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    WTTC Heads Down Under for 2024 Global Summit

    During the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Western Australia was announced as the host for 2024, marking the first time the event will visit Oceania.The 24th Global Summit will be taking place in Perth in late 2024, in partnership with Tourism Western Australia.
    WTTC closed its first ever Global Summit in Africa today with more than 1,200 delegates attending the event in Kigali, Rwanda.
    The global tourism body’s Global Summit saw speakers such as global economist and renowned business commentor Justin Urquhart-Stewart; Administrator of the United States Transport Security Administration, David P. Pekoske; and Chief Commercial Officer of Arsenal Football Club, Juliet Slot.
    The most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar, WTTC’s Global Summit, was attended by more than 45 countries.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The success of this year’s Global Summit in Kigali is testament to the power of Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector. Through Rwanda, the continent has well and truly put itself on the map.ADVERTISEMENT“We are so excited to be heading ‘Down Under’ next year. Western Australia and the beautiful city of Perth have always been popular destinations and we’re sure attendees will enjoy a real taste of quintessential Australian hospitality.”
    Tourism WA Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull said hosting the 24th WTTC Global Summit presents a significant opportunity for WA to demonstrate its growth ambition and investment opportunities to WTTC’s members, which includes the CEOs of key travel businesses such as airlines, global hotel operators and investors, and cruise lines.
    “The effect of hosting this event goes far beyond the immediate economic impact generated from delegate spend; this event will open avenues for conversation around inbound trade and product investments, new inbound aviation routes and the development of high value tourism product business opportunities.
    “Business delegates attending this event will be encouraged to extend their stay and explore further afield, so they can experience our dreamlike landscapes, world-class experiences, and expert tourism operators firsthand.”
    During its Global Summit in Kigali, WTTC launched its Africa report highlighting some of the challenges Travel & Tourism faces in the region and the opportunities to address them.
    WTTC also launched its groundbreaking Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging report which tracks DEIB in the Travel & Tourism sector and highlights effective practices and recommendations for the future.
    The Global Summit was moderated by Thami Nkadimeng who was recently selected as a 2023 Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 in support of the United Nation’s General Assembly resolution 68/237.

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    Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to offer the best of Sri Lanka & The Maldives

    Hailing from the idyllic shores and boundless horizon of the Indian Ocean, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to offer European and international travellers the best of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
    Boasting 15 properties in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is Sri Lanka’s largest hotel group. Located in some of the most picturesque locations in the region, including pristine beaches, lush forests, and historical sites, each property provides a bespoke and unique offering aimed to amplify and complement the guest experience as they discover and immerse themselves in the treasures of each locale. Combining modernity, culture, and heritage, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers a wide selection of properties, including luxury hotels, boutique villas, and eco-resorts, each designed to cater to everything a traveller needs to curate their own remarkable Sri Lankan adventure.
    A formidable force in Sri Lanka and the Maldives’ sustainability efforts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has been at the forefront of minimising environmental footprint while preserving the biodiversity and ecological community in the locations they operate in. Guided by the John Keells Group Environmental, Social and Governmental (ESG) policies, the ESG Framework of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to being responsible stewards and engaging both locals and guests in ESG policies across the hotels. Due to these policies and practices introduced at protecting the environment, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has reduced its carbon footprint significantly. An achievement that was made possible due to the group’s efficient and proactive ESG policies spanning areas such as compliance with local and international regulatory requirements and conventions, quality monitoring and assessment of the environmental impact of the group’s operations, services and products, whilst striving to include supply chain partners and customers, where relevant and to the extent possible.
    Looking ahead to the future, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts aims to reduce the group’s carbon footprint of 1,300 tCO2e at the end of 2025 and become a Net Zero hotel chain by 2030. The Company’s overall commitment to Sri Lanka’s biodiversity through the identification of endangered flora and fauna species in each property and the development of a biodiversity management plan. In line with this, the group will further amplify their practices in protecting fresh water and marine eco-systems from plastic waste and reducing single-use plastics by 50% at the end of 2025.
    Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to further solidify its mark as an industry leader in hospitality and sustainability with an announcement of its new strategic plan that will change and elevate South Asia’s tourism landscape. The exciting new project will be Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ crown jewel, bringing Colombo’s vibrant spirit to life as it emerges as the ultimate urban sanctuary, envisioned as the epicentre of modern South Asia.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Egypt on track to achieve its goal of attracting 30 million tourists annually by 2028

    Egypt’s Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, will be attending this year’s WTM to unveil updates to the country’s ambitious national tourism strategy. Egypt’s tourism strategy aims to achieve rapid growth in the sector. The country has already received more than 7 million tourists during the first half of 2023, the highest level in Egypt’s history.
    The government, under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s administration has worked to boost the sector to ensure it remains competitive with other global tourist destinations. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, headed by His Excellency Ahmed Issa, strives to improve and elevate the quality of tourism services offered to visitors to reach their impressive targets.
    Grand Cairo project: Promoting Cairo as a cultural destination
    Egypt’s 7000-year-old heritage makes it one of the most fascinating countries in the world. In recent years, the country has experienced a cultural renaissance. Egypt has spent billions of pounds opening new museums and restoring archaeological sites. The plan is to have three museums in Cairo presenting the treasures of ancient Egypt: the old Cairo Museum in Tahrir Square will remain open; the Royal Mummies can be seen at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation; and the new Grand Egyptian Museum will showcase a new collection.
    Tourism Investment in Egypt: HotelsADVERTISEMENTThe government is committed to enhancing tourism by investing in the number of hotel rooms in the country. The government is currently working on a new hotels project which will include new incentive packages to attract local and foreign investors for the construction of new hotel projects in the country. The move is expected to create 400,000 hotel rooms within five years.
    Inaugurations: The GEM in Giza and the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria
    The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will be a spectacular addition to Egypt’s attractions. Built close to the Giza pyramids, when finished it will be one of the largest museums in the world. Remarkably, the entire Tutankhamun collection will be housed together for the first time. And after 18 years of restoration, the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria has finally reopened promising to offer visitors a profound journey through the annals of Greek and Roman heritage in Egypt.
    Update on visas to Egypt
    In an effort to boost tourism, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recently announced that it will be ​​issuing a multiple-entry visa for a period of five years, with a GBP 562 (EGP 21,000) fee, for citizens of 180 countries.
    H.E. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa
    Previously, a banker, and a leader of change and innovation in one of emerging markets’ most respected companies, His Excellency aims to emphasize the importance of the tourism industry and its role in the Egypt’s national economy.

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    RezLive.Com to Showcase Innovations at World Travel Market London 2023

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    RezLive.Com to Showcase Innovations at World Travel Market London 2023

    RezLive.com is excited to announce its participation in this year’s highly anticipated World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The event, scheduled from 6-8, Nov,2023 will provide an excellent platform for industry professionals to witness our latest offerings at Booth No. N10-401.One of the key highlights at our booth will be the unveiling of Rez.Tez, the dynamic XML distribution arm of Travel Designer Group’s leading platform, RezLive.com. Rez.Tez aims to revolutionize the distribution landscape and empower travel partners with a seamless, lightest, and fastest solution for XML distribution.
    Moreover, Travel Designer Group proudly welcomes Ms. Denise Atikson, a seasoned professional with a proven track record in the travel and distribution industry. Ms. Denise (VP-Online Distribution) will be leading the charge in Online Distribution through Rez.Tez, ensuring that our partners benefit from cutting-edge distribution strategies and industry best practices.
    “We are thrilled to be a part of WTM London 2023 and to introduce Rez.Tez to the travel community,” said Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director at Travel Designer Group. “With the addition of Ms. Denise to our team, we are confident in our ability to further elevate our distribution capabilities and provide unparalleled value to our partners.”
    To learn more about our offerings and to meet our team, we invite you to visit us at Booth No. N10-401 during WTM London 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how RezLive.com is shaping the future of travel distribution.

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    Transformative Plan Unveiled to Save America’s Flagship, The SS United States

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    Transformative Plan Unveiled to Save America’s Flagship, The SS United States

    The SS United States, America’s Flagship, could return home to New York as a transformative economic development project unveiled today by the SS United States Conservancy, the owner of the famed vessel.The plan, developed in conjunction with two prominent New York firms, RXR and MCR Hotels, would repurpose the legendary ocean liner as a unique, mixed-use destination, including a 1,000 key hotel, numerous food and beverage destinations, multiple event venues, acres of public green space, and a world-class museum. The project could be a capstone to a decades-long effort to protect and revitalize the Hudson River waterfront, create thousands of new jobs, and generate millions in tax revenue annually.
    During her storied service career, the SS United States smashed the transatlantic speed record in 1952 using only two-thirds of her power, a record that has never been broken. From her Hudson River berth, she carried more than one million passengers, from celebrities and royalty to immigrants and tourists. She was also a top-secret convertible troop transport that could rush 14,000 troops 10,000 miles without refueling.
    The release of a redevelopment plan comes at a time when the SS United States is in peril. The ship faces possible eviction from her current pier in Philadelphia. The vessel’s landlord doubled the Conservancy’s rent without notice during the coronavirus pandemic, placing significant financial strain on the organization. The Conservancy is presently in litigation on the matter, with a trial date slated for early December.
    The conceptual plan for a privately funded, commercial redevelopment identified Manhattan’s Hudson River as the optimal “home port” for the vessel, due to its proximity to transportation and pedestrian access to the Javits Convention Center. The project would entail the redesign and reconstruction of adjacent piers, which would create acres of new public green space aboard the vessel and adjoining areas. The ship’s transformative potential is not restricted to New York. Other locations and port cities could benefit from the ship’s commercial revitalization and iconic status.
    RXR and MCR developed full schematic design drawings, extensive engineering and construction feasibility diligence in consultation with U.S. shipyards, a financial analysis to demonstrate the project’s commercial viability, and an assessment of the permitting and regulatory requirements to advance the redevelopment program. The project diligence team included Gibbs & Cox, the vessel’s original design firm, Perkins Eastman and HLW architects, and local land use and regulatory counsel.ADVERTISEMENTThe overall program was informed by MCR and RXR’s extensive experience redeveloping iconic, historic properties in New York, including Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center and hotel at JFK Airport as well as Manhattan’s historic Pier 57.
    The Conservancy is now seeking state and local interest from New York or other potential cities to advance its plan at a host pier location. The nonprofit organization and its development team are prepared to donate the ship and the design and engineering work completed to date to expedite progress in securing a prime location for the vessel’s revitalization.
    “The SS United States symbolizes the nation’s ambition and innovation. Our development partners have embraced the patriotic and economic significance of this monumental project. Through their extensive due diligence, they have created a bold and exciting plan that preserves the ship’s history and activates the vessel’s commercial potential,” said Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy, the national nonprofit organization that has worked tirelessly to save it for more than a decade.
    The ship was once a global ambassador of her namesake nation, and her red, white, and blue funnels were a source of pride and inspiration following the devastation of WWII. Although the Jet Age silenced her engines in 1969, the SS United States continues to represent an inspiring synthesis of post-war technological innovation, mid-century modern design, as well as the nation’s enduring ambition, resilience, and optimism.
    “The Conservancy’s partners and passionate supporters from across the country and around the world have created a viable path forward to save the SS United States,” added Gibbs, the granddaughter of the ship’s original designer. “But we are quickly running out of time. We know this can be a viable, transformative project. Let’s rally together to secure a home for America’s Flagship.”

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    WTTC unveils unique diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging report

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled today its first-ever global tourism report focussing on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) during its Global Summit, taking place in Kigali.
    The report – Creating Belonging: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in Travel & Tourism – is the result of a collaboration between WTTC and HospitableMe, a global leader in inclusive hospitality.
    Supported by AIG Travel, the report offers data around tourism employment, aiming to equip both the public and private sector the tools they need to spark change and make tourism more diverse.
    Drawing on data from six economies, Rwanda, Australia, US, UK, South Africa and the EU, it offers a deep dive on metrics such as gender, age, sexual orientation, disability status and educational skills
    According to the global tourism body, the share of female workers in tourism was highest in Australia, at 54 per cent, followed by the US (48 per cent), higher than the overall average.
    In terms of youth employment, the sector has always been considered a key employer for those aged under 25 years.
    This research shows the US saw 26 per cent of youth employees in the sector, more than twice the share of the total economy average (12 per cent), with Australia (26 per cent) and Rwanda (24 per cent) following closely.ADVERTISEMENTLast year, according to this new study, UK tourism employed a higher share of LGBTQ+ employees (5.2 per cent) than the overall economy (four per cent), with a near 2.7 percentage points increase since 2011.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC president, said: “Travel has always been a people sector, whatever their background.
    “Hospitality goes beyond travellers; it is about how we welcome and care for our colleagues and employees.
    “Our sector has come a long way.
    “Across the board, we are seeing efforts and changes led by major tourism businesses, who are now paying more attention to creating a sense of belonging, supporting their employees, regardless of who they are or where they come from.”
    Travel supports people from all walks of life, employing the highest share of workers with lower levels of formal education across the EU, UK and the U.S, compared to the overall economy.
    WTTC draws from the findings to offer opportunities for the challenges faced by the sector, such as education on DEIB and senior leadership support, recruitment process, and benchmarking and research.
    A majority of the companies analysed (60 per cent) had dedicated personnel to their DEIB efforts, making clear this is a pressing topic all tourism stakeholders should pay close attention to, to ensure the term “hospitality” equals “partnership”.
    To access this report, visit the WTTC Research Hub.
    More Information
    Take a look at a selection of Breaking Travel News video interviews from the Global Summit here.

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    Sri Lanka – Tourism Soars in 2023 & Sets Sights on Sustainable Growth

    2023 has marked a triumphant chapter for Sri Lanka’s tourism industry; a return to 1 million visitors by September and a total of 1.5 million anticipated for the year. With rebranding for a strong country brand to be launched at WTM, enhanced trade partnerships and collaboration, and a substantial Global Tourism Brand marketing budget for 2024 the destination looks set for further growth in 2024.
    Despite the challenges that loomed at the beginning of the year, including an economic downturn, dollar deficits, and commodity price hikes, Sri Lanka’s resilient and resourceful government efficiently managed the situation, swiftly putting the nation back on its feet. This positive turn of events ushered in a reinvigorated tourism sector including the operation of new airlines with improved airline connectivity and increased cruise calls. In September a notable milestone was achieved as Sri Lanka welcomed its one millionth tourist arrival.
    Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has proven its competitive edge, especially compared to regional counterparts such as the Maldives, India. The UK, Germany, France and Russia are the primary source markets driving growth. The positive trend continues, and Sri Lanka remains optimistic about surpassing its annual target of 1.5 million tourists by the year-end.
    At WTM, Sri Lanka is poised to unveil a new brand for tourism. The “check-in” campaigns, already underway, will pave the way for a “thematic” campaign in the coming year, 2024. Its primary objective is to attract more visitors from key markets through these strategic campaigns while championing sustainable tourism initiatives. Visitors to WTM can find out more at the opening ceremony of the stand, press conference and networking event. 
    “The Ministry and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau’s paramount focus is to create a robust country brand through a comprehensive rebranding exercise, highlighting Sri Lanka’s unique assets. To achieve this, we will prioritise the key source markets through year-round digital and PR campaigns, with a particular emphasis on the UK” commented the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando “Ongoing promotions will introduce new initiatives to maintain a competitive edge for the destination” he added. ADVERTISEMENTThe UK is traditionally an important market for Sri Lanka. British visitors enjoy the unique culture, many historical sites, wildlife, diverse gastronomy and tea plantations with their British architectural style.
    Sri Lankan Airlines, the national carrier, is gearing up to extend its routes, connecting more UK cities and other key destinations, thereby providing travellers with convenient access to Sri Lanka. Details of these expansion plans will be unveiled shortly.
    Enhanced Partnerships and Collaboration were secured in 2023, through country partner status with key travel associations such as ABTA and the ITAA, while maintaining a longstanding relationship with Antor. These affiliations strengthen Sri Lanka’s rapport with the UK travel trade and allow it to deepen relationships with influential media outlets and journalists through collaborative efforts.

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    Sustainability Takes Centre Stage for the Region of Valencia in 2024

    The Region of Valencia announces its theme for 2024 “sustainability” at WTM. In a landmark move the region has committed to joining the World Tourism Organisation and will adhere to its Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET). This strategic commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism represents a significant step toward preserving the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Managing tourism is imperative to the region as visitor figures rise in 2023.
    To mark this milestone, a press conference will be held on Monday 6 November at the Region of Valencia stand N5-520 from 3.30 pm-4.30 pm, which will include presentations from the seven regional brand partners: Costa Blanca, Benidorm, Alicante, Visit Elche, Valencia Turisme, Visit Valencia and Castellón talking about sustainability initiatives across the region’s tourism sector.
    Ms Nuria Montes, the newly elected Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce & Tourism for the Region of Valencia will speak at the press conference about new developments and her new long-term strategy for the region’s tourism sector. Ms Montes will also be attending a press breakfast with the seven brand partners, on Tuesday 7 November 9-10 am, at Tapa Tapa, next to Excel West (invitation only).
    Elected in the recent elections Ms Montes is from the private sector. Her first initiative in the post was to announce that the region will not be adopting a Tourist Tax on 01 January as planned by the previous administration and that this law has been repealed. The new minister is the former General Secretary of the Hotel Association, HOSBEC.
    The latest data shows that the number of British visitors to the Valencia region in July 2023 topped 1,438,565, up by 16.5% in 2022. In 2022 the region received around 2.2 million British visitors, which is just over 14% of the total number of British visitors to Spain and was the fourth most visited area in Spain by Brits, after the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and Andalucia. The region aims to capitalise on these positive visitor figures in 2024 and beyond, in its promotions and activities in the UK market.ADVERTISEMENTThe region is running a taxi, bus and Excel advertising campaign with twenty taxis and two city tour buses featuring the Region of Valencia brand for two weeks to coincide with WTM, to raise awareness of the region across London and in particular targeting visitors to WTM. The region will also have a hall entrance wrap and boulevard direction screens at Excel during the trade show..
    The Regions’ capital, Valencia City is the European Green Capital 2024, elected by the European Commission in recognition of the city’s efforts to improve the environment and the quality of life of its residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, another green initiative sees Valencia as a pioneer of smart cities. The city has been chosen as one of the three major European supernodes of the European Union’s Citcom.ai project. This involves the installation of an artificial intelligence experimentation and testing centre in the city to apply technology to sustainable mobility and transport, urban energy efficiency, waste management and solutions based on nature or collaborative solutions for the protection of the environment.

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