Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

A fitting live comeback: following the break due to the pandemic and taking as its slogan ‘Open for Change’, ITB Berlin, the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is back as an in-person event from 7 to 9 March 2023, with domestic and international exhibitors present in large numbers. Around 90 per cent of the available display area is already booked. This year’s ITB Berlin is for the first time taking place for trade visitors only and is accompanied by the prestigious ITB Berlin Convention. Selected programme items will be streamed on the supporting online platform at ITBxplore.
New multi-purpose hall – hub27
At ITB Berlin 2023 the destination hot spot is hub27, the new multi-purpose hall, which is fully booked. Georgia, the official host country of ITB Berlin, is strongly represented, as are Austria, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Poland, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Berlin, Brandenburg and Deutsche Bahn, along with various airports from around Germany. The ITB Blogger Base, the place to head for all international travel bloggers, is also located in hub27.
The stand of the German National Tourism Board (DZT) features the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, the Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia. The German federal states of Bavaria, Bremen (including Bremerhaven), Hesse and Lower Saxony are represented on their own stands in Hall 6.2. Spherie is a company taking part for the first time and will present spectacular drone images.
High international participationADVERTISEMENTDemand for places is high among Greek exhibitors, who are represented in Hall 1.1. Italy, Croatia, Macedonia, Malta and Bosnia, all located in Hall 1.2, are also represented in large numbers again. Albania, whose exhibitors are spread over three halls (including Hall 1.1), is also present in large numbers. In Hall 2.1, participation by Spain’s tourism industry is also impressive and features the large stands of Turespaña and the Costa del Sol. Turkey is presenting its tourism products in Halls 3.1b and 3.2a. The Business Travel (VDR association) and MICE (VDVO association) segments have always been important at ITB Berlin and this year are also represented on large stands in Hall 3.1.
In Halls 22 and 23 visitors can also expect large representations from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Paraguay, Surinam, Uruguay and the Caribbean islands Aruba, Curacao, Martinique, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, Barbados and the Dominican Republic.
This year, Hall 21 is completely devoted to sub-Saharan countries, including South Africa, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion, the Seychelles, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Zambia. This year, a number of African countries, among them Ethiopia, Rwanda, Guinea and Senegal, are located in Hall 22.
Representations from the USA and Canada are exhibiting in Hall 3.1, along with Israel. Following a break, the Condor airline is back at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.1. International representations in the ITB Career Center, Adventure / Responsible Tourism and Youth Travel segments are featured in Hall 4.1. The new ITB Lighthouse Stage in Hall 4.1b will be hosting presentations, discussions and networking events under the headings Adventure Travel, Responsible Tourism and Tourism Careers.
Another novelty is the hall positioning: The renowned LGBTQ+ Pavilion moved to hall 4.1. Exhibitors there include Visit Malta, which will present this year’s Europride, and Communitat Valenciana, which will be represented at the Gay Games 2026, as well as Visit Buenos Aires and Visit Tampa Bay. The Munich Tourism Board, Proudly Portugal, IGLTA, TOMONTOUR, GNETwork Madrid and the Florida Keys and Key West are also represented with stands.
As in previous years, Arab countries from North Africa and the Middle East are strongly represented, with Egypt, Morocco, Qatar and Oman located in Hall 4.2, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and newcomer Saudi Arabia in Hall 3.2b. This year, Saudi Arabia is the largest exhibitor at ITB Berlin. Its co-exhibitors include NEOM, the giant smart city project in the desert. Lebanon is back at ITB Berlin in Hall 3.2.
In Halls 5.2a and 5.2b the focus is on India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal, New Zealand, Australia and Tahiti. Bhutan is among those back at the largest marketplace for the international travel industry. The Meet The Pacific stand is new and features the Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa and Vanuatu. VisitLuxembourg, the Dutch Tourism Board and visit.brussels from the Benelux countries are represented in Hall 6.2b.
In Hall 9, Airbnb Germany is exhibiting for the first time at ITB Berlin, as are Gorgeous Smiling Hotels GmbH, Hard Rock International and HomeToGo GmbH. Other exhibitors in this hall include B&B Hotels Germany GmbH, Wheego share.rent.abo, DRIVALIA, Green Motion, and the hotel chains NH, Marriott, Best Western, Hilton and Steigenberger. This is also the first time the Hyatt Inclusive Collection is represented at ITB Berlin, in Hall 22.
As in previous years, the Nordic and Baltic countries as well as Ireland are strongly represented in Hall 20. The UK also has a large stand again. Among individual exhibitors, Greenland Travel is on the same area as in previous years, as are Bero Berlin, Via Hansa, GJ Travel and Icelandair. Visitors to the stand of myPostcard.com can mail postcards for free. The following are newcomers to the show: St. Giles Hotels, V.O.S. Aps, Gainwell Sports, the Tour Partner Group, Holiday Tours Iceland, Manchester City FC, made in 2010, Boatservice Sightseeing As, Aavasaksa Lapland, as well as the European Capital of Smart Tourism, an initiative of the European Commission.
In the Asia Hall (26a/b), the destinations awaiting visitors are Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the Philippines, Japan, Tokyo, South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar and Cambodia. China is represented by the provinces Zhejiang and Huangshan.
Numerous exhibitors in the Travel Technology and Mobility segments and from the cruise sector
The Travel Technology and Mobility segments are back with large numbers of exhibitors. All the Travel Technology halls are fully booked. This is where exhibitors such as GIATA, Sabre, Amadeus and Peakwork combine proven concepts with innovative ideas – true to the slogan ’Open for Change’. The eTravel World in Hall 6.1 is also larger than in previous years and features many startups and an extended eTravel Stage. Among the tech companies taking part are ASKSUITE TECNOLOGIA LTDA, Blastness, BUSINESS FRANCE, Spain Travel Tech, HiJiffy, Hotelmize, mTrip and Qtravel.ai.
International airlines, cruise liners and tour operators are represented with their products in Hall 25. Exhibitors from the resurgent cruise sector in particular are represented in record numbers at ITB Berlin 2023. MSC Cruises, Explorer Journeys, VIVA Cruises and United Rivers are taking part for the first time with their own stands, while regular exhibitors such as Holland America Line, nicko cruises and Norwegian Cruise Lines are well represented again.
Medical Tourism has its own hall
A large number of exhibitors in the Medical & Health Tourism Hall (26c) are from Turkey this year, present under the umbrella of M2. Numerous new clinics as well as medical hotels and destinations are represented there. Other already well-known exhibitors include FIT Reisen, Ensana Health Spa Hotels, ABK Travel Lithuania, Gremi Clinic, Dünyagöz Eye Clinic, Sanjeevanam Ayurveda Hospital as well as the associatations ESPA, EHTTA and HTI. This made it possible to occupy the entire hall with medical & health exhibitors and an own Medical Stage programme.
German marketplace marks its debut and the Culture Lounge features cultural tourism organisers
Hall 6.2 is where the Culture Lounge, a large display area for cultural tourism organisers, can be found. Among the close to 50 co-exhibitors are several European museums, festivals, cultural regions and trusts.
This year, the German marketplace is marking its debut in Hall 6.2. Exhibitors there include the Semperoper Dresden, Ferienpark Weissenhäuser Strand, Hirmer Hospitality, Flughafen Hamburg GmbH, Harzer Schmalspurbahnen GmbH, Wirtschaftsförderung & Technologietransfer GmbH, Stöcker Flughafen GmbH & Co. KG, ProAir-Charter-Transport GmbH, Phoenix des Lumières, ZEIT Verlagsgruppe and TÜV Rheinland.
A new feature this year is the Street Food Market in Hall 7.2c where visitors can take a culinary tour and fully enjoy international cuisine.
Luxury travel segment HOME of LUXURY by ITB
23 exhibitors from the luxury travel market are represented at the Marshall Haus on the exhibition grounds, including Serverin’s Resort & Spa, FUORITINERARIO and Quark Expeditions, along with media members from Luxus Insider and Connoisseur Circle.
Media members and bloggers can register for ITB Berlin, subject to observance of the accreditation guidelines. 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

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This March, Melbourne welcomes visitors back to participate in its exciting events season featuring a wide variety of entertainment offerings with distinguished talent from around the globe. Among the top events on the schedule this year include the world-renowned Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (March 24-30) and Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix (March 30-April 2).While Melbourne is known to have exciting entertainment year-round, its busy events season, candidly referred to as “Mad March” and “Awesome April” by locals, features some of their largest and most celebrated events. The season kicks off with Moomba Festival, Australia’s largest free community festival, and features other large-scale events such as PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival, and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
“Victoria has the best line-up of events in Australia and we’re looking forward to a huge Mad March and Awesome April this year. Whether food and wine, sport, fashion or culture are your thing – there’s an event for everyone,” stated Brendan McClements, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Victoria.
One of the most attended events during this time is the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival; best known for the “World’s Longest Lunch” – a special dining experience from a celebrated chef, served on a 2,000-foot table in Melbourne’s Treasury Gardens. The festival draws in impressive talent from around the world including Michelin-starred chefs and culinary experts for 10 days of interactive events, meals and masterclasses.
“Melbourne’s beating heart is its thriving food and drink scene, and Melbourne Food and Wine Festival showcases some of Victoria’s best industry talent and diverse produce,” said McClements.
Through the festival’s “Signature Chef Series” participants can learn from the best-in-class culinary minds, such as Melbourne-born Curtis Stone, or Chef Danny Bowien – known for his game-changing Mission Chinese Food. Or, visitors can experience Melbourne’s authentic culinary scene through its “Crawl and Bite” tours. These tours take participants around Melbourne for quick bites and drinks at various places to showcase the diversity of flavors that the city has to offer.ADVERTISEMENTThe special events give visitors the opportunity to encounter Victoria’s local culture, gastronomy and arts in an interactive and experiential way. This year, the Australian state is gearing up for an unprecedented events season complete with celebrations, celebrity guests, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences!
For more information, please visit www.visitvictoria.com.

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Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse attend the World Premiere opening event for Disney100: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. The exhibition opens to the public on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
Disney100: The Exhibition, created for the 100-year celebration of The Walt Disney Company, makes its world debut at The Franklin Institute on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Yesterday, members of the media and D23: The Official Disney Fan Club were the first to experience the groundbreaking exhibition during an exclusive preview and ribbon cutting.Franklin Institute President and CEO Larry Dubinski, joined by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, welcomed Walt Disney Archives Director Becky Cline, Head of the Walt Disney Archives and D23 Michael Vargo, and Executive Producer/Director of Semmel Exhibitions Christoph Scholz, for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The Philly POPS performed a musical ensemble of Disney classics. Also attending the celebration were Disney Legends Don Hahn and Bob Gurr.
“Bringing stories of innovation and discovery to the public in an immersive and interactive way is at the heart of what The Franklin Institute has done for the past 200 years. We are thrilled that the world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition is here, offering the first opportunity to see the crown jewels come to life in beautifully crafted galleries reflecting Disney’s imaginative storytelling, innovation, discovery, and wonder,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute.
“The Walt Disney Archives spent years planning and curating more than 250 objects to capture the 100 years of storytelling, creativity, and unparalleled magic of The Walt Disney Company,” said Becky Cline, Director of the Walt Disney Archives. “We cannot wait for fans and families to experience this once-in-a-lifetime event celebrating the iconic characters and stories that have captured the hearts of audiences around the globe.”
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS
Ten Immersive GalleriesADVERTISEMENTGuests will experience ten imaginatively themed galleries enhanced with innovative technology. They will relive classic favorites and explore the sources of inspiration for some of Disney’s most beloved and iconic films—embark on a quest to uncover hidden artifacts from favorite Disney adventure films, peer through an interactive window of Captain Nemo’s legendary submarine, and step into a recreation of Main Street, U.S.A.
Galleries include: Where It All Began, Where Do the Stories Come From? The Illusion of Life, The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery, The Magic of Sound and Music, The World Around Us, Innoventions, Your Disney World, The Wonder of Disney, and We Are Just Getting StartedDisney’s Crown Jewels
Immersed within the galleries are more than 250 of Disney’s “Crown Jewels,” original artworks, artifacts, costumes, props, and other memorabilia—many rarely seen—including the earliest sketches of Mickey Mouse and animation drawings from his debut in Steamboat Willie (1928), the Spell Book from Hocus Pocus (1993), Cinderella Castle model for Magic Kingdom® Park, a Genie maquette from Aladdin (1992), and the Black Panther costume from the 2018 film.
Disney MagicStage
Welcoming guests into the exhibit is the Disney MagicStage, where a vision of Walt Disney himself stands life-sized and shares an inspiring message about innovation. Partnering with Disney StudioLAB, DisneyResearch|Studios, and Industrial Light & Magic, the team utilized cutting-edge technology to digitally bring Walt to life and create this unique greeting.
Tapping the vast resources of the Walt Disney Archives, two separate audio recordings of Walt were assembled, creating his vocal script. The Disney Archives also provided footage of 1960s-era Walt to DisneyResearch|Studios, who used their super-resolution A.I. upscaler to convert the archival footage to high definition. The result was an authentic recreation of Walt Disney and a collaboration across all parts of The Walt Disney Company. As he famously said, “We’re always exploring and experimenting.”
Original Soundtrack
Composer Steve Mazzaro, whose work can be heard on the soundtracks of such Disney-produced films as The Lion King (2019), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), and The Lone Ranger (2013), composed an original soundtrack for the exhibit blending themes of such beloved classics as “When You Wish Upon A Star” from Pinocchio (1940) and “Let It Go” from Frozen (2013) with a new theme crafted exclusively for the exhibition.
Disney100: The Exhibition Fast Facts
By the Numbers
4 years of planning and production10 galleries11 costumesFootage and photography from all 12 Disney Parks worldwide14 interactives25 maquettes of iconic Disney characters31 languages represented in international music reels93 Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm memorable scenes during the Into the Wonder prologue250+ artifacts, artworks, and documents318 Disney films and clips on 4 dozen monitors, projections, and media15,000-square-foot exhibition spaceDisney Details
Largest item: Peter Pan’s Flight attraction ride vehicle at more than 7 feet long and 7 feet tallSmallest item: Han Solo’s dice from Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), used by Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher at ~1.5 cubic centimeters (chain excluded)Heaviest item: Matterhorn Bobsleds attraction ride vehicle at over 1,500 poundsLongest Item: Nautilus special effects filming model from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) at approximately 12 feet longOldest item: Zoetrope from the offices of Walt Disney (c. 1860)Newest item: Wendy’s necklace and Captain Hook’s hook from Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)Disney100: The Exhibition is created and curated by the Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions. The Franklin Institute is proud to present and play host to the world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition through August 27, 2023, in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center. PECO, the Premier Corporate Partner of The Franklin Institute, is the Local Presenting Sponsor of the exhibition, and PNC is the Associate Sponsor. Tickets are timed and dated, and advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. For information on purchasing tickets, please visit www.fi.edu.

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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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