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    Emirates’ Sir Tim Clark to discuss rapid growth within Middle East aviation at 30th edition of ATM

    Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, will participate in an in-depth discussion on the Global Stage of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 1-4 May. In conversation with John Strickland, Director of JLS Consulting, Sir Tim will reflect on Emirates’ long-term strategy as it begins to ramp up aircraft deliveries from 2024 while balancing growth and tackling broader issues like climate change.
    The news comes amid reports of significant gains across the Middle East’s aviation sector, which saw year-on-year traffic almost double in January 2023 according to figures released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This growth is especially evident in the UAE where Dubai International Airport (DXB) catered to more than 66 million passengers in 2022, a 127% rise compared to the previous year.
    Over the longer term, analysts from Mordor Intelligence predict that the Middle East’s aviation market will record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of more than 6% during the period 2022-27, meaning regional passenger numbers are likely to continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
    Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “It’s encouraging to see that air traffic in the Middle East is once again beginning to soar, especially following such a turbulent period during and after the global pandemic.
    “We are looking forward to welcoming Sir Tim to our Global Stage for the 30th edition of ATM,” Curtis added. “Emirates has firmly established itself as an innovative trailblazer within the global aviation industry, so I cannot wait to hear how Sir Tim and his colleagues are working to build a futureproofed and sustainable airline sector.”ADVERTISEMENT

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    Regent unveils selection of family adventures for 2023

    Regent has more than doubled its collection of family adventures for 2023, expanding from an exploratory handful of itineraries into a fully-fledged family programme, opening up its pioneering spirit and in-depth destination knowledge to adventurers of all ages.
    The 2023 family collection now includes holidays in the Azores, Borneo, Iceland, Finland, Jordan, the Norwegian Fjords, Slovenia and Sweden.
    Andrea Godfrey, Regent head of product and marketing, said: “Regent has always been about taking travellers to some of Europe and Asia’s most fascinating and lesser-explored places.
    “We have dipped our toe into the water of family holidays in recent years, and now – in response to customer demand – we have expanded our programme to include a family option in almost all of our most popular destinations, from the Nordic countries to Slovenia and the Azores.”
    He added: “The collection has been carefully put together by our destination experts, each of whom has a deep knowledge and passion for their ‘patch’, so agents can be assured their clients will be experiencing the very best of what each place has to offer family adventurers. ADVERTISEMENT“Many of the trips can be tailored to feature upgraded or self-catering accommodation options, and when agents pick up the phone to us, they know they will be getting the best advice to meet their clients’ needs.”
    Some of the new family trips for 2023 include:
    The volcanic islands of the Azores have plenty of activities for even the most discerning of teens, from canyoning, coasteering and sailing to canoeing and whale watching, and budding geologists will love the belching steam vents and volcanic fumaroles.
    Highlights of the new Family Adventures in the Azores itinerary include exploring the capital Ponta Delgada by bike; a whale watching excursion by catamaran; canoeing on the lakes at Furnas including seeing the fumaroles (and witnessing how the traditional Cozida das Furnas stew is cooked underground using volcanic heat); an off-road adventure to mountains, beaches, lakes and thermal water pools and a canyoning and coasteering experience, plus plenty of free time to hike, fish, snorkel and stand up paddle board.
    Characterised by lake and forest adventures, this seven-night fly-drive family break is based in a cosy log cabin with private sauna and hot tub at the Lehmonkärki Resort on the shore of Päijänne, Finland’s second largest lake.
    The Finnish Lakeland Family Summer Break includes a day trip to the city of Lahti for its Wooden Architecture Park and Ski Museum (with ski jump and biathlon shooting simulation); rowing to a ‘secret’ island to swim or fish in Lake Salajärvi; evening fishing along the Vääksy Canal and Lake Vesijärvi in search of perch and pike; donning a special suit to go lake floating; an adventure course in the trees at the Flowpark Adventure Park and a visit to a farm to meet the resident Siberian huskies.
    More Information
    Agents can access assets including Regent images and tour itineraries for marketing purposes by logging on to the free online toolkit here.
    The full Regent 2023 brochure is available to view online here and features the details of the Regent team members and their specific areas of expertise.

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    Abu Dhabi tourism tax scrapped for events More

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    Abu Dhabi tourism tax scrapped for events

    Abu Dhabi has removed the tourism fee taxation on event organisers across the capital. Event organisers will now be exempt from the 10 percent tourism fee for each ticket sold.The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT – Abu Dhabi) stated in a recent circular: “With reference to the above subject, and based on Law No. (8) of 2018, establishing the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) with an overall mandate to develop and elevate quality standards of the tourism industry to achieve tourism development in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and the Executive Council Resolution No. (54) of 2018, regarding event licensing in Abu Dhabi Emirate, and Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi decision No. (18) of 2023, concerning extending the exemption from the fees for issuing, distributing and marketing tickets in accordance with the Events Licensing System in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi;
    “For further support to the investment environment in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, it has been decided to exempt event organisers from the tourism fee of 10% on tickets sold.”
    You can see the full circular here.https://tcaabudhabi.ae/DataFolder/Circulars/Circular%203_2023%20Event%20Licensing%20System.pdf
    Source: Hotelier Middle East

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    PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 to be held in Pokhara, Nepal from May 29 – June 1

    The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise the PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 in Pokhara, Nepal from May 29 – June 1. The event will be hosted by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).The announcement was made by NTB CEO Dr Dhananjay Regmi at the PATA Networking Lunch on March 8 at ITB Berlin. The event is comprised of conference presentations, workshops, and a B2B mart, as well as the PATA Executive Board and Board meetings and Annual General Meeting on May 29.
    “Our members and industry colleagues in Nepal have always been a staunch supporter of the Association, and therefore we are excited to be organising this year’s PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart in country with such beautiful landscapes and rich culture and heritage,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone. “On behalf of PATA, I would like to thank the Nepal Tourism Board for hosting the PATA Annual Summit. Furthermore, to provide more networking opportunities for our members and industry colleagues, this year we will also be adding a travel mart component to the event, so I take this opportunity to invite all PATA members and non-members to join us for what is certain to be an extraordinary event.”
    “The Government of Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board and the entire tourism fraternity is proud to be hosting the PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Mart 2023 in Nepal. This is the 3rd time Nepal will be hosting the Adventure Mart and 1st PATA Annual Summit. We all are indeed excited for this opportunity. The tourist numbers are gradually coming steady to Nepal post Covid. We are expecting to reach the pre-covid numbers by end of 2023,” said NTB CEO Dr. Dhananjay Regmi.
    “The events will be held in Pokhara the tourism capital of Nepal. This will be an opportunity for us to showcase a different destination to the delegates with a taste of pure Nepalese Hospitality. We will be working on the theme “Sustainability through Community Based Tourism” in this event. With the new International Airport being operated from Pokhara starting January 2023, the majestic Pokhara is all set to welcome all of you with open arms.”
    Pokhara’s tranquil beauty has been the subject of inspiration for many travel writers. Its pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, blue lakes and surrounding greenery make it ‘the jewel in the Himalaya’, a place of remarkable natural disposition. With the magnificent Annapurna range forming the backdrop and the serenity of the Cluster of 9 Lakes with three major ones – Phewa, Rupa and Begnas – Pokhara is a great destination for a weekend getaway as well as a long relaxing holiday. Pokhara Valley, gateway to the Annapurna region where many a trekker finds his Shangri-la, sits high on the list of ‘must visit’ places in Nepal.ADVERTISEMENTPokhara once lay on the important trade route between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains set up camps on the city outskirts, bringing goods from remote Himalayan regions including Mustang. Gurungs and Magars, who have earned world-wide fame as fierce Gurkha warriors, are predominant here. Thakalis, indigenous of the Thak Khola region of Mustang, are known for their entrepreneurship and run tea houses along the trek routes in the Annapurna region. The Pokhara is best known for the stunning view of the Annapurna range. It is perhaps one of the few places on earth from where mountains above 6,000 m can be seen unobstructed from an altitude of 800 m within the distance of 28 km.
    For more information, please visit www.pata.org/pata-annual-summit-and-adventure-mart-2023 or email [email protected]

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    Hilton Set for Greatest Year of Growth in France

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    Hilton Set for Greatest Year of Growth in France

    With a record year of openings in France ahead, Hilton continues its rapid multi‑brand, multi‑destination expansion across the country with a number of strong French owners
    Hilton predicts 2023 will be its strongest year of growth in France, with seven planned hotel openings, the highest single-year increase to its French portfolio. As well as continued expansion in Paris, Hilton is focusing on major resort destinations and provincial towns and cities, working with several local owners in France on a development pipeline that will more than double the hotel group’s presence nationwide.
    Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Hilton, said, “We’re experiencing record growth in France, with 2023 set to be a historic high for hotel openings. As a key market for Hilton, we’re focusing on developing hotels in regional French towns and cities, the south coast and continued expansion in Paris. We continue to leverage our award-winning brands to grow market share and capture increased travel demand, particularly as France gets ready to host major global sporting events including the Olympic Games, Paralympic Games and Rugby World Cup.”
    Hilton’s French Development PlansIn France, Hilton’s development plans will see 24 properties added to the current trading portfolio of 23 hotels in coming years. Tapestry Collection by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton make up more than a quarter of upcoming hotels in Europe, ranging from island resorts to unique city hotels and historic buildings. In France, following recent openings in Hyères and Paris, Hilton is opening hotels under its collection brands in Bordeaux and Dijon, bringing Hilton brands to more regional cities across the country.
    ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to collection brand openings, Hilton’s focused service brand Hampton by Hilton is experiencing strong growth. In both France and wider Europe, Hampton by Hilton has a higher number of pipeline hotels than any other Hilton brand, with recent European openings including Hampton by Hilton Tours Centre, Hampton by Hilton Barcelona Fira Gran Via and Hampton by Hilton Dublin City Centre.
    In recent years, Hilton has also introduced new brands to the French hotel market, with the openings of Canopy by Hilton Paris Trocadero and Hotel Camille Paris Gare de Lyon, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in 2021, as well as DoubleTree by Hilton Lyon Eurexpo last year.
    Canopy by Hilton Cannes – opening this summer, Canopy by Hilton Cannes will be Hilton’s first property in the popular resort town, boasting views of the Old Port from the hotel’s enviable roof terrace and an interior design led by acclaimed designer Ramy Fischler. Following a franchise agreement with SDPNE.
    Sainte-Anne Hotel Dijon, Curio Collection by Hilton – Hilton’s debut in the Burgundy region of France, opening this summer, Sainte-Anne Hotel Dijon will be set in the International City of Gastronomy and Wine. Located on the site of a former 17th-century hospice, the hotel will offer outdoor terraces, a swimming pool, fitness centre, and Nhoraé spa, as well as a fine-dining French restaurant. Following a franchise agreement with Naos Hotel Group.
    Marty Hotel Bordeaux, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – a stylish, lively and arty hotel opening this Spring, Marty Hotel Bordeaux will be located in the heart of the city and will implement a range of sustainability initiatives, from the use of as many locally sourced ingredients as possible to the careful management of water consumption. Following a franchise agreement with Vicartem / ExtendAm.
    Hilton Garden Inn Paris La Villette – opening this spring, this hotel will be Hilton Garden Inn’s fourth Parisian hotel and the first in central Paris, located close to the City of Science and Industry, Zenith Paris, the Grande Halle de la Villette and Paris Philharmonic. Following a franchise agreement with Naos Hotel Group.

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    TUI LAUNCHES BIGGEST EVER WINTER PROGRAMME WITH 150,000 MORE SEATS

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    TUI LAUNCHES BIGGEST EVER WINTER PROGRAMME WITH 150,000 MORE SEATS

    TUI, the leading global travel and leisure company, is adding a further 150,000 additional seats for UK customers for winter 2023. TUI expects demand for winter sun to increase following positive bookings, with North African destinations providing great value and guaranteed sun. 
    With nine additional flights added for the full winter season, including a new flight to Boa Vista, Cape Verde from Birmingham, and weekly flights to Sid, Cape Verde from Glasgow, Birmingham and East Midlands, plus a new weekly flight to Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from Manchester, London Gatwick and Newcastle, holidaymakers have even more choice with TUI this winter. 
    Egypt
    Following recent news that TUI added Marsa Alam as a new winter spot in Egypt with two weekly flights from London Gatwick, the leading travel company have added 80,000 more seats for the winter season.  A solid winter sun favourite, Egypt offers the highest number of seats and holiday options across TUI’s North African destinations. There will be a weekly Monday flight to Sharm El Sheikh from Manchester and London Gatwick plus a weekly Wednesday flight from Newcastle. In addition to four weekly flights from London Gatwick and Manchester, three weekly flights from Birmingham and two weekly flights from Glasgow, Bristol and East Midlands, TUI is adding a Saturday flight from Manchester and London Gatwick and a brand-new Cardiff flight from Easter 2024.  Hurghada is another popular spot in Egypt and TUI is adding a London Gatwick and Manchester airport Saturday flight from Easter 2024, following strong Easter bookings this year to the destination. 
    Cape VerdeADVERTISEMENTCape Verde has grown in popularity for British sun seekers since launching in 2005. With a further 45,000 seats added for this winter, customers can take advantage of the long sandy beaches, perfect temperatures and cultural spots off the west coast of Africa. TUI is adding a third weekly flight to Boa Vista from Birmingham, as well as weekly UK departures to Sal from Newcastle, Glasgow and East Midlands airport.
    Tunisia
    With incredible deals, Tunisia is a perfect sunbathing spot with great all-inclusive beach front resorts for customers looking for value breaks.  TUI is adding 15,000 new seats with new flights to Enfidha from Bristol, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham, starting from Easter 2024. This came as extra flights were also added to Enfindha from Newcastle in February half term.
    Morocco  
    The rise of Morocco as one of the most popular winter destinations has continued, and to meet demand, TUI is offering additional flights from Easter 2024 to provide 10 and 11 night durations to Agadir from Birmingham, and to Marrakesh from Birmingham and Bristol, both starting from Easter 2024.
    Andrew Flintham, Managing Director for TUI UK commented:
    “Our North Africa destinations have gone from strength to strength with UK customers and remain a very important part of our vast holiday programme. I am really pleased we can offer customers further choice with 150,000 more seats for winter 2023 to amazing destinations. We’re seeing strong demand for travel, with bookings suggesting that customers are keen to plan far in advance for their perfect holiday. 
    “At TUI, we offer unrivalled choice and flexibility travelling to 180 destinations worldwide, flying from 20 UK airports, our growing TUI cities programme and our owned concepts like TUI Blue as well as Marella Cruises, TUI River Cruises and Crystal Ski, and today’s news further confirms this.”
    “TUI is proud to be an award winning travel company – recently winning Best Travel Company for summer sun holidays, Best Travel Company for winter sun holidays, Best Travel Company for Lakes and Mountains holidays and Best Travel Company for Ski/ Winter sports holidays at the British Travel Awards.”   
     For those still looking to book their break, TUI’s value hub Home of Holiday Value | TUI.co.uk features top tips on saving money and budgeting including best off-season destinations, deals of the week, current discount codes and easy free kids place finder to save money on your family holiday. Customers who book early can lock in their £0 deposit and spread the cost of their holiday over time with manageable instalments. Equally TUI’s value hub signposts people looking for last minute escapes for those who like to be spontaneous.  

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    SILVERSEA® INTRODUCES DIRECT CHARTER FLIGHTS TO THE ARCTIC FROM LONDON, NEW YORK, MONTREAL & OSLO

    Silversea Cruises®, the leading ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line, has introduced new direct private charter flights for 28 Arctic and Greenland sailings in 2023 and 2024.Guests sailing on select Silver Endeavour℠, Silver Wind®, and Silver Cloud® voyages will benefit from a more seamless journey via London, New York, Montreal, and Oslo to some of the Arctic’s most remote destinations – such as Longyearbyen, Kangerlussuaq, Pond Inlet, and more. The latest innovation from Silversea Cruises enhances ultra-luxury cruising’s most diverse and extensive Arctic offering, which comprises 37 itineraries to over 110 destinations between 2023 and 2025.
    As part of the most complete and seamless journey to the Arctic, Silversea’s guests can enjoy private executive transfers to and from the airport; convenient connections via London, New York, Montreal, and Oslo; and warm welcomes by Silversea representatives throughout the journey. Guests opting for both Silversea’s door-to-door and port-to-port offerings will fly to the Arctic on private charter flights, with an enhanced service throughout, a superior culinary offering, premium beverages, and bespoke in-flight entertainment. When required by the itinerary, overnight luxury accommodation will be included as standard with both port-to-port and door-to-door fares. Once in the Arctic, guests will be transferred to their luxury vessel rested and ready to explore.
    “Building on our all-inclusive expedition offering—which is the most comprehensive in the industry—we are pleased to introduce new private charter flights to the Arctic and Greenland to enhance the seamlessness of our guests’ journeys,” said Massimo Brancaleoni, SVP Global Sales at Silversea Cruises. “Silversea is committed to innovation and we are always looking for ways to enhance the travel experience for our guests, including the pre- and post-cruise journey. Not only do we unlock the Arctic’s most remote regions with unique destination expertise and some of the most luxurious ships at sea, but we do so in unparalleled comfort and convenience. Complementing our private executive transfers between home and the airport, our new offering of private charter flights will allow our guests to focus on enjoying their Arctic adventure from the moment they leave their homes.”
    Silversea’s Arctic cruises define transformative travel. Travelling aboard three of the cruise line’s ultra-luxury ships—including the new-to-fleet Silver Endeavour, the world’s most luxurious expedition ship—guests enjoy all-inclusive comfort, enrichments from the cruise line’s expedition experts, and access to some of the region’s most off-the-beaten-path destinations. Guests might spot polar bears and whales, visit Inuit communities, or brave the ‘polar plunge,’ among other immersive experiences—all the while enjoying the signature level of comfort for which the cruise line is renowned.
    For more information on Silversea’s Arctic and Greenland voyages, visit:https://www.silversea.com/destinations/cruises-arctic-greenland.htmlADVERTISEMENT

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    Saudi Celebrates Unprecedented Success at ITB Berlin 2023 with Award-Winning Stand

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    Saudi Celebrates Unprecedented Success at ITB Berlin 2023 with Award-Winning Stand

    Last week, Saudi inspired collaboration and partner commitment at the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin. Celebrating the incredible success of its inaugural participation, Saudi unlocked new opportunities for growth with global and European partners.The Saudi stand was recognized for its world-class presence, taking home the awards for both ‘best exhibitor’ for Best of the Best with a criteria focused on attractiveness, authenticity and benefits for trade visitors and ‘best exhibitor’ for the Near/Middle East for its five senses experience, metaverse and sustainable catering.
    As part of Saudi’s participation, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb met with major travel trade entities such as TUI, and FTI and welcomed Ministers, Presidents, CEOs and global tourism leaders from the UNWTO and WTTC to the Saudi stand. A landmark agreement was signed by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism and the UNWTO, prioritizing people through the power of e-learning.
    Saudi achieved incredible commercial engagement with partners focused on the European and German markets, signing 11 strategic partnership agreements with some of the world’s largest travel companies and top vertically integrated German operators including Expedia, FTI, DER Touristik, Hotel Beds and others.
    Saudi’s Nusuk platform brought new life to spiritual travel at ITB Berlin with Umrah-focused tour operator meetings hosting more than 45 attendees. The stand also brought the history, culture and stories of Makkah and Madinah to visitors through a beautiful, immersive VR experience.
    Saudi Tourism CEO Fahd Hamidaddin hosted the “Saudi Partner Talks” on-stand with Martina Groenegres, Managing Director, Lufthansa City Center International and Markus Orth, Lufthansa City Centre Regional, moderated by German travel TV presenter Kai Boecking, which focused on how partners use international networks to drive business.ADVERTISEMENTThroughout the event, Saudi welcomed visitors with authentic Arabian hospitality and brought Saudi’s rich culture and heritage to life through immersive experiences including a ‘Savour Saudi’ date and coffee tasting session hosted by an expert from the National Centre for Palms and Dates.
    Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board of Saudi Tourism Authority said:
    “Saudi tourism witnessed unprecedented success at this year’s ITB Berlin. Our vision and ambition is unrivalled and as we position the country as the tourism destination powerhouse of the region, we continue to unlock opportunities for our partners locally and internationally.”
    “We gained deeper insight into the German and European markets, their desire for sun and sea products and a rich culture and heritage offering and we are working hard to cater to this demand through milestone openings on the Red Sea this year and the success of projects including Bujairi Terrace which has already welcomed more than 700,000 viitors. Our Nusuk platform also received strong demand from partners as the German market is recognizing the untapped potential of the unique Umrah spiritual travel segment.”
    “Our partners are growing with us and we are committed to investing in them and in the sector, towards a shared future as we tap into the immense potential in the market.”
    Markus Orth, Managing Director, Lufthansa City Center Regional, said: “We see great potential for the future in our cooperation with Saudi Arabia. It is a new, fascinating destination with seemingly endless facets, which is now taking the opportunity to focus on a sustainable future in tourism. With the mass of cultural sites, the new high-quality resorts at the Red Sea and many upcoming events, the destination offers everything it needs for an exciting round trip. We are looking forward to a strong strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia.”
    Norbert Fiebig, President, DRV said: “The signing of the MOU between Saudi Tourism Authority and German Travel Association DRV will further strengthen the bond between our countries. We believe that by collaborating, we can boost travel between Saudi Arabia and Germany, bringing our people together. This will surely benefit mutual understanding, respect and friendship”.   
    Since opening to tourism in 2019, Saudi has been recognized as the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination in the G20. With an extraordinary +121% increase from pre-pandemic international tourism levels, Saudi achieved 93.5 million visits in 2022 and is outpacing global tourism sector recovery as recognized by the UNWTO. As the world’s biggest investor in tourism, Saudi has committed $550bn to new destinations by 2030 and is reimagining tourism to welcome 100 million visits by 2030.
    The country is an under-discovered destination with a rich cultural heritage brought to life through Diriyah, the 300-year-old city and birthplace of Saudi, and an emerging destination for sun seekers and yachting holidays with the opening of Red Sea assets this year. In Jeddah, visitors can explore Jeddah’s historical district, Al Balad and the traditional Hijazi style houses or go diving in one of the top diving and snorkeling destinations in the Red Sea.

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