Events, Organisations & Operators,

Tourism royalty convened for the spectacular World Travel Awards (WTA) Europe Gala Ceremony 2024 at the Ritz-Carlton, Berlin to find out who amongst them had been voted the continent’s best of the best.
The red-carpet reception marked the opening leg of WTA’s Grand Tour 2024, a global search for the finest travel and tourism organisations, covering six continents.
Greece made the headlines by claiming the accolade for ‘Europe’s Leading Destination’. Portugal also enjoyed a glittering evening, with the Atlantic archipelago of Madeira winning ‘Europe’s Leading Island Destination’, Braga named ‘Europe’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination’, and Azores collecting ‘Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination.’
In the newcomer categories, the stylish grandeur of The Peninsula London was acknowledged as ‘Europe’s Leading New Hotel’. The captivating coastal hideaway of One&Only Aesthesis, Athens was hailed ‘Europe’s Leading New Resort’. Spain’s Casa Palacio Don Ramón took ‘Europe’s Leading New Boutique Hotel’. And Berlin’s Deutschlandmuseum – an immersive journey through 2,000 years of German history – was voted ‘Europe’s Leading New Tourist Attraction’.
Hospitality sector winners included Istanbul’s Çırağan Palace Kempinski, voted ‘Europe’s Leading Hotel’, whilst Sardinia’s Forte Village took ‘Europe’s Leading Resort’. Seven Visions Resort & Places, The Dvin – the fascinating new attraction in the heart of Armenia’s capital Yerevan – was declared ‘Europe’s Leading Entertainment Hotel’. Savoy Palace, Madeira won ‘Europe’s Leading Luxury Hotel’. The Convention Centre Dublin claimed ‘Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre’. Brand winners included Citadines (‘Europe’s Leading Serviced Apartment Brand’); Kaizen Hoteles (‘Europe’s Leading Independent Hotel Group’); and Delphina Hotels & Resorts (‘Europe’s Leading Green Independent Hotel Group’).ADVERTISEMENTAviation winners included Lufthansa collecting ‘Europe’s Leading Airline’, whilst Zurich Airport was voted ‘Europe’s Leading Airport’. British Airways claimed ‘Europe’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ and Turkish Airlines won ‘Europe’s Leading Airline – Economy Class’. TAP Air Portugal also enjoyed a fruitful evening, taking Europe’s Leading Airline to South America. Europe’s Leading Airline Lounge went to THE LOFT by Brussels Airlines and Lexus @ Brussels Airport.
Graham Cooke, Founder, WTA, says: “It has been a privilege to host the opening ceremony of our 2024 Grand Tour in Berlin for an incredible evening acknowledging the pinnacle of Europe’s travel and tourism economy. I congratulate each and every one of our winners for helping to raise the collective benchmark to even greater heights.”
Other winners included La Clef Champs-Elysées Paris (‘Europe’s Leading Serviced Apartments’); THE VIEW Lugano (‘Switzerland’s Leading Design Hotel’); Johnnie Walker Princes Street (‘Europe’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience’).
Find more information and a full list of winners on the official WTA website. https://www.worldtravelawards.com/

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Experience Abu Dhabi is bringing authentic Emirati hospitality to ITB Berlin, showcasing the very best of the destination alongside a host of partners from the Abu Dhabi tourism sector.As the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Experience Abu Dhabi is giving an insight into the wide range of exciting, inspiring, and restorative experiences that can be enjoyed in the emirate. The immersive stand brings cultural treasures and destination offerings to life, as well as host signings, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Highlights of DCT Abu Dhabi’s ITB showcase will include:
Strategic MoUs
DCT Abu Dhabi is set to announce several strategic MoUs during ITB Berlin, designed to raise awareness of Abu Dhabi as a must-visit destination and boost international tourism.
Find Your PaceADVERTISEMENTExperience Abu Dhabi brings to life its latest global brand campaign, Find Your Pace, taking guests at ITB Berlin on an immersive journey of the hidden gems, top sites, attractions and experiences that visitors can discover – year-round, presented like never before.
With Find Your Pace, Experience Abu Dhabi ignites curiosity and encourages visitors to create their own unique journey, from the known to the unknown, through ancient heritage sites and iconic modern treasures. It showcases the pursuits, passions, and colour palettes that visitors will uncover within the destination – whether they are seeking the thrill of adventure, immersive cultural experiences, or a relaxing break.
Visitors to the stand will be able to participate in activations including live Bait Al Gahwa sessions, demonstrating traditional Arabic coffee preparation, and demonstrations of Emirati traditions and handicrafts with the House of Artisans.
Make Abu Dhabi Your Easter Surprise
At the stand, guests will have the opportunity to discover why Abu Dhabi should be on their must-visit list during Easter. From guaranteed sunshine, warm golden sands, culturally enriching activities, entertaining events, visitors to Abu Dhabi can make long-lasting memories with their loved ones this Easter holiday.
Al Ain & Al Dhafra
Discover Al Ain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and all-year-round accessible destination for the culturally curious, the adventure seeker, and the wellness tribe with immersive experiences that are grounding and refreshing. Here you can be immersed in adventure, enriched by cultural experiences, and surrounded by the lively sounds of a living oasis. Al Ain provides a unique energy that enables you to find your pace.
Also discover the serene Al Dhafra region, a place of tranquillity, space and authenticity. With the world’s largest dunes, rare wildlife, a hypnotic coastline, and historical monuments, Al Dhafra is a destination full of potential.
Abu Dhabi Calendar
The stand will also showcase the latest Abu Dhabi Calendar, which features an inspiring line-up of back-to-back events for 2024 season. Packed with a diverse mix of activities and experiences for every resident and visitor (found on the website here), key highlights include:
Experience Ramadan and Eid in Abu DhabiBRED Abu DhabiCartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design at Louvre Abu DhabiTo visit the DCT Abu Dhabi stand during ITB Berlin, head over to Hall 2.2 at stand 200. More information can be found here.  visitabudhabi.ae
Source: https://www.zawya.com/

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Trip.com Group is gearing up to make waves at ITB Berlin 2024 held from 5-7 March in Berlin. This marks the company’s second appearance at the prestigious international event, where it aims to provide an insider’s view into its latest technological innovations and cast a spotlight on the transformative consumer trends shaping the future of travel.
Adapting to the New Global Traveller
Schubert Lou, Chief Operating Officer of Trip.com, will take the stage as the keynote speaker at the eTravel stage on 6 March from 10:35 am to 11:00 am, with the topic: “How to Accommodate the Global Traveller”.
With Trip.com Group’s focus on tailoring travel to a broad, international audience, Schubert will delve into the particular preferences of Asian travellers and explore how destinations can cater to consumer preferences that now go beyond sightseeing. Additionally, he will highlight the burgeoning role of AI and technology in reshaping the tours and activities sector.
“The international travel landscape is significantly different post-pandemic, and industry players must stay ahead of the curve with innovation and agility,” said Schubert. “At Trip.com Group, we are committed to leveraging technology and data-driven insights to meet the rapid evolution of traveller needs.”ADVERTISEMENTBoon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President for International Markets at Trip.com Group, will also be participating in a panel discussion at the Orange stage “Meeting the Needs of the Paradoxical Consumer” on 6 March, 2:45 pm to 3:15 pm. This session will explore the challenges faced by the travel industry, in particular hotels, in catering to increasingly unpredictable consumer preferences.
“We must prioritise digital transformation and increased personalisation to appeal to ever-evolving consumers,” said Chai. “As such, we have constantly adapted our offerings to capture short attention spans and spur brand loyalty in an increasingly competitive landscape.”
Focusing on Key Tech Trends to Spur Growth
Furthermore, Andy Washington, General Manager for Europe at Trip.com Group, will join a panel discussion “Beyond the Buzz – Key Technology Trends Shaping Travel” on 5 March from 11:15 am to 11:45 am at the eTravel stage. Washington will share Trip.com Group’s insights on separating enduring tech advancements from short-lived trends. He’ll highlight the company’s proactive strategies in leveraging technology to meet and predict traveller needs, with a particular nod to Europe’s unique market dynamics.
“At Trip.com Group, we identify true technology trends by the genuine benefits they bring to our users, focusing on practical value over hype. Our commitment is to technologies that offer clear advantages to our customers, guiding our efforts to lead the digital transformation of the travel industry with solutions that resonate meaningfully across the globe, including Europe.”
Trip.com Group invites members of the media to join its sessions at ITB Berlin 2024 for a dynamic exploration of the latest tech innovations and consumer trends influencing the travel industry. For further insights and discussions, be sure to visit the Trip.com Group booth at Hall 9, Stand 108

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ITB Berlin 2024 opens with excellent bookings – Global B2B platform under the heading #ITBTOGETHER

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SA Tourism aims for growth at ITB Berlin 2024 More

Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA) is all set to participate at the ITB Berlin 2024, a global platform that brings together exhibitors, business leaders, and experts from the tourism and travel sector. The Authority will unveil the latest developments, services, and amenities offered by Sharjah Airport, highlighting its commitment to transforming airport experiences through the expansion of its technology infrastructure and comprehensive digital transformation.Under the umbrella of Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority, the SAA’s participation is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance Sharjah’s position as a thriving tourist and economic destination by establishing connections with leading international companies and expanding the network of destinations at Sharjah Airport. Through its participation at the event, SAA seeks to enhance its global presence and foster connections with the global leaders of the tourism and travel sector.
His Excellency Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “During our participation at ITB Berlin 2024, we are committed to reviewing the Airport’s expansion plans, services, and facilities offered to customers. The exhibition has gained an increasing global significance, attracting a larger number of participants from 165 countries worldwide this year.”
His Excellency added: “This premier trade exhibition offers us a platform to showcase Sharjah Airport’s recent accomplishments over the past year, which played a crucial role in enhancing the Airport’s capacity to meet the increasing travel needs at Sharjah Airport. During the event, we will also highlight the improvements made in the infrastructure of digital services and the amenities offered to passengers.”
This year, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA) – a one-stop-shop for airline reservations, customised holiday packages, cruises, hotel reservations and global visa services, and one of the UAE’s fastest growing travel agencies – will participate at ITB Berlin. The agency aims to strengthen its communication channels with international companies and explore new prospects of collaboration through its participation at the global exhibition.
SAA’s annual participation in the ITB Berlin is an integral part of its international agenda. This year, its participation holds special significance due to the commencement of the passenger terminal expansion project. Additionally, Sharjah Airport has achieved its highest performance to date, having welcomed over 15.3 million passengers in 2023.ADVERTISEMENT

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From February 28th to March 2nd, 2024, the 54th annual meeting and general assembly of the International Association of Professional Congress Organizers (IAPCO) is taking place in Ljubljana. Around 160 directors and owners of congress agencies from around the world are attending. The local organizer of the event is Cankarjev dom, which has been a member of the IAPCO association since 1980, with the support of Ljubljana Tourism, the Slovenian Tourist Board, and other partners.
IAPCO is a non-profit association and the only international accreditation organization for professional congress organizers. The association’s mission is to raise service standards among its members and other stakeholders in the meetings industry through continuous education, collaboration with various experts, research, and data measurement. IAPCO brings together 138 accredited congress organizing companies in 40 countries. Membership, which is attainable through high-level services, is maintained through annual reviews and evaluations by the IAPCO Quality Committee.
IAPCO unites the largest global players in the meetings industry. According to data (published by IAPCO on March 30, 2023), in 2023, IAPCO members collectively organized 7,722 events and plan to host an additional 7,729 events over the next three years (until 2026). Among these, 1,943 events have yet to select a destination, and organizers are still seeking venues for 3,542 events. Therefore, the assembly and annual meetings are of significant importance to the local economy and tourism, which hope to attract foreign professional congress organizers to return to the destination with international events.
The meetings industry is one of the main products of Slovenian tourism, known for its high added value and numerous multiplier effects. The total spending by congress guests is at least 3.5 times that of conventional tourists. It contributes to the dispersion of tourist flows, destimulation, and sustainable development of Slovenian tourism.
The theme of this year’s event is “Be the Flow”, which calls for action and inspires innovation in the rapidly changing meetings industry towards sustainability. IAPCO Ljubljana 2024 focuses on reducing the environmental impact of meetings and promoting sustainability. The goal of the IAPCO association is for meetings to become more environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and aligned with the goals of sustainable development. At IAPCO 2024 in Ljubljana, the carbon footprint of the event will be measured for the first time, marking a milestone and opportunity for all future IAPCO meetings.ADVERTISEMENTThe IAPCO conference represents a strategic starting point for Slovenia, Ljubljana, and Cankarjev dom, a long-standing member of the IAPCO association, to further successfully attract international scientific and professional meetings in the future.

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Civitatis, the leading technological platform for booking Spanish-speaking activities, day trips, guided tours, and excursions worldwide – both in the B2C and B2B channels – proudly announces significant growth in its portfolio in Germany over the past few years. From 2019 to 2023 the company’s portfolio of tours & experiences products in Germany has experienced an impressive increase of over 30%, showcasing its commitment to providing diverse and engaging experiences for Spanish speakers wherever they visit in the world.
The global pandemic posed challenges for the travel industry, but despite these hurdles Civitatis managed to thrive still. As of today Civitatis boasts a robust presence in the German market, featuring 256 different activities available and 48 destinations across the country for Spanish speakers using the web platform.
The commitment to diversity is further highlighted by the popularity of the Top 5 activities in Germany:
Free tour of Berlin (27% of total reservations in Germany)Free tour of Munich (13% of total reservations in Germany)Free tour of the Berlin Wall and the Cold War Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Free tour of Hamburg
Enrique Espinel, COO at Civitatis, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s growth in the German market, stating: “We are excited to share our success story as we continue to grow our portfolio in Germany, which is now one of our most important destinations. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, our team has worked tirelessly to offer an extensive range of activities and destinations for Spanish speaking travellers visiting German cities and rural sights.”ADVERTISEMENTITB Berlin, one of the industry’s premier events, will take place at Messe Berlin from 4-7 March and the Civitatis team will be attending to connect with industry professionals, partners, and potential collaborators.

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Invest Saudi is gearing up for three days of high level discussions, networking, and deal making with Saudi Talks, a series of panel discussions and exclusive presentations from leading Saudi government and industry figures, at MIPIM 2024. Led by the Ministry of Investment, Saudi Talks brings together more than 20 high-level speakers for relating to Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented real estate growth, infrastructure expansion and investment opportunities. Speakers will be from the Ministry of Investment, NEOM, Diriyah, New Murabba, Riyadh region, Public Investment Fund (PIF), King Salman Park Foundation and Knight Frank.
Saudi Arabia currently has more than US$1.8 trillion worth of developments under construction or in the pipeline, with demand for real estate in the Kingdom set to reach record levels as the country realizes Vision 2030. 
Visit Invest Saudi at MIPIM to discover more about the Ministry of Culture, NEOM, THE LINE, Trojena, Roshn, New Murabba Development Company, Diriyah Company, King Salman Park, Ha’il Region Development Authority, Riyadh Region Municipality and AE7.
Invest Saudi at MIPIM: pavilions C14b, C15a and C20 at MIPIM, 12-15 March 2024.

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Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett gesticulates as he renews his call for a special tip to fund tourism resilience initiatives, as he addressed the 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, which was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from February 16-17, 2024.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has renewed his call for visitors across the world to be asked to support the financing of tourism resilience initiatives via a special tip. While urging the international community to urgently unite to establish a Global Tourism Resilience Fund, Minister Bartlett outlined that “the money collected in each destination from this tip would contribute to the fund and aid in boosting tourism resilience.”Funding tourism resilience was one of the pressing issues explored at the just concluded 2nd Global Tourism Resilience Day Conference, which was held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from February 16-17. With an international panel of experts, the discussion focused on how international organizations create and execute tourism resilience financing strategies.
Leading off the deliberations, Minister Bartlett said tourism offered investment opportunities for all interest groups “but the more important point that we want to focus on is investment in resilience; how do you present to a destination the resources necessary to enable them to be able to forecast and track disruptions, how to mitigate against it, how to manage, recover and recover quickly and how to thrive.”
“Investment in these areas is not necessarily sexy,” Minister Bartlett added as their return on investment was not easily measured. However, he said: “We are going to build capacity in this area; we’re going to be training people, educating, building structures to enable the education of people to do these things and the building of tools to be able to manage and overcome these pressures.”
Having closely examined the question of where the funding is to come from, Minister Bartlett pointed to the fact that some 1.5 billion visitors traversed the world in 2019 and “it is expected that in the next 25 years from now, 1.5 billion more people will traverse the world.”
Faced with the questions of where those 3 billion people will be coming from and where they will be going, he said this raised the issue of personal responsibility on the part of visitors for resilience building. Stressing that tourism is arguably the most consumer-driven activity on Earth, Minister Bartlett said: “If we were to say to each visitor who travels, leave a resilience tip behind at every point of consumption, consider what 1.5 billion visitors leaving a tip at every point of consumption, with their propensity to consume, could do to individual destinations.”ADVERTISEMENTHe explained that the money left in each destination from this tip would be unfettered by the bureaucracy that often comes with multi-national engagements and the difficulty of navigating those processes as well as challenges faced in defining which countries or entities would be able to access these funds.
“It’s an opportunity for us to think through, and perhaps something that the UN Tourism Secretary-General might want to look at” Minister Bartlett noted. “One hundred and fifty countries are involved here and so we can broaden the scope of available resources for resilience funding and sustainability by making a personal commitment for each tourist travelling across the world, in terms of the consumption pattern and carbon footprint that flows from those consumption patterns and to create a fund that may very well be the answer for building capacity for mitigation, adaptation and the building of human capacity,” said Minister Bartlett.

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