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    Hamad International Airport Reports Impressive 33.5% Increase in Passenger Traffic in H1 2023,

    Hamad International Airport (DOH) continues its impressive growth in passenger traffic as it records promising numbers in the first half of 2023. The award-winning airport has witnessed an influx of travelers flying to and from Doha with a recorded 33.5% increase in passenger traffic and 18.1% increase in aircraft movements from the same period last year.
    The airport saw a total of 20,775,087 passengers during the first half of 2023 – moving 10,315,695 passengers in the first quarter of the year and a further 10,459,392 in the second quarter. Aircraft movements during the first half of 2023 also increased compared to last year, with a total of 116,296 arriving and departing from the airport – 56,417 in the first quarter of 2023 and 59,879 in the second quarter.
    During the first half of 2023, Hamad International Airport handled 1,121,382 tonnes of cargo and moved 17,596,776 bags, including 11,376,483 transfer bags through its facility.
    The second quarter of 2023 saw the airport manage a 24% increase in passenger traffic from the same period last year, with 3,281,773 passengers in April, 3,440,047 in May and 3,737,572 in June. Aircraft movements also saw a steady increase, with 18,762 in April, 20,226 in May and 20,891 in June. In terms of total destinations during the second quarter of this year, the airport saw a total of 194 scheduled passenger and cargo destinations.
    Hamad International Airport’s commitment to investing in the latest technologies has allowed it to implement the advanced screening technology to reduce processing time and enhance security within the facility. The adoption of the latest screening equipment allows transferring passengers to keep their electronic devices, along with liquid containers in their hand luggage. During the second quarter of the current year, the average processing time for transferring passengers at security check points was 28 seconds per passengers.ADVERTISEMENTCommenting on a promising performance from the airport, Hamad International Airport’s Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammad Al Meer, said: “We are pleased to witness a surge in passenger traffic during the first half of this year. Our unwavering focus on enhancing our operations and investing in growth strategies has allowed us to augment our airport infrastructure and expand our product offerings. With these advancements, we aim to fortify our competitive position in the aviation industry and continue to exceed expectations.”
    Over the past year, Hamad International Airport has expanded its facilities, introduced new leisure offerings and adopted cutting edge technologies. Home to the recently opened Louis Vuitton Lounge, the first of its kind at an airport and offering a wide range of bespoke retail and dining options, the airport is committed to provide an exceptional travel experience to all its passengers. Furthermore, the ORCHARD, a tropical garden situated in the north portion of the airport and designed to invoke feelings of wellbeing and tranquility continues to inspire awe among travellers.
    Looking towards the future, phase B of the airport expansion is currently underway and once completed will increase the airport’s capacity to more than 70 million passengers annually. The expansion will ensure that Hamad International Airport retains its position as an industry leader, as passenger numbers in the Middle East are expected to double by 2040, according to the recently disclosed figures by IATA.
    As the gateway to the State of Qatar and the Middle East, the airport continues to solidify its position as the airport of choice among global travellers.

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    White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad Celebrates 125 Years

    This year, The White Pass & Yukon Route is celebrating 125 years of service in the North. The iconic railroad has resumed operations into the Yukon territory this summer for the first time since 2019.The service is departing from Skagway in Alaska once more and running excursions to Fraser Lake and Lake Bennett in British Columbia, before the journey ends in Carcross in the Yukon.
    Widely acclaimed as the most “Scenic Railway of the World’, the White Pass & Yukon Route was built in 1898 during the Klondike Gold Rush. The narrow-gauge railroad is an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, a designation shared with the Panama Canal, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty. Visitors will experience the breathtaking panorama of mountains, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites from the comfort of vintage rail cars.

    Carcross was originally called “Caribou Crossing” by the miners en route to find their fortunes in Gold Rush Town Dawson City, because of the large number of woodland caribou that migrated through the region. A friendly community within the Traditional Territory of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Carcross is surrounded by big skies, soaring mountains and emerald-coloured glacier-fed lakes. The little community is thriving with Indigenous art and culture and visitors can discover some of Carcross’s treasures including the only one-way street in the Yukon, the oldest hotel in the territory, the smallest desert in the world and the Yukon’s strongest bridge.
    Take me on the White Pass & Yukon Route RailroadADVERTISEMENTNorth America Travel Service offer a 4 day Discover Whitehorse & White Pass Yukon Railroad tour including 3 nights in Whitehorse and the White Pass rail excursion. discover-whitehorse-white-pass-yukon-railroad
    To book, visit www.northamericatravelservice.co.uk or call 0333 323 9099
    Canadian Sky offers an optional excursion to travel on the railroad on their 16 nights Glaciers and Gold Rush Bonanza tour from £4839pp based on two adults sharing. Price includes international return flights, a seven-night cruise on the Inside Passage, all accommodation and an experienced guide whilst on land. glaciers-gold-rush-bonanza-tour

    To book, visit www.canadiansky.co.uk or call 01342 395590

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    IMM to Feature The TravMedia Summit in 2024

    The travel industry’s leading media event returns to London’s QEII Centre on 19-20 February 2024 and, for the first time in the UK, will feature The TravMedia Summit.The dates for IMM 2024 were announced today by organisers TravMedia, with the show moving from its usual date in March to 19-20 February next year at the QEII Centre. The show will open with The TravMedia Summit, a morning of panel discussions and keynote sessions for all exhibitors to attend.
    Last year’s IMM drew a record-breaking attendance of over 500 PR professionals, journalists, and influencers, who held more than 10,000 pre-scheduled meetings. Journalists checking in to last year’s show represented media titles including The Times, The Telegraph, The Sun, The i, Daily Mail, National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust, JRNY, CNN Travel, France Magazine, Condé Nast Traveller, Cruise Adviser, loveEXPLORING, TTG, OutThere, Good Housekeeping, and Bella magazine.
    Now in its 12th year, IMM is established as the must-attend annual event for travel and tourism brands to make media connections, nurture established relationships, and catch up with industry friends. TravMedia has announced that the first 50 exhibitor bookings will be available at special earlybird prices, with savings of up to £630 on offer (based on a stand with two delegates).
    Exhibitors can book today at the show’s site (www.travmedia.com/immuk).
    Louise Napier, TravMedia UK’s recently appointed new Managing Director, said: “We’re super excited to be launching what we anticipate will be another sell-out event. In response to delegate feedback, we’re thrilled to be introducing new developments, in particular, the launch in the UK of The TravMedia Summit – a whole morning dedicated to panel discussions and keynote sessions by key editors and PR thought-leaders for all PRs and invited media to attend. This year tackles head-on the vital topic of Sustainability and the Future of Travel.”ADVERTISEMENTIMM 2024 will provide exhibitors with an exponential return on investment from two highly productive days of activity. Timed, pre-scheduled 15-minute meetings between exhibitors and journalists remain the cornerstone of the event. Alongside breakfasts and lunches, and socialising at the IMM evening drinks party at the end of day one, the event will introduce further breaks between meetings – providing more focus in the meetings and further informal networking.
    Exhibitor highlights in 2023 included major delegations from France, Australia, USA, and Canada. The event enjoyed headline sponsorship from Australia. IMM 2023’s other sponsors were the Israel Tourist Office, FlightCentre, Azerbaijan Tourism Board, Pure Michigan & Visit Detroit, Princess Cruises, and VisitEngland.
    Brands interested in taking sponsorship at IMM 2024, including new opportunities at The TravMedia Summit, can find more information at www.travmedia.com/immuk/sponsor.html or contact Louise Napier directly at [email protected]
    TravMedia UK created and launched the IMM concept in 2013. The event has evolved globally to become the world’s leading show connecting the travel industry with the media. IMM is operated by TravMedia, the global network connecting the travel industry with the media and content creators.

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    Dubai Tourism confirms emirate is now ahead of record 2019 figures

    Dubai is officially ahead of its 2019 tourism levels, which was a record-breaking year for the emirate. Dubai Tourism’s May 2023 data recorded 7.39 million international visits YTD, slightly higher than May 2019’s 7.16 million.It is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.
    The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.
    It is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.
    The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.
    ADVERTISEMENTIt is hoped by the Dubai government that the city will beat its FY 2019 numbers by the end of 2023.
    The majority of Dubai’s top 20 source markets are all ahead of May 2019 levels too. India accounted for 1.038 million visitors up to May 2023 compared to 846,000 in May 2019.
    During this year’s City Briefing, Issam Kazim told the emirate’s hospitality leaders he wants to convert holiday-makers into residents.

    Kazim said: “Today we have two new KPIs. We want to make sure Dubai continues to be one of the best cities to work in, and more importantly, one of the best cities in the world to live in.”
    Source: Hotelier Middle East

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    Chris Thompson Announces Retirement as President and CEO of Brand USA

    Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, announces the impending retirement of Chris Thompson as President and CEO, effective May 31, 2024.After a successful tenure of leading the organization, Thompson has decided to step down and pursue life beyond work.
    During his time as President and CEO, Thompson has played a pivotal role in promoting the United States as a premier travel destination. Under his leadership, Brand USA has achieved remarkable milestones, including increased international visitation, and enhanced global awareness of the diverse offerings across the country.
    Thompson’s strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving Brand USA’s success. His dedication to fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and international organizations has strengthened the organization’s position as a global leader in destination marketing.
    “It has been an incredible privilege to serve as President and CEO of Brand USA,” said Thompson. “I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished together, and I am confident that the organization will continue to thrive under new leadership.”
    The Brand USA Board of Directors expressed their gratitude to Thompson for his exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the organization. “Under Chris’s strategic guidance, the Brand USA team has kept the USA the preferred travel destination in the world”, stated Todd Davidson, Chair of the Brand USA Board and CEO of Travel Oregon. “Chris’s integrity, tenacity, passion and belief in the power of the travel and tourism industry to bring prosperity to all Americans, fueled the advancement of the US travel and tourism industry and established an organizational foundation of innovation, resiliency and future-focused confidence. We all wish him the very best in his retirement.”ADVERTISEMENTThe search for a new President and CEO is commencing, and Brand USA is committed to finding a successor who will build upon Thompson’s legacy and continue to drive the organization forward. The Board of Directors will work closely with an executive search firm to identify a candidate with the necessary expertise, vision, and passion for promoting the United States as a global travel destination.

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    THE RITZ-CARLTON, AMMAN COMMEMORATES ITS FIRST YEAR IN JORDAN

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    GOLF IN SAINT LUCIA – SANDALS STYLE

    Guests staying at any one of Sandals three resorts in St. Lucia can enjoy a Sandals golf course perfect for play at any skill-level. The all-remastered 18-hole, par 71 Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap Estate boasts a Greg Norman-designed championship caliber course layout that features 7,000+ yards and dramatic elevation changes with undulating greens.
    Sandals St. Lucia Golf & Country Club at Cap EstateThis 18-hole, par 71 course features 6,744 yards of sprawling green slopes, dotted with attractive ponds and lush foliage. Featuring a practice range with putting and chipping greens, this magnificent golf course is ideal for any level of experience.18-hole, resort-style coursePlays to 6,744 yards, par 71Sprawling green slopes dotted with attractive ponds and lush foliage

    FacilitiesFull-service golf pro shopClub storage facilitiesPractice range with full sized driving range and putting greensDriving rangeChanging facilities
    ServicesADVERTISEMENT
    Complimentary green fees for guests staying at any of the Sandals Resorts in Saint LuciaComplimentary transfers for all nearby resorts to/from golf courseFrom Sandals Grande St. Lucian – 5-minute transferFrom Sandals Halcyon Beach – 25-minute transferFrom Sandals Regency La Toc – 35-minute transferGolf carts are mandatory, but not included. Rate is as follows:US $50 (up to 2 persons per cart)Optional golf rentals & amenities (per round):FootJoy® Shoe Rentals available for men and women (adult sizes only). Rate as follows: US $20Titleist® Golf club rentals available for men and women (left and right-handed). Rates as follows:US $75.00 for 18 holes(Includes a complimentary sleeve of Titleist® Pro V1® golf balls (3-count for course play)Complimentary group golf clinic hosted weekly.Private golf lessons led by a golf professional are available for an additional fee. Rates as follows:30 minutes US $100.0060 minutes US $180.0090 minutes US $260.00

    The magical island of Saint Lucia will host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2023 on 26 August 2023. The leading travel industry figureheads from across the region will attend the red-carpet reception at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
    Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to unveil Saint Lucia as the host of our Caribbean & Americas Gala Ceremony 2023, in this our landmark 30th anniversary. Saint Lucia is helping to spearhead the recovery of travel and tourism in the Caribbean, and I am delighted this captivating island will form a crucial part of our anniversary tour.”He adds: “World Travel Awards has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 30 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for recognising excellence in travel and tourism. I look forward to joining the most senior travel industry figureheads from across the Caribbean and The Americas for what promises to be a fabulous event, acknowledging those organisations spearheading the growth of the region’s travel and tourism sector.”

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    Swissport Strengthens Leadership in US and Canada with New CEO and Chief People Officer Appointments

    Swissport appoints new leaders for the US and Canada. Nelson Camacho becomes CEO for the region. He will be driving Swissport’s development in one of its largest, most important markets. Stacey Brown starts as regional Chief People Officer.
    Nelson Camacho, formerly the company’s Chief Operating Officer for Swissport in the US and Canada, has assumed the role of CEO for the region at the start of July. He took over from Frank Mena, who has retired after a 45-year career in the aviation industry, with 32 years dedicated to Swissport and its predecessor in the US.
    Camacho will be driving the company’s development in one of Swissport’s largest and most important markets worldwide. Across the US and Canada, Swissport’s aviation services are relied upon by over 300 airlines on a daily basis at more than 80 airports. In addition to its core business of passenger services and ramp handling, the company also provides aviation fueling, lounge hospitality and executive aviation services in the US and Canada.
    “Our potential in the US and Canada is huge and we have been gearing up to grow our business – especially in the domestic arena where Swissport is not quite as well known yet,” says Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International AG. “We want to anchor our brand as the preferred partners for airlines – from network to no-frills carriers in the US and Canada. I am pleased Nelson has taken over the lead on this exciting journey.”
    “I was honored to accept the role of CEO for the US and Canada,” says Nelson Camacho. Working closely with Stacey, our new Chief People Officer, and the rest of our regional executive team, we will accelerate Swissport’s growth and success, driven by collaboration, innovation and relentless focus on customer satisfaction.”ADVERTISEMENTCamacho joined Swissport as COO for the US and Canada in March 2023. Prior to joining, he was COO at GAT Airline Ground Support for the company’s US operations, overseeing safety, culture, compliance, administrative, and operational functions. Prior to GAT, Nelson served as VP Airports, C.E. and Customer-Facing Technologies at Copa Airlines. He has also held management positions at CAE Inc., US Airways, and the United States Air Force. Nelson holds an Executive MBA from Southern Methodist University Cox School of Business in Dallas, Texas, and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies from Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
    STACEY BROWN NEW CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER US & CANADA
    Effective 31 July 2023, Stacey Brown was appointed Chief People Officer for the US and Canada, reporting to Nelson Camacho. Stacey is an experienced HR executive with a proven track record of employee development and retention. She began her career in labor and employment litigation before moving on to various in-house counsel and HR positions with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the Albertson’s Companies, and Walgreens. Stacey has served as Chief HR Officer for DB Schenker in the Americas, a global logistics and supply chain provider. Most recently, she held the position of Chief HR Officer at First Hospitality.

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    Experience the Magic of Christmas at Gaylord Hotels

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    Experience the Magic of Christmas at Gaylord Hotels

    Gaylord Hotels – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 31 hotel brands – is delighted to announce the return of its iconic ICE! event for the 2023 holiday season. More than 2 million pounds of ice at each of the brand’s five resorts transform into colorful, larger-than-life, story-driven holiday showplaces featuring characters and scenes from beloved Christmas classics. It is all part of the brand’s So. Much. Christmas. extravaganza, featuring dozens of holiday activities, entertainment, unique dining experiences, and more. The Christmas events return this November to Gaylord Opryland in Tennessee, Gaylord Texan in Texas, Gaylord Palms in Florida, Gaylord Rockies in Colorado, and Gaylord National in Maryland. ICE! will anchor each resort’s over-the-top festive showcases of traditional ice sculptures and light and fountain shows, alongside returning marquee programming, including the original production of Cirque: Spirit of Christmas live show and a brand-new Christmas in Tennessee dinner show at Gaylord Opryland.
    To celebrate the start of the season, Gaylord Hotels is offering a special early bird offer, where guests and visitors can save up to 20% off Christmas packages and room nights and up to 30% off ICE! tickets.
    ICE! at Gaylord Hotels A holiday tradition at Gaylord Hotels for more than 20 years, the dazzling ICE! experiences begin to take shape in October, as expert artisans from Harbin, China (home to the renowned Harbin Ice Festival) hand carve characters, scenes, stories, and epic slides out of colorful, vibrant ice. Each resort will feature a theme different than last year, allowing visitors to experience a fresh new showcase. The unique sculptures will be created from more than 33,500 massive blocks of ice weighing more than 10 million pounds – or 5,000 tons – across the five resorts. The holiday-themed spectacle crafted with meticulous detail will be kept at a chilly nine degrees to ensure every feature remains frozen. The carving takes place over six weeks, using skills passed down from generation to generation and a mix of modern and hand-built, custom tools. Each theme’s vivid colors come to life with the help of an expert chemist who prepares a proprietary formula to ensure the ice sculptures maintain their bright and festive colors all season long.
    This year, visitors will be able to experience five quintessential holiday classics:
    ICE! featuring The Polar Express™ at Gaylord Opryland – Based on the beloved Warner Bros. film, families are invited to take a journey of imagination through this heartwarming story as a young child embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole while learning about friendship, bravery, and the true spirit of Christmas.ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas at Gaylord Palms – Guests will follow along with the lovable Charlie Brown as he rediscovers the meaning of Christmas.ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! at Gaylord Texan – Showcasing the 1957 Dr. Seuss classic, families are invited to experience iconic scenes such as the Grinch lurking through the chimneys of the Who-ville homes, the Grinch’s heart growing three sizes after realizing Christmas means a little bit more, and sitting down at the Whos’ feast where the Grinch carves the roast beast.ICE! featuring A Christmas Story™ at Gaylord Rockies – Fans of this humorous Warner Bros. perennial holiday classic will rejoice in experiencing their favorite characters and scenes in this magical ice showcase.ICE! featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ at Gaylord National – Guests will enjoy favorite scenes from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, brought to life in this colorful winter wonderland.Christmas Shows at Gaylord Hotels Returning for the season, Gaylord Hotels presents an original production of CIRQUE: Spirit of Christmas at Gaylord Rockies, Gaylord Palms, Gaylord Texan, and Gaylord National. This unique, Cirque-styled live show will feature dazzling acrobatics, feats of flexibility, and high-flying stunts. This Broadway-style spectacle centers around Noel, a child dismayed and distressed by the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Trying to recapture her lost love of the season, she is visited by spirits who bring back the true meaning of the season in energetic, dreamlike chapters.ADVERTISEMENTWintertime Activities for All Ages Alongside ICE!, families and guests can enjoy a lineup of winter festivities and holiday-themed events, with something for guests of all ages. Throughout the festive season, each property’s signature atrium will transform into a winter wonderland full of dazzling decorations, including millions of lights, elaborately themed Christmas trees, and miles of garland, as well as festive menus at restaurants, pop-up dining concepts, and retail opportunities to bring home gifts and stocking stuffers.
    Visitors can look forward to a number of amazing, Christmas-themed activities available within the resorts’ winter wonderlands this upcoming holiday season, including snow tubing, ice skating, caroling, gingerbread decorating and adventurous scavenger hunts. Highlights include Snow Flow Mountain, a magnificently sculpted tubing course for friends and families to race each other down; ice skating, various atrium light & fountain shows; gingerbread decorating experiences; winter wellness treatments at the brand’s Relâche Spa, and so much more. Additional programming as part of Gaylord Hotels’ So. Much. Christmas. offerings will be announced in the coming months.
    Tickets and Packages Tickets for ICE! and Christmas at Gaylord Hotels are on sale now and can be purchased at ChristmasatGaylordHotels.com. Advance online reservations are required for all ticketed events.
    To celebrate the start of the 2023 season, Gaylord Hotels is offering a special early bird offer, where guests and visitors can save up to 25% off Christmas packages and room nights and up to 30% off ICE! tickets.
    Christmas at Gaylord Hotels will be presented over the following dates:
    Gaylord Opryland: November 10, 2023 – January 1, 2024Gaylord Texan: November 10 – December 31, 2023Gaylord Palms: November 17, 2023 – January 3, 2024Gaylord Rockies: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024Gaylord National: November 19 – December 31, 2023

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