Rimini, Italy | Investing in a Strategic Development for the first Three Urban and Proximity Hubs to Enhance the Competitiveness of the City

Rimini, a renowned city sprawling on the Adriatic coast, in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region, situated at a strategically - important north - south passage along the Romagna Riviera at the southern tip of the Po Valley, one of the most notable resorts in Europe, with a significant domestic and international tourist economy, boasting a rich cultural and historical heritage, well known for its beachside nightclubs and shallow waters is investing in a strategic development for the first three urban and proximity hubs, a project which aims to enhance the quality of life and competitiveness of the city.

The municipality is strengthening its strategy of relaunching the urban and commercial fabric with the recognition, by the Emilia Romagna Region under Regional Law no. 12/2023 of the the first three hubs, an urban hub named Rimini Centro and two proximity hubs, such as Marina Centro and Regina Elena.

Thanks to this recognition by the region, it will now be possible to participate in the regional call, which is expected to be published by the end of the year, to finance the interventions envisaged as part of a loan that will make a total of €14 million available for the hubs recognized throughout the Region and will support the redevelopment of the areas, accessibility, innovative and sustainable development of companies established or to be established in the area and promotional activities and initiatives.

This is undoubtedly an important milestone for the city that is part of the broader plan for the enhancement and redevelopment of the commercial axes along the local Adriatic coastline represented by the “Viali delle Regine”  which is reorganizing and modernizing the entire axis improving urban livability, strengthening the identity of the places and supporting the vitality of local commerce.

The recognition of the hubs is the result of intense preparatory work conducted in synergy with the main trade associations such as Confcmmercio Imprese per l’ Italia Provincia di Rimini, Cofesercenti Rimini, CAN Associazione Territoriale di Rimini, Confartigianato Imprese Rimini and Associazione Albergatori Italiani Rimini as well as local committees, companies of the covered market, the Cocap consortium and numerous economic operators who have joined the agreements of partnership signed for each hub.

An integrated governance model, which has led to the sharing of objective, lines of intervention and priorities, and which will be guided in the coming years by an institutional control room.

The technical support of Iscom Group, a business consulting and private research company in the areas of trade, tourism and services, based in Bologna, has allowed the drafting of feasibility studies and development programs for each hub, creating the conditions to participate in the regional call.

The three hubs that have been given the green light with specific identities and vocations are : 

•    Rimini Centro - It is the urban hub par excellence of Rimini, and includes the strategic axes of the historic centre of the city, from the avenue Corso d’ Augusto to the Tiberius Bridge, up to the railway station. It has almost 700 commercial and service activities, with a significant presence in the non - food, clothing and catering sectors.

•    Marina Centro - Developed along the boulevard Viale Vespucci and neighboring streets, this proximity hub represents the tourist – seaside heart, with over 200 activities, of which 31% related to catering. 

•    Regina Elena - This area extends along the axis from the square Piazza Marvelli to the avenue Viale Firenze, and is characterized by a strong vocation for hospitality, with a 43% of the activities concern hotels, B&Bs and accommodation facilities. 

The Councillor for Economic Activities and the Budget, Juri Magnini, said that the recognition of the hubs represents not only a point of arrival, but the beginning of a plan of actions that will touch on fundamental aspects for the quality of life and competitiveness of the city, from the redevelopment of squares, streets and parks to the implementation of new branding and communication strategies, up to the organization of events and initiatives that can intercept diversified targets and seasonally adjust flow.

Particular attention will also be paid to support for small businesses, training and innovation, so as to stimulate an increasingly resilient and attractive proximity economy.

Link 

https://www.rimininotizie.net/economia/2025/07/18/rimini-nascono-i-primi-3-hub-urbani-e-di-prossimita-rimini-centro-marina-centro-e-regina-elena/

Barcelona, Spain | Planning to Limit Cruise Tourism with a Reduction of its Port Capacity

Barcelona, capital and largest city of the autonomous community of Catalonia situated on the northeastern coast of Spain is planning to limit cruise tourism with a reduction of its port capacity to control the rising number of tourists visiting the city.

This decision is the result of an agreement between Barcelona City Council and the city's Port, and it comes after years of concern over overcrowding caused by cruise passengers who often arrive in large group and lead to sudden spikes in congestion.

In a commitment to a more sustainable model, the local city council announced that the number will be brought down from seven to five terminals to make cruise tourism more organised and sustainable, reducing its cruise reception capacity by 16% and reorganising its port infrastructure.

With a public - private investment of €185 million, this plan marks a turning point in the management of maritime tourism, betting on quality over quantity, and consolidating Barcelona as a European benchmark in responsible tourism regulation.

The project focuses in the elimination of three old terminals and the construction of a new one, which is more efficient and has less environmental impact.  

Currently the port of Barcelona has seven terminals, six operational and one under construction, but between 2026 and 2030 it will have five, demolishing terminals A, B, and C, which together had a capacity for 12.800 passengers.

A new Terminal C will be built, with capacity for 7.000 cruise passengers and suitable to receive several ships simultaneously.

The new design seeks to limit the maximum flow of passengers to 31.000 people per day by 2030, avoiding tourism collapse and mitigating the effect of overtourism in the Catalan capital. 

If this measure had not been implemented, it is estimated that the port would have reached a capacity of 37,000 simultaneous cruise passengers  in just two years, boosted by the opening of Terminal G, operated by the company Royal Caribbean.

In the project is also included the development of a coastal mobility corridor near the port to improve movements for public transport, taxis, bicycles and pedestrians.

The new infrastructure, which will be ready in 2028, will prioritise the embarkation and disembarkation of cruise ships that start or end their routes in Barcelona, as well as luxury or premium ships with a capacity of less than a thousand passengers. This category already represents a quarter of the total cruise passenger traffic in the Catalan city.

Link 
https://tres60.travel/barcelona-limitara-el-turismo-de-cruceros-con-una-reduccion-en-su-capacidad-portuaria/

MGallery Collection | Announced the Opening of its First Albanian Property on the Ionian Coast in Palasë

MGallery Collection, a global brand of luxury boutique hotels known for their unique stories, distinctive design and part of Accor S.A., French multinaltional hospitality company headquartered in Issy - les - Moulineaux announced the opening of its first Albanian property in Palasë, a village in Himarë municipality part of Vlorë County located near Llogara National Park and to the Ionian coast on the Albanian Riviera in the southern territory of the Country.

Th new 5 - star hotel enters in a brand like MGallery Collection where each hotel is designed to offer a unique and memorable stay, with a focus on art, beauty, and personalized service.

The Green Coast Hotel MGallery Collection incorporates in its design elements and details inspired by Byzantine, Illyrian, Ottoman and Roman influences, civilizations which marked the history and culture of Albania and features 131 comfortable rooms, including several suites and a Presidential Suite offering stunning views of the Ionian Sea and surrounding landscapes.

Dining options at the hotel include Mosaic, an all day - restaurant that serves a variety of dishes using locally sourced ingredients while Mente, a reception bar, offers Albanian specialties and cocktails.

The property provides a range of wellness facilities, including a fitness studio, sauna, a spa offering various services and wellness experiences include yoga sessions, sound healing, and guided hikes.

The establishment also offers facilities for meetings and conferences, providing indoor spaces and a terrace overlooking the Ionian coastline, making it an ideal destination for events and social gatherings.

The hotel with its strategic location allows guests to explore the natural beauty of this Albanian corner discovering unique sites including Gramma, a small bay accessible only by sea, with the surrounding cliffs containing carious epigraphs, texts and symbols, perhaps carved out by sailors.

For hiking and nature lovers Llogara Pass, the Cika Mountain, the Thunderbolt Mountains, with paths descending towards the Ionian coast, with the Greek islands of Othonas and Corfu in the distance are further highlights of this very appealing territory of Albania.

Green Coastal Hotel MGallery Collection has partnered with local organizations to support community initiatives, including programs focused on gender equality and women's enpowerement.

Links
https://mgallery.accor.com/en/hotels/C2U9.html
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137165.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Opening on 1st October The Thompson Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois will open on 1st October 2025 The Thompson Miami Beach, in Miami Beach, an innovative hotel at the heart of the Miami Beach art scene, surrounded by design - inspired shopping, music, dining and entertainment venues in one of the most celebrated and famous tourist destinations in Florida,  U.S.

The opening marks a return of Hyatt's lifestyle Thompson brand to Miami Beach. The former Thompson hotel was renamed the Confidante after Hyatt acquired the hotel in 2016, and reopened as the Andaz Miami Beach in June after a top - to - bottom overhaul and will be Thompson's 18th according to Thompson's website.

The hotel will open its doors at 1685 Washington Avenue just steps from the beach and the famed Lincoln Road shopping scene, offering proximity to South Beach and landmarks like the New World Symphony & Soundscape Park, Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theatre and Miami Beach Convention Center. 

The property will in the sphere of Thompson Hotels, a boutique lifestyle brand within the Hyatt hotel group, known for its curated, design - forward hotels in urban and resort destinations, aiming to connect guests with local culture and experiences. The brand emphasizes sophisticated travel, blending classic and contemporary design, and fostering a sense of community.  

The stylish Thompson Miami Beach boasts an iconic exterior conceptualized by renowned French architect Rudy Ricciotti that serves as a beacon for tastemakers while the chic interior and suites are designed by internationally acclaimed designer Gulla Jónsdóttir.

The hotel will feature 147 comfortable luxe rooms and suites offering floor - to - ceiling windows, private balconies or tropical terraces overlooking area attractions. Rooms anenities will include velvet bends and other bespoke furniture, Sferra linens and locally sourced toiletries. 

The property's fourth level will be home to an atrium garden with food and beverage service, plus space for events and programming. An indoor - outdoor restaurant and bar will be operated through a partnership with a yet - to - be - announced hospitality company.

The Thompson Miami Beach will also feature a rooftop area with pool offering unmatched panoramic views and the new hotel is taking reservations.

Links 
https://www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/miath-thompson-miami-beach
https://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Thompson-Miami-Beach-sets-October-opening?ct=hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts | To Open a Crowne Plaza Hotel in Medina, Saudi Arabia

IHG Hotels & Resorts, British multinational hospitality company based in Berkshire, England, UK has signed an agreement to open a Crowne Plaza hotel in Medina or Madinah, famed city in western Saudi Arabia, the capital of Medina Province in the Hejaz region, boasting in its core, the vast Al - Masjid - an - Nabawi, the Prophet's Mosque, a major Islamic pilgrimage site in a centre considered to be the cradle of Islamic culture and civilization.

The future opening of the Crowne Plaza Madinah Al Haramain is the result of an agreement signed by IHG Hotels & Resorts and Arbah Tayba Real Estate Company, an active construction, investment and real estate group headquartered in Medina.

The project is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' strategy to expand its premium portfolio in key religious and cultural destinations., in this case in the Middle East in one of the most prominent cities in the region like Medina.

Rise in visitor numbers drives 18.7% growth in Medina's tourism sector with a remarkable growth of tourist flows over the past three years, receiving more than 18 million visitors in 2024, compared with 14.1 million in 2023 and 8.3 million in 2022.

Medina is experiencing rapid development driven by government initiatives and projects aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. The city is enhancing its infrastructure, transportation, and hospitality services to support its growth as a spiritual and tourism hub.

This development is part of a larger mixed – use project and is situated near other significant projects like Knowledge Economic City and Rua Al Madinah.

The hotel scheduled to open in 2026 will enter in the sphere of Crowne Plaza, a global, upscale brand owned by IHG, designed for both business and leisure travellers with its hotels often located in city centres, near airports or in resort destinations, offering style, comfort, world - class amenities and excellence in service.

The property will be located opposite the new Haramain high - speed railway station of Medina, south of King Abdul Aziz Road, a short distance from University Prince Mugrin and not far from the Madinah College of Technology, a remarkable transportation hub that connects the holy cities of Mecca and Medina in just 2.5 hours at speeds up to 300 km/h offering safe, fast, and reliable transportation as a key project ikn Saudi Arabia's rail network expansion. 

The hotel will offer direct access to the Haramain train station via an underground tunnel. The design will align with Crowne Plaza's focus on integrating work and leisure for travellers and will feature 383 rooms and suites, as well as two food and beverage outlets.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 45 hotels across six brands in Saudi Arabia and has 47 hotels in the development pipeline expected to open within the next three to five years.

Links 
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-signs-crowne-plaza-madinah-al-haramain-expanding-premium-portfolio
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137289.html

Argentina | To Require Health Insurance for International Visitors

 Starting on 1st July 2025, Argentina established that  all international visitors to have a valid health insurance to enter the country. This includes tourists, temporary workers, and students, regardless of how they enter, by air, land or sea while permanent residents and citizens are exempt from this requirement.

This new measure, contained in Decree 366/2025 prevents the Argentine public health system from assuming the costs derived from medical care for non - resident foreigners, ensuring the international visitors have an adequate healthcare coverage while in Argentina, and crack down on individuals who frequently cross borders to renew their tourist status or overstay their visas.

 In this context, according to the 2025 Radiography of Intermundial's travel insurance, Argentina is among the South American countries with the highest medical costs, reaching €1.454 for emergency care.

Apart that, in the South American country there are significant inequalities in the quality of health care between different areas of the nation. While in urban regions medical infrastructure is usually adequate, in southern or rural areas it may ber limited or difficult to access.

 Intermundial reminds that the main immigration requirements that must be met by those who wish to travel to Argentina in 2025.

First of all, travellers must have international health insurance since tourists who wish to enter the South American country are required to have travel insurance that covers private medical assistance and medical transport, for a minimum of $20,000.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends travelling with insurance that is as complete as possible and that covers the entire stay and transfers in medical planes if necessary.

Secondly travellers may also be required to provide an affidavit detailing the reasons for their trip to the country. This specific document must be presented at the time of entry in Argentine and may be required by the immigration authorities.

As for the passport, citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, but they must present a passport with at least three months of validity from the date of the entry into the country.

Finally, it must also be proven that a minimum of US$50 per day of stay is available through cash, credit cards or traveller's checks, as well as it is mandatory to present a transport reservation that proves the departure from the country at the end of the trip.

In this way, Argentine joins the list of countries it is essential to have travel insurance, including Algeria, Belarus, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, Grenada, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Nepal, Oman, Paraguay, Russia, Schengen Area, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Thailand, Turkmenistan and Ukraine. 

Link

https://www.agenttravel.es/noticia-059146_Argentina-exigira-un-seguro-medico-a-los-viajeros-internacionales.html

The Dominican Republic | "Dominicana te Sonríe", a New Campaign Highlighting the Warmth, Joy, Authenticity, and Hospitality of its People Launched

The Dominican Republic has launched its new campaign ""Dominicana te Sonríe", “Dominicana Republic Smiles at You”at an exclusive event held at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach, Florida, U.S., renowned multidisciplinary event venue located on Collins Avenue which brought together key figures from across the tourism industry, including airline executives, more than 200 tour operators, travel agents, and popular personalities from the worlds of TV and sports.

Attendees had the opportunity to preview the campaign and learn more about the Caribbean country's continued growth and evolution of a leading destination in the region, well known for its stunning beaches, diverse landscapes, a year - round destination with a tropical climate boasting nearly 1.600 kilometres of coastline, mountains, rivers, and jungle areas, making it a more than ideal destination for every type of traveller.

"Dominicana te Sonríe" campaign seeks to convey the warmth, joy, authenticity and hospitality spirit of the Dominican people. The goal is to offer tourists a unique and 100% Dominican experience, where every interaction becomes a memorable moment.

A smile and a positive attitude are the calling card of the Dominicans and the campaign is designed to showcase the world that the Hispaniola Island, a shining gem in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean is a destination where everything is lived with a happy face, inviting travellers from around the world to discover that the Dominican Republic is much more than a destination ; it's a feeling.

The pure essence of the campaign is a celebration of the country's joy, its warm hospitality and its rich and authentic cultural experiences. "Dominicana te Sonríe" is not a simple phrase is like a big, stunning stage to showcase the appeal of the Caribbean island in all its splendour with its turquoise waters, ,the white sand beaches, the rhythm of captivating music in the nights under a starry sky, the flavorful cuisine, warm reunions with friends, and unforgettable adventures that stay with you.

The campaigns also highlights the sense of security, trust, and quality that travellers feel from the moment they land in the in the Dominican Republic, an island that also inspires and bewitches a multitude of visitors in a while.

The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, said that hospitality is the national greatest pride, what makes the Dominican Republic unique and what allows the Dominicans to win over every visitor upon arrival, making them feel at home.

This initiative is the continuation of a mission to position the Dominican Republic as a leading destination for tourists fron Northern and Latin America and Europe.

Tourism continues to be a vital driver of the Dominican Republic's economy. In the first half of 2025 alone, the country welcomed more than 6.1 million visitors. Of these, 74% arrived by air, with 45% coming from the United States and more than 12% from Latin American countries.

Among the well - known personalities present at the launch event in Miami Beach were Dominican NFL player Bayron Matos, as well as notables such as Débora Nascimento, Pampita, Fefi Oliveira, Elizabeth Gutiérrez, Gaby Espino, Karen Martínez, Catalina Robayo, Zuleyka Rivera, Javier Romero, and many more.

The event launch offered a complete immersion in Dominican culture, with live music, traditional snacks, and authentic cocktails that provided a true taste of the Caribbean.

Link  
https://en.travel2latam.com/news-99036-the-dominican-republic-launches-a-new-campaign-highlighting-its-main-asset-its-people