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    Steady Progress Being Made on Tourism Ministry’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study

    Following a productive courtesy call between the Ministry of Tourism and World Bank representatives on Tuesday (January 16), Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has reported steady strides regarding the Ministry’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study, which will evaluate the economic impact as well as other implications of adding 20,000 new hotel rooms over the next 10 years. The meeting, led by World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean, Lilia Burunciuc, saw the team providing insights into their ongoing study titled “Future of Tourism in the Caribbean.” This study aims to empower regional markets to enhance competitiveness, improve connectivity, and overcome barriers to tourism growth. 
    Expressing optimism about the Ministry’s progress on its research targets, Minister Bartlett said, “We are well advanced with getting the consultants on board; we’ve sent out requests for proposals, we’ve had responses, and the team will shortly be evaluating the responses to determine who the consultants will be to begin this project.” The procurement process for the study closes on January 25.
    The World Bank team expressed keen interest in contributing to environmental and sustainability analyses for the study. They commended Jamaica for its robust data collection efforts, significantly aiding their research.
    Minister Bartlett noted, “This critical assessment is being undertaken to make sure that this expansion is inclusive and that more and more of the benefits and revenue of the industry stay in our country.”
    He further explained the expected impact, adding, “We expect over 3 million stopover visitors, which will result in a one-to-one visitor-to-citizen ratio. This means that the flow-through effect of tourism as an economic activity will now be felt by the average Jamaican.” ADVERTISEMENTThe tourism minister stressed the importance of supplying the demand that tourism brings, which includes building the capacity to produce more agricultural goods, more manufacturing goods, provide more services, and create more unique experiences for visitors. He underscored that the study aims to enable stakeholders to understand the resources required to make these changes happen.
    Minister Bartlett concluded, “When we bring 20,000 new rooms to Jamaica, what will it mean? That is the basis of the Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment.”
    The World Bank’s “Future of Tourism in the Caribbean” study, initiated in response to COVID-19, recognizes tourism as the main driver of the economic future of the Caribbean. Jamaica’s Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment Study aligns with this vision, assessing the sector’s carrying capacity, required skillsets, labour market arrangements, and the overall impact on the country’s economy. 

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    Corsica Walking Tours on Sale Now: Experience the Best of Corsica’s Spectacular Beauty

    Corsican Places invites adventure enthusiasts to embark on a journey through Corsica’s stunning landscapes with its 2024 walking holidays now on sale. Offering a choice of eight self-guided itineraries, ranging from moderate leisurely strolls to one of Europe’s most challenging treks, customers can immerse themselves in some of Corsica’s most breathtaking scenery and bucket-list adventures.
    With over 36 years of expertise in Corsica, Corsican Places collaborates directly with local walking providers, ensuring variety and some of the best walking on the island. Marked trails guarantee diverse experiences, and the operator’s specialist sales team are available to provide personalised advice while its local provider offers 24/7 on-the-ground support, enhancing the overall experience.
    Tours include:
    Corsica Island Mystery Tour: A seven-night holiday which combines four days of self-guided walking at a moderate level along the footpaths and trails of Corsica’s north-west corner. Providing the perfect contrast between coastal scenery and rugged mountains, pine forests, mountain rivers and waterfalls with natural rock pools, the tour includes character accommodation and traditional food along the way, with an optional fifth day of walking for those keen to explore more. Following arrival into Calvi airport, customers are transferred to the nearby train station to take the short journey to Corte, once the capital of Corsica and where the walking begins. Taking in Calacuccia, Col de Vergio, Evisa, Porto and Piana, before ending back at Calvi, luggage transfers are included between hotels enroute. Weekend departures are available between May and September, with packages from £1745 pp (two sharing). Prices include flights, all accommodation, transfers, map, and route notes as follows:
    • Return flights from Stansted to Calvi• Return airport transfers and transfers on the walking days• Hotel Accommodation: 3-nights half board and 4 nights bed & breakfast• Luggage transfers between hotels• Map and route notesADVERTISEMENTThe GR20
    For keen and experienced hikers, the legendary GR20 trek is a must. Corsican Places offers 14-night packages tackling 13 of the full 16 GR20 sections, as well as seven-night tours and six-day treks through challenging sections of GR20 North or GR20 South.
    Sample tour: GR20 North: A seven-night bucket-list adventure for seasoned hikers, featuring six days of strenuous self-guided walking along one of Europe’s most challenging treks. Prices start from £1770pp, including flights, accommodation (options include camping, refuges, and shepherds’ cabins), meals, and luggage transfers.

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    Kombo Beach Hotel Reopens: A Premier Destination for All on Kotu Beach – Book Now

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    Kombo Beach Hotel Reopens: A Premier Destination for All on Kotu Beach – Book Now

    The Gambia Experience is delighted to announce the grand reopening of Kombo Beach Hotel, restored to a premier destination within The Gambia and proudly positioned as a flagship property within the tour operator’s holiday collection. Following an innovative renovation, this beloved hotel on the pristine sands of Kotu Beach officially reopened on January 5th, offering something for everyone. The transformation includes a visually striking frontage, remodelled public areas and room facilities along with new amenities, creating an enhanced experience for families and couples, and has been elevated to a four-grade status rating by the tour operator.
    Seven night bed & breakfast packages are priced from £649 per person, including flights and transfers, and for those who prefer an all-inclusive package, The Gambia Experience is offering an upgrade from just £20 per person per night – totaling £799 per person.
    Key highlights of the refurbishment include:
    Prime Beachfront Location: With its prime position on the golden sands of Kotu Beach guests have direct access to one of The Gambia’s most picturesque and sought-after coastal destinations. The hotel’s exterior has been redesigned to create a visually striking facade that harmonises with the breathtaking beach backdrop, providing a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment for guests.
    Ocean View Rooms: Set within three-storey buildings amongst the gardens, there are a variety of upgrade options including deluxe and ocean view rooms which have undergone extensive renovation. Each upgraded room has been enlarged, providing guests with ample space and decorated in beautiful neutral tones with new, modern furnishings and contemporary bathrooms. The balconies have been increased in size, providing more room to enjoy the beautiful Gambian sunshine.ADVERTISEMENTSwimming Pools: Guests can now indulge in a luxurious swimming experience with two brand new state-of-the-art pools. Whether looking to bask in the sun or take a refreshing dip, the new pools offer a serene oasis for adult relaxation and family enjoyment with a magnificent free form pool along with a separate children’s pool complete with waterslides.
    Live Kitchens/Dine to the sounds of gentle waves lapping the shore: Culinary enthusiasts will be delighted by the introduction of live kitchens, where skilled chefs showcase their expertise in crafting international and local cuisine, including delicious fresh seafood, overlooking the beach. This immersive dining experience adds a dynamic and interactive element to the hotel’s culinary offering served on both its remodelled buffet and a la carte beachfront restaurants.
    Entertainment: Each evening holds a different musical experience as well as showcasing regular The Gambia’s rich culture through drumming troupes and tribal dancing. Attractive lighting creates a fantastic atmosphere and a cocktail/mocktail menu adds to the evening experience.
    From the complimentary sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach to the crystalline-blue swimming pools, restaurants, bars, and full-time entertainment team, the four-star Kombo Beach Hotel exudes a friendly vibe. 
    Karen Durham, product manager for The Gambia Experience commented:
    ” We are thrilled to unveil Kombo’s transformation and are delighted to work with the hotel team to offer our customers a fantastic holiday choice on Kotu Beach – the perfect place to enjoy some fantastic winter sunshine. Kombo is well-known for its great customer service and friendly staff, and we delighted this welcoming service will continue.”
    For more information visit Gambia.co.uk or call 01489 866939.

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    Winter Travel Tips: How to Prepare for Snowy Airport Journeys

    Snowy weather can cause disruption to travel. We go to great lengths to minimise the effects of snow and ice on the airport – you can read more about that here – but the effects of wintry weather can still make aspects of your journey trickier.
    Here we share some handy hints to help you prepare if you’re coming to the airport during adverse weather.
    Keep an eye out for communications from your airline and from the airport
    Your airline will inform you of any significant issues with your flight. Make sure you can access your emails and follow your airline on social media. Some airlines have apps that will send alerts direct to your phone if there are updates.
    In the event that your airfield has to close they will post details on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), when it closes and when it reopens and will provide regular updates in the interim.ADVERTISEMENTPlan your journey in advance, prepare, allow extra time and monitor travel conditions to the airport
    Snow and ice can cause disruption on road and rail. Make sure you’re keeping an eye on travel news and can plan your journey accordingly.
    Most popular map apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps can give live traffic conditions while popular rail apps like those of specific operators and Trainline will update you if your planned journey is affected by bad weather.
    Travel is likely to be slower in wintry weather. You may have to de-ice your car, traffic may be slower, trains could be delayed and even walking short distances can take longer. So factor that into your journey.
    If you’re driving to the airport, make sure you have supplies with you in the event of lengthy delays on the road, a breakdown or if you get stuck. These should include a drink, food, a blanket, warm clothes, a torch (wind up torches won’t run out of batteries), screen wash, a phone charger, de-icer, a demisting pad, a warning triangle, a first aid kit and a shovel.
    Be careful
    It goes without saying that ice and snow make surfaces slippery – so whether you’re driving or on foot take extra care. We grit all the walkways and car parks at the airport regularly and monitor them during the day.
    Make sure you’re dressed for the weather
    If you’re travelling to somewhere warm it may seem inconvenient to have your coat, hat and gloves with you – but don’t be tempted to try to travel without wrapping up for the conditions here. You may end up stuck in traffic on the way to the airport or face a wait on a train platform and you’ll be glad of your coat. Make sure you’ve got good shoes on too. If you’re parking around the terminals you’ll have to walk from there to your terminal and you don’t want to be doing that in flip flops in the snow!
    The same applies if you’re coming back to the airport when it’s snowy. It’s easy to get dressed for the weather in the country you’re leaving and find yourself arriving into snowy weather wearing summer clothes.

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    New Holidays to Latin America and Antarctica by Journey Latin America

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    New Holidays to Latin America and Antarctica by Journey Latin America

    Specialist tour operator Journey Latin America has refreshed three of its Private Journeys offering visitors even better value for money in 2024 as well as the opportunity to explore some of the region’s off-the-radar locations.
    COSTA RICA
    Value Costa Rica: The Essential Highlights showcases the country’s top attractions: Tortuguero National Park, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud forest and Manuel Antonio in just 12 days. The holiday costs from £1,750 per person, almost £250 per person less than last year, and includes additional wildlife excursions in the Santa Elena Reserve and Manuel Antonio National Park. The price includes good-quality accommodation in beach and wilderness lodges, breakfast daily, two dinners, transfers and excursions. International flights are extra.
    MEXICO
    The enchanting silver cities that lie Northwest of Mexico City and are easily accessible by road yet are almost always overlooked by first-time visitors to Mexico. Each city has its own character: the university town Guanajuato built in a narrow gorge is a centre for music, theatre and dance, while the homely little town of San Miguel de Allende with cobbled streets and leafy plazas is a magnet for artist and Querétaro is renowned for its impressive colonial aqueduct. Journey Latin America’s 12-day Explore and Relax: Silver Cities to Pacific Coast holiday has been revamped to focus on San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and Querétaro before ending on the jungle-fringed beaches of Zihuatanejo. The holiday costs from £3,830 per person and includes first-class hotels on a B&B basis, transfers, a domestic flight and excursions. International flights are extra.ADVERTISEMENTANTARCTICA
    A holiday to Antarctica will offer a dazzling display of larger-than-life landscapes, a kaleidoscope of colours and a symphony of sounds. Along the shores and among the hauntingly beautiful bergs and glaciers thrives vociferous and always entertaining wildlife. Journey Latin America’s 14-day Signature Antarctica: Highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula has been refreshed to include a 10-day mid-range expedition cruise on board the Ocean Endeavour allowing guests the chance to camp on the ice, kayak and take a photography course. This excellent value-for-money holiday costs from £8,250 per person and includes an expedition cruise to Antarctica, full board during the cruise, domestic flights in Argentina, mid-range hotels on a B&B basis pre and post cruise, excursions and transfers. International flights are extra.
    For further information contact Journey Latin America (020 8747 8315, journeylatinamerica.com)

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    San Francisco International Airport to Rename International Terminal in Honor of Dianne Feinstein

    The San Francisco Airport Commission has approved a resolution to rename the International Terminal at SFO for the late Senator and former San Francisco Mayor Dianne Feinstein. The announcement responds to a proposed nomination submitted in November 2023 to the Airport Commission by The Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee, whose members include former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown and retired SFO Airport Director John L. Martin.
    The Airport Commission carefully reviewed the proposed nomination and found that the following were “compelling reasons to honor the nominee recommended for consideration:”
    In 1980 and 1981, as Mayor of San Francisco, Feinstein led the negotiation of a 30-year Lease and Use Agreement with the airlines that transformed the Airport’s business operation and provided for the construction of SFO’s first International Terminal that opened in 1983. The Agreement incentivized the Airport to establish itself as a leader among U.S. airports in concession revenue performance, providing the Airport with major capital financing capacity and a formula whereby the airlines and City share in the Airport’s business success. The Agreement provided for a new business structure which is still in place today that provides for 15% of SFO concession revenue to be shared with the City as repayment for its investment. The City has realized over $1 billion as a return from this 15% share since 1981. SFO remains one of only a handful of airports across the country with this structure.From the Master Plan expansion of the new International Terminal to the BART-SFO extension and new Air Traffic Control Tower, Senator Feinstein played a leadership role in making the Airport the world-class facility it is today. Senator Feinstein led the charge to extend BART to SFO and, in a historic meeting, negotiated the agreement between the Airport, BART, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the airlines to bring the mass transit system directly into the International Terminal.Senator Feinstein was a tireless advocate for SFO behind the scenes, including supporting SFO’s first in-line baggage screening system following 9/11, helping SFO access new FAA technology to improve safety and reduce delays, and providing federal agency resources in the aftermath of the Asiana crash.
    What happens next
    With the adoption of the resolution to rename the International Terminal for Dianne Feinstein, SFO will begin work with the Dianne Feinstein 100-plus Committee to develop an approach for implementation. This will include collaboration on locations, design, and content to celebrate the legacy of Senator Feinstein relative to both SFO and the City of San Francisco. There is no defined timeline for this activity, but the goal is to ensure the finished result captures the intent which led to the naming campaign.ADVERTISEMENT

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    FITUR 2024: UNWTO Highlights Tourism Investment, Sustainability, and Collaboration

    With Ecuador as the official partner country, FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair (Madrid, 23-26 January) will serve once again as a platform for global tourism innovation and collaboration.
    At the first major tourism event of 2024, UNWTO will emphasise fostering investment opportunities and strengthening international partnerships during the event.
    Highlights include:
    Investment: UNWTO will host key investment forums, including an “Invest in Zambia” event, and, in collaboration with the Investment Bank for Latin America (CAF) officially launch its “Investment Guidelines for Ecuador”, shedding light on tourism investment prospects in these regions.Sustainable Development and Climate Action: A Meeting of the Committee on Tourism and Sustainability will address sustainability challenges in the global tourism sector. UNWTO will host a meeting of signatories of the Glasgow Declaration, highlighting the shared commitment to addressing climate challenges in the tourism sector.Coordination and Collaboration: UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili will hold a number of bilateral meetings with Ministers of Tourism from all world regions to foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships to advance tourism for sustainable development.You may also be interested in:  flydubai becomes the regional partner for the Argentina national team La AlbicelesteUNWTO’s yearly presence at FITUR underscores its commitment to driving positive change within the sector. The Organization remains dedicated to fostering sustainable practices, encouraging responsible investments, and facilitating global partnerships. UNWTO invites all stakeholders, industry professionals, and the public to join in the dialogue at FITUR 2024.
    For more information visit FITUR 2024 programme. https://www.unwto.org/events/fitur-2024ADVERTISEMENT

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    Sustainable Journeys – New UK Tour Operator Launches

    This week sees the launch of Sustainable Journeys, a new UK tour operator dedicated to helping people take steps to travel more sustainably by providing itineraries and unforgettable travel experiences which enable individual travellers to explore, whilst taking into consideration environmental conservation, social inclusivity, and economic benefits to local communities.
    Sustainable Journeys uncovers more climate-friendly ways to enjoy the beauty and diversity of destinations. Reducing traveller emissions by using trains, electric vehicles, buses, bikes, and hikes, with stays at sustainably focused accommodations and enjoying activities which support local communities and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. Whilst Sustainable Journeys encourage slow travel there is often need for travellers to fly, because of time challenges and distances, and these trips are considered too, reviewing aircraft, routing and cabin choices to minimise the impact.
    Sustainable Journeys will be working with Path Net Zero, which specialises in providing carbon measurement solutions, to measure the carbon footprint from the various elements of trips which will be displayed for each itinerary to help make the best and most practical choices. Path Net Zero will also manage a Carbon Fund for Sustainable Journeys, supporting developing world projects that have through their actions reduced carbon emissions; this will be achieved through a donation of 3% of the holiday price through registry Gold Standard, who pay Fair Trade prices to project operators for the work they are doing.
    In addition, Sustainable Journeys is collaborating with NGO Planeterra to add a ‘Ripple Score’ to each itinerary, detailing the percentage of money spent which stays locally in the destination, an important principle of sustainable tourism.
    Estonia, one of the world’s leading sustainable destinations, is the launch partner of Sustainable Journeys. Several of the new itineraries reveal little known areas of the Baltic country, highlighting where and how to explore beyond the popular city break of Tallinn to immerse in the forests, national parks, coastal and island retreats, quaint and historic villages, and cultural centres, including Tartu – European Capital of Culture 2024.ADVERTISEMENTSustainable Journeys are now available in Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland, with more destinations soon to follow. 
    Melissa Tilling, CEO of Sustainable Journeys commented “We believe tourism should benefit everyone involved, especially local communities and our mission is to bring a pragmatic enabling approach to sustainable travel to support customers who are often confused by labelling, terminology, and what to trust. Whilst no one can take away the act of emitting carbon into the atmosphere Sustainable Journeys hope to make it easier for consumers to travel more responsibly, understanding their choices and ensure that visitors contribute positively, from an environmental, social, and economic perspective.
    We carefully select partners aligned with our sustainable tourism principles, aligned to the United Nations, to provide transport methods, lodging and activities which provide an optimum balance between sustainability and pragmatism in terms of what can be offered, what is sensible and what best protects the wellbeing of our customers. We endeavour to prioritise local community involvement to ensure the economic benefits of tourism are equally distributed.”
    Packages include:  Estonian EV Exploration – This 10-night self-drive tour, from £1,235 per person (based on two adults sharing), starts in historic Tallinn. Heading east to the rich green forest and wetlands of the Lahemaa National Park and quaint fishing villages, turning south to The Onion Trail and cultural centre of Tartu. It continues onwards through the Soomaa National Park, stopping at historic and picturesque coastal towns and the summer capital Parnu. Price includes car hire, bed and breakfast in locally owned hotels and guesthouses, cultural and wine-tasting experiences. Transport to the Baltics by air or rail is additional.  For more information visit, or to book visit www.sustainablejourneys.co.uk

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