Cuba Única: An enchanting and peaceful destination By: Yoanna Cervera An international celebration World Tourism Day is celebrated every September 27, a date established by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in 1980 to highlight the importance of tourism and its impact on the global community. This year, the central theme is “Tourism and Peace,” underscoring how the industry not only drives economic development, but is also a powerful tool for fostering peace and understanding among nations. Tourism has the power to bring people together, promote cultural exchange and reduce geopolitical tensions. In an increasingly divided world, the sector offers a unique opportunity to create lasting ties and foster international cooperation. This year, the official celebrations take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, where leaders and experts discuss strategies for using tourism as a catalyst for peace. Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, highlighted in his message to mark the occasion: “Tourism brings [...]

Dominican Republic, unstoppable: achieves record 6.9 million visitors through July Tourism continues to register “sustained and extraordinary” growth in the Dominican Republic, reaching a record 6,968,623 visitors in the first seven months of this year, which brings the historic figure of 31,947,565 visits from August 2020 to July 2024. The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, demonstrated this when he presented figures on tourism behavior during an activity carried out in a Dominican capital hotel. He reported that in July alone, 811,192 tourists arrived in the country by air, 2% more than in the same month last year, 10% more than in 2022, and 37% more than in 2019. He also said that the country received 206,704 cruise passengers last month, 39% more than the previous month, 95% above 2022, and 148% higher than 2019. “We are talking that last month alone the country received 1,017,896 visitors, 8% above last year, 21% more [...]

Aruba promotes its wellness offering in Santiago The day of disconnection and relaxation, in the best style of the beaches of Aruba, was held on July 11 at the Noi Vitacura hotel with the purpose of illustrating to the media the benefits of Aruba as one of the most competitive and complete Wellness destinations in the world. Guests were able to immerse themselves in a meditation and yoga experience guided by teacher Antonella Orsini. Afterwards, they enjoyed a well-deserved spa with a relaxing massage, two iconic activities that tourists can enjoy during their stay at the destination. With this exercise, the Aruba Tourism Office not only celebrated communication professionals on the occasion of Journalist's Day, but also brought a little piece of the Happy Island to the south of the continent. And, in addition to its spectacular beaches and world-class resorts, wellness tourism is in the very DNA of the island. [...]

UNESCO presents progress on sustainable tourism and intangible heritage project On 12 June 2024, UNESCO gathered its partners and beneficiaries to discuss the recent advances made in the major initiative ‘Latin America and the Caribbean: Strengthening Capacities for Resilient Communities through Sustainable Tourism and Heritage Safeguarding’. The 3-year project strengthens the cooperation between cultural, tourism and urban development sectors towards more sustainable tourism practices, as well as better safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in urban contexts. Generously supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a total of 10 countries in the region benefits from the ongoing efforts: Belize, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama. During the discussion at its Headquarters in Paris, France, UNESCO presented the various undergoing activities, including the workshop ‘World Heritage and Sustainable Tourism: Enhancing visitor management and community engagement’ to take place in June 2024 in Oaxaca, Mexico. ‘This landmark project [...]