Eliana Willis

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    Disneyland Resort is a Must-Visit Vacation Destination

    For the first time, Disneyland Resort is releasing its lineup of special events and limited-time festivities for the coming year, with 2024 highlighted by the resort-wide Pixar Fest celebration beginning in the spring. Guests can book Disneyland Resort theme park reservations up to 180 days in advance with the expanded reservation calendar, and the slate of scheduled events can help them plan their visits earlier.With distinctly Disney experiences and exciting happenings all year long, no two visits are the same. As it enters an era of boundless growth and innovation, Disneyland Resort is also investing in the development of more guest experiences, with work underway on Pixar Place Hotel; the upcoming attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure; and the continued transformation of the Downtown Disney District.
    A variety of ticket options and special offers throughout the year make it possible for many guests to visit Disneyland Resort. For visits in early 2024, families can get greater value with a special offer on theme park tickets for children ages 3-9.* Valid between Jan. 8 and March 10, 2024 (no blockout dates, subject to park reservation availability), child tickets can be purchased for as low as $50 per child, per day. More information is available on Disneyland.com.
    Reimagined Pixar Fest returns spring 2024
    Pixar Fest returns to the Disneyland Resort from April 26 through Aug. 4, 2024, bringing guests together for a celebration of friendship and beyond. From colorful décor and themed menu items to commemorative merchandise, the Disneyland Resort theme parks, hotels and Downtown Disney District will have a Pixar twist of friendly fun for a limited time.
    This festival of friendship is highlighted by heartwarming entertainment featuring Pixar stories. An all-new daytime parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!”, will debut at Disney California Adventure Park, and at Disneyland Park, the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes. During the celebration, guests may encounter new characters such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” Red Panda Mei from “Turning Red” and more. Additional entertainment and offerings will be announced at a later date.ADVERTISEMENTFestivals and limited-time celebrations
    The return of highly anticipated festivals and seasonal festivities add many more choices of entertainment, menu items and experiences to Disneyland Resort visits in 2024.
    Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park (Jan. 23-Feb. 18): A tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions, this multicultural celebration rings in the Year of the Dragon with Asian-inspired food and beverages, vibrant décor and Mushu leading the way in “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.”
    Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park (Feb. 17 and 24): Performing at the Fantasyland Theatre, the 2024 “Celebrate Gospel” concerts will be headlined by Marvin Sapp (Feb. 17) and Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Feb. 24). “Celebrate Gospel” is an annual tribute to Gospel music that brings together award-winning music artists and community choirs from across Southern California.
    Anaheim Ducks Days at Disney California Adventure Park (Feb. 22-23): In celebration of the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club’s 30th anniversary, the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Ducks team up for a two-day event in Hollywood Land, including a celebratory cavalcade, fan zone with themed activities and photo opportunities, plus appearances by select current and legacy team players.
    Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 1-April 22): The gastronomic extravaganza serves up creative foods and beverages, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment inspired by the diverse cultures and cuisines of the Golden State. The popular attraction, Soarin’ Over California, also returns for a limited time.

    Season of the Force at Disneyland Park (April 5-June 2): Season of the Force arrives at Disneyland Park with Hyperspace Mountain and specially themed food and beverage, merchandise and more for a limited time. Debuting during the celebration, guests can embark on new adventures aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park, with galactic music sweeping through the spires.
    Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort (Aug. 23-Oct. 31): Wicked fun for all ages, this spellbinding season transforms the resort with autumn décor, characters dressed in hauntingly haute Halloween outfits and uniquely themed attractions.
    Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park (Aug. 23-Nov. 2): The everlasting bonds of family and Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos are honored through a cultural experience featuring storytelling and music from Pixar’s “Coco.”
    Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Begins Nov. 15): Family and friends can celebrate the season with the lively Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park, plus seasonal overlays on beloved attractions, cherished holiday spectaculars and dazzling wintry décor throughout the resort.
    Separately ticketed after-hours events
    Guests can play the night away during fan-favorite after-hours events scheduled in 2024. These themed, separately ticketed events include pre-party park mix-in, shorter wait times for select attractions, unlimited select Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the event, and more.
    Disneyland After Dark (select nights from January through June): Disneyland Park will host four themed soirées packed with unique entertainment, rare character encounters and distinctive menus of sweet treats and savory snacks.
    Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party** (Returning in 2024): Disney California Adventure Park will throw family-friendly Halloween parties including immersive treat trails, rare character sightings and unique entertainment. For this spirited occasion, guests are invited to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes.**
    More magic in the making
    The reimagined Pixar Place Hotel opens Jan. 30, 2024, marking the official transformation of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel into the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. The 15-story hotel overlooking Disney California Adventure Park will offer Pixar-themed guest rooms, new dining featuring Great Maple restaurant, a rooftop pool area, play court and more.
    Beginning May 24, the nighttime spectacular “Fantasmic!” will once again illuminate the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park, featuring new special effects, a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, plus the return of the iconic “Peter Pan” scene. In this treasured show, fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art projections.
    When the new attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts at Disneyland Park later in 2024, guests will embark on a musical journey inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.” The stories of Princess Tiana also extend to Tiana’s Palace quick-service restaurant and Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets retail shop in New Orleans Square.
    The evolution of the Downtown Disney District continues to take shape with the openings of Paseo and Céntrico, serving Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, and Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, in 2024. Restaurants and boutiques in the area will also continue to offer new must-have merchandise and menu items to discover. Musical entertainment, activities and events make the newly opened Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn on the district’s west end an ideal location for gathering and relaxation.

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    The Bahamas Achieves Unprecedented Tourism Success with Record-Breaking Eight Million Visitors

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    Transformative Travel – A Unique Mindful Escape to New Life Portugal

    A first of its kind in European health retreats, offering purposefully designed therapy programmes and activities, has opened in the Serra da Estrela natural park in Portugal.  Open throughout the year, New Life Portugal is unlike other European wellness retreats, which focus on yoga, spirituality, mediation or another specialised themes. New Life Portugal brings together expert professionals to create personalised sessions combining wellness and spiritual therapies alongside psychology practices. The bespoke sessions are like no other as they look to support anyone looking to cultivate their sustainable wellbeing, not just purely from a spiritual perspective. The team of world class experts provide unrivalled scientific knowledge on how to reset and recover, understanding that for many it takes more than wellness therapies to deliver a true life reset.
    World leading experts support guests in a variety of areas. Guests may wish to focus on anxiety, depression, grief recovery, review relationships or simply get away from their everyday stresses of life. New Life Portugal has a range of revitalisation package options tailored to every individual’s needs or stage of life. 
    A trip to New Life Portugal promises much more than a beach escape, it aims to change your way of life, for the better. While regular holidays offer a few days with an opportunity to de-stress, New Life Portugal offers transformational travel, enriching getaways that provide a deeper physical and emotional withdrawal from the stresses and strains of everyday life. They are truly transformative experiences that provide an opportunity to disconnect from the chaos of daily life, reconnect with oneself, and gain clarity for making more meaningful decisions. New Life Portugal’s programmes deliver long term mental health and well-being value, not a quick fix. You no longer have to travel to Tibet or India to access such experiences. 
    New Life Portugal is located in a serene location, surrounded by nature’s beauty in Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage site. This setting provides the ideal ambiance to detach from the hustle and bustle of daily life and unwind. The benefit of being in Europe means you can go over a weekend from the UK. 
    Luis Cunhal of New Life Portugal said: “After considerable research, we designed New Life Portugal to offer a series of bespoke programmes bringing together spiritual, wellbeing and science to truly deliver and make long term changes to the lives of our guests. We have an enviable team of world leading experts who can ensure a true reset both mentally and spiritually. There are so many wellness retreats that appear to have one or two focal areas, but do not tailor to meet specific needs and they do not have the scientific knowledge alongside the wellness techniques. Everyone is different, with different anxieties or focuses and we have recognised this in our comprehensive selection of packages. We will also work with the individual to develop exactly what they need. Being in Portugal makes us accessible to more people and we attract guests from across Europe and beyond. Some for simply a weekend, others for a full month programme.” ADVERTISEMENTNew Life Portugal offers a range of retreat options to suit budgets and diaries, including 3 days, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days, designed to provide guests with affordable solutions specific to their need.
    Programmes include: 
    Fundamentals Experience – 3 nights. A Short stay package for those tired of fast living
    Relax and Recover – 7 nights. A sanctuary for busy minds allowing you to reconnect with the world around you
    Reset and Rejuvenate – 14 nights. Replenish physical and mental resources and mindfully create new habits
    Reconnect and Heal – 28 days. A transformative retreat for those experiencing burnout, chronic stress or depression
    Read more here of upcoming retreats taking place. 
    From €303.44 / £264.20 a night, with the new weekend retreat starting from (Sunday-Wednesday) €910.32 / £792.59
    For more info visit New Life Portugal – Wellness Retreat & Mindfulness Centre

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    UAE Launches “Air-CRAFT” Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Technologies

    In the UAE Year of Sustainability, and at the 3rd ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) was held in Dubai, eight founding entities announced the launch of the “Air-CRAFT” initiative – a UAE based research consortium focused on developing, producing, and scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies.
    Air-CRAFT, or the UAE Centre for Renewable and Advanced Fuel Technologies for Aviation, is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will bring together entities across the value chain – industrial policy makers, aviation regulators, fuel producers, academia and researchers, aircraft and powerplant manufacturers, and airline operators. While based in the UAE, the consortium will also engage with, and welcome the participation of relevant international entities as it progresses. The new initiative was announced on the sidelines of CAAF/3 today and ahead of COP28.
    Air-CRAFT is supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. “The aviation sector holds great importance as a key contributor to the GDP and as a target sector for our robust decarbonization drive,” said His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “The UAE has committed to reaching net zero by 2050, and this goal can only be achieved by slashing the emissions across the board. Air-CRAFT will go a long way in supporting the decarbonization of the aviation sector, helping to make it resilient and sustainable well into the future.”
    His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE and Chairman of the GCAA said: Introducing ‘Air-CRAFT’ at CAAF3 in Dubai emphasizes the UAE’s commitment to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, uniting government, private sector, and academia for a collective push toward sustainable aviation practice”. Bin Touq adds, “Aligned with the net-zero emissions goal by 2050, this consortium, the largest and most unique in the SAF industry, represents a substantial stride towards greener aviation future, and we look forward to making a significant positive impact through it”.
    The collaboration is in support of the UAE’s National SAF Roadmap principles and the commercial aviation industry’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.At CAAF/3 today, senior representatives from the eight consortium entities signed a strategic collaboration agreement to kickstart the Air-CRAFT initiative.ADVERTISEMENTPotential research topics at Air-CRAFT include environmental impact assessments, feedstock and process optimization, and techno-economic assessments. Air-CRAFT will also establish relevant links with other academic and research institutions in the UAE and internationally.
    The U.S. government supports Air-CRAFT being linked to the intergovernmental US-UAE ‘Partnership to Accelerate Transition to Clean Energy’ (PACE) agreement.
    The consortium’s industrial and institutional partners will provide market demand, expertise, and technology to support research into the production of alternative fuels for the aviation sector, and extends an open invitation to UAE and international entities to join the consortium. Air-CRAFT is already in advanced discussions with key and strategic global players to be announced in due course.
    Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, Divisional Senior VP for International Affairs, Emirates Airline, said: “Emirates supports initiatives that contribute to the deployment of SAF. We’ve contributed to the development of the UAE’s National SAF Roadmap and power-to-liquids fuel roadmaps, and believe the UAE is uniquely placed to lead in this space with its policies, technology and infrastructure capabilities. We see Air-CRAFT as a solid platform to progress the National SAF roadmap into reality, and we are proud to be one of the launch entities.”
    Hanan Balalaa, Senior Vice President, New Energies, ADNOC, said: “The world needs to accelerate the pace of progress towards net zero and this requires us to decarbonize core sectors such as aviation. Collaboration and innovation will be key to addressing all emissions and ADNOC is already working with our customers to help them transition to new energies. The launch of Air-CRAFT supports this objective and we look forward to working with our partners to unlock sustainable aviation fuel technologies that can decarbonize the sector faster.”
    Brian Moran, vice president, Global Sustainability Policy and Partnerships at Boeing, said: “Scaling SAF is central to aviation achieving its net zero commitment by the middle of the century. Building a thriving local SAF economy requires collaboration across the value chain and we are honoured to have helped catalyse and now work with this esteemed group on Air-CRAFT to further spark SAF innovation in the UAE and beyond.”
    His Excellency Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said: “We are proud to join hands with key industry leaders in launching Air-CRAFT, a ground-breaking initiative that underscores our commitment to advancing sustainable aviation fuels. Through collaborative research and innovation, we aim to propel the aviation industry towards a greener future, aligning with the UAE’s vision and unwavering pursuit of sustainability and environmental stewardship.”
    Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad applauds the development and assembly of the Air-CRAFT MoU and stands proudly alongside our partners for this announcement. For more than a decade, Etihad has committed to pioneering the development of SAF supply chains in the UAE and beyond, and since 2019, with the deployment of the Etihad Boeing Greenliner Programme, has driven an industry-leading sustainability initiative which targets all areas of our value chain. With Air-CRAFT, the Etihad ethos of partnerships and collaboration, and pursuit of the million little things continues strongly, under the banner of sustainability and the UAE.”
    Mohammed Mohaisen, President and CEO Middle East and North Africa, Honeywell, said: “Honeywell is a trusted technology partner to the aviation and energy sectors, sharing the common goal of decarbonizing the future of air travel. Our suite of technologies enables SAF producers to capitalize on a range of non-competing feedstocks, including waste fats, used oils and greases, biomass, ethanol, methanol and captured carbon dioxide, and we are fully committed to accelerating the local production and deployment of SAF in the UAE. Underscoring this commitment, we are proud to form Air-CRAFT alongside our valued partners to support the UAE’s National SAF roadmap and advance its leadership in this critical innovation.”
    Dr. Steven Griffiths, Senior Vice-President, Research and Development, and Professor of Practice, Khalifa University, said: “Khalifa University places the UAE’s energy transition at the core of its strategy. Given the critical importance of aviation to the UAE economy, the Air-CRAFT initiative therefore aligns seamlessly with our research agenda. Khalifa University looks forward to serving as the cornerstone of Air-CRAFT’s research, technology development and human capital development activities.”
    Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Chief Green Hydrogen Officer for Masdar, said: “As the UAE’s clean energy champion, Masdar is delighted to support this initiative to accelerate innovation in and adoption of SAFs. Sustainable fuels have enormous potential to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. Masdar looks forward to working in collaboration and partnership with Air-CRAFT members to advance research and scale to deliver against the National SAF Roadmap, as well as continuing to drive our green hydrogen business which will be fundamental to the wider commercial production of SAFs and a key element of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.”

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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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    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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    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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