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    New appointment at ITB: Deborah Rothe takes over as head of ITB Berlin

    David Ruetz, long-standing show director, passes the torch to Deborah Rothe for this year’s ITB in Berlin
    Deborah Rothe follows in the footsteps of David Ruetz as exhibition director of ITB Berlin, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. In December 2022, Ruetz became senior vice president of Travel + Logistics at Messe Berlin, in which role he oversees the ILA Berlin Airshow as well as the global ITB brand family, along with its strategic development.As with immediate effect Deborah Rothe (31) is taking over as exhibition director and project manager of ITB Berlin. The event will take place live in Berlin from 7 to 9 March 2023 as an exclusive B2B event. She replaces David Ruetz (54), who as head of ITB Berlin took over the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show in 2002. He was instrumental in building the global brand that is ITB and also contributed significantly to establishing ITB Asia in Singapore and ITB China in Shanghai. He also identified the potential of the Indian travel market and supported developing ITB India which, after two virtual editions, this year will for the first time be taking place as an in-person event in Mumbai and will further strengthen ITB’s position as a global marketplace for the travel industry.
    Rothe has been employed at Messe Berlin since 2011 and joined ITB Berlin in 2014. From August 2019, as head of Business Development & Sales, her focus was on developing ITB Berlin and marketing exhibitor and visitor business for the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. She was also instrumental in driving the B2B networking event series TRVLX by ITB in European markets, which in future will continue to be an established part of the ITB portfolio.
    “With Deborah Rothe, I am delighted to be appointing an experienced colleague for this important task at ITB Berlin. With her long years of experience at ITB Berlin, not only does she know the event extremely well, she also has in-depth industry knowledge”, said David Ruetz, senior vice president, Messe Berlin.
    “As exhibitor director of the World’s Largest Tourism Trade Show, I look forward to the tasks and challenges ahead. Together with our global ITB brand family and ITB Berlin we provide an impetus for many areas of the travel and tourism industry. That is why new concepts, innovation and ongoing development are essential. I look forward to driving this effort with the team“, said Deborah Rothe, exhibition director, ITB Berlin.

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    Future Hospitality Investment Summit to take the stage in Riyadh from 7-9 May 2023 More

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    Future Hospitality Investment Summit to take the stage in Riyadh from 7-9 May 2023

    Registration is now open for the Future Hospitality Investment Summit Saudi Arabia, taking place at Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh from 7-9 May 2023.
    The Future Hospitality Investment Summit (FHIS) is an international platform by event organisers The Bench where some of the world’s most influential hospitality investment decision-makers connect, exchange knowledge, explore new partnerships and shape the future of the hospitality sector. This will be the sixth industry conference organised by The Bench for the Saudi market with the 2022 event drawing over 500 attendees from more than 20 countries, featuring 110 speakers and 46 sponsors and partners. The 2023 conference programme will include tracks from the Saudi Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC) and Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF), with a continued focus on sustainability, innovation, start-ups and human capital development, as well as the event’s signature culinary tours that offer a glimpse into exquisite restaurant concepts that are all the buzz in the Saudi market which start with a lunch hosted by LPM Riyadh on May 7th. This year’s conference theme, ‘Invest in Change’, highlights the importance of the positive change that can be brought forward through the investment in time, intellect and expertise in the hospitality industry to keep up with changing times and trends to better shape the future of the industry. The newly established Advisory Board for FHIS Saudi Arabia, featuring 37 senior industry leaders from across the Kingdom and wider region, came together in November to discuss the theme and help shape the agenda for this year’s conference.“Following our sold-out edition of FHIS in Riyadh last year, we are very excited to be back in the Kingdom this year with our host sponsors Al Faisaliah Hotel and Al Khozama and our many other partners for the event,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. “Our new stellar bespoke Advisory Board members for FHIS KSA have shared invaluable input for this year’s conference programme with their thoughts on change, transformation, innovation and continued evolution of our industry.”“The convergence of thought leaders and industry experts will result in reshaping the industry through revolutionary ideas, groundbreaking innovation and avant-garde practices and I can’t wait to see Saudi Arabia’s brightest minds and leaders in our industry come together to invest in change,” Worsley added.

    The event is set for a stellar speaker line up of confirmed speakers, including Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer Al Khozama; Dr. Thaib Alharethi, Assistant Professor King Abdulaziz University; Abdulsalam Alkuwaity, Chief Executive Officer SEA; Jimi Daodu, Founder & CEO Vault Hill; Susan Furness, Founder & CEO, Web3 Strategist Ventures; Hicham Hassouni, Strategy & Business Development Chief Officer, Boutique Group; Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority; Alex Kyriakidis, Adviser to the Hospitality & Leisure Sector & Board Member, Saudi Heritage Hospitality Company (NUZUL); James Morgan, Dean International Tourism and Hospitality College; Choon Quek, Chief Transformation Officer & CTO Saudi Tourism Authority; Beverly Rider, Chief Executive Officer TONOMUS Venture Studio, NEOM; Mark Rigby, General Manager & Regional Vice President Middle East & India at WhiteWater; James Riley, Group Chief Executive, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group; Ruben Toral, Director of Health & Wellness QUO Global; Ian Wilson, Regional Director for Hospitality, THE LINE, NEOM, and Tom Wood, Chief Executive Office The Boundary Architectural Visualisation.
    For more information on the 2023 FHIS event series please visit https://www.futurehospitalitysummit.com/. ADVERTISEMENT

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    Tourism Fiji revamps brand platform as tourism rebounds More

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    P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Encounter Set to Make a Splash with New Twin-Racer Slides

    P&O Cruises Australia’s Brisbane-ported ship, Pacific Encounter, has today become the first in the brand’s fleet to call into Darwin since the resumption of cruisingHer maiden call is part of a 14-night ‘Indonesian Explorer’ repositioning cruise to Singapore, where she will undergo a three-week dry dock.
    Highly anticipated additions during drydock will include the installation of the 142-metre-long and 16-metre-high Twin-Racer waterslide and the P&O Edge Adventure Park. The Adventure Park, designed for thrill-seekers, will feature a 55-metre-long Zipline, Rock Climbing wall, Cargo Net, Walk the Plank, and Beam Walk; each sitting a heart-stopping 10 metres above Deck 16.
    Marguerite Fitzgerald, President of P&O Cruises Australia, says the anticipation of Pacific Encounter’s arrival into Singapore next week is building.
    “These exciting additions will mark the completion our three-fleet transformation and bring us yet another step closer to a full and ‘normal’ cruising season. And of course, we look forward to welcoming our Brisbane guests back onboard and seeing the joy as they race down the new slides and test out the adrenalin-pumping activities at sea when she returns.”
    The brief drydock next month follows the vessel’s major transformation in 2022, which unveiled P&O’s new Byron Beach Club concept, Luke’s Bar & Grill and 400 Gradi celebrity Chef restaurants, an F45 Fitness Studio, Black Circus Theatre, as well as contemporary bars and cafes including the Encounter Hotel, Bonded Store and Altitude nightclub.ADVERTISEMENTThis initial work was completed ahead of her return to Australia in August, where she made history as the first cruise ship to return to Brisbane to resume year-round cruising, home-porting at the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. The 1730 guests currently onboard the 14-night cruise will join Pacific Encounter in celebrating even more history-making moments as she becomes the first ship in the P&O fleet to complete further maiden calls into Benoa/Bali and Lombok in Indonesia, before arriving in Singapore on Monday 6 February.
    Pacific Encounter will recommence her full program itineraries from Brisbane in March, visiting 24 unique destinations within Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific this year. Visit www.pocruises.com.au for more information.

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    RAS AL KHAIMAH CHAMPIONS MOUNTAINEER TIMA DERYAN

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    Hershey’s Chocolate World Celebrates 50 Years of Fun

    In 2023, Hershey’s Chocolate World Attraction is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary with a full roster of exciting experiences, events, and a brand-new attraction, plus an official 50th birthday celebration on June 30, 2023.Over 117 million visitors have passed through Hershey’s Chocolate World’s doors since its official opening in 1973. For 50 years, families have delighted in the destination’s educational and entertaining attractions such as The Hershey’s Chocolate Tour, Create Your Own Candy Bar, Hershey Trolley Works, and Hershey’s Unwrapped. Join Hershey’s Chocolate World in 2023 to celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a variety of fun-filled, celebratory events including the Chocolate Sculpture Unveiling and Hershey’s Chocolate World Birthday Party, exclusive merch items, chocolate-y treats, and character meet and greets.
    “Reaching a milestone such as a 50th anniversary is a testament to the visitors who have passed through Hershey’s Chocolate World, and the employees who make every experience so delightful,” said Suzanne Jones, Vice President of The Hershey Experience. “Each guest who visits Hershey’s Chocolate World this year can expect lots of excitement as we lead up to the unveiling of our newest attraction and welcome guests to take part in our most treasured traditions and new events to celebrate.”
    The full slate of 50th Anniversary events include:
    Happy 50th Birthday to Us, and You! January – December, 2023
    Fans who were born in the year 1973 and visit Hershey’s Chocolate World at any time throughout the year can celebrate their birthday, too! Simply stop by the Ticketing desk at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Hershey, PA, to receive a sweet treat – a classic Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar. Happy 50th!ADVERTISEMENT50th Anniversary Kick Off and Chocolate Sculpture Dedication – February 4, 2023
    During the 50th anniversary kick-off event and Chocolate Sculpture Dedication, guests will help to ring in the milestone year with activities including:
    Iconic characters Hersh, Kiss, Reese and friends will show off their new celebratory outfits in honor of the anniversary year.Jim Victor and Marie Pelton, PA-based food artists, will unveil 2023’s anniversary-themed Chocolate Sculpture, which is slated to be on display through Summer.The Bean to Bar parade, educating guests on the chocolate creation process along the way, will begin its exciting weekly cadence taking place every Saturday and Sunday throughout February at 1:30pm.Grand Opening of Hershey’s Chocolate World’s New Attraction – Summer, 2023
    The highly anticipated announcement of the new attraction to replace our fan-favorite 4D Chocolate Movie opens with a ribbon cutting ceremony and special access to the experience. As you await the sweet news, visit the 50th Anniversary Hub to keep up to date on the new attraction!
    Hershey’s Chocolate World Birthday Party – June 30, 2023
    Beginning at 8:30AM ET with a rededication ceremony of Hershey’s Chocolate World, guest speakers, the Bean to Bar Band, everyone’s favorite Candy Ambassadors, Hersh, Kiss, and Reese, and more will help to kick off the special day. Special activities include:
    Exclusive treats and experiences on property.A character meet and greet to receive collectible signatures from each beloved character.Milton Hershey Birthday Celebration – September 11, 2023
    Pay tribute to the man who started it all, Milton Hershey, for his birthday! Fans will enjoy an exclusive celebration and be able to collect their own Milton Hershey inspired mustache during this exciting event.
    2023 Hershey’s Chocolate House Unveiling – November 10, 2023
    The beloved holiday tradition returns—with a twist! Visit this year’s 50th anniversary-themed Hershey’s Chocolate House during the 2023 holiday season and find it on display through January 2024. In celebration of the Hershey’s Chocolate House, each year, The Hershey Company makes a volunteer support donation to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.
    Fans can also collect exclusive, limited-time-only 50th anniversary merchandise such as bags, mugs, shirts, and ornaments only available at the flagship location throughout 2023.
    Check out Hershey’s Chocolate World’s website and social channels for teasers of the new attraction, a special Birthday celebration countdown, and additional information on Hershey’s Chocolate World offerings!

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    THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN CELEBRATES THE RETURN OF CAYMAN COOKOUT

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    Solo Travel Tips

    Whether you’re a lone wolf at heart or looking to broaden your sense of independence, traveling solo can be a richly empowering and satisfying experience.Setting out on your own has many practical advantages. You’re not worrying about accommodating another’s schedule, interest or needs, and you’re free to decide what you want to do and when. Solo travel also elicits some mental and emotional benefits, as you experience a unique sense of freedom, liberation and self-sufficiency.If you’re considering a solo journey, consider these tips from the book “101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers,” which is offered by Overseas Adventure Travel in free digital and print editions.
    Make Sure Your Passport is UpdatedMany countries now require your passport to be valid for six months after your return to the United States. If you don’t have a passport, or need to renew one, apply for one as soon as possible. Ideally you should have your application in six months before you depart.
    Look for Trips with No Single SupplementOften, quoted rates are “per person, based on double occupancy.” This is because travel hosts know they can make more from a couple traveling than an individual. You can avoid paying a single supplement premium by being willing to match with a roommate or traveling with a tour company or cruise line with free or low-cost single supplement fees.
    Use the ATMAs an affordable and convenient way to get cash, you can avoid wasting time in line at a bank or currency exchange bureau by visiting an ATM. While you’ll likely incur a fee for using an ATM that’s not part of your bank, it is often less than the commission you’d pay at an exchange bureau. Plus, you can avoid additional fees by calculating how much you’ll need for the trip and making one withdrawal as opposed to multiple smaller withdrawals.
    Download Entertainment Before You LeaveWhen traveling, Wi-Fi can be expensive, slow or just not available. Before you leave, download music, e-books, podcasts, favorite tv shows or movies to enjoy while you’re en route or during down time.ADVERTISEMENTJoin Group ToursOnce you reach your destination, you may enjoy joining small groups for excursions or to explore local cuisine. Or you can make your entire journey a group experience. A small group adventure with Overseas Adventure Travel has many benefits, and built-in dining companions is just one of them.
    Take Precautions in Your Hotel RoomWhen you check in, ask the receptionist to write your room number down instead of announcing it so everyone can hear. Make sure your room’s locks work on both the door into the hallway and the balcony. Never let any repair person or staff member into your room without confirming with the front desk first. Bring a rubber doorstop, which makes a hotel room door nearly impossible to open. Finally, have an exit plan: Know where the nearest exit is located and the route from your room.
    Make New FriendsFor some, making friends seems to happen naturally while traveling alone by chatting with strangers at a neighboring restaurant table or striking up a conversation while waiting in line at a store. If those situations don’t occur naturally, there are useful apps that can connect you with local people as well as fellow travelers.

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    QUARK EXPEDITIONS LAUNCHES BRAND NEW GREENLAND EXPLORER ITINERARY

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    QUARK EXPEDITIONS LAUNCHES BRAND NEW GREENLAND EXPLORER ITINERARY

    Quark Expeditions, the global leader in polar adventures, has announced a brand-new cutting-edge Greenland itinerary constructed around Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters—and brought to life with local Greenlandic partners, enabling guests to enjoy the most innovative itinerary in Quark Expeditions’ 32-year history.The 11-day Greenland Explorer: Sail and Soar the Alpine Arctic will launch in 2024
    “Being able to develop this itinerary in full collaboration with local partners in Greenland ensures our guests can enjoy truly authentic experiences no one else can provide, such as Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience and Greenland Camping along the Tasermiut Fjord,” said Josh Weidman, Director of Product for Quark Expeditions. “The other gems in this new itinerary are Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters, which enable our expedition team to take guests to areas in South Greenland no one else can where they’ll choose from the most robust portfolio of off-ship adventures in the Arctic. It’s our long-standing partnerships with local Greenlanders, and our dedicated expedition team—the best in the industry—that make us the experts in Greenland adventure.”
    Itinerary highlights:
    The most helicopter activities in Greenland:Guests can explore the scenic landscapes and overwhelming natural beauty of South Greenland as they experience Heli hiking, Heli landing and the Ice Sheet Experience, among other activitiesSet foot on the breath-takingly beautiful Greenland Ice sheet, the second-largest body of ice in the world.Authentic Greenland Cultural Immersion:Enthusiasts can visit one of the most welcoming populations in South Greenland and experience first-hand the rich cultural history, excellent cuisine, captivating stories, and vibrant local agricultural and tourism economy.Plus one-of-a-kind culinary experience featuring local foods prepared by Greenlandic chefs during our Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience.The Stunning Northern Lights:Observe the natural phenomena also known as the Aurora borealis, which, in September, is a great time to observe due to the extended 4 to 8 hours of night in South Greenland. Guests can book Greenland Explorer: Sail and Soar the Alpine Arctic now and get 20% off, plus an additional 10% if they pay in full at time of booking.

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    ORFALI BROS BISTRO TAKES NO.1 SPOT AS THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS LIST

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    ALEPH HOSPITALITY CONTINUES AFRICA EXPANSION WITH NEW UPSCALE HOTEL IN GHANA

    Dubai-based independent hotel management company, Aleph Hospitality, has signed an agreement to operate The Pelican Hotel in Accra, marking the Group’s first entry into Ghana.
    Located in Cantonments, an affluent suburb of Accra home to various embassies, as well as shopping malls, dining and leisure facilities, the all-suite boutique hotel is set to open in June 2023. A 10-minute drive from Kotoka International Airport, the upscale property features 134 suites and apartments, a cafe, a speciality restaurant, swimming pool, gym, spa and meeting room facilities.
    Having won three international architecture awards, including the prestigious title of ‘Best Architecture Multiple Residence in Africa,’ The Pelican Hotel is the first of its kind in Ghana, unmatched in its contemporary design and luxurious accommodation.

    Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality said, “We are delighted to have been entrusted with the management of The Pelican Hotel in Accra and look forward to a very successful opening. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, many cultural attractions and tourism-friendly infrastructure, Ghana is an attractive destination for business and leisure travellers alike, and with tourism as one of the fastest growing sectors in the country, this is a very exciting time for us to enter Ghana.”ADVERTISEMENT
    DevtracoPlus Limited, one of Ghana’s leading real estate companies under the Devtraco Group, is the developer and owner of The Pelican Hotel Apartments. John Kane Entsuah, CEO of Devtraco Group said, “We are excited to continue delivering on our promise of creating value for investors in this strategic partnership with Aleph Hospitality. With years of experience in working with the world’s largest hotel companies, Aleph Hospitality is the ideal partner to deliver the highest level of hospitality management services for Accra’s first hotel apartment. Together, we will be redefining the hospitality industry in Ghana.”Aleph Hospitality, which has targeted 50 hotels in the Middle East and Africa by 2026, manages hotels directly for owners, either on a franchise basis for branded properties or as a white label operator for independently branded hotels. 

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    Delta’s Salt Lake City expansion plan moves forward

    Delta Air Lines and Salt Lake City have finalized a new lease agreement, paving the way for Delta’s continued growth and investment in one of its critical West Coast hubs. Officially announced during Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall’s 2023 State of the City address, the contract extends Delta’s current lease to 2044 and adds a construction phase to Delta’s SLC expansion plan. The agreement will increase Delta’s gates at the airport from 55 to 66, with completion anticipated in 2027.
    “Salt Lake City is key to Delta’s continued success in bolstering its position as the leading global premium carrier for the region, and this lease agreement and subsequent expansion plan are a testament to that,” said Holden Shannon, Delta’s S.V.P. of Corporate Real Estate. “Delta’s historic SLC agreement is another important marker of our ongoing commitment to transform the travel experience on the ground and in the air.”
    The agreement commits Delta to $2.8 billion in lease payments through 2044 and will create a more comfortable, seamless travel journey for customers while boosting the local and state economy through meaningful job creation. The agreement includes two five-year renewal options, allowing Delta to operate under the new lease until 2054. 
    Utah continues to serve as a focal point of the airline’s hiring strategy: the state is home to roughly 5,000 Delta people, with 1,000 people hired in 2022 alone. 
    “I’m thrilled to see key partners like Delta deepen their roots in our incredible capital city,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Our strong economy, skilled workforce, and welcoming culture make it the perfect place for Delta to thrive. We are ready for this investment. I’m grateful for our continued partnership and look forward to all the good we’ll do together over the next 21 years.” ADVERTISEMENTWith more flights out of Utah than all other carriers combined*, Delta is constantly raising the bar to further serve the needs of Salt Lake City’s travelers. During peak-summer season, Delta operates a robust roster of more than 240 daily flights to nearly 90 destinations across the globe, including Amsterdam, London and Paris.
    “This historic airport agreement not only exemplifies Delta’s ongoing commitment to Salt Lake, but also affords the airport more opportunities to enhance partnerships with the airline,” said Bill Wyatt, Director of Airports for Salt Lake City. “Our passengers can look forward to more flights to more destinations in the coming years and greater connectivity worldwide. We are looking forward to the next 30 years.”
    Delta also recently announced a long-term naming rights agreement and sponsorship deal with the Utah Jazz that will focus on the community engagement and returning the ‘Delta Center’ name back to Utah Jazz arena starting in July 2023.
    Delta has invested $12 billion coast-to-coast in the last 10 years, doubling down on its vision for the future of travel to build airports of the future that are comfortable, easy to navigate and part of an effortlessly connected journey, capable of absorbing and supporting new innovative experiences as technology evolves.

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