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    Johnnie Walker Princes Street crowned World’s Leading Spirit Experience by World Travel Awards

    Johnnie Walker Princes Street has been crowned the World’s Leading Spirit Experience by the World Travel Awards (WTA), further cementing Scotland’s reputation as one of the world’s best food and drink tourism destinations. The global flagship visitor experience for the world’s number one-selling Scotch whisky*, which opened its doors in September 2021, has quickly established itself as one of Scotland’s leading attractions for international and local visitors. It was created as part of Diageo’s £185million investment in Scotch whisky experiences, that was designed to put Scotch and Scotland at the pinnacle of global food and drink tourism.
    The award from WTA, dubbed the ‘tourism Oscars’, adds to a growing trophy cabinet at Johnnie Walker Princes Street with a host of awards recognising the quality of the experience it offers its guests.

    Rob Maxwell, Head of Johnnie Walker Princes Street, said: “Everyone associated with Johnnie Walker Princes Street is enormously proud of this award.
    ADVERTISEMENT“When we set out to create Johnnie Walker Princes Street, we had the ambition of putting Scotland at the forefront of global food and drink tourism, and this award is recognition that we have made great strides towards that ambition.

    “We are now focused on the future and building on this award to make Johnnie Walker, Scotch whisky and Scotland even more successful.”

    Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Congratulations to Johnnie Walker Princes Street. This achievement recognises the investment and time that has been put in by Diageo and the team at Johnnie Walker Princes Street to create a truly world-class visitor experience.

    “Research continues to show visitors love to connect with the people and places associated with our iconic food and drink. Whisky has huge international appeal, and this award confirms the important role it plays in the Scottish tourism experience.”

    Since opening, the landmark experience has welcomed over 700,000 visitors, captivating guests from 131 countries across the world. Immersive story-telling and world-class technological design personalises the flagship tour per guest, before taking them on an adventure through the 200-year-old history of the world’s best-selling Scotch, and successfully challenging pre-conceived ideas of how whisky should be enjoyed.

    Alongside this accolade the venue has secured several other international awards this year, including, Europe’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience at The World Travel Awards in October; Transform Magazine’s Best Brand Experience in Europe, and Visitor Attraction of the Year as part of Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky programme.

    Located in the heart of Edinburgh, Johnnie Walker Princes Street offers various experiences across its eight-floors, with guided tastings and tours, plus a retail area complete with a ‘Fill Your Own’ station and much more. Whether you’re looking for something new and different to do this festive season, or looking for the perfect gift for the whisky lover in your life, visitors will be spoiled for choice at the award-winning establishment.

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    Civitatis unveils unprecedented growth in tours & activities portfolio and supplier partnerships sin

    Civitatis, the leading technological platform for booking Spanish-speaking activities, day trips, guided tours, and excursions worldwide – both in the B2C and B2B channels – has today announced a substantial growth in the number of products and supplier partnerships, projecting a significant increase in activities and partners by the close of 2023.
    Comparing data from 2019, Civitatis has experienced exceptional growth of 200% in its product portfolio, rising from 29,000 to 87,000 activities available.
    In a similar vein, the supplier partnership network has undergone a remarkable transformation, witnessing a rise from 3,500 providers in 2021 to over 6,000 at present, marking an impressive 71% increase.
    This expansion has been driven by the internationalisation strategy of Civitatis, particularly targeting Spanish-speaking markets like Latin America, enabling access to superior suppliers, and amplifying the diversity of offerings available to customers.
    The growth in product offerings and partnerships is also backed by the commitment of Civitatis to meeting evolving market demands and amplifying their global footprint, together with significant staff growth and increased investments in marketing efforts.ADVERTISEMENTAlberto Gutiérrez, Founder and CEO at Civitatis, commented, “The exponential growth in our product range and supplier partnership network is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Civitatis team – but I’d also like to thank all those new supplier partners who have placed their trust in our global distribution capabilities. Our strategic focus on expanding our portfolio, particularly in LATAM, and forging strong alliances has positioned us one of the top handful of tours & activities online sellers in the world. We remain committed to furthering our international presence and enriching the travel experiences of our customers.”
    This announcement follows recent news of remarkable growth in traveller numbers for Civitatis, predicting reaching a milestone of roughly 10 million travellers for 2023 by the close of the year, based on current year-to-date sales of almost 9 million.

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    UNWTO Startup Competition Seeks Innovators Shaping the Future of Hospitality and Business Models

    The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is joining with Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) to identify entrepreneurs playing a key role in reshaping the hotel and new business model landscapes.
    The UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models is open to any startup or entrepreneur worldwide. The competition will award 10 finalists with the best solutions in the categories of Innovations in Digital Hospitality and Business Models, and Sustainability Impact.
    Innovation and technology in the hospitality industry redefine the very essence of the guest experience, transforming hotels into hubs of seamless, personalized services. With his competition, we are sourcing startups on a global level that are pioneering solutions that elevate the standards of guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainability for hotels and new business models. Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
    Hosting the UNWTO Startup Competition for the second consecutive year at Infecar, with a dedicated focus on technologies and solutions in tourism for hotels, underscores our steadfast dedication to fostering sustainability and innovation within this pivotal industry. Ms. Natalia Santana, Director General of Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria.
    The finalists will pitch their ideas at the Tourism Tech Adventures Canarias on 20 February 2024 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaría, followed by mentorships from international partners. The winning startups will receive tailored support, become a member of the UNWTO Innovation Network with access to venture capital and the private sector, will receive scholarship opportunities from the Tourism Online Academy, and potential implementation of their projects.ADVERTISEMENTAbout the UNWTO Startup Competitions:UNWTO, through its Department of Innovation, Education, and Investments, has developed 14 global entrepreneurship competitions (“UNWTO Tourism Startup Competitions”), and 11 specific challenges that have generated an Innovation Network of over 7000 Members. The UNWTO startup competitions ignite a revolution in the tourism sector, steering it toward higher levels of intelligence, sustainability, and innovation. The competition seeks to identify and support pioneering startups that can contribute to the transformation of the industry.
    For more details about the startup competition, or innovation initiatives, please contact [email protected]

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    Hotelplan UK Publishes First Planet & People Report: Protecting Our Futures

    Hotelplan UK – the parent company of Explore Worldwide, Inghams, Esprit, Inntravel and Santa’s Lapland – has released its first Planet and People report, to follow on from its Climate and Biodiversity papers published early in 2023.The report, Protecting our Futures, tracks Hotelplan UK’s progress towards sustainability goals and incorporates elements of the group’s People strategy for the first time. It highlights where the group has surpassed targets – increasing investments in the planet and charity donations by more than 16% to £1.25 million, for instance – as well as addressing areas such as carbon reduction where efforts need further acceleration to meet Glasgow Declaration targets.
    “It’s been an incredible trading year for our brands, but we’re publishing this report to show that healthy profits and passenger numbers aren’t our only objectives,” said Hotelplan UK CEO, Joe Ponte. “We’re focused on being a purpose-led organisation, meaning an equal focus on People, Planet and Profit is paramount. We’ve got a clear vision of the travel business we want to be and are excited to share the path we’ve mapped to get us there.”
    Highlights of the report include:
    Giving Back
    Hotelplan UK invested over £1.15 million for the planet during its 2022/23 financial year – surpassing its £1 million commitment due to higher-than-projected passenger numbersInvestment went into carbon removal solutions with Klimate, biodiversity restoration with Rewilding Britan and environmental protection with Cool EarthIn addition, over £100,000 was given to charities and projects at brand level – up from £74,000 originally pledgedHotelplan UK will invest a further £1 million in carbon removal and rewilding projects, plus donate a further £100,000 to charitable causes in its 23/24 financial yearCarbon FootprintADVERTISEMENTThe group’s intensity carbon footprint – based on tCO2e per passenger, per night – has decreased by 5%, year-on-yearThe group’s absolute carbon footprint has increased by 42% due to uplifts in passengers and business travelGoing beyond GHG Protocol, Hotelplan UK’s absolute footprint includes estimated transport emissions for all passengers travelling to/from its trips – including those who booked land-only trips and arranged their own flights/transportTo specifically reduce flight emissions – which made up 75% of last year’s footprint – options for flight-free holidays have been increased and direct, economy flights are being sold by defaultPeople
    Hotelplan UK’s board and senior managers have had bonus targets equally aligned against People, Planet and Profit targetsAccessibility was improved at the group’s HQ to support DE&I, with the addition of gender-neutral toilets, braille signage, a wheelchair-adapted kitchen and quiet spacesThe group offers sustainability-centred benefits, including a low-carbon travel policy where team members can earn extra paid leave by swapping flights for lower-carbon alternatives
    Hotelplan UK’s director of sustainability, Prue Stone, co-authored the report. She commented: “We’ve made encouraging progress by reducing our carbon footprint per passenger this year; and the expansion of our sustainability team means each brand now has an expert scrutinising its activities and driving change wherever possible. We want to be clear on the challenges of decarbonisation, however. In 2024, along with focusing on the factors we can directly control, we’re determined to work closely with partners and the industry to turn the dial on key issues such as comparable measurement methodologies, low carbon transport, activism and advocacy.”
    Nicky Lyle, Hotelplan UK’s group director of HR and another of the report’s authors, added: “Being an organisation that prioritises sustainability relies heavily on having a team that believes in the same vision; and strong internal commitment to recruiting people who share our values. We won’t achieve our planet goals unless we invest in our team – the two go hand-in-hand.  We’re pleased to share in this report how we’re bringing that to life and how we’re embedding sustainable behaviours and outputs across all areas of the business.”
    “The road to a sustainable future for tourism is not an easy one, but we firmly believe that acting and communicating with transparency will speed the journey,” added Joe Ponte. “Witnessing progress inspires us all to do more – whilst being open about difficulties and vulnerabilities supports banding together to find solutions. This is the approach we’re taking at Hotelplan UK and we look forward to sharing further updates.”

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    U.S. Travel Association Selects Detroit as Host of IPW 2028

    For the first time, Detroit will serve as host site of U.S. Travel’s IPW, the leading international inbound travel trade show and largest generator of travel to the United States, the association announced today. IPW will be held in the city on June 10-14, 2028.
    The 2028 event will be staged at Huntington Place and at sites throughout the city. IPW is the U.S. Travel Association’s biggest event with over 90,000 pre-scheduled business appointments connecting 1,600 global travel buyers and more than 700 travel media with several thousand U.S. travel suppliers.
    More than 5,000 travel professionals representing 60+ countries participate in total. Past IPWs have generated more than $5.5 billion in future travel to the United States. This event will dramatically increase visitation and investment in the Detroit region and be beneficial for the entire state of Michigan.
    What Leaders Are Saying About Detroit Securing IPW
    “In a historic run of success for Detroit, today marks another huge win for the city and the State of Michigan with the announcement that the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW event is coming to the Motor City in 2028,” said Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari. “This event will help inspire millions of more people to visit our city, which will help generate billions of dollars in economic impact. We can’t wait to bring the world to Detroit and Detroit to the world.ADVERTISEMENT“By serving as host site of IPW in 2028, Detroit will play a key role in growing inbound travel and strengthening the U.S. economy,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “U.S. Travel looks forward to working with Visit Detroit and the State of Michigan to bring the world to America—and ensuring IPW remains a can’t-miss event on the global travel industry’s calendar.” See Video Message from Geoff Freeman.
    “IPW is an incredible opportunity for Michigan,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are thrilled to welcome the worldwide travel industry to Detroit for this global showcase of America. We can’t wait to highlight the Pure Michigan experience on an international stage.”

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    HKTB Wins World’s Leading MICE Event – Inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 to be Staged in Hong Kong

    The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that Hong Kong has won IBTM, the world’s leading Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) event brand, to organise its inaugural MICE trade show IBTM Asia Pacific 2025, in Spring 2025 in Hong Kong.
    The event is expected to attract more than 1,500 travel trade and MICE professionals from the Mainland, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, South Korea and other markets in the region, and long-haul markets. The event not only provides an ideal platform for Hong Kong, Mainland and overseas travel agents, hotels, MICE venues, attractions, airlines and other industry players to explore business opportunities, but also helps consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place and facilitate the development of MICE tourism throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
    Dr Pang Yiu-kai, HKTB Chairman, said, “IBTM’s decision to host its inaugural flagship trade show for the Asia Pacific region in Hong Kong is a strong testament to Hong Kong’s international standing and its unique role as a super-connector of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by the global MICE industry. The event will not only bring more than 1,500 high-yield visitors from the global travel trade and MICE industry to Hong Kong but will also generate positive word-of-mouth with their personal experience. This, in turn, will help bring more MICE events to Hong Kong, creating unlimited business opportunities for Hong Kong.”
    Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM Portfolio Director, agreed that Hong Kong is an international MICE hub, “Hong Kong comes with various competitive edges, such as its diverse choice of venues, convenient transport facilities and the provision of comprehensive professional support. Geographically, it is well positioned as a gateway between the world and the Mainland, especially cities in the GBA, which makes the city the ideal host of IBTM Asia Pacific. I am confident that this exhibition will help MICE trade members in different markets establish contacts with each other and explore opportunities in the region.”

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    DFDS Retains ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ Title at World Travel Awards

    Global ferry operator DFDS has sailed to victory once again after being named the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
    Voted for by passengers and travel industry peers, the award acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries and represents DFDS’s commitment to unrivalled service, unparalleled reliability, and an unwavering dedication to passenger satisfaction.
    The win wraps up a successful awards season for DFDS, having already secured the following accolades:
    Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator 2023Europe’s Best Ferry Operator Website 2023World’s Best Ferry Operator Website 2023The grand final took place in Dubai at the iconic Burj Al Arab with DFDS taking home the highest honour in ferry travel at the landmark celebrations.
    While reflecting on the record-breaking win, DFDS’s Vice-President and Head of Passenger, Kasper Moos, said: “The World Travel Awards represents the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry, and to be named as the World’s Leading Ferry Operator for the 13th year running is an incredible honour.ADVERTISEMENT“Above all, it is testament to the passion and dedication demonstrated by each and every member of our team across the globe and the exceptional service they provide to our passengers.
    “I am proud that our passengers choose DFDS time and time again and want to express my gratitude to everyone who voted for us. Their belief in our service inspires us to continually strive for excellence.”
    DFDS operates a diverse network of ten passenger routes across Europe, carrying more than 4.7million passengers between:
    Amsterdam-NewcastleCopenhagen-Oslo and Frederikshavn-OsloDover-Calais, Dover-Dunkirk, Dieppe-Newhaven and Rosslare-Dunkirk on the ChannelPaldiski- Kapellskär, Klaipeda-Karlshamn and Klaipeda-Kiel in the BalticsFor more information about DFDS’s ferry services please visit www.dfds.com

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    UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS & EXPERIENCES CREATES FIRST-EVER THEME PARK CONCEPT FOR FAMILIES

    Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, officially introduces Universal Kids Resort – the company’s first-ever theme park designed specifically for families with young children. Located in Frisco, Texas and first announced earlier this year, this imaginative, original resort brings the company’s innovative style of storytelling to a new, younger audience.Universal Kids Resort will include a theme park featuring immersive themed lands that celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun – bringing to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow the youngest theme park goers. It will feature family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, unique merchandise, fun food and beverage venues and character meet and greets. The resort area will also include a 300-room themed hotel giving families a place to stay and to play following their day of adventure.
    “Universal Kids Resort will inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through imagination, discovery and most importantly – play,” said Molly Murphy, President, Universal Creative. “We’re designing the resort so kids and families can feel the thrill of being physically immersed in their most beloved stories and characters.”
    Set in lush green landscape with a distinctive look, feel and scale specifically for younger kids, the park will deliver the quality the Universal brand is known for worldwide.
    Progress on the new concept is well underway following a groundbreaking in November. Universal Kids Resort will drive immediate economic impact for the region, creating thousands of jobs including more than 2,500 new construction jobs. Throughout the project, the company will remain focused on ensuring the resort adds value and positively serves the community.
    Additional details about Universal Kids Resort will be revealed over time. To stay updated on all the company’s newest developments, visit corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com.ADVERTISEMENTAbout Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX)Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences. Our portfolio is comprised of world-class theme parks featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment experiences. We use our rich collection of stories and franchises – from Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and more – to take people to places they couldn’t imagine while creating memorable and emotionally fulfilling moments for people of all ages.

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