Events, Organisations & Operators,

Launched in 2021, Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO promotes and enhances the role of tourism in safeguarding rural villages, along with their landscapes, natural and cultural diversity, knowledge systems, and local values and activities, including gastronomy. At the same time, the initiative also promotes transformative approaches to the development of tourism in rural destinations that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Member States invited to present candidates
Following on from the success of pilot project in 2021, UNWTO has announced the return of Best Tourism Villages for 2022. In 2021 over 40 villages from more than 30 countries across the five world regions (from over 170 applications) were recognized as Best Tourism Villages and a further 20 villages were selected to participate in the Upgrade Programme. Now, UNWTO Members States are invited once again to present candidacies through their National Tourism Administrations (NTAs) . Applications will be open until 28 June 2022 and the chosen villages will be announced at the end of the year.
The initiative has three components:The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ recognizes outstanding examples of rural tourism destinations with recognized cultural and natural assets, that preserve and promote rural and community-based values, products and lifestyle and have a clear committed to innovation and sustainability in all its aspects – economic, social and environmental. The recognition is based on an evaluation of their resources and initiatives in nine areas covering the three pillars of sustainable development.
The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Upgrade Programme assists a select number of villages among those that do not fully meet the criteria to obtain the recognition. The villages receive support from UNWTO and Partners in improving elements of the areas identified as gaps in the evaluation process.
The ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’ Network provides a space for exchanging experiences and good practices. It includes representatives of the villages recognized as ‘Best Tourism Village by UNWTO’ as well as those participating in the Upgrade Programme and it will benefit from the contributions of experts, public and private sector partners engaged in the promotion of tourism for rural development. The Network also contributes to the work of UNWTO in identifying good practices, developing guidelines and policy recommendations as well as insights and knowledge.ADVERTISEMENTApplications will be evaluated by an external independent Advisory Board consisting of experts in the different fields based on the nine evaluation areas covering natural and cultural resources as well as initiatives in the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental.
Tourism for rural developmentAnnouncing the launch of the second edition on the occasion of its 48th Commission meeting for the Middle East in Cairo, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Tourism brings immense opportunities to communities around the world to build new businesses, promote and protect their culture. I look forward to seeing examples of villages working to realize tourism’s unique potential to foster sustainability and create opportunities for all.”
In parallel to the announcement, the kick-off meeting of the BTV Network will be held online on 30 March 2022 with more than 60 current members to take part in shaping its identity, objectives and approach. The calendar of activities within the Network (training, webinars, masterclasses, etc.) will also be expanded from April to December 2022. The Network will be enlarged with new members of Best Tourism Villages 2022 and forthcoming editions with the aim of becoming the largest international network focusing on tourism for rural development.

Older
Tourism Malaysia and GoPro start expedition in Sabah

Newer
LXR Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Abu Dhabi with a Private Signature Island Golf Course More

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced new dates for the next PATA Annual Summit.
Originally scheduled to take place live and in-person in March, the forum will now be held from October 25-27 in Ras Al Khaimah.
The event will be the first time that the not-for-profit travel trade association, the largest spanning Asia-Pacific, will host its annual summit in the Middle East.
Hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the three-day event brings together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are invested in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific.
The event, comprised of conference presentations, leadership task force sessions, workshops, PATA board meetings and a travel mart component, will be hosted in various locations across the Emirate, including the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre.ADVERTISEMENTExploring the theme ‘Reconnecting the World’, the program will provide a platform for public and private sector members and partners to convene on critical industry topics, including destination recovery strategies, sustainability and resilience, human capital development, women in travel and innovation.
“We are delighted that we will still be organising the PATA Annual Summit in Ras Al Khaimah this year and bring together our industry network to discuss opportunities and best practices to enable recovery and sustainable growth,” said PATA chief executive, Liz Ortiguera.
“The team is working hard to put together an event programme, under the theme ‘Reconnecting the World,’ that will take on a format that is more experiential and will maximise in-person connections and engage an appreciation for this beautiful destination.
“I invite all of our members, partners, chapter members and industry colleagues to join us for this long-awaited opportunity.”
With over 7,000 years of fascinating history, traditions and culture, Ras Al Khaimah promises an authentic and easily accessible Arabian experience. 
Raki Phillips, chief executive of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, added: “As we navigate through a new era of travel and tourism, platforms such as the Pacific Asia Travel Association Summit provide invaluable insights that help guide our industry moving forward.
“We are pleased to host the summit in Ras Al Khaimah, the nature-based destination with exceptional connectivity and access that resonates well with Asian travellers.
“Combined with global hospitality brands and world class meeting venues, we are confident that the PATA Annual Summit this fall will be a great success.”

Older
Seabourn latest to pull Russia cruises

Newer
Tui shareholders rejig holdings following Russia sanctions More

Jamaica minister of tourism and Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) co-founder, Edmund Bartlett, has arrived in Jordan to inaugurate a new location for the organisation.
The new Global Tourism Resilience & Disaster Management Centre at the Middle East University will be referred to as the Taleb Rifai Centre.
It will operate under the leadership of professor Salam Almahadin, president of the university. 
Bartlett arrived earlier, accompanied by Kenya minister of tourism, Najib Balala.
They were greeted in Amman by Jordan minister of tourism, Nayef Himiedi Al-Fayez.
Minister Al-Fayez of Jordan, said: “We welcome the inception of the Taleb Rifai Centre here at the Middle East University.
“We trust that this initiative will play a key role in delivering resilience, robustness and agility to the tourism industry which is one of the most important sectors in the Jordanian economy through its 13 per cent contribution to GDP.”
The Jordan facility is the sixth such satellite centre to launch, followings the GTRCMC debut in Jamaica.
Earlier this month, the GTRCMC successfully launched the Global Tourism Resilience Day during an event at Expo 2020 in Dubai. 
The move was part of a multi-tier, international campaign to build resilience in the global travel industry through expansion of the Global Tourism Resilience & Disaster Management Centres.
A book tourism resilience was also released, outlining best practice.
The GTRCMC model works in partnership with an outstanding institution of higher learning, namely a well-situated university with departments covering management, research, innovation, civics, policy creation and international development. ADVERTISEMENTMiddle East University is an outstanding partner and will be the regional driver for further expansion in the Middle East and north Africa. 
Opened in 2005, the university has around 5,000 students, and will through the Taleb Rifai Centre will seek to deliver an academically rigorous environment that will identify solutions.
“We will seek funding to conduct research and develop policies in tourism resilience and crisis management, provide capacity building for the tourism sector and provide tool­kits and guidelines.
“We will utilise its professional relations with other universities across the region and beyond to establish bilateral and multilateral projects and exchange programs,” explained Almahadin.
Just days ago in Dubai, the GTRCMC signed and launched partnerships with Canadian and Bulgarian schools of higher learning. 
In Toronto, George Brown College has seven academic centres and locations.
It is located on the territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other indigenous peoples, and seeks to build connections between people who learn, work and live in the community.
In Bulgaria, the 100-year-old University of National and World Economy – the oldest and largest school of economics in south-east Europe – was the selected partner.
A new centre will be established under the tutelage of former tourism minister, Nikolina Angelkova.
“The students at all these universities are critical to the program’s success in that it starts with research, understanding and developing the regional risk profile, recommending best practices to influence policy-making based on empirical data and other success-based programs,” Bartlett elaborated.
“It’s a five-step program starting with the youth: research, evaluate, mitigate, respond and recover.”
More Information
The Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre, headquartered in Jamaica at the University of the West Indies (Mona campus), was the first academic resource centre dedicated to addressing crises and resilience for the travel industry of the region.
The body assists destinations in preparedness, management and recovery from disruptions and/or crises that impact tourism and threaten economies and livelihoods globally.
Since its inception in 2018, several satellite centres have been launched in Kenya, Canada, Jordan and Bulgaria.
Others are in the process of inscription in Costa Rica, Nigeria, Spain, Greece and Ghana.
Find out more on the official website.

Older
British Airways to relaunch daytime Newark flight

Newer
Museum of the Future prepares for Dubai debut More

World Travel Awards – the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in travel and tourism – has unveiled its 2021 global winners.
Winners include Maldives, which cemented its reputation as the definitive secluded sanctuary to win ‘World’s Leading Destination’ for the second time.
Portugal also performed strongly, with Madeira voted ‘World’s Leading Island Destination’ and the Algarve picking up ‘World’s Leading Beach Destination’.
Greek ministry of tourism/GNTO was voted ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board’, while Armenia was named ‘World’s Leading Heritage Destination’.
Dubai, currently flourishing in the spotlight as host of Expo 2020, was voted ‘World’s Leading Business Travel Destination’ with Dubai World Trade Centre claiming ‘World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’.
Mina Rashid was acknowledged as ‘World’s Leading Cruise Port,’ and the Palm Jumeirah – Nakheel took ‘World’s Leading Tourism Development Project’.
Russia’s imperial splendour was recognised with both Moscow and Saint Petersburg winning top honours.
Moscow was voted ‘World’s Leading City Break Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Heritage City Destination,’ while Saint Petersburg collected ‘World’s Leading City Destination,’ ‘World’s Leading Cultural City Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Marketing Campaign’.
The ancient citadel of Machu Picchu was hailed ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction,’ with Peru also collecting ‘World’s Leading Cultural Destination’.
In the hospitality sector, Armani Hotel Dubai fended off a tough field to emerge as ‘World’s Leading Hotel,’ while Sardinia’s Forte Village Resort took ‘World’s Leading Resort’. ADVERTISEMENTThe blissfully remote Amanpulo, Philippines was named ‘World’s Leading Dive Resort,’ while its Aman Resorts stablemate Amandari, Indonesia picked up ‘World’s Leading Boutique All Suite Hotel’.
Dubai’s Burj al Arab was voted ‘World’s Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel’ and Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach voted ‘World’s Leading Luxury Resort’.
In the newcomer categories, the St. Regis Dubai, the Palm secured ‘World’s Leading New Hotel,’ while the barefoot chic paradise Raffles the Palm Dubai picked up ‘World’s Leading New Resort’.
Brand winners include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts (‘World’s Leading Hotel Brand’), Sandals (‘World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company’), Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts (‘World’s Leading Resort Brand’), and the Ascott Limited Hospitality (‘World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’).
In the aviation sector, Emirates lifted ‘World’s Leading Airline’ and ‘World’s Leading Airline – First Class,’ while ‘World’s Leading Airport’ went to Dubai International Airport.
Etihad Airways was voted ‘World’s Leading Airline – Business Class,’ with Singapore Airlines named ‘World’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’.
Aeroflot – Russian Airlines was voted ‘World’s Leading Airline Brand,’ while Star Alliance took ‘World’s Leading Airline Alliance’.
The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands.
Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.
Graham Cooke, founder, World Travel Awards, said: “Our World winners represent the best in global travel and tourism and my congratulations to each of them. They are all playing starring roles in leading the global travel and tourism recovery.”
Jamaica enjoyed a hat trick of destination awards (‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’, ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Wedding Destination’).
The fast-growing aviation company Jetex took ‘World’s Leading FBO Brand’ and ‘World’s Leading Private Jet Travel Experience,’ with Jetex Paris named ‘World’s Leading FBO Terminal’.
Other winners include Madrid (‘World’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination’); Royal Caribbean International (‘World’s Leading Cruise Brand’) Atlantis, the Palm (‘World’s Leading Landmark Resort’); Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm, Dubai (‘World’s Leading Water Park’); Royal Penthouse @ Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai (‘World’s Leading Hotel Penthouse’).
More Information
World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.
Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognized globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
For more information about World Travel Awards visit the official website, or head see a full list of winners visit here.

Older
Foster appointed director with Palm Springs Tourism

Newer
Qantas selects Airbus for domestic fleet renewal More

World Travel Awards – the leading authority that recognises and rewards excellence in travel and tourism – has unveiled its Latin America 2021 winners.
Winners include Argentina, which claimed ‘South America’s Leading Destination’.
Chile – with its dazzling array of natural wonders – was voted ‘South America’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination’.
Peru enjoyed a strong showing, picking up ‘South America’s Leading Culinary Destination,’ ‘South America’s Leading Cultural Destination’ and ‘South America’s Leading Tourist Board’ (PromPeru), while the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu was crowned ‘South America’s Leading Tourist Attraction’.
The rise of Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo was recognised with victory as ‘South America’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’.
Guayaquil, Ecuador won ‘South America’s Leading City Break Destination’ and Santiago de Cali, Colombia was named ‘South America’s Leading Cultural City Destination’.
The incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica was acknowledged with the title for ‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Destination’.
Mexico also celebrated with a raft of destination awards including Cancún (‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Beach Destination’); Cozumel (‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Island Destination’); and Mazatlán (‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading City Destination’), with its tropical neoclassical architecture and paradise beach.
In the hospitality sector, Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena won ‘South America’s Leading Hotel’.
Wyndham Guayaquil emerged as ‘South America’s Leading City Hotel’ and Wyndham Quito Airport as ‘South America’s Leading Airport Hotel’. ADVERTISEMENTGrand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun picked up ‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Hotel’ and Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Costa Rica was voted ‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Green Hotel’.
‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort’ went to Hacienda Tres Ríos Resort, Spa & Nature Park.
In the newcomer categories, Brazilian flair and indigenous style helped Six Senses Botanique to victory as ‘South America’s Leading New Hotel,’ with ‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading New Hotel’ going to Dreams Vista Cancun Golf & Spa Resort.
In the aviation sector, LATAM was named ‘South America’s Leading Airline’, while Aeromexico scooped ‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Airline’.
The results follow a year-long search for the world’s top travel, tourism and hospitality brands.
Votes were cast by travel industry professionals and the public, with the nominee gaining the most votes in a category named as the winner.
Graham Cooke, founder, World Travel Awards, said: “Our winners represent the very best of Latin America’s travel and hospitality sectors and my congratulations to each of them.
“They are all playing starring roles in spearheading the travel and tourism recovery.”
Other winners include Explora (‘South America’s Leading Expedition Company’); Grand Fiesta Americana Hotels & Resorts (‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Hotel Brand’); and Avis (‘Mexico & Central America’s Leading Car Rental Company’).
More Information
World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.
Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
Each year, World Travel Awards covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to recognize and celebrate individual and collective success within each key geographical region.
For more information about World Travel Awards visit the official website, or find a full list from of Latin Americas winners here.
Image: Hector Ramon Perez/Unsplash

Older
World Spa Awards unveils 2021 winners

Newer
Hospitality leads economic recovery in the UK More

ABTA has unveiled the latest line-up of expert speakers for the Travel Convention.
The even will take place on Wednesday, October 13th, with guests offering insight into how they have responded to the challenges posed by the pandemic and sharing their vision for the short- and long-term future of the travel industry.
Announced today, Manuel Butler, newly returned as director of the Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, will discuss how destinations can rebuild from the impact of the pandemic and how Spain – a hugely important destination for UK outbound travel – is leading the way in adapting to changing consumer behaviours.
Also announced today is Julia Simpson, who took up her new role as chief executive of the World Travel & Tourism Council last month.
She will address delegates on the importance of strong leadership as the travel and tourism sector emerges from the Coronavirus crisis.ADVERTISEMENTManging director of Intrepid Travel, Zina Bencheikh, and vice president, EMEA, at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ben Bouldin, will join a panel discussion exploring how the industry can place sustainability at the heart of its recovery.
The newly confirmed speakers join Andrew Swaffield, chief executive of Virgin Red, Mark Tanzer, chief executive of ABTA, and Ailsa Pollard, chief executive of dnata Travel Group in the UK and Europe, on an impressive list.
The Travel Convention will offer delegates the option to attend either in-person at East Wintergarden in London’s Canary Wharf or online via a customised digital platform.
Tanzer said: “As the travel industry’s flagship event, the Travel Convention always brings together an esteemed list of speakers to debate the most pressing issues facing the travel sector – and this year’s event is no exception.
“This year, more than ever, it’s important for us to come together to reflect on the events and learnings of the past 12 months and inspire our delegates to envisage and embrace what the future holds for the travel industry.”

Older
New UK representation for Cayman Islands

Newer
Regent Seven Seas Cruises returns to sailing More

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) has attended Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021 with an impressive stand highlighting the breadth of product offerings and an array of partnerships in the country.
As Saudi prepares to reopen its borders, STA is showcasing its strength as a leisure destination through an immersive pavilion which brings to life the exciting, diverse tourism offer.
Over the course of the four-day event, visitors will be invited to embark on their own Saudi journey through an interactive deep-dive into its top destinations and resorts, from the pristine coastline of the Red Sea to the breath-taking heritage sites of Hegra, Alula and Diriyah, outside Riyadh.ADVERTISEMENTAt the event, Fahd Hamidaddin, chief executive of Saudi Tourism Authority, will address travel trade professionals at the Saudi Arabia Tourism Summit, a dedicated buyer forum for Saudi, to highlight the unique business opportunities offered by a country that just opened up to international tourism in September 2019.
“We are bringing together our partners across the industry to showcase Saudi’s readiness to welcome international visitors, safely and seamlessly.
“As STA continues to develop Saudi’s tourism offering for local, regional and international travellers, the strength of our presence at ATM 2021 reflects our commitment to fostering a rich environment for building quality partnerships.
“We are committed, we are confident, and we are ready to open Saudi’s doors and hearts to the world,” said Hamidaddin.
Since its launch in June 2020, STA has worked with travel trade partners to successfully grow their business and drive visitation to Saudi.
The Saudi pavilion at ATM 2021 will host exhibitors from across the tourism ecosystem, representing the best Saudi has to offer.
In addition to dedicated buyer forums and conference sessions with international speakers, ATM Dubai will offer networking opportunities and expert panels discussing a range of key topics including hospitality, aviation and technology.

Older
ATM 2021: Future of tourism examined on Global Stage

Newer
ATM 2021: Time Hotels showcases new properties More

Private and public sector tourism leaders have taken a united stand to safely restart international travel at the closure of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit.
They used the forum to share their experiences from the last 12 devastating months and discuss how together they could safely restart international travel.
The Global Summit also named Carnival Corporation chief executive, Arnold Donald, as new chair of WTTC, which represents the global private tourism sector.
Donald took over from outgoing chair, Chris Nassetta, chief executive of Hilton, after three successful years at the helm of WTTC.
Following the three-day event in Cancun, Mexico, WTTC announced Manila, capital of the Philippines, will be the host of its next Global Summit, with dates to be confirmed. ADVERTISEMENTIn a world-first, WTTC organised the event for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic – with tens of thousands more joining virtually – while complying with strict world-class health and hygiene protocols.
Regular testing was made available for all delegates attending for the duration of the summit to ensure their safety was paramount.
Gloria Guevara, WTTC chief executive, said: “WTTC brought together exceptional leaders from across the private and public sectors throughout tourism at our Global Summit, united in their desire to safely revive international travel.
“Our very presence here, shows that we can resume international travelling once more, by observing the latest health and safety protocols, which WTTC has helped develop for businesses large and small throughout the sector.
“Together we have shown that with a united front, both the private and public sectors in tourism can drive change and get the world moving again so that we can start travelling, exploring and sharing our experiences face-to-face.
“We concluded our Global Summit here in Cancun, confident that together we can revive a sector which will generate the economic recovery and bring people back together thanks to the amazing benefits international tourism can bring.”

Older
ATM 2021: Delegates prepare for in-person return in Middle East

Newer
Airbus charts beginning of recovery in first quarter More