Events, Organisations & Operators,

Key travel industry leaders and international exhibitors from various segments of MICE, Leisure, Corporate and Travel Technology met virtually this week for the 3-in1-show ITB India, MICE Show India and Travel Tech India, hosted on ITB Community in Asia (ITB Community).
The concurrent three-day ITB India Conference featured close to 100 online sessions with over 80 industry experts. Under the heading “Connecting you to the Indian Travel Market”, the focus of this year’s show was to discuss effective strategies to lead the Indian and South Asian travel industry towards recovery and growth and share best practices that will help the industry make meetings and events more sustainable.
Major market players and industry heavyweights such as Agoda, Airbnb, Booking.com, FCM Travel, GIATA, HRS Group, Tourism Australia, Tripadvisor, Uber, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and many more addressed key topics concerning the travel & tourism industry and provided valuable insights and perspectives for shaping corporate strategies and measures.
Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organizer of ITB India, MICE Show India and Travel Tech India said: “Our 3-in-1 business-to-business show came to a successful close today, bringing leading industry experts and the most relevant topics virtually to every corner of the world. The 2022 show was a great success virtually, and we look forward to next year’s in-person event, when ITB India 2023 will once again provide the long-awaited human connection and allow for face-to-face business meetings and networking in Mumbai”.
MICE Show India and Travel Tech India were held in conjunction with ITB India Virtual, making them part of the Indian and South Asian travel market’s three-day B2B trade show and convention. At this year’s MICE Show India, top executives from world-renowned MICE associations and leading companies discussed topics ranging from event organisation and management to technological applications and trend forecasting to move the MICE industry forward. Gathering the latest technologies, emerging trends, leading travel brands and innovative startups in one place, Travel Tech India explored innovations, initiatives and case studies from various industry profiles, including technology companies, hotels, OTAs, transportation companies and more.ADVERTISEMENTAlongside ITB India’s conference, international exhibitors representing destinations, hotel chains and tech companies made keen use of the virtual format to present their products and services. Key exhibitors like Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Business Events Perth, German National Tourist Office, GIATA, Melia Hotels International, National Tourism Office of Spain in India, Radisson Blu Hoi An, Royal Commission for AlUla, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism New Zealand, Turismo de Portugal and many more presented themselves to a wide online audience.
The on-demand sessions of ITB India, MICE Show India and Travel Tech India Virtual are available until 6 May 2022 and are opened to registered delegates only. To access the on-demand presentations, users can register online at the ITB India website here.
ITB India 2023 to take place as a live- event
ITB India 2023 will be held as a 100% physical event from 26 – 28 April 2023 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India. Exhibitors may register for super early bird rate of 15% off Listed Rate before 15 January 2023 via the registration link here.

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With the global post-pandemic recovery continuing to gather pace, India’s positioning as Dubai’s largest source market remains the key focus at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 9 to 12 May.
With India’s travel industry projected to account for 29 million outbound trips per year by 2025, according to analysis from GlobalData, and ResearchandMarkets.com predicting its outbound tourism market will surpass $42 billion by the end of 2024, ATM 2022 will offer a timely opportunity to explore the vast potential offered by the country’s travel, tourism and hospitality sector.
Data from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows that the country ranked top of the emirate’s source market list for 2021, accounting for 910,000 inbound visitors, and short-haul flight queries for destinations including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Egypt have witnessed a 30 percent uptick among Indian tourists, according to Thomas Cook (India).Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME – Arabian Travel Market, said: “The global pandemic had a major impact on India’s travel sector but, as our industry’s global post-pandemic recovery continues to gather pace, Indian tourists appear eager to return to their favourite Middle Eastern destinations. We are excited to explore the vast potential of this vital source market as part of our dedicated buyer forum at ATM 2022.”
The number of inbound tourists travelling from India to the UAE has witnessed a 50 percent increase of late, with VFS Global processing 40,000 travel visas since Dubai reopened its borders following the pandemic. With a buyer forum dedicated exclusively to India, attendees, exhibitors and delegates at ATM 2022 will have ample opportunity to take a deep dive into the country’s tourism, travel and hospitality industry, examining current and future trends, and exploring the ways in which destinations across the Middle East can capitalise on this important source market.
“With the reopening of the Indian skies, flights to and from India now reach 3,250 flights per week by 66 airlines. Emirates alone is now back to pre-pandemic frequencies, operating 170 weekly flights to nine cities, which underscores the importance of the Indian market for the region. ADVERTISEMENT“ATM 2022 offers the ideal forum in which to explore synergies between the GCC and Indian tourism sectors, and to identify opportunities to grow inbound travel in the future,” she added.
In addition to the dedicated India forum, ATM 2022 will also feature sessions focused on Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning tourism sector.
Now in its 29th year and working in collaboration with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) – formerly the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) – ATM show highlights in 2022 will include, among others, a destination summit focused on the key source market of India, as well as Saudi Arabia.
Previously called Travel Forward, the revamped and rebranded ATM Travel Tech event will take place on the ATM Travel Tech Stage, hosting seminars, debates and presentations as well as the inaugural ATM Draper-Aladdin Start-up Competition.

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ABTA has announced the return of its annual overseas Travel Convention, the UK travel industry’s flagship event.
Taking place in the imperial city of Marrakech from 10-12 October 2022, the three-day event will include two days of thought-provoking and high-level business sessions, as well as a wide range of supporting events that will provide valuable opportunities to network in both business and social settings.
The Convention will also provide the chance for ABTA Members, travel journalists and the wider industry to experience the latest tourism developments in the Red City first hand.
Registration will open on Tuesday 3 May.
Mark Tanzer, Chief Executive at ABTA – The Travel Association said:ADVERTISEMENT“I’m very pleased that Marrakech will be hosting the 2022 Travel Convention this October and would like to thank the Moroccan National Tourism Office for making this possible. As ever, the event will provide a crucial opportunity for the industry to come together to discuss the future of travel and tourism and we’ll be releasing more details about the event content shortly.
“It will also be a fantastic opportunity to show travel professionals what this vibrant destination has to offer – from its rich cultural heritage, spectacular scenery, and ornate architecture, to warm hospitality and delicious cuisine. Over the last couple of years, a number of new attractions have launched, meaning delegates will get the chance to take a fresh look at this popular destination.
“I really encourage you to note the dates your diaries and look forward to welcoming you at what is sure to be a fantastic event.”
More information will be available at www.thetravelconvention.com.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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

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