Funding & Investment in Travel

PN proposes carrying capacity solution to waste crisis in tourist-heavy localities

Published

2 days ago

July 16, 2025

The Nationalist Party has proposed a carrying capacity policy as a key solution to Malta’s growing garbage problem, especially in localities heavily impacted by tourism such as Swieqi, St Julian’s and Msida.

The suggestion came during a press conference held on Tuesday to address long-standing concerns from residents and mayors who say the current waste management system is outdated and ineffective.

PN MP Eve Borg Bonello said the issue is far from new, insisting it is not just a seasonal inconvenience but a result of poor long-term planning and a lack of vision. She criticised the government for consistently downplaying the situation and pushing councils into a role of management by crisis. According to Borg Bonello, the country’s current one-size-fits-all system has failed before it even had a chance to work, as it ignores the differing needs and realities of each locality.

She called for nationwide shift towards data-driven policies that reflect the actual carrying capacity of each locality. This framework would assess how many people—residents and tourists combined locality can reasonably sustain based on infrastructure and waste management capabilities. The PN is also proposing serious legislative reform, including the introduction of on-the-spot fines and local council empowerment, to allow for more targeted and effective responses.

Charles Selvaggi, mayor of Msida, warned that the locality is under immense pressure, stating that waste output has increased tenfold—from ten to a hundred bags daily—without any adjustment to the collection system. Despite this surge, the waste management approach has remained unchanged. Selvaggi noted that 64 per cent of Msida’s residents are foreigners, many of whom are unfamiliar with Malta’s waste separation rules and rely solely on black bags, which should actually be the smallest but are now the most overused. He said the growing volumes of unregulated waste are attracting vermin, posing health risks and environmental harm. Selvaggi called for a pilot project involving local volunteers to be launched in Msida to directly address the crisis.

Noel Muscat, Mayor of Swieqi, also expressed frustration with the current state of waste management. He noted that despite holding three stakeholder meetings to seek both short- and long-term solutions, no progress has been made and the locality has been left to struggle alone. Muscat said the situation has worsened to the point that residents feel their locality has become one of fear and filth. He highlighted the significant role that short lets are playing in worsening the waste problem, explaining that during a past effort to introduce organic waste separation, it was quickly discovered that short-term rentals were the main source of non-compliance. Despite this finding, he said absolutely no action was taken.

Both Muscat and Selvaggi pointed out that while councils are doing their best to manage the waste problem, they are often powerless due to a lack of enforcement and government support. They argued that efforts such as sending wardens or environmental officers are pointless if fines are not issued and no legal backing is in place. Tourists, who are often the ones causing the most waste, are rarely penalised or even informed about how Malta’s system works.

Borg Bonello added that while every locality has its unique challenges, tourist-heavy areas are bearing the brunt of the national waste crisis. She argued that local councils must have the authority to choose what is right for their communities, and that simply issuing generalised directives will not solve the issue. According to her, the black bag problem is symbolic of the wider systemic failure, as it has become the dominant bag despite being intended for limited use.

The PN said that unless swift and effective action is taken, the challenges will only continue to grow alongside the resident and tourist populations. The party reiterated that its carrying capacity proposal is not just a solution for today, but one that aims to safeguard the future by aligning waste policy with real-life conditions on the ground.

Borg Bonello closed by stating that the government is failing to grasp the seriousness of the situation and is more concerned with maintaining appearances than providing real solutions. She urged the government to stop treating councils as scapegoats and instead give them the resources and autonomy they need to protect both residents and visitors.

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Funding & Investment in Travel

China’s Duku Highway sees tourism boom in summer

Published

45 minutes ago

July 18, 2025

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An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the scenery along the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

An aerial drone photo shows a vehicle in a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows the scenery along the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

An aerial drone photo shows tourists visiting a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

Tourists riding camels visit a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

This photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a grassland by the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

A man poses for a photo at a service area of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 15, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

An aerial drone photo shows vehicles on the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 15, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

This aerial drone photo shows tourists visiting a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)

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Funding & Investment in Travel

Curacao Sees Surge in Tourism and Business Growth in 2025

Published

2 hours ago

July 18, 2025

Charlotte Bennett

WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO — Curacao is becoming an important spot for travelers and investors as it experiences a notable boost in tourism and business initiatives. Recent data shows that the island welcomed 57,412 stayover visitors in June 2025, a 15 percent rise from the previous year, according to the Curaçao Tourist Board.

This increase highlights Curacao’s growing appeal as a top travel destination, well-known for its vibrant culture and diverse activities. Many tourists are taking advantage of attractive flight deals, with tickets starting around $442. Airlines like Copa Airlines provide reliable options, connecting Miami to the island and supporting travelers from across Latin America.

The hospitality scene in Curacao is thriving as well, offering luxury accommodations for those looking for a high-end experience. The Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino in Willemstad showcases elegant facilities, various dining options, and amenities such as a private beach and an infinity pool.

Beyond tourism, Curacao is demonstrating its commitment to community welfare with initiatives like the Essential Assistance Program. This effort provides free household goods and grocery support for families in need, aiming for inclusive economic growth.

The island is also known for its culinary innovations, including Combier Curaçao Le Bleu, the world’s first Premium Blue Curacao. This product highlights Curacao’s dedication to quality and appeals to both residents and visitors.

Visitors can explore Curacao with numerous excursions, including tours at the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery and Klein Curacao day trips that feature premium BBQ lunch options. These activities enhance the unique cultural experience available to tourists.

As families plan vacations, Curacao is competing well with other Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas and Aruba. With its cultural richness and leisure opportunities, it remains an attractive choice for diverse family experiences.

Analysts foresee continued visitor growth, supported by strategic initiatives and the island’s charm. As Curacao progresses, it strives to provide exceptional experiences for both tourists and locals, solidifying its role as a leading Caribbean destination.

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Funding & Investment in Travel

DRC’s maiden “World Music and Tourism Festival” officially opened by President Tshisekedi

Published

3 hours ago

July 18, 2025

Gifty Owusu-amoah

Fally Ipupa headlines electrifying first night as Congo takes centre stage in global celebration of music and culture.

The rhythm of Congolese Rumba echoed through the capital on Wednesday as President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo officially opened the first-ever World Music and Tourism Festival in Kinshasa, setting the tone for a landmark event that merges culture, tourism, and diplomacy under the theme “The Rumba Route for Peace.”

The opening ceremony, held at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC), brought together cultural leaders, artists, international partners, and dignitaries from across the globe. President Tshisekedi thanked the Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili and his team at of UN Tourism for partnering with the Congolese government to bring the maiden edition of the festival to life, noting that the DRC would leverage this platform to promote peace, unity, and tourism development.

In his first official visit to the DRC, Pololikashvili addressed a packed hall of dignitaries, artists, cultural leaders and Congolese citizens. In a deeply personal and forward-looking speech, he noted that “it is a great honour to join you in Kinshasa, a city full of rhythm and energy.”

“Today, the DRC is making history. You are not only hosting a festival. You are sharing Congolese Rumba with the world. This music, recognised by UNESCO, tells the story of your people. It is a living link between Africa and the Americas.”

He also stressed the global significance of the festival. “Both music and tourism are instruments of peace. They break down barriers, foster understanding, and remind us of our common humanity. This festival shows what African tourism can be – inclusive, authentic, and proudly rooted in culture.”

The official opening was elevated by stirring choral performances and traditional Congolese music and dance, which brought vibrancy and local flavour to the ceremony in a rich cultural setting. The audience – made up of government officials, cultural leaders, international partners, and artists – was visibly moved by the authentic expressions of Congolese identity and artistry.

After the ceremony, President Tshisekedi led high-level dignitaries to tour the Cultural Village, an immersive exhibition space showcasing Congolese fashion, crafts, gastronomy and visual arts.

As the sun set, the celebration continued with a massive open-air concert headlined by Fally Ipupa at the People’s Palace, on the forecourt of the National Assembly.

Drawing thousands of people, the show blended Rumba’s timeless melodies with urban rhythm and pop flair, bringing Kinshasa to life and marking a thrilling conclusion to Day 1. Fally’s performance – powerful, polished and deeply rooted in tradition – embodied the spirit of the festival: Congolese excellence with global resonance.

On Day 2 – Thursday, July 17

Day 2 of the World Music and Tourism Festival will focused on dialogue, innovation, and industry development at the Central African Cultural and Arts Centre (CCAPAC). Key highlights included “Transatlantic Rhythms for Peace,” a high-level roundtable exploring music as a tool for diplomacy between Africa, the Americas and beyond, as well as the “Fair Play” session, which tackled issues around copyright, artist rights, and equitable participation in the music tourism economy.

A dedicated masterclass also provided artists and stakeholders with practical insights into intellectual property and sustainable business models.

Additional sessions explored music’s role in destination branding through the panel “Music at the Heart of Tourism,” and how digital platforms and youth-led innovation were reshaping the creative landscape in “From Vinyl to Viral.”

A fireside chat with renowned Congolese musician Jean Goubald Kalala, moderated by Kojo Bentum-Williams, will offer a personal perspective on the evolution of Congolese Rumba.

The World Music and Tourism Festival continues through Friday 18 July, with Kinshasa proudly at its centre – where the beat of Rumba becomes the heartbeat of peace.

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