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    Canada – The Destination that Inspires Openness

    Destination Canada, the national tourism organization, introduced its new global brand strategy to put Canada on the map as the destination that inspires openness. This new brand strategy will be unveiled through a series of traditional and unconventional marketing initiatives that aims to increase Canada’s competitiveness as a destination and drive international high value guests to visit Canada.The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced bold choices and new ways of marketing the destination. Canadians represented 8 out of 10 tourism dollars spent last year, a formidable contribution to the recovery. With these domestic travellers set to exodus this Spring for international travel, Canada needs to fill the gap and bring back international travellers, especially from the US, Canada’s largest inbound market and biggest opportunity for revenue recovery.
    “Our valued guests want more than a travel experience – they want a space for growth, enrichment and true transformation,” says Gloria Loree, Destination Canada’s Senior Vice-President, Marketing Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer. “In a world that makes us feel trapped, Canada’s unique blend of openness helps us break free. It’s Canada’s open spaces, open hearts and open minds, that offer the space that travellers crave and will help us as a nation brand stand out in the fiercely competitive travel marketplace.” 
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    This bold brand ambition is pushing Destination Canada to embrace unique ways of engaging a global audience. Through a first-of-its kind partnership with TED, Destination Canada is creating a global conversation about openness. Through masterful storytelling by remarkable Canadians, they are encouraging new conversations about the destination, and pushing people to rethink what they already know about Canada. These TED Talks were filmed today in New York City and will be published on TED.com starting in the Spring. Destination Canada will share with its key leisure markets, as well its Business Events markets.
    “TED’s mission of Ideas Worth Spreading is perfectly aligned with Destination Canada’s theme of Openness – we are thrilled to offer the TED stage as a place for extraordinary Canadians to share their ideas with the world,” says Lindsay Levin, Head of Partnerships + Impact, TED.ADVERTISEMENT“From breathtaking outdoor landscapes to authentic Indigenous experiences to incredible urban and culinary journeys, Canada’s openness and inclusiveness make possible the memorable experiences that people carry with them for the rest of their lives,” says the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance. “There’s no doubt Canada is the place to visit, any time of the year, and we welcome you with open arms!”
    Destination Canada unveiled its new brand positioning with a campaign that invited Americans to take a new kind of leave – a Maple Leave and escape for a stress-free vacation to Canada. Destination Canada also launched its Open If You Are campaign in the US which challenges certain myths and misconceptions that are stopping guests from thinking about Canada as a long-haul travel destination and aims to inspire, surprise and immerse travellers in Canada’s experiences, as well as its unique blend of openness.
    Additional brand campaigns will be launched throughout 2023 as Destination Canada finds new ways to invite guests to experience Canada’s open spaces, open hearts, and open minds.

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    Author Yvette Keller Announces Publication of “Douglas Adams’ London” Literary Guide

    Yvette Keller is a lifelong fan of the British writer, Douglas Adams, best known for the 5-book, science fiction humor “trilogy,” The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.The Santa Barbara, California-based writer now invites Adams fans and London tourists to experience all things Adams through a new literary guide, “Douglas Adams’ London,” published by Herb Lester Associates. Pre-orders are now available at www.herblester.com with a ship date of March 11, chosen because it is Adams’ birthday.Adams lived and worked in London for decades. “Douglas Adams’ London,” is a hitchhiker’s guide to 42 places (chosen honor of Hitchhiker’s reference to the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything) drawn from the reality and fiction of Adams’ life. On one side, a stylized map pinpoints relevant sites across London. On the reverse, detailed information about each site spotlights its significance to the author.
    From Shepherds Bush to Highgate, the map leads tourists along the streets that Adams knew and cared about, noting the rampant development of his beloved Islington, “Grim concrete monoliths, eyeing the new spaces in Upper Street where they hoped to spawn their horrid progeny.” Expressing the timeless joy Adams referred to Hyde Park as, “stunning except for the rubbish on Monday mornings.”
    Keller’s pilgrimage to walk in Adams’ footsteps began very simply. It began with her 42nd birthday and a book, one she is writing to share her experiences with other fans. “By exploring the meaningful places in Adams’ life, you start to see how reality and fiction came together for him,” Keller explained. “Character, setting, and author, intersect with reality, and, as Douglas said, ‘If you’re going to set it in London, you may as well set it where you live because you know it. There’s no point in setting it in Putney if I’ve then got to get a bus down to Putney to see what the layout is.’”
    Ben Olins is the director at Herb Lester Associates. He was intrigued by how real and imagined worlds overlap. So, to explore real places from the work of an author best known for Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was, in his words, “irresistible.” The publisher is no stranger to literary maps. The company’s “guides to the unexpected,” include Agatha Christie’s England, Occult Paris, and New Orleans Good Times.
    ADVERTISEMENT“One’s first thoughts of places included in a galactic travel guide don’t include the north London estate agents and residential streets. But places he (Adams) knew are used throughout his books,” Olins said. “In charting all of that, I hope we bring to life the world Adams inhabited, and in doing so perhaps bring readers closer to a writer they admire.”
    Those who pre-order the Douglas Adams’ London guide directly from Herb Lester Associates have an opportunity to order a set of six coasters gathered from fictional pubs and clubs across the Hitchhikers universe. (Check out the author’s unboxing video here.)
    While supplies last, they will also receive a seventh, exclusive beer mat from Milliways – The Restaurant at the End of the Universe. The guide will be available to fans in the United States beginning April 15. For more information, or to order, visit www.herblester.com.

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    ADD SOME SLIME TO YOUR SPRING BREAK OR EASTER VACATION AT NICKELODEON HOTELS & RESORTS

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    THE ITB BLOGGER BASE HAS A NEW HOME IN HUB 27

    It is THE place for all accredited travel bloggers and influencers to meet, network, blog, vlog or simply recharge their batteries.This year’s focus of the ITB Blogger Base is on sponsor Andalucía, a region from the south of Spain, which, for example, is organising a get-together in the base exclusively for the bloggers from 4 pm to 5 pm on 7 March. A real event highlight will be the tasting of Andalusian specialities: sherry wine from Jeréz will be served by a professional “venenciador”, accompanied by genuine Iberian ham of the highest quality, prepared by a typical “cortador de jamón”.
    However, our travel bloggers can not only be surprised by the culinary richness of the region of Andalusia, but also by its cultural, scenic and sporting diversity and network directly with representatives from the region.
    The focus of the region in the south of the Iberian Peninsula: more than 800 kilometres of coastline, three national parks and cities such as Seville, Córdoba or Granada. Let yourself be enchanted by the Andalusian coast with its diverse beaches, fantastic cliffs, marshes full of life and a still quite unknown underwater world just waiting to be discovered. Or fantastic climatic conditions and the quality of existing sports facilities that make Andalusia a privileged place for sporting activities and events. Go on a voyage of discovery of the cultural riches that the region of Andalusia has to offer, dating back to early antiquity. Important archaeological sites tell of the past of different cultures and civilisations that settled in this beautiful, rich region of southern Spain.
    As you can see, there is much to discover! So be sure to stop by the Andalusia stand in Hall 2.1 (Stand 201 A-C)!

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    Hamad International Airport receives Airport Carbon Accreditation renewal for emissions reductions

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    Hamad International Airport receives Airport Carbon Accreditation renewal for emissions reductions

    As part of the global airport industry response to the challenge of climate change, MATAR, the Qatar Company for Airport Operation and Management, successfully renewed its ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation Level-3 “Optimisation” for one more year.This successful recertification is a reassurance that the carbon management processes and activities implemented by Hamad International Airport (DOH) have effectively reduced CO2 emissions.
    During the recertification process, MATAR was audited by independent 3rd party verifiers from August 2022 to October 2022, and then further verified by the independent scheme administrator WSP.
    Commenting on the successful renewal, Mr. Michael Mcmillan, Senior Vice President Facilities Management said: “We are very proud to maintain this significant accreditation at the optimization level since 2017, acknowledging the efforts of the MATAR Teams and our stakeholders. Sustainability and Environment stewardship are strategic pillars at Hamad International Airport, as we continue our intension and ambition to demonstrate leadership within our industry and country – notably within our recent expansion project – where we achieved 4 star rating under The Gulf Organization for Research & Development (GORD) for reducing carbon footprint.”
    Mr. Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific, said: “The renewal of ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation reaffirms Hamad International Airport’s commitment towards sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact and emissions. Airports like Hamad International Airport are leading our industry on a path toward continued success in innovation and sustainability. This achievement demonstrates MATAR’s firm commitment to investing in a more sustainable future for aviation and the region it serves.”In collaboration with its stakeholders and partners, MATAR plays a vital role in monitoring, managing and reducing Hamad International Airport’s carbon emissions to fulfil the airport’s long-term environmental objectives of carbon emissions reduction by 30% by 2030 – driving for continuous environmental improvement and sustainability.
    ACI Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) is an internationally recognized accreditation programme by Airports Council International (ACI) that sets out the world’s only institutionally-endorsed, international carbon management programme for airports. The accreditation offers a six-level certification that reflect incremental challenges in measuring, managing and improving carbon emissions.ADVERTISEMENTIn 2022, Hamad International Airport was once again named the World’s Best Airport for the second year in a row by the prestigious Skytrax awards. The airport was also named the Best Overall Airport and the Best Airport in the Middle East at the 19th Global Traveller Tested Reader Survey Awards.

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    IHG Hotels & Resorts announces new flagship boutique property in London under Hotel Indigo brand

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    IHG Hotels & Resorts announces new flagship boutique property in London under Hotel Indigo brand

    IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, has announced an exciting new signing in London, UK, for its upscale boutique brand Hotel Indigo.Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherds Bush will be one of the brand’s flagship London properties due to its individual design and superb location and has been signed in partnership with the Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company.
    Due to open in Spring 2025, Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherds Bush will be the sixth Hotel Indigo in London. With 252 stylish bedrooms, the brand-defining property will undergo a significant refurbishment and will feature a distinctive new design with an exquisite destination restaurant and bar – the true hub of the hotel – plus a boutique spa with hydrotherapy pool and state-of-the-art business facilities and function rooms. Just like no two neighbourhoods are alike, no two Hotel Indigo properties are the same, and guests will also benefit from the reassurance of booking with a global hotel group.
    All Hotel Indigo properties provide a gateway to discover some of the world’s most inspiring localities. Shepherds Bush is a thriving West London neighbourhood with excellent transport links to central London. Local attractions include Westfield London and the re-purposed Television Centre (the former BBC headquarters) in White City; Holland Park with its open-air theatre programme, Portobello Road’s eclectic market and trendy Notting Hill with its art house cinemas and independent shops.Hotel Indigo is the world’s first globally branded boutique hotel brand and in Europe alone, boasts 41* open hotels with a further 16* in the planning stages. Each Hotel Indigo operates under the ethos ‘to serve the curious’, providing an immersive hospitality experience in a lively neighbourhood location. From the design of the property through to the menus, each hotel draws on the story of its local area.
    (Mrs) Willemijn Geels, VP Development Europe at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to have added Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherds Bush to our ever-growing UK portfolio. As one of IHG’s luxury & lifestyle brands, Hotel Indigo is continuing to grow in popularity, and this is reflected in the interest we are seeing from owners and investors.”
    Mr Fergus Stewart, CEO Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company, said: “The signing of Hotel Indigo London K West Shepherds Bush is a wonderful moment, and we look forward to collaborating closely with our partner IHG Hotels & Resorts. The hotel will be in a prime West London location, and we look forward to making the hotel a destination in itself.”ADVERTISEMENTEstablished in 2004, Hotel Indigo is IHG’s upscale boutique brand which now has a presence globally with 143* open hotels and over 119* hotels in the pipeline. The brand is set to double its portfolio presence over the next three to five years and continue its growth as one of the largest boutique brands.

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    ANA and Joby to showcase air taxi services at 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan

    ANA HOLDINGS, INC. (hereinafter “ANAHD”) and Joby Aviation (hereinafter “Joby”) have been selected by the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition to operate demonstration flights during the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. The two companies, who first announced they were partnering in February 2022, will work together to develop plans for flight connections between the Expo venue and at least one other location in Osaka.
    ANAHD and Joby have been working together for over a year on establishing air taxi operations in Japan, collaborating on all aspects of this revolutionary form of transportation, including infrastructure development, pilot training, flight operations, public acceptance and the regulatory requirements to operate.
    In October 2022, Joby became the first foreign air taxi manufacturer to formally apply for its aircraft design to be certified for use in Japan. The demonstration flights will form part of the Expo’s Smart Mobility section and introduce this new form of transportation to the 28 million guests expected to visit the Expo between April and October 2025.Koji Shibata, CEO, ANAHD, said: “The Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan provides ANA with a global stage to demonstrate what our partnership together with Joby can deliver. As Japan’s largest airline with 70 years of experience delivering safe and reliable flights to customers, being selected for this prestigious opportunity underscores our dedication to bringing together innovation and operational experience to showcase this revolutionary new service.”
    JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO, Joby, added: “This is a truly unique opportunity to introduce our aircraft to the world and we’re proud to be working alongside ANAHD to demonstrate what this technology can deliver. The World Expo has long been the home of radical transportation innovation and we’re pleased to be playing a leading role in continuing that trend.”
    Joby is a California, U.S.-based developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that plans to begin delivering commercial passenger services in 2025. Their piloted, five-seat aircraft has a maximum speed of 320 km/h and is designed to fly up to 240 km. The company has completed more than 1,000 test flights since its establishment in 2009 and is also partnered with Toyota Motor Corporation.ADVERTISEMENT

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    ABU DHABI ANNOUNCES ¥1 BILLION YEN SPONSORSHIP OF TEAMLAB PHENOMENA ABU DHABI

    The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INPEX CORPORATION (INPEX), through its subsidiary Japan Oil Development, Co., Ltd. (JODCO), for ¥1 billion Japanese yen (US$ 7.646 million) sponsorship of the upcoming teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
    The MoU was signed by HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, and Mr. Hiroshi Fujii, President and CEO, JODCO.
    The experiential art space is being developed by DCT Abu Dhabi in partnership with Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, and Tokyo-based international art collective teamLab. Visitors and residents will be able to access the unique experience, based on the ‘environmental phenomena’ concept by teamLab, after construction has completed in 2024.
    teamLab Phenomena is located in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, which is the home of Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat. It is also site of several key cultural projects that are currently being developed, including Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
    HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The UAE’s longstanding ties with Japan span several generations over half a century. Now, this partnership will allow us to inspire a new generation, heralding a new era of knowledge exchange and collaboration. This will present new opportunities to engage youth and unlock the potential of the younger generations. I look forward to working together to fuel curiosity, ignite imagination, and spark the ideas of the future.”ADVERTISEMENTHE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “As we make excellent progress with the construction of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, we are delighted to announce a multiyear sponsorship that will act as a catalyst for future collaborations. This MoU demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness and attractiveness as a destination for commercial partnerships that progress the emirate, add mutual value, and enrich lives.”
    Takayuki Ueda, President & CEO of INPEX: “We are delighted to be sponsoring teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi as part of our educational, cultural, and environmental activities supporting the core energy business of our subsidiary Japan Oil Development, Co., Ltd. (JODCO), which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. teamLab’s inspiring work truly cannot be described in words, and we look forward to bringing Emirati children and youth to the art space upon its completion to help nurture and enhance their curiosity, imagination, and creativity. Meanwhile, we look forward to supplying low-carbon energy solutions to Japan and other countries in partnership with Abu Dhabi over the next 50 years, and further enhancing the collaboration between the UAE and Japan through social responsibility programs.”
    As part of the MoU, JODCO has agreed to sponsor teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, contributing to the enrichment of the UAE’s cultural landscape, and will pursue the execution of an official sponsorship agreement following discussions on specific terms. After the opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the company intends to invite Emirati youth to the art space to contribute to the development of their curiosity and imagination.

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    WTTC reacts to statement from the Presidency of the EU Council

    WTTC reacts to statement from the Presidency of the EU Council on easing restrictions for travellers from China to the EU
    After a prolonged period of post-pandemic disruption, we welcome the latest statement from the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council, to facilitate easing restrictions for travellers from China, to the EU.
    This is an important step forward for EU economies.
    It will be a major boost to businesses across the Travel & Tourism sector in the region, as well as for families and friends reconnecting and society generally returning to post-COVID normality.
    In 2019, before the pandemic, nearly 10 million Chinese tourists visited the EU with inbound revenue worth US $12.2 billion, creating jobs and boosting regional economies. The return of Chinese travellers to the EU is very welcome.ADVERTISEMENT

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