Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

In the first half of 2023, Jamaica witnessed a significant increase in arrivals from the UK, with a remarkable 69.2% surge in tourist arrivals compared to 2021. This growth has resulted in record-breaking earnings exceeding US $2 billion.This outstanding growth showcases the resilience of Jamaica’s tourism industry in the face of global challenges, affirming its status as a premier travel destination and top Caribbean Island for the UK holidaymaker. As Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, explains, “We know that in this post-pandemic world, the need to travel and feed the soul is more important than ever. As we continue our bullish pandemic recovery plan, Jamaica remains a leading global tourist destination with many new developments and hotel openings in the pipeline.”.
In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Jamaica embarked on an ambitious tourism recovery initiative in 2022, kicking off with their renowned “Come Back” campaign. Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board elaborates, “Our bullish tourism recovery plan has enabled us to set our targets high and implement our latest global advertising campaign, ‘Come Back.’” Jamaica’s recently launched “Come Back” campaign is an invitation to heal one’s soul in the welcoming embrace of Jamaica. The campaign resonates with travellers seeking more authentic, eco-friendly experiences and ways to immerse themselves in unique local cultures. Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board, noted, “In this post-pandemic world, the need to travel and feed the soul is more important than ever, and our island meets this need for every type of traveller.”
With plans to introduce 8,500 new rooms by 2025, a 33% room capacity increase, and elevate foreign exchange earnings by nearly 50%, Jamaica’s recovery efforts have been nothing short of audacious and continue to set challenges at new heights. Exciting additions include Excellence Oyster Bay, Wyndham, and a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Visitor statistics reveal a 5.2% increase in stopovers compared to 2019, showcasing the country’s impressive growth and firmly establishing Jamaica as the number one Caribbean destination for UK travellers. This substantial incline in arrivals underscores the unwavering allure of the island. Many accommodation offerings on the island have established sustainable and eco-friendly practices into operations to recognition and certification from international organisations. With sustainability at the heart of its robust tourism strategy, Donovan White points out, “We are incredibly blessed to have such a beautiful asset to work with, and we will always strive to showcase our island to its full potential.”
Jamaica is dedicated to preserving its rich culture and heritage, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the local way of life through community tourism, further expanding its incredibly rich range of offerings for visitors. From learning about the nature-based Rastafarian way of life, to trying out traditional cooking classes, there are numerous ways for visitors to ensure the native culture continues to be protected, respected, and celebrated.ADVERTISEMENTIn terms of airlift, a new Norse flight from Montego Bay is scheduled to commence in December, operating four times a week from London Gatwick. The island is already easily accessible from the United Kingdom through daily nonstop flights provided by Virgin Atlantic Airways departing from London Heathrow, British Airways departing from London Gatwick, and TUI departing from Birmingham, Gatwick, and Manchester.
Elizabeth Fox, Regional Director, UK & Northern Europe, underlines the commitment to a brighter future. “We are very happy that Jamaica is the top Caribbean destination of choice for travellers from the UK are grateful to all of our industry partners for their continuous support and faith in our beautiful island. ​As we look ahead, our team has an exciting line-up of plans for 2024 and are confident that we can continue to grow our destination favourability among UK travellers in 2024 and beyond.”. The Jamaica Tourist Board’s visionary approach to recovery ensures that Jamaica remains at the forefront of global tourism, offering diverse experiences and preserving its rich cultural heritage.
Jamaica’s proactive approach to recovery and sustainability not only cements its position as a top destination for global travellers but also guarantees a rich and authentic experience for those seeking to explore its natural wonders and cultural heritage.

Older
Travel Uni steps in to help companies impacted by OTT Closure

Newer
Wartime deception – discover at English Heritage sites in 2024 More

Deborah Rothe, Director of ITB Berlin, and H.E. Vilma Bello, Deputy Minister of Tourism (from left to right), signed the Memorandum of Understanding during the ceremony on 3 November 2023.
A huge stage for an ambitious country: Albania and ITB Berlin have just announced a close collaboration for the year 2025. At a ceremony held on 3 November 2023 in Berlin, both sides signed a memorandum of understanding. As a result, the Southeast-European country will be the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025, which will take place from 4 to 6 March 2025 as a pure B2B show.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by H.E. Vilma Bello, Deputy Minister of Tourism, and by ITB Berlin Director, Deborah Rothe. In addition, Herida Duro, Director of the Development of Tourism Programs, and Edlira Zyfi, Advisor to the Minister of Tourism, and the ambassador of Albania in Germany, H. E. Mrs. Adia Sakiqi attended the ceremony.“As the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show for the tourism industry, ITB Berlin is an exceptional platform that brings together stakeholders from numerous countries in the German capital,” commented Deputy Minister Vilma Bello on the signing. “Albania has exceedingly great plans in the coming years and decades. The partnership will certainly give us an invaluable boost and bring us closer to a wide audience.”
“ITB Berlin has always had its finger on the pulse and it recognizes trends and the potential of countries and regions,” Dirk Hoffmann, COO Messe Berlin, commented. “Albania is a nation with this very potential and we are very pleased to jointly lift the country’s great treasure and provide it with an international stage.”
“A few months ago, I had the honour of personally experiencing Albania’s great hospitality and ambitious spirit on site,” added ITB Berlin Director Deborah Rothe. “I am all the more pleased that our talks are now bearing fruit. The host country Albania will certainly enrich ITB Berlin 2025 enormously and win over numerous new enthusiasts for the country.”
Albania has seen remarkable increases in guests in the recent past and is enjoying ever-increasing popularity. With its colourful and lively capital Tirana, the country scores as well as with the sea, turquoise bays and its authentic and unspoiled backcountry. Furthermore, Albania is very popular with travellers who have a passion for hiking. With all its advantages, Albania also offers an exceptionally good price-performance ratio.ADVERTISEMENTAs the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin, Albania will be presenting itself to the B2B audience in several ways. To kick off the trade show, Albania will host the festive opening gala in the CityCube Berlin on the eve of ITB Berlin, on Monday, 3 March 2025. Among other things, it will present its traditional folklore and culinary offerings to guests. During the trade show, Albania will have an extensive stand on the fair ground. Last but not least, the country is also expected to play an important role in the program at the ITB Berlin Convention, which will take place parallel to the trade show.

Older
Alila Kothaifaru Maldives welcomes new Executive Chef Nguyen Minh Phuc

Newer
THE CALL TO LEADERSHIP More

Tourism board Visit Orlando will be exhibiting at this year’s London World Travel Market on stand S3-222.
Orlando is the most visited destination in the United States, Theme Park Capital of the World®, and the No. 1 meeting destination in the country. The tourism board looks to highlight these key messages as well as a variety of talking points going into 2024, including accessibility, the newest openings inside and outside of the parks, affordable Orlando, and lesser-known experiences.
Orlando is constantly evolving with plenty of new openings and additions planned for the end of 2023 and into 2024.
Accommodation:
The luxury Waldorf Astoria Orlando is undergoing a comprehensive, multi-phase reimagination with this expected to debut in December 2023.ADVERTISEMENTIdeal for families and groups, Evermore Orlando Resort is planning a late-2023 grand opening, with reservations now open for stays beginning 5 February 2024. This resort will be a re-imagined 10,000-bedroom complex, offering an array of stay experiences from single homes and villas to flats. Also onsite, a new Conrad Orlando, features 433 rooms, including 51 regular suites and 10 spacious family suites.
Transportation:
Florida’s Brightline high-speed rail service is revolutionising Orlando to Miami travel, with the service up and running from 22nd September 2023. The route includes 16 daily round trips with hourly departures, including stops in Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Aventura.
Experiences:
Journey of Water, inspired by Moana, opens in late-2023 within World Nature, the EPCOT neighbourhood dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe, and balance of the natural world. The all-ages attraction will allow guests to explore and engage with water as it travels from the skies to the oceans and back again.
Caribe Royale Orlando Resort will debut its all-new, sports-centric facility, Stadium Club, in January 2024.
Universal Orlando Resort will debut an all-new themed land featuring DreamWorks Animations’ animated characters in an immersive and interactive experience in 2024. The land will feature Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse, along with interactive play spaces and attractions including characters from Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda, and more.

Older
O’Hara appointed chair of World Travel & Tourism Council

Newer
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE OPENS FOR SALE THE ALL-NEW NORWEGIAN AQUA More

As the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Global Summit kicks off in Kigali today, WTTC president Julia Simpson revealed that the global tourism sector is making a robust comeback.
The latest data from WTTC and its partner Oxford Economics shows that global travel is surging back, with all regions recovering faster than previously expected, with Asia-Pacific leading the way.
Speaking at the opening of the 23rd Global Summit, Simpson said: “Our latest data highlights our sector’s enduring appeal and resilience and is recovering faster than anticipated.
“This trend underlines the longstanding consumer appetite for travel, and despite China’s full recovery potential yet to be realised, the global sector’s performance is exceeding expectations.”
WTTC recently launched the latest industry-shaping Environmental Impact Research data (ESR), in partnership with the Sustainable Tourism Global Centre (STGC), part of the ministry of tourism of Saudi Arabia.
Last year, during the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, the two organisations launched the collaboration and unveiled the inaugural results including the accurate greenhouse gas emissions for the first time ever.
This represents the most comprehensive environmental data in tourism history including the sector’s energy, and water use footprint.
Not only tells the sector’s direct impact, but also its supply chain impacts, both within national borders and those that are embedded in tourism’s international supply chains.
According to the data, tourism was responsible for 8.1 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, 10.6 per cent of total global energy and 0.9 per cent of freshwater use.
The ground-breaking ESR data covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
Building upon WTTC’s world-renowned Economic Impact Research, this initiative introduces individualized factsheets for each country and major global regions, and a dedicated microsite allowing users to explore the data in detail.
Global Summit
As host to the first ever WTTC Global Summit in Africa, the event in Kigali will feature footballing legend Didier Drogba; Justin Urquhart-Stewart, Global Economist and renowned business commentator; Francis Gatare, chief executive of the Rwanda Development Board; as well as heads of state from the region.
WTTC Members, international media, and government representation from over 45 countries are also attending the event in Kigali.

Older
Etihad Airways, operates the first commercial flight opening Terminal A

Newer
Over 5,000 Middle East visitors flock to Frankfurt for Ambiente More

The Israel Government Tourist Office has pulled out of World Travel Market London, which is due to take place at ExCeL next week (November 6-8)The withdrawal from the international travel trade show comes amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
A spokesperson for WTM London said the event was informed this morning and the tourist board has been removed from the list of exhibitors.
Pini Shani, senior deputy director general of marketing for Israel’s Ministry of Tourism had originally been expected to attend, along with representatives from the London team.
A statement from Israel’s Ministry of Tourism said: “After consideration, Israel’s Ministry of Tourism has decided to no longer attend this year’s World Travel Market in London.
“The Ministry, through its Tourist Office in London, vows to support the travel industry, its stakeholders, and those who rely on tourism and visitation to the country and hopes to welcome travellers from the UK back to Israel in the future as soon as it’s possible to do so.”ADVERTISEMENTSource: Travelweekly.co.uk

Older
Sharjah to showcase integrated tourism developments at World Travel Market

Newer
Etihad Airways, operates the first commercial flight opening Terminal A More

Francisco Salado and Margarita del Cid will attend the WTM in London
The Costa del Sol hopes to appealing to more British tourists with greater purchasing power at the upcoming annual World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The main aim of the fair, held from 6 to 8 November, will be to recover some of the pre-pandemic tourists to further boost the number of visitors to Malaga province next year.
President of Turismo Costa del Sol Francisco Salado, together with the CEO Margarita del Cid will attend the event. Meanwhile, SUR will have its own stand at the travel trade fair for yet another year.Both Salado and Del Cid have presented the campaign that the province will take to the fair, the most important for the tourism industry in Malaga. With optimism, but also with caution, Salado is confident in the improvement of the UK economy and the potential of the destination to achieve the objectives set. He pointed out the strong recovery of British tourism recorded in the past year.
However, according to latest data, the number of tourists staying in hotels and holiday apartments are still 7% below pre-pandemic levels and 10% lower when it comes to British visitors.
From January to August, a total of 4.2 million stays were recorded, almost 6% more than in 2022. “We are on the road to recovery. We have made a lot of progress. British arrivals at the airport are up 12% on last year, but still almost 11% below 2019 records. The figure has improved, but we have to keep working hard,” Salado said. A total of 79% of British overnight stays in the Andalucía are on the Costa del Sol, Salado added.Turismo Costa del Sol has invested 600,000 euros in its promotional campaign which it will take to the travel fair in London. Salado said the organisation will have its own 200-square-metre stand with work and networking areas at which 50 companies and 150 professionals will be present. Meetings with travel agencies, operators and airlines, are planned in addition to 300 meetings scheduled for Malaga businesspeople at the stand.
To attract the attention of the British and promote the main attractions of the province, there will be special attention paid to Malaga province’s golf, weather and beaches. In the centre of London, at Marble Arch, Turismo Costa del Sol will also dress up an old newsstand with striking images of the province and with staff handing out newspapers named ‘sun’ – a play on the region’s famous sunshine.ADVERTISEMENT

Older
Comfort® Hotels Unveils New Look and Feel with First Rise & Shine™ Prototype

Newer
Sharjah to showcase integrated tourism developments at World Travel Market More

Expedia® and Jazz Fest announced today Expedia is the Official Travel Partner for the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, which takes place at New Orleans’ historic Fair Grounds Race Course over eight days in April and May 2024. To make it easier for travelers to plan their trips, Expedia launched the new Jazz Fest travel hub which features city guides, travel resources and exclusive offers for One Key™ members such as hotel discounts and access to giveaways and VIP experiences.“Thousands of people travel to Jazz Fest every spring because they know nothing beats New Orleans when it comes to music, food and soul,” says Michele Rousseau, senior vice president, Global Brands at Expedia Group. “By working with Jazz Fest, Expedia gets to help ensure Jazz Fest fans get the absolute most out of their trips, whether that’s great hotel rates and discounts, or exclusive member experiences at the Festival itself.”
Quint Davis, producer/director of Jazz Fest, says, “This new partnership with Expedia means that Jazz Fest fans from around the world now have the most efficient way imaginable to plan their trips to New Orleans. Wherever you’re coming from, the road to the Festival and to the grooviest and tastiest city on the planet is smoother than ever before. Welcome to Jazz Fest, Expedia!”
Follow Expedia on Instagram and visit the Jazz Fest travel hub for more updates in the coming weeks, including chances to win tickets to the 2024 Festival.
In the meantime, check out these must-do activities and attractions sourced from Expedia’s local travel experts.
Live Music & EntertainmentADVERTISEMENTThe city’s usual venues are teeming with talent any day of the year, and that goes for during Jazz Fest, too. Local favorites include Toulouse Theater, Vaughan’s Lounge, Maple Leaf Bar, Tipitina’s, Spotted Cat and Saturn Bar.
Activities & Attractions
Take the St. Charles Streetcar to travel down famous places like St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street. Visit the Sazerac House, a museum of cocktails where the tours are free and so are the sips. See the local wildlife with a Honey Island Swamp Tour or visit the Audubon Aquarium and Zoo.
Food
From Parkway Poorboys in Mid-City to the French Quarter’s Sylvain or Mosquito Supper Club in the Garden District, there’s a lot to choose from, no matter where you’re staying. Make a reservation well in advance since tables tend to fill up fast during Jazz Fest.
For more inspiration, start a chat with Expedia’s in-app travel assistant powered by ChatGPT. Try a prompt like, “Where should I stay for Jazz Fest?” or “top things to do in New Orleans.” Become a One Key™ member to start enjoying member perks and savings in the leadup to the festival.
Use our mobile app or visit www.expedia.com to plan your journey with us.

Older
Aruba Invites Travelers to Take Home a Permanent Reminder of their Time on Island

Newer
SEABOURN UNVEILS NEW EXPEDITION ITINERARIES FOR 2025-2026 More

Attendees from around the world will explore opportunities spanning the full spectrum of travel and tourism – including leisure, business, luxury and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) – at the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the UAE from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May 2024.
Revenue in the global travel and tourism market is projected to reach $854.7 billion this year, according to research conducted by Statista. The sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.42 per cent during the period 2023-27, passing the trillion-dollar mark within the next four years.
Allied Market Research valued the global business travel market at $689.7 billion in 2021, predicting that the segment would grow to $2.1 trillion by 2031. The global luxury travel market, meanwhile, is on course to pass $440 billion by the end of this decade, according to research from Coherent Market Insights. The MICE segment also continues to make valuable contributions in GCC countries such as the UAE, where DWTC’s most recent Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) Annual Report estimated that the venue’s total economic output – across 63 large-scale events – exceeded $3.5 billion in 2022.
In line with ATM 2024’s theme of ‘Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’,attendees will consider how the segments of leisure, business, luxury and MICE are driving economic growth and sustainable development across destinations, hospitality and aviation, creating fresh opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors from across the Middle East and beyond.
Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Holidaymakers represent a crucial focus for the Middle East’s travel community, but leisure is only one component of a much bigger picture. Business, luxury and MICE travel are also making significant contributions to economic growth and sustainable development, with Statista predicting a global market volume of more than $1 trillion by 2027.ADVERTISEMENT“It is therefore no surprise that the travel and tourism sector is creating unprecedented opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, thousands of whom will showcase their innovations, exchange ideas and forge new partnerships at ATM 2024,” she added.
The travel and tourism sector is on course to contribute $49.18 billion to the UAE economy alone in 2023, according to figures released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This figure is predicted to reach $64.12 billion by 2033, accounting for an impressive 10.2 per cent of the nation’s GDP.
As the Middle East’s travel and tourism industry continues to mature, it is expected to create new jobs and income for millions of people from across the globe. The UAE Government, for instance, estimates that the country’s travel and tourism market will support 770,000 jobs by 2027. At the same time, the sector is expected to generate ever-increasing revenues for regional economies – Gulf travellers spending approximately 6.5 times more than tourists from other parts of the world, according to the UN World Tourism Organization (WTO).
Sustainable development will represent another key focus at ATM 2024 as the show builds on the net-zero commitments outlined during its milestone 30th edition. Dubai’s Department for Economy and Tourism (DET), ATM’s Destination Partner, will showcase its ongoing efforts to protect the environment and secure a greener and more sustainable future for the emirate. Pioneering initiatives such as Dubai Sustainable Tourism, Dubai Can and Dubai Carbon Calculator – coupled with the city’s hosting of COP28 later this year – will provide the ideal backdrop for ATM attendees looking to identify opportunities related to responsible tourism in the UAE and the wider Middle East.
Thanks to the region’s business-friendly approach to policymaking, tax-free salaries and ongoing visa reforms, GCC countries accounted for five of the top 10 global destinations where expatriates find it easiest to settle, according to a report from InterNations. In Q1 2023, a Magnitt report revealed that Saudi Arabia led the region in venture capital investment for startups, while the UAE topped the list in terms of number of exits. As such, the upcoming edition of ATM will offer the perfect forum for speakers, panellists and audience members to explore opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors operating in the Middle East’s travel and tourism space.
Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners include the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.

Older
Saudia first to deploy Amadeus Nevio in Middle East More