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Global visual, culinary and performing arts create a tapestry of wonder during EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T at Walt Disney World Resort, now until Feb. 20, 2023.EPCOT becomes the stage for this 39-day festival, with extraordinary artwork, culinary creations inspired by art movements and Broadway stars singing beloved Disney songs. The celebration of the arts is sure to delight festivalgoers with magic that only Disney can create.
The festival is just one of the many exciting events occurring during the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary celebration, happening now through March 31, 2023.
Performing Arts: Take Center Stage
A kaleidoscope of live entertainment takes place throughout the festival, including show-stopping performances by some of Broadway’s brightest stars as they share songs from beloved Disney musicals in the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series. Shows take place three times daily throughout the festival at America Gardens Theatre.
Dining packages for lunch and dinner are available at seven EPCOT locations with guaranteed seating at the DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series. Visit ArtfulEPCOT.com for the lineup of concert performances and dining package availability.ADVERTISEMENTGuests will also delight in other musical acts performing multiple times daily in Showcase Plaza. Beyond music, festivalgoers can thrill to feats of acrobatic strength and agility by Art Defying Gravity and be mesmerized by artists who paint beloved Disney characters in high-energy shows that combine performance and fine arts.
Culinary Arts: Treats for the Senses
More than 15 unique Food Studios located throughout the park will offer delectable bites and sips crafted with a creative twist, including many new food and drink items.
Figment’s Inspiration Station at the Odyssey: Art, Food and Little Sparks of Magic joins the lineup this year with an array of vibrant and playful food and beverage items guaranteed to ignite guests’ imaginations.
Also new in 2023, Moderne invites guests to explore an avante-garde menu that promises to inspire and delight. Selections include Angry Crab, a whole, crispy soft-shell crab served with green papaya salad, mango-Sriracha fluid gel and coconut-lime foam with pomegranate and mango crush pearls – perfect for pairing with a J. Lohr Riesling – in addition to other tempting treats.
The Artist’s Table in the American Adventure pavilion also boasts a new menu of artistically elevated comfort foods, including Duck and Dumplings with smoked duck breast, ricotta dumplings, petite vegetables and duck jus, with other delicious items to savor as well.
In addition to providing a roadmap to navigate the bounty of culinary sensations, the Festival Passport also guides guests through The Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine, a fun food stroll highlighting seven tantalizing sweet and savory offerings. A complimentary Artist Palette Cookie is available for those who collect five stamps from locations listed in the Festival Passport.
Visual Arts: Create Your Own Magic
New Figment-inspired festival merchandise features an expressive and colorful collection perfect for the whole family. The new festival Spirit Jersey, Figment Chalkboard Framed Mug, Figment Munchlings and Figment CORKCICLE Tumbler embody the festival’s full array of vivid colors and creativity.
More than 100 Disney and visiting artists will participate in the festival, immersing guests in colorful and expressive artwork at every turn:
The lineup features many new faces, including husband and wife photography team Kahran and Regis Bethencourt as well as returning favorites such as Dylan Bonner, Fenway Fan, Jerrod Maruyama, Ashley Taylorand more.Guests can catch a glimpse of artists at work with a peek inside the Disney Artist Gallery or the WonderGround Gallery.From Figment to Jiminy Cricket, Chalk Full of Characters features charming chalk drawings in tucked away corners throughout EPCOT.Kids can create their own chalk art masterpieces at Kid’s Chalk Art, while families can leave their creative mark on a larger-than-life mural at Expression Section: A Paint by Numbers Mural.Guests learn from an animation artist how to draw a Disney character at Animation Academy.An outdoor art wall features stories and characters that reflect the imaginative and innovative spirit of EPCOT at Drawing on Inspiration: Celebrating EPCOT.Across World Showcase, guests can step into some of the most iconic artwork from around the world at unique Artful Photo Ops Figment’s Brush with the Masters takes guests on a scavenger hunt around World Showcase to spot the lovable purple dragon as he hides in famous works of art. Redeem your completed map of Figment sightings to receive a small artful keepsake.In addition to enjoying the festival, guests can explore the endless possibilities that EPCOT has to offer. Guests can help save the galaxy on Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, shrink to the size of Remy on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, dine among the stars at Space 220 and so much more.
The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is included with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. Guests can visit DisneyWorld.com for more information about planning their visit.

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The 46th annual Art Deco Weekend will return January 13 – January 15th, 2023, showcasing Miami Beach’s unique collection of Art Deco design and architecture in open-air styleOffering a variety of experiences including live music, a classic car show, guided architectural tours, outdoor film screenings and more, visitors will find inspiration through activations that showcase how Miami Beach became the birthplace of Art Deco design and the most visited Art Deco District in the world.  Created by the Miami Design Preservation League, Art Deco Weekend signifies the distinct effort to preserve Miami Beach’s more than 800 historic, pastel-colored buildings and history of this signature architectural style, saving it for future generations.
“Art Deco Weekend is an immersive celebration of architecture with national and international appeal.  For 46 years, our city has come together to share the beauty and ingenuity of marquee buildings that have made Miami Beach a pilgrimage for design and architecture enthusiasts,” says Steve Adkins, Chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). “The MBVCA is proud to continue our support to enhance Art Deco Weekend to help raise awareness of, and show appreciation to, the architects and talents that continue to inspire the design community today.”
Whether visiting during the official celebration or if Miami Beach is on the travel agenda in the near future, visitors can embrace the essence of Art Deco style easily throughout their stay.  For an artistic and retro hotel experience, signature properties like The Gabriel South Beach and The Breakwater offer comfortable rooms in an ideal location along with Instagram-worthy facades.  For a splurge, visitors can opt for a stay at The Shelborne South Beach, a recreated icon dating back to the 1940’s exuding timeless luxury and elegance with impeccable service delivered in Art Deco architecture on Collins Avenue. Miami Beach is a year-round destination to discover the bevy of geometric-ornamented facades and it’s easy to become a quick study with a visit to the official Art Deco Museum on Ocean Drive. The museum provides a deep dive into the layers of design that serve as the foundation for the city’s glamorous reputation. Discovering design can work up an appetite.  Head to Serena, located on the second-floor rooftop of the Moxy South Beach on Collins Avenue, and take a bite out of a modern interpretation of Mexican cuisine in an open-air and laid-back setting.  Perfect for sunset cocktails, al fresco dinners surrounded by the energy of the Art Deco District or buzzy brunches, diners will taste and feel the cultural inspirations of Mexico right on South Beach.
The beauty of Miami Beach’s design and architecture stands proud any time of year, making it a vibrant destination to explore solo or with friends and family. Visitors can download the new EXP Miami Beach Tour App now available on Apple and Google and access four marquee itineraries including Art in Public Spaces, Hidden Art, A Day Inside Miami Beach Architectural Wonders and Public Art and Iconic History in Miami Beach.
“Miami Beach’s Art Deco District is an open-air museum and we invite visitors to easily access information and resources to help plan their next trip and to get an interactive look at what makes Miami Beach the unrivaled crown jewel of Art Deco architecture,” adds Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the MBVCA. “We are continuously working on new ways to bring experiences rooted in design and architecture to travelers, understanding the ongoing desire to get up, close and personal with the history of what shapes the destinations they visit.”ADVERTISEMENTFor more information about the Art Deco District and to plan a future design-inspired trip to award-winning Miami Beach, download the Experience Miami Beach and EXP Miami Beach Tour App Miami Beach Apps and follow the @experiencemiamibeach handles on Instagram and Facebook for the most up-to-date details and offerings.

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Kevin Hart, CIO of Yas Island, has just announced that applications are open to the public for the ‘World’s Best Job’, a chance to become Yas Island Abu Dhabi’s next ambassador. The chosen candidate, if deemed “Hart-worthy”, stands a chance to win an unbeatable package including a $100,000 ‘salary’, a luxury hotel stay, exclusive world-class entertainment experiences across Yas Island Abu Dhabi and much more. Applications are open from January 9 – 23 and budding candidates can send in their video applications on hireme.yasisland.com, before a jury selects a shortlist of five by January 26.
Yas Island was awarded World’s Leading Theme Park Destination in the 2022 World Travel Awards

Those keen to be shortlisted will simply need to film and upload a video of themselves and answer one simple question: “How will you make Yas Island Hart to Beat?”. To increase their chances, applicants are advised to share and upload their savvy submissions on social media.
ADVERTISEMENTWith no shortage of exhilarating experiences in store, Yas Island Abu Dhabi promises the winner a $100,000 prize to start, in addition to a Business Class flight to Abu Dhabi. The winner will get to call the Fabulous Suite at W Abu Dhabi Yas Island home for 60 days and have access to delightful spa and dining experiences at the coveted hotel.
To get around the Island, the newest ambassador will ride in style in a luxury car for the duration of their stay. Courtesy of Yas Marina Circuit, the winner will be able to satisfy their need for speed through karting sessions and the Formula Yas 3000 Driving Experience on the world-famous Formula 1 track. What’s more, the winner will receive a 60-day club membership at Yas Links Golf Package complete with golfing sessions to help perfect their swing.

Looking for more? The winner will also get to scale to new heights with the ultimate indoor adventure hub, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, featuring two record-breaking experiences with indoor climbing and indoor skydiving. Last but not least, the winner will be granted two Yas Theme Parks Gold Annual Passes, for unlimited access to Yas Island’s award-winning theme parks, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi.

As the competition draws to a close, the ultimate winner of the ‘World’s Best Job’ is set to be announced on February 3.

For more information, terms and conditions, and to apply, please visit hireme.yasisland.com.

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Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, in partnership with the Chicago Public Library (CPL), the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Poetry Foundation, are proud to announce the creation of the Chicago Poet Laureate program.The program comes from the advocacy of the city’s creative and civic communities. It aims to increase awareness of Chicago’s historic contributions to the literary arts while celebrating and honoring the efforts of Chicago’s working artists.
“Chicago has always been a city full of talented and renowned storytellers and artists,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “The creation of the Chicago Poet Laureate program will foster a new bond between the City and the creative community that supports artists while enriching the culture of our city. I look forward to selecting a Poet Laureate who will serve and strengthen our city’s literary and creative communities.”
The Chicago Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term and be awarded a grant of $50,000 for the commissioning of new poems and to create a public program series, including programs for youth and students. The Poet Laureate will serve as an ambassador for the city’s literary and creative communities.
Chicagoans are invited to submit their nominations for Poet Laureate through January 18, 2023. The nominee can be a poet in either written or spoken traditions. To nominate a poet, complete the nomination form available at this link.
“We are honored to be launching the first-ever Chicago Poet Laureate program to recognize and celebrate the civic importance of literature, poetry, and spoken word,” shared DCASE Commissioner Erin Harkey. “This program aims to support the creation of poetry and other literary forms, inspiring generations of critical thinkers, writers, and storytellers to come.”ADVERTISEMENTAfter January 18th, all nominees will be reviewed according to the eligibility criteria. Those who are eligible will be invited to apply. To view eligibility criteria, visit Chicago.gov/PoetLaureate.
The Chicago Poet Laureate will be formally appointed in Spring 2023. In April, which is National Poetry Month, the Laureate will present work as part of the Chicago Public Library’s annual Poetry Fest.
“Everyday the Chicago Public Library aims to connect and inspire our city,” said CPL Commissioner Chris Brown. “Working with the Poet Laureate, we look forward to bringing engaging new works and programs into our neighborhood libraries. This exciting new Poet Laureate program is both an acknowledgment of our city’s talented creators and an opportunity to amplify the importance of their contributions.”
“The Poetry Foundation is thrilled to support efforts to establish a Chicago Poet Laureate program to recognize the role of poets in Chicago, where poetry has a rich and meaningful legacy. It’s exciting to imagine all the ways a poet can help illuminate the beauty and challenges we face, while also helping craft a promising future through poetry,” said Michelle Boone, President of the Poetry Foundation.
Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 81 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits, and programs for children, teens, and adults. For more information, please call 312-747-4300 or visit chipublib.org. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on Twitter (@chipublib), Facebook (Chicago Public Library), or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).

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CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi hosted international skydiving teams from overseas who arrived at the UAE’s ultimate indoor adventure hub to compete head-to-head in The CLYMB Games. Winner of the World Travel Awards 2022 category for Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2022 and situated on Yas island which boasts an incredible lineup of award winning theme parks and it too was voted World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022 at the World Travel awards.
The competition took place last week of 2022, where teams of skydivers put their talents together to craft the most formations possible within a set time. Each team was also required to create a 16-way belly formations and earn the most points over eight rounds for a chance to claim the first place.

The O’Jala team was crowned winner of the competition with 116 points following neck and neck contests, which landed them the first spot on the podium and a gold at The CLYMB Games. Team No Name came in second with 99 points and earned the silver medal while Snuggles team was placed third with 89 points and took the bronze.
The CLYMB Games is a unique opportunity for worldwide talents to come together and showcase their skills at CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, where guests of all ages and skill levels can enjoy endless action-packed fun and experience two record-breaking experiences, starting with the world’s largest indoor flight chamber and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, The SUMMYT™.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information on CLYMB Abu Dhabi, please visit: https://www.clymbabudhabi.com/
Located on Yas Island, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi the UAE’s ultimate adventure hub. It is just minutes away from, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, home to a variety of family- friendly rides and attractions, Yas Waterworld, the world’s first and only Emirati-themed waterpark and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, an incredibly immersive indoor theme park.

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As another successful year comes to a close, Yas Island Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s leading leisure and entertainment destinations, rounds off their action-packed 2022 with over 80 awards and accolades. The destination and its plethora of world-class theme parks, luxury hotels, innovative experiences, resorts and acclaimed eateries, alongside unmatched customer services, has been recognised across a series of global and local awards platforms.
HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said: “We are proud with this achievement, witnessing yet another year of incredible work from our teams, all of whom have worked tirelessly to elevate Yas Island’s offering and reputation. The more than 80 local and global accolades received, is testament to Yas Island’s position as a top global destination for leisure and entertainment. Home to award-winning attractions and experiences, the Island is integral to the overall growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry.”
Global acclaim at The World Travel Awards

Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of ‘World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022’, Yas Island received the flagship ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development’ award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island as the leisure and entertainment hub. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was yet again named the ‘World’s Leading Theme Park 2022’ and ‘Middle East’s Leading Theme Park 2022’, while the Emirati-themed waterpark Yas Waterworld, was recognised as ‘Middle East’s Leading Water Park 2022’ and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, was named as ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2022’.  Across the awards, the record-breaking adventure hub CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, boasting the world’s largest indoor flight chamber and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall, was awarded the accolade of ‘Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2022’.ADVERTISEMENTEpic accolades at the Arabian Best of Best Awards
Yas Island reaffirmed their status with their number of acclaimed awards at the coveted Arabian Best of Best Awards, including Best Family Attraction for Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, Best Indoor Theme Park for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Best Indoor Adventure Park for CLYMB and Best Entertainment Destination Yas Island.
Taking the stage at the International Travel Awards
Yas Theme Parks and attractions were commended in three regional categories in the International Travel Awards, which celebrates global tourism destinations, attractions and hotels. 

Yas Waterworld received Best Waterpark in the Middle East and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi was recognised as the Best Family Attraction in the Middle East.
Compelling recognition as a leading motorsports, golfing, lifestyle and dining destination
Yas Island’s portfolio of hotels, resorts, and lifestyle offerings have received plaudits during 2022 across multiple categories including dining, entertainment as well as motorsports and golf. 
Yas Marina Circuit and Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Abu Dhabi won gold for Best Sport Event of the Year, Best Sports Marketing Campaign and Best Fan Engagement at a Professional Sports Event at the acclaimed annual Sports Industry Awards (SPIA).

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, also received recognition by the UAE’s coveted What’s On awards, with awards including Highly commended Favourite Luxury Staycation and Highly commended Favourite Brunch. The hotel also achieved Best Business Hotel in Abu Dhabi in the Business Traveller Awards, as well as Best All Day Dining Restaurant for Garage in the Fact Magazine Dining Awards. The hotel’s team were also celebrated in the Hotelier Middle East Awards with Aznive Boghossian receiving Young Hotelier of the Year.
The What’s On Awards also recognised a number of dining experiences in the happening Yas Bay, from Favourite European Restaurant for The Lighthouse to Favourite Indian Restaurant for Zeera by buddha bar, Favourite Bar for Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar, Favourite Daycation for Café del Mar and Favourite Steakhouse for Hunter & Barrel. The What’s On Awards further recognised Yas Island’s Belgian Café as their favourite restaurant for Pub Grub and Still’s as their favourite ladies night. The coveted Fact Dining Award’s 2022 also took to Yas Island to award Filini Garden as their favourite destination for alfresco dining.
The Retail & Leisure Industry Awards further recognised Yas Mall as the Most Immersive Attraction and Experience this year, as well as an award for Innovation in Technology.
Yas Island’s lifestyle and culinary offerings were also recognised by consumer magazines such as What’s On, naming Ferrari World Abu Dhabi as Favourite Attraction and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi being awarded Highly Commended Attraction.

Yas Marina also achieved recognition in the Blue Flag Awards for their environmental category, as well as the 5 Gold Anchor Platinum’s awarding Yas Marina the Marina Excellence award.
Garnering industry recognition
Yas Island’s theme parks continued to dazzle on the industry stage during 2022 with multiple plaudits received for Yas Theme Parks during the annual Stevie Awards. The Stevie Awards which celebrate the best in business recognised Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi’s for Outstanding Achievement in Themed Consumer Experiences, as well as an Outstanding Achievement Award in Live Events for Yas Water World. The Stevie Awards further awarded Ferrari World Abu Dhabi with a Bronze Award for Innovation in Use of Events, whilst Yas Water World received a Silver Award for Innovation in Consumer Events, as well as Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi achieving a Gold Award in Innovation in the Use of Celebrities.

Yas Island also received recognition in the globally acclaimed Effie’s awards, being awarded Gold for its campaign Stayin’ on Yas and two Silver awards for the Chief Island Officer campaign. The awards for the globally renowned campaigns did not stop there however, with the destination being widely recognized in the Smarties Awards Platform. These awesome feats included a Gold Award for Audio/Voice Sonic Branding for Yas Yas Baby, Gold Award in Cross Platform Digital for Yas Yas Baby, Silver Award for the Chief Island Officer campaign for Short/Long Form Video, Silver Award for Chief Island Officer campaign in Cross Platform Digital, Social & Influencer commerce and Partnerships Marketing. Additionally, the Smarties awarded Yas Island bronze awards for Lead Generation for the Chief Island Officer Campaign and another Bronze Award for Brand Experience for Yas Yas Baby.
With further industry accomplishments, Yas Island won 1 gold and 2 silver awards at the Middle East PR Awards, with Best Use of Influencer/Brand Ambassador for Kevin Hart, Best Travel and Tourism Campaign for Kevin Hart and Best Consumer Services Campaign for Yas Yas Baby.

Recognised by consumers worldwide
Yas Theme Parks and attractions continue to surprise and delight visitors while garnering guest accolades across popular global consumer review platforms such as TripAdvisor.  Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi each earned the ‘Travelers Choice Award 2022’. Based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers from around the world, the TripAdvisor Awards recognise and reward the very best tourism establishments in terms of service, quality and customer satisfaction.

Setting the gold standard with innovative technology and seamless experiences
Yas Island debuted FacePass contactless technology in 2021 at its theme parks as part of its promise of creating a world-class wall-less destination using the latest technology, which had been recognised this year in the Park World Excellence Awards, as well as a Gold Stevie Award for Best Consumer Product and Innovation.
The region’s best leisure attractions
Yas Island received a host of epic accolades at the MENA Leisure and Entertainment Awards, with CLYMB Abu Dhabi being named Best Sport/Adventure-based Entertainment and Best Design of a Facility.
Source: Zawya.com

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In 2023, taking as its slogan ’Mastering Transformation’, the leading convention for the travel industry is again gathering the main international tourism actors under one roof. From 7 to 9 March 2023 at the ITB Berlin Convention, leading speakers and industry experts will discuss the current challenges facing the global travel industry, which go far beyond COVID-19 and local skills shortagesThey will share their knowledge on topics such as climate change, energy supply issues and a new global approach to safety, with their wide-ranging impact on the travel and tourism industry. The experts will provide orientation and clear ideas on how to shape the transformation towards a sustainable and successful future.
New in 2023: Themed tracks instead of days
At the leading thinktank of the international travel industry the new Board of Experts is putting together themed tracks, under headings that include Travel Technology, Marketing & Sales, Future Travel, Hospitality, Sustainability and Social Responsibility. Taking place on their respective stages and featuring sessions on individual topics, the tracks will replace the themed days at previous events.
First main speakers confirmed
The following are among those who will be sharing their expert knowledge in the new themed tracks:ADVERTISEMENT• Maria Rocha Barros, vice president and chief legal officer at Booking.com (Marketing & Distribution Track)
• Kurt Ekert, president of Sabre (Marketing & Distribution Track)
• Kevin King, COO of Shiji Group (eTravel Track, Hotel Technology Forum)
• Prof. Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, director emeritus, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIC); founder and managing director of Bauhaus Erde (Responsible Tourism Track)
ITB Future Track, Marketing & Distribution Track and eTravel Track
On 7 March 2023 in Hall 7.1, the ITB Future Track will examine future economic and political developments to find out which sustainability trends will bring success for tomorrow’s tourism industry. The event will gather leading figures from business, politics and science in order to drive change in the tourism industry.
At the Marketing & Distribution Track on 8 March 2023 in Hall 7.1, leading figures from the travel and hospitality industry will share their knowledge and views. In inspiring keynote speeches, exclusive interviews and panel discussions they will provide comprehensive updates on how senior executives can master the upcoming transformation process.
From 7 to 9 March 2023 in Hall 6.1, the eTravel Track will focus on tech-driven innovation and the digital transformation in the travel industry and how they can be put to productive use. In a variety of attractive formats and taking practical examples, industry experts will share their views on current trends and developments and talk about practical scenarios.
Responsible Tourism Track, ITB Carrier & Cruise Track and Destination Track
How to master what is now, in the future and the new normal in tourism: that is what the Responsible Tourism Track on 9 March 2023 in Hall 7.1 is about, where among other things discussion will focus on how the industry can keep its promises to protect the environment while transforming into a sector where fairness and equality play a bigger role.
The ITB Carrier & Cruise Track on 7 March 2023 in Hall 7.1 will examine the transformation from the perspective of carriers. Both the aviation and cruise industry are facing major challenges, whose root causes are in the energy crisis as well as the military conflict on Europe’s borders. Industry experts will discuss the impact of the current threat.
Destinations and DMOs are currently having to balance marketing and management, overtourism and lack of tourism, private and public contracts, areas for tourists and locals, analogue business models and digital innovations. On 9 March 2023 in Hall 7.1, the Destination Track will examine corresponding ideas and practical recommendations.
Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track and Youth, Adventure & Outdoor Track
Following a period of far-reaching crises a reappraisal is taking place of business ideas and value creation models. The Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track on 7 March 2023 will highlight how the current transformation process is putting pressure on tour operators and agencies and causing a long-term impact on the market.
Adventure and outdoor tourism is becoming increasingly popular, while youth and student travel still accounts for a large share of the global tourism market. But what has changed? How can one prepare for the future and how can one overcome obstacles in order to make business profitable? These are the topics the Youth, Adventure & Outdoor Track will focus on on 8 March 2023 in Hall 7.1.
Hospitality Track and Future Work Track
The challenges currently facing the hospitality industry demand a hands-on approach, while at the same time agility and transformation are needed. What views do leading figures in the hospitality industry have on these developments? How can they combine step-by-step progress with long-term change? This is the range of topics the Hospitality Track will examine on 9 March 2023 in Hall 7.1.
A new narrative for promoting working in tourism now and in the future. The Future Work Track on 8 March 2023 in Hall 7.1 will define the basics for future success in tourism. At the same time it will provide orientation for the struggle with the skills and labour shortage and loss of expertise and report on the needs and activities of talented newcomers and travel professionals in these times of change.
Information on the following tracks will be announced in early 2023: Diversity & Inclusion Track, Sustainable Destination Track, Business Travel Track, MICE Track and Medical Wellness & Health Track.
A trade visitor pass to ITB Berlin is valid for admission to the ITB Berlin Convention. Selected sessions will be streamed on the supporting platform ITBxplore. Additional information is available at itb.com/kongress. Full details of the programme and further tracks will be available online in mid-January 2023.
Online accreditation for press representatives and bloggers
You can obtain accreditation online now. Please observe 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.
Please 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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Cirque du Soleil JOYÀ celebrated its 8th anniversary as Latin America’s first resident Cirque du Soleil show, the first show of its kind at a resort and the only Cirque du Soleil show to include an immersive culinary experience. JOYÀ marks the beginning of a strong collaboration between Grupo Vidanta, the leading developer of resorts and tourism infrastructure in Mexico and Latin America, and Cirque du Soleil.JOYÀ is an homage to Mexico, a creative conquest, a celebration of nature, and a tribute to the power of friendship and family. Over the seasons, Cirque du Soleil assembled for this show, a team of the best acrobats, aerialists, actors, jugglers, dancers, singers, and technicians from different parts of the world, including Mongolia, Ukraine, France, Spain, England, Japan, Argentina, Cuba, Brazil, China, Colombia, USA, of course, Mexico.
“JOYÀ is a must see show in the Riviera Maya; through this eight-year partnership between Grupo Vidanta and Cirque du Soleil, over 1,135,500 guests experienced an entirely new category of immersive entertainment in Mexico,” said Iván Chávez, Executive Vice President of Grupo Vidanta. “We are extremely proud to work with the hundreds of performers, artisans, designers, chefs, waiters and crew who come together to make JOYÀ possible, and to have the opportunity to share this extraordinary experience with people from around the world.”
As a place where anything is possible, JOYÀ is the only dining experience of any Cirque du Soleil production worldwide, presenting an exquisite three-course dinner that tempts every sense with culinary wonders as spectacular as the theater, music, and performances. “The JOYÀ dinner experience should be as enjoyable and surprising as the show itself,” said Alexis Bostelmann, Executive Chef at Vidanta.
To celebrate eight years of being a fantastic, genre-blending show, here is a journey through JOYÀ numbers and fun facts over the years:
ADVERTISEMENTOver 2,430 shows performedMore than 1,135,500 guests in attendance300+ collaborators of over 20 nationalities on and off stage to make the show happen18 months taken to build the theatre6 months to build the setMore than 360,000 dinners. Servers must prepare for the second show in the dark!The multi-sensory dining offers regular, vegetarian and vegan menu options along with gluten-free food. And the menu card is edible!Each night, around 200 bottles of champagne and 1,428 canapes are served100 costumes were hand-crafted in 15,000 hours!It takes 5 months to create the masks worn by Zelig’s Masters; the masks have 10,000 beads and jewels, each glued by hand35 full-time theatrical technicians33 full-time performers, who rehearse 4 times per weekThe artists use more than 110 colors for their makeup and apply it in 30 steps.6 wardrobe staff take care of the artists’ wardrobeLyrics are in an invented language that refers to the world’s cultural diversity.There are hidden symbols with references to Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, allusions to the stories of Octavio Paz and Carlos Fuentes, and hints at the work of Guillermo del Toro.… and many more secrets and references to discover! It takes more than one visit to spot them all.
JOYÀ reminds audiences that everyone has important stories to tell, and somewhere inside, there is a curious child who wants to play and a spark of imagination waiting to ignite. If anyone has experienced JOYÀ, there is an opportunity to relive the journey as new elements and surprises are constantly added.
Tickets are available at: www.cirquedusoleil.com/joya

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