Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Recognized as the World’s Number One Destination for Christmas and New Year’s Eve by Travel + Leisure

Rio de Janeiro, vibrant seaside metropolis in Brazil, one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere, well known for its cultural diversity, natural settings, iconic beaches include Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon and Tijuca, samba, bossanova, outstanding landmarks and its emblematic carnival has been recognized as the world’s number one destination for travel searches for Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

This recognition has been established according to a Google Flights survey published by Travel + Leisure, a renowned travel magazine based in New York City, U.S., published 12 times a year, boasting 4.8 million readers, according to its corporate media kit.

The study analysed trends in the search for airline tickets by the end of the year, placing Rio ahead of destinations such as New York, Paris and Tokyo and the publication in its note highlighted that the Brazilian city is known for its iconic beaches, more than 300 trails, cultural treasures, and its sunny weather throughout December. 

The city’s popularity is driven by its mild climate all year round, famous tropical beaches, and large - scale celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve , including spectacular fireworks on Copacabana Beach with a multitude of people participating in a massive beach party, and cultural attractions like the massive floating Christmas tree at Rodrigo tree at Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. 

Christmas  and New Year's Eve Celebrations in Rio are also highlighted with nightly music at Christ the Redeemer, the iconic, colossal statue of Jesus Christ which is 30 metres tall and weights 1.145 tons located at the summit of Mount Corcovado, an emblematic monument named as one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World’ in 2007.

Beyond the major celebrations and its beaches, Rio de Janeiro offers numerous attractions, including visiting the cultural and historic Lapa neighbourhood, shopping at the Saara Market, and exploring the stunning Tijuca National Park.

In addition to this recognition the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (the marvellous city) as is nicknamed Rio shone at the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA) for South America, considered the Oscars of Tourism. Rio de Janeiro won awards for Best Beach Destination, Best Destination for City Break, Best Desitnation for Events and Festivals and the Penthouse of the hotel Copacabana Palace was awarded as the Best Hotel Room in the South American conrtinent.

Rio de Janeiro is a leading destination that stands out for its booming tourist season with 1.630.927 international travellers arrived in the city in the first nine months of 2025, an increase of 51.7% compared to the same period last year, according to data released by Embratur, the Brazilian Tourist Board. 

For those who want to keep up to date with all the news concerning Rio de Janeiro, recommendations and the agenda of events in the city, the website of Visit Rio, a private foundation dedicated to promoting tourism in the Brazilian metropolis, offers updated information every weekend at  https://visitrio.com.br/and as for the Big New Year’s celebration,  Réveillon, all the details and full schedule will be shared soon. 

Link 
https://infoturlatam.com/rio-de-janeiro-el-destino-numero-1-del-mundo-para-navidad-y-ano-nuevo/

Cairo, Egypt | To Launch an Amphibious Tourist Bus to Modernise the Intelligent Transport System and Develop Sustainable Tourism

Cairo, Egypt's capital and largest city will launch an amphibious tourist bus starting operations in early December as reported by Sada - El Balad, an Egyptian news website and satellite television channel established in 2011 and based in Giza.  

This project is part of the government program of the Ministry of Transport to modernise the intelligent transport system and develop sustainable tourism.

The amphibious bus was entirely manufactured in Egypt and the drivers received special training and obtained licenses to operate river transport. 

Designed for both land and water travel on the Nile River, the bus, which seats about 43 passengers, will offer a 90 - minute tour in the capital of the country Cairo, staritng with a connecting Athar Al Nabi, a site south of the city with a rich cultural history features historical mosques with stunning Islamic architecture,offering a glimpse into its daily life with charming alleys, serene courtyards, lively cafes and street vendors, reaching the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) located in Old Cairo, and passing through other important historical attractions of the North African metropolis.
The bus initially run by road and then enter the Nile River to tour the water part, before to return to the mainland and has the purpose to enhance tourism mobility by providing a unique land and water experience, reducing traffic congestion and modernizing transport. 

During the first week of December 2025, initial trials will be free for everyone. Subsequently, the cost of the ticket will be EGP 100 Egyptian citizens and $25 for international tourists.

The project is part of a larger plan to upgrade river transport, with potential expansion of this tourist service to other Nile cities like Luxor and Aswan in the future.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/egipto-lanzar-el-primer-autob-s-anfibio-en-oriente-medio/

Delhi, India | A New Anti - Pollution Drive to Protect Air Quality Across the City Launched

The Delhi government  has launched a new anti - pollution drive with multiple strategies to protect air quality with a renewed and wide ranging campaign to combat pollution across the city as reported by Asian News International (ANI), an Indian news agency that offers syndicated multimedia news feeds to news bureaus in the country.

Authorities have introduced stricter monitoring using public reporting apps to track polluters with plans include more permanent solutions to reduce overall emission, rapid response teams, and urban clean – up initiatives across the capital. 

Measures to combat smog also include controlling agricultural burning, deploying anti – smog guns to spray water and reduce particulate matter, restricting construction. the use of diesel generators and introducing a mobile app for citizens to report polluting activities.

Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta, speaking after a high - level review meeting at the Delhi Secretariat, attended by senior ministers and officials, announced that multiple special teams have been deployed to act against polluting industrial units and vehicles. The teams will conduct inspections across the city and submit daily reports to the Chief Minister and Environment Minister Majinder Singh Sirsa.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, targeted operations are already underway in identified “hotspots” where continuous water sprinkling and mechanical cleaning are being conducted to reduce dust levels. 

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has been instructed to ensure regular cleaning of roads, markets, and residential areas and remove accumulated waste without delay, and additional teams are being set to prevent garbage burning. 

According to the source, the Delhi administration’s latest measures reflect India’s growing commitment to urban environmental management and its broader national agenda for sustainable development.

Link 
https://tvbrics.com/en/news/delhi-launches-new-anti-pollution-drive-to-protect-air-quality-ahead-of-winter/

Athens, Greece | Athens International Tourism Expo - From 8th to 10th December 2025

Athens, Greece’s capital and largest city, cradle of a powerful civilization and empire still dominated by iconic, ancient ladmarks, one of the world’s oldest cities in the world, emblematic centre for the arts, education, democracy and philosophy, a cosmopolitan metropolis and major economic, financial and cultural hub of the Hellenic Republic, will host from 8th to 10th December,  the Athens International Tourism Expo (A.I.T. Expo).

Established in 2014, and originally known as the Greek Tourism Expo, it was renamed to emphasize its international orientation and to better highlight the integration of cultural aspects.This premier trade show in the realm of tourism and culture showcases Greece’s rich cultural diversity and tourism significance, positioning the country as one of the top travel destinations and beyond. 

Held at the Zappeion Exhibition & Conference Hall located at Leof .Vassilis Olgas, the venue stands as one of the leading exhibition centres in the Greek capital, easily accessible and provides state - of - the - art facilities for international exhibitions, epitomising the dynamism and potential of Athens as a vibrant capital at the heart of Europe.

This annual event is organized by Leaderexpo, a renowned firm specializes to organize and plan events of high level and headquartered in Marousi, and serves as a central platform for  the promotion and expansion of the tourism sector in Greece.

The expo brings together travel professionals, exhibitors and buyers to make contacts and establish collaborations in the tourism sector globally, attracting both national and international participants, including those from Europe, Northern Europe, selected Balkan countries, Turkey, the Middle East, Canada, the United States and Australia. 

Exhibitors from various sectors showcase their products and services, ranging from diverse accommodations and hotels, to travel agencies, IT technologies, and other tourism – related services.

The primary audience of c A.I.T. Expo consists of businesses from the, hotel sector, tour operators, incoming and outgoing travel agencies, business travel, alternative tourism, and gastronomy sectors.   

The event covers a broad range of core topics : from leisure and luxury tourism to Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibtions (MICE) segment, business travel, to cultural tourism, health tourism including spa and wellness, alternative and gastronomy tourism, as well as digital solutions in technology and hotel management.

A highlight of A.I.T. Expo is the B2B meetings between exhibitors and invited buyers, aimed at facilitating lucrative business deals. 

Additionally, various seminars, workshops, and lectures are presented, shedding light on the latest trends and developments in the tourism industry. 

At the expo special awards and recognitions are also given to honour innovations and outstanding contributions in the tourism sector and the event is committed to strengthening both the local and national tourism industry.

Athens International Tourism Expo also has its focus on both inbound and outbound tourism in Greece, highlighting regional tourism through presentations by municipalities and regions showcasing their unique offerings include culture, history, lodging, craftmanship and local cuisine, making it a unique platform for participants to discover new travel trends, innovative proposals and services with the opportunity to develop outstanding tailor - made products and enrich their client base.

Links 
https://aite.gr/en/
https://www.tradefairdates.com/Athens-International-Tourism-Expo-M13398/Athens.html

IHG Hotels & Resorts | To Open a New Crowne Plaza Hotel By Year - End in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the opening of a new Crowne Plaza Hotel by year - end in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s busy capital, nestled at the junction of the Mekong and Tonlé rivers, a city steeped in splendour and story, once known as the “Pearl of Asia” , an iconic hub from the Khmer Empire.

Phnom Penh is a city highlighted bt elegant French colonial architecture, a vibrant atmosphere, a unique mix of buzzing street life and historical sites like the magnificent Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, the National Museum and the captivating art deco Central Market, a destination able to bewitch several tourists for its numerous attractions and a unique appeal.

The decision to open Crowne Plaza Phnom Penh is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts ‘ broader strategy to expand its presence in Southeast Asia. Conversions have played a significant role in the company’s growth, accounting for 57% of IHG’s room openings globally in the first half of 2025. In Southeast Asia, conversions accounted for more than a third of its signings and approximately a quarter of its openings during the same period. 

The property, currently operating as VM Hotel, will undergo a phased rebranding to become a Crowne Plaza hotel is located at 1679 Russian Federation Boulevard (110), in the bustling Pou Senchey district, an area known for its industrial activity and proximity to the Phnom Penh Special Economic Zone. This location is  home to a significant number of the country’s  factories and over 100 businesses, making it a a strategic site for business travellers.

The hotel will be integrated into the CG Fortune Center, a mixed - use development one of the largest and most distinctive commercial project nearby Phnom Penh International Airport. 

This development occupies land area of 20.000 square metres and construction area of approximately 50.000 square metres, it consists of commercial retail mall, hotel, office building, apartment, KVT and SPA. 

The initial phase of the rebranding will see the opening of 137 refurbished rooms and suites by the end of 2025 and a  new extension wing is planned to be completed by 2027 adding 139 rooms to the property, an expansion which will increase both room capacity and meeting space availability.

When fully operation, Crowne Plaza Phnom Penh will feature 276 rooms and suites, three restaurants, a bar, a swimming pool,  a fitness centre, and over 1.000 metres of meeting spaces. 

The hotel will join the Crowne Plaza upscale brand designed for both business and leisure travellers offering comfort and various amenities, characterized by a focus on guest connections, modern communal spaces, and intuitive service, a brand created to meet the needs of today’s travellers, with its hotels often located in city centres, resort destinations or near airports.

Crowne Plaza Phnom Penh will Join IHG Hotels & Resorts’ existing and planned properties in Cambodia, which include Six Senses Krabey Island, and pipeline projects such as Vignette Collection Phnom Penh Odom and InterContinental Sihanoukville.

Links 
https://www.ihgplc.com/en/news-and-media/news-releases/2025/ihg-hotels-and-resorts-to-open-crowne-plaza-phnom-penh-this-year
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138873.html

Minor Hotels | Announced Plans to Open its First Property in Malta with a NH Collection Hotel, Located in Sliema

Minor Hotels, an international operator, investor and owner in the hospitality industry founded in 1978 and based in Bangkok, Thailand, has announced plans to open its first hotel through a franchise agreement in Malta with a NH Collection hotel, located in Sliema, a centre located on the northeast rocky coastline of the island. 

Sliema is a captivating destination boasting a rich historical and cultural heritage includes attractions like the 18th - century Fort Tigné, the 17th - century St. Julian’s Tower, and Stella Maris Baroque Church, also highlighted bt a long, vibrant promenade, a busy shopping and dining scene, a  multicultural atmosphere and well known to be a relevant hub for water sports.

The signing of NH Collection Sliema is part of Minor Hotels’ strategy to expand its franchising model. The company aims to balance owned and leased properties with managed and franchised properties to scale its operations, an approach which is intended to foster partnerships with local stakeholders and create long – term value for investors. 

Minor Hotels is pursuing franchise opportunities in both established markets and new regions, such as the Balkans and the CIS. The company’s franchise model offers investors access to its brand, distribution systems, loyalty programs, sales force, revenue management, and support services.

The hotel is set to open by the end of 2026 and will be located near the seafront promenade, local restaurants, shops, and less than 10 minutes from the Maltese capital, Valletta. 

The new - build hotel will feature 268 comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant, a rooftop bar with sea views, a spa and wellness centre and a swimming pool.

Sandra Cremesini has been appointed as Senior Vice President Franchise support for Minor Hotels Europe & Americas to support this expansion, bringing over a decade of experience in international franchise management. 

 The property will join the NH Collection brand, part of Minor Hotels, operates over 100 hotels and resorts in 25 countries. NH Collection is an upper brand that focuses on providing “extraordinary” experiences through a combination of premium services, unique locations, and a focus on details.

Key features include elegant design within authentic landmark buildings, a commitment to surprising guests with unexpected touches, and services that cater to both business and leisure travellers, such as gourmet food options and high - quality room amenities. The brand aims to blend local identity with comfort and innovation to create memorable moments for its guests. 

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138972.html

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts | Officially Opened a New Beach Club Resort in Naples, Florida, U.S.

Fours Seasons Hotels Limited, trading as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hotel and resort company based in Toronto, Canada, a group which has transformed the hospitality industry by combining personalized, genuine care with a commitment to excellence in service and accurate details has officially opened a new beach club resort in Naples, vibrant city on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida.

Naples  flanked by miles of beaches with calm waters and fine white “sugar” sand, is a very popular centre, famous for its high - end shopping, world - class arts and culture, sophisticated dining, family fun, great golf courses, wild outdoors and a popular fishing and dolphin spotting destination. 

Naples Beach Club is located at 801 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, the westernmost street lining the beautiful beaches of Naples, starting in Old Naples and continuing through Coquina Sands, Moorings, and Park Shore Florida, offering an easy access to the bustling 5th Avenue and Historic Third Street.

The resort is part of of a larger 125 - acres development that includes 153 residences and an 18 - hole golf course designed by Tom Fazio. The golf course, developed in partnership with Discovery Land Company, a renowned real estate development company and hospitality operator based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is set to open in 2026. 

The design of the property incorporates elements inspired by Old Naples, with architecture by Hart Howerton, a New York and San Francisco design firm providing interdisciplinary planning, architecture, landscape architecture and interior design and interiors by Champalimaud Design, an interior design studio committed to creating transformative spaces and unparalleled products based in New York.

The property features 220 guest accommodations including 57 suites and the residences comprises 58 beachfront and 95 golf - side homes providing access to Four Season Services. 

The resort offers five dining venues include HB’s, a beachfront restaurant, and The Merchant Room, led by Chef Gavin Kaysen. 

Amenities at Naples Beach Club include Sanctuary Spa, spans over 30.000 square feet and provides 13 treatment rooms and a rooftop lap pool, a 24 – hour fitness centre, a raquet club with six Har - Tru courts, and Market Square, a social hub with retail, dining, and entertainment options.

Future developments at the resort, scheduled for completion in 2026, include The Wager, a sports - centric gastropub, The Picture House, a 22 - seat theatre and The Golf Course, named The Gardens, will feature precision hitting bays and comfort stations.

Links 
https://www.fourseasons.com/naplesbeachclub/
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article138989.html