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    Lisbon Voted Europe’s Best MICE Destination for the First Time

    Lisbon was voted Europe’s Best MICE Destination in 2023 for the first time at the 4th edition of the World MICE Awards, which took place last night in Berlin, Germany.The same event also saw the 31st European edition of the World Travel Awards, in which Lisbon was also voted Europe’s Best Urban Destination in 2024.
    Last year and to date, 2251 events have been registered in Lisbon, attracting more than 592,178 participants from all over the world. The privileged location, the modern and versatile infrastructures, as well as the excellent accessibility, combined with the transversality of cultural experiences, have made Lisbon an unavoidable choice in Europe for organising events. Since 2019, Lisbon has been ranked 2nd in the ICCA World Ranking, having previously been consecutively in the Top Ten.

    The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) segment plays a significant role in Lisbon’s economy, making a significant contribution to tourism and the city’s economic development, particularly in terms of revenue generation and job creation. It’s worth remembering that in 2022 and 2023, the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL) made over 1 million euros available for attracting and supporting congresses, corporate events and association events, through the Lisbon Tourism Development Fund (financed with revenue generated by the tourist tax) and ATL’s participation in the national programme, Portugal Events, with 25% of the overall funding.
    ADVERTISEMENTThe prospects for holding international events in Lisbon are promising. “We continue to work to attract the attention of international event organisers and participants.  Lisbon stands out not only for its unique DNA, but also for the professionalism of its companies, its excellent hotels, accessibility, organisational capacity, cultural offer and the widest range of possible experiences. Lisbon continues to be a pioneer in offering unique and unrepeatable experiences,” says Paula Oliveira, Executive Director of the Lisbon Tourism Association.

    As an urban destination, Lisbon stands out for its historical heritage, vibrant culture, welcoming atmosphere, diverse cuisine and authentic visitor experience, with its historic districts, colourful tiles, panoramic viewpoints, urban art, modernity and cultural attractions, from museums and art galleries to internationally renowned concerts and festivals.

    The World MICE Awards, considered the “sister” event of the World Travel Awards, celebrate excellence in the MICE industry and annually reward destinations, airlines, hotels, organisers and infrastructures related to this sector.

    The World Travel Awards, internationally acclaimed as the “Oscars of Tourism”, annually honour the excellence achieved by tourist destinations, hotel companies, airlines and other entities related to the tourism industry. These awards represent a seal of quality and a stamp of prestige for those who excel in providing the best that the tourism industry has to offer on a global level.

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    Double Down THIS Summer AND SEE DOUBLE

    Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in collaboration with OMRAN Group have launched the See Double campaign – their first joint promotion that aims to entice visitors to explore the nature emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and neighbouring Musandam, the governate of Oman, in one experience-packed trip this summer.
    The summer campaign, twinning up both destinations, encourages travellers to enjoy fun, adventure, and beauty, thereby creating double the memories. As an added incentive, the promotion highlights the ‘Kids Go Free’ offer available at many hotels and attractions in Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam.
    The See Double campaign was officially unveiled today at global travel industry event, ITB Berlin, which runs from March 5-7 and brings together leisure travel partners from all over the world. The launch comes after the tourism entities signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in November 2023 to pursue cross-destination tourism promotion and marketing initiatives, with a view to boosting international tourism to Ras Al Khaimah and the Musandam Governorate.
    See Double effectively demonstrates how travellers can maximise their experience by visiting two remarkable destinations within a 90-minute drive of each other. Featuring an easy border crossing and the shared natural beauty of the majestic Hajar mountain range, as well as a rich, intertwined history and cultural heritage, the campaign promises to captivate visitors.
    By twinning up, visitors will have the opportunity to See Double by exploring unmissable attractions in each destination, including:ADVERTISEMENT64km of Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning coastline and dolphin spotting in the Arabian Gulf in MusandamJais Flight, the world’s longest zipline on Jebel Jais and the Musandam zipline, the world’s longest over-water ziplineSuwaidi Pearls – the region’s only working pearl farm – and a traditional Musandam dhow cruise, taking in the sights of the Peninsula’s famous ‘desert fjords’Dhayah Fort and Khasab Fort – ancient military forts that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries respectivelyHiking on Jebel Jais, the UAE’s tallest peak and a safari in Oman’s Hajar mountainsThe exhilarating mountain toboggan ride, Jais Sledder on Jebel Jais, will offer complimentary tickets to kids aged 12 and under with every adult ticket purchased this summer.
    Running from June 15 to September 15, See Double also highlights that ‘Kids Go Free’ at most hotels and resorts in Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam ensuring value for money on stays and meals.
    H.E Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, remarked: “Our See Double campaign with the ministry in collaboration with OMRAN brings together the best of Ras Al Khaimah and the Musandam Governate in one sensational summer promotion. This joint marketing effort marks the beginning of numerous cross-destination promotions we plan with the Sultanate of Oman. It aims to highlight the diverse attractions and experiences available to international travellers in both destinations. Pioneering in the region, the campaign is testament to our strong synergy, aligning with the international trend towards frictionless, borderless travel, and enhancing accessibility and convenience for travellers.”
    Mr. Haitham Al Ghassani, Director General for Tourism Promotion at Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, commented: “We are excited to unveil our first collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, which unlocks the outstanding tourism offering that our destinations have to offer families and travellers from all over the world. From adventure and sport to unearthing historic treasures, there is something for everyone in Musandam and Ras Al Khaimah, and with the mountains and the sea remaining cooler during the summer, there’s no better place to be.”
    Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam Governorate boast remarkable natural assets, historic landmarks, a rich cultural offering and adventure experiences, with a focus on the great outdoors.
    To find out more about Ras Al Khaimah’s destination offering, please visit visitrasalkhaimah.com and check out the Emirate’s social platforms Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. ​
    To explore Oman’s tourism offerings, please visit experienceoman.om check out the social platforms @ExperienceOman on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook. ​

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    ETIHAD AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES AED 1.4 BILLION (USD $ 394 MILLION) OPERATING RESULT FOR THE FULL YEAR 2023

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    Ethiopian Airlines to Expand Widebody Fleet with Up to 20 Boeing 777X Jets

    Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announced today an agreement for the East African airline to purchase eight 777-9 passenger airplanes and the potential for up to 12 additional jets.Ethiopian Airlines’ selection of 777-9 jets positions the carrier as the first 777X customer in Africa and builds on its landmark 2023 order for 11 787 Dreamliner and 20 737 MAX airplanes to modernize and grow its fleet.“We are pleased to continue setting the trend in African aviation by adopting cutting-edge technologies to enhance our services and customer satisfaction. Improving our operational performance and commitment to environmental sustainability, the 777-9 offers more flexibility, reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew. “We are grateful to Boeing for their long-standing partnership and support, and we eagerly anticipate flying the 777-9 across the African skies and beyond.”
    Based on the 777 and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777-9 features new carbon-fiber composite wings and engines that will enable the airplane to achieve 10% better fuel efficiency and operating costs than the competition. The 777-9 will support Ethiopian Airlines’ plans to grow and renew its fleet in size, range and passenger and cargo capacity to reach high-demand markets in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America.
    “Ethiopian Airlines marks yet another first in our longstanding partnership by selecting the 777-9 to be the flagship of its growing fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “Building on a relationship that goes back 75 years, we deeply value the unwavering trust and confidence Ethiopian Airlines puts in our airplanes.”
    Boeing airplanes make up more than half of Ethiopian Airlines’ current fleet, including 29 787 Dreamliners, 20 777s, three 767s, 27 Next-Generation 737s and 15 737 MAX jets. Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing continue to explore opportunities to further develop the country’s aerospace industry, including support for Ethiopian Airlines’ MRO capabilities, industrial development, training capabilities at the Ethiopian Aviation University and STEM education, as well as equipping the Ethiopian Museum of Science with aerospace exhibits.
    Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook forecasts Africa’s annual air traffic growth at more than 7% through 2042 ─ the third-highest growth rate among global regions and above the global average of approximately 6%. Providing growth opportunities for airlines and offering enhanced features for passengers, with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles), the 777-9 enables flights from Addis Ababa to as far as Seattle in the U.S.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Naturetrek Launches New Vegetarian – and Vegan – Wildlife Holidays

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    Naturetrek Launches New Vegetarian – and Vegan – Wildlife Holidays

    Specialist natural world tour operator Naturetrek (www.naturetrek.co.uk) has announced a series of new vegetarian and vegan wildlife holidays, adding to its leading collection of small group tours and cruises for 2024.Reflecting the growing movement towards plant-based diets, whether for reasons of health, animal welfare or sustainability, Naturetrek has this year whole-heartedly embraced the increased interest in – and demand for – vegan and vegetarian dining options with its new itineraries.
    Says Naturetrek’s Managing Director, Andy Tucker: “After years of vegetarians and vegans having to endure the frustration of being served ham omelettes and tuna salads in Mediterranean Europe and elsewhere, an up-and-coming collection of fine-dining hotels specialising in vegetarian and vegan cooking is taking the market by storm. We have worked hard to identify those in the best areas for wildlife, and the happy result is that we now have a new range of wildlife holidays to offer clients who follow a meat-free or plant-based diet. It will also doubtless please those omnivores amongst our clientele who are curious and keen to learn more about vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
    “Our new vegetarian and vegan wildlife tours promise to deliver three delicious, healthy, and appetite-satisfying meals per day. We know ourselves – with several of us in the Naturetrek office being life-long vegetarians or vegans – that it has often been necessary to compromise on meal quality and variety when travelling. At long last, that will not be the case with this new collection of tours! It makes perfect sense to offer committed vegans and vegetarians what they seek, especially when so many of us often opt for such meals simply because they both taste and look so wonderful.”
    Whether trips involve travelling to the forested mountains of Andalucía’s Serranía de Ronda, or a safari through India’s tiger reserves, Naturetrek has worked hard to identify hotel partners in the best areas for wildlife which will cater well to those who prefer a meat-free or plant-based diet. Each holiday promises to deliver delicious, healthy and satisfying meals – with breakfast and dinner provided by our carefully-selected hotels, alongside a vegan/vegetarian adaptation of the famous Naturetrek picnic, providing a nutritionally- balanced and mouth-watering spread, with a range of options from which to choose.
    Highlights of the new collection of vegetarian and vegan holidays include:ADVERTISEMENTWildlife of Italy’s Northern AlpsExplore Italy’s northern Alps on an 8-day adventure in search of the wonderful summer alpine wildlife of the region, staying at a stylish, superbly-appointed vegan hotel. Enjoy excursions to Alpine pastures, sun-lit meadows and other wonderful habitats in search of sought-after plant species – such as the Lesser Butterfly Orchid, One-flowered Wintergreen and Edelweiss – plus butterflies, and hopefully a rare sighting of Alpine Marmot and Alpine Ibex, alongside soaring Lammergeier and a variety of other birds such as the Nutcracker and Black Woodpecker. Located in the southern Tyrol, within easy walking distance of the Texel Group Nature Park, the hotel’s excellent facilities include a natural bathing pool, Finnish sauna, outdoor forest sauna, hot stone lounge and an indoor pool with a salt electrolysis system. Guests will enjoy a 5-course vegan gourmet dinner each evening, and a delicious vegan breakfast buffet each morning.Departing Sunday 14th July 2024, prices for an 8-day holiday start from £3,295 pp, including flights, accommodation, three vegetarian/vegan meals per day and the expertise of a Naturetrek Tour Leader. https://www.naturetrek.co.uk/tours/italy-vegan-wildlife-tour
    Spring in Greece’s Northern PeloponneseTake an 8-day tour of Greece’s beautiful Peloponnese peninsula, just as it bursts into spring. Based in a delightful hotel on the north-east coast of the Peloponnese, that specialises in both vegetarian and vegan cuisine, guests will visit Lake Stymphalia – one of the EU’s Natura 2000 reserves – in search of the region’s most unique birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants – alongside exploring Kalogria’s wonderful Stone Pine forests on the north-west coast, as well as heading into the mountains in search of Rock Thrush (pictured above), Alpine Newt, Greek Clouded Yellow and Spotted Fritillary. With beautiful, secluded beaches, ancient chapels, friendly people and mouth-watering Mediterranean vegan and vegetarian cuisine, it will deliver an unforgettable Greek adventure for one and all.Departing Tuesday 15th April 2025, prices for an 8-day holiday start from £2,295 pp, including flights, accommodation, three vegetarian/vegan meals per day and the expertise of a Naturetrek Tour Leader. https://www.naturetrek.co.uk/tours/greece-vegetarian-wildlife-tour
    India – Tiger DirectExperience the heart of Tiger country on a 9-day safari combining two of India’s finest Tiger Reserves – the Pench and Kanha National Parks. Flying straight into Nagpur, in Madhya Pradesh (heartland of the Tiger), this tour is free of large cities and endless overland journeys and truly maximises the time spent in India’s wonderful national parks. Explore a wide range of habitats on morning and evening game drives, looking for Tigers, Sambar, Spotted and Swamp Deer, Gaur, Wild Boar, and perhaps even Leopard, Dhole or Sloth Bear, as well as a colourful profusion of birds. An optional extension to tourist-free Tadoba Tiger Reserve is recommended for unmissable wildlife encounters. India excels in producing vegetarian and vegan food and, alongside delicious daily menus, guests will enjoy a private cooking demonstration of traditional Indian cuisine by their hosts. Departing Sunday 2nd February 2025, prices for a 9-day holiday start from £2,995 pp, including flights, accommodation, three vegetarian/vegan meals per day and the expertise of a Naturetrek Tour Leader. https://www.naturetrek.co.uk/tours/India-Tiger-Direct-vegetarian-vegan-tour
    Naturetrek’s current range of vegetarian and vegan tours (seven departures at present, in Scotland, Spain, Italy, India and Greece) can be viewed here.  More are currently being planned!
    Guest feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with comments from the recent ‘Serrania de Ronda – A Vegetarian/Vegan tour’ in Spain such as:
    “This was an excellent trip. The venue was great, the leaders superb and the food amazingly fantastic. Juzcar was an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area and we managed to visit a good range of habitats and see some stunning birds, including Cinereous and Egyptian Vultures, Great and Little Bustards and White-headed and Marbled Duck…. Ivan, the chef at the hotel, produced a different three- course meal every night, catering for both vegetarians and vegans, which was completely delicious and stunning. We’d highly recommend this tour.”
    “The hotel was lovely, set in the quiet village of Juzcar…. The co-owners, David and Ivan, were superb and skilled hosts, though the fabulous food has to take centre stage. As a vegetarian, I have never been so spoilt food wise. Usually veggies are an afterthought – the next group have a real treat in store. Chef Ivan and his ‘sous chef’ David, juggled veggie, vegan and gluten free [menus] with such good humour, but that food was a ‘wow’!!!”
    “The veggie food was excellent and all the meals were full of flavour, and freshly cooked.”
    The next ‘Serrania de Ronda – A Vegetarian/Vegan tour’ will take depart on Saturday 8th February 2025 and Sunday 16th February 2025. Prices for the 9-day holiday start from £1,795 pp, including flights, accommodation, three vegetarian/vegan meals per day and the expertise of a Naturetrek tour leader.

    On the key issue of the environment, Andy Tucker, MD of Naturetrek, says: “Naturetrek has supported efforts on the climate change front for the past 30-plus years, via the World Land Trust (www.worldlandtrust.org) – indeed, to date, we have raised over £1M to help protect valuable wildlife corridors and important forest lands worldwide.  We know it makes sense, and that it will help to support climate change efforts worldwide, and such basics are part and parcel of Naturetrek’s DNA.”
    To speak to the experts, for more information on any of the wide range of Naturetrek’s wildlife itineraries, or to request a copy of the latest brochure, call 01962 733051 or visit www.naturetrek.co.uk.

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    Luxury Onsen Resort Atami Izusan KARAKU Opens in Shizuoka

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    Sardinia’s Chia Laguna Resort Reveals News for Summer 2024

    Chia Laguna Resort, on Sardinia’s majestic south coast, will open for the 2024 season on Thursday 11 April with a raft of new services and experiences that promise well-rounded holidays in an incomparable natural paradise.Active holidays made easy
    Already considered a top destination for active holidays, Chia Laguna Resort aims to answer the increasing demand for active travel with an enhanced events programme and new activities for 2024. The options for outdoor activities are endless, with a new arena for beach volleyball, two padel and four clay tennis courts, horseback riding, mountain biking, guided trekking, and hiking.
    New Sporting Academies will offer coaching by internationally renowned professionals and instructors, such as a Football Academy with the 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Gianluca Zambrotta, along with basketball, fencing, dance, padel, and yoga courses.
    New bites
    New and returning guests can look forward to new flavours this summer. Le Dune restaurant, located moments from Dune di Campana beach, will launch an après-beach aperitivo, whilst Osteria La Torre, a charming and casual restaurant on the central Piazza degli Ulivi, will launch a new Trattoria offering sea food and live grill with a focus on fresh ingredients. Flow Restaurant & Lounge will open for the first time this summer, with a sushi menu, lounge and live DJ sets.ADVERTISEMENTNew beach cabanas at Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia
    Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia, a favoured destination for couples and families, will introduce a selection of new beach cabanas on Dune di Campana beach club. An oasis of privacy on the beach, each cabana features an area with sofas, sun loungers, mini fridges as well as drink and snack service. The hotel, recently awarded in the Forbes 2024 Travel Guide, is ideal for exclusive holidays. Guests can step into the gardens of the Conrad Spa, where the whirlpool baths are now equipped with a state-of-the-art thermoregulatory system, maintaining ideal temperatures every day of the year, or into the Bioaquam Pool, now heated for a superior experience in shoulder season months.
    Kids Club at Hotel Village
    Located in the heart of Chia Laguna, Hotel Village is a popular choice for families due to its proximity to all the resort’s services. This summer, children and families will find a totally renovated and rejuvenated Kids Club, featuring a cinema, and educational entertainment and activities for young guests of all ages. For adults, a programme of evening shows and activities will be found in the resort’s main square, which has also been renovated with comfortable and convivial lounging areas. The Kids Club will be open every day from 9am to 11pm.
    Baia di Chia Resort Sardinia, Curio Collection by Hilton grows up
    Immersed in the Mediterranean maquis, the Baia di Chia Resort will reopen this year as a recommended adults-only hotel (from 16 years old). From its location overlooking the lagoon and the beach of Monte Cogoni, the resort has long been considered a peaceful refuge for couples and adults. The transformation includes the beach area and Monte Cogoni Beach Club, which will have a dedicated area for adults with new gazebos and loungers, as well as new cabanas for pool-side spa treatments.
    Guests visiting this summer will be the first to walk the ‘Stairway to Nature’, a winding pathway that curves along the hillside, offering a diverse viewpoint to take in the panoramic vistas of the gulf. At the summit, there is a scenic look-out, ideal for a sunset aperitivo or dinner under the stars.
    Moving around the hotel spaces and the surroundings will be easier and more environmentally friendly with the E-bikes available to guests. For barbecue lovers, not to be missed the barbecue evenings by the pool, in the magical atmosphere of Chia’s nights.
    www.chialagunaresort.com

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    Emilia Romagna’s Motor Valley Fest Returns 2-5 May With Its Eyes on AI and e-sports

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    Emilia Romagna’s Motor Valley Fest Returns 2-5 May With Its Eyes on AI and e-sports

    Emilia Romagna’s ever-popular Motor Valley Fest, the premier celebration of automotive excellence, is gearing up for its sixth edition, set to take place 2-5 May in the UNESCO-listed city of Modena. This year promises to be an exhilarating experience for enthusiasts and visitors alike, with the main focus being on autonomous vehicles, AI and e-sports.Celebrating the rich automotive legacy of Emilia Romagna, Motor Valley Fest is a grand open-air extravaganza that brings together the best of Italian motoring excellence, iconic brands, and passionate enthusiasts. From sleek supercars to vintage classics, the festival offers a captivating journey through the evolution of automotive engineering and design.
    The 2024 edition of Motor Valley Fest brings with it a host of exciting news and highlights. Visitors can expect:
    Autonomous vehicles: Get a glimpse of the future with autonomous cars on display. Experience the intersection of technology and mobility.AI innovations: Discover how artificial intelligence is shaping the automotive landscape: from smart navigation to predictive maintenance.E-Sports: Motor Valley Fest embraces e-sports, where virtual racers compete for glory. Witness the adrenaline rush of digital motorsport.As in previous editions, the 2024 programme will also feature conferences, round tables, exhibitions, parades, test drives and educational labs – plus food tastings for visitors to make the most of their experience.
    Motor Valley Fest revs its engines in the heart of the “Motor Valley”, spread across the UNESCO-city of Modena and surroundings areas. The region is home to celebrated names such as Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani, Dallara, Ducati and Lamborghini. There is no other place in the world with such a rich motor heritage.
    Beyond the excitement of the festival, visitors to Emilia Romagna can indulge in the region’s renowned culinary delights, picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From exploring historic cities like Modena and Bologna, to savouring the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant region.ADVERTISEMENTMotor Valley Fest will be followed by the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (17-19 May), held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari for its fifth edition.
    For more information, please visit the festival’s official website:

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    AI is fundamentally changing the travel industry

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    UKRAINE SHOWCASE “WE ARE HERE” CAMPAIGN WITH POIGNANT VIDEO AT ITB BERLIN

    The State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (SATD) has unveiled a new campaign entitled “We Are Here: Brave Hearts of Ukraine” during the ITB Congress in Berlin.
    Since the war with Russia began just over two years ago world attention has been distracted away from the ongoing fighting. With this new campaign Mariana Oleskiv, Chair of the SATD wants to remind the global travel community that Ukraine still has a proud tourism industry and that they are on a journey to revitalise Ukraine’s tourism sector despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. As part of this campaign, the SATD unveiled a poignant video symbolising its unwavering resilience and readiness to welcome visitors with open arms as soon as peace prevails. The video unveiled at this year’s ITB Congress serves as the cornerstone of SATD’s strategy to reignite interest in Ukrainian tourism in the future, emphasising its determination to share the nation’s beauty and hospitality with travellers from around the globe. From the vibrant streets of Kyiv to the enchanting landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, from the bustling port city of Odesa to the charming architecture of Lviv, Ukraine offers a diverse array of experiences waiting to be explored. The campaign video was inspired by the iconic video filmed by a defiant President Zelensky on the first night of Russia’s Invasion declaring “we are all here”. The video showcased at ITB builds on this message profiling Ukrainians that previously worked in the travel and tourism industry and now work towards the war effort. The message of the campaign is that Ukraine is still there, with all its cities, nature and culture waiting for the world to explore when the conflict is finally over.  Mariana Oleskiv, Chairperson of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine said: When people think of Ukraine, they think of a country that is decimated by war. With this campaign we want to show people that this is not the case. Ukraine is a beautiful country, with a rich history and culture, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible cuisine. It’s a country filled with people ready to welcome visitors as soon as it’s safe to do so. With this campaign we want to change the narrative of Ukraine and show people that there is so much to explore when the time is right to do so. We are dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine as a tourism destination. We are working on plans to rebuild our infrastructure, our hotels, resorts and attractions for when it is safe for international visitors to return to Ukraine. We’re dedicated to creating jobs in tourism which will be so very important for the restoration of the tourism industry after our victory, and we need people to visit Ukraine and to help us with that recovery.
    This campaign presents a unique opportunity for us to showcase Ukraine’s resilience and the indomitable spirit of our people as well as the incredible offering we have for visitors. The video presents a side of Ukraine that reflects our bravery and the ongoing fight for our country’s future.Despite facing adversity, Ukrainians stand united in their commitment to preserving their heritage and promoting Ukraine as a welcoming and vibrant destination that should be on every future travelers’ bucket list.” Link to video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RmV3uW0IRg

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    World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (‘WSTHA’) Advisory Board unveils categories More

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    World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (‘WSTHA’) Advisory Board unveils categories

    The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) has unveiled 21 categories for its inaugural global programme, which aims to recognise and share the stories of individuals and organisations making an impactful contribution in sustainable travel and tourism.The categories have been selected by an Advisory Board made up of 11 leaders in sustainable travel and tourism to reflect the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and net positive framework of People, Planet, Place, Prosperity and Partnerships.
    The categories range from conservation, energy efficiency and community engagement to education and leaders of tomorrow. Three categories will be open to Belize-based individuals and organisations. For a full list of the categories visit here. Global entries to the Awards will be invited from 18 March.
    The announcement was made at ITB Berlin by Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, Belize Tourism Board, the Official Host Destination of the inaugural WSTHA Gala Ceremony, which will be held on 27 September 2024.
    Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President, WSTHA says: “It is often said that we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. With the help of our incredible Advisory Board we hope that these categories reflect the breadth and depth of the sustainable travel and hospitality sector, enabling us to recognise and tell the stories of those accelerating change and making a sustainable impact on our planet for the next generation.”
    As Official Host Destination of WSTHA 2024, Belize holds responsible tourism at its core and develops projects that encourage travellers to engage with its rainforests, reefs and unique culture in a sustainable manner. This includes developing sustainable initiatives such as creating community-based tourism clusters that preserve Indigenous Communities.  Belize is also internationally recognised for the preservation of its UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef globally, home to hundreds of species of coral and fish. ADVERTISEMENTAnthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Belize, adds: “The Advisory Board, WSTHA and Belize have been working together to ensure the categories recognise, celebrate and showcase the stories of organisations and individuals that are making significant steps in sustainable travel and tourism. The 21 categories are extensive and also includes three categories that are open to submissions from Belize, including cultural heritage, marine conservation and community engagement – three areas that Belize holds at the core of our tourism model and is leading the way in.”
    The WSTHA programme is run in partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance with CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, also serving as Vice-Chair on the WSTHA Advisory Board.
    Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, comments; “In an era where sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity, it is crucial to highlight and celebrate the remarkable initiatives and accomplishments within our sector. The awards categories announced today reflect on the cornerstone elements of our Net Positive framework, honouring those who are making a substantial impact and driving change in sustainable travel and tourism. As WSTHA Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board, I am privileged to collaborate with industry leaders, and eagerly anticipate sharing the achievements that tell the important narratives of sustainable progress.”
    In another world first for the Awards, entries will be analysed and vetted by students of sustainable business from the Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon.
    Graham Miller, Professor of Sustainable Business, Nova School of Business and Economics, says: “I am delighted that students from Nova School of Business and Economics are able to support these awards. Having future leaders involved in reviewing applications from current leaders is an excellent example of collaboration across generations and widening the diversity of how decisions are made.”
    The WSTHA Advisory Board comprises leading authorities, academics and dignitaries in driving net positive hospitality. Members include Chris Imbsen, World Travel & Tourism Council; Susan Hooper, Chapter Zero; Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic; Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada, Responsible Tourism Institute; Fran Brasseux, International Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education; Hon. Anthony Mahler, Belize; Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand, IU International University of Applied Sciences Germany; Isabel Novoa, International Social Tourism Organization; Prof. Graham Miller, Nova School of Business & Economics, Lisbon; Xenia zu Hohenlohe, The Sustainable Markets Initiative.

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    ITB day One – A great start to the event and BTN was there to capture the best images.

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    UKRAINE SHOWCASE “WE ARE HERE” CAMPAIGN WITH POIGNANT VIDEO AT ITB BERLIN More