Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

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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Sarawak, Malaysia Welcomes Over 270 Delegates to the PATA Destination Experience Forum and Mart 2023

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LR: Thoyyib Mohammed, CEO, Visit Maldives; Harry Hwang, Director, Regional Department for Asia and the Pacific, UNWTO; Sharzede Datu Hj. Salleh Askor, CEO, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB); Peter Semone, Chair, PATA; YB Dato Sri Haji Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak; YB Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister of Tourism, and YBhg. Datu Sherrina binti Hussaini, Permanent Secretary, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak.
The PATA Destination Experience Forum and Mart 2023 (PDFM 2023), with the theme “Sustainability in Action”, officially began on Wednesday, June 21 in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, attracting 272 delegates from 28 destinations.
The event, organised in collaboration with destination partners, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts of Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and the Sarawak Convention Bureau, brought together delegates from the public and private sectors for inspiring and insightful discussions on some of the major issues in marketing and managing tourism growth as the travel and tourism industry looks for new opportunities to promote sustainability within the industry.
Delegates travelled from all corners of the globe including Australia, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (ROK), Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and USA.
“The PATA Destination Experience Forum and Mart 2023, under the theme “Sustainability in Action” is extremely relevant as the industry begins its road to recovery. Climate change and over-tourism are existential threats to Pacific Asia’s visitor industry. Coming out of COVID, there are really only two options: ignore the environmental and social consequences of mass tourism in a business-as-usual manner; or seize the opportunity to recalibrate how we measure tourism success and account for its invisible burden. As we look towards the future, we need to take concrete actions and avoid the mistakes of the past,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone. “It is this type of collaboration with our destination partners, the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry & Performing Arts of Sarawak, the Sarawak Tourism Board, and the Sarawak Convention Bureau, that epitomizes the fundamental nature of PATA’s mission in acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. We as an industry must work together to create a better future for all by achieving long-term sustainability in conjunction with long-term growth and profitability.”
Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) CEO Sharzede Datu Hj Salleh Askor said,” Sarawak is the perfect venue for PDMF 2023 in highlighting on Ecotourism, Gastronomy Tourism, Adventure Travel as these themes are very much aligned with Sarawak’s tourism philosophy that emphasises on Responsible Tourism, gastronomy and sustainability in its effort in making Sarawak a preferred eco-tourism destination, in the region.”ADVERTISEMENT“I am happy that all delegates will have an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with Sarawak’s tourism industry stakeholders as well as from around the region to understand more on the importance of adopting sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, recycling, and responsible resource consumption, to minimize the negative environmental footprint of tourism while enhancing the overall visitor experience,” she added.
On Wednesday, June 21, delegates had the opportunity to join one of three different routes where they could fully experience the destination’s responsible tourism, ecotourism, and gastronomy tourism offerings that highlighted Sarawakian culture, heritage, and history.
During the conference on Thursday, June 23 and June 24, delegates will hear from a diverse line-up of experts from such organisations as World Tourism Organization, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, the Asian Ecotourism Network, the Adventure Travel Trade Association, the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation, Intrepid Travel, Expedia Group Media Solutions and Sojern, as well as Audra Morrice, Masterchef Asia/and Singapore Host & Judge, to name a few.
From climate action strategies to digital marketing, the broad yet critical topics provided a clearer direction for the industry to embrace the new era of travel with greater responsibility and convert their plans into action.
Topics include ‘Sustainability in Action’, ‘Climate Action Strategies for Destinations & Operators ‘, ‘Recalculating the Measurements of Success’, ‘Tourism’s Role for Development ‘, ‘The Power of Gastronomy Tourism for Destinations ‘, ‘Setting Your Sustainability Goals and Executing them’, ‘Leveraging New Trends in Sustainable Forms of Tourism’ and ‘Using Digital Marketing to Drive Sustainability’.
Over these two days, buyers and sellers will also have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one networking and contracting opportunities during the table-top tradeshow to explore potential collaborations and business opportunities.
For more information about the event, visit www.pata.org/pata-destination-experience-forum-and-mart-2023 or email [email protected]

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“Harbour Chill Carnival” Starting the Weekend of 8-9 July

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Hong Kong – Join Interactive Street Performances, X-Games and Miscellaneous Outdoor Experiences Anytime; Tickets for First Eight Music Shows in the Harbour Available Tomorrow
Starting from 8 July, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will bring the “Harbour Chill Carnival” to the Wan Chai waterfront for five consecutive weekend evenings, featuring street performances, X-game performances, and A Symphony of Lights Waterfront Pyrotechnic Edition.Among the activities, only Music Shows in the Harbour requires tickets for admission. Tickets of the first eight sessions of the Music Shows in the Harbour will be distributed for free through HKTB’s online e-platform (https://www.discoverhongkong.com/hk-eng/what-s-new/events/harbour-chillcarnival/music-shows/ticket.html ) from 10am tomorrow (27 June). All tickets are available first-come, first-served.
Members of the public can now sign up for an account on the e-platform on the Discover Hong Kong website and check out the performance line-ups (https://www.discoverhongkong.com/hkeng/what-s-new/events/harbour-chill-carnival/music-shows.html ) before getting the tickets tomorrow.

Each account can obtain tickets for a maximum of two sessions at the same time, with a maximum of two tickets for each session.The first eight sessions will be held on 8 July (Saturday), 9 July (Sunday), 15 July (Saturday), and16 July (Sunday), with two sessions each evening.ADVERTISEMENTThere will be a total of 20 sessions of Music Shows in Victoria Harbour, with over 40 groups from the Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia taking turns to perform. Tickets for the remaining 12 concerts will be available at 10 am, 27 July, Monday
Besides the Music Shows in the Harbour, the “Harbour Chill Carnival” features a series of thrilling activities, including characteristic street performances, dynamic X-game performances and time-limited A Symphony of Lights Waterfront Pyrotechnic Edition. Members of the public can visit the Wan Chai Waterfront Precinct during the Carnival and enjoy the shows without admission tickets.
Come and watch national and top local skateboarders perform challenging and skilled tricks or the dynamic nightview with the summer pyro display along the Harbour front. Don’t miss the chance!

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