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    AHEAD OF MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, VETERANS LAUNCH THERAPEUTIC BIKE RIDE ACROSS THE COUNTRY

    Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and Warrior Expeditions were joined by members of Congress at the U.S. Capitol to celebrate the departure of six wartime veterans as they embark on a cross-country bike ride to process and heal from the mental health impacts of their deployments. The riders began their journey at the eastern endpoint of the Great American Rail-Trail, RTC’s flagship project to connect a cross-country, multiuse trail, and will conquer 3,700 miles before reaching their ultimate finish in La Push, Washington, later this summer.“When we introduced the Great American Rail-Trail four years ago, we knew that this grand vision to connect a trail across the country would capture the imagination of the nation,” said Ryan Chao, president of RTC. “The veterans who have taken park in this ride previously have shared that the journey has brought solace and healing, alongside hope that comes from connecting with the people, places and rich heritage that makes up the American landscape. Their experience is an inspiration and we’re proud that the infrastructure we’re helping to build can support their expedition.”
    Warrior Expeditions is a nonprofit organization that emphasizes the therapeutic value of long-distance outdoor expeditions to help veterans transition from their wartime experiences. Veterans apply to be included in one of several expedition teams, including long-distance hikes, paddles and the Warrior Bike, which exclusively takes place on the Great American Rail-Trail. As part of the program, psychologists partner with Warrior Expeditions to research and publish the effects of long-term outdoor and wilderness experiences, like the Warrior Bike Expedition, on combat veterans.
    “Warrior Expeditions is excited to support another group of veterans along the Great American Rail Trail for the third consecutive year,” said Sean Gobin, founder and executive director of Warrior Expeditions. “These rides allow our veterans to find peace and healing in nature while simultaneously experiencing a cross section of America. We also very much appreciate RTC’s work to make the route better and better each year.”
    Veterans participating in the 2023 Warrior Bike include Stephanie Buffett of Riner, Virginia (United States Air Force, deployed to Afghanistan); Timothy Davis of Lake Zurich, Illinois (United States Air Force, deployed to Afghanistan); Brittany Greene of Tacoma, Washington (United States Army, deployed to Afghanistan); Aaron Ledbetter of Cottage Grove, Oregon (United States Army, deployed to Afghanistan); Charles Sonnenberg of New Braunfels, Texas (United States Air Force, deployed to Iraq); and Jared Thomas of Huntington, West Virginia (United States Army, deployed to Afghanistan).
    “I’m hoping that this journey enables me to deepen my understanding of myself and my connection to the world. I anticipate working through a continuous series of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual challenges that have the potential to become significant personal growth opportunities,” said Brittany Greene, former U.S. Army CBRN Officer from Tacoma, Washington.ADVERTISEMENTp > 

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    HOTEL LOTTE embarks on a new 50-year legacy building upon its 50-year heritage

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    HOTEL LOTTE embarks on a new 50-year legacy building upon its 50-year heritage

    HOTEL LOTTE is a global culture and tourism content company with three business units: LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS, LOTTE DUTY FREE, and LOTTE WORLD. Currently, LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS has 33 properties globally, including SIGNIEL SEOUL and LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE. LOTTE WORLD runs five businesses including LOTTE WORLD ADVENTURE, Aquarium, and SEOUL SKY. LOTTE DUTY FREE operates total 21 stores including Guam and Brisbane Airports.
    – Heralding the start of HOTEL LOTTE’s 50-year history (1970s)
    In 1970, former Korean President Chung-Hee Park entrusted hospitality business to Kyuk-Ho Shin, the founder and former chairman of LOTTE Group. Despite the investment requiring huge capital, Chairman Shin established Hotel LOTTE on May 5th, 1973. After investing 150 million dollars over six years, he presented LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL, which was the largest luxury hotel in Asia at the time, marking the beginning of Korea’s tourism industry.
    – Transforming Jamsil, the suburban into a tourist destination (1980s)
    In the 1980s, HOTEL LOTTE turned its attention to Jamsil, which was then a suburban of Seoul, and began planning for the country’s first indoor theme park. A total of 454 million dollars were invested over five years, and opened in July 1989 as LOTTE WORLD Adventure. Even ranking as the world’s largest indoor theme park at the time in the Guinness Book of World Records, the total number of visitors since the opening has exceeded 210 million, making it one of Korea’s representative tourist attractions.ADVERTISEMENT
    During the Seoul Olympics in 1988, HOTEL LOTTE opened LOTTE HOTEL WORLD in Jamsil. Followed by the opening of LOTTE DUTY FREE in January 1989, HOTEL LOTTE made the neighbourhood a tourist destination.
    – Establishing the foundation for economic recovery (1990s-2000s)
    Even during the IMF financial crisis of the 1990s, LOTTE DUTY FREE continued to build its infrastructure by opening its flagship stores throughout the country, contributing to economic recovery through tourism. In 1999, the duty-free opening at Gimpo Airport Terminal 1 and 2 was the first in the industry to emphasize brand identity through red uniforms and signage, enhancing the country’s image.
    – Spreading K-brand with Korean wave (2010s)
    In the early 2000s, LOTTE DUTY FREE launched a campaign to promote Korean tourism by incorporating shopping, tourism, and culture with Korean Wave. The company has been actively engaging in entertainment tourism marketing such as holding customer invitational ‘Family Concerts’ featuring top Korean artists such as Super Junior and BTS, and creating the ‘Star Avenue’, a space full of handprints, photos and videos of celebrities. The Family Concert has attracted a total one million audiences since 2006, promoting K-Brands to tourists worldwide.
    In 2017, LOTTE WORLD opened observatory, ‘SEOUL SKY’ in LOTTE WORLD TOWER, which was then the world’s third tallest building (555m), serving as a landmark of Korea.
    – Becoming an internationally acknowledged brand with global expansion strategy
    Based on the heritage of HOTEL LOTTE in Korea, LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS is the biggest hospitality group in Korea that has globally expanded its businesses initiating with the opening of LOTTE HOTEL MOSCOW in 2010. LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS has received consecutive international awards, such as the five-star rating in the 2023 Forbes Travel Guide for LOTTE NEW YORK PALACE, New York City’s cultural heritage built in 1882, as well as LOTTE HOTEL SEATTLE, LOTTE HOTEL ST. PETERSBURG, and more. The brand value of LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS has been recognized to the extent that it has hosted international events, including the UN General Assembly and the US-Korea Summit. It also has been chosen by former US presidents such as Barack Obama and Donald Trump for their stays at LOTTE New York Palace, and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at LOTTE HOTEL SEOUL.

    LOTTE DUTY FREE has also opened five locations in Oceania, and in Jakarta Airport in Indonesia for the first in Korean duty-free industry. LOTTE DUTY FREE Melbourne Airport is scheduled to open in June, and LOTTE HOTELS & RESORTS’ L7 WESTLAKE HANOI and LOTTE WORLD AQUARIUM HANOI, are also set to open in August.
    Wan-Shin Lee, the CEO of LOTTE Group Hotel HQ said, ” HOTEL LOTTE has been together with the Korean tourism industry’s history over the past 50 years by developing into a global company operating hotels, duty-frees, and theme parks,” adding that “based on the heritage built up to now, we will keep offering contents to enhance customer experience in order to continue to grow as a 100-year company.”

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    DOMINICA FEATURED IN 2023 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT ISSUE

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    DOMINICA FEATURED IN 2023 SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT ISSUE

    Today, world-renowned Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Magazine hit stands, featuring Dominica, the Caribbean’s ‘Nature Island,’ as one of this year’s key destinations. Earlier this year, Sports Illustrated announced Dominica as a participating destination for the first time, releasing a sneak peak of models Sixtine Rouyre and Melissa Wood-Tepperberg’s shoot. Famous for hiking, diving, whale watching and being the hot spa capital of the Caribbean, Dominica is best known for its unsurpassed natural beauty, making it a perfect backdrop for the acclaimed magazine’s models.

    Participating models were photographed at Dominica’s most popular destinations, including Batibou Beach, Scotts Head, Hampstead Beach, and Jacko Falls, as well as the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa and Jungle Bay Hotel. This year’s talent included the iconic Leyna Bloom, Kamie Crawford, Christen Harper, Padma Lakshmi, Yumi Nu, Olivia Ponton, and Nicole Williams English, in addition to Sixtine Rouyre and Melissa Wood-Tepperberg.
    “As Dominica receives more worldwide recognition as a premier travel destination, we are thrilled to have been chosen as a location for this year’s issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Magazine,” said Hon. Minister of Tourism Denise Charles. “This feature represents a huge success for our island, and we are hopeful that it entices more travelers to visit.”
    Located along Douglas Bay on the island’s northwest side, the newly branded IHG Hotel Group 151-room InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa offers a unique and luxurious stay for travelers with its four outdoor pools, expansive spa, fitness center, beach access, and 8,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space to accommodate corporate events. Located in Soufriere, Jungle Bay Hotel includes private cabanas, yoga and wellness packages, award-winning dining and is also certified at the highest level for sustainable tourism and quality standards with Dominica’s Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE).ADVERTISEMENTDiscover Dominica Authority thanks its stakeholders who helped make this vision a reality, including The Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, The Ministry of Tourism, Intercontinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, Jungle Bay, Island Locations, and the friendly people of Dominica who helped provide an unforgettable experience for visitors.

    For more information on Dominica, visit Dominica’s official website at www.discoverdominica.com, explore the destination’s YouTube Page and follow Dominica on Instagram and Facebook. For more details on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, please visit https://swimsuit.si.com/.

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    Global Humane Provides Animal Welfare Certification to SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

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    Global Humane Provides Animal Welfare Certification to SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    Today, Global Humane—the international brand of American Humane and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare—joined leaders of SeaWorld and Miral in Washington, D.C. to announce the certification of both SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue, Abu Dhabi.
    It’s the first Global Humane certification in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and signifies the high standard of animal care provided at the marine life theme park and rescue facility located adjacent to the park.
    The event took place at the National Press Club and included remarks from SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, owner and operator of Yas SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Miral, and Global Humane celebrating the milestone for animal welfare. The park in Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors on May 23.
    For more than a hundred years American Humane has been first in promoting the welfare and safety of animals and strengthening the bond between animals and people. The organization is behind many important animal welfare initiatives, including the “No Animals Were Harmed®” program in Hollywood.
    “We are thrilled that SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue have met the standards to become Global Humane Certified,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of Global Humane. “SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will give residents of the United Arab Emirates a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of the ocean up close—helping to inspire the next generation of conservationists. This is SeaWorld’s first location abroad and provides Global Humane with the opportunity to recognize the extensive reach of the animal welfare movement at zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world.”ADVERTISEMENTRigorous Certification Standards:
    To receive Global Humane Certification, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue have both passed a rigorous third-party assessment—which after months of preparation—reviewed the well-being of animals in the park and center’s care. The unique process is guided by the latest science and is informed by respected veterinarians and experts in the fields of animal welfare, animal science, zoology, and ethics that have decades of experience in protecting animals.
    The independent validation process—which goes above and beyond to help protect animals—provides park visitors with the confidence the institution is meeting a high benchmark of care. The process includes a pre-audit application period that is followed up by an onsite visit that assesses animal welfare. Factors considered during the audit include, but are not limited to, housing, food, water, lighting, shade, sound, activity levels, and the training of staff who are interacting with the animals. The specific benchmarks are species specific.
    Dr. Chris Dold, Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment said, “American Humane is a well-respected independent animal welfare organization whose rigorous standards ensure that animals live healthy and safe lives in human care. For nearly 60 years our parks have played an important role in inspiring and educating the public about marine animals and providing exceptional standards of care is integral to that mission. We share American Humane’s passion and commitment to the well-being of animals as validated by meeting and exceeding their certification standards in all our U.S. parks. We are proud to now receive Global Humane certification for the first SeaWorld outside of the U.S. as we extend our mission to the United Arab Emirates where the Arabian gulf is an important marine ecosystem and integral to the fabric of the Abu Dhabi community.”
    “At Miral Experiences, we are dedicated to delivering world-class attractions that go beyond entertainment to deliver truly exceptional guest experiences. With SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, this extends to us innovatively educating our guests and demonstrating our commitment towards sustainability and animal welfare” said Julien Kauffman, CEO of Miral Experiences. “The Global Humane certification for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is a testament to our commitment to these values and a celebration of our collective milestones and achievements. We believe that by offering an immersive and educational experience, we can inspire our guests to become lifelong champions of marine life and the environment. Our partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and our certification by Global Humane reinforces our dedication to raising the standard for animal welfare and sustainability in the region and around the world.”
    Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was yet again named the World’s Leading Theme Park 2022 and Middle East’s Leading Theme Park 2022, while the Emirati-themed waterpark Yas Waterworld, was recognised as Middle East’s Leading Water Park 2022 and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, was named as Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2022. Across the awards, the record-breaking adventure hub CLYMB Abu Dhabi, with the world’s largest indoor flight chamber and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall, was awarded the accolade of Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2022.

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    UAE Travel & Tourism sector set to recover this year, says WTTC

    The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals the UAE Travel & Tourism sector is projected to meet the 2019 peak this year.
    The sector is set to contribute AED 180.6 billion to the UAE economy by the end of 2023, almost matching the 2019 high AED 183.4 billion, only 1.5% behind pre-pandemic levels. This represents nearly 10% of the total economy.
    WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create nearly 7,000 jobs this year, surpassing the pre-pandemic peak of 745,100, to reach more than 758,000 employed by Travel & Tourism.
    A look back on last year
    Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew more than 60% to reach nearly AED 167 billion, representing 9% of the country’s economy.ADVERTISEMENTThe sector also created more than 89,000 more jobs from the previous year to reach more than 751,000 jobs nationally, surpassing 2019 levels by an additional 6,000 jobs.
    2022 saw the return of international travellers to the UAE, with India (13%), Oman (8%), Saudi Arabia (8%), and UK (7%) leading as source markets for international arrivals.
    According to the data, in 2022, international visitors contributed AED 117.6 billion to the national economy, representing a year-on-year growth of 65.3%, although 19% behind 2019 levels.
    In terms of domestic spend, 2022 saw a 35.7% year-on-year jump, reaching AED 46.9 billion, 10.6% above its pre-pandemic counterpart.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The national Travel & Tourism sector is recovering at a rapid pace, proving the UAE continues to grow in popularity amongst international travellers. The UAE is home to one of the world’s busiest and successful airports, Dubai International, which acts as a gateway to the Middle East.
    “The future for the sector looks positive. By the end of this year, the sector’s contribution will level that of 2019, and over the next decade, growth will outstrip the national GDP and create more than 114,000 new jobs, representing one in nine jobs.
    “Our recent Cities EIR Report highlighted the appeal tourist destinations across the country, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, continue to hold for international travellers. These cities have shown an incredible resilience and strong leadership.”
    What does the next decade look like?
    The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to AED 235.5 billion by 2033, representing 10.2% of the UAE economy.
    Over the next decade, Travel & Tourism is set to employ more than 872,000 people across the country, representing nearly 12% of all jobs.
    Middle East
    In 2022, the Middle East’s Travel & Tourism sector contributed more than AED 1.2 trillion to the regional economy, 25.3% below the 2019 peak. By the end of this year, WTTC forecasts the regional sector’s GDP contribution will reach more than AED 1.5 trillion (U.S.$ 413.2 billion) and be within touching distance of the 2019 highpoint.
    According to WTTC’s latest Economic Impact Report, the sector employed more than 6.8 million people across the region last year, an increase of 865,000 from the previous year, but still 8.7% behind the 2019 peak. The sector will nearly recover the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of this year, only 2% behind pre-pandemic levels.
    Over the next decade, the Travel & Tourism sector is projected to reach a contribution of nearly AED 2.5 trillion and employ more than 9.8 million people.

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    Minister Bartlett to Attend UNWTO Executive Meeting in Punta Cana

    Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, this morning departed the island to join global tourism leaders for the 118th Session of the World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Executive Council, which runs from May 16-18, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
    Representatives from 159 member states will convene to discuss trends in international tourism, resilience building and tourism’s impact on economic and social development globally, among other issues.
    Some critical agenda items include a status report on the establishment of the Task Force on “Redesigning Tourism for the Future”, a status report on the establishment of UNWTO Regional and Thematic Offices and a report on preparations for the 25th session of UNWTO General Assembly later this year (October 16-20) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
    “These meetings always provide a great opportunity to share best practices, build new relationships and strengthen existing partnerships. This session will also allow UNWTO member states to brainstorm ways we can reimagine tourism in a post-COVID-19 era, carefully manage our strong recovery and decide on a strategic path towards future-proofing the sector against various types of shocks,” noted the tourism minister.
    Minister Bartlett’s schedule of activities will also include an Inter-Institutional Forum on Sustainable Tourism in the Dominican Republic and a thematic session entitled “New Narratives in Tourism”.  The latter event will show how tourism adapts its communication to the demands of an audience that is more technological, demanding and committed.  It is a platform to exchange ideas and convey the message of a more innovative, sustainable and people-centred tourism, through the integration of novel tools and concepts. Noted presenters include Travel Media Founder and Managing Director, Michael Collins;  Instagram’s Director of Public Policy, Ernest Voyard and Meta’s Director of External Affairs, Sharon Yang.ADVERTISEMENTThe Executive Council is expected to propose themes and host countries for World Tourism Day 2024 and 2025 and select the place and dates of the next two sessions.
    Minister Bartlett is being accompanied by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Jennifer Griffith.
    He returns to Jamaica on Friday, May 19, 2023.

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    Bartlett Outlines Caribbean Insurance Industry’s Pivotal Role in Tourism Safety and Security

    (HM CARAIFA) Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (2nd left) is welcomed by President-elect of the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARAIFA), Hugh Meredith (4th left), and other executive members on his arrival at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa, Montego Bay, on Sunday to give the keynote address at the association’s Hall of Fame Induction dinner to kick start their 34th Sales Congress. Others sharing the moment are (l-r) Congress Director, Monica Robotham; current President of CAIFA, Alicia Birch; CARAIFA’s Secretary General Marcella Fenton and, partially hidden, President of the Jamaica Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, Triola Harper-Smit
    Caribbean insurance companies have been challenged to play a pivotal role in ensuring safety and security within the regional tourism industry.
    Citing Jamaica’s tourism recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as an example, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said that during the pandemic the insurance sector was needed on board as a safety valve to give assurance to visitors that they had protection if anything happened when they arrived at the destination. This, he said, was integral to the early recovery of the industry.
    Minister Bartlett’s position was stated yesterday (May 14) as he delivered the keynote address at the Hall of Fame Induction dinner of the 34th Sales Congress of the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (CARAIFA), held at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay.
    “As the islands act urgently to integrate resilience as a core component of its tourism development agenda, Caribbean insurance companies can play a critical role in helping to protect the tourism sector in the face of future crises,” he said.
    He listed a number of ways in which the insurance industry can help to contribute to tourism resilience, such as providing coverage for loss of income and property damage caused by a variety of risks, including natural disasters, pandemics or other disruptions; helping businesses and individuals accurately assess the risk associated with their activities and providing advice on the types of coverage that should be taken out; and increasing awareness of the importance of having adequate coverage in place by engaging in public education campaigns.ADVERTISEMENTMr. Bartlett suggested that the campaigns could include providing advice on best practices in risk management as well as making people aware of the consequences of not having adequate coverage in place and educating travellers who are unfamiliar with the risk they could be exposed to and what insurance coverage to look for.
    He also stated that the insurance industry could help to contribute to tourism resilience by investing in disaster response and relief initiatives such as providing financial support for businesses and individuals affected by natural disasters or pandemic-related disruptions as well as aiding in rebuilding efforts.
    Minister Bartlett noted that at last week’s Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) 41st Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados, discussions took place on establishing a full pension plan across the region using as a model Jamaica’s ground-breaking comprehensive Tourism Workers Pension Scheme (TWPS), which involves two major insurance companies in the management and administration of the fund.
    An important consideration is that “it has tremendous implications for capital formation across the Caribbean because there are one million workers in the tourism sector in the region; 643,000 of which are working directly in the industry and the others indirectly,” said Minister Bartlett, adding, “and if that pension plan is taken across the region as Jamaica has it, there is the potential to create a level of domestic saving, the size of which the region would never have seen” providing a pool of low-cost funds to build the Caribbean.
    With Jamaica’s TWPS now fully operational, he said, “We now need a comprehensive health plan for the workers of the industry” and challenged the insurance sector “to craft an instrument that will enable a health security arrangement for the workers of the tourism industry in the Caribbean.”
    With the theme for the CARAIFA sales congress focussing on resilience, Minister Bartlett also called on the region’s insurance companies “to build the human capital of our region.” He said, “Resilience has to come from knowledge, from building capacity for people to convert ideas into meaningful and practical application that will have a value and so we must build the capacity of our young people to think, not just to regurgitate information which they get by reading a text but learn to innovate.”
    He, therefore, called on CARAIFA to work with the education system on a programme “to help to establish innovation incubators where young people can learn about financial administration, how to use their money properly and wisely, and learn what insurance is all about.”

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    Singapore Tourism Awards 2023

    25 individuals and organisations were recognised at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2023, for delivering exceptional experiences and displaying enterprise excellence as tourism resumed fully last year.
    Conferred by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the Singapore Tourism Awards seeks to raise the sector’s competitiveness by motivating individuals and organisations to create compelling experiences and adopt best practices. Recipients[1] were selected from 90 finalists[2] nominated for the categories of Experience Excellence (Leisure/MICE), Enterprise Excellence and Customer Service Excellence.
    STB Chief Executive Mr Keith Tan said, “I congratulate all our award recipients and finalists for their outstanding achievements. Their efforts have strengthened Singapore’s tourism sector and enhanced the experiences of visitors to Singapore. I hope their achievements will inspire others in the tourism sector to step up and perform even better in the future.”
    Lifetime Achievement for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism
    Mr George Tanasijevich​, former President and CEO/Managing Director of Marina Bay Sands, was conferred the Awards’ highest accolade – Lifetime Achievement for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism. He spearheaded Las Vegas Sands Corporation’s successful bid in 2006 to develop the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort. It is now one the world’s most iconic tourist destinations, creating quality jobs for locals and significant economic benefits for Singapore.ADVERTISEMENTRecognising the best in tourism
    24 individuals and organisations were also honoured for their outstanding achievements in Experience Excellence (Leisure/MICE), Enterprise Excellence and Customer Service Excellence.
    In particular, Avatar: The Experience​ was awarded Outstanding Attraction Experience under the Experience Excellence (Leisure) award category. It immersed visitors in the world of “Pandora”, while offering an “eco-smart tourable experience” that can be transported and reused, reducing its overall carbon footprint.
    Kayak Fishing Fever’s Kayak Sailing in Singapore, Mangrove and Culinary Adventure received the Outstanding Tour Experience for bringing guests up close with the natural ecosystem and habitats while offering a rare glimpse into life on Pulau Ubin​.
    Blue Smoke was named Outstanding Casual Dining Experience for its unique concept of an open wood and charcoal fire smokehouse and grill, while creating uniquely Asian flavours with Nanyang Teochew cuisine at the core.
    Informa’s Food & Hotel Asia (FHA) received the Outstanding Business Event award under the Experience Excellence (MICE) award category, for restructuring FHA 2022 into two tradeshows. It achieved strong attendance to become the best-attended Food and Hospitality event in Asia.
    Sands Expo and Convention Centre (Marina Bay Sands) was awarded Outstanding Event Venue Experience for repositioning Marina Bay Sands from a one-venue destination to a vibrant and integrated precinct. It has also been conferred the Exceptional Achievement[3] award for achieving Outstanding Event Venue Experience three years in a row.
    ​Mandai Wildlife Group was awarded the Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability under the Enterprise Excellence award category, for displaying leadership in conservation and sustainability. To protect biodiversity, the organisation focused on enhancing local habitats and ecological connectivity at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. It also achieved an 80% reduction in single use plastics across parks and converted its in-park trams and buggies to run on electricity.
    Sentosa Development Corporation’s (SDC) Discovery Neverending NFTs was named Outstanding Marketing Idea as it successfully drove brand awareness and engagement by leveraging the popularity of non-fungible tokens (NFT) among their target segments. The innovative marketing plan – which had a clear analysis and mapping of audience behaviour – increased sign-ups for SDC’s loyalty programme and garnered high participation, receiving 1.96 million impressions on their social channels.
    Resorts World Sentosa was recognised as Outstanding Employer (formerly the Exemplary Employer award) for its structured approach in talent management and development. The organisation achieved close to 300,000 training hours in 2022 and implemented a tiered skill allowance framework. It also has a dedicated Innovation Department to assist and work with departments on innovation and work processes.
    New award for Outstanding Wellness Experience
    In line with STB’s ambition for Singapore to become an urban wellness haven and to grow our tourism offerings in this area, the Outstanding Wellness Experience award was introduced this year. The inaugural award was clinched by Xiu Nature Connections. Through its unique forest bathing experience that taps on pockets of green spaces in Singapore, Xiu Nature Connections created a distinctive way for visitors to explore Singapore. It also collaborated with stakeholders such as Far East Hospitality, Seek Sophie and ClassPass to drive global outreach for its forest bathing programmes.
    Organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the Singapore Tourism Awards brings together Singapore’s tourism sector to celebrate individuals and organisations that best deliver exceptional experiences and achieve enterprise excellence. The Awards is an integral part of STB’s efforts to raise the Singapore tourism sector’s competitiveness by motivating organisations and individuals to create compelling experiences or adopt best practices. For more information, visit www.singaporetourismawards.com.

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