Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

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

Older
Qatar Airways Raises the Curtain on the Future of Travel at ITB Berlin 2024

Newer
Emirates welcomes key dignitaries at ITB Berlin 2024 More

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

Older
World travel industry leaders flock to ITB Berlin 2024

Newer
Jazeera Airways announces new chief executive officer More

Visit Qatar is set to participate at ITB Berlin 2024, the world’s leading travel trade show. ITB hosts over 5,000 international exhibitors every year and is one of the most important events in the travel industry. His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, Chief Marketing and Promotions Officer at Qatar Tourism, along with a team of 28 delegates from travel and hospitality industries will be representing Visit Qatar this year.The ITB is a hub for informative, cultural, and inspirational B2B exchanges pertaining to travel, tourism, hospitality, and trade. Visit Qatar aims to foster several exchanges with key travel, trade, airline, and media partners to promote Qatar to key stakeholders in the European market. In addition, Visit Qatar anticipates fruitful discussions, trade meetings, new partnership deals, and opportunities.
Visit Qatar’s section will have meeting rooms, 28 regular booths, three corporate booths, and an area for Qatar Calendar. The interactive stand also features a calligrapher and Arabic coffee for visitors.
ITB will run from March 5 to 7 in Berlin, Germany. To keep up with the latest events in Qatar’s calendar, please visit www.visitqatar.com.
Source: https://www.zawya.com/

Older
Spirit Announces Termination of Merger Agreement with JetBlue

Newer
Experience Abu Dhabi brings unique culture and tourism experiences to ITB Berlin More

ProColombia, the promotion agency of the country, part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, announces the 100th edition of its largest exports event, the Business Matchmaking Forum, which will take place in Colombia, at Cartagena’s Convention Center from April 22nd to 26th.As Colombia’s foremost international trade promotion activity, the Forum provides a platform for Colombian companies from diverse sectors to engage in one-on-one meetings with international buyers. This edition will host 2,000 exporters from all over Colombia, representing key sectors such as agri-business, textile and apparel, industries 4.0, and manufacturing. Additionally, there will be 1,000 buyers from 60 countries in attendance, the United States being the main commercial ally for the event and the country.
“Colombia, known as the Country of Beauty, boasts a rich variety of offerings beyond its globally recognized flowers, coffee, and avocados. The nation is a hub of innovation and industrial strength, offering strategic advantages for American buyers seeking diverse sourcing opportunities”, said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia.
Colombia’s strategic position, being the only South American country with access to trade routes in both the Pacific and the Caribbean front, is accentuated by its nearshoring capabilities and low minimum production costs, making it an attractive trade destination. The country’s economy displays dynamism across sectors such as metalworking, manufacturing, textiles, and apparel, presenting sourcing opportunities for international partners.
Moreover, Colombia’s thriving tech sector further amplifies its appeal, positioning the country as a prime collaborator for U.S. tech companies.
These are some of the reasons why American buyers attending conferences in Colombia have praised the nation for its quality products, diversity, creativity, sustainability, and excellent service, indicating the potential for fruitful and mutually beneficial business relationships.ADVERTISEMENTThe first Business Matchmaking Forum by ProColombia took place in 1997 in Cartagena, with the participation of 200 international buyers and 400 Colombian exporters. This edition aims to showcase to the world the evolution of the regions and the business ecosystem of Colombia.
Beyond the Forum, Colombia invites you to explore its beauty. From diverse wildlife and stunning scenery to delicious food, Colombia has it all. With excellent flight connections, traveling there is easy for both business and leisure.
Spots are limited and registrations are open until March 9th. Discover all the opportunities that Colombia has to offer: https://mcr.macrorruedasprocolombia.co/macrorrueda100/index.php?tu=comp&ci=4

Older
ICONIC DESTINATIONS FOR THE MICE SEGMENT IN LATIN AMERICA

Newer
Spirit Announces Termination of Merger Agreement with JetBlue More

To mark St David’s Day, welsh-based rail tour specialist Ffestiniog Travel has announced a second Snowdonian Steam Special weekend break in September 2024. The highlight will be a journey on the aptly named Snowdonian train on an 80-mile trip through North Wales’ spectacular Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Travel the full length of both the Welsh Highland and Ffestiniog Railways over the course of one unforgettable day and help raise funds for the Diamond Jubilee Appeal to support the continued preservation of the railways. The 3-day break also includes an in-depth tour of the famous Boston Lodge Workshops. Beginning on 20 September and costing £515pp (two sharing) it includes 2 nights’ B&B 4* accommodation in Porthmadog, 1 dinner and 1 lunch plus a Snowdonian souvenir. Option to upgrade to a luxury stay at nearby Hotel Portmeirion in the famous Italianate village. https://www.ffestiniogtravel.com/tailored-rail/uk/the-snowdonian

Older
PriceTravel lands at ITB as undisputed leader in the Americas

Newer
Hilton Strengthens Asia Pacific Development Leadership with Key Executive Appointments in Asia More

PriceTravel Holding, one of the biggest B2B and B2C travel companies in Latin America, is set to make a significant impact at ITB Berlin 2024. The company proudly announces an astounding +450% growth in its hotel portfolio through direct contracting, offering over 35,000 hotels and solidifying its position as a major player in the hospitality sector.This portfolio of hotels spans across 120 destinations, primarily in Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States, and Europe, ensuring a comprehensive and varied selection to meet B2B and B2C client demands. The key strategic agreements that position PriceTravel as the undisputed leader are based on three strategic pillars in terms of its contracted product:
PriceTravel has secured 35 exclusive contracts with top hotel chains globally, marking a significant milestone in its journey. In 2023, the company closed exclusive agreements with major hotel chains, including Wyndham, Accor, Marriott, Hilton, Best Western, and Hyatt.German and European travel agencies and tour operators will also be able to benefit from PriceTravel’s extensive product as a result of being a key strategic partner for the distribution of theme parks such as Disney Destination and Universal Parks and Resorts in Mexico and LATAM.Also, thanks to the best-in-class technology, PriceTravel is positioned as unrivaled leaders in Las Vegas. The company has strategically partnered with all major chains in the destination, featuring prominent hotels such as MGM, Caesar Palace, and Wynn Las Vegas and experiencing a noteworthy +500% growth in sales over the last 12 months.Under the banner of its B2B Wholesale brand, known as Connect, the business unit specialises in B2B hotel distribution through API/XML integrations, offering innovative solutions tailored to wholesalers, tour operators, OTAs and other B2B2C buyers of accommodation.
Ivonne Arriola, Wholesale Director at PriceTravel Holding, says: “This week PriceTravel Holding, through its Connect brand, lands for its first time at ITB Berlin. As we continue to soar to new heights, our outstanding growth in hotel offerings and strategic partnerships reflects our commitment to delivering unparalleled travel experiences to our partners globally. We are thrilled to showcase our achievements at ITB Berlin 2024 and reinforce our position as a major player in the global hospitality sector. Our success is driven by our dedicated team, cutting-edge technology, and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
At the core of Connect’s prowess lies its state-of-the-art API platform. Delivering exceptional response times, with 99% of requests processed in under one second, the platform’s advanced technology sets it apart. Easy integration via gateways or direct connectivity positions Connect as an efficient and agile choice for its business partners.
Connect not only delivers high-quality products but also backs its offerings with specialized B2B distribution customer service. Operating 24/7 and providing trilingual support (English, Spanish, and Portuguese), the brand ensures consistent and effective assistance. Each client is paired with a dedicated Account Manager within the region, delivering personalized and results-driven support.ADVERTISEMENT

Older
SA Tourism aims for growth at ITB Berlin 2024 More

SOUTH African Tourism is making the most of the Internationale Tourismus-Borse (ITB) in Berlin, Germany to position the country as a preferred tourist destination.This global trade show will run from March 5 to 7, under the theme, “Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together.”Forming part of the South Africa delegation, are 63 tourism products and services including 15 small medium and micro enterprises (SMME)s from across nine provinces representing the unique and culturally diverse tourism offering.
“We are going to ITB 2024 as one ‘Team South Africa’ comprising a wide variety of products and experiences,” Nombulelo Guliwe, SA Tourism Chief Executive Officer, said.
“We have put the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic behind us and we are pioneering our transition by ensuring that we showcase our exceptional tourism offering and indeed improve South Africa’s brand appeal and inspire travellers to choose to book and come visit South Africa.”
South Africa is participating at ITB Berlin buoyed by its welcoming 8,5 million international tourists in 2023.
Part of the engagements at ITB 2024 includes a “Destination South Africa Showcase” in the form of a media panel discussion.ADVERTISEMENTThis will be followed by a trade and media engagement session specifically tailored to afford all the South African SMMEs maximum networking opportunities.
In 2023, South Africa saw 1,2 million tourist arrivals from Europe, a 38,2 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022.
The United Kingdom remains the top European source market with 356 160 tourists choosing South Africa, marking a 25,8 percent growth compared to 2022.
Germany experienced a 41,6 percent increase in arrivals, amounting to 245 259 tourists.
This was followed by the Netherlands which saw an increase of 45,5 percent, amounting to 131 371 tourist arrivals in 2023.
Source – CAJ News

Older
Trip.com Group To Showcase New Consumer Trends and AI Innovations at ITB Berlin 2024

Newer
PriceTravel lands at ITB as undisputed leader in the Americas More

ITB Berlin 2024 the world’s leading B2B trade event, inaugurated on the 4th is set to open its doors, showcasing 1,000 exhibitors from 168 countries. Hosted by Oman, this significant gathering in the middle of the travel and tourism industry is anticipated to draw approximately 1,000 international exhibitors and over 160,000 professional visitors from around the globe. Attendees will include global hospitality industry leaders, think tanks, tourism decision-makers, airline and MICE planners, global destination management companies, airline industry, travel technology leaders, international travel influencers, and the leading providers of the world’s best travel technology services. This encompasses a broad spectrum of participants from B2B companies, the cruise industry, and travel technology providers. Amidst growing optimism, the event is poised to celebrate the global tourism industry’s return to pre-pandemic levels of activity. With anticipated growth in 2024, ITB Berlin this year is expected to herald a significant boom, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and marking a new era of expansion and prosperity in the tourism sector.
Scheduled for March 5-7, 2024, at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, the ITB Berlin Convention 2024 is poised to host 24,000 participants across four stages, with 17 specialized tracks on subjects including travel tech, marketing strategies, eco-friendliness, and beyond. Its guiding principle, “Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together,” underscores a collective effort towards innovation. The event will also offer selected live-streamed sessions, with access provided through the trade show admission.
This pivotal gathering in the travel and tourism realm assembles experts worldwide to delve into prevailing trends, breakthroughs, and obstacles within the industry. Emphasizing eco-sustainability, digital transformation, and the travel industry’s future, the convention serves as a nexus for exchanging insights, fostering connections, and collaborative ventures among thought leaders. It presents an array of discussions, workshops, and panels that span the spectrum of the tourism sector, presenting an enriching experience for professional development.
Set to convene at Messe Berlin, Messedamm 22, in Berlin, Germany, from March 5-7, 2024, the ITB Berlin Convention 2024 stands as a cornerstone event for the global travel and tourism community, drawing approximately 1,000 exhibitors and over 160,000 industry attendees worldwide. The agenda includes a diverse lineup of talks, interactive sessions, and networking events, addressing themes such as adventure and responsible tourism, corporate and cultural travel, LGBTQ+ and luxury tourism, medical and technological advancements in travel, youth engagements, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Source: https://ow.ly/iyM650QKzreADVERTISEMENT

Older
Dusit International returns to ITB Berlin

Newer
Lindian Village Beach Resort Rhodes Announces Grand 2024 Re-Opening More