Puerto Rico | "The Green Path", a New Interactive Platform Promoting Responsible Tourism Launched

Puerto Rico, captivating Caribbean island and unincorporated U.S. territory in celebration of Heart Day through Discover Puerto Rico, the official destination marketing for the country created by legislation in 2017 focuses on promoting tourism to the island, attracting and improving the visitor experience, and stimulating the local economy launched The Green Path", a new interactive platform promoting responsible tourism.

This innovative microsite aims to empower visitors to become certified "Responsible Travellers" through engaging educational content and immersive sustainability - based storytelling and it is a critical part of the organization's broader commitment to promoting responsible tourism and preserving Puerto Rico' unique natural, cultural, and historical assets for generation to come.

The Green Path initiative is based on insights from Skift Adivisory's Sustainable Tourism Best Practices and Opportunities for Puerto Rico assessment and developed in collaboration with local creators, cultural leaders and environmental stewards.

The platform invites travellers to embark on a personalized digital journey aligned with their travel values and along the way, they will learn best practices for ecological exploration throughout the Caribbean island.

At the heart of this initiative is a certification program that guides users through four essential pillars of sustainability, each tailored to different aspects of conscious travel and they are :

•    The Footprint - Exploring local farms, markets, and eco – food practices.
•    Legacy Journey - Preserving Puerto Rico's heritage through architecture, culture, and stories.
•    Nature Trails - Highlights the island's biodiversity and outdoor eco - adventures.
•    Mindful Stays - Showcase responsible accommodations and low – impact hosting options. 

Each pillar's landing page features an extensive collection of immersive content designed to inspire and inform travellers with highlights include a first - person chronicle that offers a personal perspective on experiences on the island.

Featured articles and lists covering sustainable travel, local restaurants, and cultural perspectives, and an interactive map with vivid descriptions help are the guidelines to help to navigate Puerto Rico.

In the platform visitors will also find curated itineraries meticously tailored to each pillar, plus interviews with community advocates brought to life through engaging short - form videos and as users progress through the microsite, they earn points and further information along the way.

Upon achieving a completion score of  80%, the users receive a downloadable and shareable badge that recognizes them as certified "Responsible Travellers to Visit Puerto Rico."

The achievement of this certification also unlocks access to exclusive offers and discounts from local partners who offer experiences and accommodations aligned with sustainable tourism practices. 

The launch of The Green Path marks the beginning of a phased content rollout, with new experiences and items being added regularly in each sustainability pillar. 

As part of the efforts, to promote responsible travel, a real - time calendar is now provided on the website, helping visitors plan trips by showing the availability of hotels and rentals across Puerto Rico. 

Designed to reduce overcrowding, encourage exploration beyond the most visited regions, and inspire longer stays, the microsite helps drive consistent occupancy and ensures that the benefits of tourism and shared more equitably across the Caribbean island.

In addition to the visitors oriented content, The Green Path will include customized resources for the MICE, tourism sector focuses on Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions industry segment and local tourism stakeholders, further supporting a unified path to a more conscious Puerto Rico.

The Director of Digital Marketinf of Discover Puerto Rico, Dalissa Zeda, said that the organization designed The Green Path as a modern approach to education and engagement.

By making sustainability personal and actionable, the aim of The Green PAth is to help visitors align their values with their vacation plans, fostering more meaningful travel experiences and supporting the long – term well – being of Puerto Rico.

Link - https://dailyweb.com.ar/noticias/val/50841/discover-puerto-rico-lanza-the-green-path.html

Switzerland | Università della Svizzera Italiana and UN Tourism Partner to Incorporate Fashion into Cultural Tourism

USI, the Università della Svizzera Italiana, a public Swiss University established in 1995, with campuses in Lugano, Mendrisio and Bellinzona, and UN Tourism, the United Nations World Tourism Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations which promotes responsible, sustainable and universally – accessible tourism, headquartered in Madrid, Spain established a partnership to incorporate fashion into cultural tourism.

The renowned Università della Svizzera Italiana, with more than 4.500 students and 1.400 professors and researchers from more than 110 countries conducts cutting - edge studies and offer's specialized master's program in both fashion, and tourism which alo has a UNESCO Chair in ICT to develop and promote sustainable tourism in World Heritage sites is actively working in this project which promises to have a notable impact in the international landscape.

Destinations are increasingly focusing on fashion to enhance the tourism experiences and empower local communities, especially indigenous populations, as well as small – scale creators and businesses.

However, as a new report by UN Tourism and the USI, Università della Svizzera Italiana, clearly indicates, tourist themselves still need to become more aware of responsible behaviour and to appreciate specific cultural context to a greater extent, through education and participation.

 Despite the growth of globalization and e - commerce, fashion related products such as accessories, jewelry, perfumes and textiles remain at their highest value when purchased in their home destinations. 

These items are more than souvenirs, they have their own personal story that connects travellers to culture and history, and identifies the places they visit. 

Based om case studies from 11 countries such as Lebanon, Indonesia, Italy, Nigeria, Peru, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and Tanzania the report highlights :

•    Shows how fashion and tourism are interwinded to boost local creators and attract a diverse audience.
•    Makes recommendations on low to create mutually beneficial synergies between the main players in fashion and tourism.
•    Promote tools that create an enabling environment for these stakeholders to co – create new products, while addressing marketing strategies, branding, and sustainability principles..
•    Highlights the need to raise awareness among tourists, encouraging responsible behaviour and greater appreciation of specific cultural contexts.

By combining traditional expressions of fashion with innovation, these examples show different ways in which the creative industry can be a tool for business opportunities, inclusive growth and cultural exchange across the globe.

Link - https://www.unwto.org/news/un-tourism-and-universita-della-svizzera-italiana-partner-to-incorporate-fashion-into-cultural-tourism

Hilton | Opened a new Hotel in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., American multinational company based Tysons,Virginia, group that manages and franchises a broad portfolio of hotels, resorts and timeshare properties across the world has opened a new hotel in Jabalpur, famous city in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.on  the banks of the Namada River, a centre with a rich cultural and historical heritage visible in its temples and museums, and a common gateway to the important wildlife sanctuaries including Bandhavgarh with its National Park, Kahna and Pench. 

The opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Jabalpur marks the company's initial forey into the city and becoming the first international branded hotel in the area, a significant milestone for Hilton in region's commercial and cultural hub and a very demanded destination for cultural tourism, adventures and a large range of outdoor activities.

 Hilton currently has a portfolio of 58 trading and pipeline hotels in South Asia and the new property is part of of a strategic focus on growth in emerging Tier II and III cities in the region.

 The opening of the hotel  is the result of a partnership with Ajay Satya Prakash Hospitality LLP, development and real estate company based in Jabalpur.

The Hilton Garden Inn Jabalpur is located at 466, Hitkarini College Road, Privadarashni Colony, 6.7 kilometres from Jabalpur Junction Station and just 8.0 kilometres from Jabalpur Airport, offering easy access to the city's business district, Civil Lines, educational institutions, and transport hubs and relevant attractions like Madan Mahal and Sangram Sagar Lake are situated just a few kilometres away.

The hotel features 101 comfortable and modern rooms and six suites and guests can ejoy the all-day restaurant Together & Co., serving a variety of local specialties and international dishes.

Amenities and services include an outdoor swimming pool, a 24 - hour gym with state - of -the - art facilities, a selection of freshly prepared light bitesm beverages, confectioneries and indulgent treats, available for takeaway.

The property also boasts over 7.200 square feet of flexible meeting and event spaces, making it an ideal venue for corporate events, workshops, conferences, weddings, and special gatherings.

Links
https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/jlrgigi-hilton-garden-inn-jabalpur/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article136298.html

Kerzner International Holdings Limited | Launched its Second Hotel Brand SIRO in Porto Montenegro' Boka Bay

Kerzner International Holdings Limited, an independent developer and pioneer operator of luxury and ultra – luxury resorts and private homes, headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has launched its second Hotel brand SIRO, the SIRO Boka Place in Porto, Montenegro's Boka Bay, located in a renowned and captivating neighborhood of the Montenegrin town of Tivat.

The new property is part of Kerzner International first brand, well known to offer a truly holistic well - being approach focusing on five core pillars such as sleep, fitness, recovery, nutrition and mindfulness with the aim to deliver a pioneering hotel experience, accurately designed for active lifestyles and it follows the successful opening of the brand's first hotel, SIRO One Za' abeel in Dubai in 2024.

SIRO Boka Place is located along Jadranska Magistrala main urban artery of Tivat, town situated in Coastal Region of Montenegro in the iconic Boka Kotorska that was included in the list of the 28 most beautiful bays in the world in 1977 and since 1979 under UNESCO protection, a glorious inlet on the Adriatic Sea boasting a unique beauty and with a rich historical and cultural heritage linked to the the Republic of Venice.

The hotel lies in the neighborhood of Porto Montenegro home of the superyacht marina, surrounded by elegant boutiques, stylish galleries, upscale restaurants and trendy beach clubs, 600 metres from Ponta Seljanova Beach and a short distance from the Naval Heritage Collection Museum. 

The establishment with its minimalist and open - plan spaces offers guests a sanctuary of calm and serenity providing a unique blend of outdoor environment, programming and technology to revolutionize active travel boasts 96 comfortable rooms and 144 residences, all designed to promote holistic well - being.

SIRO Boka Place features a fitness and recovery with a Fitness Lab,, a Recovery Lab holistic classes and advanced treatments,  and a 25 - meter outdoor swimming pool.

The hotel emphasizes nutritional health and the hotel's in – house nutritionists work alongside experiences chefs to create balanced guest culinary experiences.

SIRO Table and SIRO Social are the hotel's dining options offering a variety of dishes and drinks and in addition the property offers the Refuel Bar, a unique grab - and - go concept which offers customizable healthy snacks and shakes.

The brand also introduces SIRO Apartments, available in studio one, two and three - bedroom format, all providing fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and access to hotel facilities.  

These apartments are accurately designed with sleep and recovery - optimizing features, making them ideal for longer stays and family gateways.

The property offers Destination Fitness experiences, granting guests exclusive access to tailored tours excursions, courses, and activities throughout the year.

These experiences aim to provide opportunities for guests to explore the rich tapestry of Montenegro which boasts a relevant cultural and historical heritage, a land packed by medieval churches, monasteries, picturesque, whitewashed villages, golden beaches, lush green forests and beautiful mountains.

Link - https://www.sirohotels.com/montenegro/boka-place?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=sa360&utm_campaign=sa360_2025_h1_sbp_gb_wc_cpc_ao_bra_vb&utm_content=_sirobokaplace-exact_&utm_term=brand-core&utm_id=j702a6&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_dbABhC5ARIsAAh2Z-QgJET7J7kNy5fg_D3_HStsVhHTZFsfvrJ5bmg4uL3dHIeEWzvAfPkaAgtSEALw_wcB

Dusit Hotels and Resorts | Upcoming Opening of the Luxury Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi in the Capital of Vietnam

Dusit Hotels & Resorts, a part of Dusit International, leading multinational hotel and development company founded in 1948 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, a hospitality group managing and operating a large portfolio of hotels and resorts under different brands,well known to offer distinctive experiences, excellence in service and attention to details will open on 9th May 2025 Dusit Le Palaid Tu Hoa Hanoi,  in the capital of Vietnam.

The upcoming opening of this luxury hotel marks a important move for the group, the property will be the company's first in Hanoi and its second in Vietnam, following the success of Dusit Princess Moorise Beach Resort opened in Phu Quoc, the largest Vietnamese island off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand.

The hotel will open its doors in Hanoi, sprawling and lively city located in the north of the country on the right bank of the Red River, known for its centuries - old architecture, a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences characterized by the presence of numerous lakes as well as many temples and Buddhist pagodas especially in the captivating old city.

Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi is described as a celebration of Vietnamese cultural heritage and artistic spirit, aiming to create enriching experiences for guests, encapsulating the essence of community, craftmanship and cultural pride that characterizes the neighborhood. 

The hotel is inspired by the life and legacy of the mysterious Từr Hoa, a daughter of Emperor Lý Thần Tông who reigned from 1128 to 1138, known for her contributions to the silk industry in the Nghi Tàm area near the West Lake.

The property is located at Au Cou Street in Hanoi's historic Tây Hồ distrct on the north side of Central Hanoi, known for a dining and nightlife scene around Hồ Tây Lake, an urban area highlighted by fashionable bistros, and restaurants serving global and fusion fare, plus trendy wine bars and craft beer pubs, boutiques and shops, within a 10 -  minute walk of West Lake and just 20 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport offering easy access to several of the city's cultural landmarks and attractions.

 Dusit Le Palaid Tu Hoa Hanoi features 207 comfortable and stylish suites, all offering panoramic views of West Lake or Hanoi skyline.

A variety of dining experiences are available at the hotel like Soi Restaurant offering authentic and traditional Thai cuisine, Vinci Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar serve Italian dishes providing a spectacular city view, Phở Lửa specialized in delicious Vietnamese noodle soups and Dusit Gourmet offering a selection of afternoon tea, a selection of artisanal pastries, and freshly brewed coffee.

Amenities and services include wellness activity areas, a fully equipped gym, three elegant ballrooms, and a rooftop event space, boasting panoramic views of West Lake, very suitable to host corporate finctions, meetings, social events and weddings.

Dusit Le Palaid Tu Hoa Hanoi to mark its opening is offering a special Princess's Welcome package for Dusit Gold members and the package include :

•    Exclusive rate
•    A bespoke welcome drink
•    Daily breakfast for two at Soi Restaurant
•    Early check – in or late check – out
•    A Complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability
•    Up to 25% off dining

Link - https://www.dusit.com/dusit-lepalaistuhoahanoi/

Playa Nueva Romana, the Dominican Republic | Inaugurated the First Illuminated Golf Course in the Country

Playa Nueva Romana, the residential real estate of Grupo Piñero, consolidated and reliable Spanish tourism group with more than 40 years of experience, spanning more than 600 hectares and bathed by the Caribbean Sea highlighted by two kilometres of pristine beach, beautiful palm trees and an eternal sunny atmosphere on 28th May 2025 in a night full of lights, celebtrations and innovations, experienced the inauguration the first illuminated Golf in the Dominican Republic, marking a milestone in the history of sports and luxury tourism in the island.

The opening ceremony was attended by executives of the Piñero Group, local authorities, investors, residents and distinguished guests from the tourism and sports sector, who witnessed the implementation of this innovative infrastructure, designed to offer an unprecedented golf experience.

The inauguration of the first illuminated golf course in the Caribbean island is also part of the evolution plan of playa Nueva Romana and the Piñero Group which celebrates its 50th anniversary continuing to consolidate its Real Estate & Golf Division with innovative proposals that undoubtedly reflect the vision, commitment and excellence that characterize it.

With this new facility, Playa Nueva Romana is positioned as a pioneer in offering a unique night golf experience, expanding the possibilities for lovers of this sport, while significantly increasing the value and attractiveness of its real estate offer. 

This exclusive illuminated course not only allows to play golf at night in a unique environment but also symbolizes the evolution of the concept of community in Playa Nueva Romana, a place where every detail is designed to enrich the lifestyle that characterizes the residential.

The 9 - hole par 3 executive course, recognized for its challenging and privileged natural environment, which is part of the facilities and leisure offer provided by PGA Ocean; s 4, which is certified by the PGA of America, now has a state - of - the - art lighting technology, which allows playing extended hours, enjoying a unique atmosphere under the stars and promises to attract more local and international golfers who seek to enjoy the game in more flexible schedules.

The CEO of playa Nueva Romana, Jesús Durán during his speech in the inauguration event said that the implementation of this imnitiative is not just an illuminated field, it is a vision come true and it represents the group commitment to innovation, quality of life and sustainable development.

In addition this project raises the profile of Playa Nueva Romana as one of the most exclusive and complete destinations in the Caribbean and this initiative also seeks to boost tourist and sports activity in the area, attracting national and international visitors throughout the year.

Link - https://gastroturismord.com/playa-nueva-romana-inaugura-el-primer-campo-de-golf-iluminado-en-republica-dominicana/

Northern Tzoumerka, Greece | Creation of 18 - Hiking - Trails Network Spanning 41 Kilometres to Promote its Rich Cultural and Natural Heritage

Northern Tzoumerka, a municipality in the Ioannina regional unit, Epirus in Greece, located in an area od outstanding natural beauty, named after the Tzoumerka mountains, highlighted by dramatic landscapes, old monasteries and picturesque villages situated between two rivers such as Arachthos and Asproptamos is set enhance its tourism offering with the creation of 18 signposted hiking trails network spanning approximately 41.0 kilometres to promote its rich cultural and Natural heritage.

 Tzoumerka mountainous area in northwestern Greece, part of the wider Pindus mountain range, forming the natural border between Epirus and Thessaly, also known as Athamanian Mountains is famous for its unspoiled beauty, with waterfalls, forests and historical landmarks like stone - built churches and bridges that all together will be at heart of the new trail network.

The territory offers an attractive variety of hiking trails, from easy village walks to challenging mountaineering routes, with options for all fitness levels. Some popular trails include the Matsouki watermill to Twin Falls trail, Plaka bridge to Kolovrasi trail, and Pramanta to Mount Strogoula.

The project aims to connect both locals and visitors with the rich natural, historical cultural local heritage and the territory of the Epirus, an initiative which is part of the "Trails and Hiking Routes of Northern Tzoumerka" project funded by the EU's Recovery and Resilience Fund and combines heritage, recreation and environmental conservation. 

Following an adjudtment of the original plan to align with the project's budget of nearly €290.000, the Municipality of Northern Tzoumerka has announced a tender for the contractor selection. 

Northern Tzoumerka aims to sign the contract by the end of May 2025, with construction set to begin in early summer.

Despite budget adjustment, no trails were removed from the project, and the municipality assures that the safety, walkability, and visitor information quality will remain unaffected.

The trail network will span the entire municipality territory, targeting less - known paths in need of restoration and signage, combined with already developed routes, will create a fully maintained, annually monitored network designed to support sustainable tourism, preserve the region's mountainous environment and showcasing all the attractiveness of this unique Hellenic land.

 Among the new routes and several that lead to remarkable sites such as : 

•    Pouliana – Kouiasa – 1.8 km - A historic path to a traditional watermill once used by the inhabitants od Kalarites and Syrrako.
•    Kalarites - Agioi Anargyroi - Avatos – 3.07 km – Connecting the Chapel of Agioi Anargyroi to the ancient site of Avalos, perched on a cliff.
•    Kalentzi - Klifki -  2.49 kilometres - A riverside passing waterfalls, springs, and an old watermill, beneath the archaeological site of Kastri.
•    Fortosi - Agios Elias - Aidonokoukli - Pateros – 4.49 km – Offering panoramic views of the Arachthos River, this trail ends in the village of Pateros.

Each trail will feature clear signage and vital information, including distance, difficulty, and landmarks.  

Improvements to the paths will include the installation of dry stone walls, wooden steps, small bridges, surface levelling, and vergetation clearing. Additionally, rest stops, gazebos, and scenic viewpoints will be added to enhance the hiking experience.

Link - https://news.gtp.gr/2025/04/25/northern-tzoumerka-to-develop-18-hiking-trail-network-spanning-41-kilometers/