Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

The partnership with World Travel Market, 6-8th November, will turn the spotlight on Morocco.
The Premier Partnership announcement comes as Morocco experiences growth in its tourism activity, aiming to double the number of incoming tourists to 26 million by 2030, elevating Morocco as a leading leisure destination to the world’s travel trade.It is already known that Morocco’s presence at World Travel Market London will focus on the “Morocco, Kingdom of Light” international campaign of the Moroccan National Tourism Office.Launched in April 2022, this campaign was designed to inspire a new generation of traveller, showcasing the attractions and experiences of a “contemporary and dynamic” nation.
World Travel Market, the most influential travel and tourism event in the world, provides the perfect opportunity for Morocco to demonstrate its efforts in joining the league of highly favoured destinations.
Morocco’s relationship with WTM spans far beyond Premier Partner of the flagship London event, as the destination has also seen tremendous success participating in ATM, ILTM, IBTM, IFTM, and IGTM. The Moroccan National Tourism Office is relying on commercial events to boost the activity of all Moroccan tourism professionals.
Adel El Fakir, General Director of the Moroccan National Tourism Office, said:“Our presence at WTM London will be an excellent showcase to further boost the attractiveness of the Moroccan tourism destination. We will thus be in the heart of the action when tourism professionals from around the world come up with new products for 2024 and beyond, and we will also be at the forefront in terms of communication and promotion of the country.”ADVERTISEMENTJuliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London, said:“We are thrilled to announce Morocco as Premier Partner for World Travel Market London 2023 and excited to support them in reaching their goals for 2030. WTM London is the world’s most influential travel and tourism event, as well as being the sourcing hub for international travel buyers, and so provides the ideal place for Morocco to showcase what they have on offer, highlighting their vibrant culture and incredible hospitality.”

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ITE HCMC 2023 – The largest and most established travel event in Vietnam and Mekong sub-region will take place from 07 – 09 September 2023 at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
On June 24th 2023, Vietnam National Assembly approved the amendments and supplements of the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Vietnam, including extending the e-visa validity period to 90 days. This policy is expected to enhance the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism industry and create a boost to promote its development, attracting international visitors in the coming time. Furthermore, promotion and marketing are essential activities to boost tourism development and enhance destination’s competitiveness. ITE HCMC is considered one of the important and effective solutions for this purpose.
The 17th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City, themed “Connectivity, Growth, Sustainability”, offers three full days of opportunities to network with international and local exhibitors, as well as high-level forums, informative seminars, and top-notch entertainment experiences.
This year, ITE HCMC 2023 will double its scale compared to last year with exceptional quality. Therefore, the event is expected to attract leaders in the international travel industry and over 400 exhibiting companies & brands, of which, the booths from domestic units make up more than 70% and about 30% are international units. As of the end of June 2023, the exhibition has covered over 70% of the exhibition area, with the participation of National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) from countries such as Cambodia, Chile, Taiwan (China), Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Japan, the Philippines, and Thailand; Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) from St.Petersburg (Russia), Seoul (South Korea), and over 45 provinces and cities of Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho City, Da Nang City, Hai Phong City, An Giang, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Bac Lieu, Ben Tre, Binh Dinh, Binh Phuoc, Binh Thuan, Ca Mau, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Gia Lai, Ha Giang, Ha Tinh, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Kontum, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Lang Son, Lam Dong, Long An, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, Ninh Thuan, Nghe An, Phu Yen, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri, Soc Trang, Tay Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Tien Giang, Thua Thien – Hue, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, and Yen Bai.
In addition, the exhibition has attracted the leading tourism businesses such as Saigontourist Group, BenThanh Tourist, Vietravel, Tan Son Nhat Hotel, Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport, Melia Hotels International, Movenpick, Tam Chuc National Tourism Area, Tung Lam Tourism Area, Muong Thanh Hospitality, and other sponsor in-kind: The Cocoon Vietnam, BLUSaigon and many more.ADVERTISEMENTITE HCMC 2023 will be held in a hybrid format, combining physical booths and 2D online booths. These online booths will inform international buyers about products, services and a pre-appointment booking system to connect with sellers. Furthermore, the local experience areas will also be the highlight of this year’s expo when displaying and introducing the unique cultural features of Vietnam to international firms and the public through handicrafts, coffee, traditional art workshops, and many more.
Moreover, ITE HCMC has the exclusive Hosted Buyer Program which provides an opportunity for international tourism businesses to grow their markets and broaden tourism partners’ networks in Vietnam and the Lower Mekong region. The Organizing Committee, together with the Advisory Board comprised of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), and leading tourism businesses, to select and invite over 200 international buyers from 20 countries and territories (increasing by more than 25% compared to 2022). The Hosted Buyer Program is expected to welcome decision makers from international travel agencies, MICE travel companies, luxury travel companies from key inbound markets and potential markets like mainland China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, USA, Canada, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Australia, India, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and many more.
Within the framework of ITE HCMC 2023, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism also cooperates with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism to organize many exciting activities such as Gala Dinner x World Travel Award – Asia & Oceania Ceremony, Seminar on the introduction of key tourist markets, ITE HCMC Awards 2023, Travel Fun Fair Day and many more.
ITE HCMC 2023 is organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, organized by Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center, CIS Vietnam, and Le Bros.
Event information:Exhibition date: 07 – 09 September 2023
09:00 – 16:00, 07 – 08 September 2023: exclusively for business visitors16:00 – 18:00, 07 – 08 September 2023: for both business visitors and the public09:00 – 18:00, September 9th, 2023: open to the publicVenue: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
Highlight events:
Ribbon-cutting CeremonyBusiness matching program between international buyers and exhibitorsHigh-level Tourism Forum on “Digital Transformation Driving Tourism Development” chaired by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.ASEAN Public Relations and Communications Forum “Destination Marketing & Sustainable Communications”Series of tourism industry seminarsITE HCMC Award 2023World Travel Awards – Asia Pacific CeremonyASEAN PR Excellence Awards 2023 CeremonyVietnam NightCambodia NightWelcome Dinner and Destination survey program for international buyers and pressThank you PartyThe travel agents who are sourcing for Vietnam’s tourism services and products may apply for Hosted Buyer Program via https://itehcmc.travel/buyer-3/buyer-registration/
For National Tourism Organizations (NTOs), Regional Tourism Organizations (RTOs) and travel businesses, who want to showcase their travel services and products may book a stand via www.itehcmc.travel.

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In celebration of Independence Day, Walt Disney World Resort plans to host breathtaking U.S. Air Force flyovers over Magic Kingdom Park on July 4, 2023. The Air Force is expected to showcase their capabilities with two flyovers (weather dependent) as part of their national outreach program which aims to engage and inspire the next generation of patriotism. Beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. a squadron of F-35 stealth fighter jets flown by the 33rd Fighter Wing will make two passes over the world-famous theme park. The first flyover will also include a KC-135 tanker flown by the 6th Air Refueling Wing. 2023 marks the Air Force’s 100 years of aerial refueling capabilities. This year is also the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.
Fourth of July is a time for patriotic celebrations across the United States, and there is no better place to salute the stars and stripes than Walt Disney World Resort. Star-spangled spectaculars are a time-honored tradition across the resort, reflecting Walt Disney’s deep love of America and faith in the nation’s future. 
The flyover is also the latest example of Disney’s long history of support for the military dating back to Disney’s founders, Walt and Roy Disney, who both served their country during the First World War. That tradition continues today with events like the daily Flag Retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom Park, where an active-duty military member or veteran is selected from the park’s daily visitors to be honored. The Walt Disney Company has also been a leading proponent of hiring, training and supporting military veterans with the Heroes Work Here initiative, the Heroes Supply Here program and Disney’s Veterans Institute.

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Field of Screams Maryland, ranked #1 in USA Today’s Best Haunted Attractions in the country, opens Saturday, Sept 23 and runs through October 31, 2023Located in Olney, Maryland, this Hollywood-level production has now gained the attention of the movie industry due to its high-quality sets, props, and custom sounds meticulously designed to deliver an intense fright experience.Due to incredible success and record crowds, Field of Screams Maryland, an immersive Halloween attraction for more than 20 years, has doubled the number of stations of their flagship Super Screams Haunted trail, a one-hour walk through dark, cold, sinister woods, to include over 50 terrifying scenes packed full of custom props, décor, and actors, including Skinner Shack, Infested House, Laser Maze and the all-new Clown Freak Show.
“Our company’s goal is to deliver high-quality entertainment experiences to our customers that rivals anything you can find in the country,” said Christian Cedillos, Creative Director for Steelhead Events and Productions. “Our commitment to quality, and our growing popularity, has led to more and more opportunities, including an upcoming horror movie based on our Super Screams Trail slated for production this fall.”
General admission tickets start at $44 and include the Slaughter Factory Haunted House, a high-end haunt experience where every detail has been attended to; the one-hour Super Screams trail with over 50 stations; and a compound with more than 30 bonfires; tasty concessions; and scares and fun for anyone over age 12. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.screams.org.

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Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment, in collaboration with NEON, announces the world premiere of Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, a contemporary artistic celebration of the iconic film series that promises to celebrate the world of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts in a fresh and stunning way.Harry Potter: Visions of Magic is an evocative and interactive art experience exploring some of the most mysterious corners of the Wizarding World™. Discover a series of artistic and immersive environments inspired by enigmatic places in the magical community, like the Room of Requirement, Newt’s Menagerie, the Ministry of Magic, and more. Responsive video content, bold architecture, and original soundscapes create breathtaking multi-sensory installations, while interactive technology invites guests to illuminate the invisible, revealing visions of magic that bring the entire experience to life.
“This experience is going to leave our millions of Wizarding World fans around the world awestruck,” said Peter van Roden, Senior Vice President, Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment. “Art and technology have been masterfully harnessed and brought together with the Wizarding World to create a truly magical experience that puts the franchise on display like never before.”
“We’re excited to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Themed Entertainment to deliver this unique experience for the first time ever,” said Ron Tan, Executive Chairman & Group CEO of NEON. “Whether you have been a fan of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts for decades, or are just now discovering these rich stories, expect to be taken on a journey like none other.”
Information about Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, and the European city to host the world premiere will be announced later this year.  Join the exclusive waitlist today and receive priority access to pre-sale tickets to the European destination where you can be among the first to experience the evocative Harry Potter: Visions of Magic. Waitlist subscribers will also be first to learn more about the upcoming tours slated for locations around the world.
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and visit harrypottervisionsofmagic.com to stay up-to-date with all the latest announcements.  The event promises to be an unforgettable experience that will enchant audiences of all ages, from across the globe.ADVERTISEMENT

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A dynamic new leadership summit will grapple with major challenges and opportunities of culture and heritage in tourism. Event organiser, the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage, invites stakeholders to make their voices heard at the new annual summit, the first of which takes place in Valencia, Spain, 24-25 September.
A list of respected high-level speakers from national government organisations, lending institutions, heritage organisations, tourism departments, local communities, academia, and private sector representatives will convene for a day and a half in Valencia. They will focus on creating viable businesses and building better livelihoods for people living in heritage communities connected to tourism.
The aim of the summit is to better conserve and promote responsible cultural and heritage tourism around the world – and for tourism to be the protector of the world’s culture and heritage.
Key sessions include the case for investment in heritage destinations, balancing tourism growth with heritage conservation, the latest global trends in cultural and heritage in tourism, better capacity building, training and education. There will be a session when anyone in the delegation can contribute.
The World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH) will present the Summit with host organisation Visit Valencia in the heart of Valencia, Spain – Europe’s Green Capital 2024.ADVERTISEMENT“We believe that focused efforts can improve the lives and wellbeing of local communities and custodians through better implementation of best practices,” said Nigel Fell, CEO of WTACH.
A sample of the stellar line-up of international guest speakers already confirmed includes:Rajan Data – BBC, London as Key Moderator, Dawn Drew – Summit MC, Global Tourism Destination Specialist – New York; Anne Grady – Senior Advisor to the European Parliament – Brussels; Imad Barrakad, Chairman SMIT (Morocco Agency for Tourism Development) – Rabat, Morocco; Bruce Poon Tip – Founder G Adventures, Toronto, Karl Burrows – Head of Maori Tourism Development – Tourism New Zealand – Auckland; Debbie Flynn – Managing Partner and Global Practice Leader – Finn Partners – London; Emma Nardi – President, International Council of Museums (ICOM) – Rome; Judy Kepher-Gona, Founder, Sustainable Travel & Tourism Agenda – Nairobi; Scott Wayne – President – SWA Development – Sustainable Destinations – Washington DC; Nada Hosking – National Geographic Explorer & Social Impact Leader – Austin, Texas; Miguel Angel Perez – Brands & Markets Director, Visit Valencia, Valencia.
WTACH Chairman, Chris Flynn, said the Global Leadership Summit programme has been designed to attract representatives from governments, tourism boards, leading private sector decision makers, tour operators, corporate sponsors, community representatives, NGOs, media and others.
“With the summit theme ‘Celebrating our Past – Securing our Future,’ our programme encourages attendees to contribute to new directions, priorities and attitudes towards culture and heritage in tourism,” said Flynn.
While the summit formally concludes on the evening of 25 September, there will be optional training on the morning of the 26th for culture and heritage tourism practitioners. Spaces are limited to 25.

An early bird registration for the event is only available until 7 July. Visit https://wtachgls.com.

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Award-winning and Caribbean-made travel company Island Routes has launched a new travel style for guests looking to explore the islands privately or in a one-of-a-kind, customizable way.The all-new Private & Bespoke Collections offer curated experiences for travelers, with the option to fully customize and tailor to create a personalized, bespoke itinerary.
“Island Routes was made in the Caribbean, to discover the Caribbean. Our region is known for its days of sun and sand, but we’ve always taken guests well beyond the beach,” says Ryan Terrier, Chief Executive Officer of Island Routes. “The Private & Bespoke Collections take this concept a step further, offering families, friends or couples the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Caribbean on their own with a knowledgeable guide or to have a curated experience that is completely unique and tailored. We’re the ultimate Caribbean concierge; we understand the region, we know its stories and are ready to authentically share them with the rest of the world.”
For more than a decade, Island Routes has inspired visitors to get off the grid and dive into the heart of the islands, where excursions such as setting sail, exploring lush peaks and tasting rich flavors become lasting memories. With the Private & Bespoke Collections, Island Routes is meeting the demand for hyper-personalized travel, complete with VIP access to unique sites and specialized expert guides. These made-to-measure travel experiences are rising in popularity in the Caribbean, with Island Routes leading the charge as the world’s leading Caribbean attraction company.
From private catamaran cruises that sail island to island, and thrilling underwater adventures while snorkeling in Turks & Caicos, to swimming with the iconic pigs in The Exumas, the Private Collection will offer guests the chance to enjoy some of Island Routes’ most adored tours all to themselves. For those seeking something customizable, Bespoke tours can be personalized per guests’ wishes, showcasing the depth and breadth of Island Routes’ expertise in building one-of-a-kind experiences for travelers visiting the Caribbean. With local guides on hand to create moments that know no bounds, inspirations for Bespoke tours include:
Powerboat, Secluded Cove & Waterfall Experience Ocho Rios – Explore the coastline of Ocho Rios on an exhilarating powerboat ride, granting beachside access to Dunn’s River Falls. Here, guests will venture along a morning climb through the pits and peaks of the 600 feet falls, just steps from the mouth of the freshwater aquifer, all before the arrival of tourist crowds. Back on the water, snorkel the colorful reefs nearby the famed Laughing Waters, an iconic location from the James Bond Dr. No film. The day isn’t complete without an exclusive Jamaican-style picnic prepared by a private chef, where travelers will dine beachside in a secluded cove, feeling the rush of flowing waters abound.ADVERTISEMENTBamboo River Rafting & Riverside Lunch – Beyond the beaches of Jamaica, board a 30-foot handmade bamboo pontoon with a personal captain and sail down the rushing waters of the Martha Brae River, located in the parish of Trelawny and lined on either side by the island’s lush rainforest. Disembark from the river and reach an oasis along the riverbank for an authentic steel drum serenade and exquisite local lunch. Surrounded by the island’s most gorgeous rivers, travelers will be met with beautiful boho banquet tables, umbrellas and wooden chairs. A private chef will freshly prepare BBQ-style cuisine, complemented by a taste of the island’s signature ice-cold coconut jelly or a glass of flavorful rum punch.
Modern Heritage Open Fire Dinner Ocho Rios – Visit a National Heritage Site surrounded by picturesque tropical gardens dating back to the 19th century, where it served as a pimento estate. Here, the famed Caribbean flavors of an authentic coal pan dinner await. Award-winning chefs will lead an intimate al fresco meal cooked entirely over open flames. With craft cocktails flowing, the night will end with a lively conversation about Jamaican culture and culinary traditions with the chefs.
Blue Mountain Hike, Holywell & Coffee Experience – Hike through the majestic forests of the Blue Mountains, a World UNESCO Heritage Site and the country’s highest peak, sitting at a comfortable 7401.6 feet above sea level. The mile-long hike takes guests through the lush tropical forest, gorgeous flora and vibrant fauna to reach Holywell Nature Park. Along the way, enjoy a private tour and tasting at a family-owned coffee estate where guests will learn about the history of one of Jamaica’s most beloved exports, the world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee. The day ends with a catered quaint picnic lunch in the stunning Holywell National Park.For more information about the new Private & Bespoke Collections, visit islandroutes.com
Built out of a desire to share the boundless beauty of the Caribbean with the rest of the world, Island Routes was again victorious as the Caribbean’s Leading Adventure Tour Operator 2022 at the 29th annual World Travel Awards held last year. It marked the 10th win for the company as it continues to lead the service industry in regional innovation and travel.

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With less than a 100 days until the Formula 1 (F1) Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2023, the race is on track to become more environmentally sustainable. The installation of solar panels on the F1 Pit Building has been completed, while installations for a more energy-efficient lighting system at the night race has begun.
In 2022, Singapore GP Pte Ltd and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) laid the foundation for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix to become one of the most environmentally sustainable street circuits on the race calendar. This included initiatives such as moving towards cleaner energy, going digital for greater resource efficiency, improving waste management and reducing single-use plastics.
This year, to transition the F1 Pit Building to cleaner energy sources, STB appointed ENGIE South East Asia to install solar panels on the facility’s rooftop. Works have just completed, with the 1,396 solar panels now fully operational. By converting sunlight into electricity, the panels are expected to generate 803,155 kWh of energy in a year. This amount of solar energy is sufficient to power the F1 Pit Building for an entire race month. This includes providing the power for the Formula 1 Paddock Club suites, Race Control Room, Media Centre, garages, as well as the administrative offices. Any excess solar energy will be sold to the grid to offset the facility’s utility costs.
“We are thrilled that the F1 Pit Building can now be powered by renewable energy. This is an important milestone because it will reduce the carbon footprint of the race, as well as all other events that use the F1 Pit Building beyond the race period. Sustainability is a key priority for the Singapore race, and we will continue to work with Singapore GP and our partners to make our race more sustainable,” said Ms. Ong Ling Lee, Executive Director, Sports and Wellness, STB.
Work is now underway to install a more energy-efficient track lighting system for the remainder of the term until 2028. The metal-halide projectors that were in place since 2008 will be fully replaced by LED track lights to illuminate the 4.928km-long race track. Supplied by DZE Asia in collaboration with Signify Singapore, the upgraded LEDs will require significantly less power per fitting, consuming at least 30% less electricity than the previous bulbs. In addition, the new lights also do not require any warm up time to reach their full luminance when switched on, saving time and energy.ADVERTISEMENTThe new ArenaVision LED floodlights are designed to provide optimal lighting conditions for drivers, while also offering unforgettable experiences for F1 fans, media and broadcasters. Featuring a higher colour temperature of 5,700K, the lighting system will provide outstanding visual clarity, effective heat management, and a long lifespan – all while meeting the latest broadcasting standards.
The metal-halide lights will be given new life through recycled art. DZ Engineering and Dino Zoli Foundation will be organising an art exhibition featuring creations that artists will make out of the old projectors to promote a more sustainable future. The exhibition is slated for September and more details will be shared later.
“We are excited to kick off our sustainability efforts for the new term and we look forward to drive change at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. More initiatives are currently being planned for the night race, and we will be announcing these, as well as the results of our carbon footprint report from last year’s event in the coming weeks,” said Ms. Sasha Rafi, Director of Sustainability for Singapore GP Pte Ltd.

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