Hilton | Officially Opened a 81 - Room Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel in San Sebastián, Spain

Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc., American multinational hospitality company based in Tysons, Vurginia, has officially opened an 81 - room Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in San Sebastián, a resort town on the Bay of Biscay in Spain’s autonomous community of Basque Country, known for Playa de la Concha and Playa de Ondarreta beaches framed by a picturesque bay front promenade, and famous for its world - renowned restaurants helmed by innovative chefs.

San Sebastián, officially Donostia in Basque, boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage, is a stunning coastal gem in northern Spain, famed for a world - class culinary scene, Belle Époque architecture, it offers an unmatched blend of beach relaxation and gourmet exploration just 20 km from the French border.                                                                                                                                                            

Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastián, Curio Collection by Hilton, has officially reopened its doors after an extensive restoration of the 1914 Beaux Arts building. The property, which originally housed one of Spain’s earliest cinema, now operates as an 81 - room hotel.

The restoration included the reconstruction of the building’s dome the refurbishment of the façade and decorative detailing, operations led by architect Ignacio Quemada. The reconstruction preserved key Beaux Arts features while introducing contemporary design elements inspired by the building’s cinematic history.

The hotel is located at Urbieta Kalea, 61, within walking distance of the city’s coastline, historic Old Town, galleries, theatres, pintxos bars, a short walk from Maria Cristina Bridge, the Cathedral of the Good Sheperd, 1 km from the iconic La Concha beach, offering an easy access to Concha Promenade, Zaldiko Maldikoa, and Donastia - San Sebastián Aquarium while San Sebastián Airport is 20 km away.

The interiors were reinterpreted by the Spanish interior design firm Isabel López Vilalta+ Asociados, while maintaining respect for the cinema’s original layout.

Guests enter through the former stage, passing beneath the proscenium arch, with spaces throughout the hotel influenced by themes of light, movement, and shadow.

The property features 81 stylish, comfortable rooms subdivided in various categories, such as Amphitheatre Rooms, Gallery Rooms, and suites like the Front Bar, Corner Box, and Cupula Suite beneath the restored dome. Each room features a work from the site - specific art collection “Creation Light, Movement and Gaze” curated by Basque artist Lander Andonegi, referencing the building’s origins as a theatre and cinema.

Dining options offer are anchored to Lotu, a restaurant led by famed chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, serving a menu that includes classic dishes such as pâté en croûte, beef Wellington, and sole meunière, as well as regional items like tcanguro donostiarra and chuleta.

Lotu operates throughout the day and features a street - level bar and an on - site bakehouse that produces breads and pastries daily. Breakfast is served at the table and features items such as breads, brioche egg sandwiches, eggs benedict, Japanese pancakes, and viennoiserie.

Dry cleaning laundry services, in - room Wi-Fi with a speed of 25+ Mbps, and a gym are available to all guests.

The hotel joins the Curio Collection by Hilton brand characterised by individually remarkable hotels and resorts picked for the their unique character, design, and story.

Each location of the brand offers distinctive architecture,locally inspired design, world - class food and beverage options, and curated local experiences, a soft brand that allows hotels to retain their unique identities within Hilton’s portfolio.while still providing the benefits of Hilton Honors program.

Links

https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/easmtqq-hotel-palacio-bellas-artes-san-sebastian/?SEO_id=GMB-EMEA-QQ-EASMTQQ

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142046.html

Mexico | International Tourist Arrivals to the Country Grew by 4.5% Year - Over - Year in May

In May international tourist arrivals to Mexico grew by 4.5% year - over - year. Foreign currency spending also saw a boost. However, arrivals specifically by plane declined by 5.6% due to high jet fuel costs and inflation caused this drop.

 The country received 3.921.172 international tourists in May 2026, 4.5 percent more than the same period last year, as reported by Inegi the National Institute of Statistics and Geography.

According to a statement from the entity, non - border visitors totalled 1.904.975, an annual drop of 6.6%, and accounted for 48.6% of the entries.

The remaining 51.4% was concentrated in border tourists enter by land and remain, durng their visit, within the delimitation of the northern or southern border strip, who totalled 2.160.197, an amount 17.8% higher than in May 2025.

In relation to the country of residence, the majority of non - border travellers came from the United States, with 1.249.653 (65.6%), followed by visitors from South America and the Caribbean countries, with 242.899 (12.8%) and from Canada, with 156.530 (8.2%).  As top destinations, Cancún is the most visited airport, followed by Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.

Although in a smaller proportion, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography also reported arrivals from Central America (100.104), Europe (86.696) and Asia (52.521).

During the fifth month of 2026, the average expenditure by international tourists amounted to $595.7, Inegi said, adding that international tourists who entered by air spent an average of $1.268.7 and border tourists $110.8. 

In 2025, a total of 47.786. 706 tourists arrived in the country, 6.1% more than the previous year. Mexico currently ranks sixth in the world in terms of the arrival of travellers, a reality that the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum seeks to overcome even more, by placing it in fifth position in that ranking.

Link

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2026/07/10/llegada-de-turistas-a-mexico-aumenta-45-por-ciento-en-mayo/

Italy | Foreign Tourism Contributes €56,7 Billion Annually to the Country

Foreign tourism contributes significantly more to Italy today, with international visitors spending reaching an estimated €56.7 billion annually and projected to surpass €60 billion, making this massive revenue a major driver for the country’s economy.

The travel and tourism sector now accounts for roughly €230 billion annually, which is about 11% of Italy’s entire Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the industry provides steady work for over 3.2 million people across the country.

Visitors from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom are the biggest international contributors. Foreign tourists spend nearly half of their money on accommodation, with food and beverages taking up the second - largest portion.

During 2025, foreign tourism brought some €56.7 billion to Italy, for an increase of 4.6% compared to the figures recorded in the previous year.

This growth is expected to continue in 2026, with an estimated year - on - year increase of 3.9%, to reach €58.9 billion, according to a report of the Center for Tourism Studies (CST) presented to the Italian Confederation of Commerce, Tourism and Services (Confesercenti).

In this analysis, based on data from the Bank of Italy, it is highlighted that the largest percentage of spending by international visitors was allocated to hospitality, with 45.2% of the total, while the consumption of food and beverages concentrated 23% and in purchases made in commerce the percentage reached 15.2%.

In addition, international tourism generated €2,510 billion more last year than in 2024, but the growth was not evenly distributed, as it was driven almost entirely by accommodation with an increase of 4.5%, obtaining an additional one thousand 101 million euros.

A very positive result was also seen in gastronomic sales, with an increase of 7.9% compared to the previous year, registering a contribution of an additional €955 million, due to the growing interest to Italian cuisine.

However, an outstanding percentage growth was seen in the category of other services, which includes guided tours, excursions, museum tickets, concerts and other personalized experiences because, although the year - on - year increase was only €551 million, it represented an increase of 15.7%.

The Italian region with the highest expenditures by international tourists was Lazio, where Rome, the capital; of the country is located with €10.2 billion, for 18.1% of the total,followed by Lombsrdy, whose capital in Milan, with €9.9 billion, representing 17.6%.

The two regions are followed by Veneto, where Venice is located, with €6.3 billion representing a 11.1%., in addition to Tuscany,whicyh main city is Florence, with €5.3 billion for 9.4%, as well as Campania, with Naples as its capital, with €3.39 billion, corresponding to 6%.

The President of Confesercenti, Nico Gronchi, stressed when these figures were released that international tourism continues to be an irreplaceable economic engine for Italy, with a positive impact not only on the accommodation sector, but also in gastronomic sales, retail trade and services.

Link

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2026/07/11/turismo-foraneo-aporta-a-italia-56-mil-700-millones-de-euros-anuales/

Ethiopia | Launched a Digital Wildlife Monitoring Platform Across 106 Protected Areas Nationwide

The Government of Ethiopia has launched a digital wildlife monitoring platform on a pilot basis across 106 protected areas nationwide to modernize conservation and support sustainable eco - tourism. The system integrates satellite data, geospatial tools, and unmanned aerial tools to analyze land - use patterns, and predict human - wildlife conflicts. 

 Initially deployed at Bale Mountain National Park and the Denkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary, the system provides early warnings of environmental changes that could affect biodiversity. 

The platform marks a significant shift from the previously manual and fragmented approach to natural resource management, which had limited converge across the country’s protected areas.

Key Features and Objectives: 

•    Advanced Data Integration: Combines real – time satellite imaging and geospatial analysis to continuously monitor changes in biodiversity and ecosystems. 
•    Conflict Prevention and Alerts: Analyses competing land uses to protect and mitigate potential clashes, offering early warnings for environmental shifts that affect animal habitats. 
•    Targeted Deployment: Initially launched across key sites like Bale Mountains National Park and the Senkele Swayne’s Hartebeest Sanctuary, representing a major shift away from traditional, manual tracking methods. 
•    Eco - Tourism Support: By providing up - to - date populations and landscape data, the system directly assists in the management and development of tourist destinations, including eco – tourism offerings in parks like Simien Mountains and Nechisar. 

Ethiopia’s State Minister for Tourism Seleshi Girma, highlighted the platform’s dual role in conservation and tourism development, noting that up - to - date data on annual populations and natural landscapes directly support the growth of tourist destinations.

Authorities emphasised the system’s contribution to scientific research, data - driven decision - making, and more effective management of protected areas - resources that form a key foundation of Ethiopia’s economy and tourism sector. They added that project is designed to enable more systematic long - term planning for the development and conservation of the country’s natural heritage. 

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-launches-digital-wildlife-monitoring-platform-across-106-protected-areas.html

Nicaragua | Strengthening its Tourism Promotion Strategy to Attract New Markets

Nicaragua is strengthening its tourism promotion strategy in international markets to attract and increase the arrival of visitors and consolidate the sector as one of the main engines of national economic development.

The Central American country is targeting new global markets by attending major travel fairs in China, Germany and the UK and also showcasing its culture and attractiveness at events in Mexico and hosting travel agent webinars in Canada. These efforts aims to attract visitors with Nicaragua’s tropical climate, diverse nature, historical and cultural attractions, as well as affordable travel costs.

Nicaragua is actively working to promote local folklore, art, and high - altitude coffee in urban centres. This turns historic towns into destinations for cultural tourism, with a diversified offer with the aim to attract different types of tourists.

The Director of Promotion and Marketing of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism (Intur), Ana García, said that Nicaragua’s recent participation in two important international fairs held in China made it possible to strengthen furthermore the country’s tourism and commercial promotion, as well as opportunities in new markets.

 The official in a statement to the Live Magazine of Channel 4 Television stressed that is a great effort that the organization has been making for years, where tourism has been seen as one of the great important areas for the country.

 According to the Intur’s official the interest of the Chinese market is focused on the culture, history and cultural heritage of Nicaragua, elements that, he said, distinguish the national tourism offer, explaining that visitors to the country value the conservation of the environment, natural landscapes and taking in high consideration the possibility of learning about the traditions and identity of the Nicaraguan people.

The official also stressed that tourism also boosts national commerce, since many visitors include in their tours emblematic spaces such as the Oriental Market, attracted by crafts, gastronomy and other traditional products.

According to Director of Promotion and Marketing of the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism, Nicaragua maintains a sustained growth in the arrival of tourists from emerging and traditional markets, including Australia, Canada, China, Russia, the United States and Central America.

 He said that the country is registering a constant increase in the influx of visitors and that it already exceeds one million, drives by the attractiveness of its beaches for surfing, nature, hotel offer and rural tourism experiences.

In this sense the official pointed out that Australian market continues to expand due to the international recognition of Nicaraguan beaches for surfing, while Russian tourists show a preference for high - end hotels and luxury services in natural destinations. Canada experienced a growth of close 30% in the last month, while the United States and Central American countries continue to be among the main sources of visitors to Nicaragua.

The Director of Promotion and Marketing also highlighted the potential of agrotourism, a modality aimed mainly at the European market, whose visitors seek experiences related to the production of coffee, tobacco, and other emblematic crops of the country.

The official stressed that citizen security, peace, the hospitality of the population and an accessible tourist offer are competitive advantages for Nicaragua, along with a gastronomy that, he said, has received international recognition for the quality and variety of its dishes.

 Link

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2026/07/09/nicaragua-impulsa-promocion-turistica-para-atraer-nuevos-mercados/

Dusit International | Signed Agreements to Open Two New ASAI Hotels Properties in Hat Yai and Patong, Thailand

Dusit International, a leading multinational hospitality company founded in 1948 and headquartered in Bangkok, Thailand, a group which manages and operates a large portfolio of hotels under different brands, well known to offer distinctive experiences, all united by excellence in service that is warm and attentive, has signed hotel management agreements for two new ASAI Hotels properties in Southern Thailand located in Hat Yai and Patong. 

ASAI Hat Yai scheduled to open in 2028 and ASAI Patong Phuket planned for 2029 are part of the broader strategy of Dusit International to enhance its presence in key destinations in Thailand, introducing two new units part of the ASAI Hotels performing brand.

ASAI Hat Yai – The hotel will open its doors in Hat Yai, the largest city in southern Thailand, located just 60 km from the Malaysian border. It is a bustling  commercial hub and transit renowned for its Thai - Chinese and Malay cultural blend, spectacular street food, lively markets and duty - free shopping.

Located on Samchai Road in the city centre of Hat Yai, the hotel will feature 116 rooms, including options for solo travellers, couples, families, and groups. Facilities at the hotel will include an all - day dining restaurant, café and bar, co - working spaces, meeting facilities, and a fitness centre.

ASAI Patong Phuket – The hotel will be located in Patong, approximately five minutes from Patong Beach, Pukhet’s prominent town on the Andaman Sea, famous for its 3 - kilometres crescent of golden sand and 24/7 energy. Located about 17 km from Phuket Internationl Airport, it’s the island’s Hub for water sports, mega - malls and raucous nightlife centred around Bangla Walking Street.

The property will feature approximately 85 rooms, a ground - floor café, social spaces, a rooftop swimming pool, and fitness facilities.

Both hotels will join the ASAI Hotels brand, created for curious travellers seeking authentic local connections, thoughtful design, and quality experiences of accessible rates. The brand combines compact intelligently designed rooms with vibrant communal spaces that encourage guests to eat, work, play, and connect.

ASAI Hotels is one of nine brands under Dusit Hotels and Resorts. As of the first quarter of 2026, the portfolio spans 19 countries with 50 hotels and approximately 237 villas under Elite Havens and more than 50 Dusit Hotels and Resorts properties are in the pipeline worldwide.

The ASAI Hotels brand debuted in Thailand with ASAI Bangkok Chinatown in 2020, followed by ASAI Bnngkok Sathom and ASAI Kyoto Shijo in Japan. The brand’s pipeline includes additional properties in Malaysia and the Philippines.

ASAI Gamuda Cove in Malaysia is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026 within the Gamuda Cove township near Kuala Lumpur while in the Philippines ASAI Oslob Cebu is planned for late 2027 and ASAI Camaya Coast in late 2028.

Links

https://www.dusit-international.com/en/newsroom/news-releases/720/dusit-international-expands-asai-hotels-pipeline-in-thailand-with-new-lifestyle-hotels-in-hat-yai-and-phuket

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142064.html

Marriott International | Officially Opened a 161 - Room Hotel Part of The Autograph Collection in Burlington, Vermont, U.S.

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company based in Bethesda, Msryland, has officially opened a 161 - room hotel part of The Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection in Burlington, a city in northwestern Vermont, U.S., on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, south of the Canadian border.

Burlington is a vibrant eco - friendly city blrends small - town charm with big - city culture. Key highlights include stunning mountain and lake views, a thriving craft beer scene, and world - class outdoor recreation right in the heart of town, highlighted by the lively Church Street Marketplace features over 100 local shops, historic buildings, street performers, year round outdoor dining and Waterfront Park offering sweeping views of Lake Champlain and Adirondack Mountains.

The Harborvale, Autograph Collction developed by Westport Hospitality, LLC, a company manages hotels and restaurants in Burlington focusing on community integration, design snd farm - to - table dining, and the teafe am behind Hotel Vermont, is now welcoming guests.

The property, a 161 - room lakeside retreat is located at 25 Cherry Street, near the Burlington Greenway, steps from the downtown Church Street Marketplace., offering direct access to the Burlington waterfront district and opportunities for scenic walks or runs, as well as picnic baskets for waterfront outings.

Dining is led by Executive Chef Doug Paine, with an on - site restaurant offering cafes service, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and evening bar seven days a week. The menu follows a “timeless American” concept, rooted in classic technique and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

The Great Room, a central gathering space with a lake - facing bar, hosts afternoon tea, fireside storytelling pop - ups, acoustic sets by local musicians, and daily sunset toasts with weather - inspired cocktails.

Amenities at the hotel include an indoor pool, fitness centre, and regular community programming such as daily sunset toasts and learn – to – sail packages. The property is dog - friendly and provides both valet and on – site parking.

The property features more than 3.000 square feet of event space across three venues, with floor - to - ceiling windows and an outdoor terrace, accommodating celebrations, gatherings, and meetings of up to 125 guests.

The hotel collaborates with local institutions, including the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, the Community Sailing Centre, and the Lake Basin Program, to offer exclusive packages, programming, and installations.

The establishment joins The Autograph Collection, a selected family of distinctive, independent hotels with a focus on unique design reflecting the local culture and spirit, ranging from historic luxury to modern hotels and resorts. The collection emphasizes “exactly like nothing else” experiences, often incorporating art, local cuisine, and specific themes like rich history or beachside getaways.

Links

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/btvak-the-harborvale-autograph-collection/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0

https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article142051.html