Hyatt’s new Punta Cana all-inclusive If you’ve been following the hotel industry in the Caribbean in recent years, you’ve seen just how much Hyatt has been expanding into the all-inclusive space. It began back in 2021 with its acquisition of then-all-inclusive leader Apple Leisure Group, and now the company’s Inclusive Collection continues to swell, with a focus on brands like Secrets and Dreams across much of the Caribbean and Mexico. And yes, much of that resort growth has been in the Dominican Republic, the most-visited destination in the Caribbean by a large margin (with continued record-breaking arrival numbers) and home to more all-inclusive resorts than just about anywhere else on earth. But Hyatt’s next all-inclusive in the country’s tourism stronghold of Punta Cana will be wearing a new badge: Vivid, an all-inclusive brand Hyatt says is designed for the “next generation of all-inclusive travelers.” It’s not the first Vivid in the Caribbean region; [...]

In Antigua, a new push to study Caribbean Whales — by listening to them They’re the biggest — and some of the most essential — creatures in the Caribbean ecosystem: whales, including the humpbacks, sperm whales and pilot whales that frequent the region’s waters. Many whales migrate annually to mate and give birth, while playing an important role in the ecosystem — from facilitating nutrient cycling to supporting the growth of phytoplankton through their waste. But, as with many marine creatures worldwide, whales are facing challenges, from ocean plastic to noise pollution to climate change. And with so much still unknown about their movements, status and interactions in the region, conservation is that much more difficult. That’s why a new initiative based in Antigua and Barbuda is looking to deepen our understanding of whales in the Caribbean. The new project, the brainchild of the Elkhorn Marine Conservancy in Antigua, will deploy [...]

Quintana Roo announces plans for 25,000 new hotel rooms Governor Mara Lezama this week announced that the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo is set to further strengthen its status as a global tourism hotspot with the addition of 25,000 new hotel rooms. Earlier this week, Lezama met with Mark Hoplamaizan, CEO and President of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Encarna Piñero, Executive Vice President and CEO of Grupo Piñero. During that meeting, the three reached a historic agreement that will enable the construction of 25,000 new hotel rooms in Quintana Roo. According to Riviera Maya News, the Thursday meeting took place amid the International Tourism Fair (FITUR) being held in Madrid, Spain. Governor Lezama described the new accord as a strategic alliance that will bolster the region's destinations, accounting for an increase of up to 30 percent in hotel reservations. This, she affirmed, will further elevate Quintana Roo’s status as an undisputed tourism leader on [...]

Dominican Republic wins award for best stand at Fitur 2025 The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, recently announced that the Dominican Republic won the award for Best Stand during the International Tourism Fair (Fitur) 2025, held January 22-26 in Madrid, Spain. “We did it again, making history in the world. The Dominican Republic once again shone here at Fitur by winning the award for the best stand at this international tourism fair,” he said. The minister received the award parchment from Sofia Alonso, a jury member, and Angela Lozano, a fair organizing team member. After handing over the parchment, in a ceremony that took place at the Dominican stand, both highlighted how “impressive” it was, where the beauty of the Dominican Republic can be appreciated through technology. Collado expressed his gratitude for the distinction and pointed out that the stand exhibits a sample of the Dominican Republic’s offerings as a tourist destination. Source: Dominican Today

Cuba’s tourism sector has ambitious but achievable goals, says minister By Daily Pérez Guillén The culture, warmth and hospitality of Cuba as a tourist destination in the Caribbean was once again on display in Madrid in an event that brought together representatives of hotel chains, travel agents and many of the partners that have contributed to the development of tourism in the archipelago alongside their counterparts in the Caribbean country. The “Cuba Night” event, hosted by the Meliá Castilla hotel, saw Cuban Tourism Minister Juan Carlos García Granda thank all the hotel chains that continue to be committed to Cuba. “Their commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation has been essential for the development of our industry,” he stressed, making special mention of the groups Meliá Hotels International, Iberostar, Blue Diamond Resorts, Muthu and Roc. He acknowledged that 2024 was a year of significant challenges, in which the economic crisis and the [...]