organisations-operators

Southeast Asia based destination management company Khiri Travel has launched new travel products in eight countries in the region.
Each Khiri travel experience is listed in one of six categories: Signature, Select, Personality, Sundowner, Picnic, and Wow!
The categories give tour operators and travel agents in source markets a quick indication of what to expect.
Specifically, Khiri Signature is reserved for special travel experiences not offered by other operators. Khiri Personality is for conversations with renowned local experts such as historians, authors and artists.
Khiri Sundowner presents amazing views at sunset with private drinks service away from other tourists. Khiri Select is reserved for experiences that reflect the essence of a place with activities that give unique insights and memories.ADVERTISEMENTKhiri Picnic allows clients to enjoy the best of locally sourced food with freshest ingredients prepared by locals in appealing locations unconstrained by restaurant availability.
Khiri Wow is for when money is no object.
Within that six-point framework, Khiri Travel will showcase its latest travel products at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 6-8 November and at Further East Bali on 6-9 November.
Sample experiences that Khiri will promote at both events include off-the-beaten track markets and temples of Cambodia, white water rafting on the Mae Taeng river in Thailand, sunset barbecues on the beach at Hoi An, Vietnam, kayaking to remote villages on Inle Lake in Myanmar, meeting ethnically diverse tribes of the Bolaven Plateau in Laos, and encountering the orangutans of Sumatra in Indonesia, to name a few.
“At Khiri, we mix and match the experiences to meet the personal needs of clients,” said Khiri Travel CEO and founder, Willem Niemeijer, who will attend WTM.
“We can create some remarkable travel experiences by combining categories such as signature, wow, personality and sundowner on any given trip. That’s when our 30 years of DMC know-how and intimate knowledge of our destinations really shines through,” he said.
Khiri Travel offers B2B destination management services to tour operators sending clients to Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and the Maldives.
WTM and Further EastTravel professionals can meet Mr Niemeijer and Khiri’s General Manager for Cambodia and Laos, John Black, at Stand N11-400 at WTM London, and Aini Wikamto, General Manager Indonesia, at Stand S10-220. Bookings are available here. https://khiri.com/join-khiri-travel-at-wtm-2023
Khiri Travel will be represented at Further East Bali by Mahiru Fernando, General Manager of Khiri Travel Sri Lanka, and Aaron Edgington, General Manager Vietnam.
Further information: Khiri.com.

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Celebrating 50 years of guiding travellers, Lonely Planet has released Best in Travel 2024, expanding its list to 50 remarkable destinations worldwide. For 2024, the American Midwest shines as the number one Best Value Destination due to its cultural richness, diversity, and outstanding value, offering travellers an extraordinary experience at an exceptional price.Illinois, located in the heart of the American Midwest, stands out as the gem within this region, and it’s one of the key reasons why the Midwest is hailed as a Best Value Destination in 2024. Illinois offers travellers a diverse array of experiences that combine history, culture, and natural beauty, all while providing exceptional value.
Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism said, “We are delighted that America’s Midwest, which includes Illinois, has been highlighted by Lonely Planet as the Best Value Destination for 2024. From thrilling outdoor adventures to its world-class architecture and culinary scene, Illinois offers a diverse range of free and budget-friendly activities and attractions for all ages and interests, making it an attractive destination to global visitors.”
Chicago, the state’s largest city, is renowned for its striking skyline, iconic architecture, and vibrant arts scene. The city boasts world-class museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, where visitors can explore an extensive collection of art and exhibitions. From the start of Historic Route 66 to picturesque Millennium Park and the eclectic Navy Pier, Chicago offers a range of free attractions that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
In addition to its urban charm, Illinois also offers travellers the opportunity to explore its natural wonders including beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan and nearly 70 state parks. Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois is a hidden paradise, featuring dramatic rock formations, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails, including the popular Garden of the Gods. This stunning outdoor playground is ideal for nature enthusiasts and hikers, and it’s easily accessible without straining your travel budget.
History buffs will find plenty to discover in Illinois as well. Springfield, the state capital, is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a captivating destination that delves into the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States. Visitors can also tour the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and explore other sites related to the nation’s history.ADVERTISEMENTFoodies will be delighted by Illinois’ culinary offerings. Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and diverse international cuisine, making it a top destination for food lovers on a budget. The city’s 77 neighbourhoods, including Pilsen, Logan Square, Hyde Park and Chinatown, offer affordable and delectable dining options that reflect the city’s multicultural heritage. In Springfield travellers can visit the Cozy Dog Drive In – home to the world’s first corn dog on a stick, and Motorheads – a restaurant, museum and live music venue that serves a local delicacy – the horseshoe sandwich. While across the state local distilleries, wineries, and craft breweries are waiting to be explored.
In 2024, Illinois becomes an even more attractive destination with a variety of cultural events, festivals, and celebrations that provide insight into the state’s rich heritage, including the 20th anniversary of Chicago’s Millennium Park, and the crossroads of the Total Solar Eclipse in southern Illinois on April 8, while in 2026 Illinois will celebrate the centennial of Route 66.
For more information on Illinois, or to plan your trip, visit www.enjoyillinois.co.uk

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Apes Hill Barbados shined at the World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi, with the Caribbean resort-residential community winning four categories, including ‘World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue’, ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’, and World’s Best new golf course in both Barbados and the Caribbean.The 10th World Golf Awards was hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. The ceremony, which rewards excellence in the golf tourism market, brought together industry leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania.
“We are deeply pleased to see our sustainability work recognized, while our relatively new real estate offering being named the ‘best in golf’ so early into the project confirms the unique, special community we’re building,” said Sunil Chatrani, Executive Chairman, Apes Hill Barbados. “We set out to create one of the best experiences in golf. Recognition as the best course in both Barbados and the Caribbean, means a great deal as we strive to establish one of the region’s leading destinations.”
At 1000ft above sea level, Apes Hill Barbados is the most elevated golf resort and community in Barbados, spanning 475 acres made up of lush tropical vegetation, indigenous gullies and rare panoramic ocean views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Set within the undulating topography of the Central Highlands, and hugging the geologically unique Scotland District, it is home to an 18-hole, par-72 Championship golf course which is complemented by state-of-the-art golf amenities featuring the latest technology, a short course under development, and a 19th hole.
With its laid back, luxury lifestyle, sustainability lives at its core and permeates through the entire resort and community. The stunning collection of residences, which blend seamlessly with the environment, highlight that nature, innovation and technology reign supreme across the lush landscape.ADVERTISEMENTSleek and modern residences can be found ranging from three-bedroom courtyard villas to four-bedroom hilltop residences and golf course homes featuring a bespoke design service. It is a place of prestige without pretense, set in one of the most unique high points to be found. Apes Hill Barbados delivers an unmatched adventure for the entire family and is a natural setting for an ultra-luxurious golf resort and community.

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The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) has announced the introduction of the “Tattoovenir,” the first-ever souvenir that truly stays with you. The One happy island is offering visitors the chance to get a free Aruba-themed tattoo from a local artist, as a permanent reminder of the One happy island.“When our visitors leave, they take some of the island’s abundant happiness with them,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “What better way to celebrate this lasting feeling than to give away permanent souvenirs from our talented local tattoo artists. Because Aruba stays with you, long after you leave.”
Starting today, eligible visitors can register for the opportunity to receive a free Aruba-themed tattoo during their trip from one of the five participating local Aruban tattoo shops by visiting aruba.com/tattoovenirs and claiming a Tattoovenir voucher while supplies last. Pending verification of their eligibility, participants can redeem their Tattoovenir at the participating shop of their choice between January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.
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Black Sheep Body ArtsLocated ideally in the heart of Oranjestad, Black Sheep Body Arts features a team of award winning tattoo artists that specialize in custom, fine line, bright color, and black and grey realism tattoosCadushi Ink TattoosA trend setter in the Aruban tattoo industry, the eclectic Cadushi Ink Tattoo shop has years of experience perfecting a variety of styles from minimalistic to to neotraditional, geometric, realistic, and freestyle.Inkspiration Tattoo StudioOperating just off the shoreline in Palm Beach, Inksiration tattoo is home to a team of versatile artists with experience working with fineline, black & grey, color and custom tattoos.Aruba Tattoo/Aruba Tattoo and PiercingJust minutes from Eagle Beach, Aruba Tattoo and Piercing features a dedicated team of artists that are constantly studying new techniques to evolve their work and perfect their craft, with a specialty in realism composition tattoos in black and grey.Art 4 Life TattooAt Art 4 Life Tattoo, conveniently situated amongst the high rise hotels of Plam Beach, visitors will find a staff of skilled tattoo artists who pride thesleves on crafting one-of-a-kind personalized tattoos and creating unforgettable experiences.To learn more about the Aruba Effect and all that the One happy island has to offer, visit Aruba.com and follow us on social @ArubaTourism. The Aruba Tourism Authority encourages visitors to show how Aruba has stayed with them by sharing their Aruba-inspired ink on social media and using the hashtag #Tattoovenir.

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World Animal Protection and World Cetacean Alliance have launched a new global program, working in coalition with responsible travel businesses and wildlife charities, to forever change the way people view and understand wildlife.
As more people become aware that zoos and aquariums exploit animals for entertainment, Wildlife Heritage Areas will meet an increasing demand from tourists to ethically see wild animals in the wild.
“World Animal Protection and our partners are breaking new ground in the world of responsible and sustainable tourism,” says Cameron Harsh, US director of programs for World Animal Protection. “Now, travelers will be able to discover amazing destinations—whether near their own homes or abroad—where they can trust that the local communities and the incredible tourism experiences, they have created are meaningfully protecting wild animals and their homes.”
One newly designated Wildlife Heritage area, the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA), is located in the United States, less than a hundred miles outside Los Angeles. The Santa Barbara Channel, renowned for its rich biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem, has long been a haven for over 25 different species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. More than 15,000 Pacific gray whales migrate through the channel each year on their way to their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico in the winter and their feeding grounds in the Arctic in the summer.
“Animals have the power to touch our hearts, inspire our minds, and deepen our connection to the natural world. By appreciating and protecting these magnificent cetaceans in their natural habitat, our hope is we not only enhance their lives but also cultivate an opportunity for tourists to understand and witness their responsibility towards keeping animals in the wild,” said Holly Lohuis, co-director of SBCWHA and local naturalist and marine educator with Island Packers, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Ocean Futures Society.ADVERTISEMENTAdditional Wildlife Heritage areas have been launched in Peru/Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Australia, Portugal, and South Africa.
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