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    World Travel Awards Grand Final 2023 to Take Place at Dubai’s Burj Al Arab

    World Travel Awards is delighted to announce that it will host its Grand Final 2023 – the climax of its 30th anniversary of rewarding travel excellence – at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab.
    The landmark celebrations, featuring the winners of the prestigious World categories – the highest honours in travel and tourism – will take place on Friday 1 December 2023, with the who’s who of the global industry in attendance.
    The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is an icon of Arabian luxury, one of the most famous landmarks in Dubai, renowned for its ‘seven-star status’. Built on its own island, the sail-shaped building rises 321m, providing guests with an amazing hotel room view of the Arabian Gulf.
    Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to reveal that our Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2023 will take place at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. This iconic hotel has played a significant role in putting Dubai on the global luxury tourism map, and exemplifies the meteoric emergence of the emirate into a powerhouse of tourism and hospitality.
    He adds: “I look forward to joining the most senior travel industry figureheads from across the world for what promises to be a fabulous, historic event that will last long in everyone’s memory.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    Christmas Markets in Italy 2023

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    A COUNTRY THAT HAS PRESERVED IT’S RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE

    Botswana is a country where an array of tribes, each having transmitted from generation to generation, its culture, and traditions. Although their art and crafts, beliefs, ceremonies, legends, and rituals differ, they live in perfect harmony, united by their rich history.
    The national language, the Setswana, serves to unite the Botswana’s nation as all the different ethic groups such as the Tswana who compose the majority of the population, the Bakalanga, the second largest tribe in the country, the Basarwa, Babirwa, Basubiya, Hambukushu… All have embraced it as the national language although the different tribes have preserved their ancestral dialects, adding to the diversity of the country.
    Each tribe history is reflected in its music, dance, rituals, and colourful dresses. Botswana is also proud to be home of the San people, considered to be the oldest inhabitants of the Southern African region. Despite the passage of time, the San have retained most of their hunter as well as gatherer traditions and they are still crafting their archery using finely selected wood.

    Discover Botswana and its tourism investment opportunities by attending the first-ever Botswana Tourism Investment Summit jointly organized by the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and International Tourism Investment Corporation Ltd (ITIC) and in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group will take place on 22 to 24 November 2023 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC), Botswana.ADVERTISEMENTSetswana is not only the unifying language of Botswana, but it has also become the word used to describe the rich cultural traditions of Botswana.
    The country’s cultural heritage is celebrated every year during a commemorative festival called ‘Letsatsi la Ngwao’ which means in English, Botswana Culture Day.
    Furthermore, another festivity, the Maitisong Festival, takes place in March every year and during nine days, people take to the streets to enjoy traditional music shows or to watch artists performing arts and cultural activities.
    The country’s cuisine is a must to discover. Seswaa, salted mashed-up meat, is regarded as the national dish of Botswana and is unique to the country. However, other delicacies and platters of the Southern African region are readily available in the restaurants and lodges all over the country such as the ‘bogobe’ (porridge and millet sorghum) or the ‘miele pap pap’, imported maize porridge.
    In the rural areas, life in Botswana still evolves around the massive Baobab trees. They are one of the country’s iconic symbols and under which in ancient times, important local issues were discussed and addressed but also, wise decisions taken for the benefit of the community as well as rulings were handed down by the respected elders of the village.
    To attend Botswana Tourism Investment Summit on 22 – 24 November 2023, Please register here www.investbotswana.uk

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    SAUDI UNLOCKS OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTNERS IN USA AT PHOCUSWRIGHT CONFERENCE

    This year’s event was held from November 13 to 16 under the theme of ‘You, Me & The Machine’, which centers around how the travel industry is being transformed by AI capabilities.
    Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board, Saudi Tourism Authority, joined a panel session as part of the event’s ‘Bridge Series’ titled ‘Innovating Travel & Tourism for the Future’. The session was an opportunity to highlight the Saudi tourism transformation story, the kingdom-wide culture of innovation that drives the Saudi Vision 2030, and the upskilling and reskilling of the tourism workforce to improve all aspects of visitor travel experiences.

    The event’s 1,200 attendees from more than 500 companies included the biggest names in every sector of travel and tourism. The Saudi delegation met with CEOs and leadership from top global companies over the three days to discuss facilitating new business opportunities and unlocking shared value to be found in the US market, including Tripadvisor, Expedia, Hopper and Skyscanner.
    The Saudi pavilion was an experiential Saudi Café that took visitors on an educational journey with activities showcasing Saudi’s diverse locations and the authentic tastes of Arabia, while guests enjoyed traditional Saudi bites and drinks including Saudi coffee and rose and pomegranate juice.ADVERTISEMENTNEOM also had a presence in the Saudi area, with a corner dedicated to sharing Sindalah destination updates. Set to open in 2024, Sindalah is the $500 billion megaproject’s luxurious yachting destination.
    Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, said:

    “As the biggest investor in tourism in the world, Saudi tourism continues to grow at a solid pace.

    “And the US is a key market for Saudi – we are taking steps to really understand the needs and wants of our US trade partners and consumers.

    “Our presence, for the first time, at the Phocuswright Conference signifies a significant vote of confidence in new business growth with our US partners, longstanding and new.”

    Saudi is creating increased travel options and competitiveness to reach its ambitious tourism targets, with the eVisa program first launched in 2019 now including 63 countries and special administrative regions, compared to the initial 49 countries in its launch.
    Connectivity between the US and Saudi Arabia has gone from strength to strength with Saudia now offering 17 direct connections per week from Los Angeles, New York and Washington to Jeddah and Riyadh, with over 255,000 inbound seats in 2023. Direct capacity will grow by 7% in the first quarter of 2024 against the same period in 2023. This is complemented by a number of airline partners operating indirect services via Europe and the GCC.
    And Saudia’s North American footprint will grow in December, when it launches direct services to Canada with three flights per week on a Jeddah – Toronto route – injecting 894 inbound seats per week.
    Saudi has just entered its Winter Season, and has a packed cultural and sporting events calendar with 11,000 events set to take place including MDL Beast, the Red Sea Film Festival, Riyadh Season 2023 with more than 10 thrilling zones around the city, and AlUla’s flagship festival, Winter at Tantora, from December 21 to January 27. In the New Year, Saudi will welcome the return of its hotly anticipated Dakar Rally.
    To learn more and plan your trip, visit the link below.
    www.VisitSaudi.com.

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    Jamaica recognised as World Culinary Awards’ Caribbean Culinary Destination 2023

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    Jamaica recognised as World Culinary Awards’ Caribbean Culinary Destination 2023

    For 2023, Jamaica’s culinary excellence has been honoured with not one, but two prestigious World Culinary Awards, celebrating multi-category success. Achieving global recognition of the rich and diverse origins of Jamaican cuisine, the island has received the prestigious World Culinary Awards’ Top Caribbean Culinary Destination, while the gastronomic scene of Montego Bay has earned the coveted title of Caribbean’s Best Culinary City Destination. 
    Testament to the vast range of gold standard eateries on the island, Summerhouse at Harmony Hall, and Oleander at Sandals Montego Bay won Best Restaurant and Best Hotel Restaurant of the year in Jamaica, respectively. The island also boasts the World’s Best All-Inclusive Culinary Resort 2023, with Sandals Dunn’s River securing the top spot.
    From breathtaking natural beauty to a booming nightlife, Jamaica makes for a perfect getaway. However, this island’s rich offering extends far beyond this to its vibrant culinary landscape.  Providing an additional layer of allure to an already captivating destination, Jamaica’s award-winning array of restaurants and dishes are set to satisfy every hungry traveller’s craving. 
    The cultural fusion that defines Jamaican cuisine can be seen through its African influences, in the use of spices, herbs, and the beloved fruit, ackee, while the Taino people (Jamaica’s original inhabitants) left their legacy on the cuisine through ingredients like cassava, yams, sweet potatoes, and tropical fruits, such as pineapple and guava. 
    These influences have shaped Jamaica’s unique blend of flavours, and cooking techniques, into a distinct vibrant and diverse culinary heritage celebrated all over the world. In celebration of Jamaica earning the coveted Caribbean top spot, Visit Jamaica rounds up the island’s most popular national dishes and where to find them. ADVERTISEMENTAckee and Saltfish
    Jamaica’s national dish combines the soft and mild ackee fruit with salted codfish. The exotic fleshy fruit takes on the savoury fish flavour along with peppers and spices and is typically enjoyed at breakfast with a delectable fried dumpling. Synonymous with Jamaica, a particularly tasty version of this iconic dish is served up at Smurf’s Café, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth, alongside a buzzing atmosphere which will have you coming back for a second serving.
    Curry Goat  
    A delicious combination of spicy, melt-in-your-mouth meat and chunky diced potato in a rich gravy, Jamaican curry goat ranks among the top eats in Jamaica. To create the ultimate depth of flavour, the meat is marinated overnight before being slow cooked in a mix of herbs and spices. Visitors to Miss T’s will experience the warmth of Jamaican hospitality and a contemporary twist on traditional cuisine. With an expertly crafted, custom spiced curry goat, Miss T’s is a great location for an authentic and memorable dining experience in Jamaica.
    Jerk Chicken
    Jamaican food would be incomplete without the finest Jerk, where meat is marinated in spices and slow cooked over a fire or grill resulting in its iconic, mouthwatering smoky flavour. Scotchie’s, located across the island in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston, is renowned for its finger-licking delicious flavours and authentic Jamaican jerk chicken. Cooked over an open pimento wood fire following a punchy spice marinade, Scotchie’s serve this up alongside traditional sides for a satisfying gastronomic experience. Jerk cooking’s incremental role in Jamaican cuisine is recognised by its own festival every August: Mobay Jerk & Food Festival provides holidaymakers and foodies with a complete ‘day out’ from food to performances.
    Jamaican Beef Patty  
    Jamaican beef patty is a perfect lunchtime meal or beach snack, washed down with a crisp, cold Red Stripe beer. Coated in buttery pastry, Jamaican beef patty is easily recognised for its yellowish colour thanks to a combination of tasty turmeric and creamy butter mix, creating this flaky delight. Jam-packed with fragrant beef infused with herbs and spices, this snack-sized taste of Jamaica is named the most popular convenience food on the island and proves to be a national favourite. Juici Patties is renowned for serving up perfect Jamaican patties across the island across decades, offering a range of mouthwatering patties comprised of quality ingredients and authentic flavours, that even includes a vegetarian version.
    Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee
    Considered one of the best coffees in the world, Blue Mountain Coffee is grown on the Blue and John Crow Mountains in eastern Jamaica, the longest mountain on the island at 7402 feet. Loved for its fragrant aroma, Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee has a rich, sweet taste without the bitterness found many other coffees. Beyond its exceptional taste, the coffee’s boasts a number of potential health benefits, thanks to its vitamin and nutrient content. 
    The highly anticipated annual Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Festival takes place every March, providing coffee enthusiasts with the ultimate farm to cup (and plate) experience. Visitors can learn about Jamaican coffee and culture, with arts and crafts showcases, music performances and tours to some of Jamaica’s best kept secrets.
    With an abundance of globally acclaimed destinations and dishes to enjoy, this Caribbean Island is a true melting pot of fresh food, flavours, and warm hospitality. Jamaica’s award-winning culinary scene offers something to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
    To book your trip and immerse yourself in Jamaica’s food culture see www.visitjamaica.com.

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    Marjan welcomes WOW Resorts & Marriott International

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    German National Tourist Office, GCC and Wego Join Forces to Showcase Magical Winter Experiences

    In 2023, Wego observed an impressive influx of travel interest from the MENA region to Germany, with approximately 1.5 million searches registered. The surge in travel searches is a testament to the popularity of Germany as a travel destination among individuals from the Middle East and North Africa.
    The campaign is designed to inspire travellers to embrace the magic of Germany’s winter season, underscoring the authenticity of its experiences. Through a series of meticulously curated content, travellers will be transported into the heart of winter festivities, offering a glimpse into the world of German traditions.
    Commenting on the partnership, Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer, at Wego, said: “Germany’s winter season is a hidden gem, and we are thrilled to partner with the German National Tourist Office, GCC to unveil this splendid destination to our users. The number of searches on our platform signify a robust interest in exploring the wonders of Germany. Wego is thrilled to play a part in facilitating these travel aspirations and enabling travellers from the MENA region to embark on unforgettable journeys to Germany.”
    Germany, often celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, is equally captivating during the winter months. With its snow-blanketed landscapes, charming Christmas markets, and a host of winter activities, it offers a unique blend of traditions and modern-day festivities. Travellers can revel in the beauty of Christmas markets, indulge in delightful culinary experiences, and explore picture-perfect towns adorned in twinkling lights.
    Yamina Sofo, Director of Marketing & Sales Office Gulf Countries at the GNTO, GCC, commented: “Germany is renowned for its winter activities that enhance the festive celebrations with a touch of magic. Whether it’s Christmas markets, winter sports, or traditional gatherings, we ensure that the celebrations are memorable for everyone, particularly for tourists. Throughout the year, Germany remains an appealing destination for GCC travellers, and we strive to offer them the best festive experience through a variety of exciting activities.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    TAP Launches Early Black Friday Deals on Flights to Various Destinations

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    Abu Dhabi International Airport Transitions All Airlines to State-of-the-Art Terminal A

    A total of 28 international airlines are now fully operational from the state-of-the-art Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). All airlines operating from Abu Dhabi international Airport have now fully transitioned to Terminal A, marking a significant ramp up in capacity from the new terminal.
    Terminal A is now the primary terminal serving Abu Dhabi International Airport, with flights arriving to and departing from the emirate, set to use the cutting-edge facilities available. The successful transition to Terminal A will facilitate a major increase in aviation capacity in Abu Dhabi, with the terminal able to process up to 45 million travellers annually and handle 79 planes at once.
    Terminal A will enhance the passenger experience, providing seamless connectivity. The leading facilities available at Terminal A include biometric technology to streamline the screening and boarding process, and 35,000 square metres of retail and F&B space.
    In November as a whole, it is forecast 7,669 flights will operate from Terminal A with already 1,557 flights operating in the first two weeks of operations. The number of flights operating from Terminal A is set to further increase in December to 12,220, as will the number of passengers using the new terminal projected to be 2.29 million.
    Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “With all airlines now operating from Terminal A, I’m pleased to announce a new era for operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Bringing new state-of-the-art facilities and a major increase in aviation capacity , Terminal A will greatly enhance the passenger experience, whilst enabling international airlines to further increase their presence in Abu Dhabi.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    Kempinski Hotels to Operate Luxury Beachfront Residences and Resort in Turks and Caicos Islands

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    Kempinski Hotels to Operate Luxury Beachfront Residences and Resort in Turks and Caicos Islands

    World-renowned international hotelier Kempinski Hotels has been named operator of a unique new luxury beachfront residences and resort, located on one of the last remaining pristine stretches of the award-winning Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. The project is being developed by JTRE, a leading European real estate developer and will be operated by Kempinski, Europe’s oldest hotelier – with more than 80 premium properties under management in 36 countries. The two companies signed an operating agreement and together will bring a new level of internationally renowned hospitality, contemporary design and elegant service to the Turks & Caicos Islands portfolio of vacation and ownership offerings.
    The partnership of one of the world’s oldest and well-respected luxury hotel brands with a leading European real estate developer brings to the Turks and Caicos Islands a century of proven five-star hospitality delivered globally across the entire guest experience. Both Kempinski Hotels and JTRE’s global footprint in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East attract a loyal clientele that expands awareness for the entire destination beyond its traditional tourism markets while also appealing to North American visitors.
    Kempinski Grace Bay
    Discreetly set in a quiet, undeveloped 11-acre stretch of Grace Bay Beach, these luxury residences and resort feature 431 feet of white sand beachfront. The low-footprint design offers 4 beachfront villas and 72 condominium residences, creating a private sanctuary that blends into the natural landscape, creating a serene and secluded setting. Well-placed on the uncrowded eastern end of the world’s most beautiful beach, the property is just minutes from the Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club, shops and restaurants, and other attractions and conveniences, and a short drive to the destination’s international airport.
    Along with graceful contemporary architecture set discretely against the breathtaking natural surroundings, Kempinski Grace Bay will feature a premium offering of luxury amenities as well as new-to-the island services for discerning guests and owners to enjoy. The design, the setting and the operator distinguish Kempinski Grace Bay as offering elegant seaside luxury with world-class hospitality.ADVERTISEMENT“We are pleased to add this magnificent property in a world-class destination to our international portfolio of luxury hotels and vacation residences,” said Bernold Schroeder, Chief Executive Officer of Kempinski Group and Chairman of the Management Board of Kempinski AG.  “Its location set directly on one of the most desirable beaches in the world offers our clients an unmatched experience to enjoy the beauty of this stunning seaside setting, embraced by the luxury and hospitality Kempinski is known for throughout the world.”
    Christophe Piffaretti, Chief Development Officer, Member of the Management Board of Kempinski, added: “We embarked on our journey with JTRE nearly two decades ago, and today, with pride, we oversee two of their exceptional hotels. It’s a delightful honor to once again be chosen by these visionary developers for their upcoming venture in Turks and Caicos.”
    “Less is More” Luxury experience
    Utmost attention to detail and environmental sustainability are hallmarks of the development, which respects the landscape of native plants, sand and stone that borders the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the Princess Alexander National Park. The property offers both the privacy afforded by one of the few remaining undeveloped beachfront stretches on the island and the convenience of its close proximity to Grace Bay’s attractions, services and tourism amenities. In keeping with the Kempinski ethos of “less is more”, the property is purposely being developed as low density to ensure an exclusive and low traffic experience.
    “The Kempinski brand sets a new standard for international service and luxury for Turks and Caicos visitors and investors. Its proven expertise in delivering exceptional and memorable experiences, combined with the casual elegance of this enticing architectural design and location, make this a treasured ‘best of both worlds’ destination for discerning travelers worldwide,” said Marek Baca, Chief Representative for the Americas for JTRE. Multiple vacation and ownership options
    The three main condo-style residences on the property are stepped back from the beach to create a tropical oasis in the courtyard. They are configured as studio, one, two and three bedroom suites including four or five bedroom penthouse units. Four one-story luxuriously appointed villas, each featuring six spacious ocean facing bedrooms, grace the front of the property.
    Premium level amenities will enhance the experience, starting with a grand arrival entrance area and lush lobby creating a garden oasis and spectacular bar with a view over the entire resort. The low-density property layout features ample space to dine, socialize, recreate, and relax. It offers three diverse dining venues including a beach club, two resort-style pools, an indoor luxury spa and fitness center, tennis and paddle courts, a kids club, as well as an indoor golf simulator, ideal for warming up for a round at the nearby championship caliber Royal Turks & Caicos Golf Club.
    This unique ownership opportunity is presented in two scenarios: beach side condominiums under a strata regime and private villas offered as a land parcel with a construction contract. Pre-construction pricing and availability is to be announced in early 2024.

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    Ryanair Calls on EU Commission President to Protect Overflights During ATC Strikes

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    Ryanair Calls on EU Commission President to Protect Overflights During ATC Strikes

    Ryanair, Europe’s No. 1 airline, called on the EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, to take urgent action to protect overflights and EU citizens’ freedom of movement during the French ATC strike taking place Mon, 20th Nov.
    So far in 2023, there has been 65 days of ATC strikes (over 13 times more than in 2022) forcing airlines to cancel thousands of EU overflights from Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and the UK, while France in particular uses Minimum Service Laws to protect French flights. This is unfair. France (and all other EU states) should protect overflights during ATC strikes as they do in Spain, Italy and Greece, and cancel flights to/from the affected State.
    Ryanair calls on the EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, to take urgent action to protect overflights and EU citizens’ freedom of movement during ATC strikes and calls on passengers to join its call on the EU Commission by signing Ryanair’s “Protect Passengers: Keep EU Skies Open” petition as over 2m fed up passengers have already done.
    A Ryanair spokesperson said:
    ‘It is completely unacceptable that there have been 65 days of ATC strikes this year (13 times more than in all of 2022) which have caused the cancellation of thousands of flights at short notice, unfairly disrupting EU passengers’ travel plans. Despite repeated calls on Ursula von der Leyen to protect passengers and overflights during these ATC strikes, she has failed to take any action to do so.ADVERTISEMENTAs a result, even more passengers will have their flights cancelled at short notice due to this French ATC strike on Mon, 20th Nov, despite not even flying to/from France. This is because France unfairly uses Minimum Service Laws to protect French flights while forcing cancellations on overflights from Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, and the UK. We have no problem with French ATC unions exercising their right to strike, but the EU Commission should insist that cancellations due to French ATC strikes are allocated to French flights, not those overflying France en route to another unrelated EU destination.
    EU passengers are sick and tired of suffering unnecessary overflight cancellations during ATC strikes, as evidenced by the 2m EU passenger signatures on our Protect Passengers – Keep EU Skies Open petition calling on Ursula von der Leyen to protect overflights and keep EU skies open during ATC strikes. There is no excuse for EU passengers not flying to/from the affected member state to bear the burden of ATC strikes that are completely unrelated to them and Ursula von der Leyen must immediately put a stop to this or answer to the 2m passengers who she has failed to protect by offering her resignation.”

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