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The Region of Valencia announces its theme for 2024 “sustainability” at WTM. In a landmark move the region has committed to joining the World Tourism Organisation and will adhere to its Global Code of Ethics for Tourism (GCET). This strategic commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism represents a significant step toward preserving the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Managing tourism is imperative to the region as visitor figures rise in 2023.
To mark this milestone, a press conference will be held on Monday 6 November at the Region of Valencia stand N5-520 from 3.30 pm-4.30 pm, which will include presentations from the seven regional brand partners: Costa Blanca, Benidorm, Alicante, Visit Elche, Valencia Turisme, Visit Valencia and Castellón talking about sustainability initiatives across the region’s tourism sector.
Ms Nuria Montes, the newly elected Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce & Tourism for the Region of Valencia will speak at the press conference about new developments and her new long-term strategy for the region’s tourism sector. Ms Montes will also be attending a press breakfast with the seven brand partners, on Tuesday 7 November 9-10 am, at Tapa Tapa, next to Excel West (invitation only).
Elected in the recent elections Ms Montes is from the private sector. Her first initiative in the post was to announce that the region will not be adopting a Tourist Tax on 01 January as planned by the previous administration and that this law has been repealed. The new minister is the former General Secretary of the Hotel Association, HOSBEC.
The latest data shows that the number of British visitors to the Valencia region in July 2023 topped 1,438,565, up by 16.5% in 2022. In 2022 the region received around 2.2 million British visitors, which is just over 14% of the total number of British visitors to Spain and was the fourth most visited area in Spain by Brits, after the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands and Andalucia. The region aims to capitalise on these positive visitor figures in 2024 and beyond, in its promotions and activities in the UK market.ADVERTISEMENTThe region is running a taxi, bus and Excel advertising campaign with twenty taxis and two city tour buses featuring the Region of Valencia brand for two weeks to coincide with WTM, to raise awareness of the region across London and in particular targeting visitors to WTM. The region will also have a hall entrance wrap and boulevard direction screens at Excel during the trade show..
The Regions’ capital, Valencia City is the European Green Capital 2024, elected by the European Commission in recognition of the city’s efforts to improve the environment and the quality of life of its residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, another green initiative sees Valencia as a pioneer of smart cities. The city has been chosen as one of the three major European supernodes of the European Union’s Citcom.ai project. This involves the installation of an artificial intelligence experimentation and testing centre in the city to apply technology to sustainable mobility and transport, urban energy efficiency, waste management and solutions based on nature or collaborative solutions for the protection of the environment.

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The Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) will attend the WTM

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Travelers are looking for ways to explore and experience, with a smaller carbon footprint and fewer impacts on the environment. However, identifying low carbon activities can be confusing.
The Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) will attend the WTM to promote 20, new carbon light travel routes around Thailand. These routes weave hands on local experiences, eco-exploration and local insights across Thailand.  If your company sends travellers to Thailand, these routes can help to reduce your emissions inside Thailand, without reducing the experience!
The carbon footprint of each route has been calculated. Routes are designed to reduce carbon emissions, with remaining emissions offset locally, inside Thailand, through local Thai projects, under the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (TGO).
Carbon Neutral Thai tourism routes?
Since 2020, the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) have worked with Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation (TGO), Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC) and Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI) to design and develop fun, inspiring new tourism routes; reducing and offsetting carbon emissions using local Thai offsetting schemes. The EU SWITCH-ASIA Tourlink project brough together European and Thai carbon experts, to compare and align methods for calculating the carbon footprint of Thai tourism itineraries. Mutual recognition of the TGO system by Carmacal adds international credibility to the Thai tools, while enabling carbon offsets to directly support local, Thai projects.ADVERTISEMENTMeet us ONLINE and/or at the World Travel Market 2023 in London between November 6th to 8th, to learn more about a suite of fun, innovative and inspiring Carbon Neutral Tours, which have been developed by the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) across Thailand, in partnership with Thai research and carbon management expert organisations.
For a short overview of sample tours, see: https://drive.google.com/…/1eurny-pmORX2…/view

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Wartime deception – discover at English Heritage sites in 2024

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June 2024 sees the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings by Allied troops on the beaches of Normandy. An undercover operation in Dover Castle’s secret tunnels was crucial to the success of the Normandy landings, helping to save thousands of lives and bring about the liberation of Europe.To mark this anniversary, visitors to English Heritage’s Dover Castle in Kent can see the secret tunnels where British and Canadian troops worked tirelessly sending fake radio messages which helped to mislead the enemy about the timing and location of the Allied invasion of north-western Europe. The messages supported the illusion of a fictitious army preparing a major assault from the south east of England via Calais – while in reality, the real invasion force gathered secretly further west and landed on French shores in Normandy.
The tunnels hidden beneath King Henry II’s mighty castle also housed a wartime hospital – complete with wards and an operating theatre – and the operations centre where in 1940, Operation Dynamo was masterminded – the dramatic evacuation of over 300,000 British troops stranded on the beaches at Dunkirk.
In England’s north-east, English Heritage has just completed a multi-million-pound conservation and improvement project at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens – which has transformed this wonderful site with 30-acres of Grade I listed grounds into a star attraction. There’s plenty to see – stunning gardens and grounds, a new café in the former coach house and new interpretation in the medieval castle and Grecian-style hall.
Other recently transformed sites to include in itineraries during 2024:
Lindisfarne Priory on Holy Island in Northumbria is renowned as a centre of Christian learning, Rare artefacts in a new museum give an insight into the lives of the monks who once occupied the isolated religious community, founded in AD 635.Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre close to Dover Castle in Kent was the landing point for the Roman invasion in AD43 and witnessed the end of Roman occupation 360 years later. Visitors can now climb a replica Claudian gateway to better understand the site’s development as a military supply base, then a thriving port town – and finally a fort. English Heritage is a charity which opens over 400 historic places to visitors –  including world-famous sites like Stonehenge, Hadrian’s Wall, Osborne – Queen Victoria’s seaside home – and Tintagel Castle. Great value multi-site passes are available for overseas visitors travelling individually and English Heritage gives 15% discounts for groups of 11 or more (10% at Stonehenge). For more information and to help plan visits, go to the group visits pages at www.english-heritage.org.uk or email: [email protected]ADVERTISEMENTAt WTM 2023, English Heritage can be found on the Heritage in Britain stand, no: N9-401

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Jamaica Takes Top Spot in The Caribbean

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In the first half of 2023, Jamaica witnessed a significant increase in arrivals from the UK, with a remarkable 69.2% surge in tourist arrivals compared to 2021. This growth has resulted in record-breaking earnings exceeding US $2 billion.This outstanding growth showcases the resilience of Jamaica’s tourism industry in the face of global challenges, affirming its status as a premier travel destination and top Caribbean Island for the UK holidaymaker. As Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, explains, “We know that in this post-pandemic world, the need to travel and feed the soul is more important than ever. As we continue our bullish pandemic recovery plan, Jamaica remains a leading global tourist destination with many new developments and hotel openings in the pipeline.”.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Jamaica embarked on an ambitious tourism recovery initiative in 2022, kicking off with their renowned “Come Back” campaign. Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board elaborates, “Our bullish tourism recovery plan has enabled us to set our targets high and implement our latest global advertising campaign, ‘Come Back.’” Jamaica’s recently launched “Come Back” campaign is an invitation to heal one’s soul in the welcoming embrace of Jamaica. The campaign resonates with travellers seeking more authentic, eco-friendly experiences and ways to immerse themselves in unique local cultures. Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, noted, “In this post-pandemic world, the need to travel and feed the soul is more important than ever, and our island meets this need for every type of traveller.”
With plans to introduce 8,500 new rooms by 2025, a 33% room capacity increase, and elevate foreign exchange earnings by nearly 50%, Jamaica’s recovery efforts have been nothing short of audacious and continue to set challenges at new heights. Exciting additions include Excellence Oyster Bay, Wyndham, and a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Visitor statistics reveal a 5.2% increase in stopovers compared to 2019, showcasing the country’s impressive growth and firmly establishing Jamaica as the number one Caribbean destination for UK travellers. This substantial incline in arrivals underscores the unwavering allure of the island. Many accommodation offerings on the island have established sustainable and eco-friendly practices into operations to recognition and certification from international organisations. With sustainability at the heart of its robust tourism strategy, Donovan White points out, “We are incredibly blessed to have such a beautiful asset to work with, and we will always strive to showcase our island to its full potential.”
Jamaica is dedicated to preserving its rich culture and heritage, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local way of life through community tourism, further expanding its incredibly rich range of offerings for visitors. From learning about the nature-based Rastafarian way of life, to trying out traditional cooking classes, there are numerous ways for visitors to ensure the native culture continues to be protected, respected, and celebrated.ADVERTISEMENTIn terms of airlift, a new Norse flight from Montego Bay is scheduled to commence in December, operating four times a week from London Gatwick. The island is already easily accessible from the United Kingdom through daily nonstop flights provided by Virgin Atlantic Airways departing from London Heathrow, British Airways departing from London Gatwick, and TUI departing from Birmingham, Gatwick, and Manchester.
Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director, UK & Northern Europe, underlines the commitment to a brighter future. “We are very happy that Jamaica is the top Caribbean destination of choice for travellers from the UK are grateful to all of our industry partners for their continuous support and faith in our beautiful island. ​As we look ahead, our team has an exciting line-up of plans for 2024 and are confident that we can continue to grow our destination favourability among UK travellers in 2024 and beyond.”. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s visionary approach to recovery ensures that Jamaica remains at the forefront of global tourism, offering diverse experiences and preserving its rich cultural heritage.
Jamaica’s proactive approach to recovery and sustainability not only cements its position as a top destination for global travellers but also guarantees a rich and authentic experience for those seeking to explore its natural wonders and cultural heritage.

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Deborah Rothe, Director of ITB Berlin, and H.E. Vilma Bello, Deputy Minister of Tourism (from left to right), signed the Memorandum of Understanding during the ceremony on 3 November 2023.
A huge stage for an ambitious country: Albania and ITB Berlin have just announced a close collaboration for the year 2025. At a ceremony held on 3 November 2023 in Berlin, both sides signed a memorandum of understanding. As a result, the Southeast-European country will be the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025, which will take place from 4 to 6 March 2025 as a pure B2B show.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by H.E. Vilma Bello, Deputy Minister of Tourism, and by ITB Berlin Director, Deborah Rothe. In addition, Herida Duro, Director of the Development of Tourism Programs, and Edlira Zyfi, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism, and the ambassador of Albania in Germany, H. E. Mrs. Adia Sakiqi attended the ceremony.“As the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show for the tourism industry, ITB Berlin is an exceptional platform that brings together stakeholders from numerous countries in the German capital,” commented Deputy Minister Vilma Bello on the signing. “Albania has exceedingly great plans in the coming years and decades. The partnership will certainly give us an invaluable boost and bring us closer to a wide audience.”
“ITB Berlin has always had its finger on the pulse and it recognizes trends and the potential of countries and regions,” Dirk Hoffmann, COO Messe Berlin, commented. “Albania is a nation with this very potential and we are very pleased to jointly lift the country’s great treasure and provide it with an international stage.”
“A few months ago, I had the honour of personally experiencing Albania’s great hospitality and ambitious spirit on site,” added ITB Berlin Director Deborah Rothe. “I am all the more pleased that our talks are now bearing fruit. The host country Albania will certainly enrich ITB Berlin 2025 enormously and win over numerous new enthusiasts for the country.”
Albania has seen remarkable increases in guests in the recent past and is enjoying ever-increasing popularity. With its colourful and lively capital Tirana, the country scores as well as with the sea, turquoise bays and its authentic and unspoiled backcountry. Furthermore, Albania is very popular with travellers who have a passion for hiking. With all its advantages, Albania also offers an exceptionally good price-performance ratio.ADVERTISEMENTAs the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin, Albania will be presenting itself to the B2B audience in several ways. To kick off the trade show, Albania will host the festive opening gala in the CityCube Berlin on the eve of ITB Berlin, on Monday, 3 March 2025. Among other things, it will present its traditional folklore and culinary offerings to guests. During the trade show, Albania will have an extensive stand on the fair ground. Last but not least, the country is also expected to play an important role in the program at the ITB Berlin Convention, which will take place parallel to the trade show.

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