Huntington Hotel Group, Marriott International | Officially Opened a Dual - Branded Residence and Suites in San Luis Obispo, California, U.S.

Huntington Hotel Group, a holding company specializing in the development, operation and management of Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide Inc branded select service hotels, the premier brands in the hospitality industry, headquartered in Irving, Texas, U.S, has officially opened a dual branded Residence Inn by Marriott and Springhill Suites by Marriott in San Luis Obispo, a famous city in California's Central Coast region, roughly halfway between the San Francisco Bay Area in the north and Greater Los Angeles in the south.

San Luis Obispo is a very popular destination, known for its historic architecture, vineyards and hospitality, as wel asl for being home to the prestigious California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in a captivating territory where uncrowded beaches, vineyards, and artisan communities converge. 

The development was led in partnership with EB5 Capital, a leading commercial real estate investment firm that connects qualified foreign investors with U.S. headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland and Somera Capital Management, a real estate investment firm that offers property management and cosulting services based in Carpinteria, California.

The property is located at 701 Froom Ranch Way in San Luis Obispo providing travellers easy access to the California Central Coast and next to the recently developed SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace, offering guests an immediate access to local produce, artisan shops, and community events, minutes away from downtown San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly.

The prime location offers an easy access to  popular destinations like Avila Beach,  Pismo Beach, and Edna Valley Wine Country, making it a convenient base for leisure and business travellers.

The dual – branded accommodation offers a captivating blend of style and comfort, with two unique brand under one roof providing a blend of extended - stay and contemporary suite accommodations.

The Residence Inn by Marriott features extended - stay suites equipped with full kitchens and comfortable living spaces, making it an ideal accommodation for longer stays, relocations and corporate assignments.

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott provides contemporary all - suite accommodations with separate living and sleeping areas, perfect for weekends getaways and business travel.

Amenities include free high - speed Wi - Fi throughout the property, an outdoor pool with lounge seating, a modern fitness centre with cardio and weight equipment, an on - site bar and grill, pet - friendly accommodations and a complimentary hot breakfast served daily. 

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/sbpoh-springhill-suites-san-luis-obispo/overview/
https://www.marriott.com/en-gb/hotels/sbpor-residence-inn-san-luis-obispo/overview/

ESS Group | To Open a Luxury Resort in Køge, 30 minutes from Copenhagen, Denmark

ESS Group, Swedish hospitality company based in Göteborg, boasting in its portfolio luxurious hotel and resort destinations across Sweden, Norway and Denmark will open on 1st November 2025 Rox Resort, in Køge, a centre located 30 minutes from Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.

Køge is a very attractive town on the coast of Køge Bugt in the Region Sjaelland,, 39 km southwest from Copenhagen, a centre highlighted by its captivating old town, interesting museums, well preserved houses, a beautiful market square, with woodland and beaches close to its centre, within easy reach of nature, and the lovely countryside to the west, ideal for cycling trips and excursions.

The luxury resort will provide 154 comfortable rooms featuring interior by Spik Studios, acclaimed Architecture and Planning, Architecture, Engineering & Design, and Construction company headquartered in Göteborg  with dark woods, mirrored accents and East - meets - West design elements that combines Danish minimalism with the traditional Oriental look of Hong Kong in the 1930s. 

The property will feature two restaurants such as RF. Smith's The Dirty Sichuan and the Dupling Bar, five bars, three heated rooftop pools, and a full - service spa and wellness facilities.

The resort will offer excursions tailored by the Rox concierge team can include to the Viking Ship Museum, the Forest Towe, Køge Mini Village as well as to local microbreweries.

ESS Group' portfolio includes Fyri Resort in Hemsedal, Jacy's and Pigalle inGothenburg, MJ's in Malmo, Ellery Beach House and Steam Hotel in Stockholm, Ystad Saltsjobad, Falkenberg Strandhead, Marienlyst Strandhotel in Denmark and the fourthcoming Maryhill in Skane.

Link - https://www.travelweekly.com/Europe-Travel/Rox-Resort-set-to-open-near-Copenhagen?ct=europe

Cuba | Valid Electronic Visa to Enter the Country with New Requirements from 1st July 2025

The Cuban Ministry of Tourism has recalled that from 1st July 2025, new requirements apply to valid electronic visa to enter the country.

Starting from the mentioned date travellers will only be allowed to enter Cuba with a valid electronic visa. The long – standing tourist card, once seen as a simplified gateway to the Caribbean island, will be permantly discontinued as of 30th June 2025, replaced by digital system. 

According to the official information offered, the tourist visa is valid for a single entry to Cuba for a stay of 90 days. These can be extended for 90 more days. 

Requirements to apply for the Cuba e – Visa :

 
•    Valid passport - The e - Visa will be linked to the valid and unexpired passport during the stay in Cuba.
•    A valid email  - An email address is needed where you will receive the visa code.

According to MINREX, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which oversees the international relations of Cuba, the travellers will receive a response within the next 72 business hours to the request.

 If the trip to Cuba is by sea, you have to contact the consular office closest to your place of residence. 

The page to apply for the Cuba e - Visa is quite simple. On the main screen you will have two options : 

1 -  For new visa application - They explain that you can apply for a tourist visa directly at the Cuban consulates and that at the end of your application they will send you your visa details by email.
2 – Visa verification - In this section you can check the status and validity of your visa. 

Link - https://www.directoriocubano.info/panorama/viajas-a-cuba-por-turismo-nuevos-requisitos-desde-el-1-de-julio-de-2025/

Jordan | Tourism Sector shows Strong Signs of Recovery with International Visitor Arrivals Rising by 19% in Q1 2025

Jordan, an Arab country in the Middle East located in the Levant region, on the eastern bank of the Jordan River is experiencing a growth in its tourism sector that is showing strong signs of recovery with international visitor arrivals rising by 19% in Q1 2025 compared with the same period last year, according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

Jordan tourism sector is experiencing robust growth, with revenue increases and a significant rise in visitor numbers, particularly in popular destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum and Amman, fueled by increased spending from various groups, including Jordanian expatriates, non - Jordanian Arab travellers and international visitors.

The Ministry reported that the country welcomed 2.125.000 international visitors between January and April 2025 up from 1.785.000 during the same period in 2024, reflecting growing interest in Jordan as a travel destination and highlighting tourism's continued role as a vital contributor to the national economy.

QAIA, Queen Alia International Airport, located in Zizya, 30 kilometres south of the capital of the country Amman remained the top entry point accounting for 33.1% of all arrivals, with more than 705.000 visitors entering through the airport.

Economic analyst Rami Abdulla said that this growth reflects not only a post - pandemic rebound but also the success of government tourism strategies and targeted regional marketing. Tourism plays a major role in GDP and job creation, and a consistent rise in arrivals benefits multiple sectors.

According to the Ministry's figures, land border crossings also contributes significantly. The Omari crossing between Jordan and Saudi Arabia located about 155 kilometres west of Amman recorded 23.8% of total tourist entries with over 507.000 visitors, followed vy the King Hussein Bridge, the southernmost crossing spanning the Jordan River and one of three land crossings between Israel and its neighbors ro the east and south with 10.4% and the Jaber crossing between Jordan and Syria with 9.2%.

Other points of entry include Wadi Araba, international border crossing between Aqaba, Jordan and Eliat, Israel, 3.8%, Aqaba's seaport in the southwest of the country, on the Gulf of Aqaba, an inlet of the Red Sea, 2.8%,, the Karameh Crossing, the only border crossing between Jordan and Iraq connecting the Jordanian town of Ruwaished to the Iraqi town of Turaibil,  1.5% and King Hussein Airport in Aqaba, 0.3%.

A Tourism business in Petra, Salma Taha said that she has seen a noticeable rise in bookings and renewed confidence among tour operators, witnessing steady demand from Europe, the United States and GCC countries. The numbers are promising especially for small businesses that rely on international travellers. 

Petra, iconic archaeological site in Jordan's southwestern desert, in particular is attracting a new wave of tourists drawn by live music events and cultural performances. Sector officials noted that an increasing number of international visitors are now travelling specifically to attend concerts held at the historic site.

Directly linked to this topic, a travel agent, Hani Karim told The Jordan Times that travel agencies are responding by offering curated packages that include concert tickets, luxury accommodations, guided tours, and visits to nearby attractions.

As the tourism sector continues to rebound, stakeholders are calling for sustained investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and workforce development to ensure long – term growth.

Link -https://jordantimes.com/news/local/jordan-welcomes-over-21m-tourists-first-4-months-2025-marking-19-growth

Scotland, UK | Achieving the Gold Standard in Sustainable Travel

A new partnership between VisitScotland, formerly the Scottish Tourist Board, a national tourism organisation for Scotland, an executive non - departmental public body of the Scottish Government and Luxury Gold, renowned luxury travel company, part of TTC Tour Brands offering tours, featuring small groups and providing exceptional experiences is set to bring less - known corners of Scotland into focus for 2026 travellers achieving in this way the Gold Standard in sustainable travel.

The newly launched "Spectacular Scotland" itinerary, now on sale, aims to pair high - end travel with a commitment to sustainability and local impact and gives travel agents the confidence to meet the demand while a truly unique itinerary that balances comfort, culture and conscience.

Designed for small groups, the 10 - day journeys steers away from Scoltland's crowded tourist spots in favour of authentic experiences that support regional economies and community - led initiatives.

 Off - the – beaten - path destinations like Cairngorms National Park, a national park in northeast Scotland, established in 2003 which covers the Cairngorms range of mountains, and surrounding hills, offering a diverse range of activities and stunning natural beauty.

Dornoch is another outstanding proposal inserted in the itinerary, a captivating town and seaside reort in the county of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland on the north shore of the Dornoch Firth, near where it open into the Moray Firth to the east replace the usual city stops, giving travellers a slower and more in - depth look at country.

The itinerary features a number of the Travel Corporation's signature "Make Travel Matter"includes in tours based on the positive social or environmental impact they have on their communities and those who experience them, aligned with the United Development Goals, such as tartan weaving demonstration at the women - run Prickly Thistle mill, conservation walks in Glencoe, with local rangers nd marine protection insights with Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust on the stunning Isle of Mull.

Travellers will also take part in a welcome dinner at the famous Wedgwood The Restaurant in Edinburgh which serves inventive, modern Scottish dishes inspired by fresh local ingredients which are foraged and stories shared by the owners.

Accommodation in Spectacular Scotland include eco - conscious properties like Cameron House, a five-star resort set within 400 acres of beautiful Scottish countryside, on the banks of the more than captivating Loch Lomond, a beautiful freshwater Scottish loch which crosses the Highland Boundary Fault wthin the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Managing Director of TTC, The Travel Corporation Tour Brands, Asia, Mar Cheah said that luxury travellers, are no longer asking if their trip makes an impact, they are asking how.

Link
https://www.travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/Scotland-gets-the-Gold-standard-in-sustainable-travel

Morocco | “Ntla9aw fbladna “Campaign to Boost Local Tourism Launched

ONMT, the Moroccan National Tourism Office launched “Ntla9aw fbladna”which loosely translates to “Let’s Meet in Our Country”, a new campaign to boost local tourism targeting domestic tourists and Moroccans living abroad.

This initiative adopts an experiential, emotional and unifying approach, aiming to showcase, vibrant, authentic experiences, according to an official statement

Under the direction of Achraf Fayda, Director General of ONMT, the campaign unfolds across Morocco with a strong focus on connecting with diaspora as well, encouraging Moroccan citizens who left the country to rediscover the beauty, charm and diversity of their own backyard. 

The campaign goal is to inspire Moroccans to genuinely engage in discovering or rediscovering their country and to turn travel intentions into concrete actions, entering in deep connection with the territory and enjoying its pure essence and unique attractiveness.

As part of this effort the Moroccan National Tourism Office is releasing two promotional films, one of them is focused to encourage exploration of Morocco’s Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines, showcasing carefree days at the beach, water sports and the warmth of family time.

The campaign is also an immersive storytelling that define the entire country with its unique landscapes that often go unnoticed like quite mountain villages in the Atlas, small centres less known across the 12 regions, 12 prefectures and 63 provinces of the Maghreb Kingdom, offering a sensory journey through culture, traditional Berber hospitality and local cuisine.

These films highlight outdoor activities such as family outings, fishing, horseback riding, paragliding, and adventurous experiences that blend nature with discovery and capture the emotional essence of travel within the country, making it less about destinations and more about connections.

The promotional campaign “Ntla9aw fbladadna”is being rolled out across a comprehensive, 360 degree communication that include digital platforms, cinema, print media, radio, TV and urban billboards, emphasizing Morocco’s diversity, with protagonists all 12 region of the North African Kingdom represented to showcase the entire national landscape of this unique Maghreb’s country. 

The message of the initiative also highlights the deep attachment Moroccans have to their country, positioning this sentiment which embodies sensations, vibrations and emotions as a key driver of growth for national tourism. 

The campaign in its essence promotes not just a destination, but memories, emotions and experiences to be lived intensely and it’s not just a promotional effort, it’s a narrative shift.

Link - https://en.7news.ma/lets-meet-in-our-country-a-new-chapter-for-moroccan-tourism/

Argentina | Inaugurated its First Centre for Technological Innovation Applied to Tourism

With the technical and support of UN Tourism, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Argentina inaugurated its first Centre for Technological Innovation Applied to Tourism that will operate at INPROTUR, the National Institute for Tourism Promotion in the capital of the country, Buenos Aires. 

This new centre will promote innovative technologies and solutions that will increase Argentina’s competitiveness as a tourist destination, modernize the national tourism ecosystem and facilitate public - private collaboration in all provinces.

This initiative is strongly supported by the UN Tourism  Secretary that through General Secretary Zurab Pololikashvili declared that this move will positively impact the competitiveness and digital transformation of the South American country.

The creation of the Center for Technological Innovation applied to Tourism is part of a strategic vision based on efficiency, innovation and leadership, aligned with current public policies aimed at concrete results and productive transformation.

The start - up of the Center reflects a new stage in tourism management where smart technology and also strategic alliances are fundamental pillars for modern, sustainable and competitive sector.

The project is framed under the vision of promoting innovation as an engine for growth in key segments for the generation of employment and foreign exchange income.

In statements to the specialized media, UN Tourism Secretary General announced that UN will provide technical assistance, development programs and articulated international support to strengthen Argentina’s projection as a global tourism power.

All these actions represent an international recognition of the natural potential, offer of sustainable tourism products based on local and infrastructure that makes Argentina a destination with no ceiling for growth in the face of source markets from the five continents.

The Centre will be led by Pablo Calello, an expert in technological innovation and data analysis, who highlighted the historic opportunity represented by transforming Argentina’s tourism and technological infrastructure to generate solutions adapted to the current needs of the global market.

The project will take the advantage of the recognized strength of the Argentine technology ecosystem, which has leading companies in innovation and several international unicorns.

This support will enable the creation of concrete, scalable solutions with export potential, uniting local capacity withy the demands of modern tourism.

During the first stage, the Center will focus on key areas such as the digitization of tourism experiences, the development of market intelligence with open data, the improvement of access to electronic means of payment and the optimization information on digital platforms. 

Training, technical assistance and regional cooperation will also be promoted to strengthen tourism innovation and position Argentina as a benchmark in Latin America.

Link - https://www.eldiariodeviaje.ar/index.php/es/destinos/latinoamerica/item/4165-argentina-centro-de-innovacion-tecnologica-turismo