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    TAT launches ‘Trusted Thailand’ campaign to reinforce Chinese tourist confidence

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched the ‘Trusted Thailand, You Taiguo Yue Wan Yue Kaixin’ campaign, as part of TAT’s ongoing efforts in China to reinforce market confidence and to reiterate safety measures for tourists in tandem with the promotion of meaningful travel experiences in Thailand.
    Mr. Tanes Petsuwan, TAT Deputy Governor for International Marketing – Asia and the South Pacific, said “As the name suggests, the ‘Trusted Thailand’ campaign is to reassure Chinese tourists that Thailand is a safe and secure destination. The ‘You Taiguo Yue Wan Yue Kaixin’ tagline in Chinese language which literally means ‘the more one travels to Thailand, the more fun they enjoy’ is to reinforce that Thailand remains the preferred destination for Chinese tourists with a wide variety of quality tourism products and services that cater to the lifestyles of different Chinese travel segments.”
    TAT, in cooperation with public and private sector partners, is promoting the ‘Trusted Thailand, You Taiguo Yue Wan Yue Kaixin’ campaign through a key opinion leaders (KOLs) Mega Fam Trip, taking place from 18-28 May, 2023.
    The trip brought 60 KOLs from China to explore meaningful travel experiences in key tourist destinations, including Chiang Mai, Ko Chang in Trat, Chanthaburi, Pattaya in Chon Buri, Hua Hin in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai.
    The itineraries, with emphasis on tourist safety measures, highlight community-based tourism, gastronomy tourism, health and wellness tourism, beach tourism, the China-Lao PDR.-Thailand high-speed railway, and a range of new travel experiences to cater to the lifestyles of Chinese tourists.ADVERTISEMENTAs well as meaningful travel experiences in key tourist destinations, the trip includes a ‘Shopping Challenge’ at ICONSIAM. The activity is designed to showcase a variety of Thai tourism products and services that offer experience-based tourism and leverage the kingdom’s 5F soft-power elements – Food, Film, Festival, Fight, and Fashion – to offer meaningful travel experiences in Thailand.
    Underlining the campaign’s key message, TAT and the Royal Thai Police today shared measures in place to ensure the safety and security of all tourists while enjoying travel experiences in Thailand with the 60 participating KOLs, as well as Thai and Chinese media in Thailand, and representatives of the airlines and campaign’s partners.
    Pol. Lt. Gen. Sukhun Prommayon, Commissioner of the Tourist Police Bureau, said “The Tourist Police Bureau, in cooperation with the relevant agencies, is dedicated to the safety and well-being of tourists in Thailand. We are exerting every effort, and making the most use of modern technology, to ensure tourists from all over the world that they can enjoy peace of mind throughout their travels in Thailand.”
    TAT launches ‘Trusted Thailand’ campaign to reinforce Chinese tourist confidenceIn addition to the Tourist Police Hotline 1155, tourists can download the ‘Tourist Police I Lert U’ mobile application, which is linked to the Tourist Police’s emergency response centre, where there are officers ready to provide tourist assistance in several languages, including Chinese. Tourists can use the app to contact the Tourist Police, who will dispatch officers to the scene immediately. Tourists can also take     a photo of an incident and upload it via the app to require assistance.
    For surveillance, Tourist Police and patrol vehicles will be equipped with a live camera, which will be used to monitor and broadcast the situation to the emergency response centre. The Tourist Police, a division of the Royal Thai Police, will join forces with the Royal Thai Police in stepping up safety and security during festivals and high tourist seasons.
    The ‘Trusted Thailand, You Taiguo Yue Wan Yue Kaixin’ campaign is expected to boost awareness of the safety measures for tourists and meaningful travel experiences in Thailand through contents shared with followers of the participating KOLs via various online community platforms, including Weibo, WeChat, Little Red Book, and Bilibili.
    From 1 January to 18 May 2023, Thailand recorded 1,003,893 Chinese tourists. With a greater number of flights between Thailand and China scheduled over the following months, TAT has targeted to welcome 5 million Chinese tourists in 2023.

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    LEGOLAND® CALIFORNIA RESORT ANNOUNCES SUMMER BLOCK PARTY WITH ALL NEW SHOWS!

    Lights, Camera, Action! Today, LEGOLAND® California Resort announces Summer Block Party, which will include never-before-seen shows, new costume characters, and plenty of bricktastic fun. Visitors can celebrate the summer season in the best way possible – with spectacular performances.“Each year, we look for something new and exciting to add to the LEGOLAND California experience,” said President of LEGOLAND California Resort Kurt Stocks. “Our hope is that each show leaves families with smiles on their faces, music in their heads, and unforgettable memories in their hearts.”
    The ultimate adventure, Summer Block Party, kicks off on May 27th and runs throughout the season. Get ready for a lineup of thrilling performances and experiences, including:
    GO Xtreme!: Inspired by the LEGO® City hit TV show, this new performance premieres in June and features gnarly extreme sports stunts that’ll have guests on the edge of their seats. Hold your breath and witness the BMX riders, scooters, and skateboarders flip and soar into the air. You’ll even have the chance to help the fun-loving judges decide which performances are best.The LEGOLAND Summer Jam: Enjoy fun in the sun listening to your favorite hits from all the eras in this all-singing, all-dancing summer fest concert. The LEGOLAND Summer Jam features the LEGOLAND Brass Band with special guests LEGO® Banana Guy and LEGO® Rocker. Pirate Captain’s Swashbuckling Jig: Arrrgh! Join Pirate Captain and his crew as they travel through Pirate Shores. Help find the missing key to open the treasure chest. Oh, and watch out for those cannonballs!Once Upon a Brick – The Tale of the Unicorn Knight: This silly slapstick comedy “Once Upon a Brick” is sure to make all guests giggle and smile. Visit the Castle Stage to see Kingdom characters like the King or the Unicorn Knight come to life in this interactive storytelling show.School of Spinjitzu: Witness the kicks and tricks of ninja masters! Learn to kick, chop, spin, and balance just like a Ninja Master in this interactive martial arts style show. Benny’s Dance Party: Head over to Benny’s Dance Party to join the astronaut crew in this energetic, fun-filled show. It’s going to be a blast!  The Awesome Suit Crew: The Awesome Suit Crew welcomes visitors into the Park with live mashups of current songs with an 80s twist. They’re sure to kick off the day in like, a totally awesome way!DJ Brick Beatz: The perfect cap to a fun day at the Park, DJ Brick Beatz will leave visitors singing techno tunes. This is the chance for kids to showcase the latest dance crazes.The LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel are joining the Block Party with fun summer programming, including:
    Brick Boogie: Bringing a whole new meaning to Kids Club, check out the kids’ nightclub at LEGOLAND Hotel. Dance the night away to DJ tracks under a glittering disco ball on the light-up dance floor.“Knightly” Entertainment: The LEGOLAND Castle Hotel features “knightly” entertainment! Meet and greet with LEGO® characters on the Royal Stage featuring Merlin’s Magic Show, listen to fairytale story times, and learn something new at Kid’s Knight School.LEGOLAND believes awesome is for everyone! As of this year, all LEGOLAND Resorts in North America became Certified Autism Centers by working with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards to train and certify staff in sensory, environmental, and emotional awareness – ensuring families can build a bricktastic vacation and make unforgettable memories. Also new this year, LEGOLAND California unveiled the world’s first LEGO version of San Diego in MINILAND USA.
    A team of 70 Master Model Builders from all around the world constructed this 1:20 scale version of San Diego out of more than five million LEGO bricks. The city, which features landmarks hand-picked by LEGOLAND fans, includes a realistic 30-foot beach, streets lined with 120 palm trees, and 55 San Diego landmarks, including The Rady Shell, Petco Park, and Coronado Bridge.ADVERTISEMENTBeyond Summer Block Party, LEGOLAND California Resort will treat visitors to a slate of reimagined events and bring back signature experiences throughout the year, including:
    Red, White, and BOOM! (Summer): The summer heats up at LEGOLAND California Resort with a star-spangled 4th of July celebration: Red, White & BOOM! Throughout the day, kids of all ages can participate in all-American family picnic games and building activities. At night, the evening fireworks show combines patriotic music with dazzling pyrotechnics.Brick-or-Treat (Fall): The Monster Party returns! Brick-or-Treat will bewitch LEGOLAND California Resort with tons of candy, engaging shows, LEGO® costume characters, and more!Holidays at LEGOLAND (Winter): Celebrate the season with a Holiday event the whole family will enjoy! Children will have the opportunity to meet LEGO Santa and enjoy a series of seasonal activities, builds, and adventures throughout the Resort.LEGOLAND California’s full 2023 operating calendar can be found here. https://www.legoland.com/california/things-to-do/seasonal-events/
    For more information about LEGOLAND® California, visit our website or follow us on Facebook.  To book a Vacation Package at LEGOLAND® Hotel, visit our Vacation Packages page. Guests can also purchase single-day tickets or annual passes with or without a hotel stay.

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    Mondrian Expands Global Presence with a Significant Pipeline of New Openings

    Ennismore – the fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company – today announces the strategic global expansion of Mondrian, which this year is on track to debut hotels in Singapore, Ibiza, Hong Kong and Bordeaux.
    Additionally, the brand has further expansion in its sights for 2024 and beyond with a solid pipeline of new Mondrian openings, each of which comprises a hotel and branded residential component in Australia’s Gold Coast, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh and Tulum. These new properties complement the existing collection of eight Mondrian hotels located in: Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, Doha, Seoul, Cannes and Mexico City.
    Mondrian’s expansion is innately linked to its brand DNA, which is rooted in art, design and culture. As the transmission of global culture continues to accelerate, Mondrian keeps pace, ensuring a position on the forefront of the world’s most exciting cultural scenes or fostering community and momentum in emerging hubs. Groundbreaking interiors, art installations and inventive culinary experiences are hallmarks of a Mondrian, as are dream-like spaces that reflect the city it inhabits. Visionary collaborators and progressive programming bring each location to life, generating an energy that is resonating deeply with travelers and residents who are motivated by cultural curiosity, and driving demand for Mondrian around the world. Alongside the expansion, the Mondrian brand will lean into its forward-thinking origins, celebrating the fusion of tech and culture, and partnering with innovators to continue inspiring new perspectives.
    Chadi Farhat, Brand COO for Mondrian at Ennismore, states “From the moment the doors at Mondrian Los Angeles opened in the late nineties, guests connected with an electric energy and experience that was entirely new to hospitality. And once again it’s an exciting time for the Mondrian brand as it expands into new regions – the Middle East and Asia Pacific in particular – offering residences alongside hotels in several of the new locations. Guests can expect the same core values synonymous with Mondrian at every destination, with a flair for the unexpected that Mondrian aficionados know and love.”
    Most recently, Mondrian Mexico City Condesa, opened in December ‘22 and was the first Mondrian hotel in Latin America. The new luxury, lifestyle hotel features 183 rooms including two Penthouse suites and 16 luxury suites, state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities, and four distinct culinary concepts including Cleo Mediterraneo, Skybar, The Flower Shop, and La Terraza. The hotel, an exciting new venture between Mondrian and Grupo Murano, is located in the heart of the vibrant Condesa neighborhood, just steps away from La Roma in the I421 Live District and is the masterwork of architect Jose Luis Benlliure. Similarly, Mondrian Cannes, the first Mondrian hotel in France, opened in March 2023, on the site of the town’s oldest luxury hotel, formerly Grand Hotel Cannes. Following an extensive renovation, the new luxury lifestyle hotel features 75 guest rooms including three suites, state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities, Hyde Beach Cannes, and Mr Nakamoto, a contemporary seafood restaurant combining a classic American Grill with Japanese flavors. Mondrian Cannes features a much coveted, prime oceanfront location including a private beach and is the only hotel on the legendary boulevard de La Croisette with its own gardens and direct access to the rue d’Antibes shopping district. ADVERTISEMENTAdditional Mondrian openings slated for 2023 include:
    Mondrian Singapore Duxton: Opening June 2023: Designed by award-winning Studio Carter, Mondrian Singapore Duxton’s 302 rooms and suites take inspiration from the traditional Singaporean architecture executed with a contemporary flair. Mondrian injects its signature blend of art, glamour and culinary flair into Singapore’s most vibrant neighborhood: Duxton Hill. With its bold design and electric energy, Mondrian will set the scene with a cinematic rooftop pool and eclectic collection of bars and restaurants. Rising above the historic and colorful Chinatown shophouses with sweeping views of the glittering city skyline, the hotel is a stone’s throw from the Central Business District. Backtrack 100 years and the notorious streets of Duxton Hill were filled with adventurers and thrill seekers searching for a taste of the forbidden. The aroma of spices and sounds of the illicit permeated the air. Today, Duxton Hill is Singapore’s most up-and-coming neighborhood featuring barista cafes, world-class eateries,  bars, art galleries and independent boutiques.
    Mondrian Ibiza: Opening Summer 2023, the luxury lifestyle hotel will offer 154 spacious guest rooms perfectly set on the east side of Ibiza overlooking the scenic bay of Cala Llonga and the turquoise waters of the Balearic Sea. Designed by Spanish firms Beades Architects and Cuarto Interior, the hotel will operate seasonally. The seaside hotel will feature two pools overlooking the ocean, with suites overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Design touches include moments of color throughout public and private spaces, as well as a highly developed art program. Public spaces include an expansive terrace with bay views and VIP fire pits as well as a transportive, deep blue reception area. A much-coveted ensemble of culinary offerings will include: NIKO, a classic, understated and serene Japanese restaurant specializing in premium sushi overlooking the bay; The Perq, a day to night bar serving responsibly-sourced, direct-trade coffee, tea, fresh fruit, smoothies and juices with irresistible baked goods during the day before purveying local beers and natural wines each evening; Sun & Moon will be a versatile all-day coffee and cocktail bar serving Australian influenced comfort food with a local mixology twist. The property will benefit from access to a further five distinct culinary concepts at neighboring resort Hyde Ibiza, offering speakeasy-inspired cocktails, poolside DJ sets and sea-to-table dining inspired by the bounty of the Pityuses at Cuyo, Bungalow and Hyde Beach.
    Mondrian Hong Kong: Opening Q3 2023: Located in the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui district in Hong Kong’s vibrant Kowloon, the property will be the first Mondrian hotel in Greater China. Upon opening, the luxury lifestyle hotel will feature 324 guest rooms including 12 two bay suites designed by veteran Mondrian designer Karin Krautgartner/byKK. Guest rooms will offer beautiful panoramic views of the Victoria harbor as well as the beautiful city itself and will put a playful spin on the Hong Kong hospitality scene. On the 39th-floor, guests can dine at Carna by Dario Cecchini, a contemporary steakhouse from the legendary butcher from Tuscany, Italy and designed by the award winning Hong Kong designer Joyce Wang.
    Mondrian Bordeaux: Opening early Fall: This beautiful Bordeaux hotel is being built around a 19th century building, with 97 elegant guest rooms spread over three floors. Guests will enjoy a full spa, elevated dining with a beautiful bar lounge, and an open-air terrace spanning over 200 square meters.
    Looking ahead into 2024, Mondrian Gold Coast will offer unsurpassed vistas, service levels and a hotel offering and will become the first branded residences in Australia. Mondrian Abu Dhabi, the brand’s first project in the United Arab Emirates, is also slated for a 2024 opening. Located in the city’s bustling downtown area alongside the Abu Dhabi canal, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will offer waterfront views overlooking both Reem Island and Maryah Island with direct views of the city skyline. Similarly, slated to open in 2025, Mondrian Tulum Hotel & Residences will be the second Mondrian in Mexico to open following the success of Mondrian Mexico City Condesa. Finally, Mondrian Riyadh is due to open in 2026, which will mark the brand’s debut in the city, as well as, the first in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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    Holiday Inn Club Vacations Acquires Four Resorts in Mexico from Royal Resorts

    Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, a leading vacation ownership company and partner of IHG® Hotels & Resorts (IHG), announced today that it has acquired four scenic beachfront resorts located in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, Mexico from Royal Resorts®, a pioneer in the Mexican Caribbean tourism industry. The acquisition also includes most of Royal Resorts’ related companies and its corporate operations. These resorts will be Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated’s first properties located outside the United States, further broadening Holiday Inn Club Vacations’ and IHG’s resort footprint and providing guests with increased choice in leisure destinations.
    The four award-winning, family-friendly resorts acquired by Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated – The Royal Sands®, The Royal Cancun®, The Royal Haciendas® and Grand Residences by Royal Resorts® – collectively will add more than 850 villas to the company’s growing portfolio of destination resorts. The company expects it will take approximately one year to fully integrate the resorts, and during this process, the resorts will continue to operate normally.
    Once complete, IHG Hotels & Resorts customers will be able to book these properties through IHG and enjoy benefits of IHG’s loyalty program – IHG One Rewards – including the ability to earn and redeem points for hotel stays. These properties will join IHG’s global network of 18 brands and more than 6,000 hotels globally, adding stunning family travel destinations to IHG’s growing brand portfolio.
    John Staten, President and Chief Executive Officer, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, stated: “We couldn’t be more excited about this news and what it means for Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and most importantly, the families that travel with us. This acquisition is aligned with our growth roadmap where growing guest love and our resorts are two interconnected foundational pillars supporting our all-encompassing mission to be the most loved brand in family travel. With four incredible resorts located throughout one of the fastest growing family travel destinations in the world – the scenic Mexican Caribbean – the acquisition brings an entirely new, all-inclusive experience to our owners, Club members and guests.”
    Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Guests around the world will now have even more exciting choices to add to their travel plans while also enjoying the rich benefits of our IHG One Rewards program for their current and future stays. The addition of these award-winning resorts also demonstrates the strength of the Holiday Inn brand family and, certainly, founder Kemmons Wilson’s unwavering vision to create a better way to vacation lives on today.”ADVERTISEMENTSpence Wilson, Board Chairman, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, commented: “Since my father started Holiday Inn Club Vacations more than 40 years ago, there have been many significant growth milestones along the way. Few can top today’s announcement—our first expansion outside the United States. I am incredibly proud of our team and look forward to a future that is brighter and even more exciting as we welcome the Royal Resorts team and their owners, members and guests into our family.”
    Dr. Kemil Rizk, Chief Executive Officer and President of Royal Resorts, added: “We believe that it is a perfect fit, and we could not ask for a better partner to continue our legacy since welcoming our first guests in 1978. Like us, Holiday Inn Club Vacations is a pioneer company with a family-oriented resort collection and a reputation for outstanding service and quality. Holiday Inn Club Vacations is dedicated to providing memorable vacation experiences for families – something that aligns perfectly with the Royal Resorts mission and values, our points based and fixed week vacation ownership memberships and our team’s everyday commitment to quality service.”
    The transaction was reviewed and received approval from the Anti-Trust Commission (Comisión Federal de Competencia Economica, COFECE) of the Mexican government. As part of a separate agreement, Tortuga Resorts UK Limited is acquiring the entities which own and operate the remaining Royal Resorts properties – The Royal Islander® and Royal Uno® All Inclusive Resort & Spa.

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    Saudi Arabia’s AlUla reveals new eco-resort AZULIK

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    Saudi Arabia’s AlUla reveals new eco-resort AZULIK

    AlUla‘s hospitality offering is expanding with the news of a new eco-resort AZULIK AlUla.With plans to open by 2027, the sustainability-focused property will have 76 luxury villas.
    It is part of the Royal Commission for AlUla‘s (RCU) Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan.It has been designed in harmony with the natural environment and aligns with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.
    The AZULIK AlUla Resort is in the Nabatean Horizon District of JTT, tucked into canyons near the AlMutadil Equestrian Village development and Wadi AlFann, an ancient valley that will soon be home to large-scale artworks in the landscape.
    As well as the villas, there will be a spa, VIP club, welcome lounges, all-day dining, and a SFER IK museum. With flowing designs inspired by the natural ecosystem and surrounding sandstone cliffs, the resort’s undulating exteriors will utilise natural materials and fibres woven into several layers.
    AZULIK AlUla Resort will promote a connection with AlUla’s heritage and the area’s ecology and biodiversity, protecting and incorporating nearby ancient rock art inscriptions, and utilising a natural system of existing waterways to feed irrigation and safeguard against floods.ADVERTISEMENTNo private vehicle traffic will be allowed on-property; instead, an all-electric mobility system will be provided, along with horse and camel routes, and hiking trails for guests to enjoy the surroundings.
    Operated by Mexican luxury brand AZULIK and designed by Roth Architecture, the resort will offer elegant accommodations for guests and provide socio-economic benefits for the AlUla community.

    Once fully operational, AZULIK AlUla Resort will create more than 300 new jobs. Along with local materials and contractors sought for construction, most operational supplies will be sought from AlUla and wider KSA to further boost regional economic growth.
    John Northen, RCU Vice President of Hotels and Resorts, said, “AZULIK AlUla is centred on the concept of sustainability and connection with the natural and human heritage surrounding this magnificent property. Along with its proximity to the AlMutadil Equestrian Village and Wadi AlFann, both under development, this resort is one of several assets contributing to AlUla’s growth as a leading destination in line with our Journey Through Time master plan.”
    AZULIK Founder and CEO, Roth, said, “As a tribe, we feel honoured to bring AZULIK’s vision to AlUla. It is with gratitude and profound respect that we embark on a journey into AlUla’s vibrant heritage and culture. Rooted in its unique natural landscape, we begin a project that is both close to our heart and our brand values. These are our first steps together and I’m confident we will walk a beautiful and exciting path.”
    Source: Hotelier Middle East

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    Turks and Caicos Eliminates Tourism Board in Favor of DMO

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    Turks and Caicos Eliminates Tourism Board in Favor of DMO

    Turks and Caicos is doing away with the TCI Tourist Board and replacing it with a destination management organisation.
    The Ministry of Tourism for Turks and Caicos officially launched the new DMO— Experience Turks and Caicos—last month. The TCI Tourist Board will stop operating as of June 30, according to Loop News.
    Josephine Connolly, minister of tourism for Turks and Caicos, addressed the shake-up recently when speaking at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Travel marketplace in Barbados. Connolly said the new entity will be a non-profit organization and the marketing and management of Turks and Caicos will now take the form of a public-private partnership.
    The founding members of the partnership include the hotel association, Chamber of Commerce, airports, ports authority and InvestTC, according to Loop News.
    Experience Turks and Caicos is expected to employ about 24 people during its first year of operation and eventually grow to about 47 staff members. The new DMO will also include a Tourism Intelligence Unit whose goal will be helping develop marketing strategies. There will also be a Product Development Unit focused on creating more authentic tourism experiences.ADVERTISEMENTStakeholders will also have a role to play, Connolly explained. They will be included in the decision-making process. The new approach to marketing the destination will allow for more effective promotion of all the islands and cays that make up Turks and Caicos. In the past, most of the focus has been on Providenciales.
    Turks and Caicos includes 40 different islands and cays, but only eight are inhabited. Providenciales is the most well known of the Turks and Caicos Islands and is the center of the tourism industry.
    Additional popular islands include Grand Turk and Salt Cay, both of which offer a glimpse into the destination’s Caribbean history and Bermudian architecture. Grand Turk is also home to a brand new cruise ship center.
    Source: Travel Pulse

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    Piggott takes up new sales role with APT

    As part of its ongoing commitment to travel agents, river cruise and touring specialist, APT has announced the appointment of Holly Piggott to the newly created role of sales executive.
    She will support an expanded sales team and key partners at the operator during a time of exciting growth. ADVERTISEMENTPiggott has been part of the APT family since 2019, so brings a detailed understanding of the luxury APT and flexible, four-star Travelmarvel brands, their trade partners and customers to the role.
    First joining the company as a reservations consultant, she has worked closely with the trade, handling their enquiries and helping agents to maximise sales opportunities.
    Eager to develop within the business, Holly’s professionalism and attention to detail saw her promoted to after sales team leader, where she excelled in enhancing the customer experience, and developed a keen understanding of what is needed to deliver service of the highest standard.
    More Information
    Agents can find more information about APT & Travelmarvel here.

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    Saudi Arabia on an unstoppable tourism rise, surpassing Dubai

    In terms of visitor numbers, Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry remains bigger than Dubai’s. In the first quarter of this year, the Kingdom had 7.8 million tourists, while Dubai had 4.7 million.
    Saudi Arabia has historically inched ahead of Dubai when it comes to arrival figures, while the glamorous emirate dominates when it comes to spending. In 2019, KSA had 17.5 million visitors compared to Dubai’s 16.8 million, with Saudi benefitting from a steady religious tourism market which brought in 9.3 million people in that year.
    Dubai last year was the world’s top destination when it comes to international traveller spend, raking in $29.42 billion, according to WTTC. That is almost double second place, Doha’s $16.79 billion. Saudi Arabia did not make the top 10 list even though it had around two million more visitors than Dubai.
    According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) index, Saudi Arabia secured the 13th position globally among the leading countries in terms of international tourist arrivals in 2022. This marked a significant improvement from its previous ranking of 25th in 2019.
    ADVERTISEMENTWTO reported that the Kingdom welcomed a total of 16.6 million international tourists in 2022 for various travel purposes.Furthermore, Saudi Arabia made impressive strides in the international tourism revenue index, climbing 16 spots to claim the 11th position in 2022, a substantial leap from its 27th ranking in 2019. These findings were outlined in the World Tourism Barometer report for May 2023, released by the WTO.
    In the first quarter of 2023, the Kingdom experienced its highest quarterly performance to date, attracting approximately 7.8 million international tourists for all purposes. This figure represents a 64 percent increase compared to the same period in 2019. The country also emerged as the second-fastest growing tourism destination during this period, as per the latest data from the WTO.
    Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to strengthen its global tourism standing and boost its contribution to the gross domestic product align with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative.
    Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb attributed these accomplishments to the facilitation of travel visa procedures, targeted promotional campaigns in key countries, and the diverse range of tourism destinations within the Kingdom.

    Moreover, the Minister stressed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with both public and private sector partners to transform Saudi Arabia into a prominent global tourism hub.
    Notably, Saudi Arabia achieved a milestone in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF), securing the 33rd position globally. This represented a significant improvement of ten ranks compared to 2019.
    Source: Hotelier Middle East

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