Cuba | Expectations to Welcome up to 2.6 Million International Visitors in 2025

 

Cuba, island country located where the Atlantic Ocean, the northern Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico meet, a land highlighted by pristine beaches, rainforests, lively seaside towns, luxury resorts and a fascinating scene offering a unique cultural experience has expectactions to welcome up to 2.6 million international visitors in 2025, a figure that means a growth of 18% over what was estimated for 2024.

Cuba's Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos Garcia Granda linked to that said that since the beginning of 2024, there has been a trend of decrease in the destination's security perception index, and the negative impact of ESTA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the visa waiwer application, on the decision of European and Chilean visitors continues.

The Minister added that the need to perfect a closed financing scheme and ensure compliance with standards throughout Cuba's tourism system and that this is essential for the recovery of the tourism sector, presenting a decent tourism product able to stimulate demand.

For the Minister, 2024 has been a tough year for tourism, due to labor fluctuation, the effects on the provision of services, the lack of insurance and supplies, the migratory phenomenon in tourism operations, as well as the media campaign against the sector in the country.

These results have been reflected in the high prices of turbofuels, although as a positive aspect, e - commerce in the tourism sector is consolidated and progress continues to be made to complete the use of all electronic payment channels, under the principle that the banking process is a fundamental premise to provide a quality service.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/104651_en_2025_cuba_preve_26m_de_llegadas_de_visitantes_extranjeros

Guatemala | Planned Strategies to Attract National and International Tourism

 

Guatemala, nation situated south of Mexico, the most populous country in Central America, bordered to the south by the Pacific Ocean and to the northeast by the Gulf of Honduras, home to ancient Maya sites, rainforests and volcanoes through the Vice President of the country Karin Herrera and the Director of INGUAT, the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism Harris Whitbeck is managing planned strategies attract national and international tourism.

In a meeting the Vice President of Guatemala commented that it is essential strengthening the works plans and strategies for the year 2025 in relation to tourism through INGUAT and thus exceed the goals in the second year of management.

The Vice President reported that work continues for the communities of the Lake Atitlan basin, situated 50 kilometres west - northwest of Antigua and for the border populations with other countries, such as El Salvador and Honduras,in the Trifinio region, a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve recognized by UNESCO in 2011, an ecological area of great value for its flora and fauna and very important for the three countries because it is the origin of the Lempa rivers, which are a vital source for these Central American nations and with the aim to attract in this area more national and international tourists.

For the Head od INGUAT, Guatemala closed 2024 with 3.037.282 non - residents visitors, which represents a growth of 15% compared to 2023, and 19% compared to 2019, the last year before the covid - 19 pandemic.

In the last year INGUAT focused its efforts on being able with planned strategies to position Guatemala as a safe and authentic destination, offering memorable experiences that have managed to captivate both international travellers and domestic tourism.

In addition the impact of this relevant growth has been reflected in foreign exchange revenues,which, according to preliminary projections, reached $1,324 million, which means an increase of 2% compared to the data recorded in the previous full year, 2023.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/104658_destacan_el_fortalecimiento_del_turismo_en_guatemala

Brazil | “No Place like Brazil”, Tourist Campaign to Promote the Charm and Authenticity of the Country in Europe

 Brazil, the largest, most populous and easternmost nation in South America, well known for its vibrant and lively cities, long, stunning beaches, dense forests including the Amazon, the world’s largest jungle, its “pampas”, vast, dry grasslands, sprawling wetlands, immense plateau, its great biodiversity and its varied cultural heritage with an eye on the increase in international tourists is launching a tourist campaign in named “No place like Brazil” to promote the charm and authenticity of the country  in Europe.

In 2024 the South American country registered an all - time record number of international visitors and projects further growth for 2025, with actions targeting strategic markets with a very attractive offer with several products in different segments developed to satisfy the most demanding travellers.

Brazil with its incomparable diversity and the power of its culture reached historic tourism figures in 2024, with a 20% increase in the arrival of European visitors and to further intensify this expansion, Embratur, the Brazilian Tourist Board, federal, state - owned agency reporting to the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism launched a new campaign named “No Place like Brazil” in Europe on 22th January 2025.

This initiative highlights attractive destinations that emphasize the exuberance and beauty of Brazilian nature and consolidates the country as one of the most desired destinations in the world, focusing on promoting strategic segments and niches, reinforcing authentic and sustainable experiences, a campaign that furthermore shows Brazil’s advantages such as its warm climate, idyllic beaches, its rich biodiversity, culture, traditions and gastronomy.

The campaign is aimed at the markets of Belgium, France, Germany the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and with special actions also in Spain will also take place on websites, social networks, community channels between 22^nd January and 28^th February 2025.

In addition “No Place Like Brazil” incorporates a complete strategy with the aim to attract more and more tourists at the various stages of the decision – making journey.

The President of the Tourism Promotion Agency, Embratur, Marcelo Freixo said that Europe has an important historical and cultural connection with Brazil, and the European campaign seeks to consolidate these ties by positioning Brazil in all its essence as one of the most destinations in the globe with a focus on authenticity and sutainability and the main goal is to show how Brazil is prepared to offer transformative experiences and exceptional destinations.

“No Place Like Brazil” is an initiative that reinforces Brazil’s commitment to offer European tourists not only breathtaking landscapes and the unique hospitality of the country but also a responsible and innovative tourism model.

The dissemination of the promotional pieces has been agreed upon based on Embratur’s strategic partnership with various actors, such as airlines, luxury agencies, distributions channels and tour operators, representing a collaboration model which seeks to maximize investments and increase the impact of promotional actions to position the country as an unforgettable destination, highlighting its leadership in biodiversity and also its commitment to responsible tourism.

The campaign is an essential part of a broader strategy by Brazilian Government Agency to increase awareness in the country’s destinations among tourism professionals and boost international business and sales.

Directly linked to that in the first quarter of 2025 Brazil will be present at three of the largest tourism fairs in Europe such as Fitur in Madrid, Spain, BTL in Lisbon, Portugal and ITB in Berlin, Germany and Embratur is expected to participate in more than 20 international sector fairs focusing to expand Brazil’s promotion.

The European market, characterized by its interest in cultural and sustainable tourism is undoubtedly strategic for Brazil as it is the second continent that sends the most tourist to the country.

The increase in international arrivals reflects Embratur’s efforts, which include in its plans joint commercial initiatives with tourism agents, famtours, press trips and very active for the expansion of air connectivity adding new air frequencies between Brazil and Europe.

The campaign highlights aspects of Brazil as one of the most biodiverse destinations in the world, committed to the sustainability agenda and ready to offer transformative experiences to a multitude of tourists.

Of notable relevance are destinations such as Foz do Iguaçu, famed city in the state of Paraná is the main base for visiting the emblematic Iguaçu Falls one of the largest waterfalls in the world, enjoying an immersion in its Atlantic rainforest and a rich biodiversity, and Rio de Janeiro, vibrant, seaside city highlighted by its paradisiacal beaches such as Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon, Barra de Tijuca, stunning landscapes, its culture and cosmopolitan essence and iconic landmarks will have a high profile in the promotional initiative.

Salvador, the capital of Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia, well known for its tropical coastline, colonial architecture and its vibrant Afro - Brazilian culture is another great highlight as well as the Amazon basin, with its vast rainforest, unique ecotourism experiences and rich gastronomy and the Pantanal, natural, region, encompassing the world’s largest tropical wetland area, located mostly within the state of Mato Grosso do Sul which offers horseback riding and safaris connecting in a while visitors to nature, all of these destinations are included among the 24 UNESCO World Heritage Sites that Brazil boasts.

With well planned and efficient international promotion strategies based on data analysis and market segmentation, Brazil has achieved growth in inbound tourism and in 2024 more than 6.5 million international travellers visited the country, 12% more compared to the previous year.

In addition, international tourists injected $6.620 million into the Brazilian economy between January and November 2024, a notable achievement consolidating tourism as a very important engine of economic growth for the South American country.

Link -  https://www.expreso.info/index.php/noticias/internacional/104695_en_marcha_la_campana_no_hay_lugar_como_brasil

Dubai – United Arab Emirates | Advancement in Promoting its Cultural Growth Strategies

 

Dubai, city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, located south of the Persian Gulf, in the Arabian Peninsula, known for its luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture and a lively nightlife scene, relevant hub for regional and international trade since the early 20th century with its economy relies on revenue from aviation, financial services, real estate, tourism, through the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority has launched the report "Creative Dubai :  Navigating Tomorrow's Creative Landscape",representing a relevant advancement in promoting its cultural growth strategies that empower organisations to make a responsible global impact.

This report essentially highlights Dubai's achievements in the cultural and creative industries, the main factors contributing to the city cultural vision, with key steps to position the emirate on the global cultural map transforming the city into a cultural destination and creative metropolis.

In this kind of roadmap is also present a comprehensive overview of the creative sector, which has established itself as a major economic force and accounting for 6.1% of the global economy, with a total value of $4.3 trillion.

On the other hand, it points out that the Emirates has the largest creative sector in the Middle East and North Africa region in 2021, having been valued at $13.700 million and according to Dubai's Cultural Statistics Framework, the cultural and creative industries of the most populous of the country's seven emirates generated AED 21.96 billion in value added in 2022 and contribute 4.6% to the emirates's GDP.

The report accurately indicates that there are 47.544 companies operating in Dubai's creative sectors, employing 175.727 employees, reflecting the size and impact of Dubai's creative economy.

Dubai in its in continuos progress and growth also managed to attract 896 FDI, foreign direct investments projects in the cultural and creative industries in 2023, thus increasing total capital inflows for FDI projects to AED 11.8 billion.

As further note, the report highlighted that Dubai is home to more than 40% of the start - ups have secured more than $1.0 million in funding in the Middle East and North Africa region, with 306 start – ups based in the emirate.

"Creative Dubai: Navigating Tomorrow's Creative Landscape" report also explains how Dubai's strong infrastructure and its business and cultural environment have contributed significantly to a constant progress and its global leadership in the region.

Finally, the report offers a comprehensive set of recommendations to promote the growth of Dubai's creative sector with detailed information, including the main focuses of opportunities for investors showing the most dynamic and expanding cultural and creative areas.

A particular emphasis of the report also focuses on the need for affordable technology solutions tailored to SMEs, adapting a hybrid business model that seamlessly integrates physical and digital operations and the importance of developing integrated information and data that connect the creative industry with educational institutions, thus ensuring that there is a sustainable talent pool, resource to manage the growth of the industry.

Link - https://www.expreso.info/noticias/internacional/104574_dubai_avanza_en_estrategias_de_crecimiento_cultural