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    Seychelles to dazzle at the world’s largest travel trade event ITB Berlin 2024

    Seychelles is set to dazzle attendees at the world’s largest travel trade show, ITB Berlin 2024 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.
    From March 5 to 7, 2024 the Seychelles delegation will illuminate the event with the allure of its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality.It will be featuring 30 representatives from 15 esteemed companies and institutions, including the Tourism Seychelles Team.
    Led by Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, alongside Director General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin and Tourism Seychelles representative for Germany and Austria, Mr. Christian Zerbian, Seychelles endeavors to enchant visitors by presenting the diverse array of experiences available in the archipelago.
    The Tourism Seychelles team will be further complemented by Ms. Christina Cecile from the International Marketing Team and Mrs. Nadine Shah, Manager for Digital Communities, both stationed at Headquarters.
    The delegation is dedicated to nurturing fruitful partnerships, introducing new tourism initiatives, and strengthening existing collaborations to uphold Seychelles’ status as a premier destination on every traveler’s itinerary.ADVERTISEMENTFrom opulent resorts to eco-conscious accommodations and a range of ground services, Seychelles will showcase its finest offerings, providing travellers with unparalleled experiences amidst pristine natural beauty.
    Reflecting on the significance of ITB Berlin, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin extended her appreciation to all partners, both longstanding and new, for their unwavering support.
    “ITB Berlin transcends being a mere trade show; it serves as a platform where global business flourishes and Seychelles is privileged to participate in this transformative event,” she emphasized.
    “The Seychelles delegation eagerly anticipates warmly welcoming our international trade partners at ITB, inviting them to explore our booth, and immerse themselves in the exceptional beauty and hospitality of the islands,” she added enthusiastically.
    Exhibitors will include Anantara Maia Seychelles, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Savoy Resort & Spa, Creole Travel Services, Hilton Seychelles Resort & Spa, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Masons Travel, Laila – A Tribute Portfolio Resort, Story Seychelles & Fisherman’s Cove Resorts, 7° South, Thalassa Seychelles, Hotel L’Archipel, and Silhouette Cruises. Each exhibitor provides a unique offering, ensuring unforgettable moments for visitors.
    Partners attending ITB next week are highly invited to take advantage of the excellent opportunity to meet with the Seychelles delegation.
    The team will be available from the 5th to the 7th at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, in Hall 20 at Stand 205
    Source:https://www.travelandtourworld.com/

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    GNTO to host 84 co-exhibitors in the Greek pavilion at ITB Berlin 2024

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    GNTO to host 84 co-exhibitors in the Greek pavilion at ITB Berlin 2024

    A Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) delegation headed by the organisation’s secretary general, Dimitris Fragakis, is to depart for Berlin on Tuesday, March 5 to take part in the tourism exhibition ITB Berlin 2024 (5-7 March).It is the largest delegation in recent years as a total of 85 co-exhibitors will be hosted at the 1,000 sqm Greek pavilion, among them Greek tourism enterprises, regions and municipalities.
    Fragakis will have a series of meetings with airline companies, tour operators, German tourist market agencies and institutional bodies and will give interviews to international media and will sign memoranda of cooperation.
    The Greek pavilion will host events and special presentations for the German public on the GR-ecoIslands, mainland Greece destinations and the islands of Attica.The visitors can also enjoy the gastronomic experience of an olive oil tasting, featuring high quality olive oils from Crete, the Peloponnese and Lesvos.
    Source: https://hellenicnews.com/

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    The Leading Hotels of the World Welcomes Six New Luxurious Destinations to Its Prestigious Portfolio

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    The Leading Hotels of the World Welcomes Six New Luxurious Destinations to Its Prestigious Portfolio

    Offering the largest collection of independent luxury hotels globally, The Leading Hotels of the World is pleased to welcome six new member hotels to its prestigious portfolio. This season’s collection includes five new hotel openings, demonstrating a boom in luxury hospitality openings worldwide. The openings include two new US properties, a new hotel concept in Madeira, a grand converted museum in Rome, and a collection of bungalows and casas just south of Tulum, Mexico.
    “The Leading Hotels of the World welcomes 2024 with an array of brilliant hotels joining the collection. We are delighted to welcome this outstanding group of new members to LHW, consisting primarily of recent openings.” said Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President of Member Experience, The Leading Hotels of the World. “This cohort includes LHW’s entrance into destinations such as Savannah, Georgia, and Tulum, Mexico, and further strengthens our presence in Europe. LHW is proud to champion independent hospitality and is excited to introduce new experiences to our curious travelers with these additions.”
    Discover LHW’s Spring Collection EUROPE
    The Reserve (Funchal, Portugal) NEW OPENING JANUARY 2024A new hotel concept with guest experiences at its core
    The Reserve is an exclusive hotel concept in Madeira, Portugal, situated within its sister property, Savoy Palace. The hotel encompasses 40 sea-facing rooms and suites on the top floors of Savoy Palace, all meticulously designed to deliver the utmost in comfort. The Reserve is host to a private members access and services team of dedicated GEPAs – Guest Experience Personal Assistants – who will ensure a seamless stay. Positioned near the main attractions of Madeira, The Reserve, beyond wellness and city access, offers guests elevated dining in the Jacarandá Club and private experiences from yacht tours to wine tastings. The Reserve guests benefit from all the facilities and services of the incredible Savoy Palace, from the Laurea Spa and four swimming pools to gardens, to beaches and numerous dining experiences.ADVERTISEMENTPalazzo Roma (Rome, Italy) NEW OPENING 2024A noble museum turned hotel in the capital
    Palazzo Roma is a three-floor museum turned contemporary and history filled hotel. Dating from the 16th Century, this historic building has been owned by several aristocratic Tuscan families and is a valuable heritage of the Roman nobility. Situated near the Spanish Steps, between Via del Corso and Piazza di Pietra, the property is adorned with coffered ceilings, original frescoes, timeless marble, and an outstanding original marble staircase. All 39 rooms and suites have been uniquely designed to the highest standards of contemporary luxury, while maintaining their original features. The spacious reception rooms and unique artwork pair with excellent service and attention to detail, making Palazzo Roma the perfect aristocratic hideaway in this vibrant city.
    Grand Hotel Alassio Beach & SPA Resort (Alassio, Italy)A long tale of elegance and hospitality on the Ligurian Riviera
    Founded in the 1897 and overlooking the grandest stretch of one of Italy’s best beaches, Alassio Beach & Spa Resort blends tradition with elegance and excitement. Catering to families, sport enthusiasts and art lovers, the property features a Kids Club, numerous active pursuits, a Talassio 4 Art collection and more. Placed perfectly on the Italian Riviera, the property offers historical tales from its previous life and weaves this culture into curated tours, sea excursions and magical moments for guests. For those looking to reset and recharge by the Ligurian Sea, the hotel’s private Grand Beach Club and Thalassio Medical Spa await.
    North America
    Case Chablé, (Tulum, Mexico)Beachfront luxury located on an untouched stretch of the Caribbean coast
    Nestled within the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s largest protected areas – lies Casa Chablé. Just 22 miles south of Tulum, Casa Chablé offers a complete nature-immersive experience – with 12 acres of tropical jungle and a 656-foot-long beach. With only five bedrooms in the main villa and an additional five bungalows dotted along the beach, guests will experience a sense of unique remoteness and serenity. The interiors reflect local traditions and the walls are dotted with colorful textiles. Similar to its sister properties, Casa Chablé’s spa and wellbeing experiences are at the heart of the hotel’s offering. The spa features treatments and programs inspired by local traditions the ancient culture of healers.
    Hotel Bardo (Savannah, Georgia, United States) NEW OPENING FEBRUARY 2024Converted Mansion in the gardens of Forsyth Park
    Housed in a former Savannah mansion in the lush green gardens of Forsyth Park is Hotel Bardo – an urban resort and neighborhood clubhouse. Making its debut this year, the hotel features 149 rooms and suites, all comfortably chic. An 80-foot pool, cooking school, spa and sport club invite guests to customize their ideal experience. Saint Bibiana, the main restaurant, offers timeless glamor, impeccable costal Italian food, effortless energy, and cooking classes with the Executive Chef. Also featuring a member’s club, the property will add value to the neighborhood locals and guests alike. When traveling with children, guests can enjoy Camp Bardo, the property’s exciting Kids Club.
    The Fifth Avenue Hotel (New York, New York, United States) NEW OPENING DECEMBER 2023Restored gilded glamour in New York’s NoMad neighborhood
    Thoughtfully restored in the central NoMad neighborhood is The Fifth Avenue Hotel, offering 110 rooms and 43 suites across the mansion and glass tower buildings. Each room is designed with bold, dramatic prints, dainty romantic touches, and vibrant colors. Every corner of the hotel promises a unique kaleidoscopic experience, with eclectic sourced individual art and furnishings, including the three event spaces, hallways and lobby area. The property has introduced two new social and culinary gems to the New York City scene – The Portrait Bar and Café Carmellini. The Portrait Bar offers sophisticated cocktails in a cozy, wood-paneled retreat with an exceptional art collection, and Café Carmellini, conceived by Andrew Carmellini, marries traditional Italian and French cuisine with a classic New York twist.
    Guests can experience enhanced stays at these new members by joining LHW’s complimentary loyalty program, Leaders Club. Richer rewards and uncommon experiences await!

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    Deutsche Hospitality rebrands to H World International

    Joint venture between Conduit House and H World International. To the left: Grant Healy, Chief Executive Officer Conduit House. To the right: Oliver Bonke, Chief Executive Officer H World International © Steigenberger Hotels GmbH
    Deutsche Hospitality, a well-known European hotel company with German roots, is rebranding to H World International to drive the expansion of its ownership group, H World, outside of China.
    All of H World International’s brands will be part of the H Rewards global loyalty program and online booking platform. The brand family includes Steigenberger Icons, Steigenberger Porsche Design Hotels, Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts, Jaz in the City, House of Beats, IntercityHotel, Maxx and Zleep Hotels. New to the international brand family is Ji Hotel, one of H World China’s fastest-growing midscale brands with the recently opened Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore as the first of its kind outside of China.“The rebranding to H World International is ushering in a new chapter of international growth, complementing our vast presence in China”, says Jin Hui, CEO of H World. “It is an important step towards our goal to become a world-class global hotel group, with one global team.”Oliver Bonke will serve as CEO H World International alongside the established executive leadership team of the former Deutsche Hospitality. Oliver Bonke and Choon Wah Wong, CFO H World International, will remain Managing Directors of the Steigenberger Hotels GmbH. H World International includes Europe, Middle East, India & Africa (MEIA), as well as Asia Pacific (APAC).“We are excited to bring all of our distinctive brands to key global markets. With our compelling value proposition for owners and investors, we will be able to offer our employees career opportunities across the globe and 218 million H Rewards members more choice – an even more attractive hotel portfolio, in more destinations, and across more brands”, says Oliver Bonke.
    Joint venture with Conduit HouseTo kick-start its growth in APAC, H World International has entered into a joint venture with Conduit House, a fully integrated hotel operator and hospitality asset manager in Asia, for pre-opening support, technical services and operations. Bonke continues: “We are encouraged by the prospects of partnering with Conduit House, which is run by industry veterans Grant Healy and Achim Lenders whose Asian expertise, relationships and networks will be hugely beneficial for our ambitious growth plans.”
    Five new signings across H World International’s growth regionsH World International just signed an agreement with Tantakitt Company Limited for the Montien by Steigenberger, Surawong Bangkok. Having recently finished a complete renovation, it will be the first Steigenberger hotel in Thailand and carry the brand as of July this year. The legendary and stylish hotel offers 475 rooms, combining timeless Thai style with a contemporary attitude. Furthermore, an agreement was signed with Tai Xiang International Co., Ltd. for the Maxx Huay Yai Villa, Pattaya, Thailand comprising 108 spacious, state-of-the-art villas and with an expected opening towards the end of 2025.
    In the MEIA region, the company recently signed an agreement for the new build Steigenberger Resort Byoum Lakeside in Egypt, adding to the existing 16 Steigenberger Resorts in the country. The hotel features 90 luxury rooms and is located about 90 kilometers southwest of Cairo, close to Qarun Lake. It is expected to open in late 2025. Earlier this month, H World International announced the opening of the IntercityHotel Bawshar in Muscat, Oman – the fourth IntercityHotel in Oman and sixth in MEIA overall.ADVERTISEMENTIn Europe, the Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts brand announced the addition of the renovated and historical Bielefelder Hof in Germany. Furthermore, the economy brand Zleep Hotels, of Danish origin, is on the rise with openings in Horsens, Denmark as well as Lausanne and Zürich, Switzerland. Agreements for two further Zleep Hotels were recently signed for the Zleep Hotel Bern, set to open in late 2025, and the Zleep Hotel Göppingen in Southern Germany, which is expected to open in 2026.

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    Qatar Airways Unveils AI-Driven Travel Experience at Web Summit Qatar

    Qatar Airways Group, the Official Airline Sponsor of the Web Summit Qatar, helped open the biggest technology conference in the Middle East with a special viewing of the five-star airline’s pipeline of latest innovative travel technology products.
    These included an exclusive reveal of a prompt less Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) experience designed to seamlessly help customers find their dream journeys across Qatar Airways’ extensive network of over 170 destinations.
    Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways is helping push the boundaries of what to expect from the travel experience of the future. When it comes to digital innovation, our approach is to always focus on the ways in which we can gain advantages for our passengers and employees along with operational efficiencies by using technology.”
    He added: “The airline and its subsidiaries are constantly evolving, working hand-in-hand with partners, stakeholders and regulators to utilise the latest advances in aviation and travel technology. It is an exciting time for the airline’s innovative and ideating workforce, and we are working to foster a culture of creativity and innovation. These pioneering technologies that we are showcasing blur the boundaries between the physical and the virtual, offering a tantalising peek into a new era of travel.”
    Attendees exploring the Qatar Airways exhibit at the Web Summit, which is being held for the first time in Qatar, were treated to a preview of the future of travel through the airline’s latest innovations on display.ADVERTISEMENTThe new Generative AI experience is designed to make travel planning hassle-free and personalised. By using frictionless visual interactions and an interactive 3D map, customers’ travel preferences are understood, eliminating the need for manual searches and detailed text inputs. This development is part of Qatar Airways’ ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of travel, enhancing passenger comfort and convenience at every stage of their journey.
    As a leader in industry innovation and digital adoption, Qatar Airways was recently voted the World’s Best Airline Website by World Travel Tech Awards. Excelling in identifying and responding to emerging trends of passengers, the airline also introduced an in-house application that enables its award-winning cabin crew to deliver personalised experiences for passengers.
    Qatar Airways Privilege Club has also recently enhanced its programme with the newly unveiled Privilege Club Collection platform, available to all its members. The platform is set to transform the way members spend their Avios by offering them thrilling opportunities to bid from a selection of curated packages.
    In a tribute to the innovative digital workplace culture at Qatar Airways, the airline also recently won two Human Resources accolades: “Brilliance Award for Employee Engagement” and “Gold Award for Use of Technology in Internal Communications” at the 2024 International Brilliance Awards.

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    IAPCO’s 54th Annual Meeting in Ljubljana: Fostering Innovation and Sustainability

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    IAPCO’s 54th Annual Meeting in Ljubljana: Fostering Innovation and Sustainability

    From February 28th to March 2nd, 2024, the 54th annual meeting and general assembly of the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO) is taking place in Ljubljana. Around 160 directors and owners of congress agencies from around the world are attending. The local organizer of the event is Cankarjev dom, which has been a member of the IAPCO association since 1980, with the support of Ljubljana Tourism, the Slovenian Tourist Board, and other partners.
    IAPCO is a non-profit association and the only international accreditation organization for professional congress organizers. The association’s mission is to raise service standards among its members and other stakeholders in the meetings industry through continuous education, collaboration with various experts, research, and data measurement. IAPCO brings together 138 accredited congress organizing companies in 40 countries. Membership, which is attainable through high-level services, is maintained through annual reviews and evaluations by the IAPCO Quality Committee.
    IAPCO unites the largest global players in the meetings industry. According to data (published by IAPCO on March 30, 2023), in 2023, IAPCO members collectively organized 7,722 events and plan to host an additional 7,729 events over the next three years (until 2026). Among these, 1,943 events have yet to select a destination, and organizers are still seeking venues for 3,542 events. Therefore, the assembly and annual meetings are of significant importance to the local economy and tourism, which hope to attract foreign professional congress organizers to return to the destination with international events.
    The meetings industry is one of the main products of Slovenian tourism, known for its high added value and numerous multiplier effects. The total spending by congress guests is at least 3.5 times that of conventional tourists. It contributes to the dispersion of tourist flows, destimulation, and sustainable development of Slovenian tourism.
    The theme of this year’s event is “Be the Flow”, which calls for action and inspires innovation in the rapidly changing meetings industry towards sustainability. IAPCO Ljubljana 2024 focuses on reducing the environmental impact of meetings and promoting sustainability. The goal of the IAPCO association is for meetings to become more environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and aligned with the goals of sustainable development. At IAPCO 2024 in Ljubljana, the carbon footprint of the event will be measured for the first time, marking a milestone and opportunity for all future IAPCO meetings.ADVERTISEMENTThe IAPCO conference represents a strategic starting point for Slovenia, Ljubljana, and Cankarjev dom, a long-standing member of the IAPCO association, to further successfully attract international scientific and professional meetings in the future.

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    MATAR Wins Best Use of Big Data Award at Qatar Digital Business Awards 2023

    MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airports Operation and Management, won the Best Innovative Use of Big Data and Analytics award, for Hamad International Airport (DOH) at the Qatar Digital Business Awards 2023, organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT). The Qatar Digital Business Awards is a platform that honours digital transformation initiatives and innovative solutions that will boost the national economy.
    Hamad International Airport’s award was attributed to the airport’s implementation of data analytics to support employee development.
    Commenting on this achievement, Suhail Kadri, Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation at MATAR, said: “This achievement underpins our commitment to adopting innovative solutions, propelled by data and analytics. By leveraging data-driven insights we can focus on improving various functions at the airport that will respond to an evolving industry, creating an ecosystem that supports our people, stakeholders and communities we serve.”
    The demand for large scale innovative transformation in order to enhance operations and passenger’s experience throughout their airport journey is at all-time high and there is an emphasis to grow the skillsets within the workforce. Hamad International Airport utilised graph theory and network analytics for competency proficiency to build bridges across different functions of the organization and to empower employees in realising their career aspirations and personal growth.
    Some of the key features introduced included role and competency representation, competency proficiency metrics, and a user-friendly tool for staff assessment and career exploration. The next phase of the employee transformation project is collaborating with external partners to implement metacognitive adaptive learning methods aimed at further enhancing employees’ proficiencies and skills.ADVERTISEMENTMATAR’s success serves as a testament to Hamad International Airport’s commitment to being an industry leader, setting the benchmark for the aviation industry and expanding beyond traditional solutions to deliver an exceptionally memorable passenger experience for all travellers.

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    New Destination NSW Corporate Website Turbocharges Visitor Economy Growth

    Destination NSW has launched a new corporate website that provides a dynamic digital hub for visitor economy stakeholders seeking the latest research, information, tools and resources to support their growth.The state-of-the-art platform caters to the needs of its diverse community of users with data and insights on visitors and markets; training, resources and other business support via the NSW First Program; a newsroom featuring media releases and updates; information on major event investment, industry, and business events; and the latest marketing campaigns and partner toolkits.
    Destination NSW is the lead agency, champion and voice for the visitor economy within the NSW Government. It spearheads a whole-of-government approach to visitor economy growth, working with various organisations to promote NSW as a destination, to secure and deliver major events, invest in visitor economy infrastructure and support the diverse ecosystem of visitor economy businesses that operate state-wide.
    Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “The NSW Government’s Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 envisions our state as the leading visitor economy in the Asia-Pacific, targeting $65 billion in visitor expenditure by 2030.
    “To achieve this goal, digital innovation is paramount and Destination NSW has a steadfast commitment to leveraging technology for seamless government and industry interactions, ensuring quicker and easier access to news, statistics and insights linked to the visitor economy.
    “The new corporate website, designed to provide an engaging user experience, improved search functionalities and mobile responsiveness, positions Destination NSW to be adaptable and forward-thinking during the momentum phase of the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 and in turn ensure NSW achieves its targets and goals for visit expenditure.”ADVERTISEMENTKey features of the new Destination NSW corporate website include:
    Modern and intuitive UX and designA highly responsive search functionality powered by Algolia, making it easy to surface reports, articles and related contentWCAG 2.1 Level AA complianceIndustry leading data security through secure, cloud-based systems Sanity and VercelSubscription function to Destination NSW’s weekly visitor economy newsletter, Insights.Sydney design and technology agency Nightjar, which has collaborated on visitor economy projects for Vivid Sydney, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse, Rydges, Atura and QT Hotels, developed the website for Destination NSW.
    Visit www.destinationnsw.com.au to explore the website, discover its resources and receive updates on the latest visitor economy news and initiatives.

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