Vietnam launches national tourism platform Vietnam has reached a significant milestone in tourism by welcoming its 20 millionth international visitor and launching the country’s first national digital platform dedicated solely to the tourism sector. According to recent assessments by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), Vietnam is among the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets, with growth exceeding 21 per cent. This performance stands out amid ongoing post-pandemic adjustments across the global tourism sector, News.Az reports, citing foreign media. The digital platform, developed with the support of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and national data institutions, is designed as a unified digital ecosystem for government agencies, businesses, and travellers. It enables real-time monitoring of visitor flows, destination capacity, and market trends, supporting more effective tourism governance. In addition, the platform functions as an AI-powered travel assistant, allowing visitors to plan personalised itineraries, book accommodation and transport, manage [...]

The Punta Cana Carnival returns with two days of celebration in its 17th edition Grupo Puntacana announced the seventeenth edition of the Punta Cana Carnival, to be held on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21, 2026, on Boulevard 1ro de Noviembre in The Village Puntacana. On Friday, February 20, the festivities begin with the Carnival Gala on the parade route for the Punta Cana community, revealing the first glimpse of the flagship troupes: Las Musas de Punta Cana and Los Tres Caras, along with live music. On Saturday, February 21, the gates open at 2:30 p.m., and the grand parade will begin at 4:00 p.m., featuring more than 20 dance troupes and over 1,500 national and international carnival participants celebrating Dominican folklore and culture. More than 15,000 attendees are expected. During the event, the public will be able to enjoy the coronation of King or Queen Momo, the festival’s biggest surprise, as this distinction is awarded to prominent [...]

The Caribbean just swept the world's best beaches list—and one island dominated The Caribbean has officially claimed its crown as the world's ultimate beach destination for 2026, dominating international rankings and proving that when it comes to pristine sand, crystal-clear waters, and picture-perfect coastlines, no region does it better than these sun-drenched islands. Multiple Caribbean destinations have topped prestigious "best beaches" lists for 2026, with travel experts, tourism organizations, and millions of travelers voting these tropical paradises as the planet's most spectacular coastal getaways. The recognition comes as Caribbean tourism experiences a remarkable resurgence, with visitors flocking to islands that offer not just beautiful beaches but also rich culture, adventure opportunities, and that intangible island magic that keeps people coming back year after year. From the powdery white sands of Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos to the dramatic beauty of Trunk Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean beaches are [...]

Bahamas.com Wins Caribbean's Best Tourism Authority Website 2025 at World Travel Tech Awards Bahamas. Photo: ©Stefan Ugljevarevic/123rf The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation (BMOTIA) is proud to announce that its official website, Bahamas.com, has been named Caribbean's Best Tourism Authority Website 2025 at the 5th Annual World Travel Tech Awards. The prestigious accolade was announced on 6 December at the World Travel Tech Awards Gala Ceremony 2025 held in Bahrain, celebrating excellence in travel technology and recognising platforms that are redefining how destinations connect with the world. The achievement follows Bahamas.com's nomination among a distinguished regional shortlist that included the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Experience Turks and Caicos, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, VisitBarbados.org and VisitJamaica.com, placing The Bahamas at the forefront of a highly competitive field of Caribbean tourism leaders. "This award is a powerful affirmation of our national vision," said I. Chester Cooper, Deputy [...]

Caribbean Tourism open for Business: CTO reaffirms Regional Resilience and Operational Stability The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and our 25 member destinations have been closely monitoring geopolitical developments in Venezuela and addressing disruptions experienced by travelers due to the temporary closure of airspace this past weekend. The Caribbean has extensive experience managing external disruptions and has consistently demonstrated the resilience of its tourism industry. We are grateful to our airline partners for adding capacity to ensure travelers were able to continue with their plans, and to the accommodations sector for its flexibility in supporting affected guests, while safeguarding the region’s vital economic engine. Cruise and air travel within the Caribbean remain operational, and advance bookings continue to be strong. CTO encourages travelers to proceed with their plans and assures partners and visitors that the Caribbean remains open for business and ready to welcome travelers. Our 2026 theme, “One Caribbean: Infinite Experiences,” [...]