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    EUROPEAN LONG-HAUL TOURISM IS RECOVERING

    How can Europe become attractive again for overseas visitors? Speaking at a press conference at ITB Berlin, the president of the European Travel Commission (ETC) explained how, under the label of Visit Europe, the EU is marketing itself to visitors from the USA, Asia and South America as a safe destination that has much to offer.The European Tourism Association (ETOA) and Tourism Economics believe the market will have recovered by 2024, but that obtaining visas will still be a challenge.
    Overseas visitors were decisive for a recovery of the European tourism market. Visitors often travelled for weeks at a time and booked a large number of overnights. They also spent an above-average amount of money at their destinations. As such they were extremely important for a full recovery and future growth of the European tourism market, said David Goodger, director of Tourism Economics. While domestic tourism and tourism in neighbouring countries had almost recovered to pre-pandemic levels, there were currently fewer overseas visitors than in 2019.
    According to the tourism expert, the latest surveys showed many people in overseas countries wanting to travel again. At the same time high inflation and recession were causing uncertainty. Currently, the number of travellers from the USA had already regained pre-pandemic levels. David Goodger believes that Brazil, India and Australia will recover in 2023. In 2023, people travelling from China and Japan will increase again, and numbers will have significantly recovered by 2024.
    As overseas travellers often regard Europe as a single destination the European Travel Commission (ETC) is marketing its member countries under a common label, Visit Europe. ETC president Luis Araujo unveiled a new members’ campaign that presents Europe as a safe travel destination that has a lot to offer to nature lovers, culturally interested visitors and families.
    Despite the optimism, which Tom Jenkins, CEO of the European Tourism Association (ETOA) shared, particularly with regard to the USA, he also saw obstacles to growth in the long-haul tourism market. Thus, in Europe issuing visas continued to be a national prerogative and could take weeks in some cases. Nor had long-haul flights and hotel capacity regained pre-pandemic levels. In that respect however he saw Europe as being on course.ADVERTISEMENT

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    EVERY HOTEL OWNER CAN TAKE PART

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    EVERY HOTEL OWNER CAN TAKE PART

    Together, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Sustainable Hospitality Alliance unveiled their joint Hotel Sustainability Basics label at ITB Berlin 2023. The aim is that by fulfilling 12 criteria in three categories, every hotel owner can actively set course for a sustainable future, regardless of size, location or corporate structure.On condition the criteria are met within three years, companies will receive a seal of approval showing guests they are taking the sustainability concept seriously.
    WTTC President Julia Simpson was impressed. “The tourism industry wants self-imposed sustainability criteria to encourage the entire hospitality industry to engage with this concept.” With this seal of approval every type of accommodation could show it was willing and could implement it as a bare minimum. Requirements include measuring and reducing energy and water consumption, programmes for re-using clothing, use of green cleaning agents, choice of vegetarian dishes, plastic avoidance as well as evidence of benefiting the community and reducing inequality.
    The travel and tourism industry had for some time already been making a clear move in the direction of greater sustainability, Simpson said. At the same time many hotel companies still faced big challenges in this area, in particular due to financial hardship and staff shortages. For that reason, the world’s hotel industry was coming together to determine decisive first steps which every hotel, regardless of size, resources and progress to date could and should undertake in order to establish a basic level of sustainability across the entire sector.
    The criteria were intended as a first step on the path to gradually embracing sustainability which could then branch out in more ambitious directions such as the Pathway to Positive Hospitality of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance. Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, added: “Collectively, hospitality is a force not be underestimated. Our vision is that of a thriving and responsible hospitality sector that gives destinations back more than it takes.“
    By pursuing the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality with a holistic approach the aim was to bring people, planets, places and wealth together to create a better and more sustainable future for everyone“, Mandziuk said. “Now is the time to act!“ agreed Inge Huijbrechts, global senior vice president, Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications, Radisson Hotel Group: “A lot of guests would like to see corporate management be more sustainable, but many hotel owners have no idea where to start. That is where the seal of approval comes in.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    Dubai Metro Music Festival kicks off

    Dubai Metro Music Festival, a celebration of global music organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), got off to a rousing start today with enchanting musical performances. During the week-long Festival, held from 16-22 March, Dubai Metro stations will serve as stages for unique musical performances by 20 artists representing a range of musical genres.The first day of the Festival saw vast numbers of commuters and music lovers flocking to musical performances at five metro stations – Expo 2020 Dubai, Jebel Ali, Mall of the Emirates, Burjuman and Union.
    The Festival forms part of the ongoing #DubaiDestinations campaign focused on highlighting the exceptional experiences, events and activities of #DubaiArtSeason.
    Rowdah Al Mehrizi, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication, Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, RTA, said: “The Roads and Transport Authority is thrilled to see the Dubai Metro Musical Festival receive such an overwhelming response from commuters on its first day. Bringing this unique celebration of global music back to life at the Dubai Metro, which every day brings together commuters representing a cross-section of the city’s multicultural community, is part of our efforts to enrich Dubai’s cultural landscape and enhance the happiness of the community. Over the course of the week-long festival, an eclectic line-up of local, regional and international artists will enthrall audiences with mesmerising performances featuring string, percussion, wind and other unusual instruments.”
    Shaima Al Suwaidi, City Branding Manager, Brand Dubai, said: “The Dubai Metro Music Festival has combined the strengths and resources of Brand Dubai and RTA to achieve our objectives of not only enriching Dubai’s cultural ambience but also offering exciting opportunities for musicians from the UAE, the region and around the world to showcase their talent to a culturally diverse audience. The first day of the event evoked a very positive response from the public, with many people thronging to the metro stations to watch the captivating performances. The huge response from the audience is testament to the Festival’s appeal as an event that goes beyond cultural barriers to touch people’s hearts and minds and the power of music to communicate to people in a universal language.”
    The Festival was curated to bring together a group of musicians that represent unique sparks of creative talent in a wide diversity of instruments, genres and styles. Furthermore, the Festival was designed to encourage interaction between musicians and public audiences and foster a sense of creative community in the city.ADVERTISEMENTDiverse artistsArtists participating this year include traditional and experimental musicians, street performers, classical instrumentalists and fusion musicians. The Festival has also provided a platform for several UAE-based musicians to showcase their talent.
    Musicians performing at the Festival represent diverse nationalities including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Indonesia, Mexico, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Syria, apart from the UAE.
    Range of instrumentsSome of the traditional instruments featured this year include the cello, saxophone, drums, trombone, violin, Angklung and guitar. Musicians are also performing on non-traditional instruments like the electric and acoustic oud, hand pans, percussion instruments, steel pan, and electric guitar.
    Innovative performancesAudiences at the Festival will have an opportunity to watch innovative performances like a one-man-band show, a flute beatbox show, and a performance featuring instruments made from recycled materials. Other highly anticipated performances include violin duets by twin sisters and a musician’s triple-guitar recitals.
    The public will be able to watch the live performances from 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm every day. All the performances will be rotated across the duration of the festival to cover all five metro stations.

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    “Travel is the industry to work in” says new careers video from ABTA

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    “Travel is the industry to work in” says new careers video from ABTA

    ABTA – The Travel Association has launched a new video campaign which highlights travel as a great industry to work in.
    The two-minute video is the latest phase of ABTA’s ‘#BePartofTravel campaign’, which aims to support members to attract and retain talent in the industry. It has been launched to coincide with National Careers Week which runs 6 – 11 March.The video features testimonials from ABTA member travel agents and tour operators explaining why they work in the industry, and the various reasons it should be considered as a career path by graduates and career changers. The opportunities to travel, culture and career development are among the top reasons people highlight as why to join the sector. The video can be viewed here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNKTaFoULaQ
    The video will be advertised on LinkedIn and shared on ABTA’s social channels during National Careers Week and will continue to be promoted in the coming months ahead. There is also a series of shorter videos, each featuring a travel industry professional.
    ABTA is encouraging its members and ABTA Education Partners to get involved with the campaign by sharing the new video across their own channels, as well as ABTA’s existing social media assets on career opportunities. They are available from the marketing toolkit.
    Vicki Wolf, ABTA Head of Education and Career Development said: ADVERTISEMENT“This is an exciting time to join this fun, dynamic and versatile travel industry. Young people who are looking for career ideas and those who have worked in with transferable skills should consider a career in travel.
    “These are exactly the messages we’re trying to get across with the new video and ‘#BePartofTravel’ campaign as a whole. The campaign has received positive feedback from ABTA members, who have been facing recruitment challenges as the industry continues to recover from the pandemic.”
    Giles Hawke, CEO of Cosmos Tours, reflects on his extensive career in the video:
    “I’ve been in it for 30 years now and I’ve enjoyed every moment of it, even in the tough moments. We’ve had to deal with some really big things, and you learn a huge amount about yourself. You learn about what you’re capable of.  “You get to travel to go to some amazing places around the world and have experiences you would struggle to do as a consumer on a holiday. So, travel is the industry to work in”.
    ABTA member travel professionals featured in the Be Part of Travel campaign:
    •  Chris Wright, Managing Director, Sunvil•  Vicky Yates-McCowan, Travel Consultant, Luxury Holidays and Honeymoons •  James Thornton, CEO, Intrepid Travel•  Annika Nickson, Travel Consultant, Not Just Travel•  Barbara Kolosinska, Managing Director, C&M Travel Recruitment •  Giles Hawke, CEO, Cosmos Tours •  Gemma Standish, Travel Consultant, Not Just Travel•  Brian Young, Managing Director EMEA, G Adventures •  Susie Taylor, Travel Consultant, Club Voyages

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    Sustainability and net zero pathways top the agenda at 10th Arab Aviation Summit in RAK

    Insightful discussions and debates on sustainability, the economic outlook, and key trends shaping the future of aviation will be in the spotlight as the milestone 10th edition of the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) gets underway from March 14-16 at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.Organised under the theme ‘Impactful sustainability in modern-day travel and tourism’, the three-day summit hosting a distinguished gathering of thought-leaders, innovators, and industry experts, will explore decarbonising pathways in aviation and discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry with the continued rise of disruptive technologies. Leading regional and global players in the aviation and travel industry will headline inspiring keynote addresses and participate in interactive panel discussions that offer a deep dive into best practices, sustainable business models, regional trends in aviation and tourism, and more.
    Prominent speakers at the event include H.H. Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, first lieutenant pilot of the Dubai Police Airwing; H.E Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA); H.E. Ilin Dimitrov, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Bulgaria, Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia and Abdul Wahab Teffaha, Secretary General, Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO).

    In a discussion with other industry experts, Ted O’Byrne Chief Executive at AviLease, and Mikail Houari, President, Africa and Middle East at Airbus, will explore the fundamentals of airline economics under the pillar of sustainability. Val Miftakhov Founder & CEO at ZeroAvia – a company developing the world’s first practical zero emission aviation powertrain, will discuss pathways to net zero in the aviation, travel and tourism industry while Andreas Slettvoll, CEO CHOOOSE, will be part of a discussion on the rise of the next generation traveller and share insights on how the industry is preparing for the future of travel. Dr. Fethi Chebil, CEO and Founder of VPORTS, will offer insights into how advanced air mobility will shape airlines, airports and travel operations.
    Several other industry professionals at the Summit will also deliberate on the rise of travel destinations in the Middle East and offer varied perspectives on airport sustainability including how technology and influencers are shaping the travel and hospitality industry.ADVERTISEMENTHosted in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, AAS 2023 is supported by global industry partners such as Airbus, CFM, Collins Aerospace, Turkish Teknik, T3 Aviation Academy, and others. For updates on the Summit: www.arabaviationsummit.net | Twitter: @AAviationSummit.

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    Vivrelle Partners with Four Seasons Hotel Houston and Four Seasons Private Residences Los Angeles

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    Vivrelle Partners with Four Seasons Hotel Houston and Four Seasons Private Residences Los Angeles

    Vivrelle, the first-of-its-kind membership club that offers access to a shared closet of designer handbags and accessories, today announces a partnership with Four Seasons Hotel Houston and Four Seasons Private Residences Los Angeles. The partnership provides hotel guests with complimentary access to Vivrelle’s closet of accessories from brands including Prada, Gucci, Dior and more, regardless of their membership status. 
    Vivrelle’s innovative partnership with Four Seasons Private Residences is the first of its kind available at a luxury residence. Homeowners of the property will have exclusive access to Vivrelle’s closet, and can swap luxury items on site, at their own convenience.
    Furthermore, guests of Four Seasons Hotel Houston have the option to borrow Vivrelle’s luxury accessories during their stay, free of charge. Similar to a courtesy car, Four Seasons hotel guests can borrow items on property throughout their stay, regardless of membership status. Guests can swap out styles throughout the duration of their stay or sign up on-site and borrow from the larger Vivrelle closet, providing the ultimate flexibility for luxury vacationers. Additionally, as an extension of the partnership, Vivrelle members will receive exclusive rates at Four Seasons Hotel Houston.
    “Four Seasons is a like-minded partner that we have always admired and loved,” says Blake Geffen, co-founder of Vivrelle. “We are thrilled to be partnering with select properties and are eager to grow the relationship with The Four Seasons. Our brands have a shared affinity for providing a luxury experience rooted in convenience, care, and customers first. This partnership will expand our reach across the country, and we’re excited for this new era of accessory accessibility in today’s travel and luxury landscape.”
    “Offering exclusive access to Vivrelle’s shared closet of luxury accessories is an exciting and innovative way to enhance our guest experience,” says Tom Segesta, General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel Houston. “We see this partnership a perfect fit, further defining Four Seasons Hotel Houston as the place where urban elegance and southern charm collide.” ADVERTISEMENTThe partnership comes on the heels of Vivrelle’s closure of its Series B round of funding in late 2022, raising $35MM with participation from celebrities Nina Dobrev, Lily Collins and Morgan Stewart McGraw.
    Vivrelle continues to build on the changing landscape of the shared closet and luxury resale experience and drives forward its status as a vanguard in advancing accessibility and circularity. Vivrelle’s inventory and membership options can be found on Vivrelle.com.

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    Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Partner to Deliver Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2023

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    Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism Partner to Deliver Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) 2023

    Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism have announced the 12th Qatar International Food Festival (QIFF) will take place from 11 to 21 March at a new waterfront location in Qatar’s newest city, Lusail. The world-class festival is set to bring together many unique culinary experiences, featuring the biggest names in hospitality, outstanding restaurants, a cooking theatre, nightly fireworks shows and live entertainment.
    This year, QIFF will celebrate the world’s best cuisines, in a picturesque environment at Al Saad Plaza, between the iconic architecture of Lusail towers at Lusail Boulevard, the street synonymous with the 2022 FIFA World Cup final celebrations. The festival is set to provide incredible gastronomic delights in collaboration with international and local celebrity chefs.
    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive and Qatar Tourism Chairman His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “QIFF has proven to be one of the most popular festivals over the years and this year Qatar Airways’ global destinations are being represented via the amazing national dishes and cooking influences on display at this international event. I am confident that Qatar’s food tourism industry will continue to grow at an exponential rate due to our exciting calendar of globally appealing events. Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism are working hand in hand to cement our country’s strong position as a desirable travel gateway, renowned for a multitude of events, sporting competitions, festivals and amazing food.”
    Gastronomy lovers can look forward to 100 kiosks featuring a variety of culinary delights, a nightly cooking theatre, two premium catered food lounges in collaboration with 5-star hotels, afternoon tea, daily entertainment, a skating rink and a family-friendly fun-filled atmosphere.
    They can savour the very best of Indonesia, home to the famed Spice Islands as this year’s event will honour the Qatar-Indonesia 2023 Year of Culture. Visitors can sample dishes that bind the country’s diverse culinary traditions with a rich complex flavour. The food festival will also feature a special Qatari cultural tent that includes local delicacies, and a fascinating experience with Le Petit Chef, an interactive dining experience using 3D mapping, in collaboration with The Ritz Carlton, Doha.ADVERTISEMENTAdditionally, to celebrate the upcoming International Horticultural Expo 2023 Qatar, which will take place in October under the theme “Green Desert, Better Environment,” a special kiosk will be present with special plant giveaways for festival visitors.
    Qatar International Food Festival Timings will be as follows:
    ·      Weekdays:    16:00 –22:00
    ·      Weekend:      16:00 – 01:00
    The festival runs from 11 to 21 March 2023.

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    Yas Island Abu Dhabi announces two exciting offers to enjoy Guns N’ Roses’ live performance

    Yas Island Abu Dhabi sets to delight Rock and Roll fans with a daycation and staycation package to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity as legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses makes history at Etihad Arena on June 1. With the iconic band kick-starting their world tour live from the heart of Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is offering fans the chance to avail a daycation package which comprises a ‘Dine and Event’ bundle starting AED 1,450, and a staycation package starting AED 1,590 which includes a hotel stay at one of Yas Island’s leading hotels from May 31 to June 4, both valid for booking on Yas Island’s website until May 31, subject to availability. The packages count with a Floor Standing Ticket and young spirits under the age of 12 are excluded within the ticket category.
    Yas Island Abu Dhabi will be entertaining Rock and Roll fans with an unforgettable experience as Guns N’ Roses return to rock the stage at Etihad Arena in their first performance in the UAE since 2018.
    For more information and bookings, please visit: https://www.yasisland.com/

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