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      Holiday Inn Club Vacations Acquires Four Resorts in Mexico from Royal Resorts

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      Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, a leading vacation ownership company and partner of IHG® Hotels & Resorts (IHG), announced today that it has acquired four scenic beachfront resorts located in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, Mexico from Royal Resorts®, a pioneer in the Mexican Caribbean tourism industry. The acquisition also includes most of Royal Resorts’ related companies and its corporate operations. These resorts will be Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated’s first properties located outside the United States, further broadening Holiday Inn Club Vacations’ and IHG’s resort footprint and providing guests with increased choice in leisure destinations.
      The four award-winning, family-friendly resorts acquired by Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated – The Royal Sands®, The Royal Cancun®, The Royal Haciendas® and Grand Residences by Royal Resorts® – collectively will add more than 850 villas to the company’s growing portfolio of destination resorts. The company expects it will take approximately one year to fully integrate the resorts, and during this process, the resorts will continue to operate normally.
      Once complete, IHG Hotels & Resorts customers will be able to book these properties through IHG and enjoy benefits of IHG’s loyalty program – IHG One Rewards – including the ability to earn and redeem points for hotel stays. These properties will join IHG’s global network of 18 brands and more than 6,000 hotels globally, adding stunning family travel destinations to IHG’s growing brand portfolio.
      John Staten, President and Chief Executive Officer, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, stated: “We couldn’t be more excited about this news and what it means for Holiday Inn Club Vacations, and most importantly, the families that travel with us. This acquisition is aligned with our growth roadmap where growing guest love and our resorts are two interconnected foundational pillars supporting our all-encompassing mission to be the most loved brand in family travel. With four incredible resorts located throughout one of the fastest growing family travel destinations in the world – the scenic Mexican Caribbean – the acquisition brings an entirely new, all-inclusive experience to our owners, Club members and guests.”
      Keith Barr, Chief Executive Officer, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Guests around the world will now have even more exciting choices to add to their travel plans while also enjoying the rich benefits of our IHG One Rewards program for their current and future stays. The addition of these award-winning resorts also demonstrates the strength of the Holiday Inn brand family and, certainly, founder Kemmons Wilson’s unwavering vision to create a better way to vacation lives on today.”ADVERTISEMENTSpence Wilson, Board Chairman, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, commented: “Since my father started Holiday Inn Club Vacations more than 40 years ago, there have been many significant growth milestones along the way. Few can top today’s announcement—our first expansion outside the United States. I am incredibly proud of our team and look forward to a future that is brighter and even more exciting as we welcome the Royal Resorts team and their owners, members and guests into our family.”
      Dr. Kemil Rizk, Chief Executive Officer and President of Royal Resorts, added: “We believe that it is a perfect fit, and we could not ask for a better partner to continue our legacy since welcoming our first guests in 1978. Like us, Holiday Inn Club Vacations is a pioneer company with a family-oriented resort collection and a reputation for outstanding service and quality. Holiday Inn Club Vacations is dedicated to providing memorable vacation experiences for families – something that aligns perfectly with the Royal Resorts mission and values, our points based and fixed week vacation ownership memberships and our team’s everyday commitment to quality service.”
      The transaction was reviewed and received approval from the Anti-Trust Commission (Comisión Federal de Competencia Economica, COFECE) of the Mexican government. As part of a separate agreement, Tortuga Resorts UK Limited is acquiring the entities which own and operate the remaining Royal Resorts properties – The Royal Islander® and Royal Uno® All Inclusive Resort & Spa.

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      Saudi Arabia’s AlUla reveals new eco-resort AZULIK

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      Saudi Arabia’s AlUla reveals new eco-resort AZULIK

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      AlUla‘s hospitality offering is expanding with the news of a new eco-resort AZULIK AlUla.With plans to open by 2027, the sustainability-focused property will have 76 luxury villas.
      It is part of the Royal Commission for AlUla‘s (RCU) Journey Through Time (JTT) masterplan.It has been designed in harmony with the natural environment and aligns with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, Saudi Green Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.
      The AZULIK AlUla Resort is in the Nabatean Horizon District of JTT, tucked into canyons near the AlMutadil Equestrian Village development and Wadi AlFann, an ancient valley that will soon be home to large-scale artworks in the landscape.
      As well as the villas, there will be a spa, VIP club, welcome lounges, all-day dining, and a SFER IK museum. With flowing designs inspired by the natural ecosystem and surrounding sandstone cliffs, the resort’s undulating exteriors will utilise natural materials and fibres woven into several layers.
      AZULIK AlUla Resort will promote a connection with AlUla’s heritage and the area’s ecology and biodiversity, protecting and incorporating nearby ancient rock art inscriptions, and utilising a natural system of existing waterways to feed irrigation and safeguard against floods.ADVERTISEMENTNo private vehicle traffic will be allowed on-property; instead, an all-electric mobility system will be provided, along with horse and camel routes, and hiking trails for guests to enjoy the surroundings.
      Operated by Mexican luxury brand AZULIK and designed by Roth Architecture, the resort will offer elegant accommodations for guests and provide socio-economic benefits for the AlUla community.

      Once fully operational, AZULIK AlUla Resort will create more than 300 new jobs. Along with local materials and contractors sought for construction, most operational supplies will be sought from AlUla and wider KSA to further boost regional economic growth.
      John Northen, RCU Vice President of Hotels and Resorts, said, “AZULIK AlUla is centred on the concept of sustainability and connection with the natural and human heritage surrounding this magnificent property. Along with its proximity to the AlMutadil Equestrian Village and Wadi AlFann, both under development, this resort is one of several assets contributing to AlUla’s growth as a leading destination in line with our Journey Through Time master plan.”
      AZULIK Founder and CEO, Roth, said, “As a tribe, we feel honoured to bring AZULIK’s vision to AlUla. It is with gratitude and profound respect that we embark on a journey into AlUla’s vibrant heritage and culture. Rooted in its unique natural landscape, we begin a project that is both close to our heart and our brand values. These are our first steps together and I’m confident we will walk a beautiful and exciting path.”
      Source: Hotelier Middle East

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      Turks and Caicos Eliminates Tourism Board in Favor of DMO

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      Turks and Caicos Eliminates Tourism Board in Favor of DMO

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      Turks and Caicos is doing away with the TCI Tourist Board and replacing it with a destination management organisation.
      The Ministry of Tourism for Turks and Caicos officially launched the new DMO— Experience Turks and Caicos—last month. The TCI Tourist Board will stop operating as of June 30, according to Loop News.
      Josephine Connolly, minister of tourism for Turks and Caicos, addressed the shake-up recently when speaking at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Travel marketplace in Barbados. Connolly said the new entity will be a non-profit organization and the marketing and management of Turks and Caicos will now take the form of a public-private partnership.
      The founding members of the partnership include the hotel association, Chamber of Commerce, airports, ports authority and InvestTC, according to Loop News.
      Experience Turks and Caicos is expected to employ about 24 people during its first year of operation and eventually grow to about 47 staff members. The new DMO will also include a Tourism Intelligence Unit whose goal will be helping develop marketing strategies. There will also be a Product Development Unit focused on creating more authentic tourism experiences.ADVERTISEMENTStakeholders will also have a role to play, Connolly explained. They will be included in the decision-making process. The new approach to marketing the destination will allow for more effective promotion of all the islands and cays that make up Turks and Caicos. In the past, most of the focus has been on Providenciales.
      Turks and Caicos includes 40 different islands and cays, but only eight are inhabited. Providenciales is the most well known of the Turks and Caicos Islands and is the center of the tourism industry.
      Additional popular islands include Grand Turk and Salt Cay, both of which offer a glimpse into the destination’s Caribbean history and Bermudian architecture. Grand Turk is also home to a brand new cruise ship center.
      Source: Travel Pulse

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      Piggott takes up new sales role with APT

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      As part of its ongoing commitment to travel agents, river cruise and touring specialist, APT has announced the appointment of Holly Piggott to the newly created role of sales executive.
      She will support an expanded sales team and key partners at the operator during a time of exciting growth. ADVERTISEMENTPiggott has been part of the APT family since 2019, so brings a detailed understanding of the luxury APT and flexible, four-star Travelmarvel brands, their trade partners and customers to the role.
      First joining the company as a reservations consultant, she has worked closely with the trade, handling their enquiries and helping agents to maximise sales opportunities.
      Eager to develop within the business, Holly’s professionalism and attention to detail saw her promoted to after sales team leader, where she excelled in enhancing the customer experience, and developed a keen understanding of what is needed to deliver service of the highest standard.
      More Information
      Agents can find more information about APT & Travelmarvel here.

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      Saudi Arabia on an unstoppable tourism rise, surpassing Dubai

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      In terms of visitor numbers, Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry remains bigger than Dubai’s. In the first quarter of this year, the Kingdom had 7.8 million tourists, while Dubai had 4.7 million.
      Saudi Arabia has historically inched ahead of Dubai when it comes to arrival figures, while the glamorous emirate dominates when it comes to spending. In 2019, KSA had 17.5 million visitors compared to Dubai’s 16.8 million, with Saudi benefitting from a steady religious tourism market which brought in 9.3 million people in that year.
      Dubai last year was the world’s top destination when it comes to international traveller spend, raking in $29.42 billion, according to WTTC. That is almost double second place, Doha’s $16.79 billion. Saudi Arabia did not make the top 10 list even though it had around two million more visitors than Dubai.
      According to the World Tourism Organization (WTO) index, Saudi Arabia secured the 13th position globally among the leading countries in terms of international tourist arrivals in 2022. This marked a significant improvement from its previous ranking of 25th in 2019.
      ADVERTISEMENTWTO reported that the Kingdom welcomed a total of 16.6 million international tourists in 2022 for various travel purposes.Furthermore, Saudi Arabia made impressive strides in the international tourism revenue index, climbing 16 spots to claim the 11th position in 2022, a substantial leap from its 27th ranking in 2019. These findings were outlined in the World Tourism Barometer report for May 2023, released by the WTO.
      In the first quarter of 2023, the Kingdom experienced its highest quarterly performance to date, attracting approximately 7.8 million international tourists for all purposes. This figure represents a 64 percent increase compared to the same period in 2019. The country also emerged as the second-fastest growing tourism destination during this period, as per the latest data from the WTO.
      Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to strengthen its global tourism standing and boost its contribution to the gross domestic product align with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative.
      Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb attributed these accomplishments to the facilitation of travel visa procedures, targeted promotional campaigns in key countries, and the diverse range of tourism destinations within the Kingdom.

      Moreover, the Minister stressed the ministry’s commitment to collaborating with both public and private sector partners to transform Saudi Arabia into a prominent global tourism hub.
      Notably, Saudi Arabia achieved a milestone in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) issued by the World Economic Forum (WEF), securing the 33rd position globally. This represented a significant improvement of ten ranks compared to 2019.
      Source: Hotelier Middle East

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      Submissions Invited for PATA Face of the Future 2023

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      The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is now accepting submissions for the PATA Face of the Future 2023. The deadline for submissions is July 15, 2023. PATA is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. As part of its activities, the Association is dedicated to human capital development (HCD) across the travel and tourism industry value chain. The primary focus of the Association’s HCD programme is the development of future leaders in the tourism industry.
      To highlight PATA’s commitment to HCD, the Association presents a special award and prize to an exceptional ‘rising star’ in the industry. All recipients of this prestigious award have exhibited initiative and leadership in the advancement of tourism as well as demonstrating commitment to the sustainable development of the Asia Pacific travel industry in line with PATA’s mission.
      The PATA Face of the Future 2023 will be recognized as the PATA Face of the Future 2023 at PATA Travel Mart 2023 in New Delhi, India.Other benefits include:
      Full sponsorship for participation at PATA Travel Mart 2023 (air ticket, accommodation, and event registration).
      A speaking opportunity at the PATA Youth Symposium during the PATA Travel Mart 2023 to share your story about your passion and journey to success (may be replaced with a Virtual PATA Youth Symposium).ADVERTISEMENTOpportunities to speak at other PATA events or partner events on behalf of PATA.
      Global media exposure via PATA’s far-reaching communication channels.
      Opportunity to build their profile as a mentor for the PATA Youth Mentorship Programme to help develop young tourism professional students in the region via speaking and mentoring opportunities at PATA Youth webinars and other youth events.
      One blog post on the PATA Blog to share their passion and journey to success.
      Seat on the PATA Board to represent the PATA youth community.
      PATA Chair Peter Semone said, “Through the PATA Face of the Future award we are able to identify young people making a meaningful contribution to the sustainable development of the travel and tourism industry across the Pacific and Asia Region. As an invited speaker at PATA events and a member of the PATA Board, the winner serves as the voice of young tourism professionals and the future of tourism. PATA is committed to engaging youth; and together co-creating a sustainable tourism future.”
      For information about how to enter, eligibility, and judging criteria, please visit www.pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future or email PATA Youth Ambassador, Mr Nick Chun at [email protected]
      PATA Travel Mart (PTM) is Asia Pacific’s international travel trade exhibition featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations access decision makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships. This year’s event is generously hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and consists of the Travel Mart, PTM Forums, PTM Talks and the PATA Youth Symposium.
      More information about the event can be found at www.pata.org/pata-face-of-the-future.

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      Yosemite’s waterfalls at their best in the last 40 years

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      Yosemite’s waterfalls at their best in the last 40 years

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      Yosemite’s largest waterfalls peak in April, May and into June, with some falls (including the park’s signature, Yosemite Falls) running dry by late summer. However, Yosemite Falls is expected to continue flowing until July as a result of this year’s heavy snowfall throughout the winter season. The snow has resulted in Yosemite showcasing the best waterfalls it has seen in the last 40 years. The Mist Trail, one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite, Nevada and Vernal Falls run through summer. See below a guide to Yosemite’s must-see waterfalls from its most iconic to its lesser-known wonders.
      Yosemite’s Iconic Waterfalls
      Yosemite Falls – flowing until July
      ● Height: 2,425 feet● Region: Yosemite Valley● Flow: November to July, peak in May/June
      Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth tallest in the world. The twin cascades – upper and lower – are together nearly twice the height of the Empire State Building and visible from many points around Yosemite Valley. There is a one-mile loop trail to the base of Lower Yosemite Fall (year-round and wheelchair accessible). The full Yosemite Falls Trail is strenuous, but for strong hikers well worth the trek.ADVERTISEMENTBridalveil Fall
      ● Height: 620 feet● Region: Yosemite Valley● Flow: Year-round, peaks in May
      The first waterfall most Yosemite National Park visitors see is stunning Bridalveil Fall which greets visitors as they enter Yosemite Valley from Highway 140 or Highway 41. It varies from a thunderous spring flow to a gently swaying wisp by season’s end. Bridalveil’s beauty is surpassed only by its ease of access. Thanks to the Yosemite Conservancy’s multi-year Bridalveil Fall Restoration project, the newly-renovated, paved trail to the base of the fall is wider, wheelchair accessible and pet-friendly. New restrooms and expanded viewing areas are set to be completed this spring.
      Nevada Fall
      ● Height: 594 feet● Region: Yosemite Valley● Flow: Year-round, peaks late May
      The operatic Mist Trail continues steeply for 1.5 additional miles with 2,000 ft. elevation gain to the top of its second aquatic act, Nevada Fall. Between Vernal and Nevada falls, hikers pass a pair of beautiful pools (no swimming permitted) – Emerald and Silver Apron – before making the final ascent. Nevada Fall thunders in late spring and summer as the Merced River tumbles down toward Yosemite Valley. The view from the top is spectacular, especially where a footbridge crosses above the Merced River.
      Yosemite’s Lesser-Known Waterfalls
      Horsetail Fall
      ● Region: Yosemite Valley● Drop: 2,030 ft (619 m), two-stage● Best Time To See: December-April
      A good snowpack is required for Horsetail Fall to flow and this year it will. Horsetail Fall is where the annual phenomenon of Yosemite Firefall takes place during the month of February. When conditions allow Horsetail Fall appears as a plummeting cataract of flames. Photographers from all over the globe come to capture this unique phenomenon.
      Chilnualna Falls
      ● Region: Wawona (Southern Yosemite)● Drop: 690 ft (210 m), multiple tiers● Best Time To See: Year-round, with peak flow in May
      Chilnualna Falls (“Chil-noo-all-na”) gets a fraction of the visitors compared to falls in Yosemite Valley. The fall weaves through forested sections offering views of Wawona Dome above and the village of Wawona below. Chilnualna Falls is perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path. It is located away from main roads and tucked back into the small community of Wawona.
      ● Region: Foresta (near Yosemite Valley)● Drop: Multiple cascades with a 40 ft (12 m) finale● Best Time To See: Year-round, with best flows March-June
      Located just six miles from Yosemite Valley, it’s surprising how few visitors have explored Foresta and its fascinating history. The easy 1.8 mile out and back trail to Foresta Falls is actually a decommissioned dirt road with views of several tumbling cascades as it descends to a wholly satisfying 40 ft (12 m) drop. Here, a ramshackle bridge provides a convenient platform for up-close views and photographs. After viewing the cascade, take a stop by the Meyer and McCauley Barns in the big meadow in Foresta. The barns are on the US Register of Historic Places and stand as a testament to the early pioneering days of Yosemite’s early transplanted inhabitants.

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      New Terminal One at JFK Announces New Partnership with Korean Air

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      The New Terminal One (NTO)– a consortium of labor, operating and financial partners building the new world-class terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)– today announced a new partnership with Korean Air. The Skytrax five-star airline currently offers premium services with two daily direct flights between Seoul and New York. This partnership enables Korean Air to provide its passengers with a transformed premium in-terminal experience to match its award-winning in-flight service. Korean Air currently operates at the existing Terminal 1 and will have a seamless transition to the New Terminal One once the terminal is complete and operational.
      “We are excited to announce this strategic partnership between New Terminal One with one of the top airlines in the world,” Dr. Gerrard P. Bushell, President and CEO of The New Terminal One at JFK. “At the unparalleled world-class terminal we are building here at JFK, we look forward to working together to connect passengers between the Americas and Asia for years to come.”
      “Korean Air is proud to be a partner with what will be one of the premier gateways to the United States,” said Jin Ho Lee, Senior Vice President and Director of Korean Air Americas Regional Headquarters. “Working together with New Terminal One, we aim to continue to give our customers traveling through JFK the ultimate travel experience.”
      The new airline agreement adds to the successful portfolio of first-class international carriers that have signed on with NTO, including Air France-KLM, Etihad Airways and LOT Polish Airlines, as the new terminal continues to welcome the international airline community.
      The New Terminal One celebrated its groundbreaking event this past September and is currently in the midst of the first phase of construction. With 23 gates, the brand-new facility will serve as a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and set a new standard for world-class design and service through innovative stress-free passenger processing, immersive retail and dining experiences, and an iconic architecture and art program. The New Terminal One aspires to be recognized as among the top five airport terminals in the world; final completion of the initial phase of the project is expected by mid-2026.ADVERTISEMENT

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