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    NEOM announces Elanan, a unique wellness retreat embedded in nature

    The Board of Directors of NEOM has announced Elanan, an exclusive guest retreat that redefines luxury and well-being experiences, set in the heart of nature. Its announcement marks the latest addition to NEOM – the evolving sustainable development taking shape in northwest Saudi Arabia.  Situated on the pristine Gulf of Aqaba coastline where the mountains meet the sea, Elanan sensitively emerges from within its lush oasis surroundings, fed by ancient natural springs. Featuring 80 bespoke rooms and suites, the retreat is designed with well-being at its core, offering a unique nature resort that embraces all the senses.
    Elanan takes a modern approach to wellness, perfectly blending new technologies in a discreet luxurious setting that promotes relaxation and reflection. The signature facilities provide numerous options for guests to embrace themselves in tranquility, rest and recharge.
    Elanan’s architectural vision is underpinned by innovation and natural harmony. Utilizing ultra-modern design techniques, it creates intricate sculptures that delicately blend with the surrounding natural beauty. It boasts a contemporary aesthetic but retains a synergy with nature, creating a unique architectural experience for all to enjoy.
    Guests can explore the large plazas, enjoy specialty private dining, find relaxation in the sun garden, or soak up the spectacular views from the top of the observation tower. From the moment visitors arrive, they begin a rejuvenating journey within the calming embrace of nature.
    The revealing of Elanan follows the recent announcements of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, and Xaynor which are sustainable tourism destinations within the Gulf of Aqaba, all interlaced by NEOM’s commitment to sustainable development.ADVERTISEMENT

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    The Bahamas Shatters Tourism Records with Over 9.65 Million Arrivals in 2023 More

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    The Bahamas Shatters Tourism Records with Over 9.65 Million Arrivals in 2023

    In an extraordinary display of the strength of our country’s tourism sector, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is proud to announce record-breaking visitor arrivals for 2023, which exceeded the forecasted projections.Surpassing all previous records, the nation welcomed a total of 9,654,838 visitors in 2023, marking a historic milestone in its journey as a leading global tourism destination.This figure represents a 38% increase over 2022 and a 33% increase compared to the previous 2019 record.
    The 2023 result reveals a remarkable 17% percent increase in foreign air arrivals, totaling 1,719,980 visitors, compared to 1,470,244 in 2022. This significant growth underscores the increasing appeal of The Bahamas as a premier air travel destination.
    Sea arrivals also saw an unprecedented surge, with 7,934,858 visitors in 2023, up 43.5% percent from the 5,530,462 who visited by sea the previous year.
    The distribution of visitors across the 16-island destinations further illustrates the widespread appeal of The Bahamas.
    New Providence attracted 4,441,540 visitors, up 36%, compared to 2022.ADVERTISEMENTGrand Bahama welcomed 559,812 visitors, marking a 44% increase.
    The Family Islands saw an impressive 40% rise, with 4,653,486 visitors arriving by sea and air.
    The Honorable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, expressed his elation over these achievements.
    “The Bahamas has not only surpassed its targets but has set new benchmarks in the tourism industry. These figures are a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in our tourism sector, the irresistible charm of our islands and the friendliness of our people,” said Cooper.
    The remarkable increase in visitors across all categories – air, sea, and the various island destinations — demonstrates the comprehensive appeal of The Bahamas. New Providence, Grand Bahama, and the Family Islands have all experienced significant growth, showcasing the diverse attractions and experiences available to tourists.
    “This record-breaking year is a clear indication of The Bahamas’ position as a top-tier destination for travelers seeking unparalleled experiences. Our islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, making it a favorite of visitors from around the world,” Cooper added.
    Mrs. Latia Duncombe, Director General of Tourism added “As The Bahamas continues to welcome visitors with open arms, we look forward to building on this momentum. With our commitment to excellence and innovation in the tourism sector, The Bahamas is poised for even greater success in the years to come.”

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    Tourist Trolley Emerges in Minneapolis to Combat Lagging Tourism

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    Tourist Trolley Emerges in Minneapolis to Combat Lagging Tourism

    Minneapolis is the 4th worst city in post-pandemic recovery. Can the new Minneapolis Trolley Tours help rebrand a struggling Minneapolis as a “safe place with fun things to do?”Years after the pandemic and social unrest, and currently beset by high crime, Minneapolis is struggling:
    Still 13.8% off pre-pandemic airline traffic into MSP41% off pre-pandemic foot traffic Downtown, worse than almost any other citybottom percentile on almost all major growth indicators, both City and StateOut of the vacuum a new tourist trolley is reshaping perceptions downtown. “[Minneapolis Trolley Tours] is the best thing for downtown since they built US Bank Stadium,” said Sam Turner, owner of Nicollet Diner a new restaurant and entertainment complex in Minneapolis.
    How is that?Minneapolis Trolley Tours:
    First ever regular route tourist trolley company in MinneapolisOnly regional trolley company open year-roundHas extensive collaboration with hospitality, breweries, restaurants, and wineriesWide array of trolley tours highlighting attractions and things to do in MinneapolisEntertaining city tours like Ghost Tours and True Crimes Tours,Informative tours like Scenic Tours, Historical Tours and Architectural Tours.Experiential Tours to breweries, wineries, restaurants and distilleriesLoop routes for Hop-On Hop-Off trolley tours“It is a game changer and has completely revitalized our Bed and Breakfast business,” says Norman Kulba proprietor of 300 Clifton B&B. The owners of Minneapolis Trolley Tours are hospitality veterans and know first hand how Minneapolis has struggled with safety and the perception of safety. The new trolley is now a welcoming and reassuring symbol in downtown neighborhoods.
    Beyond optics, in the past six months since its inception, Minneapolis Trolley Tours drew thousands of visitors into Minneapolis. The Candlelight Ghost Tour is the most popular and has already grown a cult following. Ghost aficionados have come from around the country specifically to experience the acclaimed ghost tour. ADVERTISEMENTMinneapolis impacts the broader state and region. A vibrant and flourishing Minneapolis is the gateway for tourists into the rest of the state, and sets the tone for the Midwest. Minneapolis Trolley Tours is quickly reshaping perceptions of the city
    Industry professionals: Get a complimentary tour ticket and learn how the trolley can help rebrand Minneapolis. Contact [email protected]Travelers: Hop on board and discover the magic of Minneapolis (and maybe meet a few friendly ghosts)!

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    Announcing the Newest Hotel in San Pedro, Belize – The Watermark Belize Hotel

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    Royal Brunei Airlines Orders Four Boeing 787 Dreamliners

    Boeing and Royal Brunei Airlines have announced the airline’s purchase of four 787 Dreamliners to renew its widebody fleet. Royal Brunei Airlines’ selection of the 787-9 supports the airline’s long-term growth strategy, sustainability goals and focus on passenger comfort.“The forthcoming arrival of the 787-9 Dreamliner symbolizes a bold step forward in our ongoing journey toward innovation and excellence,” said Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid, CEO of Royal Brunei Airlines. “Royal Brunei Airlines has been operating the 787-8 for the last 10 years and this order will ensure we continue with a product that our customers have come to enjoy. In our constant effort to offer unparalleled service matched with the highest safety standards to our guests, the new fleet will allow us the potential to tap into new growth areas, strengthening our market appeal and enabling us to provide a superior travel experience to our guests.”
    Royal Brunei Airlines was the first Southeast Asian carrier to fly the 787 Dreamliner over a decade ago. With this 787-9 order, which was finalized in February and will be posted on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries, the airline can fly more passengers and cargo farther while operating more efficiently.
    “By renewing its investment in the 787 Dreamliner, Royal Brunei Airlines will continue to connect Brunei with the world while offering the carrier’s signature service and comfort to passengers,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The 787-9 will deliver the versatility, efficiency and range that Royal Brunei Airlines desires to pursue increasing air travel and tourism opportunities.”
    Royal Brunei Airlines currently operates five 787-8s, serving destinations in Asia, Australia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom. The 787-9, which can carry nearly 20% more passengers than the 787-8 and fly 14,010 km (7,565 nautical miles), will support the carrier’s growing capacity needs on these medium- and long-haul routes.
    Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts 6.9% annual fleet growth and nearly 4,300 airplanes will be delivered in Southeast Asia over the next 20 years. Royal Brunei Airlines’ latest 787 order highlights growing widebody demand in Southeast Asia.ADVERTISEMENTEnhanced comfort features of the 787 family include air that is more humid and pressurized at a lower cabin altitude, as well as technology that counters turbulence. The 787 Dreamliner family also reduces fuel use and emissions by up to 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.
    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity

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    Thai Airways Announce Order for 45 787 Dreamliners to Grow Fleet and Network

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    Thai Airways Announce Order for 45 787 Dreamliners to Grow Fleet and Network

    Boeing and Thai Airways announced today the flagship carrier placed an order for 45 787 Dreamliners as the airline looks to modernize and grow its widebody fleet and international network. Thai Airways selected the 787-9 to support its long-term strategy to renew and expand its fleet with more efficient jets, as well as open new routes to support high demand for air travel across Southeast Asia.“To accomplish our company’s and the national carbon neutral goals by 2050, the 45 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be equipped with GEnx engines, which are known for their cutting-edge technology and reduced environmental impact,” said Chai Eamsiri, Thai Airways CEO. “Furthermore, we are confident that the acquisition of the 787 Dreamliners will ultimately benefit our customers and support the growth of our country’s economy.”
    Thai Airways flies widebody jets ─ including 777s and 787s ─ to nearly 60 domestic and international destinations, including the Middle East, Asia and Europe. With more 787-9s in their fleet, the airline will operate more efficiently, as the Dreamliner family reduces fuel use and emissions by up to 25% compared to the airplanes it replaces.
    “Thai Airways’ strategic investment in the 787 Dreamliner builds on our long-standing partnership and signifies the airline’s commitment to operate a modern, efficient and flexible fleet,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “This order will support Thai Airways’ ability to meet demand, foster tourism and trade, and create further opportunities for this carrier.”
    The order, which was finalized in December 2023, was listed as unidentified on Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website. Boeing’s 2023 Commercial Market Outlook for Southeast Asia projects that the region’s widebody fleet will see a three-fold increase over 20 years, with growing demand for nearly 800 airplanes including passenger jets such as Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner family and 777X, as well as freighter models.
    At 20 feet (6 meters) longer than the 787-8, the 787-9 will enable Thai Airways to fly nearly 20% more passengers farther and build on routes first opened by the 787-8. Since revenue service began in 2011, the 787 family has launched more than 390 new nonstop routes around the world.ADVERTISEMENTBoeing’s partnership with Thai Airways and support of the country’s aviation industry span more than 60 years. Boeing’s presence in Thailand includes offices in Bangkok and support for important causes including STEM education, programs for people with disabilities and sustainable livelihood through permaculture methods.
    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

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    Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua Resort Is a Home to Bali’s Longest Pool

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    THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS NOMINATED FOR 8 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

    Experience Turks and Caicos is pleased to announce that the Turks and Caicos Islands has once again been nominated in multiple categories in the World Travel Awards.The nominations for the 2024 Awards are in the following categories:
    Caribbean’s Leading Beach DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Cruise DestinationCaribbean’s Leading DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Dive DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Honeymoon DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Luxury Island DestinationCaribbean’s Leading Tourist BoardCaribbean’s Most Romantic Destination
    Minister of Tourism, the Honourable Josephine Connolly said she is very pleased that the Turksand Caicos Islands have once again been nominated for several World Travel Awards.“The Turks and Caicos Islands stand as an unparalleled jewel in the Caribbean and these eightnominations testify to that. We won the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination and the MostRomantic Destination Awards in 2023 and I am certain we can not only retain those accoladesbut also emerge as winners in the other categories. I urge everyone to spread the word about ournominations and vote, vote, vote,” she said.
    The Turks and Caicos Islands has won the Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination every singleyear since 2015 and our world-renowned Grace Bay Beach captured the Best Beach Award from2012 to 2014. The destination has celebrated wins as the Caribbean’s Most Romantic Destinationfor five consecutive years.
    Voting is now open and runs until April 7th, 2024. To vote, please register athttps://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote. Please note that a standard vote carries a weighting ofone while votes cast by verified travel professionals carry a weighting of two.ADVERTISEMENT

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    THREE NEW 787-9 DREAMLINERS JOIN THE ETIHAD AIRWAYS FLEET

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    The world’s richest horse race to be staged in Saudi Arabia

    The world’s most valuable horse race will be staged this week with the Saudi Cup 2024 set to be bigger than ever.
    The King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh will host two days of action from Friday, building up to the main Saudi Cup race on Saturday.The main race is the richest in the horse racing event in the world, with a purse of $20m (£15.86m) on offer.
    “It is, without doubt, the most significant event in the history of horse racing in Saudi Arabia, and demonstrates our resolve to develop this great sport,” HRH Prince Bandar bin Khalid al-Faisal, chairman of the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia, said after launching the event.
    “And also our ambition to become a leading player on horse racing’s world stage.”Described as one of the Saudi capital’s social events of the season, the Saudi Cup weekend begins on Friday 23 February with an eight-race opening day.
    Seven men and seven women will vie for the Invest Saudi International Jockey Challenge trophy across four races. Saudi Cup race night is even bigger, with some of the world’s top thoroughbreds set to race in the main event on Saturday at the close of a nine-race session.ADVERTISEMENTThe race is placed in the calendar directly between the Pegasus World Cup in Florida and Dubai World Cup, with the four-week interval between each race allowing horses to compete. It also comes in the thick of the build-up to the Cheltenham Festival, one of the tentpole events in the British racing calendar.Upgraded to Group 1 status before the 2022 edition, last year’s Saudi Cup was won by Panthalassa, with the Japanese horse taking victory in its retirement season with jockey Yutaka Yoshida guiding him home.
    Plenty of big names are expected to be watching on at King Abdulaziz Racetrack to see who succeeds the Yoshito Yahagi-trained horse, with a number top sporting stars now plying their trade in Saudi Arabia.
    Investment in the country’s Saudi Pro League has brought in a number of top footballers, with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo often spotted taking in some of the other sporting pursuits on offer, and ex-Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema another famous face contracted to a Saudi club.
    The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has also invested in Newcastle United and established the LIV Golf Series, while the World Snooker Tour recently announced a new ranking event in the nation that will be open to all 128 players with tour cards.
    Source: https://www.aol.com/

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    Tamil Nadu reaffirms its dedication to the German market with its presence in Berlin.

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    THREE NEW 787-9 DREAMLINERS JOIN THE ETIHAD AIRWAYS FLEET More

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    Visit Maldives Invites Participation for MATTA 2024 to Boost Southeast Asian Tourism

    Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives) has announced the opening of participation for MATTA 2024 which is held for Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region from 22-24 March 2024. The participation opportunities are limited in consideration to the space available in the event.
    Visit Maldives aims to showcase Maldives as the most preferred holiday destination in the Southeast Asian region, highlighting our rich culture and heritage during this three-day event. Aligned with our strategies to strengthen the Maldives brand and destination presence, Visit Maldives aims to engage with key travel trade partners in the market to elevate the impact of Maldives tourism industry. MMPRC’s participation in MATTA provides significant opportunities to promote halal tourism, targeting travellers in this market. Additionally, the Maldives stand this year incorporates semi-private meeting tables instead of counters with a variety of exciting features.
    The Malaysian market holds immense potential for the Maldives. In the previous year, it ranked 26th as a source market with a notable 13,551 arrivals. Participation in this fair presents an excellent opportunity to further boost arrivals from this region and achieve significant growth.
    Interested tourism industry companies who would like to take part in this event with Visit Maldives can participate via our Members Portal (members.visitmaldives.com) before 1500 hours on Wednesday, 28th February 2024. Please ensure that membership renewal/registration for 2024 is completed to be eligible for participation.

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    Marriott International to Introduce Le Méridien Zanzibar Resort in 2025

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