Puerto Madryn, Argentina | Developing the Largest Underwater Park in the South of the Country

Puerto Madryn, a centre on the coast of northern Patagonia in the the province of Chubut, capital of the Viedma Department, protected by the Golfo Nuevo, a large bay formed by the Peninsula Valdés, important nature reserve which was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999 and the Punta Ninfa, a promontory on the Atlantic Ocean, known for its lighthouse and location of an important colony of elephant seals is developing the largest underwater park in southern Argentina.

This project contemplates the controlled sinking of boats to generate a unique attraction for diving through activities and instructures for all ages and sports levels.

In the first instance, the shipwreck of the ship Primavera that belonged to the yellow fleet that contributed to transforming Puerto Madryn into a reference destination in terms of underwater tourism has already been carried out.

The plan includes the sinking of six additional ships, which will be added to the Primavera in the coming months to complete the underwater park. According to the Governor of Chubut this initiative will consolidate the province as a leader in diving tourism and strengthen the local economy.

The operation was carried out with the collaboration of the Argentine Naval Prefecture and various provincial and municipal agencies, demonstrating the joinr commitment ro promote tourism in the region.

The Governor of Chubut Ignacio Torres, stressed the importance of this project because it will significantly boost tourism activity in the province and in the entire region, especially with regard to the activity of diving, which from now on will have a unique circuit in the world.

The Governor added that this initiative goes hand in hand with the circular and sustainable economy scheme that the province is carrying out throughout its territory, and that has allowed the institution to once again be a showcase and example in the world.

Puerto Madryn Underwater Park is one of Chubut's efforts to promote sustainable and diversified tourism development. With the construction of this complex, the province will be positioned as a first - class destination for adventure tourism in South America.

Link 

https://www.eldiariodeviaje.ar/index.php/es/destinos/latinoamerica/item/3466-puerto-madryn-chubut-buceo-parque-subacuatico-argentina

Great Wolf Lodge | Officially Opened its 23rd Property in Mashantucket, Connecticut, U.S.

Great Wolf Resorts, Inc, an American chain of resort hotels and indoor water parks founded in 1997 and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, a company that owns and operates its family resort under the Great Wolf Lodge Brand, officially opened its 23rd property in Mashantucket, a census - designated place in the northeastern part of the town of Ledyard, New London County in the state of Connecticut, U.S. 

Great Wolf Lodge Mashatuncket is adjacent to Foxwoods Resort Casino situated along Trolley Line Boulevard marks the brand's first resort in Connecticut, and the third in the Northeast region and was funded by a $300 million investment from Blackstone and Centerbridge Partners.

This development aims to create over full and part time 500 job and is expected to attract 500.000 visitors annually,  generating a notable contribution to the local economy.

The resort opening is part of a strategic move and a significant achievement of the group in diversifying and strengthening the regional economy, and it donated $52.000 to Make - A - Wish Connecticut as part of the grand opening celebration.

The property provides 549 comfortable and spacious family - friendly suites with contemporary design, available in various categories and styles.

Great Wolf Lodge Mashatuncket represents the brand's "next generation" Great Wolf Lodge such as an innovative water park attractions, a family entertainment centre known as the Great Wolf Adventure Park.

This extensive area, features a 92.000 - square - foot indoor water park and a 61.000 - square - foot adventure park with a new water - coaster slide, a regional family raft adventure, a multi - level ropes course with a zipline experience, and a new virtual reality attraction like a storytelling experience in the Grand Lobby.

The establishment also offers a collection of dining options range from pizza and burgers to full - service dining at Fireside and premium ice cream at Wood's End Creamery.

Link - https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136401.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | To Open a New Indigo Hotel in Gandia, Spain

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK in partnership with Senator Hotels & Resorts, Spanish hotel chain headquartered in Roquetas de Mar, Almeria will open a new Indigo Hotel in Gandia, municipality in the Valencian Community, capital of the county of La Safor, set in unusual landscape between the mountains inland and the Mediterranean Sea.

Senator Hotels & Resorts already announced in September 2024 that he was going to manage a new boutique hotel in Gandia according to HOSTELTUR tourism news.

The future Hotel Indigo Gandia Beach, which Senator Hotels & Resorts will operate under the IHG Hotels & Resort brand, within its innovative line of Partner Brand Hotel Management will open its doors on 11th July 2025.

The hotel enters in the boutique hotel brand Indigo, known for its vibrant community - focused properties that reflect the unique stories of the neighborhoods they are located in offering a blend of luxury and lifestyle with a special focus on local experiences.

Hotel Indigo Gandia Beach is located on the beachfront of  Gandia with its contemporary design integrates references to the Mediterranean environment, according to sources from the chain is designed for demanding travellers looking for authentic and memorable experiences.

The property will feature 40 comfortable rooms, and a chill out bar by the pool where guests can enjoy cocktails with dishes to accompany it.

This opening marks a new milestone for IHG Hotels & Resorts with a portfolio expansion in Spain and for Senator Hotels & Resorts, which has already demonstrated its commitment to the destination with its Senator Gandia urban hotel and its Senzia Spa Gandia spaces or the Marao by Paco Pérez restaurant.

With this opening the Andalusian chain expands its diversified portfolio and apart from its own brands, it now also includes international brands such as Hotel Indigo, later Vignette Collection or voco, among others.

Link 
https://www.hosteltur.com/170013_el-nuevo-hotel-indigo-gandia-beach-de-senator-ya-tiene-fecha-de-apertura.html

Barbados | After a Five - Year Hiatus, the Island's Premier B2B Event, “Connect Barbados” Returns this Year

Barbados, an island country in the Atlantic Ocean, part of the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, the esternmost island of the Caribbean region located on the boundary of the South American and Caribbean plates, a tropical paradise surrounded by turquoise waters, bursting with vibrant scenery and culture, highlighted by spectacular fine soft - sand beaches,  an untouched nature and a renowned cuisine after a five - year hiatus will celebrate this year "Connect Barbados" once again.

The island's premier B2B event returns in 2025, scheduled for June 23 - 26,  the most prominent travel conference of the country will be held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Resort, Sam Lords Castle located at End of Belair Road, Long Bay in Bridgetown.

For four exclusive days, Connect Barbados will bring together leading international tour operators, decision - makers in the travel sector, local service providers, and welcoming delegates from the island's main source market.

In addition to intense networking sessions and business meetings, the 2025 edition proudly reintroduces the Connect Barbados Awards, last held in 2019, to pay tribute to commercial sector partners whose work and collaboration have contributed to raising Barbados' image, reputation and global profile.

CEO of BTMI, Barbados Tourism Marketing, Andrea Franklin, said that the return of Connect Barbados marks a critical milestone for the island and for the global travel community that continues to support the country.

As primary B2B platform of the destination, Connect Barbados plays a vital role fostering meaningful business relationship between international tour operators, travel partners and the committed players in the Barbados tourism sector.

Barbados Tourism Marketing CEO added that it is through these collaborations that it is possible to drive sustainable growth, create new business opportunities and strengthen Barbados's position in the global tourism market, pleased to meet the operators again to celebrate excellence and chart for an exciting future together.

This year, under the dynamic theme "From Street Flavour to Gourmet Glamour....A Culinary Adventure Awaits ! " Connect Barbados 2025 will also celebrate the island's vibrant culinary scene, from the humble delights of street food and traditional local rum shops, to the heights of fine dining excellence.

Link - https://infoturlatam.com/connect-barbados-el-principal-evento-b2b-de-la-isla-regresa-en-2025/

Saudi Arabia | Standard Incentives Programme to Attract Global Industrial Investors Launched

Saudi Arabia is actively working on diversifying its economy and advancing towards its vision 2030 goals of new tourist hotspots, global events and increased sustainability and launched Standard Incentives programme to attract global industrial investors.

The country is unlocking new industrial opportunities and a key objective of the Standards Incentives for the Industrial Sector is to maximize the Kingdom's industrial competitiveness and attract investors by offering sustained financial and operational performances enablement for up seven years, throughout both the construction and operational phases, enabling manufacturing and much more.

One area that is perhaps most crucial to this evolution is the offering of international business investments, with Saudi Arabia providing an abundance of natural resources and diverse opportunities for investors expansion in the Kingdom.

The Saudi Government fully supports foreign investments in the country and its Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment, developed the Standard Incentives for the Industrial sector in January 2025.

The Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector provides enablers to innovative projects that will grow the country's industrial capacities.

The initiative is currently open to all sectors and focuses on fostering investments in products thar are currently not produced in Saudi Arabia, encouraging diversification and self - sufficiency.

Saudi Arabia is going full stream ahead on its efforts to accelerate the development of the Kingdom's industrial sector but understands that it can not do this completely alone.

 The Standards Incentives also align with the renowned Saudi Vision 2030, the National Investment Strategy and the National Industry Strategy, positioning the country as a competitive manufacturing hub for the region.

For the industrial sector the Standard Incentives programme represents an open door to a wide range of businesses including sole proprietorships, companies, limited partnerships, joint ventures, joint stock companies and limited liability companies. 

To qualify, projects must establish a new facility or expand an existing one to manufacture products not currently produced in Saudi Arabia, demonstrate a minimum equity participation of 25% in the initial investment and maintaining a financially sound position evaluated through a creditworthiness assessment. 

For Investors, the Standard Incentives for the Industrial Sector presents an opportunity to establish competitive manufacturing operations in a rapidly growing economy, while enabling Saudi Arabia in its mission to become a global leader in industrial innovation.

Investors can apply for Standard Incentives through the Senanei Platform where applicants go through an initial screening and detailed assessment procress : https://industry.sa/en/home 

Link 
https://fox2now.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/816871097/saudi-arabia-launches-standard-incentives-program-to-attract-global-industrial-investors/

Guatemala | Enhancing its Capital Market with a Focus on Sustainable Investment and Financial Democratization

Guatemala currently has a solid economy, the stability of its currency, the responsible management of public debt and growth projection of 3.8% indicate a relatively healthy economy, these characteristics make the Central American country attractive to investors and the nation is strengthening its capital market with a focus on sustainable investment and financial democratization.

Within the framework of the II Zima Investment Convention, the authorities of Mineco, the Ministry od Economy of Guatemala presented the progress in the modernization of the Guatemalan capital market during the panel "Advances of the Capital Market in Guatemala".

The debate, moderated by the Deputy Minister of Registry Affairs, Sara Larios was attended by the Deputy Minister of Investment and Competition, Valeria Prado and the Manager of the National Stock Exchange, Rolando San Román.

The Deputy Minister of Investment ans Competition during her speech highlighted the solid fundamentals of the national economy, including a stable currency, responsible management of public debt and growth projections of 3.8% for 2025.

The Minister declared that Guatemala is ready to be the strategic partner of investors seeking growth with impact highlighting the strategic role of of the Ministry of Economy and the promotion of the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment carried out by ProGuatemala Agency, entity involved in trade or international relations, as evidenced by its inclusion in global trade databases like "The Trade Vision".

During the panel, the Deputy Minister of Registry Affair guided the conversation towards the financial inclusion efforts that Mineco promotes, highlighting initiatives such as treasury bonds accessible from Q1.100 and support programs for SMes, small and medium enterprises, stating that the institutions are working to make the capital market an accessible development tool for all Guatemala.

The Ministry of Economy reiterated its commitment to the creation of a modern and competitive financial ecosystem. These plans position the country as the largest economy in Central America and an attractive destination for investments aligned with global standards.

Link - https://mineco.gob.gt/guatemala-fortalece-su-mercado-de-capitales-con-enfoque-en-inversion-sostenible-y-democratizacion-financiera

Uganda | ELEVATE, Country’s First Luxury Helicopter Safari Adventure Launched

Uganda, a landlocked country in East Africa, known for its diverse landascape encompasses the snow - capped Rwenzori Mountains and immense Lake Victoria, highlighted by abundant wildlife and unique cultural heritage, national parks like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Queen National Park and Murchison Fall National Park, ideal sites to live authentic African experiences is living a new chapter in luxury travel with the launch of ELEVATE, country’s first luxury helicopter safari adventure.

This new exclusive service and unique experience born from a collaboration between Nile Safari Lodge, a comfort 4 - star spa accommodation located in Kimoli on the south bank of the Nile River in the Murchison Falls National Park, KEA, Kampala Executive Aviation, and NOVAM Ltd, operator and owner of Nile Safari Lodge that offers travellers a chance to witness the Pearl of Africa’s breathtaking landscapes from an unrivalled aerial perspective.

Uganda is a great destination that every year welcomes thousands of travellers from around the world, captivated by the iconic Murchison Falls National Park sits on the shore of Lake Albert in the northwest of the country, known for its stunning falls, where the Victoria Nile River surges, the vast expanse of Lake Victoria, and the ancient, misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park established in 1991, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for being home to a significant portion of of the world’s mountain gorilla population.

Travellers traditionally explore these wonders by water or road through guided safaris but the advent of ELEVATE redefines the experience, allowing guests to ascend above it and discover Uganda’ s natural beauty from the skies.

Director of Nile Safari Lodge, Nathalie Van Pée said that for over 25 years, her family called Uganda home, guided by a clear mission, that one to showcase it as a premier travel destination through world - class luxury experiences. With ELEVATE is possible to offer more than just stunning landscapes, there is a unique opportunity to provide visitors the freedom to explore them from the skies.

KEA, Kampala Executive Aviation Director, Philip Gill, explained that as the aviation partner of this groundbreaking venture, now KEA, Kampala Executive Aviation brings its wealth of experience to the skies and ELEVATE is more than just a helicopter ride, it is a journey of discovery.

The expertise of the company in providing specialised aviation solutions ensures that guests experience the wonders of Uganda with unparalleled safety and comfort.

Guests embarking on the ELEVATE experience will enjoy sweeping aerial views of the African country’s iconic landscapes, including the dense forests, winding rivers and the sprawling savannah that make Uganda the Pearl of Africa.

Reservation to embark on ELEVATE are now open, offering flexible packages tailored to each traveller’s preferences. Guests can book directly through Nile Safari Lodge or reach out to the reservation team for a personalised itinerary.

Link - https://atta.travel/resource/elevate--uganda-s-first-luxury-helicopter-safari-takes-flight.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | Signed an Agreement to Open a Regent Hotel in Chengdu, China

IHG Hotels & Resorts , British multinational hospitality company based in Windosr, Berkshire, England, UK has signed an agreement with ...