island connected by highway in the Florida Keys archipelago lying roughly 153 kilometres north of Cuba. 

The resort is owned by BRE Hotels & Resorts, Blackstone's U.S. hospitality portfolio company focused on luxury, upper - upscale, extended - stay and selected - service hotels, based in New York and managed by Highgate Hotels, leading hotel management, investment, technology and development firm, with a diverse portfolio of hotels across North America, the Caribbean and Europe also headquartered in New York City.

The development of Blue Flamingo Resort Key West inspired by the city's rich history, stories, traditions and personalities is the transformation of two Key West's retro motor lodges into one new and memorable gateway, merging the charm of Old Town with the energy and modernity of New Town.

The property is located at 3820 N Roosevelt Boulevard, minutes from Duval Street and approximately 6.0 kilometres from Key West International Airport, with its bold design and lively atmosphere will set a new standard for playful Key West hospitality.

On entering the lobby, guests will find eclectic furnishing and vibrant colours, setting the tone for a fun atmosphere and the resort features 245 comfortable and well - designed accommodations with sand dune - inspired tones and the rooms layouts range from Deluxe Queen and King to spacious Junior Suites and Suite. 

The Backyard Pool & Social Club featuers two pools, cabanas, and lounge chairs, poolside dining, and tiki bar concepts serving an array of cocktails and a food menu that includes Coconut Shrimp, Burgers, Poke Bowls, and Big Fish Sandwiches next to Rum Row & Toasted Coconut which features local flavours and island - inspired cuisine.

The resort offers activities curated by an - in house concierge with also outdoor lawn games and activities, free pits, and intimate seating areas.

Blue Flamingo Resort Key West will also feature daily happy hours, island music nights, movies under the stars, rum & reggae nights, and parties. 

Partnership with La Fete du Rosé and Phat Buddha will add to the festivities wth rosé and frozé parties, weekly wellness programming, starlit yoga classes, sound healing classes, welless fairs and much more. 

The property is ideal and very suitable for bachelorette parties, couples's gateways, and group and family retreats.

The resort  will introduce a flexible event space with a pool table, vinyl record player, and colourful murals, providing a perfect atmosphere for social gatherings and celebrations.

Rooms at Blue Flamingo Resort Key West will be available at a summer preview rate starting at $159 per night.

Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136518.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Announced to Open a new Indigo Hotel in Torbay, Devon, England, UK

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, England, UK announced the future opening of a new Indigo Hotel in Devon, a ceremonial county located on the peninsula of Cornwall in South West England, a land highlighted by a spectacular coastline, beautiful beaches, a pristine countryside, ancient ruins and attractive gardens.

Hotel Indigo Torquay opening is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts expansion of its UK & Ireland portfolio and it enters in a boutique hotel brand, known for its vibrant community - focused properties that reflect the unique stories of the neighborhoods they are located in. Each hotel is designed to be a destination in itself, offering a blend of luxury and lifestyle with a focus on local experiences.

The hotel is expected to open its doors in the second half of 2025 and it is the result of a partnership between IHG Hotels & Resorts and The Fragrance Group, luxury Hotel company with registered office for hotel management in the UK in Torquay, Devon and headquarter in Singapore marking the 26th Hotel Indigo in the region.

The property will be part of the largest resort of Torbay, known as "The English Riviera", a vast geographic area and uitary authority that includes the town of Torquay, as well as the municipalities of Brixham and Paignton, a location that makes the hotel attractive for domestic and international travellers seeking a seaside holiday or a pleasant short break.

The establishment is carefully designed to give guests memorable stays and authentic experiences, entrenched in the neighborhood's individuality reflecting the character of the brand in a very captivating destination.

Hotel Indigo Torquay will feature 153 comfortable rooms offering a range of facilities, including a stylish rooftop bar, sea - facing terraces, a ground - floor restaurant and bar, a well - equipped gym, an on- site spa providing a range of treatments, and stunning views of Torbay, the local beaches, harbour and marina.

The hotel will join 19 open Hotel Indigos in the British market, as well as six properties currently under development including Hotel Indigo London - Clerkenwell and Hotel Indigo Leeds, both of which are due to open in Q2 2025.

Link - https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/gb/en/torbay/extto/hoteldetail

Nicaragua | Central Bank of Nicaragua Highlighted Tourism as a Key Contributor to the Country’s National Economy

BCN, the Central Bank of Nicaragua highlighted tourism as a key contributor to the country national economy. Tourism generates revenue, boosts local economies and creating jobs in the Central American nation, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction.

In 2023, tourism revenue reached $739.2 million, a significant increase from the previous year and during 2024 the contributions of the activities linked to the tourism industry reached a participation of 5.5% of the total value added of the national economy.

A report by the financial institution on the Statistic of the Nicaragua Tourism Satellite Account specified that the above generated a tourist added value of 35. 219 million córdobas, about $961.742 million which was 17.6% higher than that registered in 2023.

The Central Bank of Nicaragua explained that the activities with the highest participation in tourism added value were restaurants and similar services, 35.2%, accommodation, 17.2%, transportation, 8.6% and recreation, 5,2% amonf others.

According to the report, the consumption of tourist goods and services in the country increased by 14.7%, which is explained by the dynamism of consumption by national residents, which registered a year - on - year growth of 45.5%, attenuated by the decrease in consumption of non - residents tourism due to lower visitor arrivals.

The total tourism consumption of residents in the country, 43.4% was in restaurant services, 11.2% in accommodation, 6.1% in transportation services and 34.9% in the purchase of other tourist goods and services.

Meanwhile, tourism consumption by non – residents was mainly in restaurant services, 33.6%, accommodation, 25.8% , transportation services, 14.0% and recreation, 3.6%, among others. 

Link -  https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2025/05/15/banco-de-nicaragua-destaca-aportes-del-turismo-a-economia-nacional/

Ethiopia | Enhancing National Biodiversity Conservation

Ethiopia, a rugged landlocked country split by the the Great Rift Valley located in the Horn of Africa, one of the world’s oldest countries rich in history that offers a unique and diverse range of tourism experiences, form ancient rock - hewn churches to vibrant culture and stunning landscapes highlighted by a diverse wildlife and unique cultural practices make it a popular destination for adventure and cultural travellers alike, through EBI, the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute is enhancing national biodiversity conservation.

EBI, Government body from Ethiopia involved in Agriculture, Environment & NRM, Research sectors with the mission to undertake study and analysis on the proper conservation of the country’s biodiversity and associate indigenous knowledge is reinforcing its conservation initiatives to protect Ethiopian diverse flora and fauna, including endemic species.

With over 92.000 plant genetic samples stored at its central gene bank in Addis Ababa, the Institute is employing both ex - situ and in - situ  to safeguard species of nutritional, medicinal, and economic significance.

Fields gene banks have also been established for species not suited to cold storage such as coffee at Choche Field Gene Bank in Jimma and at Bedessa, the largest coffee gene bank in Harar, and medicinal plants at Goba.

Ethiopia is widely recognized as a global gene centre, particularly for several key crops, like teff, noug, Ethiopian mustard, and hosts extensive genetic diversity in cereals and legumes. This means that the African country is a major source of genetic diversity for various plant species, including both domesticated crops and their wild relative.

The country also boasts a rich and diverse array of wildlife, including over 284 mammal species, 861 bird species, and a variety of reptiles, amphibians and fish. Many of these species are endemic to Ethiopia, meaning they are found nowhere in the world.

 Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute does include legal protection of endangered plant species in its efforts. This is part of their broader conservation initiatives which also encompass collaboration with local and international boadies and the promotion of climate - resilient crops. 

These activities form part of wider efforts to support agricultural sustainability and uphold Ethiopia’s biological heritage and EBI recognizes the importance of plant diversity for both the ecosystem and potential medicinal and food resources.

 Link - https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-steps-up-national-biodiversity-conservation-efforts.html

The Republic of San Marino | | Call for the Creation of a New Destination Brand to Enhance and Promote the Tourism Offer

The Republic of San Marino, mountainous, enclaved microstate surrounded by north - central Italy, among the world's oldest republics, situated atop of the suggestive Monte Titano on the northeastern slopes of the Appennine Mountains, known for its stunning medieval old town and picturesque, narrow streets retaining much of its historic architecture launched a call for the creation of a new destination brand to enhance and promote its tourism offer.

The State has published on the www.gov.sm portal - Calls and Public Notices section the information for the design of a logotype brand of the tourist destination " Republic of San Marino".

The public notice explains a note from the Department of Tourism of the Republic that is aimed at acquiring creative proposals for a new brand / logtype and a related visual identity system identifying the tourism system of the Republic of San Marino on order to enhance and promote its tourism offering, cultural and historical heritage and events in a modern and innovative way,  coordinated and effective.

The notice indicates the details for the submission of the Application for participation and the application form and related documentation must be received no later than 12.00 noon on 21st July 2025 by electronic registered mail to the digital domicile ufficiodelturismo@pa.sm.

Link - https://gov.sm/pub1/GovSM/Bandi-Appalti-Avvisi-Pubblici/Bandi-e-avvisi-pubblici~AVVISO-PUBBLICO-PER-LA-PROGETTAZIONE-DI-UN-MARCHIO-LOGOTIPO-DELLA-DESTINAZIONE-TURISTICA-%E2%80%9CREPUBBLICA-DI-SAN-MARINO%E2%80%9D~.html
 

Peru | Reopened Relevant Sections of the Iconic Inka Trail Network of Machu Picchu

The Inka trail network, a system of roads created to connect the most important points of the vast Inca empire, consisting in a network of paths that was called “qhapac ñan”  Quechua word meaning “road of the king or the powerful”, part of the iconic route that ends at Machu Picchu, emblematic citadel set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley, built in the 15th century and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a New Seven Wonders of the World on 16th May 2025 reopened some of its relevant sections.

National and international tourists will be able to travel again the Phyupatamarka - Caracol - Tunnel - Intipata section of the Inka Trail Network which crosses unique archaeological sites and impressive Andean landscapes after the conclusion of the rehabilitation worls carried out by a specialized team of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cuzco.

The recovery and rehabilitation process of this important sector included specialized work of removing rocks, releasing debris material, loose stones, gravel and trees fallen from the roots.

Due to the rugged geography of the area, the technical team made up of 12 people, applied vertical progression techniques to access the affected areas and execute effective work with rescue equipment such as harnesses, ropes, carabiner, brake pulley and personal protective equipment.

Routes 1, 2 and 3 which lead directly to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu were especially reinforced by the technical team who installed wooden railing with handrails and retaining walls or support on the slope to guarantee the safety of organized groups that enters in these routes within the Inka Road Network. 

Archaeologist Francisco Huarcaya, responsible for the maintenance of this emblematic pre - Hispanic road network, pointed out that maintenance was also carried out on the toilets, as well as the rehabilitation of drains and gutters for rainwater evacuation at the Wiñaywanya checkpoint, famous, Inca archaeological site located just five kilometres from Machu Picchu.

The Eecutive Director of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco said that the staff of the Inka Road Network and the Inka Ilaqta of Machu Picchu itself remain in alert to act immediately in the event of any emergency generated by rains.

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/reabren-tramos-de-la-red-de-caminos-inka-de-machupicchu/