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    ITB Berlin Convention 2024: Trends, Best-Practices and Top Innovations at first hand

    Global tourism is facing extensive tasks and challenges. Whether it’s a shortage of skilled workers, climate justice or the impact of artificial intelligence – at the ITB Berlin Convention 2024, 400 top speakers from international companies such as Booking, Google, Microsoft and Airbnb will discuss new strategies for a travel industry in transition in more than 200 sessions.Countdown to the world’s leading industry think tank: In the first week of March, the Berlin exhibition grounds will once again become the most important meeting place for the travel industry. From March 5 to 7, the ITB Berlin Convention 2024 will bring together numerous international experts under the motto „Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together“ on four live stages as part of 17 themed tracks during ITB Berlin, providing an exciting exchange of ideas. The challenges of advancing digitalization and the increasing application possibilities of artificial intelligence are just two of the many topics that can be expected to generate intensive debates at the convention. Convention participation is included in the trade visitor, exhibitor and press ticket for ITB Berlin.
    Representatives of leading international companies promise top news at first hand: Current challenges facing the airline and cruise industry are the topic of the Carrier & Cruise Track, during which leading industry experts will take a look at global market trends as well as technological and legal challenges on March 5. Top speakers such as Nadia Azale (NDC Change Management Director, AirFrance-KLM Group), Michele Francioni (Chief Energy Transition Officer, MSC Cruises S.A.) and Chris Ramm (Vice President Global Enterprise Airline Partners, Travelport) will discuss industry-relevant developments and present best cases.
    Glenn Fogel (CEO, Booking Holdings) will speak about future prospects and technology in tourism under the title “Leadership, Innovation and the Future of Travel” as part of the Future Track. Another highlight will be “Engineering the Future: How GenAI and Microsoft Copilot bring a new Intelligence to Travel” with Karim Bagga (Engineering Group Manager, Travel & AI Microsoft), who will discuss the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence. Stefan Ebener (Head of Customer Engineering, Google) will also take a look at the mega topic of artificial intelligence in his presentation “How GenAI is changing the Digital World – From Future Tech to Daily Business”. Under the title “How Airbnb is unlocking new Opportunities for Growth”, Dave Stephenson (Chief Business Officer, Airbnb) will explain the booking platform’s current plans.
    The responsibility of tourism for biodiversity and climate justice will be the focus of the Responsible Tourism Track on March 7, which will use current practical examples to demonstrate sustainable solutions. The top speakers include Bruno Oberle (President World Resources Forum Association and Former Director General International Union for Conservation of Nature), Külli Kraner (Head of Tourism, Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications) and Ingo Burmester (CEO, DER Touristik), who will present “Pioneering the Transition towards Net Zero: Climate Footprints Unveiled” initiatives for more climate justice.
    Sponsors of the ITB Berlin Convention 2024ADVERTISEMENTThe World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) is co-host of the ITB Convention 2024. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is track sponsor of the Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track on the Blue Stage. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is a partner of the Responsible Tourism Track on the Orange Stage). Global Travel Tech is track sponsor of the eTravel Track on the eTravel Stage. Google is Track Sponsor of the Marketing & Distribution Track on the Orange Stage. Lonely Planet is track sponsor of the Future Track on the Orange Stage. Studiosus Reisen München is session sponsor of the Responsible Tourism Track on the Orange Stage. TikTok is Session Sponsor of the Marketing &Distribution Track on the Orange Stage.
    ITB 360°: Year-round content and insights into the tourism industry
    ITB Berlin offers the global tourism community valuable thematic content all year round in the form of newsroom articles, podcast episodes and other innovative formats. With ITB 360°, each month is dedicated to a different hot topic. More insights at:itb.com/360

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    Emirates Takes Flight at ITB Berlin: Showcasing Innovation and Commitment to Europe

    Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will return to ITB Berlin from 5 until 7 March in a major way, showcasing its latest signature products and reaffirming the airline’s longstanding commitment to Europe’s leading travel and trade show.
    Emirates is gearing up for three action-packed days at ITB Berlin with plans to launch new partnerships and expand existing collaborations with local and regional travel partners – including air carriers to enhance connectivity for travellers headed to/from major European travel hubs; and strategic partnerships with travel and tourism entities to promote travel to and from Europe via joint marketing and other trade initiatives.
    Visitors to the Emirates stand will have the opportunity to experience Emirates’ latest roster of innovative products and fan-favourites including the highly popular Emirates Premium Economy seat which will be showcased in Germany for the first time. Unveiled at the 2022 Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Emirates’ Premium Economy product has so far won multiple awards and is available on 27 A380 aircraft flying to 15 destinations including New York JFK, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, London Heathrow, Sydney, Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Singapore, Tokyo, Mumbai, Bangalore, Sao Paulo and Dubai.
    Also debuting for the first time at ITB Berlin is Emirates’ iconic Boeing 777-300ER game-changer First Class fully enclosed private suite. With the full range of onboard products on display, visitors can experience Emirates’ Boeing 777 Business Class seat, the newest generation of the A380 Onboard Lounge and First Class Shower Spa, as well as its generously pitched Economy Class seats.
    Emirates will also dedicate an area to showcase its latest sustainability initiatives, including onboard items that incorporate responsibly-sourced materials, and items from ‘Air-crafted by Emirates’ – a unique collection of luggage, bags and accessories made from upcycled materials from retrofitted A380 aircraft. The airline’s sustainability efforts focus on three areas: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly, and protecting biodiversity and habitats.ADVERTISEMENTThe Emirates stand will also include four meeting spaces and can accommodate up to 200 visitors at any point in time.
    Emirates and Europe
    Emirates began air transport services to Europe in 1987 and has since grown its operations in line with demand to and from both major and secondary cities across Europe. The airline has played a vital role supporting the tourism flows, economic development, and job opportunities in the markets where it operates. Emirates’ footprint in Europe spans 39 destinations in 22 countries, as well as an additional 403 points beyond its own network through codeshare, intermodal and interline arrangements with 51 partners. Emirates aims to further expand its connectivity for travellers between Europe and the rest of the world on the back of ITB Berlin and in partnership with regional tourism bodies.
    Over the past year, Emirates has carried more than 17.2 million passengers between Dubai and all of its European gateways, facilitating convenient and seamless air connectivity for customers to and from its Dubai hub, as well as beyond Dubai to more destinations in its global network.
    ITB Berlin represents Emirates’ largest trade-fair presence outside its home market. The new 480 square metres, double-storey Emirates stand will make its world debut at ITB Berlin 2024 and is located in Hall 2.2, stand number 101.

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    Choice Privileges Named Among America’s Best Loyalty Programs for Fourth Consecutive Year

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    Choice Privileges Named Among America’s Best Loyalty Programs for Fourth Consecutive Year

    Choice Privileges, the award-winning rewards program of Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), has been named one of America’s Best Loyalty Programs 2024 by Newsweek and Statista. This is the fourth year in a row that Choice Privileges has been recognized on this list that assesses rewards programs on six criteria: ease and enjoyment; benefit; overall satisfaction; customer support; trust; and recommendation.
    The 2024 study, by Newsweek and Statista, centered around the results of an independent survey of more than 4,000 US customers who are members of loyalty programs across 41 categories of US retailer and service provider segments. In total, over 17,900 evaluations were analyzed, which resulted in the ranking of 266 winning programs.
    Over the last year, as part of a continued reinvigoration of the program after the integration with Radisson Rewards Americas, Choice Privileges has expanded rewards and opportunities for guests including:
    Launching two co-brand credit cards – the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard and Choice Privileges Mastercard – to offer travelers more ways to accelerate the amount of Choice Privileges points they earn while staying at participating Choice Hotels and on everyday spending like gas, groceries and home goods.Expanding Choice Privileges Experiences that members can redeem points for with the additions of NASCAR races, and more college football, basketball, baseball and hockey experiences.Diversifying the types of hotels Choice Privileges members can earn and/or redeem points with including Preferred Hotels & Resorts; PENN Casinos & Resorts; BlueGreen Vacations.Offering complimentary breakfast for Diamond status members at Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, and Park Plaza hotels.Choice Privileges members can earn points by staying at over 7,000 Choice-branded hotels across a diverse portfolio of brands in 46 countries and territories. Choice’s family of brands range from upper upscale and upscale, full service, boutique and resort-like hotels including Radisson Blu, Radisson, Cambria Hotels and the Ascend Hotel Collection, to midscale, economy and extended Stay hotels including Country Inn & Suites, Comfort, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn, Econo Lodge, Everhome and Mainstay Suites.
    For more information or to enroll in Choice Privileges, visit www.choicehotels.com/choice-privileges.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Revitalization in Melbourne Docklands: TFE Hotels to Operate Vibe Hotel Amidst Area Renaissance

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    Ryanair Ensures Transparent Pricing for On the Beach Customers in New Partnership

    Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, announced its 4th OTA partnership with leading OTA, On the Beach, who will now be authorised to offer Ryanair flights, seats, and bags to their customers at Ryanair’s low prices as part of their holiday packages. This deal guarantees that On the Beach customers will not be overcharged for Ryanair flights and services and will have direct access to their myRyanair account.
    This partnership also guarantees that Ryanair flight information will be provided directly to each customer’s email address, including pre-departure info on Ryanair T&Cs and info in the case of flight disruption. Under this new agreement, On the Beach agrees that it will only display Ryanair’s real prices, without mark-ups and will only pass all relevant customer contact and payment details to Ryanair. This means On the Beach customers will not need to complete Ryanair’s customer verification process which unauthorised OTA Pirates customers must continue to do.
    This is great news for On the Beach customers who will now be able to book Ryanair’s low fares as part of their On the Beach package with full price transparency, while still benefiting from On the Beach’s flexible payment plans, customer perks (including free lounge and fast track), and ATOL protection.
    Ryanair has long campaigned for all consumers to be protected from OTA Pirate scams, including overcharges, hidden mark-ups, and providing fake customer contact and payment info. As a verified partner of Ryanair, On the Beach customers can book their package holiday with a Ryanair flight with full price transparency safe in the knowledge that they will not be overcharged for their flights or ancillaries.
    Ryanair’s Dara Brady said:ADVERTISEMENT“Ryanair is pleased to announce our latest partnership with leading OTA, On the Beach. This new deal will see Ryanair partner with its fourth approved OTA partner – the second OTA we have partnered with this month.
    On the Beach customers can now book Ryanair flights, seats, and bags as part of their holiday package with the guarantee that they will have full price transparency of Ryanair products (without any overcharges or hidden mark-ups), and that they will receive any information regarding their flight directly from Ryanair as well as having direct access to their booking through their myRyanair account.
    Shaun Morton, CEO of On the Beach Group plc said:
    “We are excited to have entered into this transformational partnership with Ryanair. This will improve the booking and travel experience for our customers selecting Ryanair flights, while ensuring we can continue to provide customers with best value package holidays. We will continue our campaign to safeguard consumer choice in the travel sector and the signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in On the Beach’s journey, as we strive to do the best for our customers. Importantly, this agreement enables both parties to move on from outstanding litigation and we look forward to working closely with our new partner.”

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    Emirates Skywards and Visa Forge Exclusive Partnership to Enhance Travel Rewards

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    The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali: Celebrating Timeless Love Stories

    In the enchanting world of Mulia Bali, a decade-long love story quietly unfolds, reaffirming its status as a sanctuary for the celebration of timeless love. The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali, nestled against the azure expanse of the Indian Ocean, has, with grace and humility, become synonymous with exclusive weddings, embodying opulence and romance.As if embraced by the rhythmic whispers of the Indian Ocean, Mulia Bali has evolved into an understated haven for those seeking a refined celebration of union. This distinguished haven delicately unveils itself as the preferred choice for discerning couples who, with a humble yearning for extravagance, seek an elegant setting to exchange those timeless words, “I do.”
    A Symphony of Possibilities
    Mulia Bali offers an array of captivating venues, providing couples with a harmonious selection for their nuptials. Pristine beaches, lush gardens, and opulent ballrooms serve as the picturesque canvases on which dreams are artfully brought to life. Whether within the ethereal glass chapels of Eternity and Harmony or against the backdrop of classic garden or beach settings, Mulia Bali offers a diverse spectrum of possibilities. Over the illustrious ten years in the industry, the award-winning resort has hosted grand receptions, with over 1,000 distinguished guests from around the world, in the magnificent ballrooms.

    A Tapestry Woven with EleganceADVERTISEMENTThe threads of Mulia Bali’s reputation are intricately woven into the fabric of unforgettable moments, gracefully blending into the tapestry of the world’s most luxurious weddings. It draws inspiration from iconic celebrations, such as the 2019 spectacle that transcended a mere wedding, transforming into a real-life portrayal of a blockbuster. Love unfolded amidst out-of-this-world decor, personalized amenities, and designer gowns from fashion capitals worldwide, creating ripples in high society and luxury circles.

    Crafting Dreams with Precision
    Mulia Bali’s acclaim rests not only on grandeur but also on meticulous commitment to detail. A dedicated team of wedding artisans collaborates with couples and esteemed organizers to sculpt bespoke, million-dollar weddings. Elaborate floral arrangements boasting imported blooms, gourmet feasts orchestrated by a Michelin-star chef, and world-class entertainment featuring international luminaries like John Legend, Leona Lewis, Il Divo, and Adam Lambert—each element meticulously harmonized to exceed the wildest dreams.

    Whispers of Global Acclaim
    The tale of Mulia Bali resonates globally, echoed in the whispers of prestigious publications and the choices of elite couples worldwide. The resort’s pursuit of excellence continually redefines luxury weddings, making it a cherished sanctuary for those who seek not just a celebration but an experience beyond compare. Among these noteworthy celebrations is the matrimonial union of Ken Chu, a distinguished member of Taiwan’s F4 sensation.

    Elevating Timeless Love Stories
    Mulia Dream Weddings is delighted to introduce an exclusive, limited-time offer that infuses an extra layer of enchantment into the love stories of soon-to-be-wed couples. Couples who confirm their wedding at Mulia Bali before July 2024 will be gifted a 3-night honeymoon escape at The Mulia, renowned for its iconic Balinese pools, or the luxurious Mulia Villas, featuring a private pool and dedicated butler service. This captivating retreat can be enjoyed within one year of the couple’s wedding date at Mulia Bali, providing a perfect opportunity to craft unforgettable memories.

    An Oasis of Opulence
    Within this haven of grace, Mulia Bali extends unparalleled amenities—a sanctuary of bridal suites, private villas, and versatile venues accommodating weddings of any magnitude. A world-class spa, nine gourmet dining options, and access to one of the island’s most pristine beaches envelop guests in a cocoon of luxury. Excellence is not an aspiration; it is the very essence of every celebration, making each wedding a testament to the epitome of opulence.

    For those aspiring to weave their love story into the intricate tapestry of Mulia Bali, we invite you to explore more at www.themulia.com/bali or reach out to [email protected].

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    Langham Hospitality Group Launches Brilliant by Langham

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    52% of hotels in Portugal have a sustainability certification

    During the tourism show Bolsa Turismo Lisboa (BTL) held in Portugal this week, Mabrian Technologies, a company specializing in Tourism Intelligence services for destinations and companies, has conducted an analysis of the level of involvement of hotel accommodations in Portugal regarding sustainability practices.Sustainability is one of the main topics at BTL this year, so Mabrian wanted to provide updated information on the country’s overall situation in this aspect. They analysed a total of 2,485 hotels across the country listed on the main OTAs (Booking, Expedia, and TripAdvisor), classifying those with published sustainability certification levels. The classification they established is based on 5 levels: no certification, bronze, silver, gold, and external certification
    In general, 52% of hotels in Portugal show some level of sustainability certification, which is a significant percentage, higher than in other countries. Among those with certification, 58% have the bronze level, equivalent to the most basic awarded by OTAs, 31% have the intermediate or silver level, and 8% have the maximum or gold level granted by these online portals. It is noteworthy that only 3% of certified hotels publish a certificate from an external sustainability auditor, which would be the excellence level according to this analysis.
    When segmenting the analysis by hotel categories, Mabrian’s results show that, generally, the higher the hotel category, the greater the commitment to sustainability. 71% of 5-star hotels have some certification, while in 4-star hotels it is 61%, and in 3-star establishments it is 41%.

    The study was completed with a comparative analysis of the average daily rates of these hotels, to determine if there is any relationship between the levels of sustainability practices and the average prices of accommodations. The data reflect that hotels with some type of sustainability certification, regardless of category, offer, on average, prices 19% higher than those accommodations without any certification.ADVERTISEMENTCarlos Cendra, Marketing and Communication Director of Mabrian, comments: “The results of this preliminary analysis are very positive for Portugal. More than half of its hotel supply is already certified in sustainability at some level. The data also show that these hotels can offer higher rates, so accommodations that have not yet started their certification process may begin to consider it, as sustainability is profitable for the environment and also for hoteliers.”
    Related articles: Profitability of sustainable hotels in Spain: https://mabrian.com/blog/sustainable-hotels-earn-5-more/

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    GoNexus Group announces new leadership team structure for global expansion

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    GoNexus Group announces new leadership team structure for global expansion

    GoNexus Group, a leading experiences and mobility travel group, proudly unveiled its new leadership team following its 25th-anniversary celebration in Cancun last week.The announcement came on the heels of a transformative change in the company’s structure and brand identity, transitioning from NexusTours to GoNexus Group. As part of this the new structure includes three dynamic brands: Nexus Tours, Nexus Cube, and Nexus Lab.
    GoNexus Group, commemorating its quarter-century mark, unveiled a dynamic leadership team committed to driving innovation, excellence, and global expansion. This combination of talent and expertise is dedicated to propelling the company to new heights, emphasising people-centric strategies and cutting-edge technology to shape a future of extraordinary travel experiences in the dynamic landscape of the travel industry.
    As such the members of the new GoNexus Group Committee are as follows:
    Rubén Gutiérrez – President. As the President of GoNexus Group, Rubén Gutiérrez provides the vision for the company’s global expansion. His strategic guidance and commitment to innovation set the tone for GoNexus Group’s journey into the future.Nexus Lab:Luisa Oyarzabal – Vicepresident Business Strategy and Operation Transformation. Luisa assumes the role of Vice President for Business Strategy & Operation Transformation, contributing her strategic acumen to shape and optimise the operational landscape of GoNexus Group. Her focus on transformation aligns with the company’s commitment to staying ahead in the travel industry.Jesús Rocha – Vicepresident IT Strategy and Operations. Jesús, as the VicePresident of IT Strategy and Operations, leads the technological charge, ensuring that GoNexus Group remains at the forefront of innovation. Rocha’s vision is crucial in developing cutting-edge products and solutions that enhance the travel experience.
    Luisa and Jesus both serve as the leaders of the Nexus Lab, thus their contributions also encompass the advancement and progression of technological innovations that facilitate the collective growth of the group.ADVERTISEMENTNexus Cube:Roberto Bermúdez – Managing Director of Nexus Cube and Head of Juniper Experiences by NexusTours. Roberto assumes his position steering the development of specialised products and bespoke tech solutions for B2B clients. Bermúdez’s leadership ensures that NexusCube remains a gateway to tailored solutions.
    NexusTours:Dunesky Gonzalez – Regional Director, Caribbean. Dunesky takes the helm as the Regional Director for the Caribbean, bringing a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the region. With a focus on delivering exceptional experiences, Gonzalez is integral to expanding GoNexus Group’s footprint in the Caribbean.Diana Soto – Regional Director, LATAM. Diana, as the Regional Director for Latin America (LATAM), leverages her expertise to strengthen relationships and drive business growth in the LATAM region. Soto is instrumental in fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring a tailored approach to the diverse Latin American market.
    Dunesky and Diana share the responsibility of overseeing the overall operation of DMS NexusTours ensuring service delivery.
    Rubén Gutiérrez, President of GoNexus Group, remarked, “As we celebrate GoNexus Group’s 25th-anniversary milestone we are entering a period where travel transcends expectations. Our carefully chosen leadership team stands at the forefront of this change in our sector, embodying diversity and expertise: comprising visionaries for Nexus Tours, innovators for Nexus Lab, and solution architects for Nexus Cube. With each member contributing a unique perspective, our journey is propelled by the belief that technology enhances, but people define. GoNexus Group promises to pioneer innovation, foster connections, and create timeless travel memories that resonate globally.”

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    INVEST SAUDI GEARS UP FOR HIGH LEVEL DISCUSSIONS AND DEAL MAKING WITH ‘SAUDI TALKS’ AT MIPIM 2024

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    INVEST SAUDI GEARS UP FOR HIGH LEVEL DISCUSSIONS AND DEAL MAKING WITH ‘SAUDI TALKS’ AT MIPIM 2024

    Invest Saudi is gearing up for three days of high level discussions, networking, and deal making with Saudi Talks, a series of panel discussions and exclusive presentations from leading Saudi government and industry figures, at MIPIM 2024. Led by the Ministry of Investment, Saudi Talks brings together more than 20 high-level speakers for relating to Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented real estate growth, infrastructure expansion and investment opportunities. Speakers will be from the Ministry of Investment, NEOM, Diriyah, New Murabba, Riyadh region, Public Investment Fund (PIF), King Salman Park Foundation and Knight Frank.
    Saudi Arabia currently has more than US$1.8 trillion worth of developments under construction or in the pipeline, with demand for real estate in the Kingdom set to reach record levels as the country realizes Vision 2030. 
    Visit Invest Saudi at MIPIM to discover more about the Ministry of Culture, NEOM, THE LINE, Trojena, Roshn, New Murabba Development Company, Diriyah Company, King Salman Park, Ha’il Region Development Authority, Riyadh Region Municipality and AE7.
    Invest Saudi at MIPIM: pavilions C14b, C15a and C20 at MIPIM, 12-15 March 2024.

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