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      Emirates arrives in Québec’s cultural capital Montréal

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      From left to right: Salem Obaidalla, Emirates’ Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Americas; His Excellency Fahad Saeed Al Raqbani, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to Canada; Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer; Philippe Rainville, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADM Aéroports de Montréal; Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal; Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President, Network & Revenue at Air Canada; Serge Bijimine, Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Transport Canada; and Shaz Peshimam, Emirates’ Country Manager – Canada
      Emirates made a landmark touchdown in Montréal, marking the start of its scheduled services to its second gateway in Canada. The inaugural flight was operated with a Boeing 777 aircraft, which will offer premium passenger services on its daily services to the city. Emirates now serves Canada with 14 flights per week.
      Emirates executives onboard included: Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer; Salem Obaidalla, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations – Americas; and David Broz, Vice President Aeropolitical and Industry Affairs.
      Flight EK243 arrived at Montréal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport at 0830hrs local time on 5 July and was greeted with a procession of follow-me vehicles to the gate. Airport officials and representatives from the aviation authorities were present to witness the touchdown, which also drew interest from aviation fans and media excited to capture the inaugural flight’s landing in Québec. 
      On arrival, the VIP delegation travelling from Dubai were welcomed by Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirates’ Divisional Vice President – USA and Canada and Shaz Peshimam, Emirates’ Country Manager for Canada.
      Following a welcome ceremony and symbolic gift exchange between the airline, airport officials, and Montréal’s tourism board, Emirates showcased its Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration to government representatives, media, guests and members of the travel trade industry. The aircraft features eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie flat seats in Business Class and 304 spacious seats in Economy Class for the daily service.ADVERTISEMENTAdnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer emphasised the significance of the new destination and said: “Emirates is excited to launch our service to Montréal, and to grow our network with a second gateway into Canada. We take this opportunity to thank the UAE and Canadian authorities and partners for supporting the launch of the service, which is expected to positively impact tourism, business and trade in both countries.
      “Complementing our services to Toronto, customers will now have more choice when planning trips to Canada – they now can fly directly to the country’s second largest metropolis whether for business, leisure, education or for visiting family and friends. Since we announced our plans to launch direct services to Montréal, we have witnessed healthy bookings from travellers planning trips to Canada from points in the UAE, India, Iran and Lebanon in addition to many Far East and African countries. The strong demand is testament to the quality of our product and travel experience we provide. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard to experience our “fly better” proposition across all classes.”
      On the commencement of Emirates’ services to Montréal, Philippe Rainville – President and Chief Executive Officer of ADM Aéroports de Montréal said: “ADM Aéroports de Montréal is delighted to welcome one of the world’s most prestigious airlines to YUL for the first time. This is an exceptional opportunity for our passengers to live the Emirates experience on a flight that will take them nonstop to the majestic city of Dubai. For an international airport like ours, this is particularly exciting news, especially since this route will offer arrivals and departures at less busy times of the day. It’s very much in line with ADM’s goal of offering more connections to popular destinations outside of peak travel times. We are very privileged that Emirates has chosen YUL as the second Canadian airport for its operations in the country.”
      Emirates’ flights to and from Montréal operate as EK243 and EK244. The daily flight departs Dubai International airport at 02:30hrs, arriving in Montréal at 08:00hrs local time. The return flight departs Montréal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport at 10:20hrs, arriving in Dubai at 06:30hrs (local time) the next day.
      The new daily service to Montréal complements Emirates’ seven weekly services to Toronto and takes the airline’s North American network to 14 destinations and a total of 18 across the Americas. The service will provide travellers from Canada convenient access to Dubai, as well as connectivity to popular destinations such as Lebanon, India, Iran, Vietnam and Malaysia.
      Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal added: ‘’This new direct flight is an important step in the expansion of our air network and reinforces our position as a leading tourist destination. It opens up countless opportunities for both leisure and business travellers. Thank you to Emirates for making Montréal more accessible than ever to travellers from all over the world wishing to discover Montréal’s rich culture, diverse gastronomy and vibrant festivals. Welcome to Montréal!”
      Expanding network and Air Canada partnership
      Customers of Emirates and Air Canada have access to an expansive network of destinations thanks to the strategic partnership between the two airlines. In addition to over 130 destinations that Emirates flies to, through their codeshare relationship, its customers currently can access 19 Canadian destinations beyond Toronto, while Air Canada customers are able to access 17 cities in Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and Far East beyond Dubai. Additionally, Emirates passengers are able to choose from over 140 routes operated by Air Canada on an interline basis, including 27 points in Canada beyond Montréal and 53 routes between Montréal and the US and South America, while also enjoying the simplicity of flight itineraries on a single-ticket. 
      Emirates Skywards members can earn Miles on all eligible Air Canada flights and can redeem Miles for reward tickets across Air Canada’s network.
      Fly Better with inflight and on the ground services
      At Dubai International airport, Emirates has a range of lounges available for its premium class customers and select Skywards members, to enjoy before their flights in Dubai. Chauffeur drive services to and from the airport are also available to First Class and Business Class customers in both Dubai and Montréal.
      Extending its fly better promise, customers flying with Emirates can enjoy superior levels of comfort onboard, indulge regionally-inspired dining and world-class entertainment aboard its widebody fleet of aircraft. Customers on flights between Dubai to Montréal can get a taste of Canadian fare for breakfast and enjoy pancakes, garnished with berry or cherry compote, maple syrup and other toppings, or dine on French toast, served with berry compote, maple syrup, apples and more.
      Passengers traveling with Emirates have endless entertainment options to choose from. Its award-winning inflight entertainment system, ice, offers up to 6,500 channels of on-demand, multi-language entertainment to suit all ages and interests. Ice features over 2,000 movies, 650 TV shows, and 4,000 hours of music, podcasts, and audiobooks across 40 languages. Passengers are set to enjoy Montréal-themed entertainment before getting there with stand-up comedy specials from Just for Laughs. Music lovers can also enjoy albums from legendary Canadian artists and time will fly with documentaries and biopics that explore the life and work of renowned Canadian musicians including Celine Dion.
      Trade between UAE and Canada
      The UAE is Canada’s largest export market in the Middle East and North Africa. In 2022, bilateral trade between Canada and the UAE exceeded C$2.6 billion, growing 53% over the last five years. According to Statistics Canada, it is estimated the UAE’s foreign direct investments stock in Canada was valued at C$1.3 billion in 2021.
      Canada features in Dubai’s top 20 source markets for inbound tourism with 158,000 Canadian visitors in 2022, more than double the number in 2021 (Source: Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism). More than 40,000 Canadians also live and work in Dubai.
      To support the movement of commodities and goods around the world, Emirates provides cargo services to Canada with a capacity to carry 20 tonnes in the bellyhold of its Boeing 777 passenger aircraft and up to 15 tonnes aboard its A380 aircraft.
      Vibrant city of Montréal
      Montréal is known for its fascinating neighbourhoods celebrating modern city style with a quaint old European feel, making the cultural hub a bucket list destination for locals, students and international travellers. Travellers can explore the famous Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal and visit the various museums nearby to discover how Montréal found its roots. Visits to Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, the Phi Centre, enjoying the street performances, or major festivals, are a must on everyone’ s bucket list.
      Travellers can look forward to the shopper’s paradise with chic boutiques and malls along Rue Sainte-Catherine, which are also abundant with street art in the vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal. The destination is a favourite amongst foodies and is known for the culinary delights it has to offer, from the iconic Montréal bagels that rival New York, to low-to-high-end restaurants serving cuisine from around the world. The famous poutine – a classic French-Canadian dish of fries, gravy and cheese curds – is also not to be missed.

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      Plan your nuptials and honeymoon in Saint Lucia for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime

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      Plan your nuptials and honeymoon in Saint Lucia for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime

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      Plan your nuptials and honeymoon in Saint Lucia for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. With her windswept beaches and moonlight-soaked seascapes, she exudes romantic mystique.Amid some of the finest Caribbean destination wedding and honeymoon settings imaginable, your happily-ever-after truly will be.
      Voted as the World’s Leading Honeymoon DestinationAs an island named the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” by the World Travel Awards fourteen times, Saint Lucia is a refuge and an escape for lovers. The weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways of your dreams take place in Saint Lucia; the island’s luxurious accommodations will do justice to the occasion. You’re sure to cherish these memories for a lifetime.

      From dazzling beaches to adventurous excursions, Saint Lucia has the perfect venue for any couple. Imagine being married among the backdrop of the waterfalls. Or choose from options featuring incredible views, majestic parks, or historical churches for a variety of faiths. The island’s luxurious resorts also offer many attractive venues and Caribbean wedding packages.
      ADVERTISEMENTWEDDING PLANNINGTake advantage of the island’s insider knowledge to craft the ultimate dream wedding. From the paperwork, flowers and photography to the cake and reception, wedding planning can be a lot to juggle. But Saint Lucia’s extensive list of planners are available to help you with every single one of these needs. They’ll make arranging your perfect island wedding an absolute breeze.

      WEDDING REQUIREMENTS IN SAINT LUCIADeciding on a Saint Lucia wedding is a decision you won’t regret, now it’s time for the paperwork. There are just a few things you’ll need to do to get married here. Discover the requirements to tie the knot on this award-winning island.

      HONEYMOON ACTIVITIESEnchanting and idyllic, Saint Lucia welcomes newlyweds and honeymooners with open arms. Soak up her sun on golden-sand beaches, journey out on a spectacular sunset cruise, and experience views of the Pitons from the water. Revive yourself under rainforest waterfalls or soar through rainforest canopy on a zip-line. No matter how you choose to spend your honeymoon on our island, you’ll love experiencing all she has to offer.

      WEDDING PACKAGESSaint Lucia is blessed with an array of amazing resorts, many of which offer incredible wedding packages. Each resort’s romantic package is specially designed to make your dreams come true and create unforgettable memories on your special day. Discover what each resort has to offer to design your perfect Saint Lucia wedding.

      READY TO CELEBRATE YOUR ROMANCE IN SAINT LUCIA?Whether it’s for your wedding, honeymoon, or simply a getaway, prepare to indulge in the romantic adventure of your dreams in Saint Lucia. Plan your trip today to learn why Saint Lucia has been named as the “World’s Leading Honeymoon” again and again. When planning your Caribbean honeymoon or destination wedding, there’s no other island like her. Let her inspire you.
      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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      Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to be the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time

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      Signing Ceremony: Mr. Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific and Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai) at the Wyndham Office in Shanghai
      ITB China, the leading B2B exclusive travel trade show focusing on the Chinese travel market, announces its strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
      For the third time, the world’s largest hotel franchising company and leading provider of management services becomes the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China, which is set to take place in Shanghai from 12 – 14 September 2023.With over 9,100 hotels and 24 established brands in over 95 countries, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts(“Wyndham”) is appointed as the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time. The corresponding agreement was formally signed on 29 June at Wyndham’s Shanghai Office, by Mr. Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia Pacific, and Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), the organizer of ITB China. The hotel industry franchising giant will once again have a strong presence at ITB China, introducing its brand-new products and innovative services to the industry, and delivering an inspiring speech at the opening session of the ITB China Conference, which will take place on the first day of the show, 12 September.
      Mr. Joon Aun Ooi, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Asia-Pacific, stated that: “We are honored to be the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time. As a professional B2B travel trade exhibition focused on the Chinese travel market, ITB China provides an effective communication platform for hotel operators, travel agencies, conference organizers, and corporate clients to explore potential business opportunities.This collaboration not only continues our long-term strategic partnership but also demonstrates Wyndham Hotels and Resorts’ continuous commitment to China as an important strategic market. We look forward to showcasing our diverse brand portfolio of distinctive hotel products in the Asia Pacific region to all attendees at the exhibition in September.”
      Mr. David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), said: “Throughout the challenges of the past years, ITB China remained committed and connected to the Chinese travel industry. Therefore, in this pivotal year for China’s travel market recovery, ITB China is in the unique position to be spearheading that recovery offering its partners the right business platform at just the right time. Supporting them to once again unlock the full potential of the Chinese travel market. We are very proud and honored to be driving this recovery with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts by our side, heading this year’s partner lineupas ITB China‘s Official Partner Hotel.”
      The latest development of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the Greater China regionADVERTISEMENTAt the beginning of this year, with China fully opening its travel policy, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts recorded a significant return of business and leisure travelers with an exceedingly positive development over the past months.
      “In the first quarter of 2023, we have signed 27 projects and opened 15 hotels in the Greater China region. During the same period, we signed 6 projects and opened 5 hotels in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim region,” says Mr. Joon Aun Ooi. The upcoming months also point to further growth: “Looking ahead to the second half of 2023, we will launch more new brands and hotels to meet the ever-changing needs of international inbound and domestic tourism. With our strong direct franchising and managed hotel development scale in China, as well as our stable collaboration relationships with owners and partners, we are confident of the development momentum of the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023 and ahead,” he continues.

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      World-Class Construction and Financing Partners for the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman

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      World-Class Construction and Financing Partners for the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman

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      Sterling Global Financial Group and Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. are pleased to announce their partnership with world-class construction and financing partners for the highly anticipated Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences. With the project well underway and the condominiums over 80% sold, only 22 prime condominium units remain available for sale at this remarkable development.With a long history of successful developments throughout the Caribbean, Sterling Global brings its expertise and financial resources to the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences project. David Kosoy, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sterling Global Financial Group, expressed his confidence in the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to join forces with Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. to bring the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences to fruition. With our investment, we are committed to delivering a world-class destination that exemplifies luxury and unparalleled hospitality. This venture showcases our dedication to enhancing the local community and creating lasting value for our clients and investors.”
      The Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences, located on a premium 7.1-acre site on 7 Mile Beach, is set to become a luxurious landmark. The property will offer a total of 190 hotel guestrooms, 88 condo-hotel guestrooms, and 76 one, two, and three-bedroom condo-hotel suites.
      The collaboration of world-class firms Americaribe LLC, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction, in partnership with LG Contracting as general contractor; Sculptor Real Estate as construction lender; and Sterling Global Financial Group and Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. as developer ensures the highest standards of construction excellence. Construction is well underway with completion on schedule for a mid-2025 opening.
      Designed to offer an extraordinary living experience, the Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences will feature an extensive range of resort amenities. Residents and guests will have access to six restaurants, three resort-style swimming pools, including an in-ocean saltwater lagoon pool in a protected cove, a 12,000 sq. ft. destination spa and fitness center, and a 25,000 sq. ft. indoor-outdoor conference meeting space. Grand Social Clubs, a variety of shopping boutiques, and five-star concierge service will further enhance the luxurious lifestyle offered by the property.
      Tzvi Goder, Director of Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd., expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We have enjoyed a strong financial relationship with Sterling over the past several years. We are very excited to now have Sterling as our development partner and look forward to the extensive experience and resources they bring to the Grand Hyatt development.”ADVERTISEMENT

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      Trip.com sees 145% flight booking surge from US to UK

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      Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to be the Official Partner Hotel of ITB China for the third time More

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      Trip.com sees 145% flight booking surge from US to UK

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      Leading travel service provider Trip.com has seen remarkable flight and hotel bookings growth from outbound US travellers to the UK and the rest of Europe.Despite high global inflation, long-haul travel sentiment from US travellers to Europe is improving. Trip.com flight booking data reveals a remarkable year-over-year increase of 145% from the US to the UK in the first half of this year.
      This surge in air travel highlights the growing demand for transatlantic travel and the increasing interest of American travellers in exploring various European destinations.
      Trip.com hotel bookings for the UK reveal that London, Edinburgh and Manchester are the top three most popular destinations for US travellers.
      At the forefront of facilitating seamless travel experiences with its all-in-one app strategy, Trip.com’s impressive booking growth further solidifies its position as a leading travel service provider.
      Data on travellers from the US to the whole of Europe is further encouraging, with flight bookings growing 101% over the same period. London (UK), Barcelona (Spain), Paris (France), Rome and Milan (Italy), Athens (Greece), Lisbon (Portugal), Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Dublin (Ireland) are the most popular flight arrival cities for US travellers to Europe.ADVERTISEMENTMoreover, hotel bookings from the US to Europe have witnessed a 60% increase over the same period. 
      Demand from US travellers has bounced back fast following the pandemic. According to VisitBritian, more Americans are travelling to the UK and are spending more than in 2019.
      Andy Washington, General Manager EMEA at Trip.com Group, expressed his enthusiasm about the positive trajectory of travel bookings between the United States and Europe.
      He stated, “We are thrilled to witness a 101% growth in flight and 60% in hotel bookings for Europe, indicating a solid rebound in transatlantic travel.
      “At Trip.com Group, we remain committed to offering exceptional service and customised travel solutions via our mobile-first strategy, ensuring our customers, comfort and convenience.”

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      Chelsea Football Club Announces Hilton as Official Global Hotel Partner

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      Chelsea Football Club has unveiled Hilton, the global leader in hospitality, as its official global hotel partner.The partnership will enable Chelsea Football Club and Hilton to provide extended opportunities for Hilton’s more than 158 million Hilton Honors members around the world in a new and unique way, while also serving as the official host to the Chelsea team on the road.
      As a pioneer in the industry for more than 100 years, Hilton will welcome Chelsea to its portfolio of hotels as the team’s official home away from home, starting with locations in the United States during the team’s summer tour. Recognizing how much it matters where an elite sports team stays ahead of key fixtures, players and coaches will experience and enjoy Hilton’s world-class service and hospitality.
      Building off its high-profile partnerships in the music, sports and entertainment world, Hilton Honors will offer a curated selection of one-of-a-kind experiences, which will kick off during this summer’s pre-season tour and extend into next season’s matches in London. Look out for the Hilton name at Chelsea men’s and women’s matches, and across Chelsea digital channels with special and engaging content for fans to enjoy.
      John Rogers, head of global partnerships, Chelsea Football Club, said, “Ahead of our exciting visit to the States in July and August for pre-season tour, we are very pleased to team up with such a prestigious name as Hilton for the future. We are proud to be the first football club to work alongside Hilton and look forward to rewarding their Hilton Honors members, and our fans, in innovative ways.”
      Stijn Bastiaens, vice president, strategic partnerships, Hilton, said, “We’re thoroughly looking forward to collaborating with such an esteemed and world-renowned club as Chelsea. Through the partnership we’ll be launching unique content and experiences to our Hilton Honors members, as well as extending the most welcoming Hilton stays to the Chelsea team while they’re travelling on tour.”ADVERTISEMENT

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      PATA Announces New Executive Board Appointments

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      Picture: L/R: and Ms Noredah Othman, CEO, Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia and Dr. Gerald Perez, Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau, USA.
      The Pacific Asia Travel Association(PATA) is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Ms Noredah Othman, CEO, Sabah Tourism Board, Malaysia and the election of Dr. Gerald Perez, Vice President, Guam Visitors Bureau, USA to the PATA Executive Board for a two-year term beginning June 27, 2023.
      On the announcement, PATA Chair Peter Semone said, “I would like to first thank Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Maldives for his time and contribution on the Executive Board over the past two years. His support and experience were a great asset to us during a critical time for our industry coming out of the pandemic. I would also like to welcome back Ms Noredah Othman and welcome Dr. Gerald Perez to the Executive Board. Their proven track record and background will make them a great asset to PATA and our members.”
      With 30 years’ experience in Sabah Tourism, Ms Noredah Othman is the longest-serving officer with Sabah Tourism Board. She is responsible for marketing and promotion of the destination.
      Ms. Noredah Othman has held various positions since October 1990 and served as Deputy General Manager (Support Services) from 2016. Prior to that, she was the Senior Marketing Manager for the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA markets from 2011 to 2015. She was the Marketing Manager for the UK, Europe and Australia from 2005-2010.
      Ms. Othman, a mother of three children, completed her education in Singapore, started her career as tourist assistant with the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation (STPC), the forerunner of STB, in 1990. Between 1991 and 2005, she held the position of assistant public affairs officer and later as communications manager. Ms. Othman was awarded the PATA Foundation’s scholarship for Executive Development for Tourism (EDIT) Programme in 2015.ADVERTISEMENTDr. Gerry Perez is a dedicated and accomplished individual who has made significant contributions to various fields, particularly in tourism and public service. Born and raised on Guam, he graduated from Fr. Duenas Memorial School and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Forestry and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Management with honors from the University of Idaho. He also holds a PhD in Tourism Development and Public Policy from the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
      In his private business endeavours, Dr. Perez has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success. He retired in 2003 as a Travel Retail Executive, where he oversaw over 500 employees during his 23-year tenure. He is also the proprietor of Micromed Suppliers and has served as the General Manager of the Guam Visitors Bureau. Gerry’s outstanding business acumen led to his induction into the Guam Chamber of Commerce Business Hall of Fame in 2017, and he represented the White House Business Conference as a delegate in 1994.
      With an unwavering commitment to promoting tourism, Dr. Perez has been actively involved in various organizations and conferences. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Guam Visitors Bureau and is a founding member of the Micronesia Cruise Association. As a renowned speaker, he has shared his expertise at international forums such as the Beijing International Forum on Chinese Overseas Travel and the SKAL Asia Tourism Congress. Gerry’s dedication to the tourism industry is further demonstrated through his memberships in the Guam Tourism Foundation and the Executive Board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).
      Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gerry has been actively engaged in civic and government roles. He has served as the Chairman of the GovGuam Retirement Fund Board of Trustees and the Vice-Chairman of the University of Guam Board of Regents. Gerry has also held positions in organizations such as KGTF Public Television, the Bureau of Budget and Management Research, Guam Economic Development Authority, and the Department of Agriculture, where he worked as a Wildlife Biologist.
      Ms. Othman and Dr. Perez will join the other Executive Board members including Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; Benjamin Liao, Vice Chair, PATA and Chairman, Forte Hotel Group, Chinese Taipei, Singapore; Suman Pandey, Secretary/Treasurer PATA and President, Explore Himalaya Travel and Adventure, Nepal; Tunku Iskandar, Group President, Mitra Malaysia Sdn. Bhd, Malaysia; SanJeet, Managing Director, DDP Publications Private Ltd., India; Luzi Matzig, Chairman, Asian Trails Ltd., Thailand, and Dr. Fanny Vong, President – Macao Institute for Tourism Studies (IFTM), Macao, China, as well as non-voting members, Soon-Hwa Wong, CEO, AsiaChina Pte., Ltd., Singapore and Mayur (Mac) Patel, Head of Asia, OAG, Singapore.
      The new Executive Board members were ratified at the PATA Annual General Meeting held online on June 27, 2023.

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      The London Climate Week addressed climate challenges to transform travel & tourism

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      The London Climate Week addressed climate challenges to transform travel & tourism

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      H.E. Gloria Guevara Co-Founder The Sustainable Tourism Global Centre (STGC) Chief Special Advisor at Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia
      Over the course of a week, industry leaders across the Travel & Tourism sector came together in London with the hope of creating a more sustainable future.
      In its fifth year, London Climate Week brought together the collective talent and initiative of participants to find global common solutions to counteract climate change and preserve the planet for future generations. This event offered a great opportunity to come up with real and tangible solutions to counter the greatest crisis of our time.It is vital we acknowledge the impact that the Travel & Tourism sector is having on the environment and commit to transforming it into a force for positive change.Events such as London Climate Week act as important platforms for strategic discussion and collective thinking between leaders from around the world, to implement action which can – and must – move to a more sustainable future and take that important step towards net-zero.Why is this so important? Travel & Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, so we bear a direct responsibility towards finding sustainable solutions for our sector. While Travel & Tourism brings people closer together, creates jobs, provides opportunities, and fosters cultural exchange, it has unfortunately also contributed to the current climate emergency.That’s why we must take this, and every opportunity, to raise awareness, initiate meaningful conversations, work on solutions, and inspire the next generation to drive significant and lasting change.Our world is facing numerous environmental challenges that are directly affecting climate, including deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The time for any complacency has passed. We need to work together to address these challenges now- and we must engage all those who have a stake in our future.The next generation will play a key role in shaping our path forward. Yet, data shows that 73% of young people feel they have insufficient decision-making power and the correct tools to make an impact on climate change. The same percentage also say they are extremely worried about the state of our planet. A platform is needed for the younger generation to share their thoughts and ideas to the world, so their passion and creativity can be used to drive positive change in the Travel & Tourism sector.We need to adopt a holistic and inclusive approach to tackle climate change from every perspective, including finding solutions to reduce emissions, reducing food waste, decreasing plastic usage, among the many other paths to push positive economic growth across the sector.While large businesses and destinations are key, we cannot forget small businesses, which are the backbone of the world economy. The 400 million small businesses globally, which account for over 95% of firms and 60-70% of employment, will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability.In the UK alone, the country’s 5.5 million MSME’s account for 99% of all companies and contribute towards half of the UK economy. These businesses also account for 80% of the Travel & Tourism sector.Engaging with them and leading by example to show how to operate sustainably is absolutely essential. Yet, most still lack access to practical and easy-to-use toolkits which outline ways to conduct sustainable practices.That is where the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) steps in. It is the world’s first multi-country, multi-stakeholder global coalition which will lead, accelerate, and track the tourism industry’s transition to net-zero emissions, as well as drive action to protect nature and support communities.Launched in October 2021 and based in Saudi Arabia, the STGC will work with Travel & Tourism MSMEs, among other key groups, to enable their transition to sustainability, by offering accessible knowledge, actionable toolkits, and innovative innovation, to facilitate this critical change.The transition of businesses, large and small, to sustainable business models could open economic opportunities worth at least US$ 12 trillion and create up to 380 million jobs in the lead up to 2030 across sectors globally.The STGC will share best practices and provide timely solutions for Travel & Tourism to proactively tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis. In its initial phase, the Center will invest in research and development, showcase clean technologies solutions, and promote circular economy principles to contribute to a greener and more prosperous world.Our sector has a tremendous opportunity to drive innovation and foster collaboration to both inspire travelers and encourage stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices. And London Climate Week continues to be an incredible base for valuable discussion and catalyst for climate action; but as time is not on our side, the time for action is now.It is our duty to ensure travel becomes a catalyst for positive change, benefiting business, communities, and the planet. That’s why STGC is prioritizing sustainability to ensure it is integrated into the very DNA of travel. Together, we just might make the change our future depends upon.

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