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    Qantas & Great Barrier Reef Foundation Collaborate to Restore Coral Reefs and Combat Climate Change

    Qantas and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation have announced a new fund that will help accelerate the restoration of Australia’s reef systems, including investment in Coral IVF programs, corals with increased heat tolerance and world-first portable coral nurseries.
    Building on a 15-year partnership with the Foundation, Qantas will invest $10 million over 10 years in the Reef Restoration Fund to support scientists, Traditional Owners and local tourism operators restoring corals across the Great Barrier Reef and other iconic Australian coral reefs.
    Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden and Qantas Group Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Parker announced the partnership at the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s National Sea Simulator in Townsville.
    Ms Marsden said: “Australia is the guardian of some of the most iconic coral reefs in the world. It’s a huge responsibility and we’re proud to see one national icon supporting another. This partnership will help fund critical actions at a critical time.
    “Coral reefs are the beating heart of our oceans. They’re a nursery and safe haven for a quarter of all marine life and support a billion people worldwide. But the Great Barrier Reef, and coral reefs around Australia and the world, cannot adapt fast enough to warming ocean temperatures, making them one of the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet. We must help safeguard their future from the impacts of climate change.ADVERTISEMENT“We’ve made more advances in coral reef restoration science in the past five years than we have in the past five decades. Over the life of the partnership we’re committed to finding opportunities to share these learnings with Australia’s other coral reefs.”
    Mr Parker said the partnership is a key element of the national carrier’s Nature Action Plan, which launched today.
    “Connecting our customers with natural landscapes is at the core of what we do, including carrying millions of people to the reef each year,” said Mr Parker.
    “We know that aviation is a high emissions industry, which is why we were one of the first airlines globally to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. We want to take the same leadership in addressing our impact on nature so that future generations can enjoy all the opportunities that global travel offers for years to come.
    “By establishing the Reef Restoration Fund with our trusted partner of 15 years, we’re helping accelerate the development of world-leading technologies and projects to restore some of our most critical ecosystems.
    “It’s part of our commitment to address nature and biodiversity loss by reducing the impact of our operations and supply chain, supporting the broader restoration of nature and advocating for cross-sector transformation.
    “These commitments are just the first step. We are also developing rigorous nature-related targets and plans on how we’ll achieve them, which we expect to release by the middle of next year,” added Mr Parker.
    Reef Restoration Fund
    The Fund will help expand restorative work happening today across the Great Barrier Reef as well as research that will regenerate corals in the future.
    In the first two years, the projects that will be funded include:
    Boats4Corals: The Reef Restoration Fund will help expand the Boats4Corals program that trains local tourism operators, Traditional Owners and researchers in the novel coral restoration technique known as Coral IVF and launch it in new reef locations.Coral Nurture Program: Through the Coral Nurture Program, researchers and reef tour operators work together to replenish reef sites. The Fund will strengthen tourism research partnerships in the Cairns region and support the transition to a sustainable model after three years.Reef Restoration Adaptation Program (RRAP): RRAP is pioneering new solutions that will help coral reefs resist, adapt to, and recover from warming ocean temperatures. The Fund will support the technology transformation stream of RRAP to accelerate the deployment of corals with enhanced heat tolerances.Reef Seed: The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) is developing world-first portable coral nurseries in shipping containers that can grow and plant 100,000 corals each year. Through the Fund, the first Reef Seed will be deployed on the Great Barrier Reef with the support of Traditional Owners and local tourism operators. See images of the Reef Seed system currently in design and development here.
    For further detail on the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and Reef Restoration Fund, click here. https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/REEF-RESTORATION-FUND.pdf

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    Hyatt Regency Partners with Future to Enhance Guest Wellbeing with Customized Virtual Workouts

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    Hyatt Regency Partners with Future to Enhance Guest Wellbeing with Customized Virtual Workouts

    Building on Hyatt’s purpose of care and commitment to wellbeing, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced an exclusive collaboration between the Hyatt Regency brand and Future, a personal training platform that connects users with an ongoing fitness coach to create customized virtual workouts, further complementing World of Hyatt members and guests’ wellbeing journeys.
    Launching at 26 Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts in the U.S., these Hyatt Regency hotels invite guests and members to enjoy complimentary guided workouts developed by Future trainers that are customized for each hotel and resort’s fitness center and equipment. With this new collaboration, Hyatt builds on its commitment to wellbeing and the Hyatt Regency brand’s recent refinement to further provide innovative offerings that help guests, members and customers live healthy, happy and fulfilling lives both during and beyond their stays.
    “With travelers continuing to seek ways to prioritize their wellbeing and find convenient and productive ways to exercise and maintain their routines while away from home, we understand the importance of seamlessly integrating this into the guest experience,” said Emily Wright, Vice President, Global Brand Leader, Hyatt. “As a global brand with five decades of rich history and a reputation for seamless care, the new collaboration with Future is just one example of how we’re evolving the Hyatt Regency brand experience with personalized touchpoints to address the ever-changing needs of today’s travelers.”
    Through this collaboration, guests at participating Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts in the U.S. can enjoy complimentary guided workouts in varying levels of intensity, designed with the equipment and activities available at each fitness center and virtually guided by expert coaches via the Future personal training app. The workouts were created to target all fitness levels and activity preferences, from a Surfside Strength Session in Huntington Beach to a Bridge City Circuit Session in Portland, allowing guests to choose the workout best suited for them.  Accessing the guided workouts is as easy as downloading the Future personal training app and scanning the QR code in their guestroom or at the hotel’s fitness center to access the hotel’s customized workouts.
    World of Hyatt members and guests who complete one of the custom on-property workouts via Future can enhance their wellbeing routine after their Hyatt Regency stay with a complimentary one-month membership with Future ($199 value). The one-month free trial is subject to Future Terms & Conditions, and will be converted to a paid subscription after the first month at $199 per month unless terminated in accordance with Future’s instructions. Members will be matched with a world-class fitness coach that will learn more about their schedule, routine and goals, and design personalized training plans that support their health goals alongside work, travel and life.ADVERTISEMENT“We built Future to incorporate fitness seamlessly into our members’ lives, and it works especially well for travel, where personalized attention and programming enable them to stay consistent outside of their daily routines,” said Rishi Mandal, CEO of Future. “Wellbeing is such an important pillar for the Hyatt Regency brand, and they are walking the walk here by offering customized workouts to their guests and members.”
    For more than 50 years, the Hyatt Regency brand has championed fresh perspectives driven by an evolutionary spirit to meet the needs of guests and members. As a foundational brand of Hyatt, Hyatt Regency hotels have led many firsts for Hyatt, including the first hotel opening outside the United States in 1969. The depth and breadth of this diverse portfolio, from expansive resorts to urban city centers, is a testament to the brand’s evolutionary spirit. The alliance with Future further complements the Hyatt Regency brand’s continued brand evolution and brand pillars by prioritizing innovation, agility and personalization.
    Access to the custom guided workouts via Future is now available at the 26 participating U.S. Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts, with plans to expand to more Hyatt Regency destinations later this year.
    Select hotels in major cities include:
    California:
    Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & SpaHyatt Regency IrvineHyatt Regency SacramentoHyatt Regency San FranciscoHyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMAColorado:
    Hyatt Regency DenverFlorida:
    Hyatt Regency Coral GablesHyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and SpaHyatt Regency Grand CypressHyatt Regency OrlandoHyatt Regency Orlando AirportHawaii:
    Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and SpaIllinois:
    Hyatt Regency ChicagoMassachusetts:
    Hyatt Regency BostonNevada:
    Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and CasinoNew York:
    Hyatt Regency JFK Airport at Resorts World New YorkOhio:
    Hyatt Regency ColumbusOregon:
    Hyatt Regency Portland at the Oregon Convention CenterTexas:
    Hyatt Regency AustinHyatt Regency DallasHyatt Regency Frisco – DallasHyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and SpaUtah:
    Hyatt Regency Salt Lake CityWashington:
    Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle’s EastsideHyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s SouthportHyatt Regency SeattleTo learn more about the collaboration and a full list of participating Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts, visit future.co/hyatt-regency.

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    Chicago Blues Festival 2024: A Celebration of Blues Legends and Chicago’s Musical Heritage

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    Chicago Blues Festival 2024: A Celebration of Blues Legends and Chicago’s Musical Heritage

    The City of Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the full lineup and programming highlights for the 2024 edition of the beloved Chicago Blues Festival, taking place June 6 – 9 as part of Millennium Park’s milestone 20th anniversary season.
    Established in 1984, the largest free Blues festival in the world returns to Chicago with four days of top tier talent performing in Chicago’s Millennium Park, plus a special opening night performance at the historic Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport. Throughout the weekend, three stages set up across Millennium Park will welcome more than 35 performances and more than 250 artists celebrating the city’s renowned Blues legacy, including a special Sunday evening performance by Buddy Guy as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour, marking one of his final Chicago performances.
    “Blues is the foundation of numerous genres of music and is deeply ingrained in the soul the fabric of our city’s culture and history,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “The Chicago Blues Festival is a testament to Chicago’s rich musical heritage, and we are thrilled to welcome the legendary Buddy Guy to this year’s lineup.”
    “I can’t wait to hit the stage at the Chicago Blues Festival!” said Buddy Guy. “There’s something special about playing in the city where it all started. The energy, the history, the soul of Chicago blues—it’s in the air, and I’m excited to be a part of it once again.”
    Additional headliners include: Award-winning blues, soul and Americana singer Shemekia Copeland; “The Mississippi Blues Child,” Mr. Sipp; GRAMMY-nominated Memphis-based Soul and Roots band Southern Avenue; and Centennial Tributes to Jimmy Rogers, Dinah Washington and Otis Spann.ADVERTISEMENTThe festival will culminate with a Sunday evening performance by living legend Buddy Guy in one of his final Chicago concerts as part of his “Damn Right Farewell” tour. One of the most prolific and influential artists of all time, Guy is the quintessential Chicago Blues artist, having influenced generations of guitarists including Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards and John Mayer. Throughout his career, Guy has earned 8 GRAMMY Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honors, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and much more.
    In recognition of Buddy Guy’s immeasurable impact on music in Chicago and around the world, the City of Chicago plans to honor Guy and his legacy in light of his Chicago Blues Festival engagement; more details to be announced.
    Back by popular demand, the festival elevates its food options with a Blues-inspired smokehouse experience called “Wally’s BBQ Pit” in the North Promenade Tent of the Park with delicious BBQ fare and specialty drinks catered by Eleven North Hospitality. In between Blues sets, guests can stop to enjoy their BBQ, cornbread and drinks on picnic tables alongside whiskey barrels and smokers.
    Chicago Blues Festival is sponsored by Visit Mississippi, Chicago Transit Authority, Rosa’s Lounge, 90.9FM WDCB, Chicago Jazz Publishing and Entertainment and Millennium Garages.
    For more information, visit ChicagoBluesFestival.us

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    Iberia Enhances Customer Experience with WhatsApp Flight Notifications

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    PATA Gold Awards 2024 Open for Submissions

    The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has officially opened submissions for the prestigious PATA Gold Awards 2024. Travel industry professionals are invited to submit outstanding projects and initiatives for consideration until April 30, 2024.The PATA Gold Awards, now celebrating its 40th edition and graciously hosted by the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) for the 29th consecutive year, seeks to honour exceptional achievements across various sectors within the Asia Pacific travel industry and motivate continued excellence in the future of tourism worldwide.
    This year’s award ceremony, which will take place during PATA Travel Mart (PTM 2024) in Bangkok, Thailand, will name Two Grand Title Winners in two main categories: Marketing, and Sustainability and Social Responsibility. A total of 25 Gold Awards will be presented to outstanding projects making remarkable contributions to the industry.
    Ms Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, said, “We are looking forward to seeing the latest great initiatives of tourism stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific, in marketing as well as sustainable and social responsibility, which are so important to keep on rejuvenating our industry. As Macao moves towards more tourism diversification, it is an honor to support the PATA Gold Awards and contribute to showcase how the tourism industry can be a positive engine to build a better future.”
    “PATA extends its sincere gratitude to the Macao Government Tourism Office for their unwavering support and partnership. Their continued dedication to fostering excellence in the travel industry is truly commendable,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid. “As another exciting season of the PATA Gold Awards begins, all travel industry professionals are encouraged to seize this opportunity to showcase their remarkable projects and initiatives. Let’s continue to drive innovations, promote sustainable development, and establish a new height for Asia Pacific tourism industry standards.”
    Benefits of Participating: ADVERTISEMENTExposure to PATA’s panel of experts curated globally.
    Brand and project exposure to PATA’s extensive and diverse members across all public and private players in the Asia Pacific travel ecosystem.
    International media exposure through press releases and other promotional channels.
    Coverage on PATA’s marketing, social, and electronic direct mail (eDM) channels reaching key players in the public and private travel sector across Asia Pacific and beyond.
    Complimentary access to PATA Travel Mart 2024 hosted in Bangkok, Thailand.
    For further information, please visit www.pata.org/pata-gold-awards-2024 or contact [email protected].

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    Women Are a Driving Force for Travel & Tourism, says WTTC

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    Women Are a Driving Force for Travel & Tourism, says WTTC

    To celebrate International Women’s Day, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) underscores the pivotal role of women in the global Travel & Tourism sector.
    According to WTTC data, women in tourism comprise a significant portion of the sector’s workforce, accounting for nearly 40% of the total employment.
    This marks a substantial increase from 2010 to 2019, highlighting a 24% surge in direct female employment within the sector, increasing from 38.6 million to 47.8 million.
    Key findings reveal that hospitality stands out as the leading employer of women within the Travel & Tourism sector, with over half (52%) of all female employment in 2019 attributed to this segment.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, emphasises the positive impact of women in the sector, stating: “Women in Travel & Tourism play a vital role. We are proud that our sector is one of the largest employers of women in the world.ADVERTISEMENT“As our sector continues to grow, women have a key role to play; we have the opportunity to make Travel & Tourism more resilient and inclusive. Putting women at the heart of Travel & Tourism will be critical to securing a sustainable future for the sector.”
    The global body’s data also reveals women in Travel & Tourism surpass the average workforce participation in other sectors globally. In regions such the Americas, women make up a larger share of employment in the sector compared to the economy-wide workforce.
    As we celebrate International Women’s Day, this data underscores the significant contribution of women to the Travel & Tourism sector, portraying it as a catalyst for gender inclusivity and empowerment on a global scale.
    WTTC remains committed to provide high-wage jobs, gender equality, and fostering entrepreneurship through SMEs, as well as generating more high-level opportunities for women within large corporations.
    Please visit WTTC’s Research Hub to find out more about the data. https://researchhub.wttc.org/

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    Copenhagen is Europe’s Leading Cruise Port in 2024

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    Copenhagen is Europe’s Leading Cruise Port in 2024

    At a ceremony in Berlin on March 6th, 2024, the port in Copenhagen was announced as Europe’s Leading Cruise Port 2024 by the World Travel Awards.World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Copenhagen won the award as Europe’s Leading Cruise Port in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and now in 2024.
    The award was accepted in Berlin by Luis de Carvalho, Commercial Cruise Director of Copenhagen Malmö Port (CMP):
    ”I would like to express my huge gratitude to all the voters including passengers, cruise lines, tourism and travel industry professionals, and a special thank you to our partners at CruiseCopenhagen, CMP colleagues and to all the local companies and stakeholders that work day in and out to provide our cruise guests with wonderful and memorable experiences. This award is for Copenhagen!”
    The Danish capital, with its manageable size, accommodates a variety of lifestyles. Rich in culture, Copenhagen seamlessly merges history with modernism, showcasing striking architecture and boasting a world-class gastronomy scene, all underscored by a strong commitment to sustainability.
    “This is just what we need when we travel around the world to promote Denmark as a cruise destination. Especially at a time when we are working hard to get more – especially the American cruise lines – to come back to Copenhagen and the Baltic Sea region. This award helps to convey that there is so much else and more to experience, especially in our capital Copenhagen,” says Klaus Bondam, Director of Cruise, CruiseCopenhagen.ADVERTISEMENTStrategically positioned as a gateway to the Baltic Sea as well as the Nordics/North Atlantic, Copenhagen features excellent infrastructure and experiences to support cruise operations. The destination is equipped with a well-connected international airport, flexible turnaround facilities at the three acclaimed Ocean Quay cruise terminals, and centrally located facilities at Langelinie Pier and Nordre Toldbod.
    In 2023, Copenhagen warmly welcomed over 750,000 guests and nearly 300 cruise ships. Similar numbers are anticipated for 2024, with cruise bookings all 12 months of the year and more than 50 cruise calls between October 2024 and April 2025, which is rare for the Northern Europe region. In 2024 Copenhagen will have 10 inaugural cruise ship calls including Queen Anne, Mein Schiff 7, Ocean Albatross, Azamara Onward, Villa Vey Odyssey amongst others.
    All together CMP’s terminals in Copenhagen cater for all types of cruise vessels and segments from luxury, niche, expedition, premium all the way to the largest cruise vessels in the world.
    Committed to responsible cruise tourism, Copenhagen Malmö Port aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its operations by 2025, coinciding with the anticipated availability of shore power for cruise ships in Copenhagen.Source: https://www.mynewsdesk.com/

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    The Convention Centre Dublin Leads European Venues, Winning at the World Travel Awards 2024

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    The Convention Centre Dublin Leads European Venues, Winning at the World Travel Awards 2024

    The Convention Centre Dublin (The CCD) has clinched the title of Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre for the year 2024 at the prestigious 31st World Travel Awards ceremony.
    Earning the accolade of Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre highlights Dublin and the venue’s appeal as a premier destination for business conferences. The achievement also saw Ireland celebrated on the international stage, with accolades going to Teeling Whiskey Distillery for Ireland’s Leading Whiskey Distillery Tour, Luttrellstown Castle Resort for Europe’s Leading Luxury Wedding Resort, and the Guinness Storehouse being named Europe’s Best MICE Event Venue.
    The announcement was made by the World Travel Awards at an event held in Berlin, Germany on Wednesday 06 of March. Picking up the award on the night, Stephen Meehan, Chief Executive at The CCD, said “I’m very pleased to accept this award tonight on behalf of all of my colleagues in The CCD. This award, in particular, is always special as it’s voted for by our industry professionals and consumers. Together with the team back in Dublin, I would like to thank everyone who voted for us.”
    Asked about the industry landscape in Ireland, Mr. Meehan commented, “Ireland remains a top business tourism destination and at The CCD, we are working on events right out to 2030. We know that success happens because of the collaboration of the entire industry, as well as the continued attractiveness of Dublin and Ireland as a great place to do business.”
    Since its inauguration in 2010, The CCD has welcomed over 1.1 million guests from around the globe and hosted more than 2,200 events. The 2024 calendar is already bustling with significant events such as the Women in Project Management Summit in March, the 16th European Glaucoma Society Congress in June, and the Internet Engineering Task Force 121 in November.ADVERTISEMENTSurpassing a number of prestigious venues in the competition, including the Austria Center Vienna, Fira Barcelona in Spain, Scandinavia XPO in Sweden, and the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, The CCD is now set to vie for the global title of ‘World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2024’ at the upcoming World Travel Awards.
    Votes from professionals in the travel, tourism, business, and leisure sectors worldwide contributed to this honor, acknowledging The CCD’s dedication to excellence over the past year.
    This most recent recognition as Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre adds to The CCD’s impressive tally, bringing its total award count to 64 since its opening.
    Source: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/

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    Cuba awarded at the World MICE Awards 2023 tourism event

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    Cuba awarded at the World MICE Awards 2023 tourism event

    Cuba received for the fourth consecutive year the award for Best MICE Organizer at the World MICE Awards 2023, in the field of tourism for meetings, congresses and incentive trips,The note from the tourism authorities of this country reflects satisfaction and the reference to the fact that it is an incredible testimony of efforts and hard work.
    Precisely, the organizers of events and meetings in Cuba this Wednesday showed gratitude to the judges and the industry in general for the valuable recognition.
    First of all, they said jointly, they are committed to providing unique inspiring experiences and the best service in Cuba, fully supported by the insular office of said specialty in Europe.
    The World MICE Awards seek to recognize and celebrate excellence in the MICE industry. As for the meaning of this last term, it is an acronym in English used to refer to different segments of events and tourism.
    The nominees for the occasion, in addition to Cuba as a nation, were Solways, CubaGrouPlanner, and Green Alligator Travel and Events.ADVERTISEMENTIn 2022, Solways was the winner, in 2021 MICE Cuba, and in 2021 also Solways. On other previous occasions, entities and facilities on the island were also recipients of this recognition.
    For example, in previous versions in the Best New MICE Hotel in the Caribbean category, the winner was the Paseo del Prado in Havana, managed by the Accor company and which competed with other prestigious establishments such as the Koi Resort Saint Kitts, Curio Collection by Hilton (St. Kitts and Nevis) and the Provincial Palace of San Juan.
    For its part, in the Best MICE Hotel in Cuba section, the award went to the Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa, managed by Meliá Hotels International Cuba. The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana, the Hotel Nacional de Cuba and the Meliá Cohiba were also nominated in the category.
    The MICE Cuba agency was previously selected as Best Event Organizer in the largest of the Antilles, an award for which CubaGrouPlanner and Green Alligator Travel & Events were also nominated, the spokespersons reiterated.
    MICE Cuba is a DMC (Destination Management Company) that uses its knowledge and experience about the destination to organize and manage events and their associated activities such as accommodation, transportation, optional tours, among others.
    The World MICE Awards recognize and reward the excellence of tourist facilities that promote tourism for events, conferences and conventions at an international level. They are based on the renowned World Travel Awards, considered the Oscars of tourism.
    Created in 1998, MICE Cuba is highly experienced, dynamic and creative, providing a comprehensive portfolio of services to one of the most unique and fascinating destinations in the world, its own documents point out.
    Source: https://www.cadenagramonte.cu/

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