Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

As Disney celebrates Halfway to the Holidays, festive cheer is already in the air at Walt Disney World Resort. This year, celebrate the season of all that is merry and bright in a magical way with new jolly experiences, glittering sights, sounds and scrumptious sweet treats. Plus, thrill to the return of fan-favorite Disney holiday traditions. 
Celebrate in Style With a New Nighttime Holiday Party at Disney’s Hollywood Studios This festive season, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will host a brand new nighttime party, Disney Jollywood Nights, on 10 select evenings Nov. 11-Dec. 20, 2023. The separately ticketed event, which takes place 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., invites guests to experience a glamorous evening full of merry mashups, delicious tastes and sips, iconic throwback characters, and a holiday vibe full of glitz and sparkle. For an extra dose of cheer, the party wraps with the return of the nighttime spectacular, “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!”
Experience glimmering, festive entertainment inspired by different genres.  The incomparable Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy are special guests for an all-new stage show at Theater of the Stars featuring special appearances by guest stars Tiana, Belle, Minnie Mouse, and Mickey Mouse. Encounter glitz and glamor galore in a jazz lounge at The Hollywood Brown Derby and an other-worldly soiree at The Hollywood Tower Hotel Courtyard. Note: Capacity for both events is limited. End the night with a bang – literally – when the festive favorite “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” returns. This Santa-sized nighttime spectacular, featuring the elf duo Wayne and Lanny from Disney Animation Studio’s “Prep and Landing,” is jam-packed with music, fireworks, special effects, and dazzling state-of-the-art projections.  And throughout the evening, stylish partygoers who want to put their own singing and dancing on display can join in a spirited sing-along at the Hyperion Theater, dance to a holiday DJ mix at the park’s main entrance or take in a lively Latin Street Fair on Commissary Lane. Enjoy after-hours access to thrilling rides and coasters. Leave time to play as some of the park’s most exciting attractions will be available with lower wait times during the party, including Slinky Dog Dash, Rock N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.  Revelers can be rebels too at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The park’s newest land offers a chance to fly the iconic Millennium Falcon on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and be part of an epic battle between the First Order and the Resistance in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, which will use virtual queue* during Disney Jollywood Nights. Pal around with your favorite Disney friends throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Meet Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the rest of the iconic gang in Animation Courtyard on a hot set with dazzling holiday props.  Snap a selfie with favorite throwback friends like Powerline Max and Phineas and Ferb at Echo Lake with classic holidays decor. Strike a stylish pose with Edna Mode, Dahling – and chill (wink, wink) with one of her super friends at Pixar Plaza. Photos of these and other unforgettable moments can be captured by the Disney PhotoPass team, with free digital downloads and two new PhotoPass experiences included with the price of event tickets.**  Indulge in delicious holiday tastes and sips. An array of specialty menu offerings will be available for purchase including Spicy Korean Chicken on a Mini Funnel Cake, as well as sweet treats like a colorful Christmas Tree Cookie Stack inspired by the iconic Echo Lake Christmas Tree.  Classic cocktails and an assortment of specially-curated holiday beverages will add extra cheer. Disney Jollywood Nights is a limited-capacity holiday party. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin hotels, and Shades of Green can purchase tickets starting June 29. Tickets can be purchased by all guests starting July 6 on DisneyWorld.com. Ticket prices will range from $159-179 per person. Party dates are: 
November: 11,18, 20, 27, 29 December: 4, 6,16,18, 20 Enjoy All That Is Merry and Bright Across Walt Disney World There’s snow much to look forward to for the holidays at Walt Disney World Resort. Holiday magic can be found across the 40-square-mile resort, from theme parks and water parks to resort hotels and shopping, dining and entertainment districts. 
Experience holiday magic at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  On 25 select nights, Nov. 9-Dec. 22, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will welcome guests to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at Magic Kingdom Park. Holiday magic is unwrapped with the return of festive favorites like the Christmas extravaganza stage show, “Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration,” the sparkling spectacular “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” and the merry must-see “Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.” Guests can also look forward to enjoying some of their favorite classic and thrill attractions, including the new TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, which will use a virtual queue* during the event. ADVERTISEMENTTickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party are limited and can be purchased online beginning July 6. Guests of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels, and Shades of Green can begin purchasing tickets as early as June 29 on DisneyWorld.com.  Ticket prices will range from $159-199 per adult and $149-189 per child, ages 3-9.
Party dates are: 
November 9, 10, 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 30 December: 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 Still more joy-filled holiday entertainment awaits.  For the first time in forever, guests will be able to join Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Kristoff and the Snowgies in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom for “Frozen Holiday Surprise.” This brand new “Frozen”–inspired entertainment experience will illuminate the castle in a whole new way. It can be seen during regular park hours and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.  Amidst glowing holiday decor, a Merry Menagerie of winter animals returns to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in the form of artisan-sculpted puppets. EPCOT will celebrate with the return of Candlelight Processional as part of the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays Nov. 24 through Dec. 30. Other guest-favorite traditions including storytellers from around the world, joyful musical acts, and Holiday Kitchens return to World Showcase for the festival.  Disney’s Hollywood Studios will once again present Sunset Seasons Greetings as projection effects magically transform the park icon into an array of holiday scenes as snow falls along Sunset Boulevard. In Toy Story Land, guests can spot Woody, Jessie and Buzz sporting their holiday best.  At Disney Springs, shoppers can find treasures for loved ones while enjoying dazzling decor and live entertainment. And the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll invites guests to discover 20 Christmas trees on display throughout the dining, entertainment and retail complex. Visitors can also be on the lookout for magical snowfall in Central Florida. Guests can say hello to Santa Claus as he makes special appearances in all four parks, Disney Springs and even at a Disney Water Park, where you’ll find him dressed in his tropical holiday beachwear. Special savings on stays at Disney Resort Hotels. The only thing better than visiting a Disney theme park at the holidays is complementing it with a stay at a Disney Resort hotel. Each resort is decked out for the holidays, and lobbies at select locations feature larger-than-life gingerbread displays during the holiday season. Guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays this fall and winter season. To learn more, visit disneyworld.com/HolidaySavings. Disney+ subscribers can save up to 35% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays this holiday season. Learn more at Disneyworld.com/DisneyPlus.***
*Virtual queues are limited and subject to availability, times are subject to change, and joining a virtual queue does not guarantee entrance to any experience. For more information on joining virtual queues during these seasonal hard-ticket events please visit the virtual queue information page.
** Disney PhotoPass service is subject to Disney PhotoPass terms and expiration policy at https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/photopass-terms-conditions. Online registration required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.
***Number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. 25% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available at other select Resorts. For Disney+ subscribers, 35% savings for select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts; lower savings may be available at other select Resorts.  Theme Park admission separately priced.

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The 2023 World Cities Branding Conference opened at the MGM Cotai in Macao, China, last week. Government officials, industry experts and guest speakers across the world exchanged views on city branding, cultural exchanges, tourism and sustainable urban development.
The conference was founded to support Chinese cities to build their branding and find new growth momentum in the cultural and tourism sector. The event also unveiled the 2023 Great Wall Award – Culture & Tourism Branding Award, with the trending BBQ of Zibo City in Shandong Province winning the gold medal, among 50 outstanding cases of the year.
The first World Cities Branding Conference is initiated and organized by the Organizing Committee of the World Cities Branding Conference, and co-hosted by the World Tourism Economy Research Center. Phoenix New Media organized the event. MGM is also the chief partner and the official venue provider. And HONDA INSPIRE is the goodwill partner.
The conference is supported by the Macao Government Tourism Office and Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute. China Advertising Association and Communication University of China School of Advertisement, along with many other research institutes, join hands in developing this world-level international forum focusing on branding for cultural and tourism industries.
Lei Wai Nong, Representative of the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR government; Pansy Ho, Chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings Limited; Yang Hao, Deputy Director of the Economic Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR.; Vincent U U Sang, President of Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute; Sun Yusheng, Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief of Phoenix Media Investment (Holdings) Limited and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix New Media Limited; Zhang Guohua, President of China Advertising Association and Vice President of International Advertising Association; and Ding Junjie, Professor of Communication University of China and Director of the National Institute of Advertising, attended and spoke at the conference. Kenneth Feng, President, Strategic and CFO of MGM, also joined the event.ADVERTISEMENTH.E. Mr. Arthayudh Srisamoot, Ambassador of Thailand to China; H.E. Mr. Alain Wong, Ambassador of Mauritius to China; H.E. Mr.John Busuttil, Ambassador of Malta to China; Patrick Nijs, Former Ambassador of Belgium to China; and Souad Zaidi, General Secretary of the Moroccan Association of mayors and Former Member of Moroccan Parliament; Robert Govers, Founding Chairman of the Internationa Place Branding Association (IPBA); John D Chacko, Global VP of International Advertising Association and Chairman of IAA World Congress 2024 also attended and spoke at the event.
Wu Hongbo, Former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Honorary President of China International Public Relations Association; Hae-Guk HWANG, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the World Tourism Organization, and Shan Jixiang, Chairman of the China Cultural Relics Academy and Former Director of the Palace Museum, also gave video speeches at the opening ceremony.
During the two-day conference, experts from across the world spoke at the event and shared their insights, including Denis Bax, Chief of the Communication, Cities and Events (CCE) Unit and Secretary of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network; David Aaker, “Father of Modern Branding”, the Vice-Chair of Prophet Consulting Firm; Zhang Hui, Member of the “14th Five-Year Plan” National Development Planning Expert Committee of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Deputy Director of the Expert Committee of World Tourism Cities Federation; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office; Ouyang Changlin, Director of the Live Streaming Committee of CTAA and The former president of Hunan Broadcasting System; Robert Govers, Founding Chairman of the Internationa Place Branding Association (IPBA); Ray Ng, Executive Chairman of The Industry and Commerce Association of Macau; Ji Xiaodong, President of the China Chamber of Tourism (CCT); Prof. Wu Bihu from Peking University; and Yang Jie, Vice Chairman of Beijing ByteDance Charity Foundation.
Lei Wai Nong, Representative of the Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region and the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR government, said the founding of the World Cities Branding Conference is important, as this platform is key for cities across the world to exchange ideas, empower global engagement and promote people-to-people exchanges, to explore new opportunities. He added that the traditionally strong-branded cities need to speed up on urban renewal, working together with emerging cities, and share development opportunities.
Pansy Ho, the Chairman of the Global Tourism Economy Research Centre and Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Shun Tak Holdings Limited, expressed her aspirations during her speech. She emphasized the importance of Chinese cultural and tourism brands showcasing their exceptional qualities on a global platform, with the ultimate goal of becoming internationally recognized brands. Furthermore, she shared valuable insights regarding the Global Tourism Economy Forum, a global forum that she initiated in Macao, which has served as a pivotal platform for the global cultural and tourism industry to gain a deeper understanding of the authentic China over the past decade.
Sun Yusheng, Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief of Phoenix Media Investment (Holdings) Limited and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix New Media Limited said as China undergoes urbanization, Chinese cities shall figure out their very own characteristics and charisma. Sun said he hoped Phoenix Satellite TV and Phoenix New Media can play their unique roles in helping cities shape their branding.
At the conference, two academic reports were launched, including the China Area Branding Value Report, presented by Prof. Ding Junjie of Communication University of China, also Director of the National Institute of Advertising, and the 2023 World Cities Branding Index Report, jointly presented by Zhang Tingting, Executive Chairman of the World Cities Branding Conference, also the Director of the Tourism Communication Research Center of the Advertising School at the communication university of China, and Scott Chen, Managing Director of Brand Finance China. The index covers 7 pillars including commercial and trade, livability, cultural heritage, people’s values, sustainability & transportation accessibility, governance, and education & science.
Industry experts, government officials also joined a series of high-level round-table dialogues featuring a variety of topics, including “Promoting mutual cultural learning through city branding”, “Building the soft power of sustainable development of world cities with brands”, “Innovate Macao’s cultural and tourism brand by content creation”, “World-level tourism cities branding development and communication”, “Youth design and city development”, “Opportunities and challenges for high-quality development of China’s county culture and tourism”, “Building Lushan as a world-class tourism destination”, “City creativity and international communication”, etc.
Among these forums, government officials from Zhangjiakou City of Hebei Province, and Lushan City of Jiangxi Province, Tahe County of Heilongjiang Province, and Argara of Morocco shared their insights and experiences about on how to build good city branding at a panel discussion moderated by Xu Yue, co-initiator of the World Cities Branding Conference and Director of Culture and Tourism Communication at Phoenix New Media.
On July 4, a forum themed “MGM Dialogue: Rediscover the Value of Macao” focused on the branding development of Macao and the city’s culture and tourism industry development, with experts from across sectors sharing their opinions. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director of Macao Government Tourism Office, said it is important to explore effective marketing and communication campaigns to allow more tourists and general public from across the world to learn and understand the wonderfulness and uniqueness of Macao, a world-renowned tourism destination.
Phoenix New Media also launched a brand new IP “Let the World Fall in Love with Chinese Cities”. The initiative will work with over 100 Chinese cities to better showcase their culture and tourism branding and offerings to the world, on the platforms of the Phoenix media and social platforms.
The event also unveiled the gold, silver and bronze awards for the Annual Good Culture and Tourism Award, a special selection of the renowned Great Wall Award. This was the first ranking of top 50 outstanding cases by the conference, covering 5 areas of best cases for branding communication and campaigns.

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SkyView Partners, the owner and operator of the SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel, is inviting the Atlanta community to celebrate the SkyView Wheel’s 10-year anniversary at a downtown birthday party. Birthday event activities, including entertainment, prizes, face painting, balloon artists, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, magicians, caricature and more, are scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2023, on the Wheel property.
To the delight of the Atlanta community and out-of-town visitors, the SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel took its first turn on July 16, 2013. For the past 10 years, millions of visitors have enjoyed the breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Atlanta and the surrounding metropolitan area.
“SkyView Atlanta has been an iconic fixture in downtown Atlanta for the past 10 years, and we are pleased to be celebrating this important anniversary with the Atlanta community,” said Al Mers, managing partner of SkyView Partners. “Throughout the years, we have continuously felt the support and love from Atlantans and tourists alike, and we remain committed to providing a quality attraction for all to enjoy for many more years.”
In honor of the 10-year anniversary, SkyView Partners has invested $1 million in SkyView Wheel improvements and upgrades to the surrounding property. A SkyView Atlanta entry sign now welcomes visitors along with new landscaping, lighting and furniture. Wheel enhancements include an updated light show, paint and new air conditioning systems in the gondolas. Other upgrades include security improvements with new camera systems and the hiring of off-duty police officers. Food vendor Philly G Steaks and the new SkyBar have been added to offer delicious food and drinks.
A new, site-specific sculpture for the SkyView Atlanta property is being designed by Emily Baker, Assistant Professor of Sculpture at the Earnest G. Welch School of Art and Design at Georgia State University, along with students in the Edgewood Sculpture Forum at GSU. The design will include elements from the surrounding Atlanta community and will be installed later in 2023. ADVERTISEMENTTowering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park at 168 Luckie Street NW, the SkyView Atlanta Observation Wheel features 42 climate-controlled gondolas. For a more enhanced experience, guests can enjoy the VIP gondola boasting Ferrari style seats, a glass floor and a longer flight time. Special event, group and field trip experiences are available as well as ticket discounts for adults over 65, the military and students. For more information, visit www.skyviewatlanta.com. 

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The much awaited TAAI Convention 2023, hosted by the Travel Agents Association of India, in Collaboration with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) kicked off with a grand opening yesterday, 6th July at the BMICH, under the patronage of H.E President Ranil Wickramasinghe, who will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest , and Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism , as the guest of Honor. The convention will be held from 6th to 9th July 2023, generating a lot of trade opportunities for both local and Indian Travel Industry stakeholders. TAAI will be hosting their 67thConvention this year, with 500 participants and 50 Indian Media personnel, highlighting it as a top level travel event in the Tourism calendar, bringing key industry stakeholders, representatives and delegates from both countries. Sri Lanka Tourism is the main sponsor of the event and supported by SLAITO and Sri Lankan Airlines. A joint press conference is also scheduled to be held tomorrow under the patronage of the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando, Ms. Jyoti Mayal , President TAAI , Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu , Chairman SLTPB and Mr. Nishad Wijetunga, President ,SLAITO.
As side events of this convention, a two-day business session and a Buyer –Seller meet which will be held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Shangri La Colombo on 7th and 8th July respectively. The B2B sessions, which will be mainly conducted for the local and Indian trade representatives, will give them an opportunity to expand their businesses and share trade information of both countries.  There will be 500 participants from the Indian travel trade who will participate in these meetings whereas 150 participants from the Sri Lankan Travel trade will join this opportunity.
The Sri Lankan theme dinner on the 7th of July 2023, will be held at the Cinnamon Grand hotel with the participation of Hon.  Dinesh Gunawardena, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, and the Hon. Minister of Tourism, Harin Fernando along with of   Travel Industry representatives and Tourism officials. The occasion will be further enhanced by a cultural performance by the Channa –Upuli Performing Arts Foundation.
The closing gala dinner which is to be held at the Heritance Negombo on the 8th of July 2023, will include extra glamour and color with the participation of popular Sri Lankan artists, Sri Lankan and Indian travel representatives and cultural performances by the Gayan Srimal dance troupe. The event will be held under the patronage of Hon. Minister of Tourism.
TAAI Conventions (Indian Travel Congress) are most eagerly awaited events of the Travel & Tourism industry. The huge visibility, this annual event of TAAI, brings to the global industry is immense. As India has been a friend of Sri Lanka in many aspects – Cultural, Bilateral and economical, this will be another great opportunity to develop industrial contacts and business opportunities with the Indian counterparts. India is a key source market for Sri Lanka Tourism, a which brings the highest number of tourist arrivals on a daily basis. The publicity and the promotion given through this event will spread a positive message about Sri Lanka and encourage more Indian tourists to come and explore the country which has so much to offer as a Travel Destination.ADVERTISEMENTTAAI’s area of activity extends to Aviation; Tourism – outbound & inbound; MICE – inbound & outbound; Adventure Tourism; Sports Tourism; Education etc. TAAI Members are involved in all these activities and there is no other Travel & Tourism Association in India with this strength and band-width offering leadership to this most growing industry.
The TAAI Convention will be a great opportunity to promote Sri Lanka by enhancing its position as one of the most sought after travel destinations to further promote Indian market for an year round destination.

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Plan your nuptials and honeymoon in Saint Lucia for memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. With her windswept beaches and moonlight-soaked seascapes, she exudes romantic mystique.Amid some of the finest Caribbean destination wedding and honeymoon settings imaginable, your happily-ever-after truly will be.
Voted as the World’s Leading Honeymoon DestinationAs an island named the “World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination” by the World Travel Awards fourteen times, Saint Lucia is a refuge and an escape for lovers. The weddings, honeymoons, and romantic getaways of your dreams take place in Saint Lucia; the island’s luxurious accommodations will do justice to the occasion. You’re sure to cherish these memories for a lifetime.

From dazzling beaches to adventurous excursions, Saint Lucia has the perfect venue for any couple. Imagine being married among the backdrop of the waterfalls. Or choose from options featuring incredible views, majestic parks, or historical churches for a variety of faiths. The island’s luxurious resorts also offer many attractive venues and Caribbean wedding packages.
ADVERTISEMENTWEDDING PLANNINGTake advantage of the island’s insider knowledge to craft the ultimate dream wedding. From the paperwork, flowers and photography to the cake and reception, wedding planning can be a lot to juggle. But Saint Lucia’s extensive list of planners are available to help you with every single one of these needs. They’ll make arranging your perfect island wedding an absolute breeze.

WEDDING REQUIREMENTS IN SAINT LUCIADeciding on a Saint Lucia wedding is a decision you won’t regret, now it’s time for the paperwork. There are just a few things you’ll need to do to get married here. Discover the requirements to tie the knot on this award-winning island.

HONEYMOON ACTIVITIESEnchanting and idyllic, Saint Lucia welcomes newlyweds and honeymooners with open arms. Soak up her sun on golden-sand beaches, journey out on a spectacular sunset cruise, and experience views of the Pitons from the water. Revive yourself under rainforest waterfalls or soar through rainforest canopy on a zip-line. No matter how you choose to spend your honeymoon on our island, you’ll love experiencing all she has to offer.

WEDDING PACKAGESSaint Lucia is blessed with an array of amazing resorts, many of which offer incredible wedding packages. Each resort’s romantic package is specially designed to make your dreams come true and create unforgettable memories on your special day. Discover what each resort has to offer to design your perfect Saint Lucia wedding.

READY TO CELEBRATE YOUR ROMANCE IN SAINT LUCIA?Whether it’s for your wedding, honeymoon, or simply a getaway, prepare to indulge in the romantic adventure of your dreams in Saint Lucia. Plan your trip today to learn why Saint Lucia has been named as the “World’s Leading Honeymoon” again and again. When planning your Caribbean honeymoon or destination wedding, there’s no other island like her. Let her inspire you.
The magical island of Saint Lucia will host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2023 on 26 August 2023. The leading travel industry figureheads from across the region will attend the red-carpet reception at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to unveil Saint Lucia as the host of our Caribbean & Americas Gala Ceremony 2023, in this our landmark 30th anniversary. Saint Lucia is helping to spearhead the recovery of travel and tourism in the Caribbean, and I am delighted this captivating island will form a crucial part of our anniversary tour.”He adds: “World Travel Awards has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 30 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for recognising excellence in travel and tourism. I look forward to joining the most senior travel industry figureheads from across the Caribbean and The Americas for what promises to be a fabulous event, acknowledging those organisations spearheading the growth of the region’s travel and tourism sector.”

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H.E. Gloria Guevara Co-Founder The Sustainable Tourism Global Centre (STGC) Chief Special Advisor at Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia
Over the course of a week, industry leaders across the Travel & Tourism sector came together in London with the hope of creating a more sustainable future.
In its fifth year, London Climate Week brought together the collective talent and initiative of participants to find global common solutions to counteract climate change and preserve the planet for future generations. This event offered a great opportunity to come up with real and tangible solutions to counter the greatest crisis of our time.It is vital we acknowledge the impact that the Travel & Tourism sector is having on the environment and commit to transforming it into a force for positive change.Events such as London Climate Week act as important platforms for strategic discussion and collective thinking between leaders from around the world, to implement action which can – and must – move to a more sustainable future and take that important step towards net-zero.Why is this so important? Travel & Tourism is responsible for roughly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, so we bear a direct responsibility towards finding sustainable solutions for our sector. While Travel & Tourism brings people closer together, creates jobs, provides opportunities, and fosters cultural exchange, it has unfortunately also contributed to the current climate emergency.That’s why we must take this, and every opportunity, to raise awareness, initiate meaningful conversations, work on solutions, and inspire the next generation to drive significant and lasting change.Our world is facing numerous environmental challenges that are directly affecting climate, including deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The time for any complacency has passed. We need to work together to address these challenges now- and we must engage all those who have a stake in our future.The next generation will play a key role in shaping our path forward. Yet, data shows that 73% of young people feel they have insufficient decision-making power and the correct tools to make an impact on climate change. The same percentage also say they are extremely worried about the state of our planet. A platform is needed for the younger generation to share their thoughts and ideas to the world, so their passion and creativity can be used to drive positive change in the Travel & Tourism sector.We need to adopt a holistic and inclusive approach to tackle climate change from every perspective, including finding solutions to reduce emissions, reducing food waste, decreasing plastic usage, among the many other paths to push positive economic growth across the sector.While large businesses and destinations are key, we cannot forget small businesses, which are the backbone of the world economy. The 400 million small businesses globally, which account for over 95% of firms and 60-70% of employment, will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability.In the UK alone, the country’s 5.5 million MSME’s account for 99% of all companies and contribute towards half of the UK economy. These businesses also account for 80% of the Travel & Tourism sector.Engaging with them and leading by example to show how to operate sustainably is absolutely essential. Yet, most still lack access to practical and easy-to-use toolkits which outline ways to conduct sustainable practices.That is where the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) steps in. It is the world’s first multi-country, multi-stakeholder global coalition which will lead, accelerate, and track the tourism industry’s transition to net-zero emissions, as well as drive action to protect nature and support communities.Launched in October 2021 and based in Saudi Arabia, the STGC will work with Travel & Tourism MSMEs, among other key groups, to enable their transition to sustainability, by offering accessible knowledge, actionable toolkits, and innovative innovation, to facilitate this critical change.The transition of businesses, large and small, to sustainable business models could open economic opportunities worth at least US$ 12 trillion and create up to 380 million jobs in the lead up to 2030 across sectors globally.The STGC will share best practices and provide timely solutions for Travel & Tourism to proactively tackle the climate and biodiversity crisis. In its initial phase, the Center will invest in research and development, showcase clean technologies solutions, and promote circular economy principles to contribute to a greener and more prosperous world.Our sector has a tremendous opportunity to drive innovation and foster collaboration to both inspire travelers and encourage stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices. And London Climate Week continues to be an incredible base for valuable discussion and catalyst for climate action; but as time is not on our side, the time for action is now.It is our duty to ensure travel becomes a catalyst for positive change, benefiting business, communities, and the planet. That’s why STGC is prioritizing sustainability to ensure it is integrated into the very DNA of travel. Together, we just might make the change our future depends upon.

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Bansko, a rural town nestled in the Pirin mountains, witnessed an extraordinary event last week (June 25 – July 2). Over 700 digital nomads from around the globe converged here for a memorable week-long conference and festival.The most represented countries at Bansko Nomad Fest 2023 were:
United States 22.3%Germany 11.2%Bulgaria 9.6%United Kingdom 8.8%Israel 8.0%Canada 4.8%Estonia 3.6%Japan 2.8% Spain 2.8%Netherlands 2.4%Italy 2.0%Belgium 2.0%Serbia 2.0%Australia 1.6%Cyprus 1.6%But there were also representatives of countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Colombia, Paraguay, China, New Zealand, Poland, Ukraine, France, Portugal, Switzerland, Albania, Greece, Croatia, and more.
Since its inception in 2016, Bansko has become a popular digital nomad hub, thanks to the efforts of Matthias Zeitler, originally from Germany, who established a thriving coworking space and community. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, Bansko Nomad Fest commenced in 2020, with approximately 100 participants. The event’s remarkable success led to its continuous growth each year.

This year, Bansko Nomad Fest achieved new heights, attracting 700+ attendees, 60 speakers, and a dedicated team of 120 volunteers, committed to delivering an exceptional experience.The event encompassed a diverse range of activities, including knowledge sharing sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and immersive experiences showcasing the region’s rich culinary delights, wines, and thrilling mountain adventures. Evening festivities added to the vibrant atmosphere, with parties that created lasting memories.ADVERTISEMENTIn addition to the scheduled talks on two event stages during mornings, participants took part in over 100 spontaneous unconference sessions, proposed by the attendees themselves on the first day.
The official talks covered a wide array of topics, such as AI, productivity, work-life balance, passive income, self-publishing, real estate investing, coworking, coliving, and emerging travel trends. The complete lineup of speakers can be found on the event’s website: https://www.banskonomadfest.com/.

The unconference sessions offered interactive discussions on diverse subjects, including book writing, building local nomad communities, app development without coding, affiliate marketing, and more. Some of the unconference session had an interactive form like a Thai boxing class or a meditation workshop.
Outdoor enthusiasts delighted in activities like hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, rafting, ATV trips, yoga, volleyball, and a football tournament. Cultural experiences were also abundant, with participants savoring traditional Bulgarian cuisine during delightful dinners, participating in wine-tasting tours, and exploring local attractions such as the Bear Sanctuary and Rila Monastery.
The evenings were filled with exuberant parties and enjoyable activities, including bonfires, pool parties, improv shows, speed dating, scavenger hunts, and karaoke sessions.
Moreover, Bansko Nomad Fest organized a startup pitching session in collaboration with the Founder Institute, providing startups with a platform to present their ideas to investors and business angels from Sofia. The lead investor on the Bulgarian version of Shark Tank, Pavel Ezekiev, was among the esteemed guests.
​​Bansko Nomad Fest also takes pride in its commitment to giving back to the local community by supporting two local charities, Bansko Street Dogs and the Sunflower Foundation, which aids disadvantaged individuals in the area.
The participants of Bansko Nomad Fest represent a diverse range of backgrounds, encompassing remote workers, freelancers, startup founders, online business owners, content creators, and coaches specializing in various fields, such as life and business coaching, personal training, yoga, book coaching, meditation guidance, human design coaching, and many more.
For more information and updates, please visit the Bansko Nomad Fest website: https://www.banskonomadfest.com/ or contact: [email protected]

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NATURAL HEALINGWith over 1,300 different species of wild flowering plants and 150 species of fern squeezed into just 620 square kilometres, Saint Lucia is a botanical paradise. Discover the many plants and trees that have been part of traditional Saint Lucian medicine for generations. Cover your skin in the therapeutic volcanic mud and dip in the hot baths at Sulphur Springs, plunge into one of the island’s refreshing waterfalls or take a guided hike or bird-watching tour in the lush rainforest.

TREATMENTS & THERAPIESSaint Lucia has a rich history of offering rejuvenating and restorative treatments. The baths in the Sulphur Springs date back to the 1700s and were built to access the therapeutic waters of the volcano. In addition to the restored baths and natural practices available, there are an impressive choice of spas and salons in hotels and independently across the island that provide a wide range of treatments and programmes to pamper and indulge you. Enjoy spa therapies and beauty treatments in stunning locations such as open-air rooms, rainforest showers and spectacular sea views. You’ll also find locally sourced and created products alongside international brands.

EATING WELLSaint Lucia’s varied history is ever-present in its food with Creole flavours alongside international cuisine. If you’re looking for healthier menus there’s a great choice available. Across hotels and independent restaurants you’ll find vegan and vegetarian options and locally produced juices such as pineapple, soursop and tamarind. Chefs make full use of home-grown tropical fruit, vegetables and freshly caught seafood to create delicious, well-balanced dishes.ADVERTISEMENT
MIND AND BODYThere are an ever-growing number of fitness and relaxation classes such as yoga, pilates and tai chi available in hotels and standalone centres. Or get inspired with one of the many wellness retreats with stunning views of the Pitons, the sea and the forest. You can start the day with yoga at sunrise on the beach or wind down with meditation at sunset in the open air.

MEDICAL MEETS WELLNESSThe award-winning wellness centres on the island take Saint Lucia’s wellness offering to the next level. The Bodyholiday resort for example, has the most comprehensive collection of services in the Caribbean and works regularly with specialists and experts from around the world to offer ground-breaking treatments. The Landings Resort and Spa has just launched the region’s first programme dedicated to female wellbeing with each product used during the custom treatments carefully selected to address a variety of female concerns. With more medically focussed therapies being developed the island is fast becoming a sought-after destination in this field.
The magical island of Saint Lucia will host the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2023 on 26 August 2023. The leading travel industry figureheads from across the region will attend the red-carpet reception at Sandals Grande St. Lucian.
Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to unveil Saint Lucia as the host of our Caribbean & Americas Gala Ceremony 2023, in this our landmark 30th anniversary. Saint Lucia is helping to spearhead the recovery of travel and tourism in the Caribbean, and I am delighted this captivating island will form a crucial part of our anniversary tour.”He adds: “World Travel Awards has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 30 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for recognising excellence in travel and tourism. I look forward to joining the most senior travel industry figureheads from across the Caribbean and The Americas for what promises to be a fabulous event, acknowledging those organisations spearheading the growth of the region’s travel and tourism sector.”

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