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      UNWTO sets path towards new tourism governance

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      Public and private leaders have been called on to unite behind the Jeddah Call to Action, a commitment to align with UNWTO’s approach to rethink tourism governance at every level to keep adapting to the challenges faced by tourism as a global driver for recovery.
      On the back of the 116th session of its Executive Council, held in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UNWTO set down a marker for the future of global tourism. With the pandemic having showed the systemic vulnerabilities of the sector, the United Nations specialised agency called for the construction of a new and reimagined system of governance and financing with the aim of building resilience against future shocks while also making tourism more sustainable.
      Governance and visibilityIn Jeddah, UNWTO continued with its tradition of complementing the important deliberations of its Executive Council with an open discussion on the biggest challenges and opportunities for the sector. The Forum “Tourism Futures – New Governance and Advocacy”, featured two distinct sessions – “Towards a New Tourism Governance” and “Raising Tourism’s Visibility” outside of the sector.
      “Now is the time to think big”, said the UNWTO Secretary-General welcoming delegates and speakers. Zurab Pololikashvili stressed the need to “realise tourism’s unique potential to drive recovery, provide opportunity and build resilience, through better and stronger governance and focusing on jobs, training and education”.
      His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, commented: “We cannot recover backwards. Now is the time to capitalise on this heightened recognition and to position tourism as an essential pillar of transformation, development and opportunity.” The Minister also reiterated the Kingdom’s plans to invest US$100 million in training 100,000 young tourism workers.ADVERTISEMENTDiverse voices around a shared goalIllustrating the diversity of UNWTO’s Membership, the high-level Thematic Debate featured contributions from Ahmed bin Aqil Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism Saudi Arabia, Siandou Fofana, Minister of Tourism and Recreation Côte d’Ivoire, Carlos Peguero, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Dominican Republic, Tomohiro Kaneko, Vice Commissioner of the Japanese Tourism Agency, Najib Balala, Minister of Tourism of Kenya, Sofia Zacharaki, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Greece, and Tonči Glavina, State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, Croatia.
      Similarly highlighting the broadness of the sector and UNWTO’s reach of influence, the Ministers were joined by high-level representatives from business, destinations, media and communications, namely from Euronews, PRM Global, Interbrand, Netcom, Amadeus and the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGGA). Referencing the shared desire to get tourism moving again, Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the DGDA, noted, “We may not share the same ideology, we may not share the same theology, but we share the same biology”, highlighting a universal desire to travel and connect with other cultures.
      Providing the perspective from the media, Ruth Wright, Head of Tourism and Lifestyle Verticals at Euronews stressed that viewers still demand certainty as the “perception amongst travellers is definitely still that travel is difficult and stressful.” As a result, content focused on rules and regulations remains relevant, even as human-led tourism stories becomes more popular. “Travellers are yearning to get back to the day when travel was fun, carefree and full of unexpected surprises,” she added.
      From Jeddah to the worldWith the discussions emphasising the importance of taking a whole-government approach to tourism policy, with finance and interior ministries also part of the sector’s governance, Secretary-General Pololikashvili urged participants and all UNWTO Executive Council members advance this important agenda for positive change.
      The Jeddah Call to Action recognises the vital need for more and better tourism governance, with targeted investments and a focus on building resilience, advancing sustainability and expanding education and training. It forms part of UNWTO’s wider work ensuring the recognition of tourism reflects the sector’s unique social and economic importance, including through making it a key part of the work of the United Nations and securing the cooperation of governments, international organisations and financial institutions.

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      Bogota joins UNWTO network of sustainable tourism observatories

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      UNWTO has welcomed Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory into its International Network of Sustainable Observatories (INSTO).
      Bogotá´s Tourism Observatory has longstanding and extensive monitoring experience and has been further strengthened by the City Council as an instrument of public management and mechanism to consolidate, systematize, analyze and research information of the tourism sector. Becoming a member of INSTO will help Bogotá in managing tourism development in a responsible and sustainable manner and allow it to better deal with post-pandemic recovery.
      UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The INSTO network is a platform where we welcome Observatories that are committed to basing the sustainable development of tourism on evidence, participatory approaches and transparency. We are very pleased to welcome Bogotá into the Network as the latest member.”Inclusive future for Bogotá´s tourism
      Bogotá is home to a wide variety of tourist resources and attractions and has an infrastructure that allows for the development of different high-quality tourism products. As the most popular Colombian destination in terms of tourist numbers, arrivals in 2021 reached almost 6 million, with growth of 49.8% in relation to 2020, contributing US$5.795 billion corresponding to 2.4% of the total GDP of the city, which meant an annual increase of 38.2% between 2020 and 2021. Within the Sustainable Tourism Policy of Colombia 2022, the vision of strengthening the reputation and recognition of Colombia as a sustainable tourism destination is clearly outlined.
      The Vice Minister of Tourism Ricardo Galindo Bueno assured that “for the Vice Ministry of Tourism it is great news that the Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory is part of the UNWTO INSTO network, because a tool of these characteristics and qualities, allows public policies of the sector in the district to continue to be nourished by objective measurements that improve decision making”.ADVERTISEMENTDirector of the District Institute of Tourism (IDT), Karol Fajardo Mariño explained: “The adhesion of the Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory to the UNWTO INSTO Network will allow us to share with other tourist destinations experiences and development and measurement strategies based on exemplary sustainability, in an effort to respond to the needs of quality tourism information demanded by the sector.”
      The Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory will monitor 11 key areas for tourism sustainability: tourism seasonality, employment, economic benefits of the destination, energy management, water management, wastewater management, solid waste management, climate action, accessibility, local satisfaction and governance, which will facilitate decision-making and the processes of formulating public policies and strengthening the sustainable development of our city.

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      Small and medium tourism businesses key to Jamaica’s tourism resilience More

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      Small and medium tourism enterprises key to Jamaica’s tourism resilience

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      Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says that his ministry has made it a priority to re-imagine the local tourism sector by creating strategic policies, programmes and initiatives that can aid in building the resilience and increasing the capacity of local small and medium-sized tourism enterprises (SMTEs) to earn more.
      Speaking at the Tourism Enhancement Fund’s Business Development Information Session for SMTEs at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, the Minister said, “We called this gathering and brought all these stakeholders here today to understand the need that we see for building resilience and capacity for our small and medium-sized players who are at the heart of tourism.”
      “Eighty percent of the value of tourism experiences worldwide is driven by small and medium enterprises. The unfortunate fact is that less than 20% of the returns from tourism go to this sector. So, as we rebound and reimagine, we are bringing a new dynamism to the process, and we are trying to rebalance that anomaly. We want you [SMTEs] to get a larger share of the tourism dollar,” he added.
      Bartlett noted that the Ministry and its public bodies are offering support to the SMTEs and hospitality workers using three pillars: international certification through the Jamaica Centre of Tourism Innovation; financial support through businesses such as the Jamaica National Bank and the EXIM Bank; and marketing through the Jamaica Tourist Board.
      In providing an update on the lending arrangements with the EXIM Bank and Jamaica National, the Minister stated that, “we put $1 billion into the EXIM Bank. They have unlended $1.5 billion to 620 partners who have taken up loans, and they still have $500 million to unlend because it’s a revolving scheme. What it means is that you pay back, and that’s good. We also put $200 million with Jamaica National with the menu of products that they offer, including the TEF 5x5x5, and that has produced results where $900 million has been unlended, and they still have capacity to lend again because it revolves.”ADVERTISEMENTAs part of increased efforts to boost the competitiveness of the local tourism product and to offer support to budding SMTEs, Bartlett shared that the Ministry of Tourism will be developing an innovation-based tourism incubator (ITI). The initiative, led by the Tourism Enhancement Fund, will support entrepreneurs in converting innovative ideas into viable businesses.
      “We are investing in ideas through the innovation incubator that we have established. We have $31 million in this year’s budget to do just that – to go and mine ideas and find young people all across Jamaica with ideas because tourism is driven by ideas,” said the Minister.
      The Business Development Information Session for SMTEs is an initiative of the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the TEF, which was executed with key partners such as the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ); EXIM Bank; Jamaica Manufacturers & Exporters Association (JMEA); Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC); Jamaica National Bank Small Business Loans; and the Companies Office of Jamaica.
      The session brought together key business development experts in collaboration with the TEF, and will highlight the products and services available to SMTEs to facilitate their expansion, such as: competitive business loans; GOJ Financing Facilities; Vouchers to assist SMTEs with technical needs; Effective business marketing; Business Development Grants; Product testing services (to ensure products meet market requirements); and Product standardisation services (to ensure products meet market requirements).

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      NYC & Company presents what’s new across five boroughs during IPW

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      NYC & Company presents what’s new across five boroughs during IPW

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      Fred Dixon, president and CEO, NYC & Company
      At a press conference held during IPW—a leading generator of US inbound international travel—in Orlando, Florida, NYC & Company announced new and future destination updates and initiatives, underscoring New York City’s unparalleled vibrancy, diversity and welcoming spirit. Fred Dixon, NYC & Company’s president and CEO predicted that by year’s end, the City will recapture over 80 percent of its record 2019 visitation levels, as the tourism industry recovers and as New York City once again proves its resilience and indomitable spirit.
      “New York City is experiencing an extraordinary revival, with the iconic sites visitors know and love, plus many dynamic, new developments across all five boroughs,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. “From our world-class attractions, hotels and Broadway shows, to the authentic small businesses and diverse experiences found across neighborhoods citywide, NYC is back in a big way and already welcoming visitors from around the globe.”
      In addition to highlights of What’s New in New York City, Dixon presented NYC & Company initiatives including the new Get Local NYC campaign, recently-launched multicultural content hubs on NYCGO.com, a new Halal Travel Guide and the upcoming 30th Anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week.
      Destination highlights include 9,000 new hotel rooms coming online this year with new properties such as Aman New York and NYC’s second Ritz-Carlton; more than 20 new Broadway shows from classic revivals to innovative debuts; and upcoming developments and openings across infrastructure and transportation, with upgrades across the region’s three major airports; arts and culture including the brand-new Museum of Broadway, The Louis Armstrong Center and the American Museum of Natural History’s Gilder Center opening this year, with The American LGBTQ+ Museum and the Universal Hip Hop Museum coming soon; performing arts venues such as Lincoln Center’s reimagined David Geffen Hall debuting in October and the iconic Apollo Theater expansion next year; culinary highlights from new fine dining establishments to unique food halls across the five boroughs; retail including the renovated Tiffany & Co. Flagship on Fifth Avenue and the return of Century 21; big events including NYC Pride, the New York City E-Prix, the US Open Tennis Championships and summer programming across five boroughs this summer; and more.
      During IPW, NYC & Company issued an updated press resource on 22 Reasons to Visit New York City in 2022 and a brand-new “What’s New + Trending in NYC” video for the media and trade.ADVERTISEMENTThe organisation also announced the latest iteration of its neighborhood-centric Get Local NYC campaign, inspiring visitors to explore Manhattan Like a New Yorker. Originally launched in March, the new five-borough initiative encourages visitors to support small businesses citywide. Guides to Brooklyn Like a New Yorker and Bronx Like a New Yorker have already been released, with features on Staten Island and Queens set to launch this summer.
      This summer also marks the 30th Anniversary of NYC Restaurant Week, from July 18-August 21. To commemorate this historic milestone, NYC & Company is planning to launch a “Year of Culinary” in New York City.
      Recently-launched multicultural platforms on NYCGO.com include The Black Experience in NYC, The Latino Experience in NYC and the latest addition, The Asian Experience in NYC. NYC & Company is also the first US tourism organisation to produce a Halal Travel Guide for Muslim visitors, and continues to update visitor information on LGBTQ+ NYC and Accessible NYC.
      NYC & Company is joined at IPW by more than 10 industry partners, including Academy Bus, Alliance for Downtown New York, Broadway Plus, Carnegie Hall, Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises, Fotografiska, Hyatt Grand Central New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Broadway, Rockefeller Center and Times Square Alliance. Visit the New York City delegation at Booth 2800.
      NYC & Company is considered North America’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2021 by voters at the World Travel Awards.

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      AIDA Cruises named event sponsor for Kiel Week

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      Small and medium tourism enterprises key to Jamaica’s tourism resilience More

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      Bogotá joins the UNWTO network of sustainable tourism observatories

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      Bogotá´s Tourism Observatory has longstanding and extensive monitoring experience and has been further strengthened by the City Council as an instrument of public management and mechanism to consolidate, systematise, analyse and research information of the tourism sector. Becoming a member of INSTO will help Bogotá in managing tourism development in a responsible and sustainable manner and allow it to better deal with post-pandemic recovery.
      UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The INSTO network is a platform where we welcome Observatories that are committed to basing the sustainable development of tourism on evidence, participatory approaches and transparency. We are very pleased to welcome Bogotá into the Network as the latest member.”
      Inclusive future for Bogotá´s tourismBogotá is home to a wide variety of tourist resources and attractions and has an infrastructure that allows for the development of different high-quality tourism products. As the most popular Colombian destination in terms of tourist numbers, arrivals in 2021 reached almost 6 million, with growth of 49.8% in relation to 2020, contributing US$5.795 billion corresponding to 2.4% of the total GDP of the city, which meant an annual increase of 38.2% between 2020 and 2021. Within the Sustainable Tourism Policy of Colombia 2022, the vision of strengthening the reputation and recognition of Colombia as a sustainable tourism destination is clearly outlined.
      The Vice Minister of Tourism Ricardo Galindo Bueno assured that “for the Vice Ministry of Tourism it is great news that the Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory is part of the UNWTO INSTO network, because a tool of these characteristics and qualities, allows public policies of the sector in the district to continue to be nourished by objective measurements that improve decision making”.
      Director of the District Institute of Tourism (IDT), Karol Fajardo Mariño explained: “The adhesion of the Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory to the UNWTO INSTO Network will allow us to share with other tourist destinations experiences and development and measurement strategies based on exemplary sustainability, in an effort to respond to the needs of quality tourism information demanded by the sector.”ADVERTISEMENTThe Bogotá’s Tourism Observatory will monitor 11 key areas for tourism sustainability: tourism seasonality, employment, economic benefits of the destination, energy management, water management, wastewater management, solid waste management, climate action, accessibility, local satisfaction and governance, which will facilitate decision-making and the processes of formulating public policies and strengthening the sustainable development of our city.

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      Aurora Expeditions releases additional climate expedition places

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      Aurora Expeditions releases additional climate expedition places

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      In honour of this year’s World Oceans Day, Australia’s award-winning travel adventure company Aurora Expeditions has announced an exclusive release of ten additional staterooms on its February 2023 Antarctic Climate Expedition, led by renowned oceanographer, marine biologist, explorer and conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle.
      Applications for these sought-after spots are open to all that are interested, with Aurora particularly welcoming registrations of interest from thought-leaders in the fields of science, art, education and economics, alongside inquisitive teenagers and corporate executives.
      Limited to about 100 expeditioners from around the world, this Climate Expedition is led in partnership with Ocean Geographic and will confront the consequences of environmental change, the warming climate, and the loss of sea ice in the southern polar region whilst visiting some of the most spectacular wilderness regions of Antarctica.
      Comprising conservationists, high-profile personalities and ocean luminaries, the summit will raise public and government awareness of the splendour and importance of the Antarctic, whilst also formulating an outcome of 23 resolutions to inspire transformative change for global net-zero emissions by 2050.
      “February 2023 will be a moment in time of a gathering of great minds, a brains trust, for commitments to resolve what it takes to move from where we are now to a better future,” says Dr. Earle.ADVERTISEMENT“The importance of this expedition is to get people together who have different gifts, talents, capabilities, and powers, and come back with a commitment to take a new direction. It’s meant to provoke thought that will lead to action.”
      Other outcomes will include a series of lectures, a feature documentary, exhibitions, and a book
      “This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pivotal and far-reaching expedition,” says Aurora Expeditions’ CMO Hayley Peacock-Gower.
      “We invite you to discover the beauty and majesty of Antarctica, whilst being part of the legacy that can have a real impact on creating a sustainable and habitable planet.”
      The groundbreaking 12-day Antarctic Climate Expedition starts on February 13, 2023, with 2 nights and a full-day conference in Ushuaia, Argentina followed by a 9-day voyage on board Aurora Expeditions’ brand-new ship, the Sylvia Earle, and ends with a post-voyage night in Punta Arenas, Chile.
      Named in honour of Dr. Earle, the new purpose-built ship where the Antarctic Climate Expedition will take place is intended to be a floating ambassador for the conservation of the planet. Certified 100% Carbon Neutral and outfitted with a dedicated, fully equipped Citizen Science Centre amongst many other modern amenities, the ship also pays tribute to six pioneering female conservationists from around the world alongside Dr Earle, who are honoured on each of the ship’s public decks: Joanna Ruxton, Dr. Asha de Vos, Hanli Prinsloo, Dr. Carden Wallace AM, Bernadette Demientieff and Sharon Kwok. 
      Aurora Expeditions was nominated as World’s Leading Polar Expedition Operator 2021 World Travel Awards.

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      Aircraft Interiors Expo 2022 line up revealed More

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      Aircraft Interiors Expo 2022 line up revealed

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      Organisers of Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) have announced its full programme of seminars and speakers at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), 14-16 June 2022.
      More than 30 aviation industry experts will come together at Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) – the only global event dedicated to the cabin interiors industry – to speak at this year’s CabinSpace LIVE seminar programme. Representatives from Finnair, Inflight Dublin, Inmarsat, Safran Seats, Cirium, Polygiene UK, ATR Aircraft, Sustainable Aero Lab, Independent Aircraft Modifier Alliance (IAMA), Deutsche Lufthansa AG and more will share their insights and expertise on the cabin of tomorrow and beyond from 14-16 June 2022.
      Witness the latest innovations in cabin interiorsRunning over three days, the free-to-attend seminar programme will shine a light on the most pressing topics impacting the cabin interiors sector – from the implementation of retrofit projects; making sustainable aviation a reality; to designing a collaborative experience between seatback and personal electronic devices; streamlining connectivity; and the latest cabin interior hygiene innovations. Attendees will also learn of the current market challenges and outlook for the sector, with an exclusive market outlook briefing from Ascend by Cirium.
      CabinSpace Live – Panel Discussion
      The necessity of green businessAs a topic continuing to dominate the aviation sector, sustainability will be one of the themes covered in this year’s CabinSpace LIVE seminar programme. A panel discussion, led by Lukas Kaestner, Co-Founder, Sustainable Aero Lab will explore the road to becoming a net-zero industry, and how new technologies, players and mindsets will all play a role. Kaestner will be joined by representatives from Lufthansa CleanTech Hub, ATR Aircraft and the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research and President of the German Aeronautical Society (DGLR).ADVERTISEMENTSustainability will also be discussed when experts from EH Aviation Advisors and AMAC Aerospace come together to discuss business and VIP jet interior trends. The session will delve into the latest ideas making waves in the most luxurious of aviation sectors, from sustainability to aesthetic trends and technology, and the potential for their application in commercial aviation settings.
      Creating accessible air travelAccording to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the proportion of the world’s population over 60 will nearly double from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050. Population ageing is a global phenomenon and its impact on the aviation sector will be examined in a session with experts from Flying Disabled, Acumen and Collins Aerospace. Together they will question the impact of a global ageing and less mobile population; if airlines should reconfigure the cabin to keep them flying; and the fiscal impact of removing just one seat to facilitate accessible lavatories.
      New trends and IFEC capabilitiesThe use of digital technologies has skyrocketed over the past three years, having a profound impact on passenger expectations, and as a result, airlines’ IFEC offering. Two sessions at CabinSpace LIVE will examine these changes. Speakers from Finnair and Inflight Dublin will address how airlines can design a collaborative experience between seatback and personal devices to become more responsive to passenger needs. Meanwhile, a panel featuring experts from SmartSky Network, Inmarsat, SatCom, SES and One Web will reflect on passenger expectations for connectivity in the air, as they experience it at home, and what suppliers, airlines and business jet operators need to do to offer a streamlined connectivity experience whilst on the move.
      Anti-microbial technologies and cabin hygieneWith passengers placing an increased focus on cleanliness and hygiene, the CabinSpace LIVE seminar programme will help attendees understand how to improve cabin interior hygiene with antimicrobial technologies. Experts from VX Consulting, Polygiene UK and MGR Foamtex will clarify what antimicrobial technology is and how it can be used to complement cleaning regimes, the difference between disinfectant and antimicrobial, as well as virus and bacteria. Furthermore, the session will highlight where the technology should be considered, with examples from material suppliers, including E Leather and MGR Foamtex, that incorporate the technology into their products.
      CabinSpace Live 2019
      A path of success for women in aviationA dedicated session at CabinSpace LIVE will celebrate the successes of women in aviation and reflect on the steps businesses can take to help create a better, smarter, more efficient and diverse industry overall. The panel, featuring speakers from ATR, SmartSky Networks, LLC, Women in Aviation and Aerospace Charter (ICAA) and Safran Seats, will delve into the impact of traditional gender roles on women in the industry today, how companies can recruit more women and keep them, as well as creating a workplace environment that is inclusive and accommodating.
      Celebrating the Crystal Cabin Awards winnersAttendees at the CabinSpace LIVE seminar programme can also hear directly from this year’s Crystal Cabin Award winners. Presenting their innovative winning concepts, attendees can discover the most innovative solutions recognised by the judging panel in eight categories, including Cabin Concepts, Cabin Systems, Health & Safety, IFEC & Digital Services, Material & Components, Passenger Comfort, Sustainable Cabin and University.
      Innovation takes centre stageIn addition to a packed educational programme, more than 600 cabin interior suppliers will return to Aircraft Interiors Expo this June. Filling eight halls of the Hamburg Messe, it highlights the commitment from an industry excited for the opportunity to network and demonstrate their latest products.
      Attendees at AIX will also benefit from its co-location with World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE). Drawing a wider audience to the show, the co-location with WTCE and the Passenger Experience Conference offers attendees a 360° view of the industry, and a comprehensive platform to identify products and services from all corners of the industry.

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      Thailand has opportunity to become major destination for Russian travellers More

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      Thailand has opportunity to become major destination for Russian travellers

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      The number of Russian tourists visiting Thailand is projected to significantly jump from 10,000 visits in 2021 to 435,000 in 2022, according to GlobalData. The leading data and analytics company notes that tourism ministers in Thailand must now ensure they can capitalise on this demand by increasing direct flights from Russia and ensuring aspects such as card payments can be accommodated across tourist hotspots.
      When looking at Cyprus, a top outbound destination for Russians prior to the country’s invasion of Ukraine, visitation to the island nation is projected to drop by 42.6% year-on-year (YoY) in 2022. Thailand could potentially cater for many of these Russian visitors that now deem the logistics of traveling to EU countries too difficult.
      Ralph Hollister, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Thailand is set to fully reopen its borders to international tourists this year with no need for a negative pre-departure PCR test. Additionally, it has not placed any restrictions on Russia concerning the ongoing geopolitical crisis with Ukraine. Although the number of Russian tourists traveling to Thailand is predicted to only be at 29.2% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels in 2022, the aforementioned factors will likely combine to create a staggering 4,421% YoY increase in Russian visitation to Thailand in 2022.”
      According to GlobalData’s Q3 2021 Consumer Survey, 61% of Russian respondents stated they typically take sun and beach trips, with this type of trip being the most popular for this market. Thailand is world-renowned for its sun and beach product, with locations such as Maya Beach and Monkey Bay attracting tourists from across the globe. Cultural trips are also popular with this market, with 39% of Russians stating that they typically undertake this type of holiday. Thailand’s highly unique culture acts as a significant pull factor for international tourists with its Thai temples and palaces.
      Thailand has acknowledged it now has a key opportunity to become a major destination for Russian travelers in the coming years. In May 2022, Thailand’s Minister of Commerce stated that Thai banks had displayed interest in Russia’s proposal to introduce the Mir payment system for Russian travelers in Thailand and pledged to coordinate with the appropriate Tourism and Transport ministries to facilitate direct flights from Russia.ADVERTISEMENTHollister concludes: “With Russian travelers spending a total of $22.5 billion in 2021, which placed Russia in the top 10 globally for total outbound tourist expenditure, Thailand could benefit significantly from the EU’s ban on Russian travel as the market is forced to change its preferred destinations due to the ongoing crisis.”
      Thailand is considered Asia’s Leading Cultural Destination 2021 by World Travel Awards.

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