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    dmg events CEO elected president of global industry association

    In a first for Dubai and the UAE – UFI the Global Events Industry Association has elected Geoff Dickinson, CEO of dmg events, as their president for 2024, recognising Dubai and Abu Dhabi as world leading event destinations.
    Under the leadership of Dickinson since 2010, Dubai-headquartered dmg events is one of the top twenty, international exhibition and conference organisers, with ten offices around the world and organises nearly 100 events annually.
    Commenting on his appointment, Dickinson said: “I am truly honoured to serve an industry that I am so passionate about. This is the first time any event professional from the UAE has been appointed to this prestigious role and I am sure that the UAE’s status as a leading international events hub, especially having hosted the ‘world’s greatest show’ Expo 2020, was at the very least, a contributing factor.”
    UFI is the global association of the world’s leading tradeshow organisers and its main goal is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry in general.
    The UFI president is elected by the UFI’s board of directors for a one-year mandate, becoming its legal and official representative, chairing the executive committee, the board of directors and the general assemblies.ADVERTISEMENTUFI directly represents around 50,000 exhibition industry professionals globally, and also works closely with its 63 national and regional association members and includes 795 member organisations in 83 countries and regions around the world. “I will always champion the events industry, focusing on diversity, innovation, technology and sustainability,” added Dickinson.
    The events industry is vital to the UAE economy. According to an impact report released by the Dubai World Trade Centre, business tourism generated $3.5 billion in 2018, the equivalent of 3.3% of Dubai’s gross domestic product (GDP), and in 2019, over 50% of the 16.7 million international overnight visitors who stayed in Dubai, were business travellers attending events. Taking a global perspective, in 2019 the event industry contributed almost $ 200 billion to the global economy, supporting 1.3 million jobs. Being an in-person business, the industry has benefited from the swift and decisive action taken by the UAE government to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. Indeed, the UAE was praised internationally for the way in which it reacted, implementing one of the most effective responses globally, which was evident with one of the lowest mortality and infection rates globally.
    The teams at DWTC and ADNEC worked tirelessly to ensure that all events ran safely and implemented a range of measures including enhanced cleaning regimes, improved air circulation, multiple hand sanitiser stations, as well as temperature checks, paving the way for international events to return to the UAE once again.
    “This approach laid the foundations for the UAE economy to rebound safely and quickly. Large-scale events were up and running again at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), before the end of 2020,” said Dickinson.
    “Trade events are by far the most powerful sales and marketing tools for businesses to connect with existing and potential customers. In numerous surveys, 85% of the businesspeople that responded, showed an overwhelming preference for live face-to-face events compared with virtual events.
    In 2021, Dickinson was appointed to the Advisory Board of Dubai International Chamber, by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
    A Dubai resident for nearly 30 years, Dickinson was handed a Golden Visa in 2021.

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    World View reaches 1,000 reservations for edge of space flight

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    World View reaches 1,000 reservations for edge of space flight

    World View, the stratospheric ballooning and space tourism company, has accomplished a new milestone: reaching one thousand reservations for its space tourism programme taking participants to the edge of space in a zero-pressure stratospheric balloon and pressurised space capsule. As seasoned leaders in stratospheric exploration and space tourism, the company has now sold the greatest number of seats in the space tourism category.
    World View’s reservations for Spaceport Grand Canyon have also been sold out for the first year, with commercial flights slated to begin in 2024. World View’s reservations come from 32 countries with the United States, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom leading the list. A growing list of Explorers have reserved at multiple spaceports while others purchased additional tickets for friends and family, including 43 reservations for a full-capsule.
    “Reaching 1,000 reservations underscores the passion, excitement and interest for this unique experience that World View offers. This means 1,000 new people will be able to enjoy majestic views of both Earth and space for an adventure that’s never been this accessible to humanity. The fact that the Grand Canyon spaceport flight has sold out for the first year also showcases the market demand and growing interest in space tourism. We have been working diligently to share our purpose-first mission with future guests so that they will join us on the journey to rediscovering our wondrous Earth.” said Ryan M Hartman, President and Chief Executive Officer of World View.
    Today’s announcement follows the company’s entry to the space tourism and exploration market in late 2021, offering a more affordable, long-duration and accessible space experience that couples enjoying the unique views of Earth and space. World View voyages will originate out of the Seven Wonders of the World, Stratospheric Edition™ including Spaceports Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Serengeti, Aurora Borealis, Amazonia, Pyramids of Giza and Great Wall of China, providing participants the opportunity to experience these wonders from the ground and then view the same location from the edge of space.
    Flights cost $50,000 and will lift eight participants and two World View crew members in a zero-pressure stratospheric balloon and pressurised space capsule to 100,000 feet altitude, nearly 23 miles into the stratosphere, for a transformative experience that will last six to eight hours. Participants will lift off before dawn to watch the sunrise over Earth, once at the apogee of 100,000 feet, Explorers will witness the darkness of space, see the stars above, and view the curvature of the Earth.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority becomes world’s first regulator to make Metaverse debut

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    CDC recommendation for masks and travel

    At this time, CDC recommends that everyone aged 2 and older – including passengers and workers – properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator over the nose and mouth in indoor areas of public transportation (such as airplanes, trains, etc.) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, etc.). When people properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator, they protect themselves and those around them, and help keep travel and public transportation safer for everyone. Wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator is most beneficial in crowded or poorly ventilated locations, such as airport jetways. We also encourage operators of public transportation and transportation hubs to support mask wearing by all people, including employees.
    This public health recommendation is based on the currently available data, including an understanding of domestic and global epidemiology, circulating variants and their impact on disease severity and vaccine effectiveness, current trends in COVID-19 Community Levels within the United States, and projections of COVID-19 trends in the coming months.
    Along with staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, avoiding crowds, wearing a well-fitting mask or respirator is one of multiple prevention steps that people can take to protect themselves and others in travel and transportation settings.
    For more information about safer travel during the pandemic, see Domestic Travel During COVID-19 | CDC and International Travel | CDC.
    The following can be attributed to CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH: ADVERTISEMENTCDC continues to recommend that all people – passengers and workers, alike – properly wear a well-fitting mask or respirator in indoor public transportation conveyances and transportation hubs to provide protection for themselves and other travelers in these high volume, mixed population settings. We now have a range of tools we need to protect ourselves from the impact of COVID-19, including access to high-quality masks and respirators for all who need them.
    Additionally, it is important for all of us to protect not only ourselves, but also to be considerate of others at increased risk for severe COVID-19 and those who are not yet able to be vaccinated. Wearing a mask in indoor public transportation settings will provide protection for the individual and the community.

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    What’s new in The Bahamas in May

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    What’s new in The Bahamas in May

    With the busy summer travel season fast approaching, The Bahamas is gearing up to welcome visitors with deals and promotions, the return of highly anticipated festivities and brand new cultural events. With increased airlift to the destination, visiting this summer is easier than ever.
    Grand Bahama Island Launches a New Cultural Experience – Catch the new Port Lucaya XPERIENCE at Port Lucaya Market Place in Grand Bahama from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Friday through 10 June of this year, which will feature Bahamian cooking demonstrations, Junkanoo performances, local music, and more.
    The Walker’s Cay Invitational Fishing Competition Returns – The state-of-the-art Walker’s Cay Marina will host its second annual Walker’s Cay Invitational from 18 to 21 May, a tournament in which up to 45 boats will compete for the biggest catch.
    The Annual Backyard Festival Returns to Harbour Island – Locals and visitors are invited to attend the Annual Backyard Festival on 21 May, to be held on the historic Bay Steet in Harbour Island. Cultural festivities include Bahamian cuisine and a celebratory Junkanoo rushout.
    Coral Vita Now Open to the Public – The Earthshot Prize winning coral restoration farm Coral Vita is now open to the public. Starting at $15, visitors can book an interactive tour to learn more about the importance of ocean conservation. ADVERTISEMENTTropic Ocean Airways Partners with Wheels Up – Tropic Ocean Airways and Wheels Up are providing travellers with a larger selection of bookable flights from Fort Lauderdale to destinations across The Bahamas, including Nassau, Bimini and The Berry Islands.
    Western Air Launches New Daily Flights Between Fort Lauderdale and Nassau — Western Air will introduce a daily flight to Nassau from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, beginning 19 May 2022. Travellers can book now without facing any change fees.
    The Bahamas is considered the Caribbean’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2021 by World Travel Awards.

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    US Travel calls for extension of REAL ID Act

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    US Travel calls for extension of REAL ID Act

    U.S. Travel Association Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Tori Emerson Barnes issued the following statement calling on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to delay the implementation of the REAL ID Act, which is set to take full effect one year from May 3, 2023:
    “U.S. Travel supports the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s push to educate individuals on the need to acquire a REAL ID, but we also recognise that the pandemic created a significant hurdle to the widespread adoption of REAL ID. As we look ahead to next year’s deadline, it is clear that Americans will not be ready for full implementation.
    “We are calling on DHS to delay implementation or develop an alternative screening process for travelers with a legacy ID to ensure that air travelers and the industry’s recovery are not impeded. The delay should last until measures are in place to prevent a scenario in which travelers are turned away at airport security checkpoints.”

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    Oceania Cruises announces 2024 voyage collection

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    Successful season opening: TUI offering more holidays to Turkey

    TUI’s summer season has officially started in Turkey with around 180,000 guests flying into Turkey in April and May. TUI has grown its capacity for this summer and will bring over 1.5 million guests to Turkey from its 13 source markets in 2022. Around one million them will be holidaying across the resorts of Antalya and around 500,000 in the resorts of Izmir, Bodrum and Dalaman.
    Members of TUI’s Executive Committee met hundreds of Turkish hotel partners to discuss its plans to grow further its holiday programme across the destination for Summer 2023. It aims to bring significantly more customers to Turkey next summer, compared to 2019 pre-pandemic levels. TUI is also looking to focus on developing its winter programme and extending the season in Turkey.
    TUI also shared information on trends it is seeing amongst guests. It has seen guests upgrading their holiday, booking longer durations, room upgrades and activities as people have missed their breaks in the sun.
    “Over 90% of TUI’s capacity to Turkey is a package holiday, so our hotel partners are guaranteed beneficiaries when one of our flights land,” said David Burling, CEO Markets & Airlines, TUI Group. “We work with a thousand hotel partners across Turkey, who are key to our holiday strategy. We are in Turkey to meet our hotel partners face-to-face to discuss growing our capacity further and want to work together to bring even more holidaymakers here in 2023.”
    TUI has been operating holidays to Turkey for over 40 years and it offers over 12,000 flights to and from the destination from all its source markets – via its own TUI airlines or partner carriers.ADVERTISEMENT“We have seen strong demand for holidays to Turkey as customers are attracted by the mix of beaches and culture, as well as the great range of hotels and quality service. People want to travel after two years of pandemic, they are literally sitting on packed suitcases for spring and summer. Tourism will have a very good summer in 2022 and countries which were hit particularly hard by travel restrictions during the pandemic, will benefit from this. Things are looking very positive for hotels, for family businesses and for the many local partners who work with us to make guests’ holidays successful,” said Sebastian Ebel, TUI Group CFO, who joined the events held at the TUI BLUE SENSATORI Fethiye and at the Rixos Premium Belek.
    TUI also used the opportunity to present TUI BLUE Palm Garden in Antalya with their TUI Global Hotel Award. The hotel won the category for Best Hotel – TUI Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Poland.
    Based on customer feedback, the TUI Global Hotel Awards recognise hotels that have received outstandingly high satisfaction scores from TUI customers and have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability. The TUI Global Hotel Awards winners were announced a few weeks ago in a virtual ceremony, with local presentations happening to personally congratulate hotel partners.
    Two other hotels were also congratulated at the event for achieving fantastic feedback from TUI customers. Concorde de Luxe Resort in Antalya and Kirman Sidera Hotel Luxury & Spa in Antalya were shortlisted in the Top 5 for some categories.
    As a key destination to TUI’s growth strategy, TUI also named one of its newest aircraft Antalya. The official name-giving ceremony took place at Antalya airport at the beginning of the month, with World Champion gymnast, Ayşe Begüm Onbaşı selected as godmother of the aircraft.
    www.tuigroup.com

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    Royal Caribbean and World Wildlife Fund recommit to partnership

    Royal Caribbean Group announces its new commitment to the next phase of its ongoing partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for guidance and counsel in establishing bold environmental goals and sustainable business practices.
    “Healthy, sustainable oceans are paramount to our mission of delivering the best vacations responsibly,” said Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty. “Our partnership with WWF encapsulates our belief in continuous improvement and our commitment to advancing our environmental, social and governance (ESG) work. The support and assistance of WWF will be invaluable to realising this mission as we work to set and achieve our sustainability goals.”
    Royal Caribbean Group first partnered with WWF in 2016. Since then, WWF has advised Royal Caribbean Group to embed sustainability into the core of the company’s business and across the industry, promote responsible tourism in priority coastal destinations and help protect the oceans by investing in conservation programs globally. This included establishing bold 2020 sustainability goals that the company has met or exceeded, with the exception of the sustainable seafood sourcing target, which was impacted by global suspension of service from the pandemic.
    The next five years of the partnership will focus on setting ambitious, measurable sustainability targets around the reduction of carbon emissions, the sustainable growth and development of the business, sustainable commodity sourcing and tourism, the elimination of single-use plastics and waste management, among other areas.
    “Scale matters, particularly in the face of global challenges like climate change and ocean conservation. We’re grateful for the progress Royal Caribbean Group has made toward achieving its sustainability goals since 2016, and we’re energised by an ambition for even greater things to come,” said Carter Roberts, President and CEO of WWF-US. “Our work together is grounded in the reality that people everywhere – from local communities and Indigenous peoples to urban residents and tourists – rely on the ocean for food, livelihoods, and enrichment. We’re committed to doing everything possible to keep ocean ecosystems thriving for the benefit of all people, as well as the many other creatures for whom the ocean is their home.ADVERTISEMENTThis year, WWF and Royal Caribbean Group will work together to establish sustainability goals across three key areas of Ship, Sea and Shore:
    Ship — Continuous improvement of operational sustainability, including emissions, marine mammal protection, seafood sourcing, plastics reduction, and food waste.
    Sea — Investing in ocean health through targeted philanthropy; engaging with a global science-driven agenda and consumer-facing education and fundraising campaigns.
    Shore — Embedding principles of sustainable development in projects and increasing sustainability and certification of tour operators.
    Royal Caribbean Group will also continue to provide financial support to WWF’s global ocean conservation work through a $5 million philanthropic contribution and collaborate with WWF to build global awareness about ocean conservation issues among Royal Caribbean Group’s millions of guests.
    The renewal of the partnership with WWF builds on Royal Caribbean Group’s broader decarbonisation strategy, focused on establishing Science-Based Targets (SBT).

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    Memberful announces keynote participation at TravelCon 2022

    Memberful, a membership software that helps creators, entrepreneurs, podcasters, and educators create sustainable businesses, announces its keynote participation in this year’s TravelCon being held in Memphis, Tennessee.
    emberfulM has selected current customer and CEO of El Camino Travel, Katalina Mayorga, and Jen Matichuk, Strategic Partners Lead at Memberful to deliver Memberful’s keynote address. Together, Katalina Mayorga and Jen Matichuk will deliver first-hand insight into the power of membership.
    The keynote will delve into the ways membership can help creators establish a genuine connection with their audience while monetising their passion. Matichuk, who has been helping entrepreneurs launch membership programs for over two years, will show travel content creators how to improve their quality of life by implementing membership as a revenue stream. The audience will learn of the symbiotic relationship between Memberful and the travel industry and how the software enables creators to form authentic relationships while sustaining their passion for travel.
    “So many travel creators exchange their time for money, unaware of the resource that membership can be in their lifestyle. I’m eager to show them how to utilise Memberful to take control and ownership of their content,” said Jen Matichuk, Strategic Partnerships Lead at Memberful.
    Memberful is excited to offer globetrotting professionals the opportunity to acclimate to the current state of the travel media landscape with its best-in-class software. As TravelCon is the conference to improve one’s craft while learning about the latest advances in travel media, Katalina Mayorga and Jen Matichuk are enthusiastic about providing travel creators with a resource they will be pleased to embrace.ADVERTISEMENT

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