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      Israel Government Tourist Office withdraws from WTM

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      The Israel Government Tourist Office has pulled out of World Travel Market London, which is due to take place at ExCeL next week (November 6-8)The withdrawal from the international travel trade show comes amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
      A spokesperson for WTM London said the event was informed this morning and the tourist board has been removed from the list of exhibitors.
      Pini Shani, senior deputy director general of marketing for Israel’s Ministry of Tourism had originally been expected to attend, along with representatives from the London team.
      A statement from Israel’s Ministry of Tourism said: “After consideration, Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has decided to no longer attend this year’s World Travel Market in London.
      “The Ministry, through its Tourist Office in London, vows to support the travel industry, its stakeholders, and those who rely on tourism and visitation to the country and hopes to welcome travellers from the UK back to Israel in the future as soon as it’s possible to do so.”ADVERTISEMENTSource: Travelweekly.co.uk

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      Sharjah to showcase integrated tourism developments at World Travel Market

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      Costa del Sol seeks to attract more high-spending British tourists at World Travel Market in London

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      Francisco Salado and Margarita del Cid will attend the WTM in London
      The Costa del Sol hopes to appealing to more British tourists with greater purchasing power at the upcoming annual World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The main aim of the fair, held from 6 to 8 November, will be to recover some of the pre-pandemic tourists to further boost the number of visitors to Malaga province next year.
      President of Turismo Costa del Sol Francisco Salado, together with the CEO Margarita del Cid will attend the event. Meanwhile, SUR will have its own stand at the travel trade fair for yet another year.Both Salado and Del Cid have presented the campaign that the province will take to the fair, the most important for the tourism industry in Malaga. With optimism, but also with caution, Salado is confident in the improvement of the UK economy and the potential of the destination to achieve the objectives set. He pointed out the strong recovery of British tourism recorded in the past year.
      However, according to latest data, the number of tourists staying in hotels and holiday apartments are still 7% below pre-pandemic levels and 10% lower when it comes to British visitors.
      From January to August, a total of 4.2 million stays were recorded, almost 6% more than in 2022. “We are on the road to recovery. We have made a lot of progress. British arrivals at the airport are up 12% on last year, but still almost 11% below 2019 records. The figure has improved, but we have to keep working hard,” Salado said. A total of 79% of British overnight stays in the Andalucía are on the Costa del Sol, Salado added.Turismo Costa del Sol has invested 600,000 euros in its promotional campaign which it will take to the travel fair in London. Salado said the organisation will have its own 200-square-metre stand with work and networking areas at which 50 companies and 150 professionals will be present. Meetings with travel agencies, operators and airlines, are planned in addition to 300 meetings scheduled for Malaga businesspeople at the stand.
      To attract the attention of the British and promote the main attractions of the province, there will be special attention paid to Malaga province’s golf, weather and beaches. In the centre of London, at Marble Arch, Turismo Costa del Sol will also dress up an old newsstand with striking images of the province and with staff handing out newspapers named ‘sun’ – a play on the region’s famous sunshine.ADVERTISEMENT

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      Bahamas Visitor Arrivals Now at Pre-Pandemic (2019) Levels

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      In the first three quarters of 2023, The Bahamas welcomed more than 7.2 million visitors, equalling in nine months the total number of arrivals for all of 2019, putting the country squarely on target to welcome more than 8 million visitors this year.The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation can confirm that arrivals by air and sea, from January through the end of September 2023, numbered 7,209,165. Of this record number of visitors to our beautiful islands, 1,332,752 came by air and 5,876,413 came by sea as total arrivals are outpacing 2019 by 33 percent.Elaborating on the country’s 2023 tourism performance, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said: “The overall goal of our efforts in tourism is to continually increase visitor arrival numbers to our destination, year after year. Our tourism performance in 2023 has been spectacular on two fronts. We have surpassed the tourism benchmark year of 2019 across all metrics, and our visitor arrival numbers are a resounding indication of a complete post-pandemic rebound.”
      Cruise arrivals from the beginning of the year through September are up 61 percent over the corresponding period in 2022, and 45 percent ahead of 2019. Foreign air arrivals, which include stopovers and day visitors, are up 21 percent over the same period in 2022 and stopover visitors through September, are just shy of the total number of stopover visitors for the same period of 2019.
      Hotel occupancy is up over 2019, with average daily room rates and room revenue significantly ahead of that year. The Bahamas also continues to see gains in the overall spend of visitors onshore.
      DPM Cooper hailed the result as a confluence of strategic planning and hotel and cruise operators’ continued confidence in the strength of The Bahamas brand. He said, “we are now certain to have a record year for tourism arrivals, and it’s no fluke.”
      “We have some of the most attractive cruise destinations in the region, with the new Port of Nassau making waves on social media and throughout the travel sector. Nassau, Bimini, the Berry Islands, Half Moon Cay and other destinations have seen remarkable growth in cruise arrivals in the past two years, with more visitors coming off the ships and spending more time onshore. This activity is being felt throughout the economy.”ADVERTISEMENTDPM Cooper pointed out that the metrics are also changing with stopover visitors. “We see that room rates are nearly 60 percent higher than they were in 2019, yet occupancy rates are higher and room nights sold continues to increase.”
      “This not only translates to higher revenue for all tourism stakeholders, but also speaks to the extraordinary demand that exists for our product. Importantly, we are seeing a healthy hold in repeat visitors from our main source markets, while witnessing major increases in new arrivals who are spreading the message about The Bahamas.”
      Cooper said the dedication of tourism stakeholders to providing new experiences and stellar service year in and year out has not only helped The Bahamas tourism industry, recover to pre-pandemic levels, but is also pushing us toward gaining significantly more market share in the region.
      “We must be incredibly intentional about tourism. The Ministry of Tourism and its partners spend a great deal of time and energy to better understand our customers,” he said. “What we know is that with the projects underway in many of our islands and, the next few years of redevelopment of airport infrastructure across our islands, we will continue to grow our arrival numbers, barring any acts of God or global shocks.”
      “This is the strongest tourism has ever been, and we only expect our performance to get stronger.”

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      TAT concludes the second edition of “The One for Nature” campaign

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      TAT concludes the second edition of “The One for Nature” campaign

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      The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has concluded the second edition of “The One for Nature” project with a series of online and on the ground responsible tourism initiatives that underline Thailand’s direction towards high-value and sustainable tourism experiences, following the success of the campaign’s first edition in 2020.Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, said, “The campaign corresponds with the TAT’s Corporate Plan 2023-2027, which aims to elevate TAT’s position as the strategic leader in driving Thailand towards experience-based and sustainable tourism. Activities under “The One for Nature” campaign are conceptualised to strengthen the awareness of Amazing Thailand as a quality destination for sustainable tourism that appeals to environmentally conscious travellers.”
      In its second edition, “The One for Nature” campaign is aimed to offer environmentally conscious travellers from all over the world the opportunity to immerse themselves in even more abundant natural surroundings once again after natural sights across Thailand have rejuvenated and restored their natural beauty.
      The campaign kicked off with online and on the ground activities from August to September 2023. During the one month, the online campaign garnered 10,369,360 impressions.
      Travellers were invited to join an online activity via www.tourismthailand.org/theonefornature by uploading their own photo of their favourite travel destination in Thailand and share on social media for their friends to vote. The top two participants with the highest votes were awarded an exclusive four-day/three-night sustainable tour package. Each package included round-trip flight tickets for two, accommodation, meals, and activities. The third, fourth, and fifth-place winners also received prizes.
      Travellers were also invited to join on the ground responsible tourism activities of learning how to recycle and turn trash into treasure. The activities were arranged at Bali Hai Pier in Pattaya, Chon Buri, and the Walking Streets in Chiang Mai and Phuket.ADVERTISEMENTThe campaign concluded in Phuket with a collaboration between TAT, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, and SCG to construct coral larval settlement with 3D Cement Printing Technology using marine-friendly materials for marine ecosystem rehabilitation. The placement of coral larval settlement under the sea at Ko Racha Yai was proceeded by Racha master diver volunteers and the Racha Phuket Hotel.

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      Six Strategies to Reduce Stress and Enhance Well-Being in Business Travel

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      Six Strategies to Reduce Stress and Enhance Well-Being in Business Travel

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      According to recent research, four in five business travellers will experience poor mental health and heightened stress, anxiety, exhaustion and loneliness during work trips.
      It’s true that travelling can still be stressful due to the demands of work, unfamiliar environments, and the pressure to meet deadlines. These trips can be successful though, if there is plenty of careful planning and support provided by employers to minimise stress and maximise productivity.
      With National Stress Awareness Day just around the corner, I discuss how businesses can make corporate travel less stressful for employees…
      #1 Plan in advance
      The foundation of a successful business trip is thorough itinerary planning. This includes scheduling meetings, arranging transportation, and booking accommodations for employees in advance to ensure that everything runs smoothly.ADVERTISEMENTBusinesses should develop a schedule that factors in buffer time for unexpected delays. Providing your employees with additional time and a well-structured schedule can help alleviate stress and worry if things don’t go to plan.
      Corporate travel coordinators will also need to be mindful of travelling between time zones. Jet lag can significantly hinder an employee’s performance. Careful planning of this often-overlooked facet of business travel will ensure employees have the time to rest and adjust to local time ahead of important meetings.
      #2 Use a travel management company (TMC)
      Consider using travel management platforms and apps to streamline the booking and expense tracking process. TMCs typically offer 24/7 support and assistance in case of travel disruptions or emergencies. Knowing that help is just a phone call away can reduce the stress associated with unexpected situations.
      Some platforms will also include integrated expense-tracking features. Employees can easily log their expenses, such as meals and incidentals, during their trips, which are automatically recorded in the system. This not only reduces the administrative burden for both employees and organisations, but also ensures accurate and consistent expense reporting.
      #3 Prioritise wellbeing in your travel policy
      A clear travel policy, which outlines expectations, reimbursement procedures and guidelines for booking travel is essential.
      But travel policies should go beyond making sure staff adhere to certain rules. Businesses have a responsibility to boost employee wellness where possible, particularly during stressful scenarios like travelling for business.
      A TMC can assist here in helping companies create individual travel profiles to enhance workers’ travel experiences and optimise their performance. This could involve building unique, personalised plans, which encompass dietary requirements, fitness routines and even entertainment preferences.
      Even small details like providing employees with an adequate budget for nutritious meals, and access to flat beds for quality sleep can go a long way in improving the physical and mental wellbeing of your workforce while travelling.
      Companies may choose to recognise their ‘road warriors’ with bigger perks. Frequent business travellers are likely to bring in substantial business, so acknowledge their efforts with added benefits to boost morale and retain top talent.
      This could mean implementing specialised policies for your ‘high mileage’ workers like upgraded accommodation or more flexible work arrangements to help balance work and travel demands.
      #5 Take advantage of corporate rewards.
      Encourage employees to join frequent flyer or hotel loyalty programmes, which can lead to perks like upgrades, lounge access and faster check-ins.
      Employees can also simplify the travel experience by using mobile boarding passes to skip the lines at the ticket counter or enrol in programmes like Fast Track to expedite airport security screening.
      These simple additions to an employee’s journey not only save time but also reduce the stress associated with long security lines and the potential risk of missing a flight due to delays.
      #6 Enhance travel support with technology.
      Embracing technology is essential for businesses looking to reduce stress among business travellers as it streamlines travel processes and enhances communication.
      Many airports and hotels are introducing biometric authentication technology, like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning, which reduces waiting times during security and check-in processes.
      AI is becoming more recognised for its potential to ease travel stress too. For example, AI-driven virtual assistants, are useful for providing real-time updates, suggesting travel options, and even rebooking flights in the event of cancellations. American Express, is already investing in Large Language Models (LLMs) to improve traveller care operations and answer questions efficiently.
      While there are benefits to using AI in travel, it’s hard to say if it will ever fully replace the human touch. AI is not always accurate and can frequently provide incorrect answers. Additionally, the travel industry is dynamic, and there still needs to be a human level of understanding to navigate the differing priorities of suppliers, companies, and travellers.

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      Khiri Travel Introduces Diverse Travel Experiences Across Southeast Asia

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      Khiri Travel Introduces Diverse Travel Experiences Across Southeast Asia

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      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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      Sail Croatia Launch New Yoga Themed Cruises for 2024

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      The American Midwest Named Best Value Destination in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2024

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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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      Celebrating Excellence in Travel:  The 2023 World Travel Awards and its Grand Final in Dubai

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      The travel industry has always been a realm of dreams, wanderlust, and adventure, and it’s in recognition of this allure that the World Travel Awards were established. As 2023 draws to a close, the culmination of these prestigious awards is set to unfold at the grand final in Dubai on Friday, December 1st, a much-anticipated event to celebrate excellence and innovation in the world of travel and tourism.
      The World Travel Awards: Honoring the Best in the Industry
      The World Travel Awards, often referred to as the “Oscars of the Travel Industry,” have been acknowledging excellence in the global travel and tourism sector since their inception in 1993. The awards cover a wide range of categories, including airlines, hotels, resorts, cruise lines, destinations, and travel technology, among others.

      Over the course of the year, regional events take place across the globe, where the best contenders in each category are recognized. These regional events build up to the grand final, a glittering ceremony that showcases the best of the best on a global scale. The grand final is a spectacular event, held in a different world-class destination each year.

      Dubai: The Perfect Host for the Grand Final
      In 2023, the World Travel Awards grand final will be held at the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai. Known for its opulence and unparalleled luxury, the Burj Al Arab is a fitting venue for an event that celebrates excellence and innovation in the travel industry.
      Dubai, a city known for pushing the boundaries and setting new standards, has become a global travel hub, attracting visitors from all corners of the world. With its futuristic skyscrapers, man-made islands, and a deep respect for culture and tradition, Dubai epitomizes the juxtaposition of the modern and the historic, making it an ideal host for the grand final.
      The Grand Final: What to Expect

      The grand final of the World Travel Awards is not just an awards ceremony; it’s a spectacle that offers an exclusive gathering of travel industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the world. The event is a night of celebration, networking, and glamour, offering a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the travel and tourism sector.
      The awards themselves are the highlight of the evening, with winners in various categories recognized and celebrated. It is a moment of pride and achievement for those who have excelled in providing exceptional travel experiences, setting benchmarks for the industry.
      Looking Forward to December 1st
      As the grand final in Dubai approaches, the anticipation and excitement among those in the travel industry are palpable. The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, with its unparalleled hospitality and luxury, will provide the perfect backdrop for this prestigious event.
      In a year that has tested the resilience of the travel industry, the World Travel Awards serve as a reminder of the strength and determination of the sector. The event not only recognizes excellence but also inspires innovation, ensuring that the future of travel is brighter than ever.

      December 1st, 2023, is a date to mark on your calendar, a day when the finest in the world of travel and tourism will gather at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah to celebrate excellence, share insights, and set the course for the future of the industry. As we await this grand event, the 2023 World Travel Awards grand final in Dubai promises to be an evening of elegance and achievement, a true testament to the enduring spirit of travel.
      For more details visit www.worldtravelawards.com

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