News

Dominican Republic to Expand Cruise Ports, Including Manzanillo

The Dominican Republic is making a decisive move to strengthen its position as a top Caribbean cruise destination by committing to the construction of two major new tourist ports, including the key Manzanillo port. This expansion aims to handle the rapidly increasing cruise passenger volumes while significantly improving the overall visitor experience, ensuring smoother operations and boosting the nation’s appeal to global travelers. On August 5, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) formalized a strategic partnership that promises to transform the country’s cruise tourism landscape. This landmark agreement aims to secure increased investment, boost cruise passenger arrivals, and reinforce the Dominican Republic’s position as a leading cruise destination in the Caribbean. Cruise tourism plays a vital role in the country’s overall travel industry. In recent years, the sector has experienced remarkable growth, attracting millions of passengers from around the globe. Last year, the Dominican Republic welcomed more than 2.65 million cruise passengers, reflecting an 18% increase compared to 2023. These cruise visitors accounted for nearly one-quarter of all international arrivals, which surpassed 11 million in total. This surge highlights the growing importance of cruise tourism as a cornerstone of the nation’s travel economy.

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Oman’s Mystical Dhofar Sinkholes: Hidden Tourism Treasures

Deep in the green mountains of southern Oman stands the Dhofar governorate, with an awe-inspiring natural wonder—a sinkhole plunging into the earth, its unknown depths reverberating with eerie sounds and shrouded in myths and legends. These towering natural marvels are not only a memorable sight to behold but also an integral part of the cultural heritage of the surrounding tribes who have inhabited the area for centuries. Of these sinkholes, the Tawi Atair and Kahf Teiq sinkholes are among the most stunning. Kahf Teiq, which is the biggest of these sinkholes, is one of the largest sinkholes in the world, measuring 211 meters deep and 150 meters wide, and it is an amazing geological wonder. Tawi Atair: The “Well of Birds” The Tawi Atair sinkhole, often referred to as the “Well of Birds” in the Dhofar regional language, offers an inviting experience for tourists. The sinkhole’s name derives from the chirping of birds that fill the air, distorted by the acoustics of the rock walls. These sounds, echoing throughout the massive chasm, create an almost mystical atmosphere. The sinkhole was unknown to the outside world until 1997, when a team of Slovenian researchers, in collaboration with Oman’s Sultan Qaboos University, brought the site to international attention. Today, Tawi Atair is one of the major tourist attractions in Dhofar, thanks to its accessible paths, stairways, and concrete walkways that allow visitors to safely explore the natural wonder.

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UK to Join Global Tourist Tax Trend for Infrastructure Boost

UK is set to join a growing list of global destinations like Greece, the US, Japan, Germany, Austria, and Mexico in launching a groundbreaking tourist tax by 2027, aimed at generating essential revenue to improve local infrastructure. Through a visitor levy set at 7% for overnight stays in Aberdeen, this program will also cater to the growing tourism needs of the city and aid in servicing the public infrastructure used by both residents and tourists. This is a growing pattern in which countries impose tourist taxes as a means to control the sustainable growth of the industry, manage congestion, and for reinvesting in the infrastructure which attracts millions of tourists. As global tourism continues to rise, the introduction of a visitor tax has become an increasingly common tool for countries and cities to manage the impact of tourism while also funding vital infrastructure improvements. The United Kingdom is now set to join the ranks of countries like Greece, the US, Japan, Germany, Austria, and Mexico in launching a groundbreaking tourist tax, expected to come into effect by 2027. This new initiative, aimed at boosting infrastructure and supporting the local economy, will be a landmark moment for both the UK’s tourism industry and its visitors.

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Taipei Crowned World’s Top City for Long-Term Living & Tourism

Taipei, Taiwan’s lively capital, has just been named the city with the ‘highest staying power’ in the world by the U.S. design and architecture firm Gensler. This honor crowns Taipei the favorite among 65 cities across six continents. In the survey, 64 percent of Taipei respondents said they plan to stay in the city, proof of the special qualities that pull both residents and visitors to its streets. This crowning moment is a proud milestone for Taipei. It shows the city is more than a busy urban center; it is a place where people want to live, work, and flourish. Travelers have loved Taipei for years, but this award now shows how the city also nurtures the pride and belonging vital to its residents. With a sturdy economy, a peaceful atmosphere, and a top-level quality of life, Taipei is now shining as a favorite for both short visits and long stays.

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Vancouver’s African Descent Festival 2025 Cancelled Over Permit Dispute

Park Board, Vancouver, Refuses To Issue Permit, Citing Financial Obligations And Safety Concerns The Vancouver Park Board made its decision public on Friday, explaining that the African Descent Society B.C. had failed to meet the necessary requirements for planning, safety, and financial obligations. The board also mentioned that outstanding debts from past events to both the Park Board and the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) remained unresolved. According to the board, while the African Descent Society had reached a multi-year repayment agreement with the VPD, it was not finalized in time to allow for proper planning for the 2025 event. The Park Board expressed that, without the necessary permit, the festival could not legally take place at English Bay Beach Park. They offered alternatives to the organizers, suggesting the festival be moved to Thornton Park—an area used for previous editions—or postponed until further arrangements could be made. However, both offers were turned down by the African Descent Society. Organizers React To Festival Cancellation The festival coordinator, expressed deep frustration and disappointment in response to the Park Board’s decision. According to the coordinator, the festival’s setup was already in progress, with crews and vendors at the site, when they were informed that they could not proceed. The official revealed that the Park Board’s decision to cancel the event was linked to public safety and the need to secure adequate policing resources. The festival’s organizers had made efforts to settle financial concerns, paying a deposit to the VPD and negotiating a repayment plan. Despite these actions, the festival was ultimately cancelled. The coordinator emphasized that the organizers had worked closely with the police, yet the city’s failure to release the grant funding due to outstanding debts had added an additional hurdle. The official criticized the Park Board for what was perceived as a blow to the public image of the African Descent Festival, which has previously occurred without major incidents. The coordinator remarked that the festival has been a safe and inclusive celebration for years, and the cancellation now threatened its future.

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Asia-Pacific Reacts Cautiously to Thailand’s New Cannabis Policy

Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, and Indonesia are closely watching Thailand’s recent bold reclassification of cannabis, a move set to dramatically reshape the country’s tourism landscape. As these nations enforce strict drug laws and issue travel advisories, their citizens face growing scrutiny and potential risks when visiting Thailand, impacting travel decisions and regional tourism dynamics. This policy shift not only challenges the existing cannabis tourism market but also opens new opportunities for Thailand to establish itself as a premier destination for high-quality cannabis wellness, balancing economic growth with legal compliance and social responsibility. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, president of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), recently discussed Thailand’s government-led cannabis reclassification with Thansettakij, noting that while the policy reflects national regulatory priorities, feedback from the tourism sector points to potential positive outcomes. This shift aims to balance economic growth, social responsibility, and regional travel considerations in a complex international environment. Government Policy and Industry Perspective The Thai government’s move to tighten cannabis regulations follows a period of relative relaxation and signals a commitment to more controlled use. According to Mr. Chaiyapatranun, the change is seen within the tourism industry as an opportunity to build a more sustainable, high-quality cannabis-related wellness market while maintaining Thailand’s overall appeal as a safe destination.

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