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    HOME OF LUXURY by ITB Makes In-Person Debut at World’s Largest Travel Trade Show

    The HOME OF LUXURY by ITB is celebrating its in-person debut at the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show ITB Berlin. It offers luxury tourism buyers and providers a unique environment and features networking events and meetings in a special atmosphere as well as panels and lectures at the ITB Berlin ConventionExhibitors in this segment include Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Severin*s Resort & Spa, FUORITINERARIO and Quark Expeditions.
    At the HOME OF LUXURY by ITB at the Marshall Haus, luxury tourism providers and buyers from around the world can look forward to an exclusive environment where they can experience the world of luxury tourism in completely new ways. This year, the luxury travel segment is celebrating its in-person debut at ITB Berlin, which will take place from 7 to 9 March on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Numerous exhibitors representing luxury hotels are taking part, including the Spanish enterprise Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Severin*s Resort & Spa and SCHLOSS Fleesensee / BEECH Resort Fleesensee / MAREMÜRITZ Yachthafen Resort. Together with the Italian travel agency FUORITINERARIO, Quark Expeditions will also be represented at the Marshall Haus.
    At the HOME OF LUXURY by ITB, providers of luxury accommodation, transport, services and products will provide a special glimpse of the luxury tourism market and a straightforward themed look at luxury forms of travel. At the Marshall Haus at Messe Berlin, four separate exhibition areas entitled The Garden, The Library, The Nest and The Gallery will be devoted to individual forms of luxury tourism. Participants can choose an individual atmosphere for meetings and business talks and can hold pre-arranged meetings and interviews and attend open networking events, panels and lectures.Exclusive Meet the Media event with media members from the luxury & lifestyle marketsThe open Meet the Media networking event will give luxury tourism providers an opportunity to meet and network with media members from the luxury & lifestyle markets in an informal and unique atmosphere.
    The open networking event for media members will take place on Wednesday, 8 March 2023 from 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. and on Thursday, 9 March 2023 from 11.45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the exhibition areas The Garden, The Library and The Gallery at the Marshall Haus.
    The official media partners of the HOME OF LUXURY by ITB are Connoisseur Circle, Luxury Wise and LuxusInsider. Other partners include Brandcraft and Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern (SHL).Full programme details and additional information can be found here.ADVERTISEMENTLuxury tourism providers can register for the HOME OF LUXURY by ITB here. Luxury tourism buyers can register under this link: itb.com/itb-buyers-circle. As members of the ITB Buyers Circle, in addition to other benefits luxury tourism buyers have exclusive access to the HOME OF LUXURY luxury tourism segment.
    Online accreditation for ITB Berlin 2023
    As of now and subject to the guidelines on accreditation, media members and bloggers can register for ITB Berlin. After your application has been processed and approved you will receive an email with a PDF containing your ITB press accreditation, which you can print out.Accreditation for ITB Berlin 2023Please note: during ITB Berlin it will not be possible for press representatives to obtain accreditation at the press counters on the grounds. We therefore request you obtain accreditation online ahead of the event.

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    PATA and Visa team up to support small and medium-sized tourism businesses

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    PATA and Visa team up to support small and medium-sized tourism businesses

    The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is delighted to announce the start of a new collaboration with Visa to extend the Tourism Destination Resilience (TDR) Programme and continue to help build a more resilient and sustainable tourism industry.The COVID-19 pandemic has painfully proven the importance for destinations to be prepared for challenges and potential crises, and to know how to adapt to changes.
    The partnership with Visa focuses specifically on building the capacity of two crucial but often overlooked travel and tourism stakeholders, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and informal workers. For SMEs, PATA and Visa will produce two new online learning modules, focusing on improving financial literacy, and digital competency and cybersecurity. The new courses will be added to PATA’s existing TDR Course and, as with the other modules, will be available to the public in six languages: English, Vietnamese, Bahasa Indonesia, Khmer, Thai, and Mandarin Chinese.
    Apart from the online modules, PATA and Visa will also conduct in-person training for SMEs, which will take place in the second half of the year in four destinations: Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
    According to PATA Chair Peter Semone, “SMEs make up 80% of all tourism businesses. As we future-proof our destinations, SMEs also need to build resilience. In this sense, greater digital literacy and financial knowledge are imperative for learning how to adapt to the new era of tourism and prepare for future challenges that may arise.For informal workers working in the travel and tourism industry, the collaboration seeks to empower these professionals by helping build their capacity not only on digital and financial skills but also health and safety, marketing and communication, as well as other topics that may be identified during a needs analysis. For the latter part of the project, the implementation will take place in Indonesia.
    Informal workers make up a majority of tourism employment and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for women, youth, and the elderly. However, lacking formal government registration, they often fall through the cracks of social protection and employment benefit schemes in times of crisis.ADVERTISEMENTAbout the partnership, Patsian Low, Vice President of Inclusive Impact & Sustainability for Asia Pacific at Visa, said, “Visa is proud to provide digital literacy and financial education to the thousands of small and micro businesses and informal workers, such as walking guides, transport drivers or translators, who are the backbone of the tourism industry in our region. As travel and tourism continues to accelerate post-COVID-19, our partnership with PATA will help enable individuals, businesses, and economies to thrive and deliver on our purpose to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid.”
    Pavnesh Kumar, PATA’s Sustainability and Social Responsibility Programme Head, adds that “This partnership will not only allow us to expand the impacts of Tourism Destination Resilience within destinations but also target the two groups who most often lack support in the industry. We are looking forward to working with Visa and our country partners to build the capacity of SMEs and informal workers.”More information on these new initiatives by PATA and Visa will be announced soon. For any queries, please contact [email protected]

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    AirAsia relaunches seven China destinations for 2023

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    Airbnb.org Provides Free Temporary Housing for Displaced Earthquake Survivors and First Responders

    Airbnb.org is working with non-profit organizations and government entities to offer free, temporary housing to survivors of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, and to relief workers.Airbnb.org announced it will offer free temporary housing to people displaced by the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, and first responders assisting with search and rescue, as well as ongoing relief and recovery efforts. These stays will be coordinated by Airbnb.org’s nonprofit partners and funded by Airbnb and generous donors to Airbnb.org.
    In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Airbnb.org reached out to organizations on the ground, including JDC, Catholic Relief Services, CARE International and Build Change, to assess how it can best support housing needs in impacted areas and safe zones. Based on the guidance received, and the breadth and scope of the devastation, Airbnb.org is offering housing vouchers to first responders leading life-saving search and rescue operations through its trusted network of nonprofit organizations and government entities. In the coming weeks and months, Airbnb.org will expand its work with nonprofit partners to offer free, temporary housing to survivors in areas where it is safe to do so.
    Airbnb.org does not currently provide a direct intake process for individuals in need of temporary housing. Instead, housing is facilitated through Airbnb.org’s trusted network of nonprofit partners and government entities, and focused on vulnerable populations–including residents of Türkiye, as well as Syrian and other refugee populations residing or migrating to Türkiye.
    This commitment is part of Airbnb.org’s ongoing work to support people impacted by natural disasters and conflict around the world.
    People interested in supporting this critical work and other crises can visit airbnb.org/earthquakes to donate. Currently, all donations will be matched up to a total of $5 million USD. That means every gift will have twice the impact, and will help fund the cost of housing for people in times of crisis.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Finnair celebrates one year of innovative travel

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    GLOBAL TOURISM RESILIENCE CONFERENCE TO FEATURE IMPRESSIVE ROSTER OF EXPERT SPEAKERS

    His Excellency, Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, one of the key experts to speak at the upcoming Global Tourism Resilience Conference.
    The historic, first-of-its-kind Global Tourism Resilience Conference, taking place in Jamaica this February 15-17, 2023 will feature a well-rounded roster of high-profile panelists and moderators who will be participating in the event.Headlined by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, the conference is gearing up to showcase some of the best minds on tourism resilience and sustainability, investment and economic development.
    Some of the expert speakers include Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Percival James Patterson, who will be the keynote for the African Caribbean Tourism Summit segment of the conference on February 16.Other notable speakers include, His Excellency, Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States; Hon Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism for the Cayman Islands; Dr. Taleb Rifai,  Chairman of ITIC Ltd and Invest Tourism Ltd and Co-Chair, Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre; Dr. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman, Sandals Resorts International and the ATL Group; and Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig, President, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).There will also be strong representation from the North American, African and Caribbean regions with several Ministers of Tourism and industry leaders.

    “I am extremely pleased to have the participation of so many respected professionals as panelists and moderators for this inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Conference,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “It is a testament to the importance of building tourism resilience for the future through sustainable and responsible growth for Jamaica, the Caribbean, Africa and countries across the world so that their respective economies, particularly among nations that are heavily dependent on tourism as a contributor to GDP, can become more impervious to shocks,” said Minister Bartlett.
    A full roster of speakers, who hail from all around the world, can be found here. This group of experts in their collective fields will gather to collaboratively discuss issues that are central to future-proofing travel and tourism to various disruptions moving forward, from natural disasters to health pandemics, economic recessions and other such shocks that can impact the industry with the goal of charting a course for increased resilience. Among the topics the experts will be discussing are human capital development; how to prepare for and manage future disruptions; investing in infrastructure; fostering private and public sector partnerships, the importance of air connectivity to tourism growth; and much more.ADVERTISEMENT“We are indeed looking forward to the rich discussions and positive outcomes from this Conference,” said Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).
    Taking place over a 3-day period, the Global Tourism Resilience Conference will include panel discussions, networking opportunities, presentations and lively debates on matters of building resilience in tourism.
    On February 17, Global Tourism Resilience Day will be celebrated for the first time with a Commemorative Ceremony including special performances by Jamaican entertainers, recognizing the official adoption by the United Nations on February 6 of the resolution to observe the day each year.
    Guests can register to attend the Global Tourism Resilience Conference https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/caribbean-tourism-summit-2023-tickets-512877840427
    For more information about Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

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    interCaribbean Adds Aircraft and Expands Flights in Barbados, Guyana and Windward Islands

    interCaribbean Airways announces the addition of two aircraft to its fleet and an expanded flight schedule to service Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & The Grenadines. The introduction of another Embraer 145 Jet and an ATR42-500 series turboprop, with seating capacity of 50 and 48 seats respectively, increases interCaribbean’s fleet to 5 aircraft servicing the Barbados and Windward Islands’ routes.
    With an expanded fleet, interCaribbean now offers travelers enhanced schedule options and improved intra-regional travel with greater connectivity among the Islands.
    Flights to and from Barbados will double, with more flights going nonstop to St. Vincent and Grenada offering greater availability to these destinations. interCaribbean is also launching new nonstop flights between St Vincent and St Lucia to give fast connections between these two destinations.
    The extended schedule now links the Eastern and Western Caribbean with a twice weekly service from Georgetown and Barbados via Antigua to Providenciales, (Turks and Caicos), connecting onwards to Nassau, Bahamas, Havana, Cuba and Kingston, Jamaica.
    According to Founder and Chairman of interCaribbean Airways, Lyndon Gardiner, “We are committed to expanding our services in the Eastern Islands of the Caribbean, where travelers have been affected by the air travel void left during the pandemic. It is a privilege to serve these Islands and we will continue to work to demonstrate ourselves equal to that privilege and trust with dedication to safety, and creating an overall satisfying experience for all our passengers, we look forward to announcing more exciting news and destinations during this year.ADVERTISEMENT2023 will also see interCaribbean Airways steadily decommissioning older aircraft while adding several newer ones, continuously enhancing its customer service and schedule options, while providing greater passenger comfort and convenience.

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    Asia hotel prices remained lower in December 2022 than 2019 despite significant increases in Europe

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    Asia hotel prices remained lower in December 2022 than 2019 despite significant increases in Europe

    Emilie Dumont, Managing Director of Digitrips
    Digitrips has revealed Asia is the only region in the world where top destinations still offered prices (per room-night) below 2019 levels at the end of 2022, as hotels strive to boost demand following the region’s delayed reopening.The multi-product travel provider, which owns French B2B OTA MisterFly, found hotel stays in Europe were on average 25% more expensive in December last year compared to December 2019, with North American prices soaring even higher by a staggering 33%. In comparison, many popular destinations in Asia still offered cheaper stays on average than before the pandemic.
    Emilie Dumont, Managing Director of Digitrips, said: “Hotels across Europe and North America have enjoyed high and steady demand in the latter half of 2022, leading to a consistent rise in room prices. In contrast, our data from MisterFly suggests Asia continues to lag behind as the late reopening means hotels must keep prices low to stimulate demand and lure back travellers.
    “As a result, while visitors to Barcelona could expect to pay on average 30% more for their accommodation last December than they would have before the pandemic, staying in Tokyo or Bangkok was still significantly cheaper on average than in December 2019 – with a decrease close to 20% over the last quarter.”

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    The National Hispanic Corporate Council Welcomes Choice Hotels as its Newest Corporate Member

    The National Hispanic Corporate Council (NHCC), the premier resource for corporate America on Hispanic strategy development, announces Choice Hotels International, Inc. as its newest corporate member.Choice Hotels joins a growing list of Fortune 1000 companies and major organizations who turn to NHCC for insights on strategy development to effectively compete in the growing U.S. Hispanic segment. As a membership-based organization, NHCC provides its corporate members with resources to maximize the 62+ million individuals, $2 trillion-dollar U.S. Hispanic market opportunity.
    “At Choice Hotels, we continue to take fresh actions to enhance our enduring commitment to diversity, equity and belonging – and by joining the National Hispanic Corporate Council, we’re once again living out our brand promise of ensuring everyone, from franchisees, guests and associates, feels welcome, wanted and respected,” said Corinne Abramson, head of associate diversity, equity and belonging, Choice Hotels. “We look forward to collaborating with the NHCC to build on our existing efforts, like our Hispanic Organization Leadership and Advancement employee resource group, to further opportunities for the Hispanic community within Choice and across the entire hotel industry.”
    “On behalf of the NHCC Board of Directors and its corporate members, I am delighted to welcome Choice Hotels to NHCC. As a corporate member-focused organization, we look forward to enhancing its own Hispanic stakeholders’ opportunity by leveraging our national network of corporate leaders and member resources,” said Eduardo Arabu, Chief Executive Officer, NHCC.
    NHCC’s Center of Expertise provides an enterprise-wide approach through executive leadership, talent/human resources, marketing, supplier diversity, community relations, and ERG within Hispanic and DEI framework. An affiliation with NHCC provides a collaborative community that shares thought leadership, best practices, solutions, and resources to elevate Hispanic talent, customers, suppliers, community relations, and ERG strategies.

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    Delta supports relief efforts in Turkey and Syria with $100,000 contribution to American Red Cross

    Delta Air Lines is contributing $100,000 to the American Red Cross in support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (IFRC) response effort in Turkey and Syria following a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southeast Turkey in the early hours of Feb. 6. 
    According to the United States Geological Survey, the epicenter of the earthquake was 14.2 miles east of Nurdagi, Gaziantep province, with a depth of 14.9 miles. Nurdagi is located along the Turkey-Syria border, and the earthquake was felt in several countries across the region, including Syria and Lebanon.
    The Turkish Red Crescent Society and Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society immediately responded to this disaster and began relief efforts, and Delta encourages customers and employees in the U.S. to get involved by contributing financially to the American Red Cross. For those outside the U.S., contributions can be made through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies website.
    Delta customers who would like to support this effort can do so through a dedicated site for public support.
    Delta’s contributions – those made by Delta people, customers and others – are used for humanitarian relief efforts, including the following from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies:  ADVERTISEMENTSupporting search and rescue operations
    Providing first aid
    Performing emergency medical evacuations
    Transporting injured people to hospitals
    Providing hot meals and basic aid items (such as tents and blankets) for those injured and evacuated
    Providing psychological support
    Sending blood and plasma to the affected regions
    “The most important way to help is through financial giving, as the American Red Cross and the IFCRC have the resources and infrastructure to obtain and deliver goods, supplies and trained volunteers to the places and people that need it most,” said Tad Hutcheson, Delta’s Managing Director of Community Engagement. 
    The current needs are tremendous, with the most critical including support to health facilities and medical care for the wounded. Other vital needs include supporting those who lost family members as well as providing food, supplies and blood, according to the American Red Cross.
    The partnership with the American Red Cross, which is Delta’s longest-standing nonprofit partner, has allowed the airline, its customers and employees to help people in need worldwide since 1941. This contribution to the earthquake relief efforts in Turkey and Syria is in addition to Delta’s $1 million grant to the American Red Cross as an Annual Disaster Giving Program partner. For more information on the services of the Red Cross and how they are responding to this crisis, please visit redcross.org.

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