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

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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Travel Uni steps in to help companies impacted by OTT Closure

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Wartime deception – discover at English Heritage sites in 2024 More

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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Tourism board Visit Orlando will be exhibiting at this year’s London World Travel Market on stand S3-222.
Orlando is the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World®, and the No. 1 meeting destination in the country. The tourism board looks to highlight these key messages as well as a variety of talking points going into 2024, including accessibility, the newest openings inside and outside of the parks, affordable Orlando, and lesser-known experiences.
Orlando is constantly evolving with plenty of new openings and additions planned for the end of 2023 and into 2024.
Accommodation:
The luxury Waldorf Astoria Orlando is undergoing a comprehensive, multi-phase reimagination with this expected to debut in December 2023.ADVERTISEMENTIdeal for families and groups, Evermore Orlando Resort is planning a late-2023 grand opening, with reservations now open for stays beginning 5 February 2024. This resort will be a re-imagined 10,000-bedroom complex, offering an array of stay experiences from single homes and villas to flats. Also onsite, a new Conrad Orlando, features 433 rooms, including 51 regular suites and 10 spacious family suites.
Transportation:
Florida’s Brightline high-speed rail service is revolutionising Orlando to Miami travel, with the service up and running from 22nd September 2023. The route includes 16 daily round trips with hourly departures, including stops in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Aventura.
Experiences:
Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, opens in late-2023 within World Nature, the EPCOT neighbourhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world. The all-ages attraction will allow guests to explore and engage with water as it travels from the skies to the oceans and back again.
Caribe Royale Orlando Resort will debut its all-new, sports-centric facility, Stadium Club, in January 2024.
Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ animated characters in an immersive and interactive experience in 2024. The land will feature Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, along with interactive play spaces and attractions including characters from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, and more.

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O’Hara appointed chair of World Travel & Tourism Council

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As the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit kicks off in Kigali today, WTTC president Julia Simpson revealed that the global tourism sector is making a robust comeback.
The latest data from WTTC and its partner Oxford Economics shows that global travel is surging back, with all regions recovering faster than previously expected, with Asia-Pacific leading the way.
Speaking at the opening of the 23rd Global Summit, Simpson said: “Our latest data highlights our sector’s enduring appeal and resilience and is recovering faster than anticipated.
“This trend underlines the longstanding consumer appetite for travel, and despite China’s full recovery potential yet to be realised, the global sector’s performance is exceeding expectations.”
WTTC recently launched the latest industry-shaping Environmental Impact Research data (ESR), in partnership with the Sustainable Tourism Global Centre (STGC), part of the ministry of tourism of Saudi Arabia.
Last year, during the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, the two organisations launched the collaboration and unveiled the inaugural results including the accurate greenhouse gas emissions for the first time ever.
This represents the most comprehensive environmental data in tourism history including the sector’s energy, and water use footprint.
Not only tells the sector’s direct impact, but also its supply chain impacts, both within national borders and those that are embedded in tourism’s international supply chains.
According to the data, tourism was responsible for 8.1 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, 10.6 per cent of total global energy and 0.9 per cent of freshwater use.
The ground-breaking ESR data covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
Building upon WTTC’s world-renowned Economic Impact Research, this initiative introduces individualized factsheets for each country and major global regions, and a dedicated microsite allowing users to explore the data in detail.
Global Summit
As host to the first ever WTTC Global Summit in Africa, the event in Kigali will feature footballing legend Didier Drogba; Justin Urquhart-Stewart, Global Economist and renowned business commentator; Francis Gatare, chief executive of the Rwanda Development Board; as well as heads of state from the region.
WTTC Members, international media, and government representation from over 45 countries are also attending the event in Kigali.

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Etihad Airways, operates the first commercial flight opening Terminal A

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Over 5,000 Middle East visitors flock to Frankfurt for Ambiente More