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      Civitatis unveils unprecedented growth in tours & activities portfolio and supplier partnerships sin

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      Civitatis, the leading technological platform for booking Spanish-speaking activities, day trips, guided tours, and excursions worldwide – both in the B2C and B2B channels – has today announced a substantial growth in the number of products and supplier partnerships, projecting a significant increase in activities and partners by the close of 2023.
      Comparing data from 2019, Civitatis has experienced exceptional growth of 200% in its product portfolio, rising from 29,000 to 87,000 activities available.
      In a similar vein, the supplier partnership network has undergone a remarkable transformation, witnessing a rise from 3,500 providers in 2021 to over 6,000 at present, marking an impressive 71% increase.
      This expansion has been driven by the internationalisation strategy of Civitatis, particularly targeting Spanish-speaking markets like Latin America, enabling access to superior suppliers, and amplifying the diversity of offerings available to customers.
      The growth in product offerings and partnerships is also backed by the commitment of Civitatis to meeting evolving market demands and amplifying their global footprint, together with significant staff growth and increased investments in marketing efforts.ADVERTISEMENTAlberto Gutiérrez, Founder and CEO at Civitatis, commented, “The exponential growth in our product range and supplier partnership network is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire Civitatis team – but I’d also like to thank all those new supplier partners who have placed their trust in our global distribution capabilities. Our strategic focus on expanding our portfolio, particularly in LATAM, and forging strong alliances has positioned us one of the top handful of tours & activities online sellers in the world. We remain committed to furthering our international presence and enriching the travel experiences of our customers.”
      This announcement follows recent news of remarkable growth in traveller numbers for Civitatis, predicting reaching a milestone of roughly 10 million travellers for 2023 by the close of the year, based on current year-to-date sales of almost 9 million.

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      UNWTO Startup Competition Seeks Innovators Shaping the Future of Hospitality and Business Models

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      The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is joining with Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) to identify entrepreneurs playing a key role in reshaping the hotel and new business model landscapes.
      The UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models is open to any startup or entrepreneur worldwide. The competition will award 10 finalists with the best solutions in the categories of Innovations in Digital Hospitality and Business Models, and Sustainability Impact.
      Innovation and technology in the hospitality industry redefine the very essence of the guest experience, transforming hotels into hubs of seamless, personalized services. With his competition, we are sourcing startups on a global level that are pioneering solutions that elevate the standards of guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and sustainability for hotels and new business models. Ms. Natalia Bayona, Executive Director, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
      Hosting the UNWTO Startup Competition for the second consecutive year at Infecar, with a dedicated focus on technologies and solutions in tourism for hotels, underscores our steadfast dedication to fostering sustainability and innovation within this pivotal industry. Ms. Natalia Santana, Director General of Infecar, Feria de Gran Canaria.
      The finalists will pitch their ideas at the Tourism Tech Adventures Canarias on 20 February 2024 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaría, followed by mentorships from international partners. The winning startups will receive tailored support, become a member of the UNWTO Innovation Network with access to venture capital and the private sector, will receive scholarship opportunities from the Tourism Online Academy, and potential implementation of their projects.ADVERTISEMENTAbout the UNWTO Startup Competitions:UNWTO, through its Department of Innovation, Education, and Investments, has developed 14 global entrepreneurship competitions (“UNWTO Tourism Startup Competitions”), and 11 specific challenges that have generated an Innovation Network of over 7000 Members. The UNWTO startup competitions ignite a revolution in the tourism sector, steering it toward higher levels of intelligence, sustainability, and innovation. The competition seeks to identify and support pioneering startups that can contribute to the transformation of the industry.
      For more details about the startup competition, or innovation initiatives, please contact [email protected]

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      Hotelplan UK Publishes First Planet & People Report: Protecting Our Futures

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      Hotelplan UK – the parent company of Explore Worldwide, Inghams, Esprit, Inntravel and Santa’s Lapland – has released its first Planet and People report, to follow on from its Climate and Biodiversity papers published early in 2023.The report, Protecting our Futures, tracks Hotelplan UK’s progress towards sustainability goals and incorporates elements of the group’s People strategy for the first time. It highlights where the group has surpassed targets – increasing investments in the planet and charity donations by more than 16% to £1.25 million, for instance – as well as addressing areas such as carbon reduction where efforts need further acceleration to meet Glasgow Declaration targets.
      “It’s been an incredible trading year for our brands, but we’re publishing this report to show that healthy profits and passenger numbers aren’t our only objectives,” said Hotelplan UK CEO, Joe Ponte. “We’re focused on being a purpose-led organisation, meaning an equal focus on People, Planet and Profit is paramount. We’ve got a clear vision of the travel business we want to be and are excited to share the path we’ve mapped to get us there.”
      Highlights of the report include:
      Giving Back
      Hotelplan UK invested over £1.15 million for the planet during its 2022/23 financial year – surpassing its £1 million commitment due to higher-than-projected passenger numbersInvestment went into carbon removal solutions with Klimate, biodiversity restoration with Rewilding Britan and environmental protection with Cool EarthIn addition, over £100,000 was given to charities and projects at brand level – up from £74,000 originally pledgedHotelplan UK will invest a further £1 million in carbon removal and rewilding projects, plus donate a further £100,000 to charitable causes in its 23/24 financial yearCarbon FootprintADVERTISEMENTThe group’s intensity carbon footprint – based on tCO2e per passenger, per night – has decreased by 5%, year-on-yearThe group’s absolute carbon footprint has increased by 42% due to uplifts in passengers and business travelGoing beyond GHG Protocol, Hotelplan UK’s absolute footprint includes estimated transport emissions for all passengers travelling to/from its trips – including those who booked land-only trips and arranged their own flights/transportTo specifically reduce flight emissions – which made up 75% of last year’s footprint – options for flight-free holidays have been increased and direct, economy flights are being sold by defaultPeople
      Hotelplan UK’s board and senior managers have had bonus targets equally aligned against People, Planet and Profit targetsAccessibility was improved at the group’s HQ to support DE&I, with the addition of gender-neutral toilets, braille signage, a wheelchair-adapted kitchen and quiet spacesThe group offers sustainability-centred benefits, including a low-carbon travel policy where team members can earn extra paid leave by swapping flights for lower-carbon alternatives
      Hotelplan UK’s director of sustainability, Prue Stone, co-authored the report. She commented: “We’ve made encouraging progress by reducing our carbon footprint per passenger this year; and the expansion of our sustainability team means each brand now has an expert scrutinising its activities and driving change wherever possible. We want to be clear on the challenges of decarbonisation, however. In 2024, along with focusing on the factors we can directly control, we’re determined to work closely with partners and the industry to turn the dial on key issues such as comparable measurement methodologies, low carbon transport, activism and advocacy.”
      Nicky Lyle, Hotelplan UK’s group director of HR and another of the report’s authors, added: “Being an organisation that prioritises sustainability relies heavily on having a team that believes in the same vision; and strong internal commitment to recruiting people who share our values. We won’t achieve our planet goals unless we invest in our team – the two go hand-in-hand.  We’re pleased to share in this report how we’re bringing that to life and how we’re embedding sustainable behaviours and outputs across all areas of the business.”
      “The road to a sustainable future for tourism is not an easy one, but we firmly believe that acting and communicating with transparency will speed the journey,” added Joe Ponte. “Witnessing progress inspires us all to do more – whilst being open about difficulties and vulnerabilities supports banding together to find solutions. This is the approach we’re taking at Hotelplan UK and we look forward to sharing further updates.”

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      U.S. Travel Association Selects Detroit as Host of IPW 2028

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      For the first time, Detroit will serve as host site of U.S. Travel’s IPW, the leading international inbound travel trade show and largest generator of travel to the United States, the association announced today. IPW will be held in the city on June 10-14, 2028.
      The 2028 event will be staged at Huntington Place and at sites throughout the city. IPW is the U.S. Travel Association’s biggest event with over 90,000 pre-scheduled business appointments connecting 1,600 global travel buyers and more than 700 travel media with several thousand U.S. travel suppliers.
      More than 5,000 travel professionals representing 60+ countries participate in total. Past IPWs have generated more than $5.5 billion in future travel to the United States. This event will dramatically increase visitation and investment in the Detroit region and be beneficial for the entire state of Michigan.
      What Leaders Are Saying About Detroit Securing IPW
      “In a historic run of success for Detroit, today marks another huge win for the city and the State of Michigan with the announcement that the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW event is coming to the Motor City in 2028,” said Visit Detroit President and CEO Claude Molinari. “This event will help inspire millions of more people to visit our city, which will help generate billions of dollars in economic impact. We can’t wait to bring the world to Detroit and Detroit to the world.ADVERTISEMENT“By serving as host site of IPW in 2028, Detroit will play a key role in growing inbound travel and strengthening the U.S. economy,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “U.S. Travel looks forward to working with Visit Detroit and the State of Michigan to bring the world to America—and ensuring IPW remains a can’t-miss event on the global travel industry’s calendar.” See Video Message from Geoff Freeman.
      “IPW is an incredible opportunity for Michigan,” said Dave Lorenz, Vice President of Travel Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “We are thrilled to welcome the worldwide travel industry to Detroit for this global showcase of America. We can’t wait to highlight the Pure Michigan experience on an international stage.”

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      HKTB Wins World’s Leading MICE Event – Inaugural IBTM Asia Pacific 2025 to be Staged in Hong Kong

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      The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) announced that Hong Kong has won IBTM, the world’s leading Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) event brand, to organise its inaugural MICE trade show IBTM Asia Pacific 2025, in Spring 2025 in Hong Kong.
      The event is expected to attract more than 1,500 travel trade and MICE professionals from the Mainland, Southeast Asia, India, Japan, South Korea and other markets in the region, and long-haul markets. The event not only provides an ideal platform for Hong Kong, Mainland and overseas travel agents, hotels, MICE venues, attractions, airlines and other industry players to explore business opportunities, but also helps consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place and facilitate the development of MICE tourism throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
      Dr Pang Yiu-kai, HKTB Chairman, said, “IBTM’s decision to host its inaugural flagship trade show for the Asia Pacific region in Hong Kong is a strong testament to Hong Kong’s international standing and its unique role as a super-connector of the Greater Bay Area (GBA) by the global MICE industry. The event will not only bring more than 1,500 high-yield visitors from the global travel trade and MICE industry to Hong Kong but will also generate positive word-of-mouth with their personal experience. This, in turn, will help bring more MICE events to Hong Kong, creating unlimited business opportunities for Hong Kong.”
      Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM Portfolio Director, agreed that Hong Kong is an international MICE hub, “Hong Kong comes with various competitive edges, such as its diverse choice of venues, convenient transport facilities and the provision of comprehensive professional support. Geographically, it is well positioned as a gateway between the world and the Mainland, especially cities in the GBA, which makes the city the ideal host of IBTM Asia Pacific. I am confident that this exhibition will help MICE trade members in different markets establish contacts with each other and explore opportunities in the region.”

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      DFDS Retains ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ Title at World Travel Awards

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      Global ferry operator DFDS has sailed to victory once again after being named the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
      Voted for by passengers and travel industry peers, the award acknowledges, rewards, and celebrates excellence in the travel, tourism and hospitality industries and represents DFDS’s commitment to unrivalled service, unparalleled reliability, and an unwavering dedication to passenger satisfaction.
      The win wraps up a successful awards season for DFDS, having already secured the following accolades:
      Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator 2023Europe’s Best Ferry Operator Website 2023World’s Best Ferry Operator Website 2023The grand final took place in Dubai at the iconic Burj Al Arab with DFDS taking home the highest honour in ferry travel at the landmark celebrations.
      While reflecting on the record-breaking win, DFDS’s Vice-President and Head of Passenger, Kasper Moos, said: “The World Travel Awards represents the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry, and to be named as the World’s Leading Ferry Operator for the 13th year running is an incredible honour.ADVERTISEMENT“Above all, it is testament to the passion and dedication demonstrated by each and every member of our team across the globe and the exceptional service they provide to our passengers.
      “I am proud that our passengers choose DFDS time and time again and want to express my gratitude to everyone who voted for us. Their belief in our service inspires us to continually strive for excellence.”
      DFDS operates a diverse network of ten passenger routes across Europe, carrying more than 4.7million passengers between:
      Amsterdam-NewcastleCopenhagen-Oslo and Frederikshavn-OsloDover-Calais, Dover-Dunkirk, Dieppe-Newhaven and Rosslare-Dunkirk on the ChannelPaldiski- Kapellskär, Klaipeda-Karlshamn and Klaipeda-Kiel in the BalticsFor more information about DFDS’s ferry services please visit www.dfds.com

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      UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS & EXPERIENCES CREATES FIRST-EVER THEME PARK CONCEPT FOR FAMILIES

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      Universal Destinations & Experiences, a division of Comcast NBCUniversal, officially introduces Universal Kids Resort – the company’s first-ever theme park designed specifically for families with young children. Located in Frisco, Texas and first announced earlier this year, this imaginative, original resort brings the company’s innovative style of storytelling to a new, younger audience.Universal Kids Resort will include a theme park featuring immersive themed lands that celebrate Universal’s iconic brand of entertainment, humor and fun – bringing to life its beloved characters and stories in ways that will wow the youngest theme park goers. It will feature family-friendly attractions, interactive and playful shows, unique merchandise, fun food and beverage venues and character meet and greets. The resort area will also include a 300-room themed hotel giving families a place to stay and to play following their day of adventure.
      “Universal Kids Resort will inspire the unbridled creativity of kids through imagination, discovery and most importantly – play,” said Molly Murphy, President, Universal Creative. “We’re designing the resort so kids and families can feel the thrill of being physically immersed in their most beloved stories and characters.”
      Set in lush green landscape with a distinctive look, feel and scale specifically for younger kids, the park will deliver the quality the Universal brand is known for worldwide.
      Progress on the new concept is well underway following a groundbreaking in November. Universal Kids Resort will drive immediate economic impact for the region, creating thousands of jobs including more than 2,500 new construction jobs. Throughout the project, the company will remain focused on ensuring the resort adds value and positively serves the community.
      Additional details about Universal Kids Resort will be revealed over time. To stay updated on all the company’s newest developments, visit corporate.universaldestinationsandexperiences.com.ADVERTISEMENTAbout Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX)Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, offers guests around the world the most innovative, immersive and popular entertainment experiences. Our portfolio is comprised of world-class theme parks featuring the industry’s most thrilling and technologically advanced attractions, exceptional hotels and resorts, unique merchandise, games, virtual and live entertainment experiences. We use our rich collection of stories and franchises – from Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and more – to take people to places they couldn’t imagine while creating memorable and emotionally fulfilling moments for people of all ages.

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      Disneyland Resort is a Must-Visit Vacation Destination

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      For the first time, Disneyland Resort is releasing its lineup of special events and limited-time festivities for the coming year, with 2024 highlighted by the resort-wide Pixar Fest celebration beginning in the spring. Guests can book Disneyland Resort theme park reservations up to 180 days in advance with the expanded reservation calendar, and the slate of scheduled events can help them plan their visits earlier.With distinctly Disney experiences and exciting happenings all year long, no two visits are the same. As it enters an era of boundless growth and innovation, Disneyland Resort is also investing in the development of more guest experiences, with work underway on Pixar Place Hotel; the upcoming attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure; and the continued transformation of the Downtown Disney District.
      A variety of ticket options and special offers throughout the year make it possible for many guests to visit Disneyland Resort. For visits in early 2024, families can get greater value with a special offer on theme park tickets for children ages 3-9.* Valid between Jan. 8 and March 10, 2024 (no blockout dates, subject to park reservation availability), child tickets can be purchased for as low as $50 per child, per day. More information is available on Disneyland.com.
      Reimagined Pixar Fest returns spring 2024
      Pixar Fest returns to the Disneyland Resort from April 26 through Aug. 4, 2024, bringing guests together for a celebration of friendship and beyond. From colorful décor and themed menu items to commemorative merchandise, the Disneyland Resort theme parks, hotels and Downtown Disney District will have a Pixar twist of friendly fun for a limited time.
      This festival of friendship is highlighted by heartwarming entertainment featuring Pixar stories. An all-new daytime parade, “Better Together: A Pixar Pals Celebration!”, will debut at Disney California Adventure Park, and at Disneyland Park, the emotional “Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular” returns with some all-new scenes. During the celebration, guests may encounter new characters such as Ember and Wade from “Elemental,” Red Panda Mei from “Turning Red” and more. Additional entertainment and offerings will be announced at a later date.ADVERTISEMENTFestivals and limited-time celebrations
      The return of highly anticipated festivals and seasonal festivities add many more choices of entertainment, menu items and experiences to Disneyland Resort visits in 2024.
      Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park (Jan. 23-Feb. 18): A tribute to Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean traditions, this multicultural celebration rings in the Year of the Dragon with Asian-inspired food and beverages, vibrant décor and Mushu leading the way in “Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession.”
      Celebrate Gospel at Disneyland Park (Feb. 17 and 24): Performing at the Fantasyland Theatre, the 2024 “Celebrate Gospel” concerts will be headlined by Marvin Sapp (Feb. 17) and Tasha Cobbs Leonard (Feb. 24). “Celebrate Gospel” is an annual tribute to Gospel music that brings together award-winning music artists and community choirs from across Southern California.
      Anaheim Ducks Days at Disney California Adventure Park (Feb. 22-23): In celebration of the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club’s 30th anniversary, the Disneyland Resort and the Anaheim Ducks team up for a two-day event in Hollywood Land, including a celebratory cavalcade, fan zone with themed activities and photo opportunities, plus appearances by select current and legacy team players.
      Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival (March 1-April 22): The gastronomic extravaganza serves up creative foods and beverages, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment inspired by the diverse cultures and cuisines of the Golden State. The popular attraction, Soarin’ Over California, also returns for a limited time.

      Season of the Force at Disneyland Park (April 5-June 2): Season of the Force arrives at Disneyland Park with Hyperspace Mountain and specially themed food and beverage, merchandise and more for a limited time. Debuting during the celebration, guests can embark on new adventures aboard Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will provide fresh perspective on the fireworks above Disneyland Park, with galactic music sweeping through the spires.
      Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort (Aug. 23-Oct. 31): Wicked fun for all ages, this spellbinding season transforms the resort with autumn décor, characters dressed in hauntingly haute Halloween outfits and uniquely themed attractions.
      Plaza de la Familia at Disney California Adventure Park (Aug. 23-Nov. 2): The everlasting bonds of family and Mexican traditions of Día de los Muertos are honored through a cultural experience featuring storytelling and music from Pixar’s “Coco.”
      Holidays at the Disneyland Resort (Begins Nov. 15): Family and friends can celebrate the season with the lively Disney Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure Park, plus seasonal overlays on beloved attractions, cherished holiday spectaculars and dazzling wintry décor throughout the resort.
      Separately ticketed after-hours events
      Guests can play the night away during fan-favorite after-hours events scheduled in 2024. These themed, separately ticketed events include pre-party park mix-in, shorter wait times for select attractions, unlimited select Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the event, and more.
      Disneyland After Dark (select nights from January through June): Disneyland Park will host four themed soirées packed with unique entertainment, rare character encounters and distinctive menus of sweet treats and savory snacks.
      Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party** (Returning in 2024): Disney California Adventure Park will throw family-friendly Halloween parties including immersive treat trails, rare character sightings and unique entertainment. For this spirited occasion, guests are invited to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes.**
      More magic in the making
      The reimagined Pixar Place Hotel opens Jan. 30, 2024, marking the official transformation of Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel into the first fully Pixar-themed hotel in the United States. The 15-story hotel overlooking Disney California Adventure Park will offer Pixar-themed guest rooms, new dining featuring Great Maple restaurant, a rooftop pool area, play court and more.
      Beginning May 24, the nighttime spectacular “Fantasmic!” will once again illuminate the Rivers of America at Disneyland Park, featuring new special effects, a thrilling new battle scene between Sorcerer Mickey and Maleficent, plus the return of the iconic “Peter Pan” scene. In this treasured show, fantastic events and images from Disney stories come to life through soaring music, dozens of live performers, character appearances and state-of-the-art projections.
      When the new attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts at Disneyland Park later in 2024, guests will embark on a musical journey inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.” The stories of Princess Tiana also extend to Tiana’s Palace quick-service restaurant and Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets retail shop in New Orleans Square.
      The evolution of the Downtown Disney District continues to take shape with the openings of Paseo and Céntrico, serving Mexican cuisine by Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, and Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned Chinese restaurant known for its soup dumplings and noodles, in 2024. Restaurants and boutiques in the area will also continue to offer new must-have merchandise and menu items to discover. Musical entertainment, activities and events make the newly opened Downtown Disney LIVE! stage and lawn on the district’s west end an ideal location for gathering and relaxation.

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