Eliana Willis

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    Celebrating Excellence in Travel:  The 2023 World Travel Awards and its Grand Final in Dubai

    The travel industry has always been a realm of dreams, wanderlust, and adventure, and it’s in recognition of this allure that the World Travel Awards were established. As 2023 draws to a close, the culmination of these prestigious awards is set to unfold at the grand final in Dubai on Friday, December 1st, a much-anticipated event to celebrate excellence and innovation in the world of travel and tourism.
    The World Travel Awards: Honoring the Best in the Industry
    The World Travel Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the Travel Industry,” have been acknowledging excellence in the global travel and tourism sector since their inception in 1993. The awards cover a wide range of categories, including airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, destinations, and travel technology, among others.

    Over the course of the year, regional events take place across the globe, where the best contenders in each category are recognized. These regional events build up to the grand final, a glittering ceremony that showcases the best of the best on a global scale. The grand final is a spectacular event, held in a different world-class destination each year.

    Dubai: The Perfect Host for the Grand Final
    In 2023, the World Travel Awards grand final will be held at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai. Known for its opulence and unparalleled luxury, the Burj Al Arab is a fitting venue for an event that celebrates excellence and innovation in the travel industry.
    Dubai, a city known for pushing the boundaries and setting new standards, has become a global travel hub, attracting visitors from all corners of the world. With its futuristic skyscrapers, man-made islands, and a deep respect for culture and tradition, Dubai epitomizes the juxtaposition of the modern and the historic, making it an ideal host for the grand final.
    The Grand Final: What to Expect

    The grand final of the World Travel Awards is not just an awards ceremony; it’s a spectacle that offers an exclusive gathering of travel industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world. The event is a night of celebration, networking, and glamour, offering a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the travel and tourism sector.
    The awards themselves are the highlight of the evening, with winners in various categories recognized and celebrated. It is a moment of pride and achievement for those who have excelled in providing exceptional travel experiences, setting benchmarks for the industry.
    Looking Forward to December 1st
    As the grand final in Dubai approaches, the anticipation and excitement among those in the travel industry are palpable. The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, with its unparalleled hospitality and luxury, will provide the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event.
    In a year that has tested the resilience of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards serve as a reminder of the strength and determination of the sector. The event not only recognizes excellence but also inspires innovation, ensuring that the future of travel is brighter than ever.

    December 1st, 2023, is a date to mark on your calendar, a day when the finest in the world of travel and tourism will gather at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah to celebrate excellence, share insights, and set the course for the future of the industry. As we await this grand event, the 2023 World Travel Awards grand final in Dubai promises to be an evening of elegance and achievement, a true testament to the enduring spirit of travel.
    For more details visit www.worldtravelawards.com

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    Trip.com Celebrates 6th Anniversary with Enhanced Loyalty Program

    Leading global travel service provider Trip.com is pleased to announce its 6th anniversary with a gift to its valued customers – an enhanced loyalty program that features a renewed membership tier mechanism and enhanced member rewards globally.During Trip.com’s 6th anniversary promotion campaign, from now to Oct 31, Trip.com members can enjoy additional benefits on top of basic membership privileges.
    Schubert Lou, Chief Operating Officer, Trip.com, said, “We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone for Trip.com as we continue journeying with our valued customers. As a sign of our continued commitment and gratitude to our loyal members, we hope these exciting new benefits and features add greater value to our customers, ultimately enhancing convenience and ensuring a safe, seamless and rewarding travel experience with Trip.com.”
    Enhanced Loyalty Program: Membership Tiers
    Customers can sign up for free to become a Silver member to earn rewards and enjoy discounts on bookings. Membership tier upgrades are determined by the number of valid bookings made within twelve months. Members who attain an upgrade by completing a certain number of bookings will have their new membership tier extended by one year from the date of their membership upgrade. Trip.com will reset membership tiers according to the member’s most recent settlement date.
    New Services and PerksADVERTISEMENTTrip Coins already allow Trip.com members to enjoy many rewards and savings. This year, Trip.com will be rolling out new services for members to further support its ongoing commitment to excellent customer service, and mission to become a true travel companion for its global customer base.
    For all member tiers, a new Emergency Assistance will be introduced that offers customers comprehensive help services ranging from medical support to translation assistance, child repatriation, and assistance with missing baggage. This service is available in all English-language regions.
    Platinum and Diamond members can enjoy an exclusive Priority Assistance for Calls & Chats service for high-priority and fast access to a live Trip.com agent; a VIP Customer Specialists service for access to prompt and specialised assistance that has all of customer’s travel details; and a Free Airport VIP Lounge Access (once per calendar year for Platinum members, twice per calendar year for Diamond members). The VIP Service is available for the following countries and regions: Australia, Great Britain, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Spain, Denmark, Italy.
    Gold, Platinum, and Diamond tier members can now enjoy a full waiver of the train handling fee, using the No Refund Handling Fee for Trains feature (once, twice, and four times per calendar year, respectively).
    Commitment to Enhancing Customer Experiences
    Trip.com continues to ensure world-class customer service, encapsulated in its all-in-one app offerings. Not only limited to flights, accommodations, attractions and car rentals, the global travel platform reiterates its commitment to customers through TripGenie – an advanced AI travel assistant designed to revolutionise travel planning and booking; the Trip Moments Community – a vibrant, travel-related social media experience that connects travellers globally; and Trip.com’s unrivalled Customer Service team, who ensure smooth customer experiences with prompt service. With this upgraded loyalty program, Trip.com aims to be the trusted travel companion for global travellers.
    Download the Trip.com app now, and start exploring, befitting, and experiencing our enhanced loyalty program today.

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    Luxury Resort Residential Apes Hill Barbados Garners Four Category Wins at World Golf Awards More

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    Luxury Resort Residential Apes Hill Barbados Garners Four Category Wins at World Golf Awards

    Apes Hill Barbados shined at the World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi, with the Caribbean resort-residential community winning four categories, including ‘World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue’, ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’, and World’s Best new golf course in both Barbados and the Caribbean.The 10th World Golf Awards was hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. The ceremony, which rewards excellence in the golf tourism market, brought together industry leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania.
    “We are deeply pleased to see our sustainability work recognized, while our relatively new real estate offering being named the ‘best in golf’ so early into the project confirms the unique, special community we’re building,” said Sunil Chatrani, Executive Chairman, Apes Hill Barbados. “We set out to create one of the best experiences in golf. Recognition as the best course in both Barbados and the Caribbean, means a great deal as we strive to establish one of the region’s leading destinations.”
    At 1000ft above sea level, Apes Hill Barbados is the most elevated golf resort and community in Barbados, spanning 475 acres made up of lush tropical vegetation, indigenous gullies and rare panoramic ocean views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
    Set within the undulating topography of the Central Highlands, and hugging the geologically unique Scotland District, it is home to an 18-hole, par-72 Championship golf course which is complemented by state-of-the-art golf amenities featuring the latest technology, a short course under development, and a 19th hole.
    With its laid back, luxury lifestyle, sustainability lives at its core and permeates through the entire resort and community. The stunning collection of residences, which blend seamlessly with the environment, highlight that nature, innovation and technology reign supreme across the lush landscape.ADVERTISEMENTSleek and modern residences can be found ranging from three-bedroom courtyard villas to four-bedroom hilltop residences and golf course homes featuring a bespoke design service. It is a place of prestige without pretense, set in one of the most unique high points to be found. Apes Hill Barbados delivers an unmatched adventure for the entire family and is a natural setting for an ultra-luxurious golf resort and community.

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    EXPEDIA NAMED OFFICIAL TRAVEL PARTNER OF THE 2024 NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

    Expedia® and Jazz Fest announced today Expedia is the Official Travel Partner for the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which takes place at New Orleans’ historic Fair Grounds Race Course over eight days in April and May 2024. To make it easier for travelers to plan their trips, Expedia launched the new Jazz Fest travel hub which features city guides, travel resources and exclusive offers for One Key™ members such as hotel discounts and access to giveaways and VIP experiences.“Thousands of people travel to Jazz Fest every spring because they know nothing beats New Orleans when it comes to music, food and soul,” says Michele Rousseau, senior vice president, Global Brands at Expedia Group. “By working with Jazz Fest, Expedia gets to help ensure Jazz Fest fans get the absolute most out of their trips, whether that’s great hotel rates and discounts, or exclusive member experiences at the Festival itself.”
    Quint Davis, producer/director of Jazz Fest, says, “This new partnership with Expedia means that Jazz Fest fans from around the world now have the most efficient way imaginable to plan their trips to New Orleans. Wherever you’re coming from, the road to the Festival and to the grooviest and tastiest city on the planet is smoother than ever before. Welcome to Jazz Fest, Expedia!”
    Follow Expedia on Instagram and visit the Jazz Fest travel hub for more updates in the coming weeks, including chances to win tickets to the 2024 Festival.
    In the meantime, check out these must-do activities and attractions sourced from Expedia’s local travel experts.
    Live Music & EntertainmentADVERTISEMENTThe city’s usual venues are teeming with talent any day of the year, and that goes for during Jazz Fest, too. Local favorites include Toulouse Theater, Vaughan’s Lounge, Maple Leaf Bar, Tipitina’s, Spotted Cat and Saturn Bar.
    Activities & Attractions
    Take the St. Charles Streetcar to travel down famous places like St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street. Visit the Sazerac House, a museum of cocktails where the tours are free and so are the sips. See the local wildlife with a Honey Island Swamp Tour or visit the Audubon Aquarium and Zoo.
    Food
    From Parkway Poorboys in Mid-City to the French Quarter’s Sylvain or Mosquito Supper Club in the Garden District, there’s a lot to choose from, no matter where you’re staying. Make a reservation well in advance since tables tend to fill up fast during Jazz Fest.
    For more inspiration, start a chat with Expedia’s in-app travel assistant powered by ChatGPT. Try a prompt like, “Where should I stay for Jazz Fest?” or “top things to do in New Orleans.” Become a One Key™ member to start enjoying member perks and savings in the leadup to the festival.
    Use our mobile app or visit www.expedia.com to plan your journey with us.

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    Aruba Invites Travelers to Take Home a Permanent Reminder of their Time on Island

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    Aruba Invites Travelers to Take Home a Permanent Reminder of their Time on Island

    The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) has announced the introduction of the “Tattoovenir,” the first-ever souvenir that truly stays with you. The One happy island is offering visitors the chance to get a free Aruba-themed tattoo from a local artist, as a permanent reminder of the One happy island.“When our visitors leave, they take some of the island’s abundant happiness with them,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “What better way to celebrate this lasting feeling than to give away permanent souvenirs from our talented local tattoo artists. Because Aruba stays with you, long after you leave.”
    Starting today, eligible visitors can register for the opportunity to receive a free Aruba-themed tattoo during their trip from one of the five participating local Aruban tattoo shops by visiting aruba.com/tattoovenirs and claiming a Tattoovenir voucher while supplies last. Pending verification of their eligibility, participants can redeem their Tattoovenir at the participating shop of their choice between January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.
    Participating Tattoo Shops Include:
    Black Sheep Body ArtsLocated ideally in the heart of Oranjestad, Black Sheep Body Arts features a team of award winning tattoo artists that specialize in custom, fine line, bright color, and black and grey realism tattoosCadushi Ink TattoosA trend setter in the Aruban tattoo industry, the eclectic Cadushi Ink Tattoo shop has years of experience perfecting a variety of styles from minimalistic to to neotraditional, geometric, realistic, and freestyle.Inkspiration Tattoo StudioOperating just off the shoreline in Palm Beach, Inksiration tattoo is home to a team of versatile artists with experience working with fineline, black & grey, color and custom tattoos.Aruba Tattoo/Aruba Tattoo and PiercingJust minutes from Eagle Beach, Aruba Tattoo and Piercing features a dedicated team of artists that are constantly studying new techniques to evolve their work and perfect their craft, with a specialty in realism composition tattoos in black and grey.Art 4 Life TattooAt Art 4 Life Tattoo, conveniently situated amongst the high rise hotels of Plam Beach, visitors will find a staff of skilled tattoo artists who pride thesleves on crafting one-of-a-kind personalized tattoos and creating unforgettable experiences.To learn more about the Aruba Effect and all that the One happy island has to offer, visit Aruba.com and follow us on social @ArubaTourism. The Aruba Tourism Authority encourages visitors to show how Aruba has stayed with them by sharing their Aruba-inspired ink on social media and using the hashtag #Tattoovenir.

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    Eight locations across the globe are named Wildlife Heritage Areas

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    Eight locations across the globe are named Wildlife Heritage Areas

    World Animal Protection and World Cetacean Alliance have launched a new global program, working in coalition with responsible travel businesses and wildlife charities, to forever change the way people view and understand wildlife.
    As more people become aware that zoos and aquariums exploit animals for entertainment, Wildlife Heritage Areas will meet an increasing demand from tourists to ethically see wild animals in the wild.
    “World Animal Protection and our partners are breaking new ground in the world of responsible and sustainable tourism,” says Cameron Harsh, US director of programs for World Animal Protection. “Now, travelers will be able to discover amazing destinations—whether near their own homes or abroad—where they can trust that the local communities and the incredible tourism experiences, they have created are meaningfully protecting wild animals and their homes.”
    One newly designated Wildlife Heritage area, the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA), is located in the United States, less than a hundred miles outside Los Angeles. The Santa Barbara Channel, renowned for its rich biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem, has long been a haven for over 25 different species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. More than 15,000 Pacific gray whales migrate through the channel each year on their way to their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico in the winter and their feeding grounds in the Arctic in the summer.
    “Animals have the power to touch our hearts, inspire our minds, and deepen our connection to the natural world. By appreciating and protecting these magnificent cetaceans in their natural habitat, our hope is we not only enhance their lives but also cultivate an opportunity for tourists to understand and witness their responsibility towards keeping animals in the wild,” said Holly Lohuis, co-director of SBCWHA and local naturalist and marine educator with Island Packers, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Ocean Futures Society.ADVERTISEMENTAdditional Wildlife Heritage areas have been launched in Peru/Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Australia, Portugal, and South Africa.
    Wildlife Heritage Areas provide a clear solution for eliminating the exploitation of animals by the modern tourism sector. It is long past time to end all attractions that force animals to suffer by allowing them to be ridden, touched, or posed for selfies, and to recognize that all wild animals have a right to a wild life.

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    THE GLOBAL EDUCATION FORUM PUTS A SPOTLIGHT ON THE FUTURE OF TOURISM

    A priority for global tourismAccording to data analysed by UNWTO, the majority of the global tourism workforce are young people, many of them without further training or qualifications. At the same time, existing tourism education centres and programmes prioritise hospitality, with UNWTO aiming to fill the gaps and deliver courses and other trainings to allow students to gain knowledge of every part of the diverse sector. Opening the Forum, UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona made clear the opportunities and challenges: Tourism is the top employer of youth: over 50% of its workers aged 25 years old or less1 , while around 882,000 tourism jobs2 per year will require vocational training by 2030.
    Ministers of Tourism from Andorra, Bahrain, Guatemala, the Philippines and Zambia brought their expert insights to a high-level Debate on Policies to Foster Innovation & Education for Current and Future Generations. Challenges highlighted included the high turnover of tourism staff in comparison to other economic sectors and the lack of tourism as a subject in schools in most education systems. The discussion explored opportunities for shaping new policies, effective instruments, and global partnerships to support inclusive and sustainable tourism development while addressing the skill gap and creating value-added jobs.
    UNWTO presents the Education Toolkit for the incorporation of tourism as a subject in high schoolsWithin the Education Forum, UNWTO presented the Education Toolkit, a guide of recommendations for helping all actors involved on education in the introduction of tourism as a subject of the secondary school curricula with the ultimate goal of attracting and cultivating the right talent for the tourism sector.
    The UNWTO Education Toolkit offers an overview of the current status of high schools and vocational education training worldwide, it also gives recommendations derived from the contributions of UNWTO member states, non-member states and academic partners and it also presents successful case studies of integrating tourism education and training in public and private schools. In addition, it includes a comprehensive overview of the benefits, with specialized curricula provided by UNWTO’s academic partners: the Cambridge Assessment International Education, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
    Also at the Forum, participants were given an overview of the recently inaugurated Tourism Academy in Samarkand in collaboration with UNWTO, a key outcome of the country’s strong partnership with UNWTO.ADVERTISEMENTUNWTO – HSLU Bachelor of Science in International Sustainable TourismDuring Bayona’s keynote speech, she also presented the flexible three-year BSc in International Sustainable Tourism that UNWTO and the Swiss public university of Lucerne for Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) have developed to empower the future-oriented transformation of the entire tourism sector. This unique initiative will be the first time that UNWTO has been actively involved in an undergraduate programme, with modules that include a variety of UN-related topics, such as UN Diplomacy & Tourism and Global UNWTO Missions & Initiatives, and deliberately embeds the UN’s values and global goals throughout the courses. The first cohort of the programme will commence in fall 2024 with a first year in Madrid, followed by a remote year and a third last year in Switzerland.
    Ulysses Prize for Tourism EducationIn a fitting culmination to the Global Education Forum, Dr. Bao Jigang was honoured with the prestigious Ulysses Prize, a testament to his remarkable contributions to the field of tourism. Awarded as the 16th laureate of this esteemed accolade bestowed by UNWTO for outstanding achievements in the creation and dissemination of knowledge within the realm of tourism, Dr. Bao’s illustrious career stands as a shining example of his invaluable impact. Throughout his distinguished academic journey, he has played a pivotal role in catalysing the growth of domestic tourism, in his homely of the People´s Republic of China, elevating its scale and significance as a premier global tourism destination.

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    ANGUILLA TOURIST BOARD APPOINTS MS. KIMBERLY KING AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

    The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Kimberly King to the position of Chief Marketing Officer.Ms. King is an accomplished tourism marketing professional with a strong record of achievement in both the public and private sectors,” stated Mr. Kenroy Herbert, Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board. “She has an innate understanding of the challenges facing the Caribbean region, particularly for small destinations like Anguilla. She has successfully tackled these issues with innovative and creative strategies and programs, and we are confident that the expertise she brings to the Tourist Board will enhance our presence and advance our initiatives in all major source markets.”
    As Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. King will be responsible for the development, execution, and continuous review of all marketing programs of the Anguilla Tourist Board.
    “I am delighted and honored to join the Anguilla Tourist Board, and I deeply appreciate the vote of confidence from the Board in offering me this wonderful opportunity,” said Ms. King.  “Anguilla is an amazing destination with tremendous potential and a unique story to tell.  I look forward to working closely with the talented team at the ATB to elevate the Anguilla brand and position the island as the premier Caribbean destination for discerning leisure and business travelers.”
    Prior to joining the Anguilla Tourist Board Ms. King served as the Destination Marketing Manager for the Discover Dominica Authority, where she successfully developed and implemented the marketing strategy for the Dominica destination brand. Under her tenure overall brand awareness, destination arrivals, and occupancy levels increased significantly. She pioneered select digital marketing strategies which resulted in more dynamic content for event marketing, and introduced a pillar strategy, which, among other factors, resulted in Dominica being named the #1 island in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2022.
    Her private sector experience includes executive positions with leading hotel chains Blue Diamond Resorts, as Sales and Accounts Manager for the Eastern Caribbean, and Rex Resorts, as Regional Sales Manager.  Ms. King began her tourism career at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, where she served in a variety of capacities, rising to the position of Events Sales Manager.ADVERTISEMENTMs. King holds a Masters Degree in Marketing Management from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. She earned her undergraduate degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, where she was awarded Most Outstanding Tourism Student by the Ministry of Tourism.
    For information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; YouTube; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

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