Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

The HOME OF LUXURY by ITB is celebrating its in-person debut at the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show ITB Berlin. It offers luxury tourism buyers and providers a unique environment and features networking events and meetings in a special atmosphere as well as panels and lectures at the ITB Berlin ConventionExhibitors in this segment include Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Severin*s Resort & Spa, FUORITINERARIO and Quark Expeditions.
At the HOME OF LUXURY by ITB at the Marshall Haus, luxury tourism providers and buyers from around the world can look forward to an exclusive environment where they can experience the world of luxury tourism in completely new ways. This year, the luxury travel segment is celebrating its in-person debut at ITB Berlin, which will take place from 7 to 9 March on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Numerous exhibitors representing luxury hotels are taking part, including the Spanish enterprise Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, Severin*s Resort & Spa and SCHLOSS Fleesensee / BEECH Resort Fleesensee / MAREMÜRITZ Yachthafen Resort. Together with the Italian travel agency FUORITINERARIO, Quark Expeditions will also be represented at the Marshall Haus.
At the HOME OF LUXURY by ITB, providers of luxury accommodation, transport, services and products will provide a special glimpse of the luxury tourism market and a straightforward themed look at luxury forms of travel. At the Marshall Haus at Messe Berlin, four separate exhibition areas entitled The Garden, The Library, The Nest and The Gallery will be devoted to individual forms of luxury tourism. Participants can choose an individual atmosphere for meetings and business talks and can hold pre-arranged meetings and interviews and attend open networking events, panels and lectures.Exclusive Meet the Media event with media members from the luxury & lifestyle marketsThe open Meet the Media networking event will give luxury tourism providers an opportunity to meet and network with media members from the luxury & lifestyle markets in an informal and unique atmosphere.
The open networking event for media members will take place on Wednesday, 8 March 2023 from 2.30 to 5.30 p.m. and on Thursday, 9 March 2023 from 11.45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the exhibition areas The Garden, The Library and The Gallery at the Marshall Haus.
The official media partners of the HOME OF LUXURY by ITB are Connoisseur Circle, Luxury Wise and LuxusInsider. Other partners include Brandcraft and Schweizerische Hotelfachschule Luzern (SHL).Full programme details and additional information can be found here.ADVERTISEMENTLuxury tourism providers can register for the HOME OF LUXURY by ITB here. Luxury tourism buyers can register under this link: itb.com/itb-buyers-circle. As members of the ITB Buyers Circle, in addition to other benefits luxury tourism buyers have exclusive access to the HOME OF LUXURY luxury tourism segment.
Online accreditation for ITB Berlin 2023
As of now and subject to the guidelines on accreditation, media members and bloggers can register for ITB Berlin. After your application has been processed and approved you will receive an email with a PDF containing your ITB press accreditation, which you can print out.Accreditation for ITB Berlin 2023Please note: during ITB Berlin it will not be possible for press representatives to obtain accreditation at the press counters on the grounds. We therefore request you obtain accreditation online ahead of the event.

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His Excellency, Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States, one of the key experts to speak at the upcoming Global Tourism Resilience Conference.
The historic, first-of-its-kind Global Tourism Resilience Conference, taking place in Jamaica this February 15-17, 2023 will feature a well-rounded roster of high-profile panelists and moderators who will be participating in the event.Headlined by the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, the conference is gearing up to showcase some of the best minds on tourism resilience and sustainability, investment and economic development.
Some of the expert speakers include Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Percival James Patterson, who will be the keynote for the African Caribbean Tourism Summit segment of the conference on February 16.Other notable speakers include, His Excellency, Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States; Hon Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism for the Cayman Islands; Dr. Taleb Rifai,  Chairman of ITIC Ltd and Invest Tourism Ltd and Co-Chair, Global Tourism Resilience & Crisis Management Centre; Dr. Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman, Sandals Resorts International and the ATL Group; and Mrs. Nicola Madden-Greig, President, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).There will also be strong representation from the North American, African and Caribbean regions with several Ministers of Tourism and industry leaders.

“I am extremely pleased to have the participation of so many respected professionals as panelists and moderators for this inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Conference,” said Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “It is a testament to the importance of building tourism resilience for the future through sustainable and responsible growth for Jamaica, the Caribbean, Africa and countries across the world so that their respective economies, particularly among nations that are heavily dependent on tourism as a contributor to GDP, can become more impervious to shocks,” said Minister Bartlett.
A full roster of speakers, who hail from all around the world, can be found here. This group of experts in their collective fields will gather to collaboratively discuss issues that are central to future-proofing travel and tourism to various disruptions moving forward, from natural disasters to health pandemics, economic recessions and other such shocks that can impact the industry with the goal of charting a course for increased resilience. Among the topics the experts will be discussing are human capital development; how to prepare for and manage future disruptions; investing in infrastructure; fostering private and public sector partnerships, the importance of air connectivity to tourism growth; and much more.ADVERTISEMENT“We are indeed looking forward to the rich discussions and positive outcomes from this Conference,” said Professor Lloyd Waller, Executive Director of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).
Taking place over a 3-day period, the Global Tourism Resilience Conference will include panel discussions, networking opportunities, presentations and lively debates on matters of building resilience in tourism.
On February 17, Global Tourism Resilience Day will be celebrated for the first time with a Commemorative Ceremony including special performances by Jamaican entertainers, recognizing the official adoption by the United Nations on February 6 of the resolution to observe the day each year.
Guests can register to attend the Global Tourism Resilience Conference https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/caribbean-tourism-summit-2023-tickets-512877840427
For more information about Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is set to organise the PATA Destination Experience Forum and Mart 2023 (PDFM 2023) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia from June 21-23.The event, generously supported by Sarawak Tourism Board, is composed of four components: destination experiences, a conference, a B2B adventure travel trade show with 1-1 meetings, and various networking opportunities. It provides an opportunity for tourism professionals to gain first-hand practical experience and knowledge in marketing and managing attractions, tourism products, and services that are relatively unknown by both trade and consumers to a global audience in a responsible and sustainable manner.
“At PATA, we continue to focus on bringing greater depth and value to our events, understanding that, more than ever, delegates are more focused on four aspects when attending events: trading, networking, learning, and socialising,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone. “As the travel and tourism industry in the Asia Pacific region is seeing positive signs of recovery, the inaugural PATA Destination Experience Forum and Mart 2023 looks to highlight the best practices in destination marketing and destination management in support of a responsible and sustainable recovery for the region. We all look forward to welcoming you to Sarawak, Malaysia.”
Focusing on Ecotourism, Gastronomy Tourism, Adventure Travel, Wellness (particularly Sensory Nature Activities), Destination Management and Digital Marketing, the three-day programme begins with a one-day destination experience through a choice of technical tours, followed by a conference and travel mart spread across two full days, as well as various networking opportunities throughout the programme.
With gastronomy tourism being one of the themes of the PATA Destination Experience Forum and Mart 2023, Sarawak Tourism Board CEO Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor said the theme suits Sarawak perfectly, as its capital city Kuching was recognised as the “City of Gastronomy” by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in 2021.
“Sarawak’s diversity in ethnicities and culture has created a wealth of authentic dishes and food that are staples of the indigenous households, passed down through generations, making Sarawak not only a destination rich with nature and culture, but also a place to enjoy and relish in variety of local foods,” said Sharzede Datu Haji Salleh Askor.ADVERTISEMENTThe year 2022 has been a thriving one for Sarawak tourism as the industry has seen a substantial surge in tourism arrivals since the region opened its international borders in April 2022, with the rise of “revenge travellers” ticking off Sarawak from their wish-list and the increasing demand for ecotourism-based destinations, such as national parks and nature reserves, post-pandemic.
Kuching is the capital city of Sarawak, Malaysia, located along the southwest tip of the island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. A vibrant city well known for its immersive culture, adventure, nature, food, and festival elements; it makes you feel at home away from home. Visitors can enjoy pristine rainforests, meet gentle orangutans, spot the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, check out the second largest museum in Southeast Asia, the Borneo Cultures Museum, and find the rare proboscis monkey endemic to Borneo at the oldest national park in Sarawak, Bako National Park.
Registration is now open for buyers, sellers, and conference delegates. Interested delegates can register now and enjoy a Super Early Bird Rate and receive a 15% discount off registration fees until February 15. Afterwards, delegates can enjoy an Early Bird Rate and receive a 10% discount until March 15.
Following the event, delegates can extend their stay and visit the Rainforest World Music Festival, which takes place from June 23-25. Event delegates will receive complimentary access to the first night of the festival on June 23 as well as a discount on tickets to access the full event during the weekend of June 24-25.
For more information about the event, please visit www.PATA.org/pata-destination-experience-forum-and-mart-2023 or email [email protected]

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In the presence of leading regional and global players in the aviation and travel industry from across the public and private sectors, the milestone 10th edition of the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS) will be hosted in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, from March 14-16 under the theme ‘Impactful sustainability in modern-day travel and tourism’.
The growing demand for decarbonising aviation and travel will be in focus at the region’s leading aviation industry event that brings together more than 600 aviation experts and hundreds of attendees across multiple sectors at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre. Featuring a line-up of interactive panel discussions and inspiring keynote addresses in addition to various workshops and exhibitions which will take place during the three days summit enabling industry experts to share expertise and knowledge and explore the trends, insights and opportunities driving the continuous growth and development of the Arab aviation and tourism industry.
Hosted in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the summit will analyse the importance of impactful sustainability and disruptive technologies in a rapidly changing travel market. Stalwarts in the industry including Original Equipment Manufacturers, Destination Management Companies, tourism boards and start-ups, will include best practices and offer valuable perspectives on sustainable business models. Strategic sector discussions will also highlight curated and innovative products, services and initiatives that are currently changing the way people travel.
The 10th Arab Aviation Summit will cement its status as the ‘voice of the industry’ with a series of workshops and partner networking events that open doors for discussions on opportunities and challenges in the sector. Endorsed by Arab governments, the summit will also feature a business development arena with route development and will be attended by noted leaders in innovation, travel influencers and media personnel, amongst other key industry stakeholders.
H.E Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Hosting the summit for the third consecutive year not only solidifies the Emirate as a leading MICE destination in the region but also examines the case for sustainability in tourism. As Ras Al Khaimah gears up to become the Regional Leader in Sustainable Tourism by 2025, we strongly believe that the entire tourism ecosystem, where aviation plays a leading role, must work hand-in-hand with destinations to deliver a sustainable future for the industry.”ADVERTISEMENTCommenting on being chosen as the sustainable partner for the summit, Emad AlMonayea, Chairman & President at Vaayu Group, said: “As a company dedicated to rethinking solutions for future challenges within the aviation industry, the sustainable focus of the 10th Arab Aviation Summit is strategically in sync with our purpose and mission. AAS has today emerged as the world’s first aviation and tourism event to calculate carbon emissions and we are proud to be a sustainable partner for this prestigious summit in 2023.”
Frederico Fernandes, Arab Aviation Summit Director, said: “As a critical meeting point for the industry to discuss collaboration as well as opportunities and challenges to advance the sector, the 10th Arab Aviation Summit is an ideal platform to showcase industry insights and best practices as we move in earnest towards making a tangible commitment to sustainable transformation. At the Summit, leading players will outline scalable solutions that address the key interdependent pillars of the aviation ecosystem to accelerate pathways to a sustainable future.”
AAS 2023 is supported by global industry partners such as Airbus, CFM, Collins Aerospace, Turkish Teknik, T3 Aviation Academy, and others. Participants can look forward to industry workshops and high-profile industry leaders addressing regional and international practices across tourism, aviation, airports and more. For updates on the Summit: www.arabaviationsummit.net

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The Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for AdventureNEXT Latin America 2023 – Bogotá, which will take place 25-27 June 2023. The event’s theme, Tourism as an instrument of peace, offers delegates the opportunity to experience the highlights of the region while also seeking to understand the complex history and culture of Colombia – including the process the country has undergone in recent decades to heal from conflict.
Colombia is a hotspot for diversity and home to an incredible wealth of natural resources and cultural heritage. While modest in size, the country is a microcosm of Latin America’s most iconic landscapes: soaring Andean peaks and páramo, the rainforest of the Amazon river basin, savannas and wetlands, and white sand beaches along the Caribbean. Impressively, it has more birdlife than any other single country, with roughly 1,900 recorded species – which accounts for about 20% of all bird biodiversity worldwide.
Beyond the landscapes, the gastronomy of Colombia has begun to steal the global spotlight. From innovative chefs creating full sensory experiences to classic dishes such as arepas and ajiaco, the country has officially become a hotspot for foodies. Coffee aficionados flock to well-known growers who produce some of the most highly coveted beans in the world. The street food, which deserves its own treatise, has earned a feature episode on Netflix.
Nicknamed the “land of one thousand rhythms” for the 1,025 documented folk rhythms, Colombia has been recognized by UNESCO for its rich musical traditions which include Cumbia, Vallenato, Champeta, and Bambuco, to name just a few. Varying region to region, much of the music is a blend of African beats, Indigenous sounds, and European influences. Heard and celebrated at the many carnivals and festivals held throughout the year in Colombia, music lies deep in the soul of the people who live there.And the beating heart at the center of all this – both geographically and metaphorically – is Colombia’s capital city of Bogotá.
Designated one of the UNESCO Cities of Music, Bogotá boasts more than 70 museums, 100 art galleries, and 132 historical monuments. With more than 5,000 urban parks and 560 kilometers of bike paths, it is also one of the greenest cities in Latin America – earning recognition as one of the “Tree Cities of the World”. In addition, Bogotá was one of the ten destinations selected for the Future Tourism program – an initiative by the Inter-American Development Bank that seeks to contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of the tourism sector in Latin America and the Caribbean.ADVERTISEMENTColombia’s commitment to social and economic sustainability is evident across the country’s tourism development. Bogota´s tourism board has recently unveiled an initiative called Fondetur, which delivers funds to small businesses, tour operators, and tour guides to improve their access to IT, work equipment, marketing, and sales strategies – necessities that allow them to improve and innovate within the local travel industry. And by using a community-operated model, tourism offers a reliable economic path for Colombian entrepreneurs to connect to their cultural roots and develop unique travel experiences for the international markets.
“I am very excited to have our AdventureNEXT Latin America 2023 in Bogotá and the Central Region of Colombia,” said Gabriella Stowell, the ATTA Latin America & Caribbean Director. “During our AdventureWeek Bogotá in 2021, some of us experienced incredible bike rides, delicious food, amazing music, and learned firsthand all the initiatives for nature and community-based travel this destination is leading, and now we have the opportunity to share this experience with all the delegates attending AdventureNEXT Latin America 2023.”Of course, to truly feel the sabrosura of Colombia, you have to be there. In the coming weeks, additional information about speakers, sessions, and activities surrounding the event will be announced. To learn more and register for AdventureNEXT Latin America Bogotá, please visit the event homepage.

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The Maldives has won the title of ‘Best Long-Haul Destination of the Year’’ in the UK’s Food and Travel Magazine Reader Awards 2022. The Maldives secured the title competing against destinations such as Canada, Ecuador, Fiji, Japan, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, South Korea and the Caribbean.The magazine’s Food and Travel Magazine Reader Awards had been a highlight in the hospitality and travel industry since its inception. It celebrates and acknowledges the ‘crème de la crème’ in the tourism sector’s food and beverages industry with distinguished awards conferred in 23 categories including the best restaurants; chefs; hotels; destinations; tour operators; and cruise companies and airlines.
The UK remains one of the top source markets to the Maldives throughout the years. As of 22 January 2023, the UK ranked as the 3rd top source market for the Maldives this year with 10,025 arrivals (8.2% of the market share). In 2022, the Maldives recorded a 185.6% increase in arrivals from the UK with 179,309 tourists. MMPRC has held several activities in this market last year to maintain destination momentum. This includes participation in major fairs such as WTM London 2022; destination roadshows in London, Manchester & Newcastle; joint marketing campaigns such as the campaign with British Airways; marketing and brand awareness campaigns with travel agents, tour operators, and media outlets; and familiarisation trips. Many similar activities are planned to be held throughout 2023 for this market as well.In 2022, MMPRC conducted a total number of 178 marketing activities. This included over 90 marketing campaigns, attending 44 fairs, hosting 06 roadshows, 10 virtual events, 18 familiarisation trips, and 10 other events executed worldwide. The national tourist arrivals target set by H.E President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for the year 2022 was also reached in December 2022, as the Maldives welcomed our 1.6 millionth visitor for the year two weeks ahead of the end of the year. In addition to this, the Maldives secured the title of the ‘World’s Leading Destination’ for the third year in a row in 2022 at World Travel Awards. MMPRC was also awarded the prestigious title of ‘World’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the first time in our nation’s history.

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Following two weeks of exciting and highly creative submissions by hopeful applicants from all over the world, Yas Island Abu Dhabi has now announced its latest ambassador. With thousands of online applications from across over 100 countries, Ayax Bader, a marketeer from Argentina and a resident of the UAE, has shown the judges why he deserves the World’s Best Job. Taghreed Alsaeed, Group Communications & Destination Marketing at Miral Group, presented Ayax with the coveted prize at Yas Island’s Yas Marina Circuit HQ.
Earlier in January, the competition witnessed five shortlisted candidates with the potential to Hart-ify Yas Island; the final five received immense support and engagement from the audience. The competition saw the highest ever engagement recorded on social media for the brand.

Today, Ayax has proven that he is ready to make the island hart-to-beat. With a $100,000 salary and a luxurious hotel stay in addition to exciting perks in store, stay tuned for how Ayax takes on Yas Island, the world’s premier leisure and tourism destination, where visitors get to experience a whole new level of entertainment.
Yas island was awarded World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022 at last year’s World Travel Awards ADVERTISEMENTFor more information, please visit: https://www.yasisland.com/

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According to the latest data from leading travel app Expedia®, travelers are already planning their spring getaways, eyeing everything from Caribbean beach escapes to Alaskan cruises.Flight searches for March and April travel are up 40%1 compared to the same time frame last year, with interest in international destinations like Punta Cana, Paris and Tokyo up double-digits compared to Spring Break 2022. While average ticket prices are higher than last year, price-conscious travelers will still find savings by avoiding the busiest travel dates, choosing less crowded destinations and taking advantage of package discounts. Despite the rising cost of airfare, it is still possible to plan a spring getaway that doesn’t break the bank. Heading to a city destination will be cheaper – and likely less crowded – than a trip to an international beach resort. Regardless of the destination, travelers can stretch their dollars by following these tips:
Avoid peak dates in order to save: According to booking data, traveling during the first week of March (before March 9) or after April 16 will allow travelers to take advantage of the lowest airfares of the season. The busiest travel days during the period are March 10–11, and the priciest are Saturdays, March 25 and April 1.Depart on a weekday: During the spring travel period, travelers can save an average of more than 20% on round-trip airfare when departing on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday, plus enjoy shorter lines at the airport.Take advantage of pre-summer shoulder season: After mid-April, average ticket prices are expected to stabilize before the summer travel season ramps up. For those with flexible schedules, late April to mid-May is a great time to head to Europe or enjoy a domestic city escape at a lower price.Find the sweet spot: In most cases, booking about a month before domestic flights helps travelers save money on airfare, but when in doubt it’s wise to set up price alerts as soon as there’s a destination in mind. The Price Tracking and Prediction feature on the Expedia app uses machine learning to predict the best time to book and notifies travelers when flight prices drop.*How to Save on Lodging and Car Rental
Lodging and car rental rates remain relatively flat2 compared to Spring Break 2022. Savvy travelers can use these tips to score more value:
Book accommodations 30–45 days out: While around 64% of spring breakers tend to lock in hotels 90+ days in advance, the ones who wait tend to get better deals. Expedia lodging data shows that, historically, booking hotels closer to a month out yields savings of around $30 per night.2Snag package savings: Bundling flights, hotel and car rental together on the Expedia app saves travelers an average of around 10%, or $300, and makes trip-planning easier.**Compare pick-up spots: Expedia data shows rates near cities tend to be cheaper than the average while rates near national parks and ski destinations are among the priciest.2 Off-airport lots can also be cheaper than picking up at the airport due to lower operating costs, so it pays to shop around.Spring Break Destination Guide
Travelers seek to broaden their horizons this year, causing international beach destinations like Puerto Vallarta (+25%) and Punta Cana (+30%), along with culture capitals like Rome (+20%), Paris (+50%) and Tokyo (+55%) to see major spikes in flight searches.1 ADVERTISEMENTSpring breakers looking to stay closer to home but avoid busy beach destinations are flying to their favorite big North American cities including New York City (+5%) and Montreal (+40%) or unplugging in nature in places like Banff National Park (+40%) and Jackson Hole (+60%).1 Cruises are also picking up steam for spring break. Demand for spring cruises to Alaska, for example, is up nearly 25% compared to the same time frame last year while demand for European cruises gains momentum going into the summer.3
Still need help figuring out where to go this spring? Expedia’s experts rounded up ten places to visit, including exciting domestic hotspots with airfare (ATP) under $350 and international bucket-list destinations under $700. Hotel prices (ADR) at these destinations remain under $350 per night.2
Fort LauderdaleTorontoLos AngelesNew York CityPortlandSan JuanPhuketCopenhagenLisbonReykjavik

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