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    CHTA calls for Caribbean to staff up for travel surge

    As the tourism sector rebounds strongly from the near shutdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is calling on the region’s “bread and butter” industry to ramp up efforts to be adequately staffed to meet the impending surge of arrivals and continued growth.
    Drawing attention to a recent statement from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) which predicts “a massive increase in global international inbound travel,” CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig noted that the Caribbean’s tourism sector must do more to source and train its own people to meet the industry’s growing labor needs.
    “The recent statement from WTTC and CHTA knowledge partner ForwardKeys points to strong demand in the months ahead for travel to ‘sun and sea’ destinations such as the Caribbean and Latin America, which are leading international inbound bookings,” said Madden-Greig, who added that “it is imperative for our members to be diligent in staffing their properties and enterprises with trained, qualified hospitality professionals.”
    She also pointed to the need to re-energize the partnerships between schools, training institutions and the tourism industry put in place by many Caribbean jurisdictions in the past which played a critical role in creating employment and career opportunities for thousands of residents throughout the region.
    WTTC’s latest tourism Economic Impact Report indicates that more than 126 million travel and tourism jobs will be created over the next decade. With one in every three new jobs created being in the travel and tourism space, opportunities will abound for job seekers and businesses seeking to fill those positions.ADVERTISEMENTThe CHTA leader acknowledged there remain some challenges within the region around the labor supply in the market, but she also believes the association’s networking opportunities, the on-the-ground public-private partnerships, and its Caribbean Tourism Job Bank can be useful tools in bridging the gap between supply and demand.
    “Our tourism job bank is an excellent, free resource for both employers and job seekers,” stated Madden-Greig, who encouraged Caribbean residents in search of tourism-related positions to upload their resumes and credentials to the site where they can be reviewed by prospective employers looking for qualified applicants.
    CHTA members, who receive free basic postings as part of their membership benefits, are also encouraged to post open positions to the Caribbean Tourism Job Bank.
    Madden-Greig urged all National Hotel and Tourism Associations to continue partnering with local institutions to fast-track the training of prospective hospitality workers so they can take advantage of the increasing number of excellent career paths the industry offers.
    “As an industry, we need to ensure that all stakeholders understand the tremendous economic benefits that can accrue from engagement with the hospitality sector. CHTA and our Tourism Job Bank can help, but more needs to be done to counter the misinformation that has created doubts about the stability and future of the industry that surfaced as a result of the pandemic,” she said.
    CHTA continues to encourage young people in the region who are exploring career paths to strongly consider the tourism and hospitality industry as an option that allows one to develop highly competitive skills and affords opportunity to work throughout the region.
    “The Caribbean tourism industry presents a world of possibilities for professional growth and development,” said Madden-Greig, noting that there are more than 1,000 job and career paths, with over one in five opportunities at the supervisory, management, or ownership levels.

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    Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau partners with Etihad to boost MICE sector

    The Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, to further bolster support for MICE groups travelling to Abu Dhabi.

    The strategic partnership with Etihad Airways will allow ADCEB to offer complimentary flights and discounts to eligible MICE groups as part of its Advantage Abu Dhabi programme, a successful initiative which provides financial assistance, event planning benefits, subvention, and destination-driven value-adds to event organisers and corporate clients.
    The MoU, which was announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) event, will allow eligible Advantage Abu Dhabi applicants additional flight benefits and perks such as group booking discounts, complimentary flights for large MICE group bookings on direct flights, and special flight rates for site/destination inspection trips to Abu Dhabi for clients that hold their business events and incentive groups in the emirate.
    As a tool for promoting the UAE capital to international destination management companies, meeting planners, and conference/exhibition organisers, the Advantage Abu Dhabi programme provides the emirate with a competitive edge against global destinations which are increasingly bidding and attracting clients with enhanced support offers. ADVERTISEMENTMubarak Al Shamisi, Director of ADCEB at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Etihad Airways, which will help us to further establish Abu Dhabi as one of the world’s leading business events destinations. With this partnership, we will provide an attractive proposition to our MICE groups, attracting new interest and ensuring clients will continue to return to the emirate. From hosting conferences and exhibitions to being the go-to destination for meetings and incentive travel, we look forward to welcoming business leaders from around the world to discover everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.”

    Martin Drew, Senior Vice President of Sales and Cargo at Etihad Airways, said: “Abu Dhabi is an ideal environment for business and leisure travellers alike, and as the UAE’s national airline, Etihad is proud to partner with ADCEB to make the destination even more appealing for MICE clients. With Etihad’s fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft and famed Emirati hospitality from the award-winning cabin crew, business travellers will enjoy the journey as much as the destination.”
    Etihad Airways was named World’s Best MICE Airline 2021, whilst Conrad Etihad Towers was voted Abu Dhabi’s Best MICE Hotel 2021 by voters of World MICE Awards.

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    Up to eight million tourism jobs to be created in Europe within next decade

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    Up to eight million tourism jobs to be created in Europe within next decade

    The World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals Europe’s travel and tourism sector is expected to create up to eight million new jobs within the next decade.
    The forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which represents the global travel and tourism private sector, also shows the sector will be a driving force behind
    Europe’s economic recovery, following more than two years of suffering.
    Over the next 10 years and with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%, the travel and tourism sector is expected to grow at twice the rate of the overall economy, which is forecasted to expand by just 1.5% annually.
    The global tourism body’s latest report also reveals Europe’s travel and tourism’s GDP is forecast to grow by 31.4% to €1.73 trillion (US$ 1.9 trillion).ADVERTISEMENTJulia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Europe’s travel and tourism sector is in a strong recovery. It looks set to create up to eight million new jobs over the next 10 years.
    “In terms of contribution to Europe’s economy and jobs, the sector will almost reach pre-pandemic levels by the end of next year as the sector’s recovery continues its momentum.
    “The recovery in 2021 was slower than expected due to the impact of the Omicron and the uncoordinated response by European governments around border closures which failed to stop the spread of the virus, but did cause real and lasting damage to economies and livelihoods.”
    WTTC’s EIR data for 2021 shows across Europe there was a 4.7% increase in the number of travel and tourism sector jobs accounting for just over 9% of all jobs, in marked contrast to the 12.5% fall the previous year.
    The fastest growing region last year, it also saw the sector claw back its contribution to GDP with a 28% rise to account for 6.2% of Europe’s economy to €1.3 trillion (U.S.$1.45 trillion) up from 5.2% contribution (just over €1 trillion or U.S.$1.13 trillion in 2020).
    Europe’s bounce back was in part driven by significant growth in key destination markets such as Greece, which saw a year-on-year growth of 75%, Turkey (61%), and Italy (59%). Greek National Tourism Organisation was named World’s Leading Tourist Board by World Travel Awards.
    According to the latest data, more than 1.7 billion certificates have been issued by member states. This successful roll out has provided a much-needed boost to economies and saved millions of jobs.
    However, in several other European countries, there was a much slower than expected recovery due to numerous failed attempts by governments to clamp down on the transmission of the Omicron variant, causing the regional economic recovery to falter.
    The leaders of European travel are to meet for World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2022 at the Hilton Galatzo, Mallorca, Spain.

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    Jamaica welcomes travel trade at ATM 2022

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    Jamaica welcomes travel trade at ATM 2022

    High profile visitors including leading tour operators, travel agents, aviation partners, industry stakeholders as well as members of the press visited the stand to meet with the Jamaica Tourist Board delegation
    The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has successfully concluded a busy second day at the 2022 edition of Arabian Travel Market.
    High profile travel trade professionals including leading tour operators, travel agents, aviation partners, industry stakeholders as well as members of the media visited the stand to meet with members of the Jamaica delegation to discuss new and expanded partnerships, opportunities for collaboration and platforms for elevating the reputation of Jamaica as a destination of distinction for Middle East travellers.
    The Jamaica delegation was led by Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica and accompanied by Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board along with a variety of industry representatives from Jamaica.
    During the first two days of the event, the delegation connected with key industry stakeholders and met with new and potential partners to discuss ways to further promote Jamaica to Middle East-based travellers.ADVERTISEMENTJamaica Tourist Board also hosted a ‘Taste of Jamaica’ on stand activity for media and industry delegates from across the GCC and wider MENA region, enabling visitors to sample authentic cuisine and exquisite Blue Mountain Coffee during the networking event.
    Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica commented: “We’ve seen some great interest from the MENA region and made strong headway with leading industry professionals from the region. We look forward to undertaking further meetings to discuss potential collaboration during the next two days of the show which will further raise the profile of the destination.”
    Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board commented: “We have been delighted with the warm welcome we received during the first two days of Arabian Travel Market and were pleased to welcome new and existing partners from across the MENA region to the stand for an authentic ‘Taste of Jamaica’. The positive meetings and interactions we have undertaken with new and potential strategic partners will further develop tourism ties and help build a solid foundation for exponential success within the MENA market.’
    Jamaica Tourist Board is considered the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2021 by voters at the World Travel Awards.

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    Middle East Travel & Tourism sector to create 3.6 million jobs within next decade

    The World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals the travel and tourism sector in the Middle East is expected to create nearly 3.6 million new jobs over the next decade.
    The forecast from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), which shows an average of 360,000 new jobs every year, also reveals the sector will lead the region’s economic recovery, with its average annual growth set to outpace the overall economy for the next 10 years.
    According to the report,  travel and tourism’s GDP is forecasted to grow at an average rate of 7.7% annually between 2022-2032, three times the 2.5% growth rate for region’s overall economy, to reach nearly US$ 540 billion (10.1% of the total economy).
    The sector’s contribution to GDP is expected to grow more than 36% to over US$ 256 billion by the end of 2022, amounting to 6.5% of the total economic GDP, while employment in the sector is set to grow by 8.7% this year to reach over six million jobs.
    The global tourism body’s annual report also shows further optimism for the region’s travel and tourism GDP, which could almost reach pre-pandemic levels by 2023 – just 2.5% below 2019 levels.ADVERTISEMENTJulia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “After a very difficult couple of years, the future is looking brighter with travel and tourism expected to create 3.6 million new jobs across the Middle East over the next decade.
    “Looking to this year and the next, the outlook is more positive with both GDP and employment set to almost reach pre-pandemic levels.
    “The recovery of the sector in the Middle East last year was certainly slower than expected, due in part to the impact of the Omicron variant.”
    Before the pandemic, the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to GDP was 8.4% (U.S.$323.6 billion) in 2019, falling to just 4.5% (U.S.$162.6 billion) in 2020, which represented a staggering 49.8% loss.
    The sector also supported 6.9 million jobs across the region in 2019.
    WTTC’s latest EIR report also reveals that 2021 saw the beginning of the recovery for the region’s travel and tourism sector.
    Last year, its contribution to GDP climbed 15.9% year on year, to reach US$188.5 billion.
    The sector also saw a recovery of more than 390,000 travel and tourism jobs, representing a positive 7.6% rise to reach 5.6 million.
    The sector’s contribution to the economy and employment could have been higher if it weren’t for the impact of the Omicron variant, which led to the recovery faltering around the world, with many countries reinstating severe travel restrictions.
    Since the start of the pandemic, governments across the Middle East have shown total commitment to Travel & Tourism.
    Saudi Arabia in particular, has shown great leadership throughout the crisis, pushing for greater regional and global coordination, and making a major investment in travel and tourism not only in the country but around the world. The global tourism body believes this support and commitment will speed up the recovery of a sector which is critical to economies and livelihoods around the world.

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    UNWTO announces partnership with Save The Children

    The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Save the Children Dominican Republic have launched a new challenge to promote the development of educational ideas and experiences through the tourism sector in Central America and the Caribbean.
    The challenge seeks innovative and technological proposals in ‘Early Stage’ development that offer new educational opportunities through the tourism sector. The challenge has two categories:
    New technologies: People or startups that promote the use of technology to provide solutions to the tourism and education sector.
    Local impact: People or startups that promote transformation and social improvement, and that belong to the tourism and education sector.
    According to Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation, Zurab Pololikashvili, “tourism is a leading provider of opportunities for young people throughout Central America and the Caribbean, and innovation and new technologies can help us reach more young people, allowing them to benefit as tourism returns to the region.”
    “For our organization, the launch of this challenge represents a unique opportunity to capitalize on the potential of the tourism sector in our country and the region, thus generating innovation in favor of childhood education with a high social impact,” says Juan Tomás Díaz, President Save the Children Dominicana.
    Tourism for the SDGsProjects must be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the United Nations. Additionally, they must be framed in one (or several) of the following areas:ADVERTISEMENT >The management of destinations or the private management of solutions/products/services developed around and education as tourism and education products;
    Seeking a balance between sustainable development and the profitability of the project, maximizing its positive impacts.
    The connection with the market and the user experience in all phases of the journeyhe connection
    Applications are open until 25 June, 2022. The winning projects will be selected based on several criteria, such as the degree of innovation, and its viability and sustainability. The winners will be invited to the Tourism Tech Adventure in the Dominican Republic that will take place in November 2022.
    Tourism education for empowermentTourism is one of the largest sectors in the world, accounting for more than 4% of direct global GDP in 2019. In the Americas, the contribution of tourism to regional GDP fell from 3.4% to 1.6% during the pandemic. Central America and the Caribbean represent 4.8% of global international arrivals, and reflect the potential in all tourism sub-sectors, and their needs for good training and education.
    After the effects of COVID-19, this sector is reinventing itself to achieve more responsible, innovative and accessible tourism. The pandemic has also disrupted education systems around the world, highlighting that digital learning must become an essential service available to all. This means that all children and young people have access to first-rate digital solutions that facilitate personalized learning and open the doors to a better future.
    UNWTO supports digital education and innovation initiatives promoted by Startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, which will play a leading role in the revival of tourism in the coming years.

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    Cabin Ops Safety Conference announces key topics

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    Cabin Ops Safety Conference announces key topics

    The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2022 Cabin Ops Safety Conference (COSC) will take place as an in-person event in Lisbon, Portugal, 14-16 June with TAP Air Portugal as the Host Airline.
    In the face of numerous operational challenges, the airline industry improved its safety performance in several key areas in 2021, compared both to 2020 and to the average of the five years 2017-2021, including reductions in the accident rate and the number of passenger fatalities.
    These strong results were achieved as the industry ramped-up operations from the low point of April 2020, while addressing numerous issues, including crew shortages and a sharp rise in unruly passenger events.
    “Airlines and their employees have done a superb job over the past two years under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Now, as COVID-related travel restrictions are eased, flight operations are ramping-up and the focus needs to be on ensuring we maintain the same high levels of safety and efficiency. The Cabin Ops Safety Conference is the forum for cabin safety experts from airlines, regulators, OEMs and suppliers to join together to share insights on the most important cabin safety challenges,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Operations, Safety and Security.
    Sessions will address key topics including:ADVERTISEMENT >Unruly passengers
    Cabin crew fatigue
    Human trafficking
    Cabin accessibility issues
    Cabin safety investigations
    Cabin design
    Accessible lavatory design
    The event also will feature workshops on turbulence, cabin crew wellbeing and safety management. Additionally, the popular Cabin Safety Exchange will return. This discussion forum provides an opportunity for cabin safety professionals to share insights about the top cabin safety issues and shapes and steers the work of IATA cabin safety agenda in the years to come.

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    Sharjah Tourism highlights major tourism progress

    The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has unveiled the latest developments taking place in the Emirate of Sharjah’s tourism projects and future plans at a press conference it held on day two of Arab Travel Market (ATM) 2022, taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 9 to 12.
    Held at the Sharjah Pavilion at ATM 2022, the press conference brought together His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA; Her Excellency Hana Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairperson of the Environment and Protected Areas Authority in Sharjah (EPAA); H.E. Ali Salem Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority, and Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), along with officials from various government entities and representatives of local and international media outlets.
    Speaking at the conference, H.E. Al Midfa said: “In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to advance the emirate’s position as a prominent family tourism destination on the global tourism map, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority works closely and continuously with its strategic partners in the government and private sectors to implement projects and initiatives that allow the emirate to offer innovative, one-of-a-kind and diverse tourism experiences to visitors from around the world.”
    “Our leadership’s constant support paved the way for Sharjah to make immense progress in recent years in terms of major tourism projects across cities and villages in the emirate, including major infrastructure projects to connect the Heart of Sharjah to the Central and Eastern regions,” H.E. Al Midfa continued. “The emirate’s strategic location is an added value for its tourism sector, playing a key role in the development of the tourism industry and its diversity, and offering an array of experiences to meet all interests and cater to every age group. The emirate boasts world-class tourism capacities, offering an annual agenda full of events, exhibitions, and major festivals – all of which work together to meet the aspirations of visitors from all categories.”
    The SCTDA Chairman explained that Sharjah has significantly developed its hotel sector to include more than 100 facilities with over 10,000 rooms and apartments. “These include beach hotels, city-centre hotels, and other facilities with more of an authentic Emirati feel, in addition to hotels in the Central Region in Mleiha and Al Badayer, which offer unique accommodation experiences, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, where guests can immerse themselves in natural landscapes from mountains to sand dunes,” he said. ADVERTISEMENT“Over the course of the past few years, the emirate made tremendous efforts towards developing the eco-tourism sector to offer exceptional experiences to all visitors. The various destinations offer a range of experiences for adventure lovers, as well as those looking to go camping, visit parks, and do water, desert, or mountain activities, in addition to experiences catering to lovers of heritage, arts, history, and archaeology,” H.E. noted. “The Emirate of Sharjah supports development plans that are designed to ensure the sustainability of its key sectors, including tourism – one of the pillars of the national economy.”
    The total number of guests in hotel establishments in the Emirate of Sharjah during the first quarter of 2022 exceeded 350,000, marking a growth rate of 26% compared to the same period last year. The UAE ranked as the first source market for hotel establishment guests in Q1 2022, followed by India, Russia, and Oman, respectively, underlining Sharjah’s appeal to both tourists and visitors from around the UAE.
    For her part, EPAA Chairperson H.E. Hana Saif Al Suwaidi shed light on the Sharjah Safari project – the largest safari outside the African continent, which includes 12 different environments representing Africa’s terrain and the animals and birds that live there. “Sharjah Safari places the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE at the forefront of attractive destinations for nature and wildlife tourists, and contributes to promoting various other sectors, from aviation to hospitality,” H.E. said.
    “During its participation at ATM, the EPAA will meet with representatives of tourism and hotel companies to organise visits to Sharjah Safari, in addition to discussing ways to cooperate with the authorities concerned with eco-tourism to set up joint events and programmes that serve the emirate’s vision for both tourism and the environment,” H.E. Al Suwaidi asserted.
    Meanwhile, H.E. Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “Our participation in the Arabian Travel Market 2022 reiterates Sharjah Airport’s commitment to strengthening communication with its international counterparts from the aviation sector. We are also utilising this opportunity to seek potential partnerships that would result in mutual growth, and further enhance the distinguished position that Sharjah Airport currently enjoys as one of the most prominent airports in the region.”
    “The exhibition will serve as a platform for us to showcase the services and facilities we provide to our partners in the tourism and travel sectors,” H.E. Al Midfa added. “We also look forward to highlighting the services and smart solution features that we have recently launched, in addition to demonstrating the quality of our safety standards and operational efficiency, which has been enhanced to provide customers and travellers with a more comfortable experience. We take this opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to enhancing Sharjah’s image and maintaining the emirate’s lead as a distinguished financial and cultural hub for tourism investment in the Middle East.”
    Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Acting CEO of Shurooq, lauded the unparalleled efforts of SCTDA and its collaboration with other public entities to continue developing Sharjah’s tourism sector and create new opportunities to elevate its position as a leading hub for experiential travel. He also asserted that SCTDA’s objectives are perfectly aligned with Shurooq’s belief that this complementarity of roles established by different entities entrusted with Sharjah’s sustainable development is a key accelerator of development.
    Announcing Shurooq’s two new luxury hospitality projects, namely, Najd Al Meqsar Retreat and The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim, Al Qaseer added: “These projects offer residents and travellers more choices in the ways they wish to explore Sharjah and complement the other eco- and heritage-inspired hospitality projects developed by Shurooq in the emirate. Through these new undertakings, we reiterate our commitment to enhancing Sharjah’s tourist landscape, encouraging diversified investments through local and global partnerships, and developing projects all across Sharjah as part of an inclusive, community-focused development plan, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.”
    The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is heading the Sharjah Pavilion at Arabian Travel Market 2022, bringing together 24 entities from the emirate: seven government departments and 17 private entities from tourism, travel, and hospitality sectors. The Authority aims to shed light on its achievements in driving growth and development in the tourism sector in the Emirate of Sharjah in the post-pandemic period, raising awareness of the tourism services and products it provides, in collaboration with its strategic partners, to build a sustainable tourism sector.

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