Kimpton is opening a new hotel Kimpton is expanding its footprint in Mexico with a new boutique hotel set to open in the country’s industrial and cultural powerhouse: Monterrey. The new Kimpton Monterrey will be part of the city’s forthcoming Torre Rise development, a mixed-use project that, once complete, will become the tallest tower in Latin America. The hotel, slated to open in 2026, will feature both boutique accommodations and branded residences, marking a new chapter for Kimpton in Mexico’s second-largest economic hub. Guests will have access to panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains, along with the brand’s signature food and beverage experiences—including a full-service restaurant and a 16th-floor lobby lounge. Kimpton has been rapidly growing its portfolio in the Caribbean and Mexico in the last few years, adding new hotels in both Roatan and Santo Domingo, with a third set to open this summer on the Riviera Maya. That’s along with [...]

China extends visa-free access to Latin America Photo: ©primagefactory/123rf "Starting June this year, Chileans can visit China visa-free! I eagerly await my family's visit soon," Carolina Araya, a Chilean national, shared what she called "great news" on her WeChat Moments. Many of her friends gave her likes. Currently a Spanish language instructor at Anhui International Studies University in east China, Araya reminisced about a visit by her parents almost six years ago. "I really hope they can make it later this year," she said. Moreover, it's not just Chileans who will benefit. Effective June 1, 2025, China will expand its visa-free access to also include citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Peru and Uruguay, with a trial period lasting until May 31, 2026. Holders of ordinary passports from these five Latin American nations may enjoy visa-free entry to China for various reasons -- including business trips, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges [...]

Dominica champions sustainable tourism at Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua Dominica is taking a bold step toward solidifying its reputation as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” by spotlighting its sustainable tourism strategy at the 43rd Caribbean Travel Marketplace, currently being held in Antigua and Barbuda from May 18 to 22, 2025. The event, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), is the region’s most prominent gathering of tourism industry stakeholders. The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) is spearheading the island’s representation at the event, with a delegation led by Marva Williams, CEO and Director of Tourism. Joining her are senior marketing and communications officials, alongside representatives from Zapwater Public Relations, which oversees Dominica’s North American public relations efforts. Positioning Dominica as a Sustainable and Experiential Destination According to the DDA, the country’s participation is part of a broader strategic initiative to promote Dominica’s strengths in eco-tourism, adventure travel, wellness retreats, and cultural heritage. The lush Caribbean island has long differentiated itself through [...]

You can only reach these Caribbean Hotels by boat There’s a certain feeling when a hotel doesn’t have a driveway. When the only way in is by boat, everything changes. The air feels quieter. The pace resets. And suddenly, you’re somewhere else entirely. These are the Caribbean hotels where the journey is part of the experience — and the destination is worth every wave. They’re Caribbean hotels that you can only reach by boat, on islands you can’t fly to. Cayo Espanto — Belize A few minutes off the coast of San Pedro, this ultra-luxury private island is as exclusive as it gets. Just seven villas, all overwater or beachfront, each with a personal butler and chef. You arrive by private boat and don’t see anyone unless you want to. Coral Caye — Belize Owned by the Coppola family (who has some of our favorite hotels in the Caribbean, including the absolutely [...]

UN Tourism names Dr. Larry Dwyer as Winner of 2025 Ulysses Prize The Ulysses Prize is UN Tourism’s highest academic honor, awarded to individuals whose work has significantly advanced the understanding and development of tourism through knowledge creation and its practical application. Since its establishment, the Prize has recognized the world’s foremost thinkers whose contributions have shaped the future of the sector. Dr. Dwyer, is one of the most respected scholars in tourism economics and policy, destination competitiveness, and sustainable tourism development. His work has consistently bridged the gap between theory and practice, providing governments and industry leaders with tools to develop more innovative and sustainable tourism strategies. Recognizing excellence at every level Reflecting the prestige of the prize, the selection process was conducted with academic rigor, transparency, and impartiality. The Coordinating Committee, comprising three Ulysses Prize Laureates - Professors Emeriti David Airey, Jafar Jafari, and Donald Hawkins - along with [...]