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      DidaTravel signs strategic agreement with Visit Oman to drive demand from China to Oman

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      DidaTravel – a tech-driven global travel distribution company – is pleased to announce that during the ITB tradeshow in Berlin it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter into a strategic partnership with Visit Oman – the National Travel Operator – to promote the country to DidaTravel’s network of 25,000+ travel trade partners in China.The MOU outlines potential areas of collaboration between DidaTravel and Visit Oman, which include DidaTravel offering Visit Oman’s varied portfolio of contracted properties, transfers, and experiences to their extensive B2B network through API integration. As a result of this agreement Visit Oman will also be able to access DidaTravel’s consolidated portfolio of high value, yet hard to reach, Chinese travel trade customers. The two companies will embark on joint marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness and drive travel demand from China to Oman.
      Jinyan Li, VP Global Account Management at DidaTravel commented “We are thrilled to partner with Visit Oman and leverage our B2B distribution network to introduce the beauty and cultural richness of Oman to our extensive network of travel partners in China. This collaboration holds immense potential to foster cultural exchange and strengthen ties between our nations”.https://www.didatravel.com/home

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      Celebrating the Triumph of ITB Berlin 2024: A Showcase of Global Tourism Resilience

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      Future Hospitality Summit checks in to Dubai with biggest, boldest event to date

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      The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS), the region’s most influential hospitality and tourism investment event – now transformed and titled ‘FHS World’ and double in size – returns to Dubai this September.
      Previously known as AHIC and running for 19 years, FHS was last held in Dubai in 2022 and is back for 2024 with a bigger, bolder and better-than-ever event, renamed FHS World to highlight the continued growth of the region’s hospitality and tourism sector and the evolution of FHS as the leading event of its kind. Organised by The Bench and taking place 30 September to 2 October at Madinat Jumeirah under the theme ‘Invest in our Future’, FHS World will be twice the size as the last Dubai event, with a host of new features and focus areas, and a more personalised, immersive experience than ever before. Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench, said: “We are thrilled to be back at Madinat Jumeirah, where it all started in 2005. This year, we have added The Arena to our event canvas which almost doubles our floor space for FHS. This has allowed us to put together our biggest summit to date with an expected attendance of over 1,500, including 200 speakers, 300 investors and 100 sponsors.” Alex Lee, Chief Commercial Officer of Jumeirah Group, said: “As part of our Mission 2030 strategy we have ambitious plans to evolve our brand and grow our portfolio internationally.  We’re very proud to host FHS World at Madinat Jumeirah and look forward to playing our part in shaping the future of luxury hospitality.”  This year, there will more emphasis on technology, green construction and sustainability, with a dedicated ESG Lab focusing on environmental, social and governance issues. FHS World will also have an investors’ lounge and an expanded exhibition area complete with its own ‘mini Expo’, featuring country pavilions showcasing investment opportunities, projects, plans and partnership prospects.  Key themes, features and attractions for FHS World – and beyond – were discussed among The Bench team, hospitality leaders and industry peers at the FHS Advisory Board meeting, followed by the FHS World Launch Reception, held last week at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.  “FHS World creates an intersection for the world of hospitality where the industry invests in its future. We are delighted to be back in Dubai in six months’ time with a bigger, bolder and better event than ever before. Delegates can expect the usual strong debate, dealmaking, insight and announcements that FHS is known and loved for, along with many more new, personalised and immersive features that reflect the continued growth of our ever-evolving travel, hospitality and tourism sectors. This year we are adding more ways for attendees to engage with conference content through multiple stages and nine conference tracks,” added Worsley.The Bench itself is also growing in line with FHS’s expansion, with new senior appointments among its multi-cultural, highly experienced team. Daria Smith has taken up the position of Portfolio Director; Oliver Marks is now Head of Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Middle East; and Son-Trang Nguyen is Production Manager. A number of trainees have also taken up permanent positions across marketing, production and operations under The Bench’s policy of team member development and promoting from within. FHS is firmly established as the leading event of its kind in the region, with two growing, annual events that underpin the unprecedented expansion of the Middle East’s tourism offering.  This year, FHS Saudi Arabia is on from 29 April – 1 May at the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah in Riyadh, followed by FHS World, 30 September – 2 October at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.
      Registrations are now open at https://www.futurehospitality.com/ae.

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      Two million visitors again to the United States

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      Two million visitors again to the United States

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      Travel from Germany to the United States of America has returned to pre-pandemic levels. Speaking at ITB Berlin, on Wednesday the US ambassador to Germany, Amy Gutmann, stated that the two million mark has again been exceeded, and is now within 85 per cent of the 2019 figure.
      Initial booking results for this year reveal that it will approach 100 per cent in 2024, Gutmann added. The aim is to achieve a total of 2.59 million tourists from Germany by 2028. In tourism to the United States itself sustainability has been assigned the utmost priority. One example that the ambassador gave was of Springville in Utah, where stargazing has been included in the list of tourism activities. Throughout the country the state of Utah is renowned for its dark skies, which remain largely “unpolluted” by lighting produced by human activities, which is further enhanced by the natural and very dry air.
      A Democratic supporter and political scientist, Gutmann emphasizes that the government of the United States actively supports tourism promotion, because this provides an excellent basis for growth and development and can help to reduce the division of the world resulting from different political systems.
      The presentations at ITB Berlin have clearly shown that the efforts being made by many US cities, including those far from the major conurbations on the west and east coasts, are using new and unique features in an effort to attract vacationers. As the second largest metropolis on the east coast, Philadelphia describes itself as the “World Capital of Murals”. Attempts to replace illegal graffiti by more artistic paintings, with the active support of the city authorities, has resulted in the creation of over 4,000 examples of such work. House owners with walls suitable for painting can advertise for artists. “There is a long list of such owners”, according to Dayana Gschechowiak from the marketing agency WTS which has been commissioned by the city for this purpose.
      St. Louis is not only promoting its Gateway Arch, a world heritage site, but also its location on Route 66 and the authentic American lifestyle, as represented by both the National Blues and National Automobile Museums.ADVERTISEMENT

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      Israel’s tourism minister promotes travel to and in Israel

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      Israel’s tourism minister promotes travel to and in Israel

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      Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz has appealed for travellers to visit Israel again. Travellers were safe in the country, he said in front of the press on Tuesday at ITB Berlin. He would be urging the German government to drop the travel warnings for Israel issued by the German Foreign Office.
      As proof of the country’s safety, the minister said that the 150,000 residents of the area bordering the Gaza Strip, which had been evacuated after the terrorist attacks by Hamas on 7 October 2023, had been accommodated in hotels for tourists. “That is not something we would have done if the hotels had not been safe.” In the meantime around 80 per cent of the residents had been able to return home.
      Germany, Austria and Switzerland are among the leading countries for tourism to Israel. According to Ksenia Kobiakov, director of Israel’s government office for tourism, 402,000 visited in 2019. In 2022, after the pandemic, the figure was 207,500, and by 7 October 2023 it was 213,302. After that, tourism came to an abrupt halt. All in all, 13,000 tourists arrived in Israel daily before the pandemic. On 8 October 2023 they still numbered 23. In the meantime the numbers fluctuated at around 2,700 to 3,400, she said. “For the time being we are not counting on 13,000, but perhaps nine to ten thousand visitors“, was Kobiakov’s hope.

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      Albania is the Host Country of ITB 2025

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      Albania is the Host Country of ITB 2025

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      Albania has been announced as the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025. On Wednesday, 6 March 2024, Albania’s Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, signed a partnership agreement on the Albanian stand in Hall 1.1. Afterwards, the minister introduced the CEO to various regions and local specialities.
      Whenever Mirela Kumbaro talks about her home country Albania, she finds it hard not to enthuse about it. “Albania is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean with a good tourism infrastructure“, she commented during the signing ceremony. “People are in search of new destinations and experiences. Albania doesn’t fit any of the usual stereotypes, but instead is a small and sort of mystical country where travellers can gain new experiences.“
      According to Mirela Kumbaro, there is more to visit than just the sea and mountains, which together with the rivers and forests cover three-quarters of the country. It is the “Albanian spirit“ and the hospitality of the locals that make Albania so attractive. That has always been firmly part of Albanian culture, and not something just invented for the modern tourism age. “In Albania the house belongs to the guest and God“, said Mirela Kumbaro, quoting a common saying in her country. In Albania, visitors could expect to be treated like royalty, she added.
      Furthermore, distances between tourist attractions in Albania are short. It takes only a few hours to reach the mountains from the coast. The Vjosa is part of Europe’s recently declared Wild River National Park. In the north, the Albanian Alps await with many hiking trails and pristine mountain villages, where visitors can find accommodation.
      The latest statistics are proof that tourism in Albania is taking off. Last year, 10.1 million people visited Albania from abroad. According to UN Tourism (UNWTO), during the first six months of 2023 tourism in Albania experienced the third-highest growth worldwide and the highest in Europe. One million tourists have already visited Albania from abroad this year, 50 per cent more than over the same period last year.ADVERTISEMENT

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      Ensuring Oman remains an authentic destination

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      Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Named Global Icon at ITB Berlin

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      The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has bestowed the prestigious title of Global Tourism Icon upon Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry.This esteemed accolade, that was presented yesterday (March 6), comes as a testament to Minister Bartlett’s relentless dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, and advancing the tourism sector on a global scale. He has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, building resilience and creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism.
      Upon receiving the title of Global Tourism Icon, the Minister expressed gratitude to the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association for this esteemed recognition. He emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing the tourism industry, underscoring the role of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in shaping the future of travel.
      “It has been my life’s mission to ensure that the tourism sector in Jamaica flourishes in terms of arrivals, earnings, economic growth and resilience. I am pleased that through public-private sector partnerships we have not only weathered the most devastating period in global tourism history, but have elevated Jamaica as a premier travel destination and also set a benchmark for excellence in the global tourism landscape,” said Minister Bartlett.The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association’s decision to honour Minister Bartlett as a Global Tourism Icon reaffirms his status as a visionary leader and trailblazer in the field of tourism. His unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability serves as an inspiration to industry professionals and travellers alike.
      Minister Bartlett is leading a delegation at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show. With over 20 thousand participants expected this year, ITB Berlin is viewed as an important platform for the international tourism industry, facilitating knowledge and networking.

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      Europe winners revealed at World Travel Awards 2024 in Berlin

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      Europe winners revealed at World Travel Awards 2024 in Berlin

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      Tourism royalty convened for the spectacular World Travel Awards (WTA) Europe Gala Ceremony 2024 at the Ritz-Carlton, Berlin to find out who amongst them had been voted the continent’s best of the best.
      The red-carpet reception marked the opening leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2024, a global search for the finest travel and tourism organisations, covering six continents.
      Greece made the headlines by claiming the accolade for ‘Europe’s Leading Destination’. Portugal also enjoyed a glittering evening, with the Atlantic archipelago of Madeira winning ‘Europe’s Leading Island Destination’, Braga named ‘Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’, and Azores collecting ‘Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination.’
      In the newcomer categories, the stylish grandeur of The Peninsula London was acknowledged as ‘Europe’s Leading New Hotel’. The captivating coastal hideaway of One&Only Aesthesis, Athens was hailed ‘Europe’s Leading New Resort’. Spain’s Casa Palacio Don Ramón took ‘Europe’s Leading New Boutique Hotel’. And Berlin’s Deutschlandmuseum – an immersive journey through 2,000 years of German history – was voted ‘Europe’s Leading New Tourist Attraction’.
      Hospitality sector winners included Istanbul’s Çırağan Palace Kempinski, voted ‘Europe’s Leading Hotel’, whilst Sardinia’s Forte Village took ‘Europe’s Leading Resort’. Seven Visions Resort & Places, The Dvin – the fascinating new attraction in the heart of Armenia’s capital Yerevan – was declared ‘Europe’s Leading Entertainment Hotel’. Savoy Palace, Madeira won ‘Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel’. The Convention Centre Dublin claimed ‘Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’. Brand winners included Citadines (‘Europe’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’); Kaizen Hoteles (‘Europe’s Leading Independent Hotel Group’); and Delphina Hotels & Resorts (‘Europe’s Leading Green Independent Hotel Group’).ADVERTISEMENTAviation winners included Lufthansa collecting ‘Europe’s Leading Airline’, whilst Zurich Airport was voted ‘Europe’s Leading Airport’. British Airways claimed ‘Europe’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ and Turkish Airlines won ‘Europe’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’. TAP Air Portugal also enjoyed a fruitful evening, taking Europe’s Leading Airline to South America. Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge went to THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus @ Brussels Airport.
      Graham Cooke, Founder, WTA, says: “It has been a privilege to host the opening ceremony of our 2024 Grand Tour in Berlin for an incredible evening acknowledging the pinnacle of Europe’s travel and tourism economy. I congratulate each and every one of our winners for helping to raise the collective benchmark to even greater heights.”
      Other winners included La Clef Champs-Elysées Paris (‘Europe’s Leading Serviced Apartments’); THE VIEW Lugano (‘Switzerland’s Leading Design Hotel’); Johnnie Walker Princes Street (‘Europe’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience’).
      Find more information and a full list of winners on the official WTA website. https://www.worldtravelawards.com/

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      Red Sea Global and Four Seasons Announce New Luxury Wellness Resort and Residences

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      Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea, and leading luxury hospitality and branded residential company Four Seasons announce the development of a new luxury wellness resort and Private Residences at Triple Bay AMAALA.
      Marking a new chapter for comprehensive wellness tourism, Four Seasons is the latest luxury hospitality brand to be announced at Triple Bay, the pinnacle of luxury wellness tourism along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast. Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will feature 220 keys comprising of rooms and suites, as well as villas with their own private pools, and 26 branded residential villas, all thoughtfully designed to offer breathtaking bay and sea views, setting the stage for Four Seasons renowned luxury service and experiences for guests and residents alike.
      “AMAALA is creating a new category of coastal lifestyle with regeneration and wellness at its core. With uninterrupted views of the Hijaz Cove, Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay is designed to allow guests and residents to get back to nature, recharging their mind, body, and soul,” says John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.
      Aligned with AMAALA’s commitment to sustainability and wellbeing, wellness is a central pillar supporting the destination’s vision of people and planet first. Ideally complemented by the company’s Four Seasons For Good program, and its longstanding commitment to wellbeing across the entire guest and resident experience, Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will focus on building highly personalized itineraries dedicated to wellness seekers worldwide.
      “Our new Resort and Residences in AMAALA at Triple Bay will perfectly complement Four Seasons growing collection of properties within the Kingdom’s dynamic destinations, and marks our second collaboration with Red Sea Global,” says Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development, Portfolio Management and Residential, Four Seasons. “We’re honoured to be part of this exceptional development, creating a new luxury lifestyle experience for guests and residents, further expanding Four Seasons footprint within Saudi Arabia’s fast-growing tourism industry.”ADVERTISEMENTFour Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will include a luxury spa nestled within its garden of tranquillity and inspiration featuring a sculptured waterfall. The Organic Spa Garden will be a focal point and treatment experience set to stimulate the senses, offering extensive therapeutic remedies including halotherapy, cryotherapy, and advanced skin therapies.
      For fitness enthusiasts, the property will offer a bespoke collaboration with fitness trainer Harley Pasternak to seamlessly merge high-performance training with the limitless potential of Triple Bay’s 300 hectares (741 acres) of untouched hills, wadis, and beaches. The pristine terrain includes trails perfect for canyoning and exploring the rugged cliffs and valleys. Guests and residents can also take part in an array of guided hikes, mountain biking, equestrian bridle trails, or work on their game at the spectacular 27-hole oceanfront golf course. 
      In addition to the myriad wellness offerings, the new property will feature six restaurant and bar outlets, meetings and event spaces, an expansive Kids For All Seasons program, and a Discovery Centre for guests and residents to learn about the local surroundings.
      Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA Design Concept
      The Resort and Residences are being designed by acclaimed architects U+A, inspired by the destination’s unique setting nestled between the foothills of the rugged Hijazi Mountains and the tranquil blue waters of Hijaz Cove on the Red Sea coast. The Resort will take full advantage of its spectacular vistas using the terrain to offer guests rooms, villas, and penthouses with uninterrupted views of their natural surroundings. Lush landscapes adorn all parts of the Resort balancing shade, light, colour, and texture, interspersed with pools and water features that provide guests with points of interest, discovery, and contemplation. The aesthetic will be one of refined elegance, drawing on the influences of traditional architecture, interior design, and craftsmanship to deliver a contemporary design style.
      Guests will be greeted on arrival with a grand entry that opens onto the manicured grounds and an expansive panoramic view capturing Hijaz Island and the spectacular sunsets of the Red Sea. A variety of rooms and villas will provide guests with a range of space and configuration options, interspersed by beautifully designed outdoor spaces including the Water Garden, Cascade Garden, and the Wellness Garden.
      Martin Dufresne, Design Principle at U+A, says, “Nature is a key part of this resort, as it is for the ethos of Four Seasons luxury properties around the world. We used landscaping unsparingly, yet very deliberately, to frame the spectacular views of the bay, to guide guests and residents between the different amenities and to create feelings of calm and serenity throughout the property.”
      After a day of new experiences, a Four Seasons Sleep Concierge will offer à la carte turndown menus with a choice of bath products, pillow scents, custom turndown music, mattress and pillow filling, pre-set vibrating and adjustable bed settings complete with circadian light automated settings.
      The Resort will also feature a 550 square metre (5,920 square foot) ballroom with an adjacent event lawn offering panoramic views to Hijaz Cove, perfect for weddings and other celebrations.
      The 26 Private Residences will comprise of exquisite villas ranging from 320 square metres (3,444 square feet) to more than 650 square metres (6,996 square feet), each with their own pools and beautiful ocean views.
      Four Seasons Resort and Residences AMAALA at Triple Bay will be the latest in Four Seasons growing portfolio in the Kingdom, joining Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, as well as upcoming projects at The Red Sea on Shura Island, Jeddah at the Corniche, NEOM at Sindalah, and Diriyah. 
      Phase One of AMAALA – focused on the Triple Bay masterplan – is well underway, with the first guests set to be welcomed in 2025. It will consist of 12 resorts offering upwards of 2,000 hotel keys. Once complete, AMAALA will be home to more than 3,900 hotel rooms across 29 hotels, and approximately 1,200 luxury residential villas, apartments, and estate homes, supporting high-end retail, fine dining, wellness and recreational facilities.

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      Zayed International Airport Revolutionizes Passenger Experience with IDEMIA’s Biometric Solutions

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