Divers

🌎 In 2025, the Dominican Republic welcomed 11.6 million international tourists, marking a 4.3% increase from 2024 and setting a historic record. David Collado, the Tourism Minister, highlighted a 37.8% growth since 2022. Air travel brought in 8.86 million tourists, mainly via Punta Cana (51%). Maritime arrivals reached 2.82 million, a 114.6% rise from 2022. Hotel occupancy averaged over 71%. December alone saw 1.3 million visitors, with the US, Canada, Argentina, and Colombia leading as key markets.

✈ Air India is searching for a new CEO while the current CEO, Campbell Wilson, remains in position. The company, owned by the Tata family, offers a competitive salary to attract global candidates. Air India, once a problematic public airline, is undergoing reform after a chaotic past, including issues like drunk pilots and management failures linked to a fatal Ahmadabad accident. With 500 new aircraft, Air India aims to streamline operations and maintain growth alongside competitor Indigo.

🌫 Este jueves, la tormenta Goretti afectó Bretaña, Normandía, y Cornualles con vientos de hasta 160 km/h, causando caos en aeropuertos. Hoy, viernes, se espera que impacte Alemania. Schiphol, Ámsterdam, ha tenido más de 4,000 cancelaciones desde Año Nuevo. KLM asegura disponer de 100,000 litros de líquido descongelante para mantener operativas las aeronaves, evitando el cese de operaciones pese al frío extremo.

🌏 Desde el 1 de enero, EE.UU. se expandió su lista de países con restricciones de entrada, añadiendo 19 más, incluyendo Venezuela, Cuba, y Nigeria, además de 20 previamente restringidos como Irán y Siria. Ciudadanos de estos países están excluidos de casi todas las visas, excepto diplomáticos y atletas de grandes eventos. A pesar de relaciones cambiantes, Venezuela sigue en la lista. Pakistán y Bangladesh permanecen sin restricciones.

✈️ 1926-2026, Resuinsa Group celebrates its centennial, marking 100 years in the hospitality industry, having grown alongside tourism and travel transformations. With presence in over 150 countries, the group includes Resuinsa, Resuinsa Home, Carmela Martí Decoración, and Martí Linen. Their strategy? Listening, specializing, and anticipating industry needs while maintaining sustainability and efficiency. Under Félix Martí Sempere, the group continues its global influence, rooted in Mateo Martí's 1926 vision.

🚄 Renfe is responding to Ouigo's abrupt cancellations by activating special services in the southern corridor. From January 9 to 22, Ouigo will reduce its daily train services between Madrid, Seville, and Málaga by 14, affecting an estimated 15,000 travelers. Renfe is offering two special Avlo trains between Madrid and Seville, starting at €7. Additional services may be added based on demand, particularly for the Madrid-Málaga route.

📈 KLM faced chaos at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport due to heavy snow on January 1, 2026, leading to flight cancellations. Some Spanish passengers reported being abandoned by KLM staff. Two theories for the mishandling include cost-cutting on crisis resources or staff leaving due to stress. Budget airlines like Ryanair have lower expectations due to cheaper fares, whereas legacy carriers like KLM face higher expectations. Comparisons to previous crises like the Icelandic volcano highlight recurring industry challenges.

✈ Azores Airlines and Sata, both public airlines in the Azores, face financial struggles. Azores Airlines has 8 aircraft, and Sata operates 6 turboprops. The EU extended the deadline by one year for Azores Airlines' privatization, with only one bid from Atlantic Connect. Meanwhile, Sata requires a €450 million aid, awaiting EU approval. Despite ongoing losses, worsened by the pandemic, Sata will continue serving inter-island routes post-sale.

📰 Resuinsa Group celebrates 100 years in 2026, having started in 1926. They've grown into a global hospitality leader, present in over 150 countries. Under brands like Resuinsa, Resuinsa Home, Carmela Martí Decoración, and Martí Linen, the company emphasizes sustainability, quality, and innovation. Their evolution from a local textile firm into a global player underscores their adaptability and resilience, maintaining a strong industry presence through changing times with a focus on the future.

🏠 Junta de Castilla y León activated the 2026 "Club de los 60" travel program for seniors, offering 28,454 spots across 30 destinations. A notable change allows choosing from 212 travel agencies, including 42 in rural areas. Registration closes on January 21, with a lottery on February 3 for spring trips and on July 10 for autumn. New destinations include Japan, a Rhine cruise, and a Paris-Loire Valley tour. An app and 24/7 hotline facilitate the process.