World News - Page 14 of 71

Bahia Principe Escape – Adult-Only Getaway for a Total Disconnection from Everyday Life

September 7, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

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Disable routines. Leave your obligations behind. Here begins the calm and the reconnection with oneself. Our Escape hotels are designed for those seeking a true disconnect in iconic sunny seaside destinations. Adult-only hotels where you can escape everyday life, whether alone, as a couple or with friends. It is not just a simple break. It’s about finding yourself again. And yes, you deserve it.

In complete freedom, fully. Holidays Fully & Freely.

Bahia Principe Escape in a Few Words

• Adults-only exclusivity, absolute freedom – The resorts are reserved for adults, designed to allow guests to disconnect from daily life and fully enjoy their stay, at their own pace.
• Cuisine tailored to their tastes – Themed restaurants, varied buffets and culinary experiences to satisfy every craving, from breakfast to dinner.
• Between privacy and vastness – Paradise beaches and spectacular pools invite guests to unwind, soak up the sun, and savor every moment.
• Time for themselves, with extra well-being – Spas, wellness areas and gyms offer numerous possibilities to refresh and take care of oneself.
• Evenings that awaken the senses – Live music, entertainment and themed nights extend the experience and add a festive touch to adult getaways.

Three Destinations, Three Ways to Escape

Today we present three emblematic destinations: Spain, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Discover our Adults Only resorts, among the highest-rated properties in our portfolio, especially valued for their service quality, privileged setting, and experiences crafted for an adult clientele.

BAHIA PRINCIPE ESCAPE TENERIFE****, Spain

Panoramic ocean views, authentic flavors, and intimate spaces designed for absolute relaxation — in Costa Adeje, discover the Bahia Principe Escape Tenerife, reopened recently after a full renovation.

Entirely redesigned in a contemporary and elegant style, the property nonetheless preserves its iconic and breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views.

This Adults Only (+16 years) hotel offers 268 rooms and draws inspiration, in its architecture, from the island’s natural elements. The crystal-clear Atlantic waters, the underground springs, the Teide’s spectacular geomorphology, and Tenerife’s characteristic vegetation subtly integrate into the design and atmosphere of the hotel.

The establishment features a stunning main pool, several bars tailored to different times of the day, a modern fully equipped gym, and rooms designed to offer absolute comfort. The lobby, a true architectural masterpiece, pays homage to Teide through its shapes and materials.

BAHIA PRINCIPE ESCAPE BOUGANVILLE ***** , Dominican Republic

Intimate and inviting, the Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville is an Adults Only (+18) resort located in La Romana, in a privileged setting facing a private palm-fringed bay. Its traditional architecture, peaceful environment and numerous relaxation spaces make it a particularly suitable address for guests seeking calm and exclusivity in the Caribbean.

The hotel offers various pool spaces, moments of seaside relaxation, as well as a varied gastronomic offering combining international flavors and local specialties. Guests can also enjoy wellness activities and a wide range of services within the resort.

Among its main assets, golf takes a premier place, with a PGA-level course accessible to guests wishing to combine a seaside stay with a sporting experience.

The La Romana location also allows visitors to discover the destination’s riches and alternate between resort relaxation and excursions, notably to Santo Domingo and nearby cultural sites.

An Adults Only resort to recommend to travelers seeking a restful stay, a privileged setting and a Caribbean experience in gentle tones.

Discover the Bahia Principe Escape Bouganville universe through this video :

BAHIA PRINCIPE ESCAPE TEQUILA***** , Mexico

Here, Mexico defies explanation: it is to be celebrated. Here, you don’t simply come to rest: you come to experience Mexico with all your senses. The Bahia Principe Escape Tequila is an Adults Only (+18) resort where every moment invites you to disconnect and fully enjoy the moment, where Mexican culture becomes a true experience through gastronomy, art, music and theming nights that pace the stay. The frescoes, local-color design and the energy that animates the spaces create a distinctive atmosphere, where every space tells a story.

The days revolve around pools with lively atmospheres, a gastronomic offering inspired by Mexican flavors and numerous activities allowing guests to discover the essence of the destination.

At nightfall, the resort changes pace and reveals another facet, with shows, themed evenings, live music and immersive experiences inspired by Mexico’s tradition and contemporary creativity. Here, entertainment is not a mere add-on: it is an integral part of the experience.

The expanded access to the resort complex services, proximity to the Caribbean Sea, and experiences such as world-class golf or dedicated wellness spaces complete a stay where celebration and relaxation naturally coexist. The Bahia Principe Escape Tequila targets adults seeking more than a simple seaside stay: a vibrant, cultural and decidedly festive Mexican experience, where every day can end… wherever the party takes you.

Let yourself be guided through the hotel and dive into its universe with this video :

For More Information about Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts :

Bahia Principe Escape - Déconnexion totale réservée aux adultes pour échapper du quotidien

Claudia Fontana

Marketing Manager

[email protected]

Anne-Sophie Lesur

Sales Director France

[email protected]

Site web : www.bahia-principe.com

Business Travel: Paris Region Confirms Global Leadership

September 7, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Paris Île-de-France conserve une position de premier plan sur le marché du tourisme d’affaires - Depositphotos.com, Funtap

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Despite economic and geopolitical uncertainties, business tourism in Île-de-France is showing solid indicators.

The CCI Paris Île-de-France has just published its 2026 assessment focused on the activity of the region’s main exhibition parks and convention centers.

With 24 major sites representing nearly 700,000 m² of covered exhibition space, Paris Île-de-France offers the leading European supply of infrastructures dedicated to professional encounters.

362 trade shows and 7 million visitors in 2025

In 2025, the 24 main Île-de-France sites hosted 362 trade shows, drawing together 100,487 exhibiting companies and 7 million visitors.

According to the CCI, these events generated 4.1 billion euros in economic impact for the Île-de-France region. Exchanges between exhibitors and visitors, meanwhile, accounted for 18.2 billion euros in turnover.

Beyond trade shows, congress activity also contributes to the economic weight of the business tourism sector in the region. Paris thus rose to the second place in the ICCA ranking of cities hosting the most international congresses in 2025.

Throughout the year, the capital and its region hosted 1,200 congresses, for a total of 716,195 delegates. International visitors represented 18.6% of participants. This activity generated 942 million euros in economic impact, according to data released by the CCI Paris Île-de-France.

Île-de-France infrastructures are not limited to trade shows and congresses. In 2025, they also hosted 1,204 other events, including corporate events, shows, cultural and sporting gatherings, examinations, training sessions and other meetings.

These events brought together 2.5 million participants. Overall, this confirms the sector’s weight in the regional tourism economy, particularly for hotels, dining, retail and transportation.

Major professional events support activity in 2026

The first available indicators for 2026 remain favorable, notably in the international congress segment.

More than 10 major international congresses, each drawing over 5,000 participants, are scheduled or have taken place this year. Among them are notably JFHOD, EuroPCR, ISTH, SFO, IPEM and the congress of ADF, as well as the congress of the French Society of Rheumatology.

The trade show sector also continued its progression in the first half of 2026. Several large-scale events helped sustain this dynamic, among them Wine Paris, VivaTech, Eurosatory, JEC World, Global Industrie, Who’s Next and Paris Packaging Week.

The trend is nonetheless less uniform on the consumer/public events side. The CCI reports more nuanced attendance results, despite growth in the number of exhibitors and net occupied space compared with the previous year.

A calendar already favorable for 2027

The prospects remain positive for 2027 as well, with several major international events already scheduled, including IMCAS, JEPU and COGI.

For Dominique Restino, president of CCI Paris Île-de-France, the sector’s results testify to its economic weight for the region.

“Trade shows, congresses and professional events generate billions of euros in economic spillovers,” he notes, also highlighting their contribution to employment and the international visibility of Île-de-France.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
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Tuscany Stay: How to Find the Best Campsite in Viareggio

September 7, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Where to book a campsite in Viareggio according to your travel style?

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The right area goes beyond the seaside town center: there are 3 campsites in Viareggio and 14 in the surrounding area. The challenge is not only the town itself, but the balance between sea, calm, access and budget.

Viareggio center is suited for travelers who want the promenade, the train station, and a lively atmosphere. Torre del Lago Puccini appeals more to families thanks to the pine forest, the quiet, and a sea access that is less urban. Marina di Massa remains a credible alternative if you prioritize space and a more flexible budget to book a campsite in Viareggio, Tuscany.

Which campsites to compare with Viareggio and the nearby surroundings?

Don’t rely on the rating alone: cross-check the real distance to the sea, the volume of reviews, and the on-site setting. The table below allows quick comparison of the most visible options.

Camping / zone	Useful reference	What to remember
Camping Village Viareggio	6.8/10, 1 049 reviews	Very visible, large capacity with 280 pitches and 70 rentals, but you need to read the extras closely.
Viareggio Family Collection (Club del Sole)	In the heart of the pine forest, Viareggio	A popular option with families, offering a shaded setting and facilities suitable for all ages.
Camping Paradiso	10 minutes on foot from the beaches	A good compromise to stay close to the sea without aiming for the direct beachfront.
Camping La Pineta	8.1/10, 192 reviews	Solid rating; shade is a real asset here in summer.
Camping dei Tigli	Torre del Lago (1.4 km from the beach)	An interesting option for families who want to avoid the town center bustle.
Camping Dolce Sole	Marina di Massa (9.0/10, 857 reviews)	A serious alternative off the immediate Viareggio, to consider along the whole coast.

Along this coast, a campsite a bit further back but well shaded is often better than an exposed and noisy pitch. The pine forest counts almost as much as beach distance.

What concrete criteria should you compare before booking your Viareggio campsite?

Actual distance, access and surroundings

An advertisement that says “near the sea” isn’t enough. At 1 km, the beach is still easy to reach by bike; at 15 minutes on foot, returning with children and bags becomes more taxing. Also check the station: some accommodations are 2 km from Viareggio station, a real plus without a car.

Ratings, reviews and volume of feedback

A 9.5/10 with 8 reviews is less reassuring than a 7.8/10 with 477 comments. The volume of reviews reveals a repeated experience. Pay particular attention to cleanliness, quiet, welcome, and the state of the sanitary facilities.

Displayed price and actual cost

Initial prices can start around €952 per week, but the final budget depends on options. This is often where the gap widens.

Which services and conditions really make a difference?

Pools, restaurant, grocery, bike rental, playground and activities help avoid getting back in the car constantly. For families, the combo splash pool + kids club weighs heavily. For couples, the calm, on-site dining and the quality of the accommodation matter more.

Also look at the type of accommodation: lodges to preserve a nature vibe, chalets for more privacy, sites for vans or campers. This flexibility suits mixed groups, balancing comfort and freedom.

Be mindful of additional costs and seasonality: outdoor pools are generally open only in peak season. Regarding the private beaches with parasols and loungers, prices vary significantly by period, typically between €10 and €20 per day, with a marked rise in the heart of summer (July–August).

Before confirming, check for possible extra charges to expect on-site (pool access, shower tokens, wifi, linen rental, end-of-stay cleaning, parking or tourist tax) as well as arrival times.

Which accommodation to choose and for whom?

A family with young children benefits from choosing a chalet or a lodge with real bedding, a kitchen and a terrace. A couple might prefer a compact bungalow, simpler and cooler at night. A group of friends often works better with two neighboring rentals rather than one large mobile home.

In a motorhome, check hookups, access to the bathrooms and shade. In a pine forest, thermal comfort is real, but morning humidity and mosquitoes should be anticipated. With a dog, don’t rely on a pictogram: ask for the exact rules regarding outdoor spaces and the beach.

Ultimately, Viareggio is well suited for couples, Torre del Lago for families, and Marina di Massa for budget-conscious groups. Versilia remains one of the best compromises to combine the beach, trips to Pisa or Lucca, and a true vacation experience.

Choosing the right campsite in Viareggio is therefore about finding the right balance between location, comfort, budget and travel style. By comparing access, included services and recent reviews, you avoid surprises and fully enjoy Tuscany, between beach, pine forest and excursions.

WeTravel Acquires Tourwriter to Strengthen Its Bespoke Travel Offering

September 7, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

WeTravel annonce l’acquisition de Tourwriter - Depositphotos.com @pressmaster

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WeTravel continues to develop in the high-end multi-day travel segment.

The American company announced, Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the acquisition of Tourwriter, a New Zealand-based company specializing in software for designers of customized travel and for incoming agencies (DMC).

The financial terms of the operation were not disclosed. This marks WeTravel’s first acquisition since its $92 million Series C funding in 2025, raised notably from Sapphire Ventures, Left Lane, Base10 and Cross Creek.

With this deal, WeTravel aims to strengthen its presence in the most complex and valued segment of the travel experiences market, which the company estimates at $271 billion.

Two complementary areas of expertise in bespoke travel

Founded in 2003, Tourwriter brings 23 years of expertise in developing software for professionals in the bespoke travel sector. Its platform today supports operators specializing in personalized experiences in 35 countries.

The company has notably developed features dedicated to itinerary creation, supplier management and their pricing, price and margin calculations, commissions, bookings, invoicing, accounting and data analytics.

According to WeTravel, Tourwriter generated more than one billion dollars of itinerary sales over the last two years.

On its side, WeTravel counts more than 10 000 travel businesses and more than 8 000 partners using its platform worldwide. Its system covers notably itinerary creation, online booking, task management, multi-currency payments, deposits and payment schedules, as well as the management and payment of suppliers.

The company has also recently launched WeTravel virtual and physical cards, available in more than 40 countries.

Growing demand for personalized travel

The acquisition comes as WeTravel observes a rise in demand for bespoke and luxury travel.

According to its Annual Trends Report 2026, based on more than one million bookings made on its platform and responses from thousands of professionals, 56% of operators consulted noted increased interest in high-end personalized travel bookings in 2025, compared with the previous year.

WeTravel’s booking data also show an acceleration in 2026. In the first half, bookings by organizers specializing in bespoke and luxury travel rose 16% year over year, while their dollar volume grew by 31%.

This growth, however, comes with increasing operational complexity. Each trip is built individually, meaning professionals must simultaneously manage supplier pricing, currencies, commissions, taxes, deposits and settlements with multiple providers.

Part of these operations still relies on a combination of specialized software, spreadsheets and banking tools, with manual re-entries between the different steps.

Platforms that will remain separate

In the initial phase, Tourwriter and WeTravel will continue to operate as two distinct platforms. WeTravel plans, however, to invest in the development of the Tourwriter product, notably by providing its international payment infrastructure and its AI tools.

“We are thrilled to partner with Glenn and invest in the Tourwriter platform“, explains Ted Clements, CEO of WeTravel. The stated objective is to progressively integrate international payment solutions and the AI tools developed by WeTravel.

For Glenn Campbell, CEO and cofounder of Tourwriter, this operation opens “a new chapter” for the company, while maintaining its goal of helping luxury travel professionals improve profitability and client service.

No immediate changes for Tourwriter clients

WeTravel notes that current Tourwriter clients will keep the same product, the same teams, the same pricing and the same support.

In the coming months, they should progressively gain access to new international payment services and AI features developed by WeTravel.

Glenn Campbell will continue to lead Tourwriter. The team, consisting of about 30 employees spread across New Zealand, London and other regions worldwide, will join WeTravel’s international organization, which counts over 400 employees and has offices in Australia, Azerbaijan, the Netherlands, and the United States.

Costa Cruises Launches Winter Promo: 50% Off Beverage and Excursion Packages

September 7, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Costa Croisières lance sa « Super promo d’hiver » - Depositphotos.com, maudanros

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Costa Croisières launches its marketing campaign “Winter Super Promo”.

Valid for any booking made by October 28, 2026 inclusive, this offer for the first time features a 50% discount applied simultaneously to the My Drinks beverage packages and the My Lands excursion packs.

The goal for the cruise line is to make onboard services and onshore stops more affordable, while enabling passengers to tailor their stay across a wide range of itineraries.

Integration of the “Sea & Land” concepts and Mediterranean itineraries

The promotion also applies to the new versions of the “Sea & Land” offers, which pair land-based calls with sea experiences, themed around regional motifs (Dolce Vita, The Golden Islands, Lights of the Mediterranean, or Icons of the Aegean).

Among the proposed itineraries, the Costa Toscana will operate a 7-night Western Mediterranean loop departing from Marseille from October 3 to 10, 2026, with calls in Barcelona, Cagliari, Naples, Civitavecchia and Genoa.

The following spring, the Costa Fascinosa will offer a 6-night itinerary named Dolce Vita departing from La Seyne-sur-Mer from May 1 to 7, 2027, heading to Saint-Tropez, Savona, Civitavecchia, Salerno and Messina.

Deployment of the offer on Caribbean and Canary routes

The pricing scheme also covers the long-haul connections scheduled for the winter season.

The Costa Favolosa will thus undertake 7-night Caribbean cruises departing Pointe-à-Pitre from December 2 to 9, 2026, with daily calls planned at Fort-de-France, Basseterre, St. John’s, Road Harbour and Santo Domingo.

On the Atlantic leg, the Costa Smeralda will undertake a 12-night itinerary to the Canary Islands and Madeira departing from Barcelona from November 14 to 26, 2026, serving notably Málaga, Cádiz, Las Palmas, Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto del Rosario and Arrecife.

Arts et Vie Launches “Travel Rhythms” in Its Évasion 2027 Brochure

September 7, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Arts et Vie lance les « Rythmes de voyage » dans sa brochure Évasion 2027 - Depositphotos.com, efired

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To better guide its travelers in choosing their stays, Arts et Vie integrates into its Évasion 2027 offering a structured evaluation grid in four categories (from Level 1 « Tempo at a gentle pace » to Level 4 « Intense Tempo »).

This benchmark takes into account walking times, the frequency of travel, the number of hotel changes and moments of rest.

This innovation is part of the association’s approach to adapting its itineraries to the capacities of each travel profile, while maintaining its editorial line focused on cultural discovery and local encounters.

A 2027 program enriched with 12 new international itineraries

The 2027 edition of the catalog includes 12 new itineraries spread across four continents.

In Asia, the offering notably broadens with the ‘Yangtze Odyssey’ in China (22 days), the circuit ‘Gujarati Culture’ in India (16 days), the crossing ‘Bali and the Komodo Archipelago’ in Indonesia, as well as family-oriented options in Thailand and Vietnam.

On the American and European continents, the novelties include a grand itinerary spanning Ecuador to the Galápagos Islands, an option for hiking and whale-watching in the Azores, a crossing of Norway to the North Cape, an archaeological discovery of the Turkish coast, as well as family stays in Malta.

North Africa completes this panel with the Oasis Egypt and a family circuit in Tunisia.

A continued commitment to responsible tourism

Holding Travelife Partner certification and a member of the association Agir pour un Tourisme Responsable (ATR), Arts et Vie continues the rollout of its eco-responsibility criteria in shaping its offerings.

The organization’s charter governs the selection of engaged hotel providers, the progressive elimination of disposable plastics, and the optimization of transport flows.

The association also participates in funding environmental projects via the ATR Fund in partnership with 1% for the Planet France.

This sponsorship mechanism aims to support actions for the preservation of ecosystems and the support of local populations in the destinations served by its programs.

Tourisme Montréal Launches Its ‘Next Season in Montreal’ Campaign in France

September 6, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Tourisme Montréal déploie sa campagne « Prochaine saison à Montréal » - Depositphotos.com, Alpegor6

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To boost tourist traffic during the cold season, Tourism Montréal engages the French market with a creative concept that pits the “Team Chill” (relax) against the “Team Thrill” (sensation).

This initiative, rolled out internationally to priority North American and European markets, aims to deconstruct the image of a restrictive winter and turn it into a compelling urban attraction argument for French travelers.

The organization thus seeks to highlight the contrasts of the metropolis through 30-second videos and short formats broadcast on digital and streaming platforms, inviting visitors to become active participants in their stay.

A reality-TV-inspired communication strategy

In continuation of its summer setup, the campaign borrows from the mechanics of reality TV shows, such as confessions, competition, and team-based rivalries, to theme the travel itineraries.

On the relaxation side, the promotion highlights local gastronomy, museums, urban spas, and neighborhood spots under the snow.

On the thrill side, the emphasis is on outdoor activities, winter festival programming, outdoor art installations, and nightlife.

The objective is not to create a true clash, but to illustrate the complementarity of experiences accessible within a single day in the city.

A media plan targeted at Île-de-France and the Lyon region through December

The campaign in France runs from September 2 to the end of December 2026, with priority targeting of the Île-de-France and Lyon catchment areas.

The media buy relies on high-audience outlets and digital channels to reach urban audiences seeking cultural, gastronomic, and exotic getaways.

By reaffirming that the metropolis “never hibernates,” Tourism Montréal aims to consolidate visitor flows across all four seasons and maintain visibility in the French market throughout the autumn-winter period.

United Tests Meal Delivery Directly to the Boarding Gate

September 6, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

United Airlines expérimente un nouveau service à l’aéroport international Newark Liberty - Depositphotos.com @filedimage

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United Airlines is testing a new service at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, designed to help travelers complete last‑minute purchases more easily.

As part of this pilot program, passengers can pre‑order, via the United app, a selection of meals, beverages and travel essentials. The order is then prepared and made available near their boarding gate.

The service is currently offered on certain flights departing or connecting at the Terminal C, at up to nine departure gates, located between C125 and C138.

These gates serve both domestic and international United flights, with aircraft ranging from narrow‑body jets to wide‑body planes.

An order at the gate

Passengers targeted by this feature receive a push notification in the United app or an email inviting them to place an order before departure.

The offering includes notably sandwiches, salads, beverages, kids’ meals, chips and sweets. The system is not limited to food: some travel aids are also offered, including over‑the‑counter medications, travel pillows and charging cables.

Once the order is ready, the items are placed on a dedicated shelf near the gate. The passenger can pick them up before boarding, enjoy them at the gate, or bring them on board.

“The moment right before boarding” is, according to United, one of the steps where the travel experience can be streamlined.

The company explains that Newark was chosen for this test because of its role as a transfer hub, where connection times can be particularly tight.

A system operated with OTG

For this pilot, United has partnered with OTG, an airport dining and service specialist. Orders are prepared from participating Terminal C restaurants, including Nonna’s Kitchen and Victory Grill.

The aim for the airline is to measure passenger interest in this kind of service and to collect feedback throughout the experiment.

United already plans to expand the test to Houston by the end of 2026. The system would then incorporate national dining brands and offer more options to travelers, notably the choice between picking up the order or having it delivered directly to the boarding gate.

If the experiment is rolled out more broadly, United also envisions integrating the feature into its rear-seat entertainment screens to allow passengers to order more easily during their journey.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Writer
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Brazil: International Tourists Spent $6.5 Billion in Seven Months

September 6, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

Le Brésil poursuit sa dynamique touristique en 2026 - Depositphotos.com, dabldy

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The international tourism continues to weigh on the Brazilian economy.

According to data published Thursday, August 27, 2026 by the Central Bank of Brazil, foreign visitors spent 6.543 billion US dollars between January and July 2026, compared with 5.977 billion dollars over the same period in 2025.

Receipts generated by international tourists thus rose by 9.4% year on year.

They cover expenditures related to accommodation, dining, excursions, transportation and even commerce across the country’s various destinations.

In the single month of July, expenditures by international visitors reached 899 million US dollars.

Nearly 6 Million Foreign Visitors

This growth in receipts accompanies an increase in the number of international travelers welcomed to Brazil. Nearly 6 million foreign tourists entered the country during the first seven months of 2026.

Air transport represents the main entry point to the international market. Arrivals by air rose by 12% between January and July 2026, compared with the same period of the previous year.

Over the entire seven-month period, air travel accounted for more than 68% of international arrivals in Brazil. That share even rose in July, with more than 77% of foreign tourists entering the country by air.

This predominant role of air travel underscores the importance of international connectivity in supporting tourist flows to the various regions of Brazil.

International Tourism as an Economic Lever

For Bruno Reis, president of Embratur, the Brazilian agency in charge of promoting international tourism, the results illustrate the economic impact of tourism beyond the travel sector alone.

“When an international tourist chooses Brazil, the impact of that trip touches several sectors of the economy“, he says. According to him, the 6.5 billion dollars spent in the first seven months of the year testifies to the importance of this activity for the regions.

The diversification of promoting Brazilian destinations should also allow, according to the official, to circulate tourist expenditures across different sectors and across several regions of the country.

With nearly 6 million international visitors welcomed since the start of the year and revenues up by almost 10%, Brazil thus confirms the growth of its international tourism activity in 2026.

Published by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com Editor
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José Antonio Benedicto Iruiñ Appointed Spain’s Tourism Advisor in France

September 6, 2026 by Amara Nambinga

José Antonio Benedicto Iruiñ nouveau Conseiller au Tourisme de l'Espagne en France - , photo de l'office du tourisme d'Espagne

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The Spanish Tourism Office in Paris is adjusting its leadership with the appointment of José Antonio Benedicto Iruiñ.

Former Advisor on Education Abroad across several strategic markets (the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Poland), he succeeds María José Gómez Gómez.

This leadership change sits within the continuity of efforts aimed at maintaining close ties with the French tourism network. “His international experience, gained in several strategic markets (…) constitutes a major asset for this new responsibility,” states the official body, as Spain remains the top foreign destination choice for French travelers.

With experience in the Spanish high administration and an international career in London, New York, Beijing and Warsaw, his mission will be to consolidate Spain’s position as the leading tourist destination for the French and to strengthen partnerships with institutional and professional players in the sector.

Maintaining institutional and professional collaborations between France and Spain

In the framework of his new responsibilities at the Paris representation, José Antonio Benedicto Iruiñ now oversees all promotional and diplomatic tourism actions of the organization.

His main mission is to anchor the image of a diverse and sustainable Spain by highlighting alternative offers such as heritage, artisanal crafts, rural tourism, and natural spaces, in order to encourage rediscovery of the territory.

The new director must also ensure that Spain remains the leading international destination for French travelers, while adapting communication levers to the market’s new expectations regarding digitalization, decarbonization, and the desaisonnalisation of flows.

To achieve this, he is focused on intensifying strategic partnerships across the entire French distribution chain, from tour operators to agency networks, including air and rail carriers.

The five-year track record of María José Gómez Gómez

This transition arrives at the end of a five-year mandate marked by managing the Covid-19 crisis, the rebound of tourist flows, and the emergence of sustainability and digitalization issues.

During this period, María José Gómez Gómez’s strategy focused on diversifying the destination’s image, encouraging visitors to rediscover the country through new cultural and territorial perspectives.

This promotional policy unfolded across several cross-cutting themes, such as botanical heritage, journeys around artisanal crafts, and the strengthening of the network of Spanish villages.

This orientation aimed to renew travelers’ perceptions of the territory, in line with the institutional campaign: “Do you know Spain? Think again.”