Blue Diamond Resorts will soon welcome Paraíso de la Bonita, a 90-suite adults-only retreat in Riviera Maya, into its growing portfolio and, for the first time, into Marriott’s prestigious Luxury Collection, according to a press release by Blue Diamond Resorts.
Dire headlines about an “Ireland tourism slump” have been making the rounds this spring, yet the outlook from companies selling escorted vacations tells a more nuanced story. While official statistics show overall arrivals dipping, tour operators that cater mainly to U.S. and Canadian clients say bookings rebounded quickly after a soft first quarter and are now pacing at or above 2024 levels.
Wilding Hotels is swapping printed directories, room-service menus, and sightseeing brochures for sleek, touch-screen devices, according to a press release by Wilding Hotels. The boutique brand has introduced Volo in-room tablets across its portfolio, aiming to enhance convenience for travelers while reducing the environmental footprint of each stay.
(PARO, Bhutan) — Bhutan, the secluded Himalayan kingdom celebrated for measuring success in Gross National Happiness, has lowered but made permanent a steep levy on foreign guests: a £73 (US$100) per-day Sustainable Development Fee. The charge — dubbed a “happiness tax” by British media — applies to all international tourists except Indian nationals and is intended to safeguard the nation’s culture and environment.
PYONGYANG, North Korea — North Korea has cut the ribbon on the long-awaited Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Area, a sprawling seaside playground built to host as many as 20,000 holidaymakers at once, as reported by Deutsche Welle. State imagery splashed across the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on Wednesday showed sun-seekers in brightly colored swimwear strolling an immaculate strand backed by novelty fountains, high-rise hotels and waterslides — scenes rarely associated with the reclusive state.
