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    TAT to lead a strong Thailand presence at ITB Berlin 2023

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is leading an impressive delegation of 70 Thai tourism suppliers to ITB Berlin 2023, which is on from 7-9 March, 2023, and is the first in-person staging of the leading travel show since the pandemic.Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said “The strong Thailand presence at ITB Berlin 2023 will reiterate to the world’s travel and tourism community that Thailand is again welcoming all visitors with the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, which highlights the kingdom’s 5Fs soft-power foundations and the new direction towards experience-based tourism and a meaningful travel experience.”
    At the forefront of the Thailand presence at this the 56th edition of ITB Berlin, is the Thailand Stand and which is carrying the theme of ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’.
    The Thailand Stand will showcase the leveraging of the kingdom’s 5Fs soft-power foundations – Food, Film, Fashion, Festival, and Fight, new tourism offerings and experiences to be enjoyed throughout the country, and the push towards a meaningful travel experience for tourists – with a focus on sustainable and responsible tourism. And as people are now more health conscious than ever before, the stand will also highlight Thailand’s health and wellness offerings.
    For the delegation of Thai tourism suppliers, ITB Berlin 2023 will be a valuable platform for reconnecting face-to-face with overseas tour operators – both existing business partners and potential new ones.
    Among the specific activities Thailand is holding at ITB Berlin 2023 is the Thailand Mini Mart 2023, which will involve business meetings between the Thai tourism suppliers and operators selling Thailand from new markets identified as having great potential for travel to Thailand, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Hungary.  ADVERTISEMENTA more informal and social opportunity for networking between the Thai suppliers and overseas partners will be in the form of the Thailand Mini Mart Happy Hour.
    At the Amazing Thailand Press Conference, members of the global tourism industry and media will be updated on the ‘Visit Thailand Year 2023: Amazing New Chapters’ campaign, and some of the exciting new tourism products and wonderful experiences on offer throughout the kingdom.
    TAT is also organising the “Discover Thailand Journey to Happiness” special event from 9-11 March, 2023, on the 6th floor at KaDeWe (Kaufhaus des Westerns) department store in Berlin. This enormous complex attracts 40,000 to 50,000 visitors daily, and the Thai event will showcase Thailand’s 5 soft power (Food Fight Film Festival Fashion) to store-goers. There will be cooking demonstrations of popular Thai food dishes, snacks and desserts, along with presentations and performances of Thai arts and culture.
    Information on travel to Thailand and the many wonderful tourism experiences waiting to be enjoyed throughout the kingdom will be on hand for distribution, and tour packages to Thailand will be on sale. In addition, in collaboration with TAT, Thailand’s Central Group, which acquired the KaDeWe Group in partnership with Signa, will be holding a lucky draw.

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    Is Cristiano Ronaldo More Than Just A Face Of The Pestana CR7 Hotel Chain?

    Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest football players of all time, known for his incredible skill, speed, and precision on the pitch. But off the field, Ronaldo has also established himself as a savvy businessman, with a number of investments in various industries.One of his most successful ventures is the Pestana CR7 hotel chain, a collaboration with the Pestana Group, which has properties in several cities around the world.
    The idea for the Pestana CR7 hotel chain came about when Ronaldo and the CEO of the Pestana Group, Dionisio Pestana, met in 2015.
    The two men hit it off and began discussing the possibility of a hotel chain that would combine Ronaldo’s star power with Pestana’s experience in the hospitality industry. Ronaldo said –
    In my opinion, he’s the best guy to do business with in Portugal…He’s from Madeira too, so it was a good partnership. He has the experience, not just in Portugal but all over the world…Dionisio is the number one and I’m the number one in football so, we have everything.
    ADVERTISEMENTThe first Pestana CR7 hotel opened in Ronaldo’s hometown of Funchal, Madeira, in July 2016, and it has since expanded to locations in Lisbon, Madrid, and New York.
    As the hotels are completely operated by the Pestana group, they have everything you would want in a hotel.
    Keeping in trend with the rest of the Pestana Group, Pestana CR7 hotels focus on technology and innovation.
    Each hotel features state-of-the-art amenities, including virtual reality headsets, smart mirrors, and interactive walls. The hotels also incorporate a number of sustainable features, such as energy-efficient lighting and water-saving systems.
    Is Cristiano Ronaldo involved in the day-to-day running of the Pestana CR7 hotel chain?In addition to his role as a co-owner of the hotel chain, Ronaldo is also heavily involved in the design and marketing of the properties.
    He worked closely with the Pestana Group’s design team to create the distinctive aesthetic of the hotels, which incorporates sleek lines, bold colours, and a modern, urban vibe.
    Ronaldo also serves as the face of the brand, appearing in promotional materials and marketing campaigns for hotels everywhere. He was also present at the opening of all CR7 hotel openings.
    But Ronaldo’s involvement in the Pestana CR7 hotel chain goes beyond just lending his name and image to the brand.
    He is also a hands-on investor, with a lot of money riding in the business.
    The hotel chain is a joint venture between Ronaldo and the Pestana Hotel Group, with the football star holding a 50% stake in the venture.
    According to reports, Ronaldo has invested around €40 million into the project, which shows his commitment to the venture.
    The investment has allowed the chain to expand and open new properties in several cities, including Madrid and Marrakesh, and there are plans for further expansion in the future.
    He has also been known to make surprise visits to the properties, check in with staff and guests, and offer feedback on everything from the food to the decor.

    The success of the Pestana CR7 hotel chain is a testament to Ronaldo’s vision and business acumen. The brand has been recognized with a number of awards and accolades, including Portugal’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel and Europe’s Leading Lifestyle Hotel by World Travel Awards in 2020.
    The hotels have also received rave reviews from guests, who praise the high-quality amenities, stylish design, and exceptional service.
    What’s next for Ronaldo x Pestana group after successful hotel chain?But Ronaldo’s partnership with the Pestana Group goes beyond just the hotel chain. Ronaldo and Pestana have now announced a new project – Pestana Residences CR7.
    This marks Pestana’s entry into the real estate category as they seek to build 88 apartments in Ronaldo’s hometown of Madeira.
    This will also be a 50-50 partnership between Ronaldo and Pestana and includes around a 50 Million Euros investment. The residences will be built on a plot of land already owned and managed by Ronaldo at Praia Formosa.
    Ronaldo’s involvement in the Pestana CR7 hotel chain and other ventures with the Pestana Group demonstrates his commitment to entrepreneurship and his ability to translate his success on the pitch into success off the field.
    With his monetary investment, marketing powerhouse, and design inspiration, he is not just an ambassador for the brand – he is making the brand.
    Source: Thickaccent.com

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    STRONG COMEBACK FOR THE WORLD’S LARGEST TRAVEL TRADE SHOW

    A fitting live comeback: following the break due to the pandemic and taking as its slogan ‘Open for Change’, ITB Berlin, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is back as an in-person event from 7 to 9 March 2023, with domestic and international exhibitors present in large numbers. Around 90 per cent of the available display area is already booked. This year’s ITB Berlin is for the first time taking place for trade visitors only and is accompanied by the prestigious ITB Berlin Convention. Selected programme items will be streamed on the supporting online platform at ITBxplore.
    New multi-purpose hall – hub27
    At ITB Berlin 2023 the destination hot spot is hub27, the new multi-purpose hall, which is fully booked. Georgia, the official host country of ITB Berlin, is strongly represented, as are Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Poland, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Berlin, Brandenburg and Deutsche Bahn, along with various airports from around Germany. The ITB Blogger Base, the place to head for all international travel bloggers, is also located in hub27.
    The stand of the German National Tourism Board (DZT) features the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, the Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia. The German federal states of Bavaria, Bremen (including Bremerhaven), Hesse and Lower Saxony are represented on their own stands in Hall 6.2. Spherie is a company taking part for the first time and will present spectacular drone images.
    High international participationADVERTISEMENTDemand for places is high among Greek exhibitors, who are represented in Hall 1.1. Italy, Croatia, Macedonia, Malta and Bosnia, all located in Hall 1.2, are also represented in large numbers again. Albania, whose exhibitors are spread over three halls (including Hall 1.1), is also present in large numbers. In Hall 2.1, participation by Spain’s tourism industry is also impressive and features the large stands of Turespaña and the Costa del Sol. Turkey is presenting its tourism products in Halls 3.1b and 3.2a. The Business Travel (VDR association) and MICE (VDVO association) segments have always been important at ITB Berlin and this year are also represented on large stands in Hall 3.1.
    In Halls 22 and 23 visitors can also expect large representations from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Paraguay, Surinam, Uruguay and the Caribbean islands Aruba, Curacao, Martinique, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Barbados and the Dominican Republic.
    This year, Hall 21 is completely devoted to sub-Saharan countries, including South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, the Seychelles, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Zambia. This year, a number of African countries, among them Ethiopia, Rwanda, Guinea and Senegal, are located in Hall 22.
    Representations from the USA and Canada are exhibiting in Hall 3.1, along with Israel. Following a break, the Condor airline is back at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.1. International representations in the ITB Career Center, Adventure / Responsible Tourism and Youth Travel segments are featured in Hall 4.1. The new ITB Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1b will be hosting presentations, discussions and networking events under the headings Adventure Travel, Responsible Tourism and Tourism Careers.
    Another novelty is the hall positioning: The renowned LGBTQ+ Pavilion moved to hall 4.1. Exhibitors there include Visit Malta, which will present this year’s Europride, and Communitat Valenciana, which will be represented at the Gay Games 2026, as well as Visit Buenos Aires and Visit Tampa Bay. The Munich Tourism Board, Proudly Portugal, IGLTA, TOMONTOUR, GNETwork Madrid and the Florida Keys and Key West are also represented with stands.
    As in previous years, Arab countries from North Africa and the Middle East are strongly represented, with Egypt, Morocco, Qatar and Oman located in Hall 4.2, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and newcomer Saudi Arabia in Hall 3.2b. This year, Saudi Arabia is the largest exhibitor at ITB Berlin. Its co-exhibitors include NEOM, the giant smart city project in the desert. Lebanon is back at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.2.
    In Halls 5.2a and 5.2b the focus is on India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti. Bhutan is among those back at the largest marketplace for the international travel industry. The Meet The Pacific stand is new and features the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu. VisitLuxembourg, the Dutch Tourism Board and visit.brussels from the Benelux countries are represented in Hall 6.2b.
    In Hall 9, Airbnb Germany is exhibiting for the first time at ITB Berlin, as are Gorgeous Smiling Hotels GmbH, Hard Rock International and HomeToGo GmbH. Other exhibitors in this hall include B&B Hotels Germany GmbH, Wheego share.rent.abo, DRIVALIA, Green Motion, and the hotel chains NH, Marriott, Best Western, Hilton and Steigenberger. This is also the first time the Hyatt Inclusive Collection is represented at ITB Berlin, in Hall 22.
    As in previous years, the Nordic and Baltic countries as well as Ireland are strongly represented in Hall 20. The UK also has a large stand again. Among individual exhibitors, Greenland Travel is on the same area as in previous years, as are Bero Berlin, Via Hansa, GJ Travel and Icelandair. Visitors to the stand of myPostcard.com can mail postcards for free. The following are newcomers to the show: St. Giles Hotels, V.O.S. Aps, Gainwell Sports, the Tour Partner Group, Holiday Tours Iceland, Manchester City FC, made in 2010, Boatservice Sightseeing As, Aavasaksa Lapland, as well as the European Capital of Smart Tourism, an initiative of the European Commission.
    In the Asia Hall (26a/b), the destinations awaiting visitors are Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Tokyo, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. China is represented by the provinces Zhejiang and Huangshan.
    Numerous exhibitors in the Travel Technology and Mobility segments and from the cruise sector
    The Travel Technology and Mobility segments are back with large numbers of exhibitors. All the Travel Technology halls are fully booked. This is where exhibitors such as GIATA, Sabre, Amadeus and Peakwork combine proven concepts with innovative ideas – true to the slogan ’Open for Change’. The eTravel World in Hall 6.1 is also larger than in previous years and features many startups and an extended eTravel Stage. Among the tech companies taking part are ASKSUITE TECNOLOGIA LTDA, Blastness, BUSINESS FRANCE, Spain Travel Tech, HiJiffy, Hotelmize, mTrip and Qtravel.ai.
    International airlines, cruise liners and tour operators are represented with their products in Hall 25. Exhibitors from the resurgent cruise sector in particular are represented in record numbers at ITB Berlin 2023. MSC Cruises, Explorer Journeys, VIVA Cruises and United Rivers are taking part for the first time with their own stands, while regular exhibitors such as Holland America Line, nicko cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines are well represented again.
    Medical Tourism has its own hall
    A large number of exhibitors in the Medical & Health Tourism Hall (26c) are from Turkey this year, present under the umbrella of M2. Numerous new clinics as well as medical hotels and destinations are represented there. Other already well-known exhibitors include FIT Reisen, Ensana Health Spa Hotels, ABK Travel Lithuania, Gremi Clinic, Dünyagöz Eye Clinic, Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital as well as the associatations ESPA, EHTTA and HTI. This made it possible to occupy the entire hall with medical & health exhibitors and an own Medical Stage programme.
    German marketplace marks its debut and the Culture Lounge features cultural tourism organisers
    Hall 6.2 is where the Culture Lounge, a large display area for cultural tourism organisers, can be found. Among the close to 50 co-exhibitors are several European museums, festivals, cultural regions and trusts.
    This year, the German marketplace is marking its debut in Hall 6.2. Exhibitors there include the Semperoper Dresden, Ferienpark Weissenhäuser Strand, Hirmer Hospitality, Flughafen Hamburg GmbH, Harzer Schmalspurbahnen GmbH, Wirtschaftsförderung & Technologietransfer GmbH, Stöcker Flughafen GmbH & Co. KG, ProAir-Charter-Transport GmbH, Phoenix des Lumières, ZEIT Verlagsgruppe and TÜV Rheinland.
    A new feature this year is the Street Food Market in Hall 7.2c where visitors can take a culinary tour and fully enjoy international cuisine.
    Luxury travel segment HOME of LUXURY by ITB
    23 exhibitors from the luxury travel market are represented at the Marshall Haus on the exhibition grounds, including Serverin’s Resort & Spa, FUORITINERARIO and Quark Expeditions, along with media members from Luxus Insider and Connoisseur Circle.
    Media members and bloggers can register for ITB Berlin, subject to observance of the accreditation guidelines. After your application has been processed and approved you will receive an email with a PDF containing your ITB press accreditation, which you can print out

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    Discover Saint Lucia’s landscape, it’s as diverse as her heritage. More

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    Discover Saint Lucia’s landscape, it’s as diverse as her heritage.

    Saint Lucia’s landscape is as diverse as her heritage. No two parts of the island are alike! Some parts of Saint Lucia are ideal for bustling nightlife and beachside parties, while others offer opportunities to get away from it all and explore dense jungles and quiet vistas.
    NORTH SAINT LUCIA

    North Saint Lucia is one of the most popular locations for visitors to stay. It has seemingly everything just a few minutes away. While this area is harder to get to from the airport, many visitors are likely to stay in this region during their visit.
    Nature lovers will appreciate Pigeon Island National Park, which you can reach by car over a causeway. This park offers hiking opportunities, as well as places for kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming. Take some time to walk around the old fort ruins and imagine what it would be like back in the 1700s.ADVERTISEMENTNorth Saint Lucia is also home to the town of Rodney Bay, which has some of the top Saint Lucia beaches as well as popular nightlife spots. Plantation beach faces the Atlantic side, so you can take advantage of wind sports and surfing. Or you can visit Treasure Bay Casino Saint Lucia and try your luck with cards or roulette. North Saint Lucia has more diverse activities, and is ideal for groups of people traveling together or for families.
    SOUTH SAINT LUCIA

    The south side of Saint Lucia is closest to the airport, which means you can relax on beautiful beaches and check in to luxury resorts just minutes after your plane lands. The south part of Saint Lucia island is also one of the most historic. Explore ruins and hike around Vieux Fort, which still has rusty canons and old bricks scattered around.
    The south side of Saint Lucia also has some quality beaches. Sandy Beach and Anse Des Sables Beach both offer clear water and white sand to relax on. These beaches are known for their length, so you can find a place far away from other visitors if you need to get away for awhile.
    Visitors may enjoy taking day trips to other parts of the island if they stay on the south side, so they can explore other parts of the island instead of just the bottom tip.
    WEST SAINT LUCIA

    The west coast of Saint Lucia is home to Soufrière, the original French capital. While this town is quiet in the off-season, it is a popular tourist destination and a port for many cruise ships. During your visit to Soufrière, walk around the Old Town and pick up a few handcrafted souvenirs for your friends and family back home. You can also use Soufrière as a jumping off point for other excursions around the island.
    Soufrière is tucked just under the Petit Piton (the smaller Piton). Its name actually comes from the smell of sulfur emissions from the now-dormant volcanic plug. You can leave the town and go hiking around the Piton and swim in some of the more impressive waterfalls.
    The west side of Saint Lucia is also home to Anse Chastanet Beach, which is one of the top snorkeling beaches in the area. If you aren’t staying on the west side, consider making Soufrière, the Petit Piton, and Anse Chastanet Beach into a day trip for natural and cultural exploration.
    CENTRAL SAINT LUCIA

    The final part of Saint Lucia that visitors can explore is the central area. While this part might not have the Saint Lucia beaches that the other parts are known for, it offers a variety of unique opportunities that the other parts don’t.
    The central part of the island is home to various forest reserves that protect the natural plant and animal life of Saint Lucia. Edmund Forest Reserve is one of the most popular out of all of these. Hike past streaming waterfalls and past rushing streams to reach some of the best views on the island. There are lookouts around the reserve where you can see the small towns and pristine beaches below. Along the way, you might spot some of the island’s more exotic birds and even a few small mammals.
    While it is harder to find hotel lodging in the central area of Saint Lucia, you can stay in on one of the nearby beaches and visit the center throughout your visit.
    Regardless of where you stay on Saint Lucia, whether you choose the bustling Rodney Bay or quieter Soufrière, you’re sure to find something you love. Great food, amazing snorkeling, and pristine beaches are right around the corner and beckoning you to stay longer.
    To find out more on this amazing destination go to https://www.stlucia.org/en_UK/

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    Bride Sees Color for the First Time at Walt Disney World Resort

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    Bride Sees Color for the First Time at Walt Disney World Resort

    With some Disney magic and a very special pair of glasses, a bride’s dream of seeing the world in color became reality during her recent Disney Fairy Tale Wedding at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. Bride-to-be Kristin Robinson of Harleysville, Pennsylvania heard about specialty glasses that allow the colorblind to see the world in color. Having been colorblind all her life, Robinson jumped at the chance to wear a pair of the glasses for the first time on her wedding day in The Most Magical Place on Earth. 
    Robinson was elated when she saw the world and her groom, Nick, illuminated in color for the first time. 
    “This is surreal,” said Kristin minutes after seeing color for the first time. “I’ve always dreamed of this; I finally get to see the colors.”

    The color-reveal moment proved emotional for the entire Robinson family. The bride’s father and two brothers are also colorblind and joined her in wearing the special glasses for a heartfelt reveal where they not only saw the bride in color but were able to see the world in color for the first time, too. ADVERTISEMENTWhile color blindness affects people differently, Robinson’s deuteranopia is a common type of red-green color blindness. It prevents her from seeing colors like pink and purple and makes it difficult to see shades of red, green and brown. The team at Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons ensured that her wedding dazzled with color. Pink flower arrangements decorated the wedding pavilion. At Disney’s Wedding Pavilion, a picture-perfect view of Cinderella Castle against a vibrant blue sky provided a backdrop for the ceremony and the fairy-tale day concluded with a private reception and a glittering firework display. Robinson’s colorful wedding was nothing short of magical. 

    About Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons
    Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons is a global brand making dreams come true for over 30 years, offering epic destinations for weddings, vow renewals, honeymoons, engagements and anniversaries. A global industry leader providing fashion, jewelry and products as well as inspiration through a dedicated television series on Disney+, this brand is based on unmatched wedding planning services and the desire to make wedding dreams a reality. For more information, please visit DisneyWeddings.com

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    Korean Air CEO wins ATW’s Excellence in Leadership Award

    Walter Cho, Korean Air Chairman and CEO, has been awarded the prestigious Excellence in Leadership Award by Air Transport World (ATW).Launched in 1974, the ATW Airline Industry Achievement Awards are some of the most coveted honors an airline or individual can receive. This year’s 49th awards ceremony will be held in Istanbul on June 2.
    “Since taking the helm at Korean Air in 2019, Walter Cho has rapidly gained a worldwide reputation for industry vision and dynamic management. His nimble and out-the-box thinking, particularly with regard to airline partnerships—especially the transpacific joint venture with Delta Air Lines—and the company’s cargo business, made Korean stronger than ever through the worst times of the pandemic. As chair of the SkyTeam global alliance board and a member of the IATA board of governors, Mr. Cho has emerged as an excellent leader at Korean and across the industry,” said Air Transport World.
    Cho’s leadership and crisis management have been widely recognized over the course of the pandemic, as he successfully navigated the COVID-19 crisis and led the airline to attain record high profits both in 2021 and 2022.
    Amid many uncertainties during COVID-19, Cho made the bold and historic decision to acquire Asiana Airlines, the biggest deal in the global aviation industry during the pandemic. Once the acquisition is complete, Korean Air will become one of the world’s top 10 airlines.
    “The unprecedented pandemic crisis has proven the importance of connectivity, our industry’s core value. The entire Korean Air team, along with our partners, combined our efforts to maintain connectivity for both passengers and cargo, even when strict border controls were in place. I genuinely appreciate ATW’s recognition of our efforts and am humbled to receive the award on behalf of everyone at Korean Air. I trust the year 2023 will be dynamic and exciting for all of us, and Korean Air will adapt to changes and provide reliable services to our customers and partners, and keep evolving,” said Walter Cho.ADVERTISEMENTKorean Air was recognized for the past two years as ATW’s 2021 Airline of the Year and 2022 Cargo Operator of the Year. Cho has also received numerous awards for his outstanding leadership such as FlightGlobal’s 2022 Air Cargo Leadership Award and Orient Aviation’s 2021 Person of the Year.

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    Tourists Heading Back to Asian Cities

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has today revealed positive signs of recovery for the Asian Travel & Tourism sector, with five major metropolises seeing a significant economic rebound. The report, researched in partnership with Oxford Economics, analysed key indicators such as Travel & Tourism’s contribution to GDP, employment and traveller spend in 82 cities from around the world.
    There were five Asian cities amongst the top 25 whose Travel & Tourism sectors have the greatest impact on their local economies. 
    According to the study, the highest performing Asian cities in 2022 were Bangkok, Beijing, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo.
    Following continued border closures and strict travel restrictions, the report shows that in these major powerhouses, Travel & Tourism’s direct contribution to GDP is recovering, albe-it at a slow pace.
    Whilst it’s a slightly different picture for international visitor spending, all cities are starting to show signs of economic recovery thanks to overseas travellers spending once again. ADVERTISEMENTMost of the cities’ sector job levels are also increasing once again, with the exception of To-kyo, whose sector job market is recovering at a slower rate.
    GDP contribution of Travel & Tourism sector slowly recovering
    The WTTC’s Cities Economic Impact Report shows that in 2019, the Travel & Tourism sector contributed $106.9BN to the capitals of these five countries combined.
    But the pandemic has had a damaging and long-lasting effect on the region with only Bei-jing recovering close to 2019 levels.
    Beijing reigns supreme as the largest city destination in Asia, showing the strongest signs of recovery. In 2022, the GDP contribution from the sector was just 4% below 2019, at $32.6BN, thanks to a strong recovery of domestic tourism.
    Tokyo has the next largest Travel & Tourism economy in the region, worth $18BN in 2022, but this is still 30% lower than in 2019.
    In Seoul, the GDP contribution last year was $8BN, 33% lower than in 2019. 
    In Singapore, the GDP contribution last year was 45% lower than in 2019.
    In 2022, the sector’s GDP contribution to Bangkok was $9.2BN, 54% lower than in 2019. 
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Asia has long been a world-favourite destina-tion and after more than two years of disruption, it is great to see tourists and business travellers heading back. Tourism provides a massive boost to both the economy and job creation.
    “Our Cities Economic Impact Report shows that we expect Beijing to overtake Paris to be-come the world’s largest city Travel & Tourism economy within the next decade.
    “It is crucial that the national and local governments continue to recognise the importance of Travel & Tourism for the local and national economies, jobs, and businesses.”
    Jobs on the rise
    In 2019 there were more than 3 million people employed by the Travel & Tourism sector across these five capital cities in Asia.
    Beijing and Bangkok each employed the largest number of people, with more than 1.3 mil-lion employed in Beijing and just over one million in Bangkok respectively.
    But by 2022, following two years of painful job losses, the total employed by the sector re-covered to 2.5 million jobs.
    All cities had fewer sector jobs in 2022 than in 2019 however Tokyo continues to witness worrying year-on-year job losses.

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    Dreams® Flora Resort & Spa Opens in the Dominican Republic

    Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Dreams® Flora Resort & Spa, the newest addition to the Inclusive Collection, part of World of Hyatt – a global portfolio of distinct luxury all-inclusive resort brands. The resort marks the expansion of Inclusive Collection’s presence in the Dominican Republic to 12 total resorts and is the fifth Dreams Resort & Spa in the Caribbean destination.
    Situated on the palm-studded beach of Cabeza de Toro, Dreams Flora Resort & Spa offers an unforgettable getaway designed for couples and families, conveniently located close to the Punta Cana International Airport. Upon arrival, guests can indulge in all Unlimited-Luxury® offerings, including gourmet à la carte dining options, unlimited international & domestic top-shelf spirits, pool and beach wait service, daytime activities, live nightly entertainment, and more.“The continued growth of our brands in the Dominican Republic with the opening of Dreams Flora Resort & Spa offers guests the opportunity to reconnect and disconnect in an idyllic location,” said Gonzalo del Peón, Group President, Americas & Global Commercial for Inclusive Collection. “This family-friendly resort offers an exceptional variety of activities and amenities for guests to tailor their vacation experience to best suit their desires and needs to celebrate every moment.”

    Luxurious Accommodations
    Dreams Flora Resort & Spa touts 520 graciously appointed suites, all with private, furnished balconies or terraces and Unlimited-Luxury® amenities such as room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, a daily refreshed mini-bar, and more. For guests opting for an elevated experience, Preferred Club rooms provide access to additional amenities including personalized check-in and checkout with concierge service, preferred status and amenities, an exclusive Preferred Club pool and bar, upgraded bath amenities, upgraded mini-bar and room service menu, access to the Preferred Club lounge, and more.ADVERTISEMENTCulinary Offerings

    Dreams Flora Resort & Spa offers delectable dining options, including à la carte restaurants, featuring a variety of international cuisines such as Asian and Mexican, a buffet featuring interactive stations, a café, and a snack grill, all with breathtaking views, convenient locations and no reservations required. For a more private atmosphere, convenient 24-hour dining allows guests the comfort of dining from their suite. For those with gluten allergies, all restaurants on property offer a gluten-free menu.
    In addition to the various dining options, guests can indulge in top-shelf international and domestic spirits at one of the numerous bars.
    Family-Friendly Amenities
    At Dreams Flora Resort & Spa, guests can spend the day lounging poolside at one of multiple pools, including kid-friendly and adult-only options, or playing on the powdery white-sand beach overlooking the gorgeous turquoise and blue shades of the Caribbean Sea. Catering to families, the water park offers two waterslides and a pool for guests of all ages, while the Explorer’s Club for Kids ages 3-12 offers a supervised children’s program with activities such as arts and crafts, a playground, weekly campout adventures, treasure hunts, an indoor game room and video games.
    For teens looking for more independence, the Core Zone Teens Club offers a supervised program for ages 13-17 and offers a variety of activities including social events, snack bar offering non-alcoholic drinks, video games, movies on the beach, and more.
    For unmatched relaxation, the world-class Dreams Spa by Pevonia® offers innovative treatments for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, along with a variety of body treatments, massages and facials to invigorate the senses, stimulate the body and refresh the mind. Kids and teens looking to indulge have a special menu featuring a variety of treatments such as facials, massages, manicures and pedicures, and hair accessories.
    To book an upcoming stay or to learn more about Dreams® Flora Resort & Spa, visit DreamsResorts.com/DreamsFlora or @dreamsresorts.

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