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    Are you ready for IMEX week?

    Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group
    Although IMEX may not officially start until tomorrow, IMEX week is already truly up and running with events today including the Agency Directors Forum; Association Focus supported by AC Forum, AMC Institute, ASAE, ESAE, Ethiopia Convention Bureau, Global Association Hubs, ICCA and Tel Aviv Convention Bureau; Exclusively Corporate supported by Hubilo, Los Cabos Tourism Board and Meliá Frankfurt City; MPI’s European Business Events Forum; Association Social; and SITE Nite Europe.
    Tomorrow a series of future-focused sessions on the MPI and ICCA stage in Hall 9 will help us look ahead with sessions on how we redefine our roles as business drivers and strategist, what the new reality looks like and how the COVID-19 crisis has changed meetings and events.
    Hall 9 is also home to a daily drop-in programme of stand-out education in the Inspiration Hub’s Ocean, Forest and Canyon rooms and the Listening Collective’s Listening Lab. Make time between sessions for the IMEX-EIC People and Planet Village and, most importantly, great coffee in the Hall 9 food court!

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    Dubai ranks first regionally and second globally in attracting FDI projects

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    Dubai ranks first regionally and second globally in attracting FDI projects

    Dubai consolidated its status as a global cultural hub and investment destination, ranking first in the MENA region and second in the world in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the cultural and creative industries (CCI) in 2021, revealed Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of the Dubai Council. Her Highness said Dubai’s emergence as a magnet for FDI in the sector has been driven by the farsighted vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
    According to the Dubai FDI Monitor report, published by the Dubai Investment Development Agency (Dubai FDI), an agency of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai attracted 233 new projects in the creative economy in 2021. Surpassing other major cities such as New York, Singapore and Berlin, Dubai improved its rankings from fifth in the previous year. The report was based on data from the Financial Times’ ‘fDi Markets,’ the world’s leading data source on greenfield FDI projects.
    HH Sheikha Latifa said: “These results reflect the maturity and stability of the investment environment in the emirate’s creative economy. Dubai has created outstanding FDI opportunities in the sector by building a robust ecosystem and an advanced business-enabling infrastructure for creative entrepreneurs.
    “By fostering an environment that promotes learning, development, and innovation, Dubai has developed a vibrant global creative community. Its unique social fabric that has evolved out of the emirate’s remarkable cultural diversity and its comprehensive human-centred development process has further supported the growth of Dubai’s creative economy.”
    Data from Dubai FDI Monitor indicates significant growth in foreign investment in the cultural and creative industries. The sector’s estimated value of FDI capital flows exceeded AED4.9 billion in 2021. The rise in FDI inflow and rankings reflect the enhanced attractiveness of the emirate’s creative economy. In terms of the number of new jobs in the creative economy, Dubai held on to its top rank regionally and fourth globally with 6,204 new jobs created from FDI.ADVERTISEMENTA magnet for FDIHH Sheikha Latifa said Dubai has witnessed a remarkable rise in FDI capital flows in the creative economy during the past five years. In the 2017-21 five-year period, the emirate’s creative economy witnessed FDI capital inflows of AED50.9 billion across 787 projects. This increase follows the directives and initiatives of Dubai’s wise leadership to make the emirate a destination for creativity and talent through innovative infrastructure, laws and legislation. The results are now a tangible and sustainable reality in the development journey, as envisioned by the leadership.
    According to the Dubai FDI Monitor report, these projects created 32,542 new jobs during the five-year period. Dubai ranks fifth globally in terms of projects, eighth in terms of FDI capital flows into the creative economy, and fourth in terms of jobs created during the past five years, data from Financial Times Ltd ‘fDi Markets’ shows.
    Her Highness further said: “Dubai’s success in continuously enhancing the well-being of its citizens, residents, and visitors and elevating the quality of services provided to them has raised the global creative community’s confidence in the emirate and made it a preferred global business, lifestyle, and entertainment destination.”
    A futuristic global hub for the creative economyHer Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said the Authority continues to reinforce the foundations to open new horizons for the various components of the emirate’s creative economy and cement its position on the global scene as an ideal investment destination. “At Dubai Culture, we continue to work to enhance Dubai’s position on the global creative economy map and support and attract talent by developing mechanisms, strategies, legislative frameworks, regulations and policies that ensure ease of doing business in creative fields. We also continue to explore partnerships with government, semi-government and private entities, experts, consultants, and creative sector representatives to create new opportunities that ensure prosperity for all. We endeavour to consolidate the emirate’s position as a global destination for investment in the cultural and creative industries.”
    “2021 witnessed increased inflows of FDI capital into Dubai’s creative economy despite the pandemic, which reflects the emirate’s flexibility and readiness to face all challenges, nurture talent and help businesses maintain their stability, sustainability and competitiveness,” Badri added.
    His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai, stressed that Dubai’s regional and global pre-eminence in FDI attraction stems from the vision and guidance of the leadership to build a diversified economy based on knowledge and innovation. “The cultural and creative industries today are among the most attractive for investments, advanced technologies, and talent. The sector has contributed greatly to Dubai achieving the top global ranking in attracting greenfield FDI projects in 2021,” added AlMarri.
    Fahad Al Gergawi, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai FDI, stressed that Dubai’s cultural and creative industries sector has increased its attractiveness to all forms of FDI, including greenfield FDI projects, FDI Reinvestment projects, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As), Joint-Ventures, and New Forms of Investments (NFIs), in addition to Venture Capital (VC) Backed FDI. “The Dubai FDI Monitor data provides a comprehensive analysis of FDI projects in Dubai’s economic sectors. It helps the strategic planning process for enhancing Dubai’s attractiveness for FDI, as well as the FUSpromotion, facilitation and the provision of specialised and reliable services to the investor community,” Al Gergawi said.
    According to ‘Dubai FDI Monitor’ data, Greenfield FDI accounted for 71% of the total FDI projects in Dubai’s cultural and creative industries in 2021, followed by Mergers & Acquisitions projects (12% of the total), Reinvestment FDI projects (9%), New Forms of Investments (5%) and Joint Venture (2%).
    Dubai Culture is working with its strategic partners to develop an effective framework that will enhance the growth of Dubai’s culture and arts sector and raise its contribution to the emirate’s GDP. It is supported by the full activation of Dubai Culture’s founding law, which stipulates its role as a policymaker, regulator, and enabler of this sector in the emirate.
    Dubai is considered the World’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2021 by World Travel Awards.

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    CMAM appoints its Chair and Vice-Chair for 2022-2023

    The Committee on Matters Related to Affiliate Membership (CMAM) convened its first meeting focused on the election of its Chair and Vice-Chair and to consider all the applications for Affiliate Membership received. The Committee will submit its evaluation to the Members of the Executive Council during its 116th Session which will take place on 7-8 June in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
    The elections for the Chair and Vice-Chair of the CMAM have been carried out with full normality, and the UNWTO is pleased to announce that Spain and Côte d’Ivoire have been elected respectively Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee for the period 2022 – 2023.
    The Committee, which is replacing and consistently expanding the mandate of the former Committee for the Review of the Applications for Affiliate Membership, will serve as a necessary institutional framework to strengthen the ongoing partnership between the UNWTO and the private sector represented by the Affiliate Members.
    The Committee has manifested its readiness to start working together with the Board of the Affiliate Members and the Secretariat to identify the needs of the Affiliate Membership for a recovery of the tourism sector in its public and private component.

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    Editor’s choice for maximising your day at IMEX

    Up, up and away! The IMEX team welcomes you to IMEX in Frankfurt 2022
    TodayMake a blind date with knowledge first thing as SITE and the SITE Foundation share research to help you steer a course through COVID-19, conflict and climate change: 09:00-09:50, Dialog 9.2, Hall 9.
    Head into the canyon at the Inspiration Hub, Hall 9, 10:30-11:15 to hear Skift Meetings’ Editor-in-Chief Miguel Neves give you the ultimate guide to event tech in 2022.
    Join IMEX sustainability consultant, Eric Wallinger at MeetGreen, as he shows you how every decision you make around event food and beverage influences your environmental footprint or ‘foodprint’: 13:00-13:30, Inspiration Hub campfire, Hall 9.
    Pink reigns supreme at tw’s Pink Hour with pink bubbly, pink cupcakes and pink hats, 16:00-17:00, stand G110. Or if a beer, rye-bread chips and a hygge time by the fire is more your thing, head to VisitDenmark, stand F260, 17:00-18:00.
    And if you still have networking energy to spare after a busy day on the show floor, we’ll see you up on the Galeria’s roof terrace with the spectacular Frankfurt skyline as your backdrop, for dinner and drinks at the new incarnation of cim-clubbing @IMEX, organised by CIM and EVINTRA, sponsored by Ungerboeck and Aldiana. Register here.ADVERTISEMENTTomorrowThere’s only one place to be at 06:30 tomorrow morning, and it’s not under the duvet; it’s on the start line for the IMEXrun down on the river by the Holbeinsteg Bridge. Meeting at 06:30 for a 07:00 start. Register at VOQIN stand C350. Once you’ve registered, pick up your run t-shirt from sponsors, Italy, at stand D400. On your marks…

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    New premium lounges revealed at Ontario International Airport

    Southern California’s Ontario International Airport celebrates the launch of its new Aspire premium lounges, providing passengers at America’s fastest-growing airport a new level of comfort and convenience.
    Officials for the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) and Swissport International AG officially opened ONT’s two Aspire Lounges – one in each of the airport’s two terminals. The OIAA Board of Commissioners recently approved an agreement with Swissport to operate the premium lounges under the company’s Aspire Airport Lounges brand. Swissport, which operates 64 lounges at 38 airports worldwide, expanded into the United States in February with the opening of a newly refurbished lounge in San Diego.
    The all-inclusive premium airport lounges open to all ONT travelers. Guests receive a wide variety of amenities that include hot and cold food and beverages, plush and relaxing seating with ample power outlets, high-speed Wi-Fi and up-to-the-second flight information.
    “We’re pleased to welcome Swissport and Aspire Airport Lounges to Ontario. These new premium lounges add to the excitement and momentum that has been building at ONT and reflects our commitment to provide our customers with the best amenities and experience possible,” said Alan D. Wapner, President of the OIAA Board of Commissioners.ADVERTISEMENT“We are delighted to open two new Aspire Lounges in America’s fastest growing airport. The opening of the Ontario lounges mark an important milestone in the expansion of our global lounge network,” says Nick Ames, Head of Lounges North America. “The new lounges in Ontario are open to all travelers irrespective of travel class or airline and offer a dedicated space to relax, refresh and recharge before a flight.”
    The Aspire Lounge in Terminal 2 will be open from 5 a.m. – 1 p.m. and from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. (and until 12 a.m. on Wednesdays). The lounge in Terminal 4 will be open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The lounge is open to all passengers for a current admission fee of $37 per adult.
    Visits can be pre-booked at www.aspirelounges.com. All Aspire Lounges accept various entry methods, including eligible American Express cardholders, Priority Pass and more to come.  Each Aspire Lounge offers a discounted “thank you” rate for military and emergency personnel, currently at $30 per adult.
    The lounge openings come as ONT continues its strong recovery from the global decline in air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Already one of the fastest-recovering airports in the world, ONT has exceeded pre-pandemic passenger volumes for the past two months.

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    5.3 million Brits plan domestic break for Platinum Jubilee weekend More

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    5.3 million Brits plan domestic break for Platinum Jubilee weekend

    A VisitEngland survey out today shows that 5.3 million Brits are definitely planning an overnight holiday break in the UK during the extended Bank Holiday weekend for the Platinum Jubilee, bringing an estimated £1.2 billion boost to the economy.
    VisitEngland’s ‘Platinum Jubilee Weekend Trip Tracker’ survey also showed that well over a third, 19 million, are planning to take part in activities to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, from attending a ‘Big Jubilee Lunch’ street party to lunch in a pub, restaurant or café, to watching events on an outdoor screen or attending official celebrations. In addition, almost a quarter of those surveyed were still to decide.
    VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said:
    “The upcoming Bank Holiday is a fantastic opportunity for an extra special short-break at home or a day-out, enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime celebrations and show-stopping events for the historic Platinum Jubilee. From afternoon teas and street parties to beacon lighting ceremonies, pageants and parades, people are set to celebrate with friends and neighbours in royal style.
    “The long weekend is also set to bring a much-needed boost to the industry and destinations as the summer season gets underway and our outstanding tourism businesses will be very pleased to welcome you back.”ADVERTISEMENTLooking at those intending to take an overnight domestic break in the UK for the extended Bank Holiday weekend, the top destination type is ‘city or large town’ followed by ‘coastal town’.
    The survey also showed that a further 2.6 million people were undecided about whether to take an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the long weekend. The top reasons were ‘waiting to see what the weather is like,’ ‘waiting to see if I can afford it’ and ‘not sure where I’d like to go.’
    VisitEngland is nominated as Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2022 byWorld Travel Awards.

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    eDreams ODIGEO outperforms market

    eDreams ODIGEO (www.edreamsodigeo.com), Europe’s largest online travel company, the largest globally in terms of flights outside of China and one of the largest European e-commerce businesses, today reports its results for Q4 and the year ended 31 March 2022.
    With 247 websites and apps in 44 countries, 21 languages and 37 different currencies on one central platform, eDreams ODIGEO (eDO) now covers 80% of the global travel market.
    Throughout FY22 we have seen the travel market improve and recover significantly, eDO outperformed the market (and its competitors) by a significant margin, and we positioned ourselves for future success with our innovative approach including the first and leading subscription programme in travel – Prime – which today[1] has 2.9 million members, triple that of a year ago.
    Dana Dunne, CEO of eDreams ODIGEO said:
    “Throughout FY22, we have continued to make strong progress in revolutionising travel and reinventing the travel experience through the ongoing success of our global, leading subscription model, Prime and pre-eminent worldwide position in flight bookings. We have gained market share, further enhanced our proposition and continue to thrive as a global business.  ADVERTISEMENTWe see immense potential, for example 225 million households alone in Europe that we have targeted to become Prime customers. We know we will reach our targets for 2025 and this will represent a significant milestone while bringing substantial value to all our stakeholders.
    FY23 has started very well indeed with travel markets opening as the pandemic subsides.  eDreams ODIGEO is optimally placed and in pole position to take advantage of the undoubted desire to travel and the continued digitalisation of our markets. With FY23 volumes continually at record levels, significantly above 2019, and Prime membership continuing to rapidly grow, we are confident of future success.”

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    ABTA responds to the publication of the Government’s aviation strategy

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    ABTA responds to the publication of the Government’s aviation strategy

    The government has published Flightpath to the future – its strategic framework for the future of aviation for the next 10 years.
    Luke Petherbridge, Director of Public Affairs, ABTA commented:
    “We welcome the publication of the Department for Transport’s new Aviation Strategy which sets out a framework for the recovery and future success of the UK’s world-leading travel industry. As we emerge from the crisis, there are many critical challenges ahead, including rebuilding consumer confidence, driving forward the sustainability agenda, and ensuring travel remains an attractive place to work. Constructive and regular engagement between industry and Government will be required to tackle these challenges successfully, and we particularly welcome the formation of the Aviation Council which will help to facilitate an ongoing dialogue. ABTA looks forward to engaging to ensure the views of the wider travel industry are heard and understood.”

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