Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Get ready to embrace the eerie and succumb to the supernatural as England unveils a spellbinding selection of Halloween horrors that promise to send a shiver down your spine.
As the witching hour approaches, here’s a selection of England’s spookiest events and experiences, from dance parties and escape rooms to pumpkin picking and ghost tours through historic cities.
Monstrous Music
Whitby’s Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival and Illuminated Abbey, North Yorkshire
21-31 October 2023ADVERTISEMENTThis October the ruins of Whitby Abbey will be illuminated with a rainbow of colour to light up the dark nights (21 – 31 October 2023, tickets start from £7.50). Adding to the dramatic glow of the cathedral will be a projection of the story of Dracula on the ancient walls. Keeping with the gothic theme, Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival will take place at the Whitby Pavilion (27 – 29 October 2023, tickets start from £42) with goth rock royalty The Mission headlining along with The 69 Eyes, Theatre of Hate and many more. The festival will celebrate gothic subculture with themed markets, performances and club nights.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/whitby-abbey-illuminated-abbey-21-31-oct-23
www.whitbypavilion.co.uk/tomorrow-s-ghosts-festival-october-2023-weekend-ticket

Voxi presents KISS Haunted House Party, Liverpool
28 October 2023
The iconic KISS Haunted House Party will be held up north for the first time, hosted in Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena. Featuring big names such as Leigh Anne, Becky Hill, FLO, Jax Jones, Joel Curry, Rudimental, venbee, Zara Larsson and Tyler West, party goers are encouraged to attend in fancy dress and can get their hands on tickets starting from £47.05.
www.kisshaunted.com

The Silence of the Baths, Manchester
28 October 2023
Manchester’s Victoria Baths, a building with over 100 years of history, will be transformed into a music haven featuring DJ sets from the likes of THT Girl (Not Bad For A Girl) and DJ MX WORLD. With the whole space dressed for the occasion, party goers in fancy dress will enjoy a silent disco with a spooky twist. The event is suitable for those aged 18+ and tickets start from £15 per person.
www.victoriabaths.org.uk/event/the-silence-of-the-baths

The Barnsdale Halloween Ball, Rutland
28 October 2023
The Barnsdale, a former hunting lodge with a 250-year history, is set to be transformed into a spooktacular destination with a touch of glam as it prepares for its first ever Halloween Ball. Fancy dress is obligatory and the best dressed will be awarded with a bottle of wine. Tickets are inclusive of a three-course meal and creepy themed cocktail, alongside the enjoyment of The Reservoir Band. Tickets start from £45.
www.barnsdalerutland.com/what-s-on/#show-5

Hocus Pocus in Concert, Manchester & London
29 & 31 October 2023
The Disney Halloween Classic, Hocus Pocus will be shown live in concert, complete with Emmy Award-winning composer John Debney’s musical score performed alongside the film. Hocus Pocus tells a story of three witches, brought back to life in Salem on Halloween night, who are hell-bent on stealing the ‘life essence’ of the town’s children to maintain eternal life. Viewings will be at London’s Eventim Apollo on 29 October and Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall on 31 October. Tickets start from £27.75.
www.senbla.com/hocus-pocus

Eerie Events and Escape Rooms
Fairground Frights and Creepy Circus Acts, Great Yarmouth
20 -31 October 2023
Great Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach will get a sinister makeover for Halloween with five nights of frights this October (21 – 29 October 2023). There will be creepy characters roaming the grounds, multiple scare mazes, Halloween tunes, themed cocktails and a fireworks display on the evening of 29 October. Wristbands start at £20 per person and include access to all rides, mazes and attractions. The fair isn’t the only spectacle that Great Yarmouth has to offer; the Halloween Spooktacular at the Hippodrome Circus (20 – 31 October 2023) will offer a line-up of acrobatics, stunts, dance and comedy, all set to a spooky theme. Audience members are encouraged to come in fancy dress and get into the spirit of Halloween at the event’s dance. Tickets start from £13.
www.hippodromecircus.com/halloween

Alderford at Halloween, Shropshire
Thrills and frights can be expected at Alderford this Halloween with multiple events for all ages. Younger ones under 10 can enjoy Witchcraft Woods (21 – 22 and 26 – 27 October 2023) where they will begin their experience selecting a wand and creating their very own animal companion to join them on an adventure filled with games and battles to become the best student in the class. Slightly older children aged between 8 and 13 years old can enjoy Spooky Island (27 – 29 October 2023) which features a maze filled with twists and turns to thrill rather than fright. There will be an 18+ Nightmare Island escape room experience (27 – 28 October 2023), which sees participants rowed out to the island from which they will have to complete several puzzling challenges to escape. Tickets start from £1 for Witchcraft Woodland, £12.50 for Spooky Island and £25.00 for Nightmare Island.
www.alderford.com/halloween

Xtreme Scream Park, Leicestershire
6 – 31 October 2023
Tickets to Leicestershire’s Xtreme Scream Park will grant visitors access to all seven spine-chilling attractions, from mazes to haunted houses and live interactive experiences, including roaming actors, fire breathers and live performances.. Tickets start from £29.25.
www.xtremescreampark.co.uk/dates-prices

Scaresville – The Haunted Village at Kentwell Hall, Suffolk
11 – 22 October & 27 – 29 October 2023
Visitors can enjoy a fully immersive experience in the Haunted Village at Kentwell Hall for an hour of frights and thrills designed for visitors over 14 years of age, with those under 18 years accompanied by an adult. Tickets start from £24.95.
www.scaresville.co.uk

PrimEVIL, Norfolk
13 October – 4 November 2023
This year will bring five ‘haunts’ aka terror mazes to Norfolk’s award-winning scare attraction, including The Crypt, Circus of Terror, Route 666, Werehouse 51 and Mayhem Manor. This attraction is more suited to those aged 16+ as each haunt will consist of live actors, confusing turns and a lot of jump scares. There will be food vendors on site in addition to archery, axe throwing, East Anglia’s largest rope course and live music. Tickets start from £29.75.
www.primevil-scare.com

Doom Town – A Mannequin Mystery, Lincolnshire
20 – 21 October 2023
Inspired by the supernatural adventure novel, The Doom Town Dummies, Mannakin, a Lincolnshire-based business supplying mannequins to the TV and film industry, will open the doors to its warehouse for two Halloween themed evenings. The story follows a paranormal investigator who invites guests to help him uncover the mystery of what happened to James Jr who is said to haunt Mannakin Hall. There will be food, drink and plenty of mysteries to solve. Tickets start from £12.00.
www.mannakin.com/dt23

After Dark: Nights to Die for at Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein, Bath
20 October – 31 October 2023
Visitors will be able to experience a truly immersive experience inside the 300-year-old home of Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. Participants will venture through darkened rooms, participate in twisted childhood games, brave the basement walk-through experience and decipher deranged ramblings in Victor’s Attic Escape Room. The event will run from 6pm to 11:30pm every evening and include access to the Bloody Mary’s Bar, where 18+ guests can calm their nerves with an alcoholic beverage. Tickets start from £15.00.
www.houseoffrankenstein.com

The Mystery of the Stones at Stonehenge, Wiltshire
21 October – 5 November 2023
Visitors will be able to uncover the mystery of one of the world’s most famous heritage sites, Stonehenge, with the help of famous detectives Sherlock Holmes, Dr Watson and Mrs Hudson. This themed event will be included in standard pricing and there will be British Sign Language sessions taking place every Saturday and Wednesday. Tickets start from £20.90.
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/stonehenge

Terror Island, Isle of Wight
27 – 29 October & 3 – 4 November 2023
Terror Island offers a complete Halloween experience with four scare mazes, thrilling rides, street food, live music, roaming characters entertainment and games. New this year is the addition of ‘Extinction’, an attraction in which riders are launched 360 degrees into the air, experiencing total darkness. Tickets start from £15.00.
www.terrorisland.co.uk

Harry Potter Themed Trip to Alnwick Castle, Newcastle Gateshead
29 October 2023
Visitors can experience the wonders of Harry Potter this Halloween by going to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry itself to discover all its filming locations from the first two films. The day will include Harry Potter-themed activities and the chance to roam Alnwick Castle’s state rooms where the 12th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland reside, as well as sample free tasters of locally brewed alcohol. Tickets start from £39.00.
www.newadventures.org.uk/experiences/harry-potter-trip-to-alnwick-castle-for-all-customers

Gruesome Ghost Tours
Canterbury Ghost Tours, Kent
Groups will be led on a 90-minute tour by award-winning ghost hunter, author and local historian, John Hippisley who will reveal Canterbury’s darker side with an entertaining blend of history and humour. The city of Canterbury dates to the pre-Roman era and is the location of the infamous murder of Thomas Becket on 29 December 1170. The tours are available every night of the week and start from £12.00.
www.thecanterburytours.com

Bodmin Jail, Cornwall
Groups can embark on a historical journey around Bodmin Jail, which dates to the 18th century. Led by award-winning Heritage Guides, these in-depth tours cater to the entire family and offer an exploration of the jail’s past. From examining crimes and court proceedings to exploring the gallows and graveyards, the tour provides a glimpse into the lives of Georgians and Victorians. Visit the meticulously restored Victorian execution pit to gain insight into the era’s criminal justice system and the severe punishments that awaited wrongdoers. Tickets start from £18.00.
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/bodmin-jail

Shrewsbury Prison Ghost Tours, Shropshire
Every Wednesday
Tours at the Victorian Shrewsbury Prison begin by taking visitors back to the late 18th Century, to a time where public executions were commonplace and attitudes towards guards were fickle. Guests will learn about the treatment of prisoners during this time and the ghostly encounters that have occurred over the past 200 years. The tour explores various locations on the grounds including the original Georgian prison beneath the current building. 90-minute tours run every Wednesday, from £25.00.
www.shrewsburyprison.com/prison-tours/ghost-tours

Supernatural Tours, Southern England
5 September 2023– 29 November 2024 (Selected Dates)
Supernatural Tours, an award-winning theatrical ghost tour company, uses live actors to retell the gruesome tales and ghostly goings-on in Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth and The New Forest. The outdoors tours run for 60 to 75 minutes and prices start from £8.00.
www.supernaturaltoursandevents.com

Ghost Tram Tours, Blackpool
October 2023 (select dates)
On selected dates throughout October, the UK’s only ghost hunting tram will take riders along Blackpool’s promenade, revealing spooky tales from the seaside town’s haunted history. Although the tour will include some spooks and scares, it is suitable for all ages with tickets starting from £7.00.
www.blackpoolheritage.com/tours/ghost-tour

Ghost Tales at Eltham Palace, Greenwich
27 – 28 October & 31 October 2023
Visitors will be able to experience Eltham Palace after dark this Halloween and hear about the horrors from the past that took place on these ancient grounds. With history dating back to the Medieval period there are plenty of stories to be told. The palace’s guides will take guests around the estate, reiterating tales of ghosts and supernatural sightings. The event is suitable for those aged 16+ and start from £14.00.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/eltham-palace-ghost-tales

Family-Friendly Frights
Halloween at Muncaster Castle, Cumbria
Muncaster Castle offers a whole host of Halloween experiences this year. During the daytime, visitors can embark on a family-friendly adventure with “FRANKENSTEIN,” a castle tour that takes them into Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory, where mischief and chaos unfold. As night falls, “Scarecaster” awaits braver souls, a night festival featuring a maze, live music, food and a bar. Attendees are encouraged to dress up and participate in the scariest costume contest. For the fearless, “The Vanishing” offers an immersive poltergeist experience where visitors can unravel a 150-year-old mystery. Expect jump scares, suspense and psychological torment in this 18+ attraction. Tickets start from £9.00 for the Halloween Family Festival, £15.30 for Scarecaster and £6.00 for Twilight Owls.
www.muncaster.co.uk/halloween

The Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade, Cheshire and Norfolk
14 – 31 October 2023
This year at BeWILDerwood’s Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade, families will be able to wander through the illuminated woods at both the Chester and Norfolk locations, follow mysterious paths exclusive to the event and witness the story unfold. It’s a family-friendly adventure, not a scary one, so everyone can enjoy. There will be a chance to craft ‘Boggle Bindle Lanterns’ at Hazel’s Hideaway, and as dusk falls, the Boggles will be lighting up the woods. Snacks and hot drinks will be available at the onsite Munch Bar. Prices start from £10.50.
www.bewilderwood.co.uk/events

Cholderton Scare Breeds Farm, Hampshire
21 – 31 October 2023
Families are welcome down at the farm where they can take part in the interactive spooky trail to find freaky friends and take advantage of photo opportunities. There will also be broom making workshops and a Family Halloween Party (28 October 2023) where monsters big and small can bust a move to spooky classics. Fancy dress is encouraged and those who have gone to the effort will receive a free child return ticket to visit the farm in the new year and a free bag of animal feed. Tickets start from £7.00.
www.choldertonrarebreedsfarm.com/events

Halloween Shriek Week at Drusillas Park, East Sussex
21 – 29 October 2023
It’s live action galore at Drusillas Park this Halloween with plenty of immersive experiences and roaming actors. Kids can test their nerve in Haunted Heights, Drusillas’ very own haunted mansion, where they will meet Hocus and Pocus, the resident witches. There will also be Mummy Mayhem, a child-friendly terror maze that will take visitors back to ancient Egypt where they must escape the curse of the dead. Throughout the park there will be Halloween decorations offering families photo opportunities as well as tasty treats. Tickets start from £26.00.
www.drusillas.co.uk/halloween-activities-in-east-sussex

Halloween Punt and Hunt, Cambridge
21 October – 31 October 2023
A Halloween scavenger hunt for all the family, this event will take groups on a quest both on land and by boat to locate Cambridge’s most haunted places. Those who have successfully located all the ghosts, witches and monsters can claim a sweet treat at Hardy’s Sweetshop. The activity takes up to an hour to complete and is suitable for those aged between 4 and 11. Tickets start from £2.50.
www.traditionalpuntingcompany.com/tours/halloween-punt-and-hunt

Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND, Windsor
28 September – 5 November 2023
LEGOLAND Windsor resort will turn into a pumpkin-filled paradise this autumn, ready for the spooky season. The Brick or Treat event will be led by LEGO monsters for a frightfully fun family experience filled with photo opportunities, 4D movies, themed LEGO builds, the Monster Jam Show and the return of Monster Street. Entry starts from £34.00 and includes access to all 55 rides at the park.
www.visitbritainshop.com/gb/en/legoland-windsor-resort

Pumpkin Picking
The Pumpkin Patch at Rectory Farm, Oxfordshire
Weekends from 7 October 2023
Spanning across 45 acres of Oxfordshire fields and offering 30 types of produce open to visitors for harvesting, The Rectory Farm is a popular spot for pumpkin picking each October. This year, over 25,000 pumpkins are up for grabs with plenty of fringe events happening on the farm such as the garden games, tractor and trailer rides, a straw bale maze and a special harvest show performed three times a day.
www.rectoryfarmpyo.co.uk

Pumpkin picking and carving at Cannon Hall Farm, South Yorkshire
14 – 31 October 2023
This multi-award-winning farm based in South Yorkshire sees the return of its pumpkin patch, boasting almost 10,000 pumpkins for visitors to pick. Parents won’t need to worry about knife whittling for the jack-o’-lantern creation as there will be an expert team of carvers on-site to transform the pumpkins into ghoulish characters. Tickets to the event include all-day farm admission and entitle every child to a free pumpkin.
www.cannonhallfarm.co.uk

Pick your own at Hatton Adventure World, Warwickshire
Weekends from 14 October & 28 – 31 October 2023
Set across 100 acres of countryside and home to over 450 animals, Hatton Adventure World is a regular for family day outings. This October it will see the return of its Halloween Spooktacular, featuring pumpkin picking and carving, saving parents the mess at home. The pumpkins aren’t the only stars of the attraction, new for this year there will be Haunted Cabins where kids will be greeted with either a trick or a treat.
www.adventure.hattonworld.com

Cammas Hall Pumpkin Patch, Hertfordshire
30 September – 29 October 2023
Situated on the Hertfordshire and Essex border, this family-owned farm offers 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash, all up for grabs to pick. On the grounds there will be Halloween characters to meet and greet, wicked walkways, a terror tunnel and a Halloween themed maize maze.
www.cammashall.co.uk

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Saudi Arabia has become a “must-see destination”, Zurab Pololikashvili, secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, said in Riyadh during the opening ceremony of World Tourism Day this weekend.“This is a country that always looks forward, and in big ways,” he continued. “Saudi Arabia is now the second-biggest place for foreign direct investment projects in all the Middle East and Africa. I’m proud to say we count on the support of Saudi Arabia.”
The UNWTO has celebrated World Tourism Day in September since 1980. Every year, world leaders meet to discuss objectives and milestones to further boost the tourism sector, and this year was no different as about 500 top officials from 145 countries convened at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh to talk about the industry’s latest developments, with a focus on sustainability, humanity and prosperity.“This World Tourism Day, we focus on the vital need to invest in building a more sustainable sector for people, planet and prosperity,” said Pololikashvili. “The day also makes clear why UNWTO underscores the need for investment in education and for greater innovation as the foundations for long-term growth and transformation.”The kingdom’s dynamic tourism industry was also under the microscope, as leaders congratulated the country on its vision and discussed issues of climate change, governance and empowering people across the world.
Saudi Arabia is the chair of the UNWTO Executive Council this year as Riyadh is home to the organisation’s first regional office for the Middle East. Last year, Saudi Arabia also hosted the 116th session of the UNWTO Executive Council with a focus on advancing sustainability across the board, from governance to investing in infrastructure and youth.
The fastest growth in the Middle EastAround the world, the tourism sector accounts for 1 in 10 jobs, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) said, although it’s an industry that was significantly affected by the pandemic. Saudi Arabia, however, has seen unprecedented growth over the past few years, since it opened its borders to recreational visitors.
“Since embarking on our tourism journey, Saudi Arabia has been committed to enhancing the sector and generating an impact that extends beyond borders,” said Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al Khateeb.Fahd Hamidaddin, chief executive of Saudi Tourism Authority, said the country is “blessed to experience a growth like no other”.ADVERTISEMENT
“The last seven months have seen a record-breaking growth for Saudi Arabia. We are experiencing an economic revolution … and all of this is a manifestation of a new leadership,” he said.
The value of the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach $93.4 billion in 2023, said Arnold Donald, chairman of WTTC. He said it makes up 10 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s GDP and they expect the sector to “grow at the fastest pace in the Middle East”.
By 2030, the country hopes to welcome more than 100 million visitors annually.
The sector will also add one million jobs over the next 10 years, the Ministry of Tourism announced earlier this month. At the event, Al Khateeb also unveiled plans for the Riyadh School for Tourism and Hospitality, an ambitious project that will cost more than $1 billion. It aims to be a student-centric facility, which will span five million square metres in Qiddiya and offer a hybrid curriculum that aims to bridge the global tourism skills gap.
“The Riyadh School of Tourism and Hospitality is Saudi Arabia’s gift to the world,” he said. “Through its pioneering curriculum, that will offer comprehensive higher education courses covering all aspects of the tourism and hospitality industry, the school represents Saudi Arabia’s commitment to providing comprehensive, progressive education that empowers individuals, both domestically and internationally.
“As we invest in the next generation of tourism professionals, we are not only securing the industry’s future, but also fostering a legacy of excellence that will drive prosperity, stimulate individual growth of citizens and foster cultural exchange for years to come.”
Saudi Vision 2030 focuses on sustainability and regenerative tourismThe $500 billion megacity Neom in Tabuk, north-western Saudi Arabia, will be the country’s first city to have zero carbon emissions and 95 per cent of the development will remain untouched for nature and conservation.
In a major step in Saudi Arabia’s shift away from an oil-based economy, Neom will also be powered entirely by clean energy, with no carbon-emitting vehicles.
Elsewhere, Red Sea Global is pioneering regenerative tourism with its Red Sea project, located on Saudi Arabia’s western coast, as it aims to preserve the kingdom’s pristine and untouched waters, coast and to further enhance coral reefs. The development, which is already in the first stage of opening, spans 28,000 square kilometres of land, including an archipelago of more than 90 islands, promising turquoise-lined coastlines, unrivalled marine life and a variety of upscale accommodation options.
The under-construction King Salman International Airport in Riyadh will also incorporate green technology in its design and aims to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum certification, the Saudi Press Agency said, which means it generates less waste, consumes less energy, water and other resources, making it more resilient and environmentally friendly.
A sustainable hospitality industryHotels in the kingdom have also aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030, to lead and build with the most sustainable practices.
Guests are paying more attention than ever to how a hotel leaves its mark on the world around it, with an increasing number deciding to book a stay based on a property’s carbon footprint and how it supports the communities in which it operates, said Haitham Mattar, managing director at IHG Hotels & Resorts, which currently operates 40 hotels across Saudi Arabia.
“New destinations such as the Red Sea Development and Neom, for example, are incorporating key initiatives to ensure environmental sustainability.
“With a massive footprint across the globe, the tourism and hospitality sectors play an important role in working towards a sustainable future. As one of the world’s leading hotel companies, we embrace our responsibility and opportunity to make a positive difference and help shape the future of responsible travel.”
Guenter Gebhard, regional vice president and general manager at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, told The National on the sidelines at World Tourism Day that the hotel takes its sustainability initiatives seriously. “The hotel does not use plastic water bottles, we only use glass. We will have a hydroponic plantation, we will start growing tomato, salads, herbs and more higher up rather than on ground,” he explained.
“We have changed our lighting systems into LED to reduce our electricity load and we intend to do the same with ACs,” he added. “We’re just finishing off our water bottling plant, which will go active hopefully by either December this year or January of next year. That means we’re not even bringing water in any more. We have our own water purification system – that will then be bottled as still and sparkling and will go out into the restaurants and into the rooms. This will be free.”
Radisson Hotel Group also aims to remain steadfast in its commitment to a sustainable future, with a goal to become net zero by 2050, said Basel Talal, the group’s managing director for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the Levant.
Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Al Naseem hotel, for example, utilises a state-of-the-art food recycling system, transforming 75kg of daily food waste into organic compost, reducing waste volume by about 90 per cent.
“It is imperative to strategise on how tourism can be a catalyst for fostering opportunities for people, spearheading a green transformation, and manifesting sustainability for the planet, thus paving the way for inclusive prosperity,” said Talal.
Source: https://www.thenationalnews.com/

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Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is thrilled to announce that the ‘Roof Walk’ experience is back. Ferrari fans and adventure-seekers young and old will get to share that Ferrari feeling on top of the world’s iconic red roof, whilst taking in spectacular vista views of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
The family-friendly adventure is available weekly from Wednesday to Sunday, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm and timing may differ based on weather conditions. Per ‘Roof Walk’ slot, a maximum of eight guests are permitted and accompanied by a knowledgeable guide throughout the sky-high adventure.
Guests with a park entry ticket can enjoy the experience for AED 125, while the stand-alone experience is available for AED 195 only. Diamond and Gold Annual Passholders are eligible for a 25% discount while Silver Annual Passholders receive a 15% discount.
Home to over 43 thrilling rides and experiences, Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi continues to offer world-class family-friendly experiences and unforgettable adventures for guests of all ages.

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ITB Asia, Asia’s leading travel trade show, is pleased to announce its top exhibitors for the 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 iconic Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.
ITB Asia Sponsors and Key Exhibitors
The exhibitors’ list offers a strong mix of all stakeholder groups. This includes top business players such as Aircalin, Air India, Banyan Tree Group, Berlin Brandenburg Airport, BWH Hotel Group, Club Med, EVA Airways Corporation, Finnair, Icelandair, NEOM, Philippine Airlines, Inc., Worldwide Hotels, Vietnam Airlines and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) including Visit Brussels, Croatian National Tourist Board, Czech Tourism Authority, Visit Finland, Visit Norway, Palestine Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, PROMPERU, Tourism Seychelles and more; as well as Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) such as Visit Berlin, Department of Tourism and Creative Economy of Jakarta, Taipei City Government, Zagreb Tourist Board and more.
“ITB Asia is putting together a strong representation from all travel segments. As the industry revives, we are enthusiastic to serve as a tried and tested platform for building new partnerships. The level of expertise provided by global tourism leaders will ensure Singapore is the place where we can shape the future of tourism,”, says Katrina Leung, Managing Director of Messe Berlin (Singapore), Organiser of MICE Show Asia, Travel Tech Asia and ITB Asia.ADVERTISEMENTAmong this year’s exhibiting NTOs are Brand USA, Croatian National Tourist Board, Czech Tourism Authority, Japan National Tourism Organisation, Korea Tourism Organisation, Malta Tourism Authority, Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority, PROMPERU, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, Tonga Tourism Authority, Tourism Development Support Fund of the Kyrgyz Republic, Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Tourism Seychelles, Vanuatu Tourism Office, Visit Estonia, Visit Iceland, Visit Jordan and Visit Norway.
National Tourism Organisations are supported by local and national governments’ direct representation from Council of Indigenous Peoples, Taiwan, Municipality of North Greenland, Palestine Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, Shizuoka Prefectural Government of Japan and Taipei City Government.
In addition to the NTOs, the show also welcomes Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs), such as Daejeon Tourism Organisation, Guam Visitors Bureau, Gwangju Tourism Organisation, Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation, Gyeongsangbuk-do Culture and Tourism Organisation, Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center, Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office (JETCO), Louisiana Office of Tourism, Marianas Visitors Authority, New Caledonia Tourism, Northern Norway Tourist Board, Penang Global Tourism, Phuket Tourist Association, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Saxony Tourism Germany, Suruga Marketing & Tourism Bureau, Tourism Association of Sarajevo Canton, Tourism Promotion Organisation for Asia Pacific Cities, Visit Almaty, Visit Brussels, Visit Oulu and Visit Rovaniemi.
A strong representation is also expected from destination marketing agencies with a strong focus on MICE promotion: Business Events Sarawak, Finland Convention Bureau, Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau, Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jeju Convention & Visitors Bureau, Kitakyushu Convention and Visitors Association, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, Northern Territory Business Events Australia and Suwon Convention Center.
This year’s ITB Asia boasts an impressive line-up of sponsors, including Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, Korea Tourism Startup Center, Sentosa Development Corporation, Penang Global Tourism, Busan Tourism Organisation, Visit Finland and Japan National Tourism Organisation.
MICE Show Asia 2023 Sponsors and Key Exhibitors
Co-located with ITB Asia and Travel Tech Asia, MICE Show Asia is where incentive travel, meetings and events industries come together to connect and build the future of MICE. This year’s sponsor includes Mastercard.
Key exhibitors of MICE Show Asia 2023 include Alaska Destination Specialists, Business Events Perth, Guam Visitors Bureau, Kyoto Convention Bureau, Royal Carribean International, Sapporo Convention Bureau, This is Athens, Visit Anchorage and Visit Monaco.
Travel Tech Asia 2023 Sponsors and Key Exhibitors
This year’s Travel Tech Asia focuses the latest innovations and digital solutions targeting travel technology. With conference sessions by tech thought leaders, exhibitors from established tech brands and innovative startups, attendees are treated to a wealth of insights and inspirations to improve their business operations. This year’s sponsors include Mystifly, Oxylabs, Trip.com Group, Korea Tourism Startup Center and Mize.
Key exhibitors for Travel Tech Asia 2023 include Hotelbeds, Trip.com Group, TBO Holidays, DerbySoft, Rakuten Travel Xchange, SUNRATE, Convergent International, CodeGen International, Amerilink International Corp., Stuba, SiteMinder, Korea Tourism Startup Center, Go Global Travel, Travel Compositor, Unififi Group, TravelLine, NIUM, Oxylabs, INFOR, MyCONECT, Heytrip International, Hotelian.com and Trransfer Technologies.
ITB Asia Buyer Elite Programme Partners
ITB Asia connects top-tier service providers with global buyers to foster strong, lasting cooperation. The Buyer Elite Programme unlocks advanced options and preferred placement for select buyer partners. This year’s programme partners are American Express, Association of the Indonesian Tours & Travel Agencies (ASITA), ASTINDO, BWH Hotel Group, Cambodia Tourism Association (CATA), EVINTRA, Federation of ASEAN Travel Associations (FATA), Frasers Hospitality, Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR), National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS), Outbound Tour Operators Association of India (OTOAI), Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA), Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA), Singapore Tourism Board, Sokos Hotels & Radisson Hotels (SOK), Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), Timetravels, Visit Finland, Vietnam Society of Travel Agents (VISTA) and Wyndham Hotel Group.
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 Early Bird rate available until 24 October 2023 by registering at www.itb-asia.com/visit-register.
For visitors specifically interested in travel technologies, the Travel Tech Asia Visitor Pass offers exclusive access to the Travel Tech Asia exhibition and conference. Pre-registration for complimentary tickets is available now, trade visitors may register before 25 October 2023 at: www.traveltechasia.com/visitor.

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Global guests involved in mountain tourism and outdoor sports met in China’s mountainous rich Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture unveiled the 2023 International Conference of Mountain Tourism and Outdoor Sports, or MTOS, in Xingyi city on Saturday.This year’s meeting aims at exploring the deep integration of mountain tourism and multi-industries, promoting the high-quality development of mountain tourism, and providing high-quality tourism experiences for tourists.
Nearly 700 guests from culture, sports and tourism authorities and enterprises, mountain and outdoor sports organizations, and investment and finance institutes from home and abroad attended Saturday’s opening ceremony, including those from France, Nepal, Portugal and Laos.
Li Bingjun, deputy secretary of the CPC Guizhou Provincial Committee and governor of Guizhou province, said the province will make sustainable efforts in building a better mountainous park province to facilitate the tourism industry to serve people’s welfare and the province’s development at the opening ceremony. The province is aiming to become a world-class destination by improving local tourism resources and services and exploring more visitor sources to achieve high-quality tourism development, according to Li.
Data shows Guizhou’s tourism industry has welcomed as many as 464 million visitors and earned 534.5 billion yuan during the first eighty months of 2023, reaching 109.2 percent and 117.7 percent respectively as that of 2019.
Dominique de Villepin, chairman of International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA), said the recovery of the tourism industry after the pandemic will be a process of transformation from quantity to quality. Tourism is related with health in many ways and mountain tourism boasts great potential to develop. As a mountainous park province, Guizhou has built itself into a model of combining mountain tourism and other industries with its rich and unique natural resources and is set to become a world-class destinations.ADVERTISEMENTIMTA was initiated by China and founded in Xingyi in 2017 with Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province, as its headquarter and secretariat.
A report on mountain tourism cooperation and development under the framework of RCEP co-compiled by International Mountain Tourism Alliance (IMTA) and Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) was released and 14 mountain and spring resorts nationally and internationally were honored as pilot models by the IMTA during the ceremony.
The conference is formed of a complex of activities and events with the theme of “integrate sports and tourism, enjoy a high-quality life”. The five events include the annual meeting of the International Mountain Tourism Alliance and the Dialogue of World Famous Mountains held on Friday.
Another major event saw more than 10,000 runners enjoying a half marathon race along the karst scenery route with Bouyei ethnic culture in Wanfenglin scenic spot on September 10.
Supporting activities like a softball competition, a summer camp, a triathlon competition, a wild fishing competition and a half marathon run had been held in Xingyi before the opening of the conference while a sport climbing competition and a cycling race will be held during the conference.
Xingyi, capital city of Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture of Guizhou province, has been the permanent venue for the conference since 2015. The city boasts China’s largest artificial lake and fifth largest freshwater lake – Wangfeng Lake, known as paradise for water sports – and Wanfenglin scenic spot, a tour area featuring dense and bizarrely shaped karst peaks extending for hundreds of kilometers and ranked by Chinese National Geography as one of the five most beautiful peak forests in the country.

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The Botswana Tourism Investment Summit aims to spotlight the country as an economic tiger in the making for its untapped tourism and investment opportunities.
The highly anticipated ‘Botswana Tourism Investment Summit’ hosted by International Tourism Investment Corporation Ltd (ITIC – www.itic.uk) in partnership with Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) will be held in Gaborone, Botswana on 22-24 November 2023 and will aim to highlight the country’s strong potential and untapped tourism and investment opportunities. The Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and International Tourism and Investment Conference (ITIC), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have today announced that the upcoming ITIC Tourism Investment Summit will take place in Gaborone, Botswana on 22-24 November 2023. The two-day Summit is expected to act as a catalyst for unlocking investment opportunities for Botswana which remains a relatively unexploited tourist region. Over the last few years, Botswana has been actively shifting to another stage of its economic development. The country is strongly positioned in the heart of southern Africa as a gateway to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia – effectively a conduit for investors to do business with the rest of Southern Africa. A conducive environment will be rolled out to accelerate the impact of foreign investment and tourism within Botswana that has become the future engine of growth and is Africa’s longest surviving democracy since independence with a stable and prosperous economy. Speaking ahead of the Summit, Hon. Philda Nani Kereng, Minister of Environment and Tourism of Botswana, said: “Botswana opens its doors to international sustainable investment opportunities that, till now, have been relatively untapped. Our mission is to provoke new thinking and explore new opportunities and financial mechanisms for sustainable investments in travel and tourism and business. We are honoured to host the Botswana Tourism Investment Summit organised by ITIC and with a landscape like no other, we strongly encourage policy makers and investors not to underestimate the potential of one of the most beautiful countries within Africa. Rated Africa’s best safari destination 2023, the Summit propels investments towards building Botswana as a destination of choice for business”.The BotswanaTourism Investment Summit and Exhibition will host approximately 300-400 tourism and financial services CEOs and business elites who will deliver an unrivalled combination of thought-provoking content and extraordinary networking opportunities. This will bring together international leaders and project developers in the tourism, travel and hospitality sectors and connect them with investors from private equity firms, investment banks, institutional investors, fund managers and influencers, who have the power to channel capital and to raise funds to invest in sustainable tourism projects.The Summit will see some of the best specialists explore the current trends and discuss the future of the tourism industry in Botswana. This was reiterated by IFC – International Finance Corporation’s acting Country Manager for Botswana, Indira Campos, who said, “Tourism is a key enabling sector in Botswana with high potential for growth and can help create jobs, reduce inequality, and contribute to diversifying the economy. IFC is committed to supporting efforts to further develop Botswana’s tourism sector by attracting private investment into lodges and other tourism-related infrastructure, including transport, hotels, camp and caravan sites, and food and hospitality services.”IFC, a member of the World Bank, promotes private sector development in emerging markets, and its work in the tourism sector is a key part of that mission. IFC provides financing and advisory services to help businesses in this sector grow and create jobs, while also promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Furthermore, Dr. Taleb Rifai, Chairman of ITIC & former Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation said: “We are delighted that Botswana has been recognised for the vast investment potential available to potential stakeholders. The country’s financial and capital markets are among the most sophisticated in Africa, and our Summit provides the opportune platform to drive international awareness and further investment into Botswana and act as a catalyst for growth”. To attend the event, delegates should register HEREhttps://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/itic-botswana-tourism-investment-summit-2023-tickets-464096554287?aff=oddtdtcreator
For more information, please contact Ibrahim Ayoub Group CEO of ITIC at [email protected]

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The fourth ITB China marked its grand live- return, concluding its 2023 edition with impressive achievements in business meetings and Chinese and international dialogues.
The event saw the active participation of around 10,000 attendees in total, with more than 700 top-level Buyers, and 360 exhibitors representing nearly 60 countries, fostering a dynamic exchange of expertise and cultivating invaluable connections. This reinforces China’s resurgence in outbound travel and solidifiesITB China’s position as the premier B2B travel trade show in China. The next ITB China 2024 is scheduled for 27 – 29 May in the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center.According to recent insights from this year’s ITB China, the increasing eagerness for outbound travel indicates a positive trend and both a promising return and outlook for the industry in the upcoming year. “After three years, the world comes together again at ITB China, and the timing for the event in September couldn’t be more opportune as the Chinese travel industry stands at the brink of a positive future. This year’s event buzzed with excitement over the return of in-person meetings. Engaging in numerous conversations and business meetings to re-establish connections, everyone could feel the optimism about the months ahead,” said David Axiotis, General Manager of Messe Berlin (Shanghai).
The official kick-off, marked by the Grand Opening Dinner and the CEO Seminar, set the tone for this year’s high-profile eventThe CEO Seminar, one of many highlights of ITB China this year, saw nearly 20 senior executives from China’s leading outbound and inbound travel companies delve into a thought-provoking discussion on “The Impact of Global Relations and the Economic Situation on China’s Inbound and Outbound Tourism Market”. This robust dialogue provided strategic insights crucial to shaping the future of travel. “Meeting with numerous top executives from the industry after three years brings me immense joy and holds great significance. We engaged in a fruitful exchange of ideas on the opportunities and challenges in the recovery process of China’s outbound and inbound tourism market.
Platforms like ITB China play a pivotal role in swiftly connecting domestic tourism companies with international partners, broadening their business horizons,” expressed He Yong, President of HCG International Travel Group.The Grand Opening Dinner, attended by 450 distinguished guests, set the mood for the notable event profile on the eve of the trade show. Eminent speakers like David Ruetz, Senior Vice President at Messe Berlin, ShiJun Liu, Secretary General of World Tourism Alliance (WTA); and Alhasan Aldabbagh, President – APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority, enriched the event with their invaluable insights.Productive Business Engagements and Positive Feedback from both Buyers and Exhibitors
Some 360 Exhibitors and 700 high profile buyers engaged in a series of fruitful and productive 17,358 meetings, fostering partnerships and collaborations. Mr. Wizani Rosmin, Director of Tourism Malaysia Shanghai, expressed, “I am quite impressed. As you know, for the tourism industry, the most important thing is we need to meet each other, because it is about hospitality. This is a good beginning for the buyer and our seller to come together and create new business opportunities.” Mr. Tyrone Tang, CEO of Jin JiangInternational Hotel Management Co., Ltd., noted, “The enthusiasm from both visitors and exhibitors has been incredibly high this year, and we had the opportunity to meet many new and old friends. The ITB China matchmaking system was particularly effective in connecting us with targeted buyers, making the show an excellent platform.”ADVERTISEMENTMr. Guo Ming, COO of HHtravel, one of this year’s buyers, shared, “The exhibition experience this time has been truly remarkable, and I can describe it using three key words: Timely, efficient, and convenient. Following the announcement of the third round of resumption of outbound group tour services in August, ITB China promptly organized the exhibition event, and each matchmaking meeting was well-coordinated, one after another, ensuring a highly efficient process.” Xu Xiao, Senior Deputy President of Bravolinks, added, “This moment, eagerly anticipated by all of us in the tourism industry, is a vibrant testament. As the foremost service provider in Business Travel and MICE, we are poised to channel a larger customer base to destinations worldwide, fostering international business, trade, and cultural exchanges.” Visionary Insights and Practical Strategies at ITB China Conference
The dynamic content and engaging discussions captivated a global audience, reaffirming ITB China Conference’s position as China’s leading industry thinktank. Over 70 speakers covered an extensive array of over 30 topics, enriching attendees with valuable knowledge and market trends. These sessions served as a knowledge hub for all participants, facilitating an exchange of innovative ideas. The ITB China Conference was organised in cooperation with ITB China’s co-host and partner TravelDaily. The prestigious ITB China Startup Award was claimed by CBD Technology Foundation recognizing their outstanding contribution to the travel industry. This accolade signifies the potential and innovation inherent in the startup ecosystem.
Next Steps: ITB China Networking takes another roundThe ITB China App’s online networking function will remain active until 31 October, enabling participants to expand connections and explore business opportunities through e-business card exchanges and online instant messaging with potential partners. Those who may have missed sessions can also review the content online on the ITB China Platform.
Save the Date for ITB China 2024ITB China 2024 is scheduled for May 27-29, returning to its original month of May.Exhibitors can secure their space by registering through the following link: https://www.itbchina.com/exhibitors/booth-packages-and-pricing-2024/.

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The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced return of its “SFO Celebrates” experiential series honoring the rich history of live music performances in Golden Gate Park with a photo essay, live performances and a memory wall in Terminal 3, Boarding Area F.From the first Bandshell concerts over 100 years ago to this year’s Outside Lands and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festivals, Golden Gate Park has been a treasured hub of music and entertainment for the entire Bay Area.
Starting Thursday, August 10, SFO Celebrates will bring the sights and sounds of Golden Gate Park’s music scene to Terminal 3. The activation will include live music on Thursdays and Fridays between 10:30am – 2:00pm and a cool photo exhibit with images from the history of music in Golden Gate Park. The experience will also include a memory wall for people to share their favorite concert memories.
All performances will take place in the Terminal 3 hub, across from the food court and closest to Gate F11. For a full schedule of artists, please visit: www.flysfo.com/sfo-celebrates.

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