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    ITB China 2023 Fully Booked: China’s Premier Travel Marketplace Set for a Resounding Live Return

    ITB China, the highly anticipated marketplace for China’s travel industry, is gearing up for its grand live event from 12 – 14 September 2023. With an impressive line-up of exhibitors representing all travel trade segments, the three-day B2B show promises to reconnect global travel suppliers with the resurgent Chinese market.
    The international participation and strong demand from industry players provide a positive outlook for the show. Looking ahead, ITB China 2024 will mark its return next year on May 27 – 29. Save the date and be part of another remarkable edition of the annual event.The organizer, Messe Berlin (Shanghai), is pleased to announce that ITB China 2023 has reached full capacity of exhibition space reserved for the upcoming event. Under this year’s slogan “Crossing Barriers • Connecting Markets”, ITB China will play a pivotal role in reconnecting global travel suppliers with the resurgent Chinese market, by offering abundant business opportunities through face-to-face meetings onsite and the latestinterpretation of the travel trends in China.
    Media and Visitor registration is now open at: reg.itb-china.com
    David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai), expresses his excitement, stating: “With the sudden opening of China’s outbound travel market at the beginning of this year, Chinese buyers are now eagerly anticipating access to international resources to rebuild and update their product portfolios. ITB China 2023 will facilitate this with attending travel suppliers from Europe (24%), Asia (28%), Americas (15%), Middle East(16%), Oceania (10%), and Africa (7%), underlining the global nature of the event, and our role in driving the recovery of the Chinese international travel market.
    The exhibition showcases a wide range of global destinations, including national and regional tourism organizations from Aragón, Andalucía, Berlin, California, Catalonia, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, France, Galicia, Germany, Israel, Italy, Los Angeles, Madrid, Malta, Malaysia, New Zealand, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Scandinavian Tourist Board (Denmark & Norway) Serbia, Spain, Switzerland,Tahiti and Turkey.ADVERTISEMENTAmong the global destinations, newcomers such as Beijing, Bursa, Chengdu, Maldives, NEOM, New York, Raktda, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom will make their debut on the ITB China show floor. The European Travel Commission (ETC) will once again showcase a prominent presence, emphasizing the diverse and appealing travel experiences that Europe has to offer.The exhibition will also feature many global hotels and accommodation providers including this year’s Partner Hotel Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Bintan Resorts, Gloria Hotels & Resorts, INSPIRE Entertainment Resort, Jin Jiang International, Jinling Hotels & Resorts, LN International Hospitality Management, Mayfair Cruises, Meliá Hotels International, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Restel, S.A, Travco Corporation, VinWonders,WebBeds and many more.
    Moreover, online travel agencies (OTA’s) and transportation & mobility providers will be also prominently featured, offering their exceptional products and services at this year’s show. Some notable names among them include Trip.com Group, Fliggy, Expedia Group, Avis Budget Group, Bohr Omnibus GmbH, Europcar, Hertz Car Rental, Oceanwide Expeditions, Poseidon Expeditions, Reluxtrans Car service and TOPONE Car Service.
    The travel technology segment is back with a large number of exhibitors including DerbySoft, DidaTravel, Flightroutes24, Fly Today, Freed Group, HeyTrip, JegoTrip, Miki Travel, Mondee, Shiji Group, TEK TRAVELS DMCC, Yalago or YunShang Technology to name just a few.
    Demand for places at the ITB China show floor is also high among exhibitors from attractions, tour operators and customized travel providers such as Bounty Group Bali, Brilliant Africa,Defence Collective Singapore, Designer Safari, Disneyland Paris, EternityX, Hurtigruten group, Beijing Tianxingjian International Travel Service, Benchmark Adventure, Bhutan Land of Happiness Tours, Kuoni Tumlare, Travel The Guianas & Caribean andYoyiyo.it.
    ITB China is proud to gather top and hand-selected Chinese buyers including an impressive 86% of founders, C-level executives, directors and senior managers from leading Chinese travel agencies. The event’s matchmaking system ensures successful meetings and high-value connections, maximizing business opportunities during the attendees’ limited time at the exhibition. Coinciding with the travel trade show, the ITBChina Conference will provide a platform for exchange and knowledge transfer with experts and top-level speakers, further enriching the experience for all participants.
    Save the date! ITB China 2024 has been scheduled for 27- 29 May, marking its return to the regular time slot in spring. The organizer is delighted to announce that the exhibitor registration for 2024 is now open, catering to the pressing demands of the exhibitors.Interested exhibitors can secure their presence for next year’s event or inquire about lastminute freed-up spaces to join this year’s ITB China 2023. Open slots will be allocated according to a waiting list. For more information, please visit www.itb-china.com or contact [email protected]

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    Major study reveals Jet2.com and Jet2holidays continue to lead the industry for customer service

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    ATLANTIS SANYA FUELS LOCAL NIGHT ECONOMY WITH MYRIAD OF SUMMER NIGHT ACTIVITIES More

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    Major study reveals Jet2.com and Jet2holidays continue to lead the industry for customer service

    Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have once again been rated amongst the best companies in the UK for delivering outstanding customer service, according to the latest UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI).The July 2023 UKCSI, published by The Institute of Customer Service, has ranked Jet2holidays joint 7th out of more than 280 major brands and organisations for customer service.
    With a customer satisfaction score of 84.5, it means that not only is the UK’s largest tour operator the only tour operator to appear in a list of the ten most highly rated organisations for customer satisfaction, but it has also improved its score by 0.8 points compared to July 2022. The average ‘tourism’ company scored 80.4.
    Leading leisure airline, Jet2.com, has also been highly rated coming in joint 22nd after receiving a customer satisfaction score of 82.1, and ranking significantly higher than the national ‘transport’ sector average of 71.9. As well as the only airline to appear in the top 50 list of organisations, this score makes Jet2.com the top-ranked transport company in the report.
    The companies’ successes in the most recent UKCSI survey are the latest examples of how the award-winning airline and tour operator have continued to deliver their customer-first strategy.
    For example, Jet2.com has continually operated its entire programme without making cancellations this year, meaning customers can book and travel on their well-deserved holidays knowing they will get away as planned. This follows on from Jet2.com being repeatedly recognised last year for not making any cancellations due to its own staff shortages. The airline, along with Jet2holidays, took action to proactively recruit well ahead of the bounce back last year, and as such had a very visible uniformed presence in place (referred to as the Red Team) in UK airports as well as in main overseas airports and in resorts. This Red Team are on hand this summer, providing customers with an award-winning friendly service and giving customers extra assurance that they are in the best hands when they travel.ADVERTISEMENTThe UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) is a national barometer of customer satisfaction, which has been published by The Institute of Customer Service since 2008. It is based on the experiences and relationships that more than 10,000 customers have had with over 280 organisations in 13 different types of sectors.
    Over 25 different metrics, such as employee professionalism, product/service quality, ease of dealing with an organisation, ethical behaviour, and complaint handling are factored into the results to reveal the companies with the best customer service across the UK. The measures in the UKCSI reflect the priorities customers have identified as the most important attributes of customer experience, and also include measures of customer effort and Net Promoter Score (NPS).
    Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to be recognised as the best airline and tour operator for customer satisfaction once again. The UKCSI is a benchmark of how customers feel about different companies they use and the customer service they are providing, and the findings of this survey show that our customer-first approach is working. Once again, we are ahead of the competition for customer satisfaction thanks to our ethos of always putting customers first. This summer is our busiest summer yet, however once again we are continuing to operate our programme without making cancellations, meaning customers can look forward to their well-deserved holidays, just as they should be. It takes a dedicated team of brilliant colleagues to consistently meet these standards, so I would like to pay tribute to everyone at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays for their tireless work ensuring that every customer feels like a VIP when jetting off on holiday with us.”

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    New Icelandair Destination: Innsbruck, Austria

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    Visit Detroit sets industry standard for destination organizations with new website

    Developed in partnership with Tempest — a leading website, CRM and digital solutions provider for the Destination Marketing industry — Visit Detroit has officially launched a bold new vision for VisitDetroit.com that channels the essence of Detroit’s personality and signature experiences to travelers and event planners with captivating new visuals and improved functionality.
    The new VisitDetroit.com features modern, experiential design elements that pay tribute to Detroit’s rich cultural heritage, including iconic line art, halftone imagery and typography that draws parallels to Motown albums and music-themed brands. High resolution imagery remains a primary focus to better leverage Detroit’s unique experiences, while customizable, circular icon scrollers showcase the diversity of activities through campaign-style visuals.
    Functionally, the new website benefits from a refined information architecture optimized for organic search that aids in content discovery through search engines and site navigation. A dynamic and responsive site search — enhanced and personalized with artificial intelligence (AI) — populates results in real time, efficiently connecting travelers and meeting planners to local businesses and Visit Detroit partners. Industry-leading mapping functionality further elevates website content, aiding users with effortless navigation of Metro Detroit’s neighborhoods, top attractions, meeting venues, restaurants and experiences.
    “We’re thrilled to officially unveil this bold new vision for Visit Detroit, which authentically showcases our city’s spirit with unparalleled functionality that will aid, inspire, and attract a worldwide audience,” stated Claude Molinari, President & CEO of Visit Detroit. “The improved functionality will better spotlight the vibrant businesses, attractions, individuals and events that form the fabric of our city and region.”
    “It has been a pleasure working alongside the team at Visit Detroit to deliver this best-in-class digital experience, which will serve as an invaluable asset for the community of Detroit,” said Gregg Shapiro, President & Chief Creative Officer of Tempest. “The new VisitDetroit.com captures what makes Detroit such a unique destination and sets a new standard for destination websites moving forward.”ADVERTISEMENT“Visit Detroit was grateful to partner with Tempest to create an immersive digital experience that reflects the vitality of our region,” said Stan Smith, Sr. Director of Marketing for Visit Detroit. “By focusing on how users can easily engage with content, the new website is designed to capture the imagination of our audience and move them to Detroit.”
    For more information, please contact:
    Christopher Moyer, Senior Director of Communications, Visit Detroit — [email protected]­

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    Papua New Guinea: A New “Heaven on Earth” for Cultural Photography and Bird Lovers

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    Papua New Guinea: A New “Heaven on Earth” for Cultural Photography and Bird Lovers

    When Belgian photographer and photo tour leader David Van Driessche sought new locations for his photo trips, he decided to explore Papua New Guinea and its many cultures.Little did he know that his travel to this country would evolve into a truly memorable adventure as he developed close friendships with tribal members. He found new friends and colorful models for his photography tours, but more importantly, Van Driessche successfully encouraged the tribes to build living quarters in their remote villages where tourists and photographers could reside for a few days.
    Today, several tribes are building small cottages and rooms to accommodate tourists and photographers. Construction is primarily with wood collected from the surrounding forests. The units are artfully designed and include the amenities of home, such as a comfortable bed, shower, toilet, dresser, and clothing rack. Air conditioning is unnecessary because of the mild mountain climate.
    “Travel agencies currently book tourists in hotels located in faraway cities like Goroka or Mount Hagen, requiring long hours of travel to the tribal villages. This allows only a few hours with the tribes before returning the same day to the hotels in those cities,” says Van Driessche. “With these new cottages, I can take groups of tourists and photographers from one tribe to the next without having to leave the area and go back to the city. It means the clients get a ‘full immersion experience’ with the tribes and their way of life.”
    About two years ago Van Driessche had the good fortune of meeting Randy Hanna, also a professional photographer and photo tour leader who is based in the United States. Together they collaborated on ways to help generate income for ethnic groups in Papua New Guinea. With the cooperation and financial support from Hanna, Van Driessche started building eco-lodges with two of the most famous, colorful, and exciting cultural groups in Papua New Guinea – the Asaro Mudmen and the Mindima Skeleton tribes.
    According to Van Driessche, the best part of Papua New Guinea is the road between Goroka and Mount Hagen. Located here is The Asaro Mudmen Tribal Eco Lodge with ten rooms and more under construction. From this location, photographers can experience six different cultural events ranging from the Moko Moko Victory dance of the Asaro Warriors to the Burning Heads of Gimmesave.ADVERTISEMENTJust a two-hour drive from the Asaro Mudmen lodge is the Omo Bruglgamo Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge. This lodge has five budget rooms and three deluxe rooms, with more under construction. Found next to the Skeleton tribe are the Insect Hunters and Dusk Shaker cultures, as well as the famous Chimbu Bila with their long-feathered headdresses.
    Who are the Mudmen and Skeleton Tribes?
    Van Driessche, who now lives in Thailand, spent months exploring the tribes of Papua New Guinea. He worked most closely with the Mudmen and Skeleton tribes and was thrilled when they agreed to build lodging for his photography tours. As they have worked together, Van Driessche has learned many of the legends and history that make each tribe distinctly different. Each tribe has unique ceremonies and festivals which require masks or body paint to create special, colorful appearances.
    The Mudmen from Asaro pay tribute to their ancestors by covering their bodies with mud and wearing heavy masks also made of mud. Centuries ago, the Asaro were known as shy jungle-dwellers. Legend has it that one day they were attacked by a powerful tribe and fled to the nearby Asaro River. When their assailants reached the river, they came upon figures coated in white and gray river mud. Believing they had met the ghost spirits of the Asaro they had just killed, the aggressors panicked and quickly fled from the ghosts. They never returned.
    Members of the Skeleton Tribe from Mindima use white paint on their bodies to appear as skeletons. As the story is told now, a few villagers went hunting in the mountains but never returned. A search party found a small cave containing numerous human bones. They believed a big monster (probably a bear or wolf) had killed the hunters. To get rid of the monster they painted themselves as skeletons and laid next to the bones. When the monster returned and had his back to the living skeletons, they killed it. To this day the Skeleton Tribe continues to paint their bodies like skeletons to ward off evil and honor their ancestors.
    Two More Projects in the Making
    Van Diessche has two more eco lodge projects underway, one in the Jiwaka Province with the Sekaka Tribe. Known for their elaborate headresses made of colorful bird feathers as well as the Forest Skull Kids of Koskala, this ethnic group is building the Koskala Gerupeng Lodge near the town of Banz. The village is only a one-hour drive from Mount Hagen Airport and an hour’s drive from The Skeleton Tribe Eco Lodge.
    The other project is in Enga Province with the Black Faced Tribe of Suli Muli. This small group of people, known for using distinctive black face paint, is one of the most isolated in Papua New Guinea.  They live in small, scattered communities throughout the mountains, and their way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries.  The Suli Muli people have recently started building their first eco lodge units. “Because this area has had no tourism, the experience is truly amazing,” says Van Driessche. “To be with a tribe that has experienced very few visitors has always been my dream. It’s like going back in time and learning to appreciate how our ancestors lived – but it’s real life now.”
    Birds of Paradise
    Near Mount Hagen is another phenomenon that lures photographers to Papua New Guinea: the birds of paradise. Legend informs us that these birds were forever in flight, never touching the ground nor resting in trees. Whether true or not, the birds of paradise are among the most beautiful and colorful flying creatures on earth.
    Of the 42 species of paradise birds, all but two are found in Papua New Guinea. Although most male birds of paradise have spectacular plumage, there are a few species where the male and female have almost identical, generally modest-looking plumage. Coloring and type of plumage vary drastically among species.
    Finding these magnificent birds amidst dense foliage can be extremely challenging. However, with the help of local tribesmen, who know the habits of the birds and the environments in which they live, these gorgeous birds can be readily located.
    Come to Papua New Guinea
    Long ago, Papua New Guinea was known for cannibalism, but today it is a very safe country for travelers to experience colorful culture and unique tribal traditions. “The headhunters of the past have become tourist hunters of today. They are anxious to share their unique customs and cultures with others,” says Van Driessche.
    If you are a photographer, birder or simply an adventurer, join us in Papua New Guinea for the experience of a lifetime.
    For additional information:
    tribesofpapuanewguinea.com

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    Elite Havens Expands Portfolio With 4 Stunning Additions to Their Luxury Indonesia Villa Collection

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    Elite Havens Expands Portfolio With 4 Stunning Additions to Their Luxury Indonesia Villa Collection

    Elite Havens, Asia’s leading luxury villa company, is delighted to announce the addition of four magnificent properties to their esteemed portfolio. These exceptional villas are set to further elevate the standards of luxury hospitality expected of an Elite Havens experience and provide discerning travellers with unforgettable memories of Bali and Lombok.  Each of these new additions to the Elite Havens portfolio has been hand-picked for its exceptional beauty, unique charm, and stunning location. With meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to personalised service, Elite Havens continues to redefine luxury villa rentals across Asia. 
    Said Elite Havens General Manager Indonesia, Vitalis Alexander, “We are delighted to welcome these new properties to our portfolio. They represent the diversity and beauty that make our collection truly exceptional. Each villa offers a distinct experience, ensuring that our guests can find their perfect sanctuary amidst the captivating destinations of Bali and Lombok.”
    1. Villa Bangkuang, Seseh-Tanah Lot, Bali
    Nestled in the charming village of Seseh, Villa Bangkuang offers an idyllic retreat surrounded by lush rice fields. This six-bedroom, newly renovated masterpiece seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional Balinese architecture, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. With a private pool, stunning gardens, and exceptional service, this villa is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquillity and privacy. 
    2. Villa Emmy, Seminyak, BaliADVERTISEMENTLocated in the vibrant heart of Seminyak, Villa Emmy is a contemporary oasis that combines modern sophistication with tropical allure. Featuring four bedrooms and stylish open-plan living areas surrounding a large pool, this villa offers the perfect balance of solitude, comfort, and convenience. Guests can indulge in Seminyak’s renowned dining and shopping scene, relax on nearby beaches, or simply unwind in the comfort of their private retreat. 

    3. Malimbu Cliff Villa, Lombok
    Perched atop a cliff overlooking the pristine shores of Lombok, Malimbu Cliff Villa showcases breathtaking views of the turquoise sea and stunning sunsets. This four-bedroom villa epitomises tropical luxury with its infinity pool, expansive outdoor spaces, and contemporary design. The villa’s location provides a serene escape while offering easy access to the vibrant town of Senggigi and the natural wonders of Lombok. 

    4. Villa Avalon, Canggu, Bali
    From award-winning architect Popo Danes, Villa Avalon is a magnet to large groups and multiple families because of its sprawling spaces and central location between Seminyak and Canggu. A mere 60 metres from the beach and walking distance to beach clubs and restaurants, it’s a rare find for those seeking the best Bali has to offer. 

    “Our team has meticulously selected these properties to ensure that each one stands out in its own right, offering our guests a unique and memorable experience,” added Mr Alexander. “We are committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring that every detail exceeds our guests’ expectations.”

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    Monterey Bay Whale Watching Hotel Packages

    Few things are as thrilling as spotting the Earth’s largest mammal at the ocean’s surface. Families, couples, and friends can go on this exciting adventure and take advantage of Monterey Bay Inn’s famous Whale Watching Package, including deluxe accommodations, continental breakfast, and the boat tour.
    Monterey Bay is one of the nation’s top places for whale-watching and viewing abundant marine mammals and seabirds. Guests will cruise the waters of Monterey Bay to encounter majestic grey, blue, and humpback whales, orcas, playful dolphins, sea otters, and sea lions. The 3-hour tour is fully narrated by a seasoned marine biologist who shares information about the whales, their habitat, mating rituals, and migration paths. This whale-watching trip is educationally oriented, so the biologist will happily answer quests. Guests capture an up-close view while whales migrate and fee just offshore.
    Monterey Bay Whale Watch provides trips and departs from Monterey’s Fisherman’s Wharf #1. Arrive at departure location 1/2 hour before board time. A 24-hour cancellation is required.
    The 49-room Monterey Bay Inn on historic Cannery Row is adjacent to San Carlos Beach, near the Coast Guard Pier, Cannery Row Shopping, and Monterey Bay Aquarium. Guestrooms have balconies with outdoor furniture to enjoy a sweeping view of Monterey Bay; amenities include a rooftop hot tub, easy access to the beach, and a complimentary continental breakfast. Monterey Bay Inn is perfect for family getaways and romantic escapes—Monterey Bay Inn at 242 Cannery Row, Monterey, California 93940,  www.montereybayinn.com.For reservations, call 1-800-424-6242 or visit [email protected]

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    Coastal Mississippi Offers Last Minute Summer Vacation Ideas for Travelers

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    Coastal Mississippi Offers Last Minute Summer Vacation Ideas for Travelers

    The summer season is heading into its final weeks, but there’s still plenty of time and sunshine waiting for travelers to plan a budget friendly summer getaway to Coastal Mississippi.With 62 miles of Gulf Coast shoreline, including 26 miles of white sand beaches and 12 coastal communities, there’s experiences for travelers of every age. From popular outdoor experiences like kayaking, hiking, birding, and golfing, to seasonal events and sports outings, the Gulf Coast is the perfect place to wind down the summer season. This hidden coastal gem also offers fewer crowds than other destinations, creating an ideal getaway for any last-minute summer trips.“We’ve curated a large list of experiences and itinerary ideas that travelers can squeeze in before the summer season ends,” said Judy Young, CEO of Coastal Mississippi Tourism. “With attractions, hotels, and restaurants to please every budget, our destination is perfect for travelers still looking to fit in one last trip before the summer ends – without the big-ticket prices and crowds.”
    Gulf Coast Wildlife & Waters:The Tri-County coastal region of Mississippi offers travelers an abundance of wildlife and waterfront experiences to choose from. From resource centers to trails, beaches and more, here are a few must-see stops for summer 2023:
    Visitors can experience birding and botanizing at Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve & Coastal Resource Center. While you’re there, keep your eyes peeled for aquatic and marine mammals such as river otters and bottlenose dolphins.For magnificent views of the Mississippi coastline, barrier islands, and marine life, visitors can join Captain Jim and Captain Chris on the North Star Sailing Charters for a day on the water. The charter offers morning, afternoon, and sunset charters of two and a half, four and six hours in length.Located right off the coast of Biloxi, Deer Island Coastal Preserve offers travelers the opportunity to boat, canoe or paddleboard. Visitors can find white sand beaches and explore the 400-acre island home to ten endangered animals and plants, such as the Mississippi Sandhill Crane, Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Gopher Tortoise. For extended trips on Coastal Waters, Eco-Tours of South Mississippi offers interpretive tours ranging from two to eight hours across natural habitats, such as cypress swamps and salt marshes of the lower Pascagoula River or the coastal barrier islands. Additionally, travelers can book a two-hour sunset cruise to truly take in the scenery Coastal Mississippi offers.Travelers looking for a waterfront experience on the wild side can visit Gator Ranch & Airboat Swamp Tours in Moss Point. At Gator Ranch, travelers can experience anything and everything from finding some of the oldest and largest gators, hand feeding gators up close and personal, viewing the abundant bird life on the Gulf Coast and more.New Locations & Experiences:Travelers to Coastal Mississippi can find a host of different eateries offering fresh gulf-to-table seafood and prime sunset views of the Mississippi Sound and Back Bay. A few new must-see options include:
    In Long Beach, travelers can now visit a new outpost recently opened this summer, The Juicy Caboosy, which brings snacks and drinks to beachgoers. The location, literally built inside the caboose of an old railway train, features sips and bits from cocktails and cold-pressed juices to burgers, acai bowls and more.Located on Highway 90 in Pascagoula and just opened this summer, Heladeria La Frescura offers visitors a refreshing, unique way to experience desserts from crepes, ice creams or a duro preparado plate. The colorful Mexican ice cream shop is a must-see stop for any dessert lovers.An ultra-lounge offering live entertainment that has long been a crowd-favorite in Biloxi, Martini’s, has recently launched their new “Bar Bingo Nights” on Tuesdays. Savvy visitors can pair this with happy hour specials from 4-6 PM on weeknights and brunch on the weekends for a perfect summer stop.For a unique dining experience with dishes featuring fresh ingredients and authentic recipes, travelers can visit the Lucky Noodle located within the Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis. This restaurant, which opened in late April this year, features traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared by expert chefs, from pho to specialty noodle soups and banh mi. Ideas for Sports Enthusiasts: In Coastal Mississippi, the weather stays warm all year round, but in the summer, sports enthusiasts can truly take advantage of all the coast has to offer:
    Want to hit the links? With over 12 golf courses, there is something for every skill level. Two of these include The Oaks Golf Club, an 18-hole course offering over 7,000 yards named “Best Courses You Can Play” by Golf Week Magazine many times, and Grand Bear Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus-designed layout widely considered to be among the South’s most spectacular courses. For pickleball lovers, or travelers who want to give the sport a go, various locations across the Gulf Coast offer play-in opportunities. The Popp’s Ferry Recreational Area in Biloxi offers 12 outdoor courses for visitors, Broadmoor Park in Gulfport offers an outdoor course available for play-in every day, and War Memorial Park Courts in Pass Christian offers two lighted courts open for play-in games. For all course information, please see the link here. Located on the scenic Beach Boulevard in Biloxi, MGM Park, who’s home to The Biloxi Shuckers, offers visitors a popular yet budget-friendly outing with 4,500 seats, 12 suites, two open-air party decks and a luxury club. Fans and visitors to Coastal Mississippi can find games throughout the summer to watch the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The Hottest Events of the Summer: One-of-a-kind events are happening every day across Coastal Mississippi’s 12 communities, from live musical performances to museum specials and more. Here’s a few highlights for summer’s end:ADVERTISEMENTEvents are better when they’re free, which is why the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in Gulfport started the “Free Friday Nights” event for guests from 5-8 PM. Families can visit the 15,000 sq. ft. children’s museum for interactive exhibits, outdoor play areas and more.At Ground Zero Blues Club, co-owned by legendary actor Morgan Freeman, travelers to the Gulf Coast can attend the “Musicians With a Mission” event on July 16 to help support Back Bay Mission. The musical acts at Ground Zero include live blues from The Chitlins, Hank Berumen and Royal Horses.On July 21, the Downtown Pascagoula’s Block Party will host its third Friday celebration on Main Street with a festival-style event featuring live music, children’s activities, vendors, and restaurant specials from local businesses.On July 29, Gulfport will celebrate its 125th anniversary with games, bounce houses, food trucks, and more. Starting at 5:30 PM, guests can join the community parade, then find live entertainment preceding the event and fireworks to cap off the summer night. On July 21, Ocean Springs will host its Annual July Sidewalk Sale, hosted by the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce, from 10 AM – 5 PM throughout the downtown area. At the event, visitors can find upwards of 100 local businesses with deals, drinks, food and more, including BOGOs and up to 70% off. Hosted by Moss Point Main Street at the Waterfront Café, travelers can enjoy food trucks and vendors, live music and entertainment from local acts in the region. Events will occur throughout the rest of the summer months, and guests can join the fun by boat, car, or simply by bringing a chair. For more information, visit the link here.With experiences for every traveler, Coastal Mississippi will surely delight year-round, but especially before the summer’s end when other destinations may be flooded with crowds. Travelers can start planning their final 2023 summer getaway at CoastalMississippi.com.

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    City of Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Lionel Messi to his New Home

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    City of Fort Lauderdale Welcomes Lionel Messi to his New Home

    The City of Fort Lauderdale is thrilled to welcome Major League Soccer’s Lionel Messi to his new home at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. The journey to attracting such a world-class athlete to our booming metropolis began with a public-private partnership between Fort Lauderdale and Inter Miami CF. The ongoing relationship continues to propel international interest in all we have to offer our residents, businesses and visitors.
    This is a shining example of what collaboration between government and private enterprise can accomplish. Here in Fort Lauderdale, we continue to build strong partnerships with outstanding organizations to strengthen our economy and create a world-class community. We are extremely excited to have Messi call Fort Lauderdale home and welcome him with open arms,” said Mayor Dean Trantalis.
    “We are excited to have another wonderful opportunity to share our City with the world. Fort Lauderdale is not just a tourist destination, but a leader among multiple industries from international business to real estate and beyond,” said City Manager Greg Chavarria.
    A recent report shows the strength of Fort Lauderdale’s economy as a world-class City offering an outstanding quality of life and successful business ecosystem.
    Our BusinessesADVERTISEMENTThe City has recently welcomed major companies including the Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, West Marine, the Allied Marine/Ferretti Group and many others.We support our longtime employers including Citrix, Microsoft Latin America and Auto Nation.Fort Lauderdale was named 2nd best business climate in the country by Business Facilities Magazine in 2021, 2022, 2023.Beaches and Attractions
    Fort Lauderdale Beach was placed top 3 in the nation for bluest water in the country, only behind New Mexico and Alaska.Our waterfront Aquatic Center is home to the tallest dive tower in the Western Hemisphere and has attracted divers and swimmers from all over the world.Hotel Demand
    Downtown Fort Lauderdale hotel inventory has grown by 290% in the last 5 years.The Q1 occupancy rate for all Fort Lauderdale hotels was 86%. This outpaces the national average by 23 points.Sports Impact
    The Panthers will be investing $65M+ to bring their practice facility to Downtown Fort Lauderdale.Where Visitors Are Coming From
    The New York City metro area, with 19% of all trips to Downtown Fort Lauderdale, was the top point of origin for out-of-town visitors in 2022, followed by Chicago and Detroit.Tourists spend more time in Downtown Fort Lauderdale than ever, with 36% of all visits extending between 3 and 7 days, a 9-point increase from 2018.

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