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    UAE to Launch Direct Flights to Skardu

    Adviser to the Prime Minister (PM) on Tourism and Sports Aun Chaudhry has revealed that the federal government is in talks with United Arab Emirates (UAE) to launch direct flights to Skardu, a popular tourist site in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
    A 25-member delegation led by Aun attended the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 in Dubai. As reported by Gulf Today, Aun stated that the direct flights between UAE and Skardu will promote tourism in the northern areas.He mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered him to take key steps in collaboration with the private sector to increase tourism in the country.
    Since Pakistan has the potential to grow its tourism industry, the government must facilitate travelers to explore attractive destinations in places like Skardu, he noted.
    Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) has set up a pavilion at ATM 2023 in partnership with other organizations such as the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pearl Continental Hotels, Hashoo Group, etc.
    Adviser to the PM also lauded the Pakistan Embassy in UAE and TDAP for their measures to support Pakistani exhibitors in participating in the event.ADVERTISEMENTAmbassador of Pakistan in UAE, Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, described Pakistan’s participation in the ATM after a long break as a significant step forward, which will promote tourism in the country and enhance its soft image globally.
    Managing Director PTDC, Aftab Rana, emphasized that Pakistan offers exceptional views, rich culture, heritage, and diverse landscapes.
    Over 160 countries and 2,000 exhibitors are participating in the ATM 2023. It is the 30th edition of the event, which is part of Arabian Travel Week, a 10-day long festival.
    Source: https://propakistani.pk/

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    IHG Hotels signs agreement with Saudi Tourism

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    IHG Hotels signs agreement with Saudi Tourism

    IHG Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with more than 6,000 hotels across 18 distinct brands, has signed an agreement with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 in Dubai, UAE.
    The memorandum of understanding (MOU) provides a framework for both entities to explore methods to increase inbound visitation to Saudi Arabia from key markets across Middle East and Africa region. This includes developing customised promotions, joint marketing campaigns, and promotion through loyalty programs which will showcase Saudi Arabia as one of the world’s most exciting destination to an international audience. 
    The MOU was signed at the Saudi pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2023, by James Britchford, Vice President Commercial at IHG for India, Middle East and Africa, and Munirah Abanomy, Head of Marketing Partnership for Middle East & Africa at Saudi Tourism Authority.
    With Saudi Arabia targeting 100 million visitors by 2030, the Kingdom is a priority market for IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. The hospitality group aims to support the tourism sector in the country by growing the footprint of its existing brands, as well as introducing new brands from its global portfolio, in addition to running campaigns to promote various destinations within the country. IHG also plans to further support the Kingdom’s economic Vision by investing in developing Saudi talent in the Kingdom, with an ambition to hire 6,000 nationals across it’s growing portfolio by 2030.
    James Britchford, Vice President, Commercial, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “As a reflection of our commitment to support the growth of the tourism industry within the Kingdom, we are delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority. Collaborations with key government entities, such as the STA, enable us to position and promote attractive destinations and exciting tourism offerings that the country has developed, to our guests across markets.”ADVERTISEMENTAbdulkarim Aldarwish – President of Middle East & Africa Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, commented: “Signing of an MOU with IHG comes within the framework of the Saudi Tourism Authority’s keenness to strengthen strategic partnerships with major international companies and prestigious brands with global reach. Such partnerships enhance the efforts of the Saudi Tourism Authority in attracting tourists and enriching their experience by providing best-in-class products, offers and packages.”
    To expand its presence in key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Makkah, Dammam, Al Khobar and Mega projects, IHG Hotels & Resorts is positioned to add over 10,000 additional rooms to its portfolio in the next 2-3 years. This is set to significantly boost the tourism infrastructure in the country and provide a diverse range of accommodation options — across luxury, leisure, religious and business tourism.
    IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 37 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and voco, with 31 hotels in the development pipeline set to open within the next three to five years.
    Source – TradeArabia News Service

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    SPORTSLINK TRAVEL and easyGolf Worldwide Travel & Tours ink new partnership

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    SPORTSLINK TRAVEL and easyGolf Worldwide Travel & Tours ink new partnership

    SPORTSLINK TRAVEL and easyGolf Worldwide Travel & Tours have announced a new partnership to provide travel services for all their International Golf Travel & Tours, plus all travel for their Corporate and Social clientele.
    EasyGolf Worldwide is a previous winner of the World Travel Awards “Best Golf Tour Operator” in Australia and Oceania and is again nominated for the 2023 Award. Sports Link will provide flight and travel packages to complement their golf tours to events around the world, including The Masters each year, enabling clients to have their entire trip managed through a single supplier to maximise the full travel experience.
    Sports Link Travel CEO Paul Kelly commented “We have looked at putting together our own golf tours for a number of years and are regularly asked by our clients about trips to events like The Masters. This new partnership will allow us to provide these options to our clients and also to support EasyGolf Worldwide in looking after their existing client base. Working with an award-winning tour operator ensures the quality of these tours, and Richard and his team are very excited about this opportunity and the possibilities that it brings.”
    easyGolfWorldwide CEO Richard Tessel commented: “I endorse all of the above, and we are excited to have partnered with Paul Kelly and his Team.”

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    GNTB focuses on sustainable inbound tourism at ATM

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    GNTB focuses on sustainable inbound tourism at ATM

    The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has presented a campaign update for its vision of ‘Making Tourism More Sustainable’ to GCC travel professionals at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023.
    Under the slogan, ‘Germany, simply inspiring’, GNTB is focusing on the sustainable related aspects across a number of tourism segments, which include:
    Embrace German Nature, highlighting natural landscapes and activity holidays; Historic Modern Germany, promoting cultural heritage and 51 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a spotlight on traditions and customs of rural regions. And thirdly, their Feel Good – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign, emphasising how to enjoy an environmentally friendly holiday in Germany.
    “We aim to make a meaningful contribution towards climate change mitigation, supporting Germany’s commitment to net zero, as well as driving increasing numbers of environmentally aware, inbound GCC tourists,” said Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist GCC Office (GNTO GCC), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). 
    “We want to present Germany as an all-year-round destination, that is not only sustainable, but diverse, accessible, inclusive, resilient and viable for the future,” she added.ADVERTISEMENTThe GCC region is now Germany’s top performing inbound source market in Asia and Australasia, with 404,707 GCC guests generating almost 1.13 overnight stays during 2022, representing an increase of 117.6%, compared with the same period in 2021. 
    “These figures confirm that Germany continues to be a preferred tourism destination for GCC visitors and unspoilt nature and careful use of resources are clearly becoming increasingly important to them. We also want to encourage longer stays in order to reduce the carbon footprint per travel day,” said Sofo.
    Germany boasts more than 350 spa and health resorts and the GNTB is focusing on the sustainability-related aspects of health tourism. These include the preservation of traditional treatment methods, location-specific treatments and remedies as drivers of regional prosperity, and examples of sustainable energy management.
    There is also growing interest in low-impact tourism which is supporting climate goals and making tourism more resilient. More than one-third of Germany’s land area is under special protection as a nature park or national park, it has around 200,000 kilometres of walking trails and 70,000 kilometres of long-distance cycle routes. There has also been a resurgence of interest in traditional lifestyles in rural regions, which has further bolstered Germany’s image as a sustainable travel destination.
    In addition, Germany boasts 51 World Heritage sites, over 6,000 museums, offering a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance. 
    The GNTB’s focus on sustainability provides synergy with the official ATM 2023 theme – ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. In addition, Dubai will be the host for COP28 this year and outbound tour operators and travel agents will no doubt have sustainable travel at the top of their agendas. 
    Participants on the Germany stand this year include Baden-Baden Tourism Board, Düsseldorf Airport, Düsseldorf Tourism Board, Elinor Travel Germany, Frankfurt Airport VIP-Services, Frankfurt Tourism Board, Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection, Hotel Palace Berlin, Ingolstadt Village and Wertheim Village, International Office am Klinikum Solingen GmbH, The Wellem – part of the unbound collection by Hyatt, Wiesbaden Tourism and visitBerlin.
    Arabian Travel Market 2023 takes place from May 1-4 and the Germany stand is located in the Europe Hall Stand EU1635.
    Source – TradeArabia News Service

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    Saudi Arabia showcases over 500 offerings at ATM

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    Saudi Arabia showcases over 500 offerings at ATM

    Saudi Arabia has kicked off its largest and most impressive presence at an international trade event to date at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) with 67 partners, showcasing more than 500 bookable experiences and packages.
    The 30th edition of ATM runs from May 1 to 4 at Dubai World Trade Center.
    The Saudi stand will deliver exceptional cultural activations from around the country, bringing to life its rich culture and heritage, unique flavours and sounds and dynamic entertainment offering as one of the world’s last frontiers of tourism. Visitors will have the opportunity to embark on their own Saudi journey through an interactive exploration into its top destinations and resorts, from the stunning coastline of the Red Sea, the Great Arabian Dunes, to the ancient landmarks of AlUla and Diriyah.
    Harnessing the very latest in technology, visitors can experience Makkah and Madinah through virtual reality and the history of Saudi through Diriyah’s five senses activation. The very best of Saudi culture will resonate through traditional dance performances from around the country. Not to be missed, the renowned Saudi café will be joined this year for the first time by an authentic Saudi ice-cream cart to tantalize the tastebuds.
    The strength of this presence reflects the unrivalled scale of the transformation in Saudi as the world’s fastest growing tourism destination. With an extraordinary +121% increase from pre-pandemic international tourism levels, Saudi achieved 93.5 million visits in 2022 and is outpacing global tourism sector recovery as recognized by the UNWTO. As the world’s biggest investor in tourism, Saudi has committed $550bn to new destinations by 2030.ADVERTISEMENTSaudi is a regional enabler and is facilitating collaboration and accelerating growth across the Middle East. The opportunities in the Middle East for initiatives like Nusuk, an integrated digital platform to facilitate seamless Umrah journeys are unmatched, transforming the experience for spiritual travelers and providing an opportunity like no other for partners.
    Launched in September 2022 by Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), Nusuk continues to gain momentum around the world, already hitting key milestones, and its presence will be further strengthened through its first participation at ATM 2023 with more than 20 partners.
    Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board of Saudi Tourism Authority said: “Saudi is the biggest opportunity for businesses in tourism today. Unrivalled in growth, we are on an accelerated journey to achieving our ambitious tourism vision. We continue to outpace and outperform, and our success is reflected in the numbers, exceeding both Umrah visit numbers and inbound in the first quarter of this year.
    “Saudi is a tourism destination like no other. From Diriyah, the 300-year-old city and birthplace of Saudi to the first hotel openings of Red Sea Global, the world’s most ambitious luxury tourism development later this year, to the opening of NEOM’s Sindalah Island, these projects are no longer sketches on paper, they are the heart of the future of the country.
    “As we position Saudi on the global map as a diverse, unique, year-round destination, we will continue to build our dynamic entertainment and events offering. The last events season witnessed record-breaking numbers, Riyadh Season, MDLBEAST, F1, Jeddah Season and this summer promises to deliver an exceptional line-up of events and experiences.
    “We are committed to delivering a whole new experience for the adventurer, the explorer, the intrepid traveler, and our presence at ATM is an opportunity to celebrate the key milestones of Saudi’s tourism growth story and inspire our trade partners to join us in this journey.”
    On-stand, visitors will hear from the STA CEO during Saudi Talks, in conversation with world leading partners Wego and Meeting Point International, on the collaborative environment that is delivering unprecedented levels of shared success.
    Source – TradeArabia News Service

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    Visa and Saudi Tourism Authority sign MoU at Arabian Travel Market 2023

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    Visa and Saudi Tourism Authority sign MoU at Arabian Travel Market 2023

    Visa, the world’s leader in digital payments, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) to collaborate and explore innovative initiatives that will enhance the visitor journey as well as promote Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector.As part of the MoU, the two entities will set a framework for collaboration to build the first Tourism Data Lab in the region to provide data-driven insights into travel and tourism trends, enabling STA, Visa and all industry stakeholders to make informed decisions to support the Saudi government’s tourism ambitions.
    Visa and STA will also explore opportunities to launch Visa’s digital payment solutions and exclusive packages to enhance the experience of Visa cardholders and tourists to Saudi. The packages for hassle-free payments and value deals will be finalised through consultation with relevant authorities with the goal of promoting the Saudi tourism sector.
    The MoU was signed in Dubai at the Arabian Travel Market 2023, the leading global event for the inbound and outbound travel industry in the Middle East, by Walter Lironi, Visa SVP for Visa Consulting and Analytics for CEMEA, and Abdulkarim Aldarwish, President of MEA Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority.
    Commenting on the partnership, Walter Lironi, Visa’s SVP for Visa Consulting and Analytics for CEMEA region, said: “Saudi Arabia is fast emerging as tourism hub with diverse and enriching experiences awaiting visitors. The industry is also a pivotal pillar in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and create new job opportunities. We are therefore pleased to enter into this partnership with STA to explore multiple pathways we can enhance the tourism experience of visitors to Saudi Arabia and support the government’s tourism ambitions.”
    Abdulkarim Aldarwish, President of MEA Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority, said: “The agreement with Visa, the world leader in digital payments, confirms that the Saudi Tourism Authority is keen to enhance its capabilities by providing, exchanging and analyzing data as well as offering products and promotional package programs that improve the experience of tourists and attract more segments from the main markets in the region.”ADVERTISEMENTThe strategic collaboration will be powered by the world’s largest payments database, VisaNet, which provides a comprehensive wealth of data on inbound tourism and extensive insight into how governments can optimize their cashless strategy. The insights generated from the data include visitor journeys and spending behaviors across different categories, seasonality, digital adoption, and customer types, allowing for a holistic overview of how to create customer-centric payments experiences.
    Source: Zawya.com

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    Miral launches Kids Go Free packages from Yas Island

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    Miral launches Kids Go Free packages from Yas Island

    Miral Destinations, a leading one-stop trade and promotional partner for Yas Island Abu Dhabi, has launched its exciting Kids Go Free packages for the summer at the ongoing Arabian Travel Market 2023 in Dubai.
    The family offering will allow Yas Island’s visitors to extend their stay and indulge in a wide array of leisure and entertainment offerings that appeal to travelers of all ages and preferences.
    Yas Island’s Kids Go Free packages are available for purchase now on Yas Island’s website and offer families incredible added value and unlimited entertainment, allowing children under the age of 12 to stay, play and dine for free all summer long.
    As one of the world’s fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations, Yas Island Abu Dhabi has become a coveted locale for travelers from around the world. From award-winning theme parks and attractions, world-class shopping, top-notch hotels, over 165 dining outlets, a links golf course, exciting water and motor sports, and a year-round line-up of spectacular musical, entertainment and family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone within the 25 sq km island. 
    For unrivalled family fun, a visit to Yas Island’s award-winning theme parks is a must. Be it at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, home of the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, where families can enjoy over 45 splash-tastic rides, slides and attractions, or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park where guests can meet over 35 fan-favorite Animation characters and DC Super Heroes all under one roof, there’s tons of family-friendly entertainment in store.ADVERTISEMENTSet to join the Island’s incredible portfolio of attractions is SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s next generation Marine Life Theme Park, slated to open to the public on May 23, 2023. Guests looking to experience the park can visit SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s booth at the event to witness first-hand an immersive world unlike any other.
    Yas Island was voted World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022 at last years World Travel Awards.
    Yas Island is also home to a wide range of leading hotels that cater to different budgets and delights. Whether opting for a luxurious stay, such as the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, or a family-friendly option like The WB Abu Dhabi Curio Collection by Hilton, there’s no shortage of world-class hospitality on offer that can be availed as part of Yas Island’s packaged offering.
    The Kids Go Free summer packages are now available for booking online starting May 1 and will be valid to avail from June 1 to September 30, 2023. Holidaymakers keen to experience the best of Yas Island Abu Dhabi may purchase their packages directly from Yas Island’s website, a statement said.
    Source – TradeArabia News Service

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    SWISS to increase long-haul services in its winter schedules

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    Disney and Make-A-Wish® Celebrate Long Standing Relationship

    The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish celebrated World Wish Day on Saturday, April 29, a date that marks the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish in 1980. Since the first official wish – which was granted at Disneyland® Resort – Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to help grant 150,000 wishes globally, delivering joy when it is needed most to wish kids and their families.
    Over the past 43 years, Disney has become the biggest wish granter in the world for Make-A-Wish, bringing the life-changing impact of a wish to children facing critical illnesses and their families.
    “Disney and Make-A-Wish are a perfect match – we’re both in the business of creating happiness,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks Experiences and Products, and Make-A-Wish America Board Member. “We also understand the transformative impact we can make on the lives of wish kids and their families. We’re thrilled to honor the history of Make-A-Wish and Disney together and look forward to creating special moments for many years to come.”
    As part of this year’s World Wish Day celebration, Disney unveiled special, first-of-its-kind windows on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park, dedicated to Make-A-Wish and all the wish kids of the world.
    Main Street, U.S.A. windows historically have been dedicated to people who have made significant contributions to Disney over the past century. The windows, the first ever dedicated to a nonprofit, represent the unique and special relationship Disney and Make-A-Wish have developed throughout the years. The three windows include a center window dedicated to Make-A-Wish and all the wish kids past, present and future; and side windows honoring Chris Greicius, whose wish inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish, and Frank ‘Bopsy’ Salazar, who made the first official wish granted by Make-A-Wish (and the first Disney wish).ADVERTISEMENT“World Wish Day presents an opportunity to bring together the global community of supporters that makes wishes possible, and Disney has been one of our most committed and impactful supporters from the very beginning,” said Make-A-Wish America President and CEO, Leslie Motter. “It’s a testament to the passion and generosity of cast members past and present that we have reached the point where our wish families are being recognized with their very own, dedicated windows at Disneyland Resort.”
    The three windows are located above the redesigned and rededicated Wish Lounge, where wish families can relax privately during their visit to Disneyland. Walt Disney Imagineering worked with story artists and animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios to bring to life this incredible wish lounge inspired by the artistic style and characters from Disney Animation’s upcoming animated film, “Wish.”
    Disney also announced this weekend that Mikayla, a talented 16-year-old from Florida who ‘lives and breathes theater,’ will be Disney’s official 150,000th wish. Mikayla and her family were surprised with the news on World Wish Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, where she was Grand Marshal of the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade. After the parade, Disney had another surprise for Mikayla unique to this very special occasion marking this historic milestone of our 150,000th wish – an exclusive opportunity to stay in the famous Cinderella Castle Suite. She will return to the park later this year for a special celebration to fulfill her wish, which is to perform on stage at Disney.
    Disney also celebrated World Wish Day around the world, with several other Disney Parks hosting wish kids and their families, reminding us that wishes do come true:
    On Saturday, April 15, Shanghai Disney Resort hosted a charity concert that benefited its local Make-A-Wish affiliate.Hong Kong Disneyland hosted a World Wish Day celebration party, where 10-year-old wish kid Javis’ wish to play the drums onstage was fulfilled.Disneyland Paris held Wish Weekend, hosting 88 wish kids and their families at the theme park for a weekend full of wish granting.Across The Walt Disney Company, there were more celebrations in honor of wish kids:
    ESPN helped to enhance Kyle’s wish to announce the first-round draft pick for his favorite team – the New York Jets – at the NFL Draft in Kansas City. Kyle also was able to visit the sets of ESPN’s NFL Live and College GameDay shows.In Los Angeles, four wish kids were welcomed to Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 World Premiere, walking the red carpet, meeting the stars and getting a first look at the eagerly awaited third film in the trilogy.Pixar shared Addie’s wish on World Wish Day 2023. Addie’s wish to be a voice actor was granted with her visit to the Pixar campus.The Walt Disney Company works with Make-A-Wish to grant wishes ranging from theme park and resort vacations, cruises, and shopping sprees, to studio visits, talent meet-and-greets, sports-themed experiences and more. Many Disney cast members are also wish-granting volunteers, parents of wish kids, or wish alumni themselves. To learn more about the longstanding relationship between Disney and Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org/Disney.

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