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      Puerto Rico Reflects on 2022 as Strongest Year in Tourism History

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      On National Plan for Vacation Day, Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), shares the 2022 record-breaking, success story of the Island’s travel and tourism sector.On the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, Puerto Rico reported peaks in incoming travelers, record revenues and more local tourism employees than ever before in its history.
      Puerto Rico’s unique appeal as a U.S. territory with an unparalleled cultural flair, natural wonders and warm “Boricua” spirit continues to allure travelers, contributing to the Island’s tourism successes in 2022, which include:
      More than 5.1 million passengers arrived at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, a 6.5% increase from 2021. (Aerostar Airport Holdings, LLC)Approximately $8.9 billion in revenue was generated by travel and tourism, a 39% increase over the previous high in 2019. (Tourism Economics)The Island now employs more than 91,500 individuals in travel and tourism related jobs, also the highest ever. Employment in the leisure and hospitality sector in Puerto Rico has increased by 12.8% compared to pre-pandemic levels, while employment numbers in the U.S. remain 4% below when considering the same period. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)Booked group room nights in 2022 doubled those from 2021, and the number of events currently booked for 2023 are 81% higher versus the same time last year, speaking to the efforts that inspire planners to “Make Your Meeting Boricua.” Even more encouraging, the number of prospective room nights for 2023 and beyond topped 1 million nights for a 35% increase over 2021. (Simpleview)A record-breaking fourth quarter, despite Hurricane Fiona’s passing through Puerto Rico in September 2022, the industry saw lodging demand for the last three months of the year 7% higher than the previous highs in 2021 and 31% higher than pre-pandemic levels. Post-hurricane perception studies showed that 76% of respondents indicated that the storm had no impact on their travel plans. (STR & AirDNA)Likelihood to visit Puerto Rico in the next 12 months has grown to 22%, as of late 2022. (SMARInsights)This growth has been propelled by the creative global marketing efforts of Discover Puerto Rico to spotlight the destination, its unique attributes and ease of travel. Since the DMO was founded in 2018, and despite various natural weather events and the COVID-19 crisis, the Island’s DMO has generated programming that drove travel and tourism metrics to unprecedented levels despite challenges including economic headwinds. 
      “Amidst one of the most extreme challenges the global tourism industry has ever faced, Puerto Rico’s travel sector went from surviving to thriving, breaking the previous record set in 2021 yet again in 2022” said Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico. “I’m very proud of the work our team has achieved, often under trying circumstances beyond our control, applying data-centric and strategic practices in collaboration with stakeholders throughout the Island and industry.”
      Since its inception, Discover Puerto Rico has created and implemented effective multi-channel marketing tactics and campaigns designed for longevity of the destination brand and to advance its mission, which is to bring prosperity to Puerto Rico by positioning the Island as a premier destination for leisure, business and event travel.ADVERTISEMENT“As a best-in-class Destination Marketing Organization, we strive for innovation with each new campaign and tactic,” said Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico. “We’re beyond solidifying our brand position which we focused on during our inception, and now, we’re going back to the Island’s roots with a values-based marketing approach that dives deep into what mean it to be ‘Boricua.’”
      Among the most successful Discover Puerto Rico-led marketing tactics and campaigns in 2022:
      “Live Boricua” – Launched in May 2022, this innovative brand campaign is the manifestation of Discover Puerto Rico’s focus on elevating local culture while underscoring values-based marketing. Live Boricua emphasizes its diverse people and culture, with a distinction no other destination can claim: the word “Boricua,” or a person born in Puerto Rico or of Puerto Rican descent. The campaign’s insights, creative and assets – including the “stars” of its ads and videos that showcase the Puerto Rican way of life – center on or were developed by Boricuas. The campaign encourages travelers to embrace the spirit, passion and cultural uniqueness of the Island’s people.
      Live Boricua has been successful in all aspects of its marketing workstreams, generating more than 515 million in media impressions from earned media tactics. From a traditional media standpoint, Live Boricua reached nearly 300 million impressions, increasing familiarity and consideration of visiting the Island. Digital media efforts complimented the traditional, with nearly 1.5 million pageviews driven by paid media, with over 483,000 of those visitors engaging with multiple pages on the site. Likewise, 75.3 million consumers watched the Live Boricua digital video ads 100%, which equates to a completed view rate of 73.46% (Google Campaign Manager or GCM). When surveyed by the DMO, more than half – 58% – of consumers find that Puerto Rico is more appealing to them when they see Boricua in a travel ad and 71% of consumers would research Puerto Rico after seeing an ad with Boricua. (SMARInsights)
      “Sunshine to Spare” – Discover Puerto Rico partnered with the Pantone Color Institute to create a first-of-its-kind color inspired by the hue of Puerto Rican sunlight, based on findings by Puerto Rican physicist, Hector J. Jimenez. The new color – Puerto Rico Sunshine – has taken on a life of its own, with collaborations alongside notable entities like ECOS Paint and designer Christian Cowan. It has also sparked an unprecedented pride in the local Boricua community, with a multitude of small businesses creating unique products – from jewelry to popsicles – inspired by the color sold, now through the Sunshine Shop on the Discover Puerto Rico website.
      Travelers can also partake in the new Sunshine Route – a curated map that showcases how visitors can experience Puerto Rico Sunshine via a road trip to destinations across the Island, exploring both activities and products as part of the program. To date, this multifaceted campaign has garnered 1 billion impressions. With no passport, currency exchange, or international phone plan required for U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico is the perfect place for those looking for a combination of unparalleled cultural experiences, breathtaking beaches, world-class culinary delights, natural wonders, and thrilling adventures – all under the remarkable Puerto Rico sunshine.
      For more details on the performance of Puerto Rico’s travel and tourism industry, visit: www.discoverpuertorico.com/industry.

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      Catch the Ferrari car parade at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi this Saturday

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      OCEANIA CRUISES WELCOMES ALLURA TO ITS ACCLAIMED FLEET More

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      Catch the Ferrari car parade at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi this Saturday

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      Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is gearing up to host a Ferrari car parade, with more than 100 Ferrari cars set to cruise around the “World’s Leading Theme Park” on February 4th. Ferrari World has won the World Travel Awards category for World’s Leading Theme Park for the past 4 years, an incredible feat.
      Fans looking to find that Ferrari feeling can watch the exciting show and immerse in the various award-winning rides at the park, including family-friendly attractions and unique Ferrari-branded experiences that are bound to delight.

      Located on Yas Island, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is home to a variety of family-friendly rides and attractions. The park is located minutes away from Yas Waterworld, the world’s first and only Emirati-themed waterpark and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park as well as CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s ultimate adventure hub.
      For more information, please visit: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.comADVERTISEMENT

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      FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT INVITES TRAVELERS TO DISCOVER RURAL JAPAN

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      FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT INVITES TRAVELERS TO DISCOVER RURAL JAPAN

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      Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands, today announced seven anticipated openings of 2023, adding to the portfolio of 22 Fairfield by Marriott hotels in Japan.The new hotels will be located along national roadside rest areas in the prefectures of Hyogo, Kagoshima, Okayama, Saga, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka in the southern region of Japan, where travelers can discover hidden cultural and historical gems. The Fairfield by Marriott ‘Michi-no-Eki’ project aims to facilitate access to many of Japan’s off-the-beaten-path attractions, offering a comforting hotel experience along the country’s expressways.“We are thrilled to expand the brand in Asia with seven new Fairfield hotels expected to open in Japan this year,” said Diane Mayer, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, Classic Select Brands, Marriott International. “Fairfield is celebrated with a unique legacy in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio and we look forward to delivering the promise of warm hospitality and inviting experiences for guests who are discovering up-and-coming destinations across Japan.”
      Fairfield by Marriott was created on the principles of warmth, comfort and simplicity. The brand was inspired by the Fairfield Farm at the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in the U.S. for its breath-taking natural sights and sounds, a restorative place that represents simplicity, balance and a comfortable way of life. The calm aesthetics, warm colour palettes, and straightforward design philosophy uses a combination of natural materials and colour tones to represent the connection between the outdoors and indoors, paying tribute to the brand’s origins in the Fairfield Farm. Guestrooms range in size from 21 to 25 square meters and feature complimentary Wi-Fi and a space-saving shower booth. 
      The seven new Fairfield by Marriott hotels in Japan, scheduled to open in 2023, are:
      HYOGO
      Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu (88 rooms, opened January 24, 2023)ADVERTISEMENTFairfield by Marriott Hyogo Tajima Yabu is located next to Michi-no-Eki Yoka Tajimanokura in Yabu city, in Japan’s southwestern Hyogo Prefecture. The area is home to the picturesque rice fields of Bekku no Tanada and the beautiful Tendaki Falls, set against the backdrop of the highest mountain in Hyogo, Mount Hyonosen. The mountainous countryside is full of natural scenery with flowing rivers in the summer and snowy landscapes in the winter, a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
      Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Higashiura (87 rooms, expected opening summer 2023)
      Fairfield by Marriott Hyogo Awaji Higashiura is located at the charming Awaji Island, connected to the main island of Honshu by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world. Visitors can also enjoy one of Japan’s best beaches, Ura Kenmin Sun Beach, as well as the picturesque Awaji Hanasajiki Park where there are sweeping fields of flowers against the backdrop of Osaka Bay.
      KAGOSHIMA
      Fairfield by Marriott Kagoshima Tarumizu (95 rooms, expected opening spring 2023)
      The new hotel will be located at Tarumizu city in Kagoshima at the southernmost part of Kyushu Island.  Kagoshima city is known as “Naples of the East” for its location on a bay facing the famous Sakurajima volcano. Nearby is also Tarumizu Marine Park, where guests can enjoy watersports activities in Kinko Bay’s warm subtropical waters. Adventurous travelers can also try canyoning in Sarugajo Gorge. Accessible by ferry from Kagoshima is the island of Yakushima, where the ancient cedar forests and natural landscapes inspired the Studio Ghibli animated film ‘Princess Mononoke.’
      OKAYAMA
      Fairfield by Marriott Okayama Tsuyama (78 rooms, expected opening spring 2023)
      Located in Okayama, Tsuyama is a town full of history and culture known for the 17th century Tsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s three historic hilltop-style castles. Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Okayama Tsuyama can catch Tsuyama’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival every spring in Kakuzan Park, home to about 5,000 cherry blossom trees. Other lively festivals throughout the year include the Gongo Festival, Tsuyama Autumn Festival and Old Izumo Street Festival, where local residents wear traditional costumes and put on theater shows. Okayama is famous for its high number of sunny days and abundance of sweet fruit produced in the region.
      SAGA
      Fairfield by Marriott Saga Ureshino Onsen (84 rooms, expected opening summer 2023)
      Fairfield by Marriott Saga Ureshino Onsen will welcome guests to Ureshino Onsen, a hot spring town in the southwestern Saga Prefecture. Its natural hot spring onsens and bathhouses invite visitors to relax and unwind in soothing alkaline waters. The hot spring waters is also used to make delicious local specialties such as hot tofu, and for preparing green teas. Travelers can also visit Hizen Yumekaido Ninja Village theme park and the 17th-century Yutoku Inari Shrine. The hotel is conveniently accessible by the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen bullet train, which began service in September 2022.
      FUKUOKA
      Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha (51 rooms, expected opening summer 2023)
      Fairfield by Marriott Fukuoka Ukiha is located close to Chikugo Plain, an important farming region in Japan. The rural landscapes are home to rice fields and fruit farms, along with ancient ruins, temples, castles, sake breweries and hot spring onsens. In Ukiha, guests can pick fruits and sample sweets and desserts made with locally grown fruit. Another must-visit in the area is the Ukiha Inari Shrine at the foot of the Mino mountain range. Walk through 90 stunning vermilion torii gates that lead a path to the shrine.
      KUMAMOTO
      Fairfield by Marriott Kumamoto Aso (93 rooms, expected opening autumn 2023)
      The hotel will be located at Kumamoto of southern Japan in the city of Aso, nestled within one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. The area is part of a fabulous landscape of mountains and valleys, with breathtaking sights of the Aso-Nakadake crater and its dynamic volcanic plumes, as well as the Kusasenri-ga-hama plain. The area offers activities to immerse with the natural landscapes, including hot air ballooning, canoeing and horse riding. Guests can also take a ride up the Mount Aso by a car and visit Aso Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan.
      “The Fairfield by Marriott Michi-no-Eki project is aimed at creating a footprint of hotels that stretch from Japan’s snowy northernmost regions to its southern prefectures, where travelers can stop and get a good night’s rest as they explore the many historical and cultural attractions, culinary experiences, and natural sites across each region,” said Masahiro Taguchi, Project Director of Fairfield by Marriott’s Michi-no-Eki portfolio. “Guests can look forward to a pleasant and effortless experience every time they check in at a Fairfield hotel.”

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      Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Announces What’s New in 2023

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      Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Announces What’s New in 2023

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      Ripley’s Aquarium in Myrtle Beach is introducing all-new experiences this spring including the notable Sloth Valley habitat along with Ripley’s Illusion Lab, Ripley’s Crazy Golf, Ripley’s Mirror Maze expansion and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure.
      With 60 miles of breathtaking beaches and 14 unique coastal communities, there’s always something new and exciting to explore in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This year particularly brings travelers an array of all-new activities, attractions, restaurants, lodging and transportation options that are guaranteed to create lasting memories at The Beach.“Myrtle Beach International Airport saw record attendance in 2022, and we’re determined to continue that upward projection through 2023,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “We believe more people are visiting the Grand Strand than ever before because the destination is constantly expanding, renewing and offering a truly unique experience for every type of traveler.”
      Visitors can enjoy new developments in 2023 and beyond, like:
      All-New Activities & Attractions
      Downtown Myrtle Beach Arts & Innovation District – Major revitalization efforts are underway in downtown Myrtle Beach. The planned construction in the Arts & Innovation District will include a new apartment building, stores, restaurants and even a gym. Renovations will also include restoring the Broadway Theater into a 300-seat performing arts center.Surfworks Myrtle Beach – Myrtle Beach will soon be home to South Carolina’s first man-made surf park, called Surfworks. The park’s surfing lagoon will generate up to 1,000 waves per hour, with waves between 2-6 feet tall. The development will also include an amphitheater to accommodate up to 15,000 people, a surf school, a restaurant and a brewery.Ripley’s Aquarium Offers New Attractions – Ripley’s Aquarium is introducing all-new experiences in Myrtle Beach this spring. These exciting, family-friendly attractions include the notable Sloth Valley habitat – bringing guests face-to-face with the adorable, two-toed species – as well as the Ripley’s Illusion Lab, Ripley’s Crazy Golf, Ripley’s Mirror Maze expansion and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure.Stars and Strikes Getaway-n-Play – A new family entertainment complex is coming to Myrtle Beach’s Coastal Grand Mall in February 2023. The 52,500-square-foot Stars and Strikes Getaway-n-Play will offer an immersive, augmented reality bowling experience, as well as an arcade, a multi-story laser tag arena, axe throwing and more.Surfside Beach Pier Reconstruction – After being destroyed during Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the town of Surfside Beach is reconstructing their iconic pier, making it stronger and safer than ever before. The new pier will feature a restaurant and vendor space and is slated to reopen in spring of 2023.Can’t-Miss Culinary
      Kainan Filipino Eatery – First-time restaurant owners, Steve and Grace Harrington, moved to South Carolina looking for the best place to open their authentic Filipino restaurant, Kainan Filipino Eatery. The Conway restaurant serves up traditional Filipino breakfast items, appetizers, noodle dishes and desserts.Seawitch Cafe – Myrtle Beach resident Tina Littleton opened the Seawitch Cafe in October 2022 in The Market Common. The quaint cafe offers a variety of delicious breakfast staples, such as omelets, avocado toast, donuts and other pastries.Don’s Deli – With 40 years of New York-style deli experience, Don Jackson opened Don’s Deli with his son in fall of 2022. The Conway restaurant serves up New York-style sandwiches and a full line of desserts with customers raving about the deli’s delicious bites.Bubba’s Fish Camp and Smokehouse Grill – A sister restaurant to the beloved Bubba’s Fish Shack, is now open in Myrtle Beach. Bubba’s Fish Camp offers a beach-inspired menu with fried and grilled seafood along with meats smoked in-house. It’s also conveniently located right across from Broadway at the Beach.Lodging & Transportation DevelopmentsADVERTISEMENTHoliday Inn Club Vacations – Holiday Inn Club Vacations is building a new resort on the Grand Strand that will feature 152 bedroom villas, each including patios with ocean views and a portion designated for luxury options. The hotel is expected to be completed in 2024.Flight Routes – Southwest Airlines announced a new direct flight from Denver, CO (DEN) to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) starting June 10.For more information on what’s new in Myrtle Beach, head to www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.

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      Savor a Romantic Dinner in Santa Fe with 5-Course Menu by Acclaimed Chef Andre Sattler

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      Airbnb Champions Heritage Travel

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      Emmanuel Marill, Airbnb Regional Director for EMEA, will present to members of the European Committee of the Regions including local Mayors, and meet with the European Parliament Cultural Heritage Intergroup this week to champion the benefits of heritage travel for tourism dispersal in Europe and share an update on Airbnb’s support for the EU’s short-term rental proposal.The meetings come as Airbnb unveils new initiatives to grow heritage travel in Europe including funding a new European Historic Homes education programme on heritage preservation and promotion, and launching a partnership with the Demeures Historiques & Jardins de Belgique to promote and boost heritage tourism in Belgium.
      Airbnb has donated almost ten million euros to heritage organizations in Europe to help boost demand for heritage-related travel and launched a new Historical Homes category in May 2022, making it easier for guests to discover heritage homes in Spain, Germany, Italy, France, the UK, and now Belgium
      There are around 45,000 listings* in the historical homes category and just under 70% of European historic homes on Airbnb are located in non-urban areas, helping to disperse the benefits of tourism to rural and lesser visited destinations**. A previous analysis by Airbnb on the impacts of Airbnb’s flexible search features – including ‘Categories’ such as historical homes and ‘I’m Flexible’– shows they help to divert bookings away from Europe’s most saturated tourist hotspots and peak travel dates in support of more sustainable travel trends.
      “Heritage travel can play a vital role in helping to disperse tourism outside of city centers and spread the benefits of tourism to more rural areas, all whilst helping to preserve historic homes for generations to come. The typical historical home Host on Airbnb in EMEA earned around than 1,200 euros between May and September last year*** and we look forward to building on our work to support heritage travel and historic home owners with partners in the EU in 2023.”
      Emmanuel Marill, Airbnb Regional Director for EMEAADVERTISEMENTAirbnb’s work on heritage in the EU also includes:
      Donations totalling almost €10 million to heritage associations across Europe to boost heritage tourism and help restore some of the continent’s most important historical attractions and homes. Donations have been made in France, the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany.The restoration of a traditional townhouse in the historic town of Sambuca, bringing an abandoned ‘1 euro house’ back to life with the aim of boosting tourism as part of a wider commitment to support rural communities and cultural heritage in Europe.Showcasing Europe’s rich architectural heritage by offering guests the opportunity to stay in landmark heritage buildings such as Weissenstein Palace in Germany and Villa Balbiano in Italy.The launch of the Heritage Academy in France, Italy and Spain, giving prospective Hosts a dedicated toolkit and a personal Host ambassador to offer bespoke training and advice on how to become a Historical Homes Host.An epic slow travel journey connecting remarkable historic homes across Europe, shining a spotlight on the appeal of heritage travel through a specially curated railway adventure in partnership with Interrail.Airbnb is also working with policy-makers from across the EU on establishing and enforcing fair and transparent STR rules and believes the EU short-term rental proposal is a major step forward that can introduce clear, simple and harmonized rules that unlock the benefits of hosting for European families and give governments the information they need to clamp down on speculators and overtourism.
      Read more about: EU, Heritage
      * 45,000 as of September 30th 2022.**As of June, 2022*** The typical Host earnings amount represents the median amount of earnings for Hosts with listings in the Historical Homes category between May 11th, 2022 and September 30th, 2022

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      Lukas Brosi named CEO of Flughafen Zürich AG

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      Lukas Brosi named CEO of Flughafen Zürich AG

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      The Board of Directors of Flughafen Zürich AG has appointed Lukas Brosi as its new CEO.He succeeds Stephan Widrig, who will leave the company at the end of April, as previously announced. Lukas Brosi, 44 years of age, joined Flughafen Zürich AG in 2009 and has been CFO and member of the Management Board since 2017.
      Following a comprehensive evaluation and recruitment process, the Board of Directors is pleased to appoint the current CFO of Flughafen Zürich AG, Lukas Brosi, as the new CEO of Flughafen Zürich AG. With this appointment, the Board of Directors ensures a seamless transition in management and continuity in strategic orientation. The Board of Directors is convinced that Lukas Brosi will further develop the company both strategically and culturally and successfully lead it through the entrepreneurial priorities and challenges of the coming years.
      Lukas Brosi knows the airport and aviation industry very well. He joined the company in 2009 and has been CFO and member of the Management Board since 2017. In his current role, he is involved in all strategic projects and can therefore continue them smoothly. In addition to the finance department, Lukas Brosi is responsible for ICT with the digitization projects and for sustainability & environment, with the company pursuing the ambition of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2040. Until 2021, he was also responsible for international business before it became an independent business division. During the corona pandemic, Lukas Brosi and his team significantly contributed to the company’s solid finances and successful coping with the pandemic without government funding through forward-looking financial management.44-year-old Lukas Brosi is a business economist FH, Swiss national and lives with his family in the canton of Zurich.
      CEO Stephan Widrig will leave the company at his own request to take on a new external challenge. The handover of the CEO position and responsibilities to Lukas Brosi will take place by the end of April. Flughafen Zürich AG will now start the process of replacing the CFO position.

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      Cambria Hotels Expands Presence in Austin with Opening of High-Tech Corridor Property

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      New appointment at ITB: Deborah Rothe takes over as head of ITB Berlin

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      David Ruetz, long-standing show director, passes the torch to Deborah Rothe for this year’s ITB in Berlin
      Deborah Rothe follows in the footsteps of David Ruetz as exhibition director of ITB Berlin, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. In December 2022, Ruetz became senior vice president of Travel + Logistics at Messe Berlin, in which role he oversees the ILA Berlin Airshow as well as the global ITB brand family, along with its strategic development.As with immediate effect Deborah Rothe (31) is taking over as exhibition director and project manager of ITB Berlin. The event will take place live in Berlin from 7 to 9 March 2023 as an exclusive B2B event. She replaces David Ruetz (54), who as head of ITB Berlin took over the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show in 2002. He was instrumental in building the global brand that is ITB and also contributed significantly to establishing ITB Asia in Singapore and ITB China in Shanghai. He also identified the potential of the Indian travel market and supported developing ITB India which, after two virtual editions, this year will for the first time be taking place as an in-person event in Mumbai and will further strengthen ITB’s position as a global marketplace for the travel industry.
      Rothe has been employed at Messe Berlin since 2011 and joined ITB Berlin in 2014. From August 2019, as head of Business Development & Sales, her focus was on developing ITB Berlin and marketing exhibitor and visitor business for the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show. She was also instrumental in driving the B2B networking event series TRVLX by ITB in European markets, which in future will continue to be an established part of the ITB portfolio.
      “With Deborah Rothe, I am delighted to be appointing an experienced colleague for this important task at ITB Berlin. With her long years of experience at ITB Berlin, not only does she know the event extremely well, she also has in-depth industry knowledge”, said David Ruetz, senior vice president, Messe Berlin.
      “As exhibitor director of the World’s Largest Tourism Trade Show, I look forward to the tasks and challenges ahead. Together with our global ITB brand family and ITB Berlin we provide an impetus for many areas of the travel and tourism industry. That is why new concepts, innovation and ongoing development are essential. I look forward to driving this effort with the team“, said Deborah Rothe, exhibition director, ITB Berlin.

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      Future Hospitality Investment Summit to take the stage in Riyadh from 7-9 May 2023 More

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      Future Hospitality Investment Summit to take the stage in Riyadh from 7-9 May 2023

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      Registration is now open for the Future Hospitality Investment Summit Saudi Arabia, taking place at Al Faisaliah Hotel in Riyadh from 7-9 May 2023.
      The Future Hospitality Investment Summit (FHIS) is an international platform by event organisers The Bench where some of the world’s most influential hospitality investment decision-makers connect, exchange knowledge, explore new partnerships and shape the future of the hospitality sector. This will be the sixth industry conference organised by The Bench for the Saudi market with the 2022 event drawing over 500 attendees from more than 20 countries, featuring 110 speakers and 46 sponsors and partners. The 2023 conference programme will include tracks from the Saudi Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC) and Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF), with a continued focus on sustainability, innovation, start-ups and human capital development, as well as the event’s signature culinary tours that offer a glimpse into exquisite restaurant concepts that are all the buzz in the Saudi market which start with a lunch hosted by LPM Riyadh on May 7th. This year’s conference theme, ‘Invest in Change’, highlights the importance of the positive change that can be brought forward through the investment in time, intellect and expertise in the hospitality industry to keep up with changing times and trends to better shape the future of the industry. The newly established Advisory Board for FHIS Saudi Arabia, featuring 37 senior industry leaders from across the Kingdom and wider region, came together in November to discuss the theme and help shape the agenda for this year’s conference.“Following our sold-out edition of FHIS in Riyadh last year, we are very excited to be back in the Kingdom this year with our host sponsors Al Faisaliah Hotel and Al Khozama and our many other partners for the event,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. “Our new stellar bespoke Advisory Board members for FHIS KSA have shared invaluable input for this year’s conference programme with their thoughts on change, transformation, innovation and continued evolution of our industry.”“The convergence of thought leaders and industry experts will result in reshaping the industry through revolutionary ideas, groundbreaking innovation and avant-garde practices and I can’t wait to see Saudi Arabia’s brightest minds and leaders in our industry come together to invest in change,” Worsley added.

      The event is set for a stellar speaker line up of confirmed speakers, including Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, Chief Executive Officer Al Khozama; Dr. Thaib Alharethi, Assistant Professor King Abdulaziz University; Abdulsalam Alkuwaity, Chief Executive Officer SEA; Jimi Daodu, Founder & CEO Vault Hill; Susan Furness, Founder & CEO, Web3 Strategist Ventures; Hicham Hassouni, Strategy & Business Development Chief Officer, Boutique Group; Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority; Alex Kyriakidis, Adviser to the Hospitality & Leisure Sector & Board Member, Saudi Heritage Hospitality Company (NUZUL); James Morgan, Dean International Tourism and Hospitality College; Choon Quek, Chief Transformation Officer & CTO Saudi Tourism Authority; Beverly Rider, Chief Executive Officer TONOMUS Venture Studio, NEOM; Mark Rigby, General Manager & Regional Vice President Middle East & India at WhiteWater; James Riley, Group Chief Executive, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group; Ruben Toral, Director of Health & Wellness QUO Global; Ian Wilson, Regional Director for Hospitality, THE LINE, NEOM, and Tom Wood, Chief Executive Office The Boundary Architectural Visualisation.
      For more information on the 2023 FHIS event series please visit https://www.futurehospitalitysummit.com/. ADVERTISEMENT

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      Tourism Fiji revamps brand platform as tourism rebounds More