Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe at 2,300m, has again been named ‘Best Ski Resort in the World’ at the annual World Ski Awards, the only global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in ski tourism. 
This is the 8th time in 11 years it has won which reflects the passion that consumers have for Val Thorens given they’re actively involved in the selection process. Verbier and Kitzbühel are the other destinations to have awarded this accolade in the past decade, too.  In addition, Val Thorens has been awarded ‘Best Ski Resort in France’ 10 times.
Val Thorens wins so often as it has a loyal and enthusiastic clientele, guaranteed snow, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a “Live United” philosophy which makes the Savoyard resort unique.
Every year, 216 destinations from 26 counties apply and try to win awards in various categories. More than 2.3 million people – both consumers and ski industry professionals – then vote online for their favorite resort.
Vincent Lalanne, director of Val Thorens Tourist Office, says, “This award represents the hard work of all resort staff whom I would like to salute for their involvement, teamwork and imagination. We’re very proud to win again and I would like to thank our customers from all over the world for their unfailing support. We’re dedicated to delivering excellence and continually developing the resort to ensure a fantastic holiday experience for everyone.”ADVERTISEMENTThis season, Val Thorens will open early on November 18, 2023 due to the signifiant early snowfall.
The resort celebrated its 50th anniversary last season. It opened the €40 million Le Board sports, wellness and business centre which is a marquee new development right in the heart of the village. Other major investments include two new state-of-the art lifts linking Val Thorens with Orelle which are now in operation in both winter and summer. Last season, a Perspex tunnel was built so that foot passengers even avoid getting their feet wet as they travel between the resorts.
Val Thorens is part of Les 3 Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area in the world with 600 km of pistes and 162 lifts.

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Leo Trippi Celebrates 10 Years at the Top With 10 Coolest Experiences

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Leo Trippi is thrilled to announce it has won World’s Best Ski Travel Agent at the World Ski Awards for an unprecedented tenth consecutive year. A multi-award-winning luxury travel company, Leo Trippi specialises in exceptional luxury ski holidays and tailor-made escapes. In celebration of retaining this title for the past decade, Leo Trippi is sharing its “10 Coolest Experiences”, commemorating 10 years at the top and looking ahead to the next 10.Oliver Corkhill, CEO at Leo Trippi & Co-Founder, Viadi Group comments:
“It’s a testament to our brilliant team that we’ve retained this award for an unmatched 10th consecutive year. We firmly believe that our long-standing presence in the Alps, as well as our unparalleled destination knowledge, is what sets us apart from our competitors. As we hone our experiential offering for 2024, from a supercar driving tour through the Swiss Alps to heli-skiing safari across the Swiss, Italian and French Alps, we are excited to bring an unparalleled alpine offering to our valued clients.” 
Launched in 2013, World Ski Awards aims to improve standards within the ski industry by rewarding the organisations that are leaders in their fields. Ski tourism continues to constitute a vital segment of the global travel and tourism marketplace with an estimated 400 million skiers visits annually to more than 2,500 resorts.
So, here’s to the next 10 years, and Leo Trippi’s 10 coolest experiences for 2024:
1. Ultimate Swiss Heli-Ski SafariADVERTISEMENTSki adrenaline junkies need look no further thanks to Leo Trippi’s 10 day ski itinerary for adventure seekers. This exhilarating cross-border experience will take skiers to some of the most iconic resorts in the Swiss, French and Italian Alps. Fly up to the peaks in a chopper before descending off-pistes, down glaciers and untouched mountains together with an expert team of guides. Participants can also receive lessons from ski legends such as Marc Garcia and Jean-Jacques Rey during their trip, elevating their skills on the slopes. Each heli-ski safari can be tailored to guests’ preferences and desires.
2. Stay at the World’s Best Ski Chalet, Zermatt Peak
Experience the majesty of the Matterhorn from the world’s most opulent chalet. Immerse yourself in architectural splendour, breath-taking views and jaw-dropping design. Chalet Zermatt Peak epitomises luxury: accessed via a private tunnel, it enjoys an iconic location set into the side of the mountain with unrivalled panoramic views across the picturesque village of Zermatt.
3. Experience Chefs at New Heights
Add the wow factor to your alpine escape with one of the world’s greatest Michelin-starred chefs taking you on an unparalleled gastronomic journey. Epicureans need look no further: this alpine experience goes beyond the slopes combining Michelin-starred dining with exhilarating high-altitude skiing across Switzerland, Italy and France. Chopper to the top of the mountain to enjoy the sunrise whilst one of the greats whips up an indulgent breakfast to power your run back down? Go on, then.
4. Winter Wonderland in the Arctic Circle
Discover an oasis of comfort in the wilderness with a winter holiday of a lifetime in the Arctic Circle. Stay at Fjellborg Arctic Lodge in Swedish Lapland for privately guided winter activities such as dog sledding, ice fishing, and snowshoeing. The highlight: a snowmobile excursion to an indigenous Sami camp where you will learn about their fascinating culture.
Dining-wise, an epicurean adventure that celebrates locally sourced food awaits, focused on Lappish cuisine, with plenty of fresh fish, game, berries and mushrooms.
5. Heli-ski in Antarctica this winter aboard explorer yacht, La Datcha
For the coolest of bragging rights, explore the last frontier of heli-skiing aboard the 77 metre SeaExplorer, La Datcha. With rare availability for the 2023-2024 Antarctic season, La Datcha, with two helicopters on board, is one of the only operations able to provide efficient and safe heli-skiing across the frozen continent. Begin your journey at Puerto Natales, staying at Awasi overlooking the Torres del Paine National Park, Chile, before flying to King George Island to begin a 7-10 night once-in-a-lifetime voyage for up to 12 guests.
6. Snowmobile across the snowy peaks of Courchevel
Discover the mountains by moonlight with a 23 km night-time snowmobile ride on the snowy peaks of Courchevel. Stop for a private dinner in a cosy mountain hut before toasting each other with Champagne whilst watching fireworks light up the dark sky. A resort synonymous with glamour, Courchevel 1850 is home to its own airstrip, countless Michelin-starred restaurants and the best luxury chalets, making it the ultimate luxury ski experience.
7. Private heli tour in Verbier
Take to the skies over Verbier and enjoy a private heli tour through the whole of Val de Bagnes, right up to the source of the Otemma glacier. Stop off for an aperitif and sample locally produced wines, cheeses and charcuterie of the highest quality. An exhilarating experience for couples of families alike.
8. The Secret Side to Gstaad
Discover a secret side to Gstaad as our local partners take you beyond the tourist trail to discover the true ‘heart’ of Switzerland. Travel off the beaten track and discover Gstaad like a local with Leo Trippi’s tailor-made five-day itinerary. From a private carriage ride in one of the most beautiful parts of the valley to a sunset alphorn concert, this is sure to be a trip to remember.
9. Action-packed Patagonia
Head across the pond to Patagonia for the ultimate adrenaline-filled adventure. Set within 13 acres,  Rio Palena Lodge is a spacious, secluded retreat guarded by the awe-inspiring Andes mountain range. Stay between October and December for incredible guided heli-skiing expeditions in the dramatic Los Lagos region of Chile. The terrain includes an assortment of open bowls, steep couloirs and gentler glacier runs, with a typical day consisting of six to ten runs. When not taking to the slopes, try your hand at fly fishing, white-water rafting, hiking or mountain biking.
10. A supercar driving tour across the Swiss Alps
Petrol heads and pleasure seekers unite in the summertime joy of the Swiss Alps with a tailor-made supercar driving tour across Switzerland. Behind the wheel of your dream car, you’ll journey from the shores of Lake Lucerne to the magnificent Jungfrau Region and the spectacular Valais, taking in incredible sights and experiences along the way.
For further information or to book please visit www.leotrippi.com or call +44 1285 366 030

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Viking Announces New Ship for the Mekong River

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Val Thorens Voted ‘Best Ski Resort in the World’ for the 8th Time in 11 Years at World Ski Awards More

From January up until the end of September 2023, Spain received 66.5 million international arrivals, up 18.8% year-on-year, and 0.6% below pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The main inbound tourism markets were the United Kingdom, representing around 13.8 million arrivals, France with almost 9.4 million arrivals and Germany, with almost 8.5 million arrivals.
VALENCIA: EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL 2024
Valencia has been named the European Green Capital for 2024 by the European Commission. This prestigious award underpins the city’s commitment to environmental sustainability and its ongoing efforts to address the challenges of climate change.
2024: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE ANNIVERSARIES
The oldest five World Heritage Sites in Spain are approaching their 40th anniversary, having been designated in 1984. These include:ADVERTISEMENTAlhambra, Generalife and Albayzín, GranadaBurgos CathedralMonastery and Site of the Escorial, MadridThe Historic Centre of CórdobaWorks of Antoni Gaudí  THE PREHISTORIC SITES OF TALAYOTIC MENORCA BRING SPAIN’S UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE COUNT TO 50
In September 2023, the prehistoric sites of Talayotic Menorca were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, bringing the total number of sites in Spain to 50.
FINALISTS OF SPAIN’S 2024 CITY OF GASTRONOMY REVEALED
The four finalist cities for Spain’s Capital of Gastronomy (CEG) have been announced and include Alicante, Antequera, Castellón and Oviedo. The prestigious award, decided jointly by travel journalists and the Hospitality Association of Spain, was awarded to Cuenca, Castilla–La Mancha in 2023.
SEVEN NEW VÍAS VERDES BUILT IN 2023
In Spain, there are more than 3,300 kilometres of disused railway infrastructure that have been converted into cycle and hiking routes within the framework of the Greenways Programme, coordinated by the Spanish Railways Foundation. They are known as Vías Verdes – Green Ways.
In 2023 seven new greenways were added to the network.
2024: 100 YEARS OF THE MODERN BARCELONA METRO
In 2024, the Spanish city of Barcelona will mark the anniversary of the full opening of its Metro train system (Metro de Barcelona).
2024: A JUBILEE YEAR FOR CARAVACA DE LA CRUZ, MURCIA
Every seven years since 2003, the holy city of Caravaca de la Cruz, located in the region of Murcia, celebrates a Jubilee Year which attracts thousands of pilgrims to the city seeking plenary indulgence.
ANDALUCIA FLAMENCO MUSEUM TO OPEN IN JEREZ
In 2024, Jerez de la Frontera is set to unveil the highly anticipated Andalucia Flamenco Museum.  Recognised as one of the primary strongholds of Flamenco, Jerez’s cultural identity is intricately intertwined with the art of Flamenco, wine, and horses.
BARCELONA TO HOST 37TH AMERICA’S CUP IN 2024
America’s Cup, the most important regatta in the world, will take place in Barcelona between August and October 2024. It is the 3rd sport competition with the highest economic impact on the host country, after the Olympic Games and the World Cup.
SPAIN ANNOUNCES NEW CAMPAIGN PROMOTING THE COUNTRY AS A TAX-FREE SHOPPING DESTINATION FOR BRITISH TRAVELLERS
On Monday 06 November 2023, Turespaña launched a new advertising campaign aimed at British young people, families, couples, and seniors to promote Spain as the perfect shopping destination. The campaign reminds UK residents that, since the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, they can recover VAT on their purchases in Spain.

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Cayman Islands – what’s new and happening in 2024

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New Hotels in the Cayman Islands for 2024Scheduled to open in Q2 2024 is Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman. The 282-room 10-storey beachfront property will provide an upper midscale experience featuring multiple restaurants, a 6,700 square foot ballroom, a pool deck and a rooftop bar. Indigo’s restaurants and bars around the world are known as a favourite destination for visitors and locals alike. With sustainability in mind, the hotel is being built to LEED standards, which ensures high-performance buildings that have less of an impact on the environment. Hotel Indigo will use a geothermal/ice storage combination and will feature insulated glazing throughout to reduce energy consumption. The latest in Cayman real estate developer, Dart’s, hospitality portfolio, Hotel Indigo is expected to generate several hundred jobs when it opens. In 2022, Dart launched its Hospitality Training Programme, which provides Caymanians with the opportunity to obtain first-hand industry experience via a three-month work experience within the Dart hospitality portfolio.
Looking Ahead on Grand Cayman In 2025, the island’s luxury hotel scene will be elevated further as two new properties make their debut. Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman, located on the coast of St. James Point in Bodden Town, will have 100 hotel rooms and 89 residences on a 67-acre resort. The property will feature multiple swimming pools, a swimming cove and beach; a spa will offer a meditation pavilion, Zen pathways, serenity gardens and private treatment villas; food options will include the Ocean Grill, specialising in locally sourced seafood; The Restaurant, a signature restaurant with an exhibition kitchen, chef’s dining counter and wood-fired pizza oven; the kids’ club will include an interactive playroom and adjacent activities park.
Seven Mile Beach will gain another 10-storey hotel in mid-2025 with the opening of the 354-room Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences. The property will comprise 190 hotel guest rooms, 88 condo-hotel rooms, and one-, two- and three-bedroom condo-hotel suites. Boasting six restaurants, a 12,000-square foot destination spa and fitness centre, three swimming pools, beach cabanas, a screening room, indoor meeting space and a Camp Hyatt kids’ club, the Grand Hyatt will be the only other five-starinternational hotel brand in Cayman after The Ritz-Carlton, which opened in 2005.
Also scheduled for a 2025 opening is the 177-unit One/GT, a boutique hotel that will feature a cafe, a signature restaurant and luxury rooftop venue Sky Club. Accommodation will range from one-bedroom units to four-bedroom apartments.
Don’t Miss Out In 2024There’s something for every day of the year in the Cayman Islands; we’ve selected just some of the not-to-miss events taking place throughout 2024.ADVERTISEMENTCayman Cookout | 9-15 JanuaryAs the epitome of exclusive culinary festivals, 2024 marks the 15th anniversary of the annual Cayman Cookout – a celebration of food and wine, granting guests an extraordinary weekend dedicated to indulging their senses. Returning from 9-15 January 2024, the event is hosted by Chef Éric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, who runs the resort’s signature restaurant. The four-day event will bring some of the biggest names in the culinary industry with Éric Ripert, including Angie Mar, José Andrés, Kristen Kish and Sommelier Aldo Sohm. Events include a “Hendrick’s & Croquet” experience, “Treasures of Truffle”, as well as a “Ripert & Petanque” signature session. Meanwhile, cooking and mixology demonstrations will occur along the stunning Seven Mile Beach. caymancookout.com
Taste of Cayman | 12 AprilTravellers arriving in the Cayman Islands this April are in for a treat of the senses as the month also features Taste of Cayman and will bring together a host of food festival experiences, as well as live music and entertainment – the perfect reason to explore more of the Cayman culture and its diverse range of restaurants and cuisine. Tasteofcayman.org
Cayman Art Week | 22-26 MayThe art scene in the Cayman Islands is flourishing. There are more than 150 nationalities represented on the islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, and this inclusive cultural scene has led to a movement of artistic expression, enabling artists to tell their stories. From 22-26 May, Cayman Art Week (CAW) takes up its annual place in the events calendar with its week-long curated programme of gallery tours and open studios around the Cayman Islands. The event is designed to celebrate and encourage the collection of Caymanian art. CAW offers unparalleled access to over 30 art venues, providing an opportunity to showcase exhibitions and host a range of discussions to local and international audiences. caymanartweek.com
Batabano Cayman Carnival | MayAn explosion of Caribbean music, dancing and costumes, the annual Batabano Cayman Carnival celebrates the Cayman Islands’ multicultural history and diversity of music. An eye-popping fiesta, the carnival is well known throughout the Caribbean and attracts thousands of locals and tourists alike. Caymancarnival.com
CayMAS Carnival | July CayMAS Carnival takes place over a whole wonderful weekend in July and event-goers can expect an all-encompassing complete Carnival weekend. Including steel pan, Soca Monarch, Parade and a host of fetes and parties for both locals and visitors alike, it’s a not-to-be-missed event on the Caymans calendar. www.caymas.ky
National Iguana Awareness Day | 8 SeptemberThe Caymans Islands is home to both the rare blue iguana and the rock iguana. Indigenous to Grand Cayman and the only place in the world where they are found in the wild, blue iguanas faced a bleak future at the turn of this century and, in 2002, the blue iguana was declared ‘functionally extinct’ with only an estimated 25 of the species remaining. However, thanks to the extensive breeding programme, in 2018 the 1000th iguana was released back into the wild. Today, the figure stands nearer 1700. Today, visitors can spot these amazing creatures at the Blue Iguana Conservation facility at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where all entry fees help support Blue Iguana Conservation. The sister islands rock iguana found on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman faces threats from cars and other predators; there is even an iguana hotline for people to report any sightings or injuries to. National Iguana Awareness Day marks a time to acknowledge and celebrate the fascinating community of iguanas inhabiting the islands.
Cayman Cocktail Week | October It’s safe to say that visitors will be spoilt for choice when it comes to cocktails in the Cayman Islands. Indeed, the destination has its own Cayman Cocktail Week each October to celebrate as such. With the original Mudslide cocktail said to have been invented during the 1970s at the Wreck Bar on Grand Cayman’s Rum Point, today, the Cayman Islands’ cocktail scene is flourishing and a number of exceptional bars have popped up over the last three years, e recruiting bartenders from some of the world’s best bars. caymancocktailweek.com
Cayman Pirates Fest | NovemberA swashbuckling good time for all three Islands, the annual Pirates Fest, complete with mock-pirate ‘invasion’, music, street dancing, competitions, local food and drink, children’s day, sea swims and firework displays, has been running for over 40 years and attracts some 35,000 patrons.  The event kicks off in September with district Heritage Days, but the main event is in November, when even a Pirate Pooch Parade takes place, as well as a Turtle Release in celebration of the Cayman Islands’ work in conservation through the Cayman Turtle Centre. Piratesfestcayman.com
Gimistory | November/December Storytelling is as old as mankind and is one of the most ancient arts. In Gimistory, professional storytellers come from all over the world to celebrate the art of communication, telling stories that illuminate their heritage, explore myths and legends, and provide laughter and drama. Curated by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation, 2024 will mark 25 years of the annual event. artscayman.org/gimistory
About the Cayman IslandsLocated south of Miami and a short hop from Cuba, the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands is a premium holiday destination where laidback discovery awaits. Ideal for adventurous travellers, nature-lovers, diving aficionados and those looking to relax and unwind on world-class beaches, there’s as much thrill as there is chill. Friendly and hassle-free, with no all-inclusives, the trio of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac islands provide the perfect off-the-beaten-path experience. Recognised as the No. 10 Island in the Caribbean & Atlantic by Condé Nast Traveller’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards and voted best diving and best culinary destination in the Caribbean, and with incredible wildlife and mouthwatering cuisine to boot, 2023 saw British Airways welcome a fifth weekly direct flight from London Heathrow.
To discover more about the Cayman Islands visit: visitcaymanislands.com

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Phocuswright 2023: Tech start-ups come under spotlight with Innovation: Launch

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The Spanish Tourist Office has announced key news for 2024 and the end of 2023. More

The Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO) is deploying special measures for its participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2023, taking place from 6-8 November. A strong Moroccan delegation is actively involved in this exhibition, with the presence of 44 professional co-exhibitors and representatives from Morocco’s 12 regions.The delegation is led by the Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, Social and Solidarity Economy, Fatim-Zahra Ammor, Adel El Fakir, General Director of the MNTO and Hamid Bentaher, President of the National Tourism Confederation.
A must-attend event for the travel industry, WTM is one of the world’s largest B2B trade events, generating nearly 35 billion Dirhams (2.8 billion GBP) in contracts. For the 2023 edition, Morcco has been announced as Premier Partner. Morocco will benefit from the exceptional branding opportunities and an exclusive presence at the openeing ceremony.
The MNTO is taking advantge of the opportunity to unveil its new stand concept, which will be redeployed at all Moroccan trade events between 2023 and 2024. The Morocco pavillion boasts a record surface area of 760 m², including 130 m² dedicated to the Marrakech-Safi and Agadir-Souss Massa regions, two of the most popular destinations for British tourists.
On the sidelines of the show, the MNTO signed a 5-year partnership with British TO JET2, the market leader. The primary goal this agreement is to integrate Morocco as a top destination in the programming of the leading British TO. In the first year of the agreement, 17 flights a week will be scheduled from several UK departure points, with this number expected to eventually increase to 28 per week.
The MNTO has also signed a 5-year partnership with eDreams ODIGEO, the world’s leading travel subscription platform, which owns the eDreams, GO Voyages, Opodo and Travellink brands. The purpose of this contract is to triple current annual targets, with an annual growth rate of around 30%.ADVERTISEMENTThrough this unprecedented participation at WTM London 2023, the MNTO continues its dynamic « Light In Action » strategy by deploying its sales force at one of the world’s largest B2B travel industry exhibitions. The aim is to strengthen Morocco’s presence in its traditional markets, and to conquer new growth markets capable of contributing to the rise of Morocco as a destination.

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Active Ibiza: Experience The Island As A Major Sporting Destination In 2024

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Once exclusively known as Spain’s main party island, Ibiza has been growing its sports and wellness offering, to become a burgeoning tourism hotspot for athletic travellers and avid sports fans. Unique for its beautiful landscape of golden beaches, rolling hills, pine forests, lush mountains and warm climate with 300 days of sunshine a year, Ibiza is embracing the great outdoors with a diverse array of exciting sports events taking place in 2024.
In 2022, Ibiza hosted 9 sports events attracting 28,800 visitors to the island with an average spend of €1,047 per person and generating an economic impact of €30.1 million, according to the Institute of Statistics of the Balearic Islands.
PTO European Open
The Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO) European Open will return to Ibiza next year on 28 -29 September, ready to crown the new ‘European Champion’. The announcement was made by the PTO and Spanish Triathlon Federation at World Travel Market 2023, in the company of the island’s president Vicente Mari, who is there to promote Ibiza’s growing reputation as a world-class sports destination.
Vicente Mari, president of the Consell de Ibiza, says:ADVERTISEMENT“It’s really important for our image and income to be recognised as a world-class sports destination because we saw when the PTO Tour came to our island at the beginning of May this year it helped create the best start to a summer season in our history. The triathlon races brought in twelve thousand [12,000] extra visitors, which in turn helped generate an estimated economic impact of €12.5 million Euros as well as repositioning how people think about us. It will also change when they consider coming to the island, by sending a clear message that we are ‘open for business’ from early Spring right through to the Autumn, rather than only over the Summer months of June, July and August.”
The course will start on the south side of the island, at Figueretas Beach, before the athletes headed out on their bikes towards San Antonio and finish with a run through Ibiza Port into the World Heritage protected old town. The event is back by popular demand, after the success of 2023, which brought in 12,000 additional visitors to the island, and provided a significant economic boost at the end of the summer season. Click here for more details and to sign up to race.
The island has an array of other exciting sporting events in the pipeline, that will help to extend the season and encourage people to travel to Ibiza before, and beyond the summer months.
10K Ibiza-Platja d’en Bossa
Kickstarting the year on 28 January, the Ibiza-Platja d’en Bossa is one of the fastest races in Spain. The race is characterised by its wide and long roads that run at sea level, through the pine-fringed park of Ses Salines and the tourist enclave of Platja d’en Bossa. A race to inspire keen aspiring runners!
www.10kibiza.com
La Ruta de la Sal Regatta
Taking place 28 & 30 March 2024, The Ruta de la Sal is the most important offshore regatta in the Mediterranean where hundreds of amateurs gather every year. It provides a unique opportunity to be part of a team of experienced and inexperienced crew members, together with professionals from the nautical world, in one of the most special events of the year.
www.larutadelasal.com
Ibiza Cycling Tour
Ibizan October is synonymous with road cycling, and this beloved cycling event, which has gained popularity over the years, seamlessly blends the love for cycling with the breathtaking beauty of the island – some locations are the best-kept secrets on the island.
­­­www.ibizabtt.com
Ibiza Marathon
Taking place on 13 April, the Ibiza Marathon is one of the most scenic. With the refreshing Mediterranean breeze and warmer April climes, Santa Eulària Ibiza marathon is physical and mental challenge, on one of the prettiest parts of the island.
www.ibizamarathon.com
Ibiza Half Marathon
The Ibiza Half Marathon will take you, covering the official distance approved by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, through picturesque places on the island from the town of Sant Josep to the town itself of Ibiza. The race attracts close to a thousand athletes, opening in San José and covering emblematic points such as Cala Jondal, Sa Caleta and San Jorge, culminating in the emblematic Port of Ibiza. The end of the race will give way to an event in the Port of Ibiza, full of sports exhibitions, musical performances and opportunities to enjoy, specially designed for both athletes and their companions.
www.ibizamediamaraton.com
Ibiza Trail Marathon
The Ibiza Trail Marathon is a physical and mental challenge, yet also one of the most scenic. Taking place at the end of October in warm autumnal climes, this marathon is one of the 10 races considered of tourist interest by the Consell Insular de Ibiza, providing a unique way to visit the island.
www.ibizabtt.com
With Ibiza’s year-round sunshine and quick accessibility, located just 2 hours from London, the island is the ideal holiday destination for outdoorsy travellers to get involved in key sporting events, or watch from the sidelines. Treat yourself to a stay in one of the new hotels opening on the island next year too, with the launch of Hyde Ibiza Hotel, Mondrian Ibiza or Los Felices.

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The Balearic Islands Government Provides Insight Into Its New Tourism Strategy At WTM

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The first day of World Travel Market London 2023 – the world’s most influential travel and tourism event – kicked off with some key international gatherings.
The WTM Ministers’ Summit, now in its 17th year, had 40 representatives present for 2023. This year’s session, in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), was entitled Transforming Tourism Through Youth and Education.Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UNWTO pointed out, “tourism is more than hotel administration,” stating that 80% of relevant degrees were focused on this subject.
Among ministers commenting at the summit, the UK’s Sir John Whittingdale said the prospect of good social mobility should be an enticement. “[In the travel industry] there are no ceilings, so you can go in at the bottom and reach right to the top… start on a hotel reception and end up running a group of hotels.”
Destinations showcased their sustainability credentials on the Discover Stage, with examples of best practice from around the world.
The German National Tourist Office is encouraging tourists to stay longer to relatively reduce their carbon footprint while the tourist boards of Greece, Italy, Spain and France outlined how they are enticing more holidaymakers to visit during the shoulder and winter seasons, as well as more off-the-beaten-track places to ease pressure on hotspots.ADVERTISEMENTPedro Medina, Deputy Director at Turespaña, the Spanish Tourist Office, said his country also has a focus on slow travel, encouraging holidays by train.
Brazil’s Embratur, highlighted Bonito, heralded as the world’s first carbon neutral ecotourism destination and Tourism Australia showcased the Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective.
Jonah Whitaker, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Visit California, said the tourist board has shifted to a “position of stewardship”, to encourage sustainable tourism practices.
Gilberto Salcedo, Tourism Vice President at Procolombia, said the country is reframing its “violent past” to ensure history won’t be repeated. Caguan Expeditions, for example, employs ex-guerrillas as guides and shifts them “from guns to paddles”.
Further innovation was celebrated on the Discover Stage when InterLnkd was named winner of the WTM Start-Up Pitch Battle, in partnership with Amadeus.
InterLnkd’dplatform connects travel and hospitality suppliers with fashion and beauty retailers.
It has a proprietary matching engine which means that travellers are presented with products from partners that are appropriate to their trip. CEO Barry Klipp said his business fills an ancillary gap and is a new, free revenue stream for the travel industry.
Simple things such as using easily readable fonts on signs are among easy ways to make neurodivergent people feel more at ease, a session entitled Spotlighting Hidden Disabilities: Successful Strategies for Inclusive Travel heard.
Neurodiversity Consultant Onyinye Udokporo said searches for the term ‘neurodivergent’ increased 5,000 per cent on Google last year, highlighting the growing importance being attributed to people with hidden disabilities. She said 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent.
She said hotel companies, airlines and other corporations should also make changes internally. “If you don’t look after your employees, but look after your customers, it doesn’t make sense,” Udokporo told the audience.
Hotels could help by incorporating adjustable or dimmable lighting when redesigning rooms. Another suggestion was to offer weighted blankets, which can reduce anxiety.
“Start by fixing the simple things and take a moment to consider how it may affect people who are neurodivergent,” Udokporo said.
Former WTM Director Fiona OBE joined a panel session on Empowering Women to Change Travel, in which she discussed founding clean water project Just A Drop.
She said: “My mission was to try to encourage the travel and tourism industry to give back.” Also on stage was the First Lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid, who said the country is the closest in the world to closing the gender pay gap.
Several destinations took the opportunity of WTM London to detail their plans for the years ahead. The Balearic Islands outlined how sport and culture were to be a key strategy, partly to help to extend its tourism season. Forty low season events are planned in the next year, one of which is a new triathlon in Ibiza in September.
Marga Prohens, the islands’ president, said: “One of the first decisions by the new government (elected in May) was to put tourism, culture and sport into a single department.”
Jose Marcial Rodriguez, Majorca’s tourism minister, said the island had almost reached 100% of 2019 visitor levels and looked forward to a winter with increasing airlift. Together, the four Balaeric islands saw just under 1,200,000 travellers between October 2022 and May 2023, a 24% increase year on year.
Saudi Tourism Authority chief executive Fahd Hamidaddin detailed its Vision 2030 tourism plan which he said is vital for the country’s future.
“Vision 2030 is a national transformation agenda,” he said, explaining Saudi Arabia’s population was 60% below the age of 30 and that unemployment was a threat, which tourism could alleviate.
“To us, Vision 2030 is opportunity on steroids,” he declared, adding tourism was “expected to be our greatest bridge with the world”.
He was “very hopeful” the country would hit its 2030 target of 100 million visitors this year and had revised the original target to 150 million. A total of $800 billion would be spent by 2030, he revealed.
The country’s first Red Sea resort opened on November 1, with two more expected next year on the coastline, which stretches 1,700km.
Greece is on the threshold of a “new era in sustainability”, according to the country’s tourism minister Olga Kefalogianni. Speaking at WTM London she called it, “an integral part of our identity.”
Despite the pandemic, geopolitical situations and climate change, Greek tourism has demonstrated “remarkable resilience and resurgence”, she added, with arrivals in the year to August up 18% year on year and tourism receipts up 15%.
“There are solid indications that numbers will surpass the record year of 2019,” she said.
“Success brings its own challenges, and we are now embarking on a new chapter with sustainability at its core.”
She said investment in sustainable developments will disperse visitors throughout the country and extend the season beyond the peak warmer months.
Other developments include the modernisation of ski resorts and mountain refuges; a spotlight on Greece as a diving destination; funding to make marinas more energy efficient and accessible; and initiatives to include local farm produce in the breakfast buffets of big hotels.

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Amazing Thailand Press Conference at WTM 2023

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is using the WTM 2023 as a platform to launch its new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ marketing communication concept to a worldwide tourism industry audience as well as to celebrate winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2023.Present at the Amazing Thailand Press Conference on 6 November were Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, and TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, as well as TAT executives. The event was attended by members of the global media and industry professionals.

Miss Sudawan said “The Thai Government is committed to making the tourism sector become more environmentally friendly and applauds TAT’s establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Goals. The annual Responsible Thailand Awards also reflect our determination and enhance the image of Thailand as a responsible tourism destination.”
The annual Responsible Thailand Awards recognises the kingdom’s champions of sustainable tourism in six categories comprising 1) Animal Welfare, 2) Nature, 3) Marine and Heritage, 4) Community-based Tourism, 5) Hotel, Eco Lodge/Eco Hotel, and 6) Green Steps. This year, the winners are Mahouts Elephant Foundation, New Heaven Reef Conservation Programme, Kao Thep Pitak Community Restaurant, Devasom Khao Lak Resort, Elephant Hills, and Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary.
Following the Awards presentation, Ms. Thapanee delivered a media briefing and unveiled a new TVC on the ‘Meaningful Relationship’ communication concept.ADVERTISEMENTMs. Thapanee said “The new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ marketing communication concept is designed to encourage travellers to engage in a meaningful connection whether it is with themselves, the local people, the community, nature, or even with Thailand. When travellers form a relationship with the people they meet and the place they visit, they will have an opportunity of creating lifelong friends, cherished recollections, and enjoyable time.”
The concept will be incorporated into TAT’s ongoing promotion of Thailand as a sustainable and responsible tourism.
As well as the annual Responsible Thailand Awards, TAT has developed and implemented its own Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations Development Programme.
TAT’s STGs encompass the entire Thai tourism industry in a Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) system. Businesses that comply with the goals will attain a corresponding number of stars. Currently, there are 251 businesses with STAR certifications in Thailand.
Meanwhile, the biannual Thailand Tourism Awards has long signified the quality and excellence in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality operations. In the latest edition, this year awards included a new category of low carbon and sustainability.
TAT’s partner, the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) in collaboration with Tourlink has developed seven carbon-neutral travel routes for travellers wanting to explore Thailand, while helping reduce the impact on the environment. Featured destinations include Bangkok, Ratchaburi, Phangnga, Trat, Phetchaburi, and the three Isan provinces of Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Loei.
Along with sustainable and responsible tourism experiences to create meaningful relationships, TAT continues to shape supply and elevate quality in the areas of luxury, wellness, and secondary destinations.  To promote Thailand to be an all-year-round destination for the long-haul market, the ‘Thailand 365 Days’ campaign will be launched to attract the flow of international tourists to explore the diversity of events and festivals as well as destinations nationwide.
Ms. Thapanee concluded, “TAT is delighted to work with all partners, both in and outside of the tourism industry under ‘Partnership 360.’  For the tourism sector, we will continue to collaborate with strategic airline partners and tour operators to increase air access and stimulate demand. TAT will also span and strengthen joint efforts with other sectors, such as trade, real state, banking, and investment. This way will promote tourism more successfully.”
For the UK market, TAT will place focus on potential segments with higher spending, a tendency to stay longer, wanting to explore local areas and care for the environment. These segments include luxury, wellness, responsible travellers, and repeater and first-timer – Millennials and new UK cities.
From 1 January – 31 October 2023, Thailand recorded over 21.6 million arrivals and generated over 20.61 billion Pounds Sterling (927 billion Baht). The top five markets are Malaysia (3,342,819), China (2,778,595), South Korea (1,313,781), India (1,283,340), and Russia (1,097,361), while the UK market contributed 617,017 tourists.
By the end of 2023, TAT expects to see around 80 per cent of the overall tourism revenue generated in 2019, or at 52.88 billion Pounds Sterling (2.38 trillion Baht). This includes tourism revenue of 33.33 Pounds Sterling (1.5 trillion Baht) from around 25-30 million arrivals. From the UK market, the expectation is 795,214 tourists and revenue of 1.37 billion Pounds Sterling (62,000 million Baht).
The 2024 target is set at total revenue of 66.66 billion Pounds Sterling (3 trillion Baht) with 42.66 billion Pounds Sterling (1.92 trillion Baht) coming from the international market. From the UK, the target is 940,000 tourists and revenue of 1.88 billion Pounds Sterling (84,860 million Baht).

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