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    Bermuda Tourism Authority Confirms Tracy Berkeley as Chief Executive Officer

    The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) has confirmed Tracy Berkeley as Chief Executive Officer, creating history as the organisation’s first female leader. Berkeley has been serving as the BTA’s Interim CEO since June 2022.  Tracy Berkeley joined the Bermuda Tourism Authority in January 2020 and took on the role of interim CEO in June 2022.  Within the last nine months, Berkeley has worked tirelessly to stabilize the organization for increased team productivity, raised the awareness and relevance of the destination by meeting with stakeholders in the travel trade, and media industries, and worked alongside partners to deliver the BTA’s award-winning Lost Yet Found campaign. With her steady hand, Berkeley has helped to build a new leadership team that is better fit to meet the organisation’s needs, reengaged with key industry leaders, and most importantly, restored the credibility of the BTA in the eyes of its stakeholders. Berkeley serves on several private and public Boards and is a 2024 Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) candidate.
    When asked about her appointment as BTA CEO, Tracy Berkeley said: “It is with a deep sense of pride and humility that I officially take the helm as the CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. We are starting to see incremental growth along with a reinvigorated local community. Our success can be attributed in part to a focused, data-led strategic recovery plan and our commitment to seeing it through.  By championing Bermuda’s core strengths and engaging with media and trade partners around the world, we have been able to leverage the island’s key selling characteristics and reinforce the message that we are open business.  I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to further develop this vital sector of the island’s economy.”
    “We are excited to announce Tracy Berkeley to the position of CEO and are confident that the organization — and Bermuda as a whole — will benefit greatly from her leadership and expertise,” said Wayne Caines, Chairman of the BTA Board. He continued, “as Interim CEO, she answered the call to take on the challenge and delivered against a clear set of mandates, determined by the board, impeccably. I am confident that she will continue to do so with our support and the support of the island’s valuable community.”
    “I am pleased by the announcement of Tracy Berkeley in the role of CEO for the BTA. I support her confirmation in the role and that this appointment was done in consultation with me as the Minister of Tourism. I am looking forward to continued engagement with Ms. Berkeley, her team and all of our industry partners.” said Minister of Tourism and Cabinet Office, Vance Campbell JP, MP.
    “There is renewed energy and focus within our organisation and the tourism industry as a whole. As we gear up for what looks to be a steadying year of growth, we are working hard to strengthen our local and international partnerships to lay out plans for the future of tourism. The team is progressing with an emphasis on enhanced product offerings and service levels. We look forward to putting our ideas into action and working together to ensure continued prosperity for Bermuda,” ended Tracy Berkeley. ADVERTISEMENT

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    Discover Qatar announces second edition of ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours from May 18 to August

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    Discover Qatar announces second edition of ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours from May 18 to August

    Discover Qatar, the destination management company of Qatar Airways, has announced that the second edition of its ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours will begin from 18 May, 2023 and run until the end of August. Daily tours and private charters can be booked exclusively through the Discover Qatar and Qatar Airways Holidays online platforms.
    The once-in-a-lifetime experience departs every Thursday to Sunday for eight hours on a 40-seater catamaran, and starts from USD 249 per person. Nature enthusiasts can also avail private charters on a luxury yacht with a capacity up to 16 guests. Both tours include an expert guide, with Wi-Fi, refreshments, and breakfast and lunch provided.
    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Our second edition of the exclusive ‘Whale Sharks in Qatar’ tours, offered through Discover Qatar, presents an unmissable opportunity for nature lovers to witness and interact with the grand and gentle creatures of the sea. We are proud to call Qatar a home to one of the largest congregations of Whale Sharks in the world, and remain committed to being the leading destination to connect people from all over the world with such fascinating marine life.”
    Qatar has the largest concentration of Whale Sharks in the world, making it the only place visitors can see so many in a single sighting. Often referred to as ‘gentle giants’, they are estimated to have existed for 60 million years, can live up to 100 years, and grow up to 12 metres in length.Launched in 2022, the ‘Whale Sharks of Qatar’ tour has been a resounding success, with nearly 500 explorers becoming the first to observe up to 300 Whale Sharks congregating off the north-eastern coast of Qatar. Discover Qatar have also produced a detailed e-brochure which provides more information about the tours.
    For more information and to book please visit https://www.discoverqatar.qa/whale-sharks-of-qatar/ADVERTISEMENT

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    British Airways and VisitBritain team up for new campaign: ‘Ask Britain Anything

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    British Airways and VisitBritain team up for new campaign: ‘Ask Britain Anything

    The US has always been curious about British culture, but how well do Americans truly know the British? British Airways and VisitBritain have joined forces in a new campaign that gives an insider’s view on modern Britain, with all its vibrancy and warmth, to inspire US visitors to book their next visit.
    The campaign ‘Ask Britain Anything’, created with Uncommon Creative Studio, takes a deep dive into 50 of Americans’ most-searched online questions about the UK and puts these directly to British people to respond.
    Some of the most-searched questions by Americans included: What are British people like? Why do British people like queuing? Why travel to Britain? What do British people eat for breakfast? Is all British food beige? And, what do British people mean when they say ‘hello love’?
    The new campaign, which launches this week across the US via connected television and social media, sees British Airways’ colleagues alongside people from across Britain answer some of these burning questions. Behind the campaign’s humor is a ‘bird’s-eye’ view of modern British society, with its unique people, cultures and quirks that make Britain such a special place to live and visit.
    “The most surprising question was about British food being beige. I’ve been debating it among my friends ever since!” said British Airways Inflight Manager Jason Consiglio, who took part in the campaign. “Answering these questions gave me a chance to recognize how much I love being British, and the confidence to say how great we really are. We’re a beautiful country that champions traditions, cultures and people. I could not be happier to represent Britain, and British Airways, in this campaign.”ADVERTISEMENTBritish Airways Director of Marketing Hamish McVey said: “Everyone knows about Britain’s vibrant cities, historical sites and beautiful landscapes. But there is a curiosity around British culture – now more than ever. We’re incredibly proud of this campaign, which dispels the stereotypes, sheds light on who we truly are and why you should visit to get to know us better. And what better place to immerse yourself in the British spirit than on a British Airways flight.”
    VisitBritain Executive VP for The Americas, Australia and New Zealand Paul Gauger said: “We are delighted to launch this fun and engaging campaign, inviting our visitors to ‘Ask Britain Anything’ and extending a warm welcome to the US, Britain’s largest and most valuable inbound visitor market. By telling the story of our dynamic destinations and diverse culture, we’re inspiring visitors from the US to explore further, stay longer and discover the new and surprising experiences to be had in Britain all year-round.”
    The campaign includes a series of 12 unique and original films. More than 70 individuals were interviewed to take part in the series from across the UK’s nations and regions. The cast included a Welsh rapper, an NHS neurosurgeon, Liverpudlian firefighters and a Scottish astrologer, to name a few, as well as British Airways colleagues. A selection of the original films is available to view online through the campaign’s landing page at BA.com/visitbritain.
    The British Airways and VisitBritain’s ‘Ask Britain Anything’ campaign is part of the UK Government’s GREAT Britain global campaign.

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    Qatar Airways brings Qatari flavours to its flights with new menu by Chef Aisha Al Tamimi

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    British Airways raises £27.3m for Flying Start on Red Nose Day

    This Red Nose Day, British Airways is proud to have raised an incredible £27.3 million for Flying Start, through the airline’s global charity partnership with Comic Relief. The money has been raised over the past 13 years, since the partnership’s launch in 2010.
    To celebrate this ‘oarsome’ milestone, British Airways teamed up with Comic Relief celebrity supporters Alison Hammond, Rylan and Sir Steve Redgrave to find out if one of its aircraft could beat the GB Rowing team in a race next to London City Airport.
    Never one to shy away from a challenge, rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave brought together medal-winning members of the GB Rowing Team to take on the challenge. The World Champions and Olympians in the mixed eight boat comprised a cox, four female and four male rowers, who took on a British Airways Cityflyer Embraer 190 Aircraft.
    Ahead of the race, Alison Hammond gave words of wisdom to the rowing team, showing them some of her own special warm up tips. At the same time, Rylan prepped the airline’s crew, before both celebs took to the water to cheer everyone to the finish line.The race took place at London City Airport, next to the Royal Albert Docks with the runway running parallel to the water where many Olympic and World Champion rowers train.
    A video of the special challenge can be viewed below and customers will also be able to watch it on British Airways’ inflight-entertainment system later this year.ADVERTISEMENTSir Steve Redgrave, an honorary trustee of Comic Relief and five-time Olympic gold medal rowing champion, said: “As a trustee for Comic Relief, it’s so fantastic to combine my passion for rowing with a cause so close to my heart. I trained at these docks for many years, so I know them well, but seeing a challenge like this was certainly a first for me. It was a lot of fun and a privilege to be a part of – I’m so pleased to have had the opportunity to help raise awareness for British Airways’ Flying Start charity partnership, that has helped millions of individuals worldwide with its fundraising.”
    Mary Brew, British Airways Community Investment Manager said: “We’re so proud to have reached the 13th year of our long-standing partnership with Comic Relief. It’s the generous donations of our customers and the fundraising efforts of our colleagues that has helped us reach another milestone this Red Nose Day.”
    Across the business, British Airways’ colleagues also supported fundraising efforts for Red Nose Day this year, with 56 of its cabin crew taking part in the airline’s eighth trolley dash, pushing aircraft trollies more than 15km around the capital. This year’s trolley dash raised more than £12,000 for Flying Start through donations from spectators and online sponsors.
    Funds raised through the Flying Start partnership support projects both in the UK and around the world in destinations that British Airways flies to. Examples include Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland which provides tailored support to families with children affected by spina bifida and /or hydrocephalus, and Butterflies in New Delhi, which works with children living or working on the streets to give them life skills to prosper. Butterflies has supported an estimated 2,250 children in New Delhi over the last two years.Customers can donate to Flying Start by visiting here.https://www.comicrelief.com/partners/british-airways-flying-start

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    UNWTO Launches Women in Tech Startup Competition in the Middle East

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    UNWTO Launches Women in Tech Startup Competition in the Middle East

    UNWTO has launched a new Startup Competition to support women tourism tech entrepreneurs and innovators across the Middle East.Announced at Biban 2023, Saudi Arabia’s largest SME conference, the Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East, will further advance UNWTO’s work to make tourism a pillar of women’s empowerment. The initiative gives innovators the chance to compete for enhanced capacity building and visibility. Finalists in each category will join the UNWTO Innovation Network, giving them access to the UNWTO Member States network, mentorship programs and to UNWTO scholarship opportunities.
    Tourism startups are also leading the way in advancing women empowerment, in the Middle East and globally, and UNWTO is delighted to support the region’s best innovators and digital entrepreneurs
    UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, says: “Tourism startups have the power and agility to transform the sector in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. Tourism startups are also leading the way in advancing women empowerment, in the Middle East and globally, and UNWTO is delighted to support the region’s best innovators and digital entrepreneurs.”
    Who can apply?
    Startups must be led, owned or managed by women residing in any of the following countries: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Libya and Yemen.Idea Stage, Early Stage or Series A startups with a minimum viable product or idea that is ready to be developed and funded.Have a full-time team, a tested pilot and business plan.Be scalable with potential for international growth.ADVERTISEMENTStartups must also belong to at least one of the following categories:
    Social Impact: For startups that focus on technology in wellness, health, urban development, rural development, sustainability, and education with cross-cutting benefits with tourism.Tourism and Travel Experience: Startups focusing on the food and beverage, transportation and accommodation, travel, and retail industries to participate.Future Tech: Startups that leverage fintech, AI, AR/VR, cryptocurrency, Internet of Things, blockchain technology, digital twinning and the Metaverse.Events and Community: Startups focused on social and messaging platforms, e-sports and gaming platforms, community-based applications, events-related platforms, and education technology.Applications close at the end of July 2023 and the winners will be announced at the Tourism Tech Adventure (TTA), to be held on World Tourism Day (27 September Riyadh, Saudi Arabia).
    UNWTO and Innovation
    Since 2018, UNWTO’s IEI department has launched more than 21 startup competitions and innovation challenges, covering over 150 countries around the world. With over 10,000 participants and more than US$214 million in funding, UNWTO continues its efforts to support digitalization and innovation in line with the global entrepreneurship ecosystem. Tourism has the opportunity to improve inclusiveness, local community development, and resource efficiency by leveraging innovation and digital advancements.

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    Experience the Ultimate Grand Prix Weekend Onboard MSC Virtuosa

    As part of MSC Cruises Global Partnership with Formula 1®, a unique and high-end Grand Prix™ hospitality offering has been unveiled promising an unrivalled race weekend experience at this year’s FORMULA 1® ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX™ on 24-26 November.
    The new collaboration will take race weekend accommodation to the next level providing a fully integrated Grand Prix™ experience that will bring the trackside thrills of the final race of the season on board MSC Virtuosa, one of the line’s most modern and stylish cruise ships.
    Serving as a cruise ship hotel throughout the race weekend whilst docked in the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, the glamourous and modern MSC Virtuosa offers comfortable and stylish accommodation combined with an incredible array of amenities including restaurants and bars, two theatres, a shopping mall and Mediterranean-style promenade, luxurious spa and fully equipped gym, five swimming pools, an interactive waterpark, extensive kids’ areas and much more! Sales for the packages opened today (15 March 2023) and can be booked here.
    In 2022, MSC Cruises signed a multi-year deal to become a Formula 1® Global Partner and this new collaboration is a further enrichment of the partnership, which was established to bring together two global leaders in their respective fields to drive change through their shared passion for excellence, sustainability, and global entertainment.
    A range of different packages are available, combining accommodation, race tickets and exclusive insider access with F1® Experiences to make the race weekend truly unforgettable.ADVERTISEMENTWhether fans are looking for elegant cabins or deluxe suites, they will find a host of accommodation levels available aboard MSC Virtuosa, all with half board (breakfast and an evening meal), complimentary Wi-Fi and transfers to and from the track.
    Packages start with a cabin only option for those who already have race tickets or a cabin + Formula 1® Grandstand ticket option.
    For diehard fans searching for the ultimate Formula 1® weekend, there is a choice of cabin + F1® Experience that include exclusive trackside activities, through to premium all-inclusive hospitality (Turn 1 Suite, Paddock Club and Legend),  including exclusive insider access such as Pit Lane Walk, Guided Track Tour on a flatbed truck, Formula 1® personnel appearances, and more.
    The Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal where MSC Virtuosa will be docked is just a short drive from the circuit, allowing guests to get there and back with ease thanks to complimentary transfers. In addition, the city centre is very close by, making the ship a perfect base for the weekend. MSC Virtuosa will be in port from 23 to 27 November, allowing guests the opportunity to extend their race weekend.
    And the thrills won’t stop when the fans leave the track, as the festive atmosphere continues aboard for guests with a specially designed programme of themed activities, parties and entertainment, as well as a dedicated kids’ programme.
    Gianni Onorato, CEO MSC Cruises commented, “Through this exclusive hospitality offering we are bringing together the very best of two worlds – Formula 1® and MSC Cruises. By collaborating together, we are integrating the incredible atmosphere at the track with the incredible experience on board our ships to create an unrivalled and truly memorable race experience for fans of all ages.”
    Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said, “We are delighted to join forces with MSC Cruises and bring fans a unique and unparalleled hospitality experience during the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™. With luxurious accommodations, exclusive insider access, and the convenience of all-in-one race packages, we’re confident that this partnership will make the race weekend truly unforgettable.”

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    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Honored as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2023 by Ethisphere

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    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Honored as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2023 by Ethisphere

    Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels in 95+ countries, today announced it has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2023 by Ethisphere, which honors companies demonstrating business integrity through best-in-class ethics, compliance, and governance practices.Wyndham stands alone as the only major hotel company to be honored for 2023, marking the third time Wyndham has been recognized for this distinguished accolade.
    “Our goal at Wyndham is to make hotel travel possible for all, and it’s important that the global community we foster for our team members, franchisees, guests and partners has its foundation in ethics and values,” said Paul Cash, general counsel and chief compliance officer, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Our values of Integrity, Accountability, Inclusivity, Caring and Fun drive all business decisions we make and allow us to make an impact on the communities where we exist.”
    Wyndham operates under the philosophy that you can do well by doing good, which is why incorporating strong, ethical practices into everyday business activities are top priority. From robust anti-corruption and compliance training programs to an integrity hotline for anonymous reporting and an overarching code of conduct to guide team members on our values and principles, Wyndham provides team members a variety of resources to encourage the highest level of ethical behavior. The Company also supports industry organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association and provides mandatory training programs to educate team members and franchisees on human trafficking prevention. Most recently, Wyndham pledged $500,000 to the No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund to help support survivors’ immediate and long-term stability
    Grounded in Ethisphere’s proprietary Ethics Quotient®, the World’s Most Ethical Companies assessment process includes more than 200 questions on culture, environmental and social practices, ethics and compliance activities, governance, diversity, and initiatives that support a strong value chain. The process serves as an operating framework to capture and codify the leading practices of organizations across industries and around the globe. Ethisphere’s 2023 Ethics Index, the collection of publicly traded companies recognized as recipients of this year’s World’s Most Ethical Companies designation, outperformed a comparable index of large-cap companies by 13.6 percentage points over a five-year period.
    “Ethics matters. Organizations that commit to business integrity through robust programs and practices not only elevate standards and expectations for all, but also have better long-term performance,” said Ethisphere CEO, Erica Salmon Byrne. “We continue to be inspired by the World’s Most Ethical Companies honorees and their dedication to making real impact for their stakeholders and displaying exemplary values-based leadership. Congratulations to Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for earning a place in the World’s Most Ethical Companies community.”ADVERTISEMENTTo view the full list of this year’s honorees, please visit the World’s Most Ethical Companies website, at https://worldsmostethicalcompanies.com/honorees. For more on Wyndham’s growing resume of workplace awards, and to learn more about its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.corporate.wyndhamhotels.com.

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    Tourism Ireland’s new campaign set to ‘win hearts’ around the world!

    Specially timed to coincide with this week’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations, the new adverts will be seen in some of Tourism Ireland’s key markets, including Great Britain, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Nordic countries. The campaign will continue to be rolled out in other markets over the coming weeks.The ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign is all about celebrating the different ways in which the island of Ireland fills the hearts of its visitors and of locals, and inviting potential holidaymakers to come and experience those for themselves. The advocates and personalities starring in the adverts share the things that fill their heart with Ireland, dialling up what differentiates Ireland from other destinations. They will shine a light on Ireland’s characters, character and culture, through engaging personal anecdotes told by those who love it best – its stars, local characters and visitors.
    The first adverts of the new campaign feature actors Sharon Horgan, from Bad Sisters, and Saoirse-Monica Jackson and Jamie-Lee O’Donnell, from Derry Girls. On St Patrick’s Day, Tourism Ireland’s new ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign will be rolled out in Great Britain with a special TV ‘mega spot’. At 21:00, a bespoke 60-second advert will air on more than 100 channels across Great Britain, including ITV, Channel 4, Dave and Channel 5 – reaching more than 7.7 million people. Click here to view the advert.

    Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “As people everywhere around the world celebrate St Patrick’s Day, we are delighted to roll out our new ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign this week. It will highlight our rich and authentic experiences, breath-taking landscapes and, in particular, our warm welcome – encouraging people to put the island of Ireland on their holiday ‘wish-list’ for 2023.
    ADVERTISEMENT“Our aim is to deliver ‘stand-out’ for Ireland in the hugely competitive international marketplace. Our ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ campaign will position the island of Ireland as a place that fills the heart and restores the spirit. Our people and welcome are key differentiators for Ireland from our competitor destinations; and this campaign puts them front and centre.”

    The ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ adverts will run on multiple channels including TV, cinema, social media, online and outdoor. They will also be shared on Tourism Ireland’s social media platforms, including YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and TikTok.

    St Patrick’s Day traditionally marks the real start of the tourism season and, as the rebuilding of overseas tourism to the island of Ireland continues this year, it offers a unique opportunity to launch the new ‘Fill your heart with Ireland’ global campaign, as Tourism Ireland capitalises on Ireland’s heightened profile around the world during this St Patrick’s Day period.

    The campaign will deliver over 100 million impressions (opportunities to see) in the first half of 2023. An additional 50 million impressions will be delivered in the second half of this year.

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