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Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) President and Group Chairman, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, and Minister of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Benin who is also Chairman of IsDB Board of Governors, H.E. Romuald Wadagni,  addressed the media during a press conference held as part of the 2023 Annual Meetings of the IsDB Group taking place in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 10-13 May.Opening the press conference, H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser expressed profound appreciation to The Custodian of The Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for his patronage of the Annual Meetings. He also extended profound gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the generous support and warm hospitality extended by the country’s government to the event and its participants. H.E. Dr. Al Jasser congratulated H.E. Wadagni on his chairmanship of the Board of Governors of the IsDB and commended his exemplary leadership during the current tenure of the Board.  Speaking on the Islamic Development Bank’s vision and objectives as a leading AAA-rated multilateral development bank (MDB), H.E. Dr. Al Jasser highlighted the role the Bank plays in improving the lives of people in its member countries and Muslim communities worldwide, by promoting social and economic development and delivering impact at scale. Established in 1975, the Bank currently serves its 57 member countries from four continents, in addition to Muslim communities from non-member countries – through their respective governments – and its operations impact one-fifth of the world’s population.H.E. Dr. Al Jasser said that IsDB Group’s net financing for various sustainable development programs and initiatives since its establishment until 2022 amounted to a total of US$ 170.5 billion. Its annual net approvals increased by 18.5% to reach US$ 10.5 billion in 2022, up from US$ 8.9 billion in 2021. Various economic sectors received IsDB Group’s financing support during the past year, including energy (40.8%), industry and mining (14.4%), agriculture (12.6%), finance (8.6%), transportation (8.5%), water and sanitation (4.8%), health (3.6%), education (3.2%) and others (3.5%).Shedding light on the Bank’s achievements, H.E. Dr. Al Jasser explained that IsDB maintained its ‘AAA’ credit rating with a stable outlook in 2022. He asserted that it was the 26th time that the Bank has achieved this outstanding rating from S&P Global Ratings, the 16th time from Moody’s, and the 15th time from Fitch Ratings.For his part, H.E. Wadagni commented: “On behalf of the Board of Governors of the IsDB, I commend the Management and Board of Executive Directors for their deep commitment to supporting member countries to achieve sustainable development. Their visionary thinking and thorough understanding of the pertinent and emerging development challenges facing member countries prompted the realignment of the strategic vision of the IsDB Group to focus on promoting comprehensive human development and sustainable infrastructure toward boosting economic recovery, tackling poverty, building resilience, and driving green economic growth.”The Board of Governors of IsDB is the highest authority of the Bank. Each member country of the Bank is represented on the Board with a Governor and an Alternate Governor. The Board meets once a year to consider and approve the financial statements for the previous fiscal year, appoint external auditors, and lay down the future policies of the BankHeld under the theme of “Partnerships to Fend off Crises,” the four-day 2023 IsDB Group Annual Meetings have brought together policymakers, business leaders, senior executives and attendees representing more than 100 countries at the King Abdullah Congress Center – The Ritz-Carlton Jeddah. The 2023 edition of IsDB Group annual meetings seeks to provide an engaging, solution-oriented platform for participants to discuss current financial, economic and development issues faced by IsDB Group member countries and its partners.

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On Location, the official and exclusive hospitality provider for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, unveils today its Hospitality and Travel Packages for the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Olympic fans and companies globally will have unprecedented access to a historic Opening Ceremony in Paris through one single provider.For the first time ever in the history of the Olympic Games, the Opening Ceremony will take place on July 26, 2024 outside of a stadium, with an exceptional 6 km (3.7 miles) route along the Seine River. The hospitality experiences created by On Location will enhance this extraordinary event and bring the historic city of Paris to life, by offering spectators from all around the world unique seating options never before available to guests. This unique hospitality experience allows them to view the Opening Ceremony from iconic Paris landmarks and become immersed in the extraordinary backdrop to the action. Fans from all over the world can now book their packages on the dedicated Paris 2024 Hospitality Online Platform and choose from a suite of hospitality and travel packages: https://olympics.onlocationexp.com/paris2024/ceremony
Paul Caine, President of On Location and IMG Events declared “We are thrilled to offer our guests an unparalleled hospitality experience at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. Our official packages provide exclusive access to premium seating, exceptional cuisine, and unforgettable entertainment, making this a once-in-a-lifetime event for sports fans and enthusiasts. We look forward to welcoming our guests to the world’s greatest celebration of athletic excellence and international unity.”
Riverside packages
Visitors of the Olympic Games who choose Riverside packages will be given premium seating options on the banks of the Seine, coupled with an elevated hospitality area offering Gold service level in the Palais de Tokyo, close to the end of the Opening Ceremony route, or a Silver service level in the Maison de l’Amérique Latine, located within a short walk of the Seine River.
Gold: in a Parisian-style setting decorated in the colors of the Olympic Games, spectators will have reserved premium seating along the banks of the Seine with a breathtaking view of the Opening Ceremony. A dedicated hospitality area accessible on foot from the seats will be open before, during and after the Opening Ceremony. The programme includes buffet and cocktail dining with a selection of champagne, wine, beer, and soft drinks, as well as entertainment and performances by artists in the hospitality area.Silver: visitors will enjoy a reserved seat in a grandstand on the banks of the Seine with a superb view of the Opening Ceremony. In the private hospitality, they will have access to a cocktail reception and live music will animate the evening.Bridge 360 packageADVERTISEMENTGuests will be welcomed in the spectacular Café de Paris, Paris’ largest open-air brasserie, nestled on a mythical bridge of the capital located near the famous Trocadero and Eiffel Tower. Guests will be able to dine at this exceptional brasserie with an exclusive view of the Seine and will have access to entertainment and a Gold level of service.
This unusual grandstand with its Parisian-style décor and Olympic colors will allow guests to enjoy a panoramic and impressive view of Paris and of the Opening Ceremony. Guests will share an unforgettable moment in a dedicated hospitality area with an excellent cocktail style dinner, special guest appearances, and various animations and performances creating a unique, once in a lifetime hospitality experience.
With the exception of the Paris 2024 Ticketing Programme, the official Paris 2024 Hospitality Programme is the only official way to guarantee your place for the Opening Ceremony, as these are the only official and safe sources to buy tickets and hospitality packages for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
For these exceptional packages, the per person prices range from €5,750 including VAT (€5,000 excluding VAT) to €11,000 including VAT (€9,500 excluding VAT).
In addition to the packages for the Opening Ceremony, there are various options for corporate hosting opportunities and for fan hospitality packages for all sporting sessions, all of which are available on the official hospitality sales platform: https://hospitalitytravelpackages.paris2024.org/discover/?language=en
On Location has created packages which offer fans from all over the world the possibility to watch, enjoy, embrace and share the thrill of the Olympic Games. They can choose from a selection of hospitality experiences in private suites or in shared spaces, each having a different level of premium hospitality service.
The official Paris 2024 Hospitality Program is based on 3 key pillars and is aimed at the general public, companies and official partners:
CLUBHOUSE 24: Clubhouse 24 is a centralized hospitality and entertainment zone located in the heart and the center of Paris at the iconic Palais de Tokyo, with easy access on foot or via public transportation, to 15 competition venues. Guests can enjoy a host of food and beverages at the Parisian-inspired food market, and entertainment options, including the Clubhouse 24 main stage, featuring live music performances, sports demonstrations, interactive activities, family fun, special fans appearances and much more.ON-SITE HOSPITALITY: The highest-quality, in-venue hospitality experiences delivered within official competition venues in private suites or in shared lounges, with access to different levels of service (Gold, Silver, Bronze, Private).TRAVEL PACKAGES: To suit all needs, depending on the length of stay and interests, combining one or more tickets for the Olympic Games sporting sessions with a full range of services to enrich and complete the stay in Paris (Discover 2024, Explore 2024 and Custom Packages).On Location offers protection for hospitality packages sold to guests in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, on the Paris 2024 hospitality platform from March 21, 2023, through Allianz Partners. The Allianz insurance services include hospitality package protection which reimburses guests if event attendance is not possible due to a covered reason, trip interruption coverage, luggage protection and 24/7 expert assistance and concierge services.
Consumers and Olympic sports fans should visit the dedicated hospitality sales platform to discover the range of packages being offered: https://hospitalitytravelpackages.paris2024.org.
For large group orders (from 11 people), and for all corporate enquiries, please visit the dedicated Corporate Hospitality Booking Platform to discuss packages tailored to specific requirements and preferences: https://corporatehospitality.paris2024.org/en
In recognition of Visa’s long-standing partnership with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, @Visa is the Official Way to Pay.

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In a truly unique moment of collaboration, the newly appointed ATTA CEO Jon Danks and ATTA Chair Nick Aslin met with the Honourable Ministers for Tourism for Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia at the end of the second day of Indaba 2023, held in Durban, South Africa.
ATTA is a membership organisation that for thirty years has been providing digital and event platforms that support the growth of tourism across Africa, by connecting global buyers with providers of African ground and air products.  Indaba 2023 has been a record-breaking year for ATTA, as the largest exhibitor at the world’s biggest pan-African tourism event, with ATTA’s stand presence exceeding all events in its thirty-year history, signalling a strong return of tourism to the continent.  To round off a busy day of discussions on the second day of the event held at the ICC in Durban South Africa, the informal meeting took place between ATTA CEO Jon Danks, ATTA Chair Nick Aslin and the Right Honourable Ministers, Mrs Vera Kamtukule, Minister of Tourism Malawi, Mr Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, Minister of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Zimbabwe and Mr Rodney Sikumba, Tourism Minister, Zambia.
For further information: [email protected]

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The biggest event in Hungary’s history, the World Athletics Championships will be held in 2023 in Budapest. From 19-27 August 2023, 2,000 athletes from more than 200 countries will come to Hungary to celebrate the Queen of Sports and take part in the third biggest sporting event in the world.
This is the first time that athletics’ top event will be held in Central Europe, in the brand new National Athletics Centre.
The World Athletics Championships Budapest 2023 are about showing the world the best that Hungary has to offer, a true celebration of sport on a unique stage. With its world heritage sites and world-famous panorama, Budapest will provide the perfect backdrop for the athletes and fans. 14 sessions will be held in the purpose-built National Athletics Centre on the Danube bank, in the southern part of the city. A further six competitions will be organised in the beautiful city centre of Budapest, free of charge for the spectators, with the marathon and race walk events starting and finishing at Heroes’ Square.
The athletes will run through World Heritage sites of Budapest, with the panoramic view of Buda Castle in the background. The historic Buda Castle District is a wonderful attraction hiding real treasures. Visitors can find here the former home of kings, the Buda Castle Palace, the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.  Andrássy Avenue, the widest street in the country, will have a starring role worthy of its name during the marathon competition. It is surrounded by majestic palaces, elegant shops and magnificent gardens. Here visitors will find the Opera House, or Heroes’ Square at the end of the street, with the fantastic Museum of Fine Arts and the Kunsthalle on either side. In addition to Pesti Broadway, many luxury brands have found a home here, and the Millennium underground railway, the first metro in continental Europe, runs under Andrássy Avenue.
The National Athletics Centre will be inaugurated in mid-June. The world-class track has been completed, the freshly laid Mondo surfaced, nine-lane course is extremely fast and unique in Hungary. With a distinctive interior design and a spectacular roof structure the facility is already a bright spot in the city.ADVERTISEMENTFollowing the World Championships, the Danube bank will be accessible to all the residents and visitors of Budapest, thus the tangible legacy of the event will be a real experience. The National Athletics Centre and its surroundings will be a new landmark in the city. Thanks to the urban developments a new leisure park will be created in the area around the competition venue, where students, as well as the general public, runners and outdoor sports enthusiasts will have the opportunity to enjoy outdoor sports.
In 2023 Budapest is celebrating its 150th anniversary, another great reason for the world to visit the Hungarian capital this year. Alongside the World Athletics Championships, Budapest will offer a wide variety of activities for the visitors. The city of bridges is a melting pot of diverse Europe, with a unique character, culture and history. Budapest is also a capital where everything visitors need is within easy reach. Thanks to developments over the last decade, there is no part of the city that cannot be reached by public transport.
The whole country is well-connected.  Hungary is placed in the heart of Europe: whether by air, rail, or road, it is easy to travel into the country, from Europe it takes only a few hours. Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport is one of the region’s hubs, with flights to all parts of Europe, and it also has an extensive overseas network, with connections to the United States, China and even Australia.

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Internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro will debut his immersive public art installation Field of Light, spanning more than six-acres from 38th to 41st Street on First Avenue, just south of the United Nations, at the proposed mixed-use Freedom Plaza being developed by the Soloviev Group.Scheduled to open in Fall 2023 and remain in place for 12 months, Field of Light will transform this six-acre site into a welcoming art installation for members of the community and all New Yorkers, as well as present meaningful opportunities for engagement and educational programming.
Made possible by the Soloviev Foundation, Field of Light will honor New York City as a beacon of freedom and hope around the world. Inspired by the human connection to the stars, the essential elements of our universe, the Freedom Plaza installation will feature an array of 17,000 lowlight, fiber-optic stemmed spheres, which will illuminate with a slow, subtle change of hue. The effect will be that of a muted and ethereal painted landscape. Existing at the nexus of art, technology and nature, Field of Light will create a contemplative moment in this totally unique waterfront open space.
London-born Munro is globally recognized for large-scale light-based artworks inspired by his lifelong study of natural light and curiosity about shared human experiences.
“Bruce shares an aligned commitment to the use of sustainable and innovative technologies to spark imagination and push the bounds of creativity. We are thrilled to work with him on this significant project,” said Stefan Soloviev, Chairman of Soloviev Group.
“Light has always played a major part in my life and work, and for me, is a natural medium to use. With the light installation at Freedom Plaza in Manhattan, I intend to stimulate the imagination and senses of any viewer by creating a breathtaking immersive experience that utilizes every hue of light to create a visual Eden,” said artist Bruce Munro.ADVERTISEMENT“New York City has always been and continues to be a global epicenter of freedom and the creative spirit. The unique six-acre site at Freedom Plaza provides a rare opportunity to showcase Bruce’s inspirational and bold vision to New York City,” said Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group. “We are thrilled to share the Field of Light exhibit with our community this fall.”
Details about access and site logistics will be made public over the coming months.
Munro’s work has been commissioned by and displayed in gallery exhibitions, parks, cathedrals, botanical gardens, and museums across the globe, including New York’s Guggenheim Museum; the Sharjah Museum of Art in the UAE; Sotheby’s Beyond Limits at Chatworth, Victoria & Albert Museum, London; Uluru, Northern Territory Australia—the inspiration for the Field of Light; Texas Arboretum at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; and most recently Kings Canyon, Northern Territory, Australia, among others. His work is also held in the permanent collections of museums and public art collections worldwide.
An anticipated museum at Freedom Plaza will highlight the promotion of human rights and the advancement of freedom of speech, thought, and expression. The museum’s extensive collection will feature artwork from celebrated international artists, large scale experiential installations, and significant historical artifacts. The permanent display will include renowned masterpieces, as well as slabs from the Berlin Wall, a timely and reflective symbol of hope, peace, and reunification.
The proposed Freedom Plaza will feature over four acres of sustainable green open space with walking paths; a world-class hotel and an array of shopping and dining options; two residential towers with a significant number of permanently affordable apartments; robust waterfront access; and a proposed gaming facility for New York’s Downstate gaming license bid in partnership with global entertainment district leader, Mohegan.
This socially and environmentally responsible development will link to the East River Esplanade and be accessible from Grand Central Station and the 34th Street Ferry. Soloviev Group and Mohegan share a vision to deliver on fundamentals that strengthen local communities, including pursuing carbon-neutral development, creating new public open space, adding affordable housing amid the current shortage, and generating thousands of new jobs and economic benefits for the community and the city as a whole.

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JAMAICA WINS CARIBBEAN HOTEL AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION DESTINATION RESILIENCE AWARD

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The Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica (2nd from L), holds Jamaica’s Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA’s) Destination Resilience Award. Sharing in the moment are (L-R) Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig, President, CHTA; Ewald Biemens, Owner, Bucuti and Tara Beach Resort, Aruba; Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board; Kyle Mais, Managing Director, Jamaican Inn; Vanessa Ledesma-Berrios, Acting CEO & Director General, CHTA; Josef Forstmayr, Managing Director, Round Hill Hotel and Villas; Marc Melville, CEO, Chukka Caribbean; and Fiona Fennell, Public Relations and Communications Manager, Jamaica Tourist Board.
Jamaica has been awarded the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA’s) Destination Resilience Award for its recovery efforts during the COVID-19 Pandemic and tourism resilience-building initiatives.The Caribbean Destination Resilience Award recognizes destinations with a deliberate focus on resilience as indicated by their commitments to address some or all of the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO’s) 17 sustainable development goals. Special emphasis is placed on highlighting destinations which subscribe to a collaborative and partnership-focused approach, engaging public and private sector stakeholders in innovative, needs-driven strategies.     
Jamaica was at the forefront of thought leadership at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The island, under the stewardship of the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, immediately created a COVID-19 Recovery Taskforce with public and private sector stakeholders. Based on the innovative initiatives from this Taskforce, Jamaica reopened its borders in June 2020 and never closed since.
In accepting the award, Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett said, “This award is for my entire tourism team and all our private and public sector partners who immediately saw the need to keep the lifeblood of the country open. From the minds and hard work of the team, Jamaica was first out of the blocks on the road to recovery.”
Robust health and safety protocols were implemented to help mitigate the spread of the disease. In fact, these protocols received the World Travel and Tourism Council’s ‘Safe Travels’ stamp of approval. With the creation of Resilient Corridors, Jamaica was able to resume tourism activities safely and seamlessly as these designated areas had a strong COVID-19 infrastructure in place.
“It is a pleasure to recognize my home country with this destination resilience award as it validates the countless hours and effort that went into the recovery through our public and private sector partners to ensure the survival of tourism,” said President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig.ADVERTISEMENT“It was no easy feat to reopen our borders in such a short space of time and this award highlights the importance of partnerships in a crisis,” said Director of Tourism, Donovan White. “We’re truly grateful and deeply honored to receive this distinction.”
For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

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Minister Bartlett Receives CHTA President’s Award for Caribbean Excellence in Tourism

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(HM CHTA AWARD): Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett (C) accepts the President’s Award for Caribbean Excellence in Tourism from President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig (L). Sharing in the moment is Vanessa Ledesma-Berrios, Acting CEO & Director General CHTA.
Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett has been recognized for his stellar contribution to the regional tourism industry. The Minister received the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s prestigious President’s Award for Caribbean Excellence in Tourism during the Travel Forum and Awards luncheon held at Sandals Royal Barbados.
“The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is acutely aware that resilience strengthens Caribbean tourism, and it is a message that has reached all corners of the region and the world largely because of the efforts of one man, the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s dynamic Minister of Tourism. This is one of the many reasons why we honour him today,” said President of the CHTA, Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig.
One of Minister Bartlett’s notable international successes was the establishment of The Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC), which assembles distinguished international experts to examine resilience from multiple viewpoints, a timely and much needed forum for the examination of the key elements needed to strengthen the region’s major economic driver, tourism.
“It is always good to be recognized for your hard work and dedication, but this award is extra special as it is coming from my regional partners who I have worked shoulder to shoulder with for many years to improve our tourism experience and ultimately arrivals and earnings,” said Minister Bartlett.
Mr Bartlett was also cited as an advocate for harmonizing cooperation and collaboration among Caribbean countries and has called for a single use visa to encourage visitors to travel to multiple destinations in the region.ADVERTISEMENTHe has also encouraged the larger international airlines to dedicate more flights to the Caribbean. Stressing it was possible to compete as well as cooperate with each other, he coined the word “co-petition.”
“There is much more work to be done and I believe that the Caribbean is poised for even greater achievements in tourism,” added Minister Bartlett.
“Tourism in the Caribbean and Jamaica are that much better off for having an innovative thought leader like Minister Bartlett and we all wholeheartedly congratulate him,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

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JAMAICA WINS CARIBBEAN HOTEL AND TOURISM ASSOCIATION DESTINATION RESILIENCE AWARD More

Jamaica is set to host Caribbean Travel Marketplace in 2024 at Montego Bay. We bring you this exclusive breaking news from on the ground from Caribbean Travel Forum 2023.
The Honourable Edmund Bartlett has stated “we are delighted” to be hosting the event in 2024.
Jamaica was the winner in 2022 of Caribbean’s Best MICE Destination 2022 at World Mice Awards
Montego Bay Convention Center was voted Jamaica’s Best Convention Centre 2022 at World Mice Awards
Take a 360 Virtual Tour of CHA 2024 Venue Montego Bay Convention Center
For those looking to travel to Montego Bay check out some great activities, hotels and attractions here

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