Events, Organisations & Operators,

The inaugural Qatar Tourism Awards, developed in partnership with UNWTO, focused on three principal categories: Service Excellence, Cultural Experiences and Smart Solutions. At the awards ceremony, Qatar Tourism Awards also announced a surprise category, the Community Contribution Award, to recognise individual community members who have gone above and beyond to display hospitality and provide exemplary services to visitors.
The winners were announced at a ceremony that took place at Raffles Doha, attended by Basmah Al-Mayman, Regional Director for the Middle East at UNTWO and His Excellency Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism. The winners reflected the broad and diverse nature of the tourism sector, including destinations, experiences, hotels and hospitality establishments. They also recognized those leading the way in building a more innovative and sustainable tourism, in line with UNWTO’s key priorities for the sector.
The full list of all the winners can be found on the Qatar Tourism Awards website.  https://www.qatartourism.com/en/qatar-tourism-awards

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A priority for global tourismAccording to data analysed by UNWTO, the majority of the global tourism workforce are young people, many of them without further training or qualifications. At the same time, existing tourism education centres and programmes prioritise hospitality, with UNWTO aiming to fill the gaps and deliver courses and other trainings to allow students to gain knowledge of every part of the diverse sector. Opening the Forum, UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona made clear the opportunities and challenges: Tourism is the top employer of youth: over 50% of its workers aged 25 years old or less1 , while around 882,000 tourism jobs2 per year will require vocational training by 2030.
Ministers of Tourism from Andorra, Bahrain, Guatemala, the Philippines and Zambia brought their expert insights to a high-level Debate on Policies to Foster Innovation & Education for Current and Future Generations. Challenges highlighted included the high turnover of tourism staff in comparison to other economic sectors and the lack of tourism as a subject in schools in most education systems. The discussion explored opportunities for shaping new policies, effective instruments, and global partnerships to support inclusive and sustainable tourism development while addressing the skill gap and creating value-added jobs.
UNWTO presents the Education Toolkit for the incorporation of tourism as a subject in high schoolsWithin the Education Forum, UNWTO presented the Education Toolkit, a guide of recommendations for helping all actors involved on education in the introduction of tourism as a subject of the secondary school curricula with the ultimate goal of attracting and cultivating the right talent for the tourism sector.
The UNWTO Education Toolkit offers an overview of the current status of high schools and vocational education training worldwide, it also gives recommendations derived from the contributions of UNWTO member states, non-member states and academic partners and it also presents successful case studies of integrating tourism education and training in public and private schools. In addition, it includes a comprehensive overview of the benefits, with specialized curricula provided by UNWTO’s academic partners: the Cambridge Assessment International Education, American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI), and the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).
Also at the Forum, participants were given an overview of the recently inaugurated Tourism Academy in Samarkand in collaboration with UNWTO, a key outcome of the country’s strong partnership with UNWTO.ADVERTISEMENTUNWTO – HSLU Bachelor of Science in International Sustainable TourismDuring Bayona’s keynote speech, she also presented the flexible three-year BSc in International Sustainable Tourism that UNWTO and the Swiss public university of Lucerne for Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) have developed to empower the future-oriented transformation of the entire tourism sector. This unique initiative will be the first time that UNWTO has been actively involved in an undergraduate programme, with modules that include a variety of UN-related topics, such as UN Diplomacy & Tourism and Global UNWTO Missions & Initiatives, and deliberately embeds the UN’s values and global goals throughout the courses. The first cohort of the programme will commence in fall 2024 with a first year in Madrid, followed by a remote year and a third last year in Switzerland.
Ulysses Prize for Tourism EducationIn a fitting culmination to the Global Education Forum, Dr. Bao Jigang was honoured with the prestigious Ulysses Prize, a testament to his remarkable contributions to the field of tourism. Awarded as the 16th laureate of this esteemed accolade bestowed by UNWTO for outstanding achievements in the creation and dissemination of knowledge within the realm of tourism, Dr. Bao’s illustrious career stands as a shining example of his invaluable impact. Throughout his distinguished academic journey, he has played a pivotal role in catalysing the growth of domestic tourism, in his homely of the People´s Republic of China, elevating its scale and significance as a premier global tourism destination.

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This summer the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unveiled its plan for Riyadh Expo 2030 during an official reception organized by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City in Paris.
Nearly 180 delegates of member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) attended the reception. Saudi Arabia officially submitted its application to host the World Expo 2030 in Riyadh, an event that would take place from 1st October 2030 to 31st March 2031. In October of last year, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a letter to the BIE submitting a bid for the World Expo 2030.
The plan presented in Paris last June aims to create an exceptional global experience in the history of Expos as it reflects the importance of Riyadh Expo 2030 and its positive role and embodies the exhibition’s central theme: ‘Together for a Foresighted Tomorrow.’
“Arabia has a history, a civilization, and powerful moments in the life of the world,” Jack Lang, president of the Arab World Institute and France’s former minister of culture, told Arab News. “Choosing Riyadh as the location for an upcoming World Expo would be a smart and visionary choice.”
The Riyadh Expo 2030 would be held near King Salman International Airport, which is currently being developed, making it easily accessible for visitors arriving there. They can reach the exhibition site within minutes by using the ‘Riyadh Metro’ network, covering all parts of Riyadh city and connecting to one of the three exhibition entrances and the modern road network.ADVERTISEMENTThe exhibition pavilions, estimated to be 226, were designed in a spherical shape, with an equator line running through them. This visual approach aligns with the exhibition’s vision, ensuring equal opportunities for all participants.
“We will make sure to provide an unprecedented experience of high quality for more than 40 million visitors.”
Lamia Bint Abdulaziz, blueprint team Riyadh Expo 2030
The exhibition’s design reflects the ancient urban style, history, culture, and nature of Riyadh city. It also showcases the Kingdom’s shared concern with the rest of the world for the climate and its ambition to foresee a future full of potential.
The pavilions’ locations for participating countries at the exhibition will be flexibly determined based on their longitudes. Such design will bring together countries from the north and south of the globe side by side, symbolizing the Kingdom’s important role in facilitating global cooperation

This will facilitate visitors’ journeys and ensure easy movement between pavilions, public squares, cultural and innovation facilities, food services, rest, and waiting areas in a smooth and flexible manner while covering very short distances. Visitors to the exhibition will enjoy strolling through fully shaded corridors with designs inspired by Riyadh’s architectural heritage.
Visitors can stroll through a modern green oasis located within one of the tributaries of Wadi As-Sulai, which passes through the exhibition site. This demonstrates the Kingdom and Riyadh’s commitment to preserving and sustainably developing nature.
In the same context, a prominent landmark will be built at the heart of the main plan for Riyadh Expo 2030, symbolizing ‘Responsibility for Protecting the Planet.’ It will be based on 195 columns representing the number of countries participating in the exhibition. Surrounding this landmark will be three pavilions, each representing the exhibition’s sub-themes of ‘Prosperity for All’, ‘Climate Action’, and ‘A Different Tomorrow.’
“The blueprint will work on developing a version of the Expo that is the most flexible when it comes to visitors’ movement at the site,” said Lamia Bint Abdulaziz member of the blueprint team for the Riyadh Expo 2030. “We will work on enabling full and balanced participation, and with added value for all participating countries. We will provide unprecedented experience of high quality for more than 40 million visitors.”
The exhibition will also feature the Collaborative Change Corner (C3), an area that will drive innovation and creativity during the seven-year journey leading up to and beyond Riyadh Expo 2030. The C3 aims to showcase how collaboration among the smartest minds in scientific, social, and intellectual innovations can accelerate the changes that will shape our future.
“The Riyadh Expo 2030 is inspired by the natural and traditional features,” said Bint Abdulaziz. “It was designed around a valley surrounded by a group of pavilions for each country, and provides all participating countries with unlimited opportunities, as the exhibition plan offers a wide range of pavilions of different sizes and types with a commitment to allocate a pavilion for each country.”
The Kingdom has announced that it aims to make the Riyadh Expo 2030 the most sustainable and influential Expo ever, in line with its climate commitments to achieving carbon neutrality, a goal that is clearly reflected in the master plan for the exhibition that is linked to international standards of sustainability, including urban afforestation, the use of treated water, and the provision of new energy sources.
The blueprint for the design of the exhibition also takes into account the reuse of the site with the aim of developing an innovative urban model that guarantees sustainability and enhances innovation and creativity.
“Our goal in the Kingdom is to organize the first environmentally friendly exhibition that achieves a zero level of carbon emissions,” said Expo blueprint team member Nouf Bint Majid Al-Muneef. “The Riyadh Expo 2030 site will be powered by clean resources that rely on solar energy, and we are developing high standards for resource efficiencies and detailed strategies to enhance biodiversity, eliminate food waste, and ensure green waste management and recycling.
Source: https://traveltomorrow.com/

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During the summer vacation, climbing enthusiasts will have the opportunity to test their personal limits at dizzying heights in the Munich Airport Center (MAC). Experienced climbers and newbies alike will get to try out new challenges between August 7 and August 30, 2023, when the MAC Forum will play host to a high-rope course specially designed for the airport. Experienced trainers will be at hand to provide instructions and the safety equipment required to use the various climbing stations, which span a height of 15 meters and a width of 23 meters. A two-hour climbing session costs EUR 9 for adults aged 15 and over and EUR 7 for children up to the age of 14.
Slots can be booked by e-mail [email protected] or in person directly on site subject to availability. The high-rope course is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday to Sunday. After hitting the heights, visitors can relax in a deckchair with a cold drink at the “Surf and Turf Bar”. A ticket for a climbing session entitles the holder to a one-euro drinks discount. The “Surf and Turf Bar” is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Thursday, and from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday to Sunday.
Climbers must be at least 125 cm tall and children under 140 cm must be accompanied by an adult.

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The United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently reported that the world’s oceans had their warmest June on record, making it the third consecutive month that global ocean temperatures had broken records.According to NOAA, June’s worldwide average temperature of 61.79 degrees made it the warmest June on record.
Ahira Sanchez-Lugo, a climate scientist at NOAA, referred to the rise over last June’s record as “a very substantial leap,” since worldwide monthly records are typically so broad that they frequently move by hundredths less than quarters of a degree.
Climate scientist Natalie Mahowald of Cornell University, also stated that the recent unprecedented temperatures, as well as the dramatic fires, pollution, and floods are exactly the phenomena expected to happen in a warmer environment, as we are only experiencing a tiny fraction of the consequences that are predicted to become more severe as a result of climate change.
The land and sea temperatures set new records for the month of June. Scientists report that the North Atlantic has been abnormally warm since the middle of March, and that monthly high temperatures were established all across the world’s sea surface in the last three months. The United Kingdom and the Caribbean areas both broke records.
Robert Rohde, a researcher at Berkeley Earth, has also said that his team anticipates an 80% possibility that 2023 would set a new global temperature high.ADVERTISEMENTIn an unofficial and early research, the Climate Reanalyzer at the University of Maine found that eleven of the first twelve days of July were hotter than any previously recorded day. According to the globe Meteorological Organization and the Japanese Meteorological Agency, the globe has recently experienced the warmest week on record.
According to Russ Vose, the head of NOAA’s global analysis division, the record-breaking heat of June can be attributed to two main factors: (1) long-term warming due to heat-trapping gases emitted by the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas; and (2) El Nino, which heats parts of the Pacific and changes weather patterns across the globe.
However, since El Nino continues to be regarded as mild to moderate at this point, most of June’s warming was attributable to long-term human factors. According to NOAA and other predictions, 2024 will be considerably hotter than this year since it will reach its peak then.
El Nino and its counterbalance, La Nina, are natural climate fluctuations that have a huge influence on year-to-year temperatures, but their impacts are far lower over the long term than human-caused warming, according to climate scientist Zeke Hausfather of Berkeley Earth and the technology startup Stripe. Every decade, global warming caused by humans contributes as much heat to the atmosphere as a persistent El Nino.
According to NOAA, both the Arctic and Antarctic sea ice levels reached historic lows in June.
Moreover, the global warming is expected to continue, even if many ecosystems and human populations have reached their threshold for heat stress.

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) successfully hosted the 13th edition of Wings of Change Americas (WOCA 2023), bringing this keynote aviation conference to Mexico for the first time.“Fostering aviation in support of socioeconomic recovery” was the conference theme, which brought together more than 400 delegates to Mexico City on 27-28 June 2023. Participants engaged in dialogue between the airline industry, governments, the tourism sector, and other stakeholders in the air travel value chain, discussing the various aspects of harnessing the potential of aviation in driving economic resurgence and social progress across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Key highlights and takeaways include:Collaboration for Success: One resounding message was the importance of collaboration among stakeholders. Governments, airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies acknowledged that the potential of aviation and the wider travel & tourism sector across the region could best be maximized through joint efforts. IATA looks forward to working with the Mexican Government to create a joint agenda to further utilize aviation to create jobs and economic opportunities for the country and its people.
Sustainable Aviation: Airlines are fully committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, the regulatory framework to support this goal is still lacking across Latin America and the Caribbean. Governments need to act quickly to create the right production incentives for the advancement of Sustainable Aviation Fuels.
Inclusive and Diverse Industry: Speakers highlighted the need for equal opportunities, gender balance, and diverse representation across all levels of the industry. By fostering an inclusive environment, aviation can harness the power of diverse perspectives, talent, and ideas, driving innovation and progress. IATA’s 25by2025 campaign was also showcased, with ANAC, Brazil’s Civil Aviation Agency, official signing up to the initiative during the event.
Technology as an Enabler: The transformative power of technology in aviation was showcased. Speakers and innovators shared cutting-edge solutions, highlighting the important role of data analytics in enhancing safety, efficiency, and the passenger experience. It was evident that embracing personalization and digitalization is key to meeting today’s passengers’ expectations.ADVERTISEMENTIn his remarks, Peter Cerdá, IATA’s Regional Vice President for the Americas, highlighted the resilience of the aviation industry, which despite the pandemic and ongoing economic, political and social instabilities, had recovered to just shy of 2019 traffic levels across Latin America and the Caribbean. Given that more than 90% of tourists to the region arrive by air, he reminded all that supporting aviation directly sustains tourism and the well-being of the country. As air transport unites people, families, communities, cultures, creating business opportunities and dreams, and plays a key role in the value chain of important commodity exports, governments must address aviation as a state priority that transcends political change.
The next Wings of Change Americas event is planned for April 2024 in Santiago de Chile.

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ITB Asia, Asia’s leading travel trade show, is pleased to announce the top exhibitors for its highly anticipated 16th edition, set to take place from 25 – 27 October 2023 in Singapore
Co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, this year’s event promises three full days of networking opportunities with international exhibitors, complemented by insightful conference sessions at the threeconference theatres located at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.
Well ahead of the show in October, many exhibitors confirmed their participation with expansion at ITB Asia 2023. With an impressive line-up of National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) including Brand USA, Croatian National Tourist Board, Czech Tourism Authority, Japan National Tourism Organization, Jordan Tourism Board, Korea Tourism Organization, Malta Tourism Authority, Marianas Visitors Authority, PROMPERU, Singapore Tourism Board, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Tourism Seychelles, Visit Estonia, Visit Finland, Visit Iceland, Visit Maldives, Visit Monaco, Visit Norway, and more.
Attendees can expect a comprehensive showcase of global destinations and tourism products. Latest floorplan can be found on: itb-asia.com/floorplan
“At ITB Asia attendees can feel the pulse of innovation, network with global trailblazers and boost their business growth to seize the opportunity to shape the future of the travel industry. By expanding the Travel Tech segment with another hall, we’re opening doors to limitless possibilities, ensuring we stay ahead in this rapidly evolving industry”, says Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), the organiserof ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia.Trade visitors are invited to join the event with an all-access pass, granting entry to all three shows – ITB Asia, MICE Show Asia, and Travel Tech Asia. They can take advantage of the Super Early Bird rate available until 3 September 2023 by registering at www.itbasia.com/visit-register.ADVERTISEMENTNew hall dedicated to Travel Tech AsiaIn conjunction with ITB Asia, Travel Tech Asia will expand its exhibition and conference theatres at Level 1 of Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Travel Tech Asia is the most important travel technology marketplace for digital travel leaders. Building on its successful comeback last year, the show will feature exhibitors from the travel technology sector, including renowned companies like Amerilink InternationalCorporation, DerbySoft, Go Global Travel, Hotelbeds, Infor, Korea Tourism Startup Center, Rakuten Travel Xchange, SUNRATE, Trip.com, TBO Holidays, and UNIFIFI Group.
Travel Tech buyers who are sourcing for travel technology systems may apply for a free pass on: www.traveltechasia.com/visitor
For visitors specifically interested in travel technologies, the Travel Tech Asia Visitor Pass offers exclusive access to the Travel Tech Asia exhibition and conferences. The Super Early Bird rate is available now, visitors may register before 3 September 2023 at: www.traveltechasia.com/visitor.

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the winners of the 2023 edition of the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards.
Inspirational Role Model: Poppy Khoza – Director of Civil Aviation, South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)High Flyer: Camila Turrieta – Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Committee, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and First Officer, JetBlue AirwaysDiversity & Inclusion Team: Virgin Atlantic Airways“In their fourth year, the IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards play an important role in recognizing the work done by those who go above and beyond in engraining diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry. Through breaking taboos to introducing innovations and changing the status quo, this year’s winners exemplify the true nature of the industry: resilience, persistence and unhindered motivation to drive change,” said Karen Walker, Editor in Chief, Air Transport World and chair of the judging panel.
The other members of the judging panel include the winners of the 2022 awards: Güliz Öztürk, CEO, Pegasus Airlines; Kanchana Gamage, Founder and Director of the Aviatrix Project, and Alina Aronberga, SVP Human Resources, airBaltic.
“I congratulate the winners of the 2023 awards. By their example, they are leading the way to a gender balanced aviation industry. They have pushed boundaries to demonstrate that diversity and inclusion is fundamental to business success. Congratulations to three truly inspirational winners. Women are still under-represented in aviation, but with the help and example of these and previous award winners, we are making progress,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
Qatar Airways is the sponsor of the Diversity & Inclusion Awards for the fifth consecutive year. Each winner receives a prize of $25,000, payable to the winner in each of the categories or to their nominated charities.ADVERTISEMENTThe 2023 IATA Diversity & Inclusion Awards were presented during the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) which followed the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, Türkiye.
ProfilesInspirational Role Model: Poppy Khoza – Director of Civil Aviation, South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
The international respect for Poppy Khoza was evident in her unanimous election to serve as President for the 41st Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization in 2022.  She was the first ever woman to hold that role in ICAO’s 78-year history.
At SACAA, Khoza’s work focuses on providing equal opportunities for women and she has led the transformation of the organization which now boasts women in 50% of executive roles. In her work, Khoza spares no effort in mentoring and coaching other women to challenge the status quo and create a more gender balanced aviation industry.
She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Aviation Sector and Regional Leader Award, Best Chief Executive Officer Award (2015 and 2018). She was also named the Business Leader of the Year during the annual Oliver Empowerment Awards (2018).
High Flyer: Camila Turrieta – Chair of the Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Committee, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), and First Officer, JetBlue Airways
At ALPA, Turrieta is the voice for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives for the Association’s 63,000 pilots at 40 airlines. She leads ALPA’s efforts to use gender inclusive terms, expand the Association’s anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policy to promote an environment of inclusiveness in the piloting profession. This led to the FAA requesting her assistance in creating an inclusive culture through positive regulatory changes within the aviation sector.
Camila is a leader and mentor through her work with non-profit affinity organizations such as the Latino Pilots Association, Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Women in Aviation, and the International Society of Women Airline Pilots which have the common goal of promoting the piloting profession to underrepresented and marginalized communities.
All this led Camila to receive the President’s Call to Service Award under former US Presidents George W Bush and Barack Obama.
Diversity & Inclusion Team: Virgin Atlantic AirwaysVirgin Atlantic Airways is a true pioneer in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. To support the refresh of the airline’s “Be Yourself” strategy, the company introduced bold changes which included:
Revising policies to allow visible tattoos while in uniform,Launching the reasonable workplace adjustment policy to ensure its employees with disabilities get the support they need,Transforming recruitment to remove barriers by focusing on inclusion and accessibility.These changes were supported with digital training to create awareness and enable confident conversations among employees on the Be Yourself strategy. As a result of the successful implementation of the Be Yourself strategy, Virgin Atlantic’s internal employee network membership has increased over 120% while the company’s employee engagement scores for inclusion increased by 6 percentage points.
Alongside this, Virgin Atlantic Airways relaunched its pioneering “Passport to Change” program, which aims to address inequity in educational learning within local communities.

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