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    How much did the British spend on holidays in Greece in the last 10 years?

    With a solid Greek presence from the political leadership of tourism and entrepreneurs in the sector, the world’s largest tourism exhibition, World Travel Market, opens on November 6 at the London exhibition centre, Excel London.
    Among other things, this year’s event, which will last until November 8, is expected to reveal the global trends shaping the tourism industry in a particular discussion held at noon on the first day of its event.
    WTM is the first barometer for all international destinations for the next tourist year. The presence of our country at the exhibition is always of particular importance as Britain is consistently among the two most important markets for Greek tourism.
    Indicative is that in the ten years, 2014-2023, the British spent more than 20 billion euros on their holidays in Greece. In the first nine months of this year, the travel expenses of the British in our country reached 2.36 billion euros. In total, by August, more than 3 million Britons had visited our country.
    The political leadership will see the exhibition of tourism, while the EOT, on the sidelines of the event, will hold two events.ADVERTISEMENTThe first event, entitled “Sustainability Marathon,” concerns the sustainability of Greek tourism. In the second event, entitled “Greek Women Mean Business”, Greek women who innovate in the tourism business will participate. At 900 sq.m. of the Greek pavilion, there will be 72 co-exhibitors at the exhibition.
    In detail, WTM is set to present the first exclusive WTM Global Travel Report, which has been compiled in collaboration with leading researchers from Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics firm, and analyses how the needs and wants of leisure travellers are changing while shedding light on light on the emerging and growing destinations of 2024 and beyond.
    As part of the presentation, attendees will gain valuable insights into the changing travel landscape and become familiar with consumer demands, with the critical objective of shaping their business and planning for its future.
    Further, the research considers the impact of challenges, such as inflation and the rising cost of living, while comparing the different conditions of different regions and markets. It also delves into the drivers of post-pandemic demand, looking at how and why travellers prioritise vacations over other types of spending and looking at the outlook for different demographics.
    During the panel, industry executives will share their thoughts on how trends will impact their marketing, sales, innovation and investment plans in the months and years ahead.
    In this regard, Ms. Juliette Losardo, Director of the WTM London exhibition, said, among other things, that the first WTM Global Travel Report survey demonstrates WTM’s commitment to ensuring that the travel community has the freshest insight into the trends shaping the industry.
    At the same time, Ms Losardo pointed out that the collaboration with Oxford Economics, a leader in tourism and economic data, resulted in the extraction of findings from an international survey, which was carried out on an extensive data bank covering almost 185 countries as destinations and as source markets and all significant bilateral tourism flows in terms of visits, overnight stays and spending, as well as unique industry insights, offering a comprehensive perspective on tourism.
    Ms Losardo also commented that the global perspective and vast, informative findings will provide invaluable insights for tourism people to ensure they are always one step ahead.
    Source: https://greekcitytimes.com/

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    Disney After Hours Events Usher In More Nighttime Magic January 2024

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    Disney After Hours Events Usher In More Nighttime Magic January 2024

    Disney After Hours events return to Walt Disney World Resort starting January 2024 with tons of nighttime Disney fun. On event nights, guests can enjoy an extra three hours of magic-making at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. Guests attending the separately ticketed events get more time to experience fan-favorite attractions, character greetings and unlimited complimentary snacks, including select beverages.  Extra magic awaits after hours at select Walt Disney World theme parks
    Disney After Hours events allow a limited number of guests to enjoy Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and EPCOT after the parks officially close for the day, offering shorter wait times for select attractions and character experiences. Guests can also indulge in ice cream novelties, popcorn and beverages –– all included in the cost of the ticketed event. Early arrivals can access the parks starting at 7 p.m. to squeeze even more moonlight joy out of their visits.
    Booked guests of Disney Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting Nov. 7, 2023, by calling 407-W-Disney. Event tickets can be purchased online by all guests starting Nov. 14. 
    Disney After Hours ticket prices range from $155 to $175 (plus tax) at Magic Kingdom Park and at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney After Hours ticket pricing at EPCOT ranges from $149 to $159 (plus tax). Specially priced tickets are available for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.
    More time and less waiting for your theme park favorites ADVERTISEMENTThese special nights will take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Jan. 10 through April 10, 2024, where guests can play in Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land, join the resistance with Chewbacca in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and embark on a whimsical adventure aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, among other favorite experiences.
    Throughout Magic Kingdom, guests can enjoy more than 20 attractions and experiences including the thrilling new TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Jungle Cruise on select nights starting Jan. 11 through April 8, 2024. A standby queue is planned for TRON Lightcycle / Run during these events only.
    The nighttime fireworks spectacular, Enchantment will return exclusively to Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom. Guests arriving early on event nights will have the opportunity to see both Happily Ever After, currently showing during regular park hours, and Enchantment! 
    Welcomed by the colorful glow of Spaceship Earth, guests can delight in EPCOT at night with favorite attractions including Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, Test Track, Soarin’ and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. Events at EPCOT will take place on select nights starting Feb. 2 through April 4, 2024. 

    Whichever park event guests choose, they’ll find unlimited novelty snacks and select beverages available complimentary throughout the event nights to cure those late-night cravings. 
    Guests can learn more about Disney After Hours events by visiting DisneyWorld.com/AfterHours.
    Theme Park closing times vary. Admission to this event requires a separately priced ticket valid only for a specific event date and select hours. Attractions and offerings are subject to change without notice.

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    WTTC Heads Down Under for 2024 Global Summit

    During the closing session of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Global Summit in Kigali, Western Australia was announced as the host for 2024, marking the first time the event will visit Oceania.The 24th Global Summit will be taking place in Perth in late 2024, in partnership with Tourism Western Australia.
    WTTC closed its first ever Global Summit in Africa today with more than 1,200 delegates attending the event in Kigali, Rwanda.
    The global tourism body’s Global Summit saw speakers such as global economist and renowned business commentor Justin Urquhart-Stewart; Administrator of the United States Transport Security Administration, David P. Pekoske; and Chief Commercial Officer of Arsenal Football Club, Juliet Slot.
    The most influential Travel & Tourism event in the calendar, WTTC’s Global Summit, was attended by more than 45 countries.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The success of this year’s Global Summit in Kigali is testament to the power of Africa’s Travel & Tourism sector. Through Rwanda, the continent has well and truly put itself on the map.ADVERTISEMENT“We are so excited to be heading ‘Down Under’ next year. Western Australia and the beautiful city of Perth have always been popular destinations and we’re sure attendees will enjoy a real taste of quintessential Australian hospitality.”
    Tourism WA Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull said hosting the 24th WTTC Global Summit presents a significant opportunity for WA to demonstrate its growth ambition and investment opportunities to WTTC’s members, which includes the CEOs of key travel businesses such as airlines, global hotel operators and investors, and cruise lines.
    “The effect of hosting this event goes far beyond the immediate economic impact generated from delegate spend; this event will open avenues for conversation around inbound trade and product investments, new inbound aviation routes and the development of high value tourism product business opportunities.
    “Business delegates attending this event will be encouraged to extend their stay and explore further afield, so they can experience our dreamlike landscapes, world-class experiences, and expert tourism operators firsthand.”
    During its Global Summit in Kigali, WTTC launched its Africa report highlighting some of the challenges Travel & Tourism faces in the region and the opportunities to address them.
    WTTC also launched its groundbreaking Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging report which tracks DEIB in the Travel & Tourism sector and highlights effective practices and recommendations for the future.
    The Global Summit was moderated by Thami Nkadimeng who was recently selected as a 2023 Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent under 40 in support of the United Nation’s General Assembly resolution 68/237.

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    Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to offer the best of Sri Lanka & The Maldives

    Hailing from the idyllic shores and boundless horizon of the Indian Ocean, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to offer European and international travellers the best of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
    Boasting 15 properties in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is Sri Lanka’s largest hotel group. Located in some of the most picturesque locations in the region, including pristine beaches, lush forests, and historical sites, each property provides a bespoke and unique offering aimed to amplify and complement the guest experience as they discover and immerse themselves in the treasures of each locale. Combining modernity, culture, and heritage, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers a wide selection of properties, including luxury hotels, boutique villas, and eco-resorts, each designed to cater to everything a traveller needs to curate their own remarkable Sri Lankan adventure.
    A formidable force in Sri Lanka and the Maldives’ sustainability efforts, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has been at the forefront of minimising environmental footprint while preserving the biodiversity and ecological community in the locations they operate in. Guided by the John Keells Group Environmental, Social and Governmental (ESG) policies, the ESG Framework of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to being responsible stewards and engaging both locals and guests in ESG policies across the hotels. Due to these policies and practices introduced at protecting the environment, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has reduced its carbon footprint significantly. An achievement that was made possible due to the group’s efficient and proactive ESG policies spanning areas such as compliance with local and international regulatory requirements and conventions, quality monitoring and assessment of the environmental impact of the group’s operations, services and products, whilst striving to include supply chain partners and customers, where relevant and to the extent possible.
    Looking ahead to the future, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts aims to reduce the group’s carbon footprint of 1,300 tCO2e at the end of 2025 and become a Net Zero hotel chain by 2030. The Company’s overall commitment to Sri Lanka’s biodiversity through the identification of endangered flora and fauna species in each property and the development of a biodiversity management plan. In line with this, the group will further amplify their practices in protecting fresh water and marine eco-systems from plastic waste and reducing single-use plastics by 50% at the end of 2025.
    Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is set to further solidify its mark as an industry leader in hospitality and sustainability with an announcement of its new strategic plan that will change and elevate South Asia’s tourism landscape. The exciting new project will be Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts’ crown jewel, bringing Colombo’s vibrant spirit to life as it emerges as the ultimate urban sanctuary, envisioned as the epicentre of modern South Asia.ADVERTISEMENT

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    Egypt on track to achieve its goal of attracting 30 million tourists annually by 2028

    Egypt’s Minister for Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa, will be attending this year’s WTM to unveil updates to the country’s ambitious national tourism strategy. Egypt’s tourism strategy aims to achieve rapid growth in the sector. The country has already received more than 7 million tourists during the first half of 2023, the highest level in Egypt’s history.
    The government, under President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s administration has worked to boost the sector to ensure it remains competitive with other global tourist destinations. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, headed by His Excellency Ahmed Issa, strives to improve and elevate the quality of tourism services offered to visitors to reach their impressive targets.
    Grand Cairo project: Promoting Cairo as a cultural destination
    Egypt’s 7000-year-old heritage makes it one of the most fascinating countries in the world. In recent years, the country has experienced a cultural renaissance. Egypt has spent billions of pounds opening new museums and restoring archaeological sites. The plan is to have three museums in Cairo presenting the treasures of ancient Egypt: the old Cairo Museum in Tahrir Square will remain open; the Royal Mummies can be seen at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation; and the new Grand Egyptian Museum will showcase a new collection.
    Tourism Investment in Egypt: HotelsADVERTISEMENTThe government is committed to enhancing tourism by investing in the number of hotel rooms in the country. The government is currently working on a new hotels project which will include new incentive packages to attract local and foreign investors for the construction of new hotel projects in the country. The move is expected to create 400,000 hotel rooms within five years.
    Inaugurations: The GEM in Giza and the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria
    The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will be a spectacular addition to Egypt’s attractions. Built close to the Giza pyramids, when finished it will be one of the largest museums in the world. Remarkably, the entire Tutankhamun collection will be housed together for the first time. And after 18 years of restoration, the Graeco-Roman Museum in Alexandria has finally reopened promising to offer visitors a profound journey through the annals of Greek and Roman heritage in Egypt.
    Update on visas to Egypt
    In an effort to boost tourism, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities recently announced that it will be ​​issuing a multiple-entry visa for a period of five years, with a GBP 562 (EGP 21,000) fee, for citizens of 180 countries.
    H.E. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Ahmed Issa
    Previously, a banker, and a leader of change and innovation in one of emerging markets’ most respected companies, His Excellency aims to emphasize the importance of the tourism industry and its role in the Egypt’s national economy.

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    RezLive.Com to Showcase Innovations at World Travel Market London 2023

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    RezLive.Com to Showcase Innovations at World Travel Market London 2023

    RezLive.com is excited to announce its participation in this year’s highly anticipated World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The event, scheduled from 6-8, Nov,2023 will provide an excellent platform for industry professionals to witness our latest offerings at Booth No. N10-401.One of the key highlights at our booth will be the unveiling of Rez.Tez, the dynamic XML distribution arm of Travel Designer Group’s leading platform, RezLive.com. Rez.Tez aims to revolutionize the distribution landscape and empower travel partners with a seamless, lightest, and fastest solution for XML distribution.
    Moreover, Travel Designer Group proudly welcomes Ms. Denise Atikson, a seasoned professional with a proven track record in the travel and distribution industry. Ms. Denise (VP-Online Distribution) will be leading the charge in Online Distribution through Rez.Tez, ensuring that our partners benefit from cutting-edge distribution strategies and industry best practices.
    “We are thrilled to be a part of WTM London 2023 and to introduce Rez.Tez to the travel community,” said Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director at Travel Designer Group. “With the addition of Ms. Denise to our team, we are confident in our ability to further elevate our distribution capabilities and provide unparalleled value to our partners.”
    To learn more about our offerings and to meet our team, we invite you to visit us at Booth No. N10-401 during WTM London 2023. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how RezLive.com is shaping the future of travel distribution.

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    Transformative Plan Unveiled to Save America’s Flagship, The SS United States

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    Transformative Plan Unveiled to Save America’s Flagship, The SS United States

    The SS United States, America’s Flagship, could return home to New York as a transformative economic development project unveiled today by the SS United States Conservancy, the owner of the famed vessel.The plan, developed in conjunction with two prominent New York firms, RXR and MCR Hotels, would repurpose the legendary ocean liner as a unique, mixed-use destination, including a 1,000 key hotel, numerous food and beverage destinations, multiple event venues, acres of public green space, and a world-class museum. The project could be a capstone to a decades-long effort to protect and revitalize the Hudson River waterfront, create thousands of new jobs, and generate millions in tax revenue annually.
    During her storied service career, the SS United States smashed the transatlantic speed record in 1952 using only two-thirds of her power, a record that has never been broken. From her Hudson River berth, she carried more than one million passengers, from celebrities and royalty to immigrants and tourists. She was also a top-secret convertible troop transport that could rush 14,000 troops 10,000 miles without refueling.
    The release of a redevelopment plan comes at a time when the SS United States is in peril. The ship faces possible eviction from her current pier in Philadelphia. The vessel’s landlord doubled the Conservancy’s rent without notice during the coronavirus pandemic, placing significant financial strain on the organization. The Conservancy is presently in litigation on the matter, with a trial date slated for early December.
    The conceptual plan for a privately funded, commercial redevelopment identified Manhattan’s Hudson River as the optimal “home port” for the vessel, due to its proximity to transportation and pedestrian access to the Javits Convention Center. The project would entail the redesign and reconstruction of adjacent piers, which would create acres of new public green space aboard the vessel and adjoining areas. The ship’s transformative potential is not restricted to New York. Other locations and port cities could benefit from the ship’s commercial revitalization and iconic status.
    RXR and MCR developed full schematic design drawings, extensive engineering and construction feasibility diligence in consultation with U.S. shipyards, a financial analysis to demonstrate the project’s commercial viability, and an assessment of the permitting and regulatory requirements to advance the redevelopment program. The project diligence team included Gibbs & Cox, the vessel’s original design firm, Perkins Eastman and HLW architects, and local land use and regulatory counsel.ADVERTISEMENTThe overall program was informed by MCR and RXR’s extensive experience redeveloping iconic, historic properties in New York, including Eero Saarinen’s landmark 1962 TWA Flight Center and hotel at JFK Airport as well as Manhattan’s historic Pier 57.
    The Conservancy is now seeking state and local interest from New York or other potential cities to advance its plan at a host pier location. The nonprofit organization and its development team are prepared to donate the ship and the design and engineering work completed to date to expedite progress in securing a prime location for the vessel’s revitalization.
    “The SS United States symbolizes the nation’s ambition and innovation. Our development partners have embraced the patriotic and economic significance of this monumental project. Through their extensive due diligence, they have created a bold and exciting plan that preserves the ship’s history and activates the vessel’s commercial potential,” said Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy, the national nonprofit organization that has worked tirelessly to save it for more than a decade.
    The ship was once a global ambassador of her namesake nation, and her red, white, and blue funnels were a source of pride and inspiration following the devastation of WWII. Although the Jet Age silenced her engines in 1969, the SS United States continues to represent an inspiring synthesis of post-war technological innovation, mid-century modern design, as well as the nation’s enduring ambition, resilience, and optimism.
    “The Conservancy’s partners and passionate supporters from across the country and around the world have created a viable path forward to save the SS United States,” added Gibbs, the granddaughter of the ship’s original designer. “But we are quickly running out of time. We know this can be a viable, transformative project. Let’s rally together to secure a home for America’s Flagship.”

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    WTTC unveils unique diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging report

    The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) unveiled today its first-ever global tourism report focussing on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) during its Global Summit, taking place in Kigali.
    The report – Creating Belonging: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging in Travel & Tourism – is the result of a collaboration between WTTC and HospitableMe, a global leader in inclusive hospitality.
    Supported by AIG Travel, the report offers data around tourism employment, aiming to equip both the public and private sector the tools they need to spark change and make tourism more diverse.
    Drawing on data from six economies, Rwanda, Australia, US, UK, South Africa and the EU, it offers a deep dive on metrics such as gender, age, sexual orientation, disability status and educational skills
    According to the global tourism body, the share of female workers in tourism was highest in Australia, at 54 per cent, followed by the US (48 per cent), higher than the overall average.
    In terms of youth employment, the sector has always been considered a key employer for those aged under 25 years.
    This research shows the US saw 26 per cent of youth employees in the sector, more than twice the share of the total economy average (12 per cent), with Australia (26 per cent) and Rwanda (24 per cent) following closely.ADVERTISEMENTLast year, according to this new study, UK tourism employed a higher share of LGBTQ+ employees (5.2 per cent) than the overall economy (four per cent), with a near 2.7 percentage points increase since 2011.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC president, said: “Travel has always been a people sector, whatever their background.
    “Hospitality goes beyond travellers; it is about how we welcome and care for our colleagues and employees.
    “Our sector has come a long way.
    “Across the board, we are seeing efforts and changes led by major tourism businesses, who are now paying more attention to creating a sense of belonging, supporting their employees, regardless of who they are or where they come from.”
    Travel supports people from all walks of life, employing the highest share of workers with lower levels of formal education across the EU, UK and the U.S, compared to the overall economy.
    WTTC draws from the findings to offer opportunities for the challenges faced by the sector, such as education on DEIB and senior leadership support, recruitment process, and benchmarking and research.
    A majority of the companies analysed (60 per cent) had dedicated personnel to their DEIB efforts, making clear this is a pressing topic all tourism stakeholders should pay close attention to, to ensure the term “hospitality” equals “partnership”.
    To access this report, visit the WTTC Research Hub.
    More Information
    Take a look at a selection of Breaking Travel News video interviews from the Global Summit here.

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