Saint Kitts and Nevis | Modernising Visitor Entry System with a New Electronic Travel Authorization

Saint Kitts and Nevis, a dual-island nation located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, part of the Leeeward Islands chain of the Lesser Antilles, famous for its vibrant culture, idyllic beaches, cloud - shrouded mountains and pristine forests through its Government has launched a new eTa, Electronic Travel Authorization, modernising visitor entry system and strengthening border security.

With this measure, the Caribbean country joins the global trend of adopting digital border management technologies, seeking to remain an open, safe and welcoming destination in the region.

The introduction of the new Electronic Travel Authorization marks a significant milestone in Saint Kitts and Nevis's commitment to digital transformation, strengthening national security, and enhancing the tourism experience.

The eTA system will bring numerous benefits to travellers, the government, and the wider Caribbean region, including : 

1.    Enhanced National Security - The system will provide pre - arrival screening of travellers, allowing authorities to identify potential security risks before arrival.
2.    Streamlined Entry Process - Visitors will experience a hassle - free arrival process, with reduced wait ties and more efficient clearance at immigration.
3.    Fully Digitalized Travel Experience - The eTa system will integrate key travel services, including online customs declarations and SIM card purchases among others.
4.    Operational Efficiency - By minimizing manual documents checks, the eTA system will free up immigration resources and enhance the efficiency of border control operations.
5.    Economic Growth and Tourism Development - By improving visitor experiences, Saint Kitts and Nevis will strengthen its position as a top – tier Caribbean destination, attracting more tourists and boosting economic opportunity in hospitality, transportation, and tourism related services.

From now on all travellers will be required to have an approved eTa before their departure from the home country and upon arrival in Saint Kitts or Nevis.

The eTa application can be submitted up to 90 days before travel. When applying, travellers will be subject to a discounted $8.50 service charge until 1st September 2025, when the standard service charge of $17.0 will take effect. The eTA will be valid for 90 days or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.

The application can be made through the new e - Border mobile app already available from 26th May for Android and iOS devices. This app is the fastest ad most convenient way to get the eTA, according to the government.

If you can not use the app, you can complete your eTA at www.knatravelform.kn. The eTA can be completed within five minutes and will streamline processes on arrival, delivering an unparalleled visitor experience. 

The Process involves :

 
1.    Filling out a secure online application 
2.    Providing basic travel details and required documentation 
3.    Receiving approval electronically before travel  

The system is available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for visitor worldwide.Those who use the app will also be able to access a facial biometric corridor without interruptions for quick entry into the country starting on 2nd June 2025.

  
Link - https://infoturlatam.com/st-kitts-y-nevis-moderniza-sistema-de-entrada-para-visitantes/

Marriott International | Central American Expansion with St. Regis Hotels & Resorts Luxury Brand to Costa Rica

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland announced a Central American expansion with its St. Regis Hotels & Resorts luxury brand to Costa Rica after signing an agreement with Solana PA, S.R.L., for the development of a project, which will span 20 hectares on the Gulf of Papagayo, a large body of water off Guanacaste Province and the northwestern coast of the country.

GFC Securities LLC advised Solana PA, S.R.L., in negotiating the St. Regis agreements and successfully raising the project debt.

The development is expected to begin in July ofr this year, with a planning opening in early 2027, and represeting a strategic move by Marriott International to consolidate its presence in a high demanded destination in the region with a brand like St. Regis that currently features six landmark hotels and resorts across the CALA region.

The future luxury resort will be located between Panama Bay and Culebra Bay, just 25 minutes from Liberia Airport offering 634 linear yards of beachfront boasting breathtaking views of the suggestive Gulf of Papagayo, and will expand the luxury enclave in Papagayo, further solidifying the area's reputation as a premier luxury.

Inspired by the local culture and its ocean surroundings, the St. Regis Papagayo will feature 120 hotel rooms and 143 residential units, offering unequalled luxury experiences for guests and residents alike.

The property expects to offer six distinct culinary options, including Casa Club for casual gourmet dining, the Cliff, inspired by Japanese and Costa Rican gastronomic influences, a Beach Club & Grill, and the signature St. Regis Bar & Speakeasy.

Other planned amenities include the St. Regis Library, multiple swimming pool, a spa, an exclusive beach club, 7.750 square feet of indoor space, and 2.475 square feet of outdoor space for banquets, celebrations, meetings and gatherings.

This project in Costa Rica comes at a time of significant potential for luxury experiences in the Central American country.

The Mexican architecture firm, Sordo Madaleno, an interdisciplinary architecture and design company built on more than an 85 - year foundation of experience and dedicated to pursuit of design excellence with a deep focus on sustainability and human connection, will bring this vision to life. 

This firm is designing several luxury resort projects with Marriott, including the St. Regis Costa Mujeres and a dual - brand luxury development in Costa Mujeres, Mexico.

As the principal interior design firm has been selected Gensler Mexico City, an acclaimed, global architecture, design, and planning company with several offices across the world while Maat Handesa will lead the landscape architectural project.

Talent Chef will act as a food and beverage consultant and Ana Ramirez of Ancestral Handmade Hotels will contribute her expertise as a wellness consultant.

Marriott International Vice President, Development, Caribbean and Latin America, Uriel Burak said that this extraordinary development underscores the company continued commitment to expanding Marriott International luxury portfolio in key destinations across the Caribbean and Central America. 

Costa Rica continues to experience growing demand for high - end travel and residential offering, and Marriott International is proud to work with Solana PA, S.R.L. to bring the first St. Regis hotel and residences to Costa Rica.

Partner at Solana PA, S.R.L., Alberto Halabe stated that the group is honoured to bring the iconic St.Regis brand to Costa Rica ande to create a landmark destination in one of the most exceptional ocean front settings in the region.

This project reflects the company deep appreciation for Costa Rica's natural beauty, cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. Together with Marriott International, the goal is to deliver a resort and residential experience that embodies the spirit of "Pura Vida" through the unmatched elegance and service of St.Regis.

Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136596.html

Shangri - La Group | Ultra - Luxury Brand Shangri - La Signatures launched with the Opening of a new Hotel in Hangzhou, China

Shangri - La Group, multinational hospitality company founded in 1971 and headquartered in Hong Kong launched its ultra – luxury brand Shangri - La Signatures with the opening of the Silk Lakehouse in Hangzhou, the capital of China's Zhejiang province, southern terminus of the ancient Grand Canal waterway, which originate in Beijing.

The new hotel housed in the former Xiling Hotel is located on the shores of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated by poets and artists since the 9th century that encompasses islands reachable by boat, temples, pavilions, gardens and arched bridges.

Designed by Belgian architect Gert Voorijans and Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa - Violán, the transformed property is inspired by a Jiangnan silk merchant's home.

Silk Lakehouse features 68 comfortable and stylish rooms and suites feature freestanding bathtubs and AI - responsive matresses offering views of West Lake or the hotels's private gardends.

Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, four F&B venues,  among them The Living Room led by Michelin - starred chef Alan Yu offering a modern Western dining experience while the Bar, in partnership with San You, serves creative cocktails.

The Golden Silk dining venue will reinterpret the classic and traditional and another highlight is the Tea House which hosts immersive tasting of local teas.

Each guest is paired with a dedicated host via the hotel's Personal Host Programme, who can help arrange activities including enamel craft, incense making, silk weaving and tea ceremonies among others.

The company said that future properties under the Shangri - La Signatures brand will be envisioned as a refined private residence rooted in local heritage and offer immersive experiences across art, gastronomy, storytelling and wellness.

Link - https://boutiquehotelnews.com/news/hotel/shangri-la-signatures/

Gauteng, South Africa | Unveiled a Multi - Faceted Strategy to Boost Tourism and Economic Growth

Gauteng, one of the nine provinces of South Africa situated on the Highveld, the portion of the South African inland plateau, the smallest but the most industrialized and developed of the provinces of the country and overall one of the richest regions in all of Africa through its Premier Panyaza Lesufi unveiled a multi - faceted strategy to boost tourism and economic growth with the aim to position the province as a leading tourist destination.

Following the Executive Council meeting, speaking at a media briefing the Gauteng’ s Premier emphasised the critical role of tourism in economic revitalisation and job creation.

Key initiatives include strengthening safety and cleanliness across urban areas, rejuvenating inner - city spaces, and enhancing the quality of visitors experiences through planned infrastructure and service improvements.

The Premier of the South African province highlighted urban safety and crime reduction as main priorities to restoring traveller confidence.

Gauteng is also advancing a comprehensive skills development drive focused on the tourism and hospitality sectors, supported by proposed partnerships with national edication and labour departments.
Complementing these efforts the Provincial Tourism Authority is investing in youth and small business empowerement programmes.

Internationally, the South African province has secured a trade partnership with China’s Hunan Province, opening access to export markets for local products and strengthening ties with key inbound tourism markets, particularly China and India.

With initiatives such as the trusted tour operators programme and also the reinvigoration of attractions like the Sterkfontein Caves, limestone caves of special interest in paleoanthropology located about 40 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg, Gauteng aims to expand its tourism attractiveness and appeal while fostering sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Link - https://atta.travel/resource/gauteng-premier-unveils-measures-to-drive-tourism-and-economic-growth.html

Montefiore Conca, Italy | Unveiled a Tour Dedicated to Photography Enthusiasts

Montefiore Conca, an Italian municipality in the southern province of Rimini in Emilia - Romagna,located on the border with the Marche region, extends over the hills of the Tuscan - Romagolo Appennines adjacent to the Valconca valley and not far from the San Marino Republic, a centre that was an important outpost of the Malatesta family in medieval times with an imposing fortress that dominates the entire surroundings area from above unveiled a tour dedicated to photography enthusiasts.

Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Montefiore Conca, revealed a tour for the whole family, ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, history and the authentic beauty of Romagna.

This simple route also suitable for children offers breathtaking panoramic views and perfect angles to take memorable photographs to share on social media.

The journey starts from the heart of of Montefiore Conca in the square Piazza della Libertà where you conveniently park your car and then taking the CAI 019 path, passing through Via Panoramia and crossing the historic of the village.

Continuing along the path, you reach the intersection with Via Forca and then follow the CAI 043 path, which leads to the Big Bench, the giant bench nestled in the hills of Montefiore Conca.

Once there, the view open onto a horizon without borders, with the Conca Valley and the Romagna Riviera stretch out at the foot of the hill, offering a natural spectacle to experience and photograph.

Sitting on the Big Bench means changing perspective, rediscovering wonder and letting yourself be conquered by a scenery that invites you to slow down and admire the great beauty of the landscape.

Link

https://www.riminitoday.it/attualita/big-bench-rocca-malatestiana-montefiore-tour-dedicato-appassionati-fotografia.html

Santiago, Chile | Relevant MICE Destination in 3rd Place in the ICCA Ranking

Santiago, Chile's capital and largest city, sits in a valley on the Mapocho River, surrounded by the snow - capped Andes and the Chilean Coast Range, the political and financial centre of the South American country, hosting the regional headquarters of many multinational corporations and organizations achieved a milestone placing itself as a relevant MICE destination in third place in the ICCA,  International and Convention Association ranking.

The Chilean capital according to the prestigious 2024 ranking of ICCA elevated itself as one of the main destinations for meeting tourism and a host city for international congresses at the continental level surpassing metropolies such as Bogotá, Mexico City, São Paulo and Toronto among others.

The announcement was made at IMEX Frankfurt, one of the most relevant events in the MICE segment that focuses on Meetings, Incentives and Exhibtions.

The first ftwo positions in this special ranking were occupied by Buenos Aires and Montreal respectively, while Santiago ranked third in this very competitive scenario.

This remarkable achievement reflects international recognition of the country's sustained efforts in the field of meeting tourism and as additional note, at the national level, Chile also managed to climb positions in the global ranking going from 39th to 37th place, and ranked fourth in South America, behind Brazil, Argentina and Colombia.

During 2023, Chile hosted a total of 98 international congresses, conventions, and seminars, 21 more than in the previous year, and of these, 60 took place in Santiago, which shows its leading role in the large - scale events industry in the country.

Santiago's success is largely attributed to the articulated work of the Meet in Chile program, promoted by Sernatur, the National Tourism Service of Chile, in conjunction with regional convention bureaus and private sector companies, an initiative that has been key in promoting the country as a destination for international events and congresses.

The Undersecretary of Tourism, Verónica Pardo, celebrated this achievement as a strategic opportunity for Chile stating that being well positioned in this international ranking is a recognition and also boost for the economic development and international projections of the country.

The National Director of Sernatur, Cristóbal Benitez, highlighted the importance of the MICE segment for Chilean tourism positioning, declaring that this segment is among country's priorities to improve Chile competitiveness and global recognition, including the enhancement of secondary destinations.

During 2024, Chile has intensified its presence at international fairs such a Firexpo Latam, IMEX America and ICCA Summit, and has carried out training in strategies markets such as Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and the Pacific Alliance, actions that have generated important achievements to date, Chile has won 13 new events and maintains five active applications.

Thanks to these efforts accompanied by brilliant results, more than 3.350 international delegates are expected to arrive in the country in the coming years, strengthening the local economy and promoting emerging destinations.

This new international recognition reinforces Chile's commitment to the development of meeting tourism as a key axis for sutainable and inclusive growth with Santiago as a relevant hub in the MICE sector.

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/santiago-importante-destino-mice-en-el-3-er-lugar-en-ranking-icca/

Québec, Canada | Nine Restaurants Awarded MICHELIN Stars

MICHELIN Guide puts Québec in focus recognising the Canadian province as a relevant foodie destination for its rich cuisine offer delighting the most refined palates.

Nine restaurants of Québec, eastern province of Canada, characterized by a diverse landscape, encompassing the Canadian Shield, Appalachian Mountains, St.Lawrence Lowlands, and Ungava Peninsula, the largest of Canada's 10 provinces in area and second only to Ontario in population were awarded MICHELIN by the famous MICHELIN guide.

Québec cuisine, also known as French Canadian cuisine is a unique blend of French, British, and Indigeous influences, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and hearty, comfort foods dishes, famed for dishes like poutine, cretons, tourtière, smoked meat, bagels and crêpes among others , reflecting its history and diverse cultural influences, highly appreciated for its creativity and varied flavours.

Tanière located in the heart of Old Québec, a place steeped in history that always strived to push the boundaries of true Québec cuisine, and offering two distinct experiences, the chef's couter ad the dining room cellar, was the first crowned with two MICHELIN stars by anonymus inspectors.

The popular restaurant was praised for its excellent "cooking" and deemed "worth a detour", and it features sophisticated cooking methods, succulent sauces and a rigorous balance of flavours.

The restaurants with one star include : 

·       ARVI, Quebec City

·       Jerôme Ferrer - Europea, Montreal

·       Kebec Club Privé, Quebec City

·       Laurie Raphaë, Quebec City

·       Légende, Quebec City

·       Mastard, Montreal

·       Narval, Rimouski

·       Sabayon, Montreal

MICHELIN noted that Kebec Club Privé showcased local ingredients with astonishing simplicity and Mastard highlighted quality produce, which was executed in a modern and trendy style.

Légende greatly celebrates little - known Indigenous ingredients, which are put to clever and creative use, while Sabayon desert and smooth and elegant service was the restaurant's strenght.

International Director of the MICHELIN guide, Gwendal Poullennec, said that the anonymous Inspectors were thoroughly impressed with their dining experiences across the entire province of Québec.

The selection boasts a wide array of distinction and cuisine types from Stars to Bib Gourmands to Recommeded restaurants, all highlighting unique regional ingredients and extraordinary techniques.

Québec has become a notable foodie destination with several gourmet road trips, including the Véloroute Gourmande food trail, Wine route, and Gaspésie Tour. Blueberry lovers can enjoy festival du bluet and beer conoisseurs can take part in the famous Festbiére de Québec among others.

Link - https://www.sellingtravel.co.uk/michelin-guide-puts-quebec-in-focus/