Brazil | Announced New Resources for Training in Tourism

Brazil, the largest and most populous country in South and Latin America through its Ministry of Tourism announced the update of the didactic material available on the "Qualifica Turismo" platform, with the incorporation of eight new educational booklets.

This initiative strengthens technical training in the tourism sector and expands access to key content for the profesionalization of the tourism in the country.

The new resources were developed by IFPA, the Federal Institute of Pará and are available free of charge and online designed to complement the courses offered by the National School of Tourism, serving as support tools for both students and teachers in the area.

These booklets cover a variety of topics essential to the operation and management of tourism activities and among them are : 

•    Quality of service to tourists 
•    Organization of events
•    Web hosting 
•    Business management for tourism
•    Design of tourism itineraries 
•    Environmental education and sustainability 
•    Driving of tourist attractions 
•    Maid functions 

Each booklet includes a thematic introduction, theoretical content, as well as activities and quizzes to reinforce the knowledge acquired. 

The approach with all these resources seeks to promote dynamic training to the reality of the market. 
In a statement the Ministry of Tourism said that the objective is to continue qualifying the Brazilian workforce, guaranteeing a more professional, sustainable and competitive tourism.

The initiative is aligned with efforts to modernize and democratize access to technical education in the sector.

The Qualifica Tourism Platform has been a fundamental key tool to expand training in the tourism sector in different regions of Brazil, especially in areas with tourism potential and less access to face - to - face educational institutions and with this update, it is expected to attract even more users to the platform.

The production of the material by IFPA reinforces the cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism and federal technical education institutions, a model that has proven to be effective for the development of quality content aligned with market demands.

The National School of Tourism, responsible for offering courses, seeks with this expansion to strengthen the learning process of thousands of professionals who are already active or wish to enter the tourism sector in a platform that offers free and open access guarantee inclusion and equity in training.

 n addition to improving the quality of tourism services, this measure also aims to increase the competitiveness of Brazilian destinations, promoting more positive experiences for the national and international visitors.

With these actions, the Ministry of Tourism reaffirms its commitment to education as a strategic tool for the development of tourism and the generation of employment and income throughout the country.

 Link - https://infoturlatam.com/brasil-cuenta-con-nuevos-recursos-para-capacitar-en-turismo/

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Launched a New Resort in Nea Potidea, Halkidiki, Greece

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois launched on 1st June 2025 Zélia Halkidiki, a Destination By Hyatt Hotel, an Adults - Only - Resort that marks the first destination by Hyatt property in Greece, expanding the brand's presence in Europe. 

The new resort nestled on a serene hillside surrounded by olive groves is situated in Nea Potidea, a small centre 30 kilometres south west of Poligiros, the capital of of Halkidiki region in Northern Greece, a land known for its jutting peninsulas highlighted by Mediterranean forests that gives way to stunning sandy and pine - fringed beaches in sheltered bays.

Zélia Halkidiki, a Destination By Hyatt Hotel aims to provide a serene environment, blending modern design with natural elements and it features 104 comfortable rooms and suites, each designed with natural materials and colours inspired by the local, Mediterranean landscape with amenities such as a 55 – inch smart TV, a rain shower, and Le Labo toiletries.

The resort offers a variety of dining options such as Mesogaea, offering Mediterranean cuisine with a special focus on seasonal ingredients, Shizen serves a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian gastronomy, Syntrofi, situated in the resort olive groves, offering a farm - to table experience, and Zest, a stylish poolside restaurant serving traditional Greek dishes.

Wellness facilities at the resort include jetted bathtub, a heated indoor pool, sensory showers and a quiet room while the spa offers a range of service for rejuvenation and relaxation.

The property also features outdoor swimming pools, the Hebe infinity pool and the Zest pool, guests can also participate in daily yoga and Pilates sessions and in addition enjoying weekly cinema nights outdoors.  

Links

https://www.hyatt.com/destination-by-hyatt/en-US/zoeha-zelia-halkidiki

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136727.html

Grand Mercure, Accor Group | Opened a New Hotel in Batam Centre, Indonesia

Grand Mercure, a brand part of Accor Group, French multinational hospitality company based in Issy - les - Moulineaux opened a new hotel in Batam Centre, marking the brand’s debut in the Indonesian city. 

This development introduces the Grand Mercure brand to Batam, the largest city in the Indonesian province of Riau Islands, in a free zone part of the Sijori Crescent Triangle located 20 kilometres along Singapore on the southern coast, a key location close to international transports links and commercial facilities. 

The Grand Mercure Batam Centre enters in a business hotel brand well known to offer bespoke cultural experiences with premium service and modern comfort.

The hotel is located within a 5 - minute drive of Batam Centre Ferry Terminal providing easy access to Malaysia and Singapore,  the city centre and near One Batam Mall, enhancing its appeal to both business and leisure travellers thanks to its prime location.

The property features 230 comfortable rooms and suites accurately designed to reflect the island’s coastal landscape.

The interior design of the hotel incorporates elements inspired by local cultural motifs including the Batik Gonggong pattern, iconic of the Riau Island’s artistic heritage, prominently featured in the hotel staff uniforms, aligning with the brand’s focus on cultural immersion.

The establishment offers a variety of dining options such as Ambrosia, the all - day dining restaurant serving local cuisine, featuring excellent dishes like Luti Gendang and Mie Tarempa among others while Lounge and Celeste Café provide a casual setting for light meals and refreshments by the pool.

Amenities include a large swimming pool, a spa, fitness centre, a children’s club and several spaces for events and meetings, including the Rarantira Grand Ballroom, a venue that can accommodate up to 1.200 guests featuring a Pillarless design with high ceilings, making it suitable for large gatherings and relevant corporate events.

Grand Mercure Batam Centre also provides additional meetings rooms with modern technological support and natural lighting, ideal for smaller conferences and social events. 

Links

https://all.accor.com/hotel/B549/index.en.shtml
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136684.html

Cusco, Peru | PROMPERÚ Secured Hotel Investment in the City for $17 Million

A new hotel will be implemented in the centre of of Cusco, famed city in southeastern Peru located near the iconic Sacred Valley of the Andes mountain range, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Western Hemisphere and legendary former capital of the Inca Empire with an investment of $17 million, as reported by PROMPERÚ,  the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism.

The hotel investment mission is part of Mincetur, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism strategy, through PROMPERÚ, to attract foreign direct investment to the tourism sector.

This move was made within the framework of the investment plan aimed at the hotel industry organized by PROMPERÚ and which got representatives of nine international companies in the hotel industry, including Argenway, to come to Peru to learn about and evaluate investment projects in Arequipa, Cusco and Lima in situ.

Argenway, an Argentine company based in Rosario, dedicated to the construction, development and management of hotels through interational franchises, after various operations at national level, decided to enter the Peruvian hotel market, and together with two national partners, will develop a 5 - star hotel providing 95 rooms under an international brand of global scale.

PROMPERÚ provided Argenway with information on the conditions to establish itself in the country, accompaniment in the exploration and recognition of projects, as well as contacts with local governments, chambers and associations relevant to its operations.

This plan was carried out with the support of PROLIMA, the Regional Government of Arequipa, the Regional Government of Cusco, Canatur, the National Chamber of Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce of Cusco.

CEO of Argenway, Lisandro Cristiá said that after two years exploring the Peruvian market, the company decided to develop a hotel in Cusco, a city whose appeal is recognised worldwide.

To be able to close Argenway's participation in this project PROMPERÚ's invitation helped a lot, because it allowed the group to obtain an overview of the real estate offer, location, values and potentialities.

Apart this operation in Cusco there are other potential investments in the Andean country. Currently two U.S. companies and one from Colombia participants in PROMPERÚ's hotel investments are evaluating their entry or expansion into the Peruvian market.

The estimated investment amount is approximately US$31 million, and potential projects are located in the capital of the country, Lima and Cusco.

Between 2023 and 2024, Peru has managed to register $2409 million of foreign direct investment in the tourism sector through 47 investment projects, according to information from the Financial Times's fDi Market platform. Most of the projects, about 83% belong to the accommodation category.

During the period 2020 – 2024, Peru, together with Brazil, has positioned itself as the first favourite destination for foreign direct investment in tourism in South America and third in Latin America and the Caribbean. Capital has been executed or committed for nine hotels and tourism projects during that period. 

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/promperu-aseguro-compromisos-de-inversion-hotelera-en-cusco-por-usd-17-millones/

Manzanillo, Mexico | Artificial Reef System Development with Sunked Ships to Promote Marine Conservation in the Bay of Santiago

Manzanillo, a Pacific Ocean port city and resort in the Mexican state of Colima, known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, numerous coral reefs, shipwrecks and dive sites, a renowned destination for surfing, water sports and deep - sea sportfishing with a high concentration of marlin, will be the site for the development of an artificial reef system that will be created with sunked ships to promote marine conservation in the Bay of Santiago.

In an effort to promote ecotourism, marine conservation and sustainable economic development, the Government of the State of Colima, through the Undersecretary of Tourism and in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Navy, announced the creation of SAAC, Colima’s first Artificial System.

This innovative project will take in the waters of the Bay of  Santiago, a gulf characterized by having become a favourite destination for locals more than 50 years ago, highlighted by its quiet beaches and blue waters, ideal place for for families who prefer staying at the numerous hotels in the area and close to shopping and entertainment centre, in front of the captivating Juluapan Peninsula, a popular area known for its natural beauty, luxury vacation rentals and offering diverse opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

The project contemplates the controlled sinking of two former ships donated by the Secretariat of the Navy : the ocean patrol “Baranda” and the tugboat “Cora”.

Currently, both vessels have already completed their service cycle and are undergoing a meticulous cleaning and decontamination process, following the highest environmental standards, with the aim of being submerged in November 2025.

Once on the seabed, those structures will serve as a basis for the formation of new habitats, promoting the regeneration of marine life such as corals, fish, muolluscs, and other species will find new home here. 

This initiative goes further and it will include the creation of an underwater museum with themed sculptures and naval artifacts.

In addition, there will be an environmental education program aimed at children, with activities that promote respect and care for the marine environment from an early age, a proposal makes the AAC a conservation space, and a cultural and educational attraction.

The AAC took inspiration from the successful SAAS, Sonoran Artificial Reef System and is shaping up to be the second artificial reef system with a tourist vocation in Latin America, which will have benefits that go beyond the environment.

This development promises a positive impact on the local economy, expected to be a driver for the increase in overnight visits, the demand for tourist services such as hotels, diving, gastronomy and maritime transports, as well as to boost marine scientific researches.

The project is aligned with the State Development Plan 2021 - 2027, and represents a joint work between the Undersecretary of Tourism of the State of Colima, the Secretariat of the Navy, the Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Development of Colima, and the City Council of Manzanillo.

With the inauguration of the SAAC, Manzanillo will strengthen its tourism offer beyond its famous beaches and port life, from diving on artificial reefs to discovering underwater sculptures, visitors will have one more reason to admire the natural and cultural richness of the region enjoying in addition this new attraction.

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/colima-crearan-arrecife-artificial-con-buques-hundidos-en-manzanillo/

Porto, Portugal | Remarkable Tourism Performances in 2024 Continuing to Show Signs of Growth

Porto, the second largest city of Portugal after the capital of the country Lisbon continuing to show signs of growth after remarkable performances in tourism in 2024 with both domestic and international overnight stays.

The Councilor of the City Council in charge of this portfolio, Catarina Santos Cunha, despite these brilliant results considers that there is a lot of work, together with sector, to qualify the offer and to capitalize on the new trends, ensuring sustainable and balanced growth, with benefits both visitors and residents.

Tourism in the Portuguese city continues to show signs of growth, with data pointing to a sustained increase in several points in the sector, reflecting apart its attractiveness, rich cultural ad historical heritage, an excellent offering in various segments and for diverse travellers.

 According to indicators released by INE, the National Statistics Institute, interpreted by the municipality, the total revenue of tourist accommodation establishments reached €492 million, which translates into a growth of 12.8% compared to the same period last year, which correspond to more than six million overnight stays in tourist accommodation with more than 10 beds, and he number of guests also rose, reaching 2.967.090, according to the National Statistics Institute, reflecting a positive variation of 6.9% compared to 2023. 

The average annual RevPAR, revenue per available room was €80.0, reflecting the appreciation of the sector, according to a note from the City Coucil, which states that, with regard to consumption with foreign cards in the city, the year 2024 reached €588 million.

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport also recorded an increase in the number of passengers, with a total of more than 15 million passengers oin 2024, which represents a positive variation of 4.9%.

The data from the municipal tourist tax followed this evolution, with a revenue of around €20.9 million.

The mayor point out that the strategy of the Municipality of Porto has been to invest in the training of agents in the sector, through programs that have been promoted, such as Confiança Porto, in the areas of accommodation, tourist circuits, and cultural equipment agents, and others in partnership with the School of Hospitality and Tourism of Porto.

A further strategy was managing the tourist load, with the decentralization of tourist flows to peripheral areas of Porto through the eight blocks of the city.

The councilor of the City Council stressed that it is important to continue to invest in improving the visitor experience and promoting initiatives aimed at attracting new tourist profiles, such as the Global Kitchen projects, Curated Porto, and the activities in the Great Wine Capitals network, which position Porto as a quality and differentiating destination, but that also benefit and contribute to the quality of life of those who are daily in the city.

Based on forecasts from the European Travel Commission, which indicate that, in 2025, Europeans plan longer trips with higher budgets, and that about 30% of Europeans plan to spend between €1.501 and €2.500 per trip, while 17% consider spending more than €2.500  is expected that tourism activity in Porto can continue to grow, driven both by international trends and by local initiatives, such as increased investment in new tourist accommodation units and the improvement of the visitor experience.

Link - https://www.publituris.pt/2025/05/09/turismo-no-porto-confirma-crescimento-em-2024

Rabat, Morocco | New Permanent Headquarter of the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions

Rabat, Morocco’s capital, founded in the 12th century by the Almohads, a dynasty linked to the Masmuda Berber tribes settled in the High Atlas, located on the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bouregreg opposite Salé, thev city’s main commuter town, a centre known for relevant landmarks that speak to its Islamic and French - colonial heritage, including the famous Kasbah of the Udayas is the new permanent headquarter of AFROSAI, the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions.

Following a formal agreement signed in the Moroccan capital, the accord was concluded between Morocco’s Foreign Minister Minister Nasser Bourita and Zineb El Adaoui, the President of Morocco’s Court of Auditors and the current Secretary General of AFROSAI.

This event formalises a decision made in December 2024 in Tripoli, the capital of Libya, where AFROSAI’s General Assembly elected Morocco’s Court of Auditors to serve both as Secretary General and to host permanently the institution. 

AFROSAI, created in November 1976, is the African Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions aims to promote and develop the exchange of ideas and experiences among the SAIs of the African states in the field of the audit public finances by : 

•    Inmplementing systematic studies concerning the audit of public finances
•    Organising training course for personnel charged with carrying out audit tasks
•    Collaborating with INTOSAI, its regional working groups, and other organisations and institutions specialized in the audit of public finances.

This new agreement with the installation of AFROSAI in Morocco outlines the framework defining the responsibilities of each party as well as the legal privileges and immunities granted to the orgamization’s headquarters.

By welcoming this important pan - African body to its capital Rabat, Morocco is positioning itself more firmly within Africa’s networks of regional cooperation.

For Moroccan Institutions, the decision reflects a broader commitment to good governance and the rule law, particularly through enhanced oversight of public finances.

 n addition this new role of Morocco demonstrates the country’s intent to foster stronger ties among Africa’s auditing institutions through shared knowledge and best practices.

Link - https://en.7news.ma/rabat-becomes-new-home-of-africas-top-audit-institution-afrosai/