Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Albania has been announced as the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025. On Wednesday, 6 March 2024, Albania’s Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro and Dr. Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, signed a partnership agreement on the Albanian stand in Hall 1.1. Afterwards, the minister introduced the CEO to various regions and local specialities.
Whenever Mirela Kumbaro talks about her home country Albania, she finds it hard not to enthuse about it. “Albania is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean with a good tourism infrastructure“, she commented during the signing ceremony. “People are in search of new destinations and experiences. Albania doesn’t fit any of the usual stereotypes, but instead is a small and sort of mystical country where travellers can gain new experiences.“
According to Mirela Kumbaro, there is more to visit than just the sea and mountains, which together with the rivers and forests cover three-quarters of the country. It is the “Albanian spirit“ and the hospitality of the locals that make Albania so attractive. That has always been firmly part of Albanian culture, and not something just invented for the modern tourism age. “In Albania the house belongs to the guest and God“, said Mirela Kumbaro, quoting a common saying in her country. In Albania, visitors could expect to be treated like royalty, she added.
Furthermore, distances between tourist attractions in Albania are short. It takes only a few hours to reach the mountains from the coast. The Vjosa is part of Europe’s recently declared Wild River National Park. In the north, the Albanian Alps await with many hiking trails and pristine mountain villages, where visitors can find accommodation.
The latest statistics are proof that tourism in Albania is taking off. Last year, 10.1 million people visited Albania from abroad. According to UN Tourism (UNWTO), during the first six months of 2023 tourism in Albania experienced the third-highest growth worldwide and the highest in Europe. One million tourists have already visited Albania from abroad this year, 50 per cent more than over the same period last year.ADVERTISEMENT

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The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has bestowed the prestigious title of Global Tourism Icon upon Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the tourism industry.This esteemed accolade, that was presented yesterday (March 6), comes as a testament to Minister Bartlett’s relentless dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering cultural exchange, and advancing the tourism sector on a global scale. He has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing visitor experiences, building resilience and creating economic opportunities for local communities through tourism.
Upon receiving the title of Global Tourism Icon, the Minister expressed gratitude to the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association for this esteemed recognition. He emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing the tourism industry, underscoring the role of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity in shaping the future of travel.
“It has been my life’s mission to ensure that the tourism sector in Jamaica flourishes in terms of arrivals, earnings, economic growth and resilience. I am pleased that through public-private sector partnerships we have not only weathered the most devastating period in global tourism history, but have elevated Jamaica as a premier travel destination and also set a benchmark for excellence in the global tourism landscape,” said Minister Bartlett.The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association’s decision to honour Minister Bartlett as a Global Tourism Icon reaffirms his status as a visionary leader and trailblazer in the field of tourism. His unwavering commitment to excellence and sustainability serves as an inspiration to industry professionals and travellers alike.
Minister Bartlett is leading a delegation at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show. With over 20 thousand participants expected this year, ITB Berlin is viewed as an important platform for the international tourism industry, facilitating knowledge and networking.

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Lisbon was voted Europe’s Best MICE Destination in 2023 for the first time at the 4th edition of the World MICE Awards, which took place last night in Berlin, Germany.The same event also saw the 31st European edition of the World Travel Awards, in which Lisbon was also voted Europe’s Best Urban Destination in 2024.
Last year and to date, 2251 events have been registered in Lisbon, attracting more than 592,178 participants from all over the world. The privileged location, the modern and versatile infrastructures, as well as the excellent accessibility, combined with the transversality of cultural experiences, have made Lisbon an unavoidable choice in Europe for organising events. Since 2019, Lisbon has been ranked 2nd in the ICCA World Ranking, having previously been consecutively in the Top Ten.

The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) segment plays a significant role in Lisbon’s economy, making a significant contribution to tourism and the city’s economic development, particularly in terms of revenue generation and job creation. It’s worth remembering that in 2022 and 2023, the Lisbon Tourism Association (ATL) made over 1 million euros available for attracting and supporting congresses, corporate events and association events, through the Lisbon Tourism Development Fund (financed with revenue generated by the tourist tax) and ATL’s participation in the national programme, Portugal Events, with 25% of the overall funding.
ADVERTISEMENTThe prospects for holding international events in Lisbon are promising. “We continue to work to attract the attention of international event organisers and participants.  Lisbon stands out not only for its unique DNA, but also for the professionalism of its companies, its excellent hotels, accessibility, organisational capacity, cultural offer and the widest range of possible experiences. Lisbon continues to be a pioneer in offering unique and unrepeatable experiences,” says Paula Oliveira, Executive Director of the Lisbon Tourism Association.

As an urban destination, Lisbon stands out for its historical heritage, vibrant culture, welcoming atmosphere, diverse cuisine and authentic visitor experience, with its historic districts, colourful tiles, panoramic viewpoints, urban art, modernity and cultural attractions, from museums and art galleries to internationally renowned concerts and festivals.

The World MICE Awards, considered the “sister” event of the World Travel Awards, celebrate excellence in the MICE industry and annually reward destinations, airlines, hotels, organisers and infrastructures related to this sector.

The World Travel Awards, internationally acclaimed as the “Oscars of Tourism”, annually honour the excellence achieved by tourist destinations, hotel companies, airlines and other entities related to the tourism industry. These awards represent a seal of quality and a stamp of prestige for those who excel in providing the best that the tourism industry has to offer on a global level.

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Emilia Romagna’s ever-popular Motor Valley Fest, the premier celebration of automotive excellence, is gearing up for its sixth edition, set to take place 2-5 May in the UNESCO-listed city of Modena. This year promises to be an exhilarating experience for enthusiasts and visitors alike, with the main focus being on autonomous vehicles, AI and e-sports.Celebrating the rich automotive legacy of Emilia Romagna, Motor Valley Fest is a grand open-air extravaganza that brings together the best of Italian motoring excellence, iconic brands, and passionate enthusiasts. From sleek supercars to vintage classics, the festival offers a captivating journey through the evolution of automotive engineering and design.
The 2024 edition of Motor Valley Fest brings with it a host of exciting news and highlights. Visitors can expect:
Autonomous vehicles: Get a glimpse of the future with autonomous cars on display. Experience the intersection of technology and mobility.AI innovations: Discover how artificial intelligence is shaping the automotive landscape: from smart navigation to predictive maintenance.E-Sports: Motor Valley Fest embraces e-sports, where virtual racers compete for glory. Witness the adrenaline rush of digital motorsport.As in previous editions, the 2024 programme will also feature conferences, round tables, exhibitions, parades, test drives and educational labs – plus food tastings for visitors to make the most of their experience.
Motor Valley Fest revs its engines in the heart of the “Motor Valley”, spread across the UNESCO-city of Modena and surroundings areas. The region is home to celebrated names such as Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani, Dallara, Ducati and Lamborghini. There is no other place in the world with such a rich motor heritage.
Beyond the excitement of the festival, visitors to Emilia Romagna can indulge in the region’s renowned culinary delights, picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From exploring historic cities like Modena and Bologna, to savouring the authentic flavours of Italian cuisine, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant region.ADVERTISEMENTMotor Valley Fest will be followed by the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix (17-19 May), held at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari for its fifth edition.
For more information, please visit the festival’s official website:

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The State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine (SATD) has unveiled a new campaign entitled “We Are Here: Brave Hearts of Ukraine” during the ITB Congress in Berlin.
Since the war with Russia began just over two years ago world attention has been distracted away from the ongoing fighting. With this new campaign Mariana Oleskiv, Chair of the SATD wants to remind the global travel community that Ukraine still has a proud tourism industry and that they are on a journey to revitalise Ukraine’s tourism sector despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict. As part of this campaign, the SATD unveiled a poignant video symbolising its unwavering resilience and readiness to welcome visitors with open arms as soon as peace prevails. The video unveiled at this year’s ITB Congress serves as the cornerstone of SATD’s strategy to reignite interest in Ukrainian tourism in the future, emphasising its determination to share the nation’s beauty and hospitality with travellers from around the globe. From the vibrant streets of Kyiv to the enchanting landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains, from the bustling port city of Odesa to the charming architecture of Lviv, Ukraine offers a diverse array of experiences waiting to be explored. The campaign video was inspired by the iconic video filmed by a defiant President Zelensky on the first night of Russia’s Invasion declaring “we are all here”. The video showcased at ITB builds on this message profiling Ukrainians that previously worked in the travel and tourism industry and now work towards the war effort. The message of the campaign is that Ukraine is still there, with all its cities, nature and culture waiting for the world to explore when the conflict is finally over.  Mariana Oleskiv, Chairperson of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine said: When people think of Ukraine, they think of a country that is decimated by war. With this campaign we want to show people that this is not the case. Ukraine is a beautiful country, with a rich history and culture, breathtaking landscapes, and incredible cuisine. It’s a country filled with people ready to welcome visitors as soon as it’s safe to do so. With this campaign we want to change the narrative of Ukraine and show people that there is so much to explore when the time is right to do so. We are dedicated to rebuilding Ukraine as a tourism destination. We are working on plans to rebuild our infrastructure, our hotels, resorts and attractions for when it is safe for international visitors to return to Ukraine. We’re dedicated to creating jobs in tourism which will be so very important for the restoration of the tourism industry after our victory, and we need people to visit Ukraine and to help us with that recovery.
This campaign presents a unique opportunity for us to showcase Ukraine’s resilience and the indomitable spirit of our people as well as the incredible offering we have for visitors. The video presents a side of Ukraine that reflects our bravery and the ongoing fight for our country’s future.Despite facing adversity, Ukrainians stand united in their commitment to preserving their heritage and promoting Ukraine as a welcoming and vibrant destination that should be on every future travelers’ bucket list.” Link to video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RmV3uW0IRg

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World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (‘WSTHA’) Advisory Board unveils categories More

The World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) has unveiled 21 categories for its inaugural global programme, which aims to recognise and share the stories of individuals and organisations making an impactful contribution in sustainable travel and tourism.The categories have been selected by an Advisory Board made up of 11 leaders in sustainable travel and tourism to reflect the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and net positive framework of People, Planet, Place, Prosperity and Partnerships.
The categories range from conservation, energy efficiency and community engagement to education and leaders of tomorrow. Three categories will be open to Belize-based individuals and organisations. For a full list of the categories visit here. Global entries to the Awards will be invited from 18 March.
The announcement was made at ITB Berlin by Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, Belize Tourism Board, the Official Host Destination of the inaugural WSTHA Gala Ceremony, which will be held on 27 September 2024.
Justin Cooke, Executive Vice-President, WSTHA says: “It is often said that we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children. With the help of our incredible Advisory Board we hope that these categories reflect the breadth and depth of the sustainable travel and hospitality sector, enabling us to recognise and tell the stories of those accelerating change and making a sustainable impact on our planet for the next generation.”
As Official Host Destination of WSTHA 2024, Belize holds responsible tourism at its core and develops projects that encourage travellers to engage with its rainforests, reefs and unique culture in a sustainable manner. This includes developing sustainable initiatives such as creating community-based tourism clusters that preserve Indigenous Communities.  Belize is also internationally recognised for the preservation of its UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest reef globally, home to hundreds of species of coral and fish. ADVERTISEMENTAnthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism, Belize, adds: “The Advisory Board, WSTHA and Belize have been working together to ensure the categories recognise, celebrate and showcase the stories of organisations and individuals that are making significant steps in sustainable travel and tourism. The 21 categories are extensive and also includes three categories that are open to submissions from Belize, including cultural heritage, marine conservation and community engagement – three areas that Belize holds at the core of our tourism model and is leading the way in.”
The WSTHA programme is run in partnership with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance with CEO, Glenn Mandziuk, also serving as Vice-Chair on the WSTHA Advisory Board.
Glenn Mandziuk, CEO, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, comments; “In an era where sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity, it is crucial to highlight and celebrate the remarkable initiatives and accomplishments within our sector. The awards categories announced today reflect on the cornerstone elements of our Net Positive framework, honouring those who are making a substantial impact and driving change in sustainable travel and tourism. As WSTHA Vice-Chair of the Advisory Board, I am privileged to collaborate with industry leaders, and eagerly anticipate sharing the achievements that tell the important narratives of sustainable progress.”
In another world first for the Awards, entries will be analysed and vetted by students of sustainable business from the Nova School of Business and Economics in Lisbon.
Graham Miller, Professor of Sustainable Business, Nova School of Business and Economics, says: “I am delighted that students from Nova School of Business and Economics are able to support these awards. Having future leaders involved in reviewing applications from current leaders is an excellent example of collaboration across generations and widening the diversity of how decisions are made.”
The WSTHA Advisory Board comprises leading authorities, academics and dignitaries in driving net positive hospitality. Members include Chris Imbsen, World Travel & Tourism Council; Susan Hooper, Chapter Zero; Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic; Patricio Azcárate Díaz de Losada, Responsible Tourism Institute; Fran Brasseux, International Council on Hotel, Restaurant & Institutional Education; Hon. Anthony Mahler, Belize; Prof. Dr. Willy Legrand, IU International University of Applied Sciences Germany; Isabel Novoa, International Social Tourism Organization; Prof. Graham Miller, Nova School of Business & Economics, Lisbon; Xenia zu Hohenlohe, The Sustainable Markets Initiative.

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ITB day One – A great start to the event and BTN was there to capture the best images.

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Oman has planned to invest over US$31bn by 2040 in the tourism sector, H E Azzan al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism, stated at ITB Berlin.The sultanate has planned to invest over US$31bn by 2040 in the tourism sector, H E Azzan al Busaidi, Undersecretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT), stated in Berlin, Germany on Monday.
He made the comments at a press conference held to kickstart Oman’s participation in the ITB Berlin tourism trade fair.
H E Busaidi elaborated on Oman’s strategy to utilise the platform provided by ITB Berlin to highlight its rich tourism offerings and future projects with the aim of drawing global attention to the sultanate’s diverse attractions.
Year 2023 marked a significant uptick in tourism for Oman, with the sultanate welcoming 4mn visitors, of which 231,000 were German tourists – up 182%  from 2022.
The undersecretary underscored the ministry’s dedication to creating a favourable environment for tourism expansion. Efforts include streamlining visa procedures and easing restrictions for travellers from over 100 countries. Additionally, Oman is channeling more than US$5.9bn into 360 projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure and enriching tourist experiences.ADVERTISEMENTDr Mario Tobias, CEO of Messe Berlin, the organiser of ITB Berlin, said he was honoured to welcome Oman as the host nation at the exhibition. He informed that plans for Oman’s participation had been in the works for years, delayed only by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Zawya.com

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The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Hotel Sustainability Basics (Basics), the global initiative helping hoteliers on their first steps to improve their sustainability ratings, has reached a significant milestone with over 1,700 hotels verified across 70 countries worldwide.In her speech at ITB Berlin, WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson celebrated the achievement and highlighted the commitment of the industry towards a more sustainable future. Basics is a key pillar to making hotels more sustainable and giving the public an at-glance verification.
Hotels groups from major Travel & Tourism destinations such as France, China, Mexico, India, Germany, South Africa, Philippines, and Norway, amongst many others, have joined the groundbreaking initiative.
Major hotel brands which have now adopted ‘Basics’ include Jin Jiang, one of the world’s biggest hotel groups with more than 10,000 hotels, European hotel giant Louvre Hotel Group, Choice Hotels, and Radisson Hotel Group.
During its inaugural year, Hotel Sustainability Basics also gained endorsements from destinations worldwide, including the Caribbean, Mauritius, Colombia, UAE, Azerbaijan, Mexico, and Ecuador.
Other major Travel & Tourism brands joining the initiative include adventure travel specialist Intrepid, British Airways Holidays, HBX Group, WebBeds and Abercrombie & Kent.ADVERTISEMENTThis independent global sustainability verification programme, overseen by internationally recognised verifiers Green Key and SGS, empowers hotels of all sizes to follow a 12-step programme aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting nature conservation, and ensuring local communities benefit from the hotel’s operations.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Our goal is to have a globally recognised trademark that shows customers at a glance, that a hotel is supporting the planet by saving energy, cutting plastics, protecting nature, and supporting their local community. It is a win win.
‘We launched the scheme only a year ago and the uptake has been incredible. 70 countries have signed up with over 1700 properties verified with a long waiting list. It will bring lasting change.
‘I would like to thank Glen Mandziuk at the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, Randy Durband at GDST, along with our partners at the Azerbaijan Tourism Board for providing the intellectual rigour and drive to make this happen’
WTTC is committed to leading the charge in sustainable Travel & Tourism, following the demand of the industry, to further advance their work on globally aligned sustainability indicators, hand in hand with the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance.

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