Events, Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

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

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ICONIC DESTINATIONS FOR THE MICE SEGMENT IN LATIN AMERICA

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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

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PriceTravel lands at ITB as undisputed leader in the Americas

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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

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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

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

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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

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Dusit International returns to ITB Berlin

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Seychelles is set to dazzle attendees at the world’s largest travel trade show, ITB Berlin 2024 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.
From March 5 to 7, 2024 the Seychelles delegation will illuminate the event with the allure of its breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality.It will be featuring 30 representatives from 15 esteemed companies and institutions, including the Tourism Seychelles Team.
Led by Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, alongside Director General for Destination Marketing, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin and Tourism Seychelles representative for Germany and Austria, Mr. Christian Zerbian, Seychelles endeavors to enchant visitors by presenting the diverse array of experiences available in the archipelago.
The Tourism Seychelles team will be further complemented by Ms. Christina Cecile from the International Marketing Team and Mrs. Nadine Shah, Manager for Digital Communities, both stationed at Headquarters.
The delegation is dedicated to nurturing fruitful partnerships, introducing new tourism initiatives, and strengthening existing collaborations to uphold Seychelles’ status as a premier destination on every traveler’s itinerary.ADVERTISEMENTFrom opulent resorts to eco-conscious accommodations and a range of ground services, Seychelles will showcase its finest offerings, providing travellers with unparalleled experiences amidst pristine natural beauty.
Reflecting on the significance of ITB Berlin, Mrs. Bernadette Willemin extended her appreciation to all partners, both longstanding and new, for their unwavering support.
“ITB Berlin transcends being a mere trade show; it serves as a platform where global business flourishes and Seychelles is privileged to participate in this transformative event,” she emphasized.
“The Seychelles delegation eagerly anticipates warmly welcoming our international trade partners at ITB, inviting them to explore our booth, and immerse themselves in the exceptional beauty and hospitality of the islands,” she added enthusiastically.
Exhibitors will include Anantara Maia Seychelles, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Savoy Resort & Spa, Creole Travel Services, Hilton Seychelles Resort & Spa, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Masons Travel, Laila – A Tribute Portfolio Resort, Story Seychelles & Fisherman’s Cove Resorts, 7° South, Thalassa Seychelles, Hotel L’Archipel, and Silhouette Cruises. Each exhibitor provides a unique offering, ensuring unforgettable moments for visitors.
Partners attending ITB next week are highly invited to take advantage of the excellent opportunity to meet with the Seychelles delegation.
The team will be available from the 5th to the 7th at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds, in Hall 20 at Stand 205
Source:https://www.travelandtourworld.com/

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GNTO to host 84 co-exhibitors in the Greek pavilion at ITB Berlin 2024

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A Greek National Tourism Organisation (GNTO) delegation headed by the organisation’s secretary general, Dimitris Fragakis, is to depart for Berlin on Tuesday, March 5 to take part in the tourism exhibition ITB Berlin 2024 (5-7 March).It is the largest delegation in recent years as a total of 85 co-exhibitors will be hosted at the 1,000 sqm Greek pavilion, among them Greek tourism enterprises, regions and municipalities.
Fragakis will have a series of meetings with airline companies, tour operators, German tourist market agencies and institutional bodies and will give interviews to international media and will sign memoranda of cooperation.
The Greek pavilion will host events and special presentations for the German public on the GR-ecoIslands, mainland Greece destinations and the islands of Attica.The visitors can also enjoy the gastronomic experience of an olive oil tasting, featuring high quality olive oils from Crete, the Peloponnese and Lesvos.
Source: https://hellenicnews.com/

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The Leading Hotels of the World Welcomes Six New Luxurious Destinations to Its Prestigious Portfolio

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Seychelles to dazzle at the world’s largest travel trade event ITB Berlin 2024 More

Global tourism is facing extensive tasks and challenges. Whether it’s a shortage of skilled workers, climate justice or the impact of artificial intelligence – at the ITB Berlin Convention 2024, 400 top speakers from international companies such as Booking, Google, Microsoft and Airbnb will discuss new strategies for a travel industry in transition in more than 200 sessions.Countdown to the world’s leading industry think tank: In the first week of March, the Berlin exhibition grounds will once again become the most important meeting place for the travel industry. From March 5 to 7, the ITB Berlin Convention 2024 will bring together numerous international experts under the motto „Pioneer the Transition in Travel & Tourism. Together“ on four live stages as part of 17 themed tracks during ITB Berlin, providing an exciting exchange of ideas. The challenges of advancing digitalization and the increasing application possibilities of artificial intelligence are just two of the many topics that can be expected to generate intensive debates at the convention. Convention participation is included in the trade visitor, exhibitor and press ticket for ITB Berlin.
Representatives of leading international companies promise top news at first hand: Current challenges facing the airline and cruise industry are the topic of the Carrier & Cruise Track, during which leading industry experts will take a look at global market trends as well as technological and legal challenges on March 5. Top speakers such as Nadia Azale (NDC Change Management Director, AirFrance-KLM Group), Michele Francioni (Chief Energy Transition Officer, MSC Cruises S.A.) and Chris Ramm (Vice President Global Enterprise Airline Partners, Travelport) will discuss industry-relevant developments and present best cases.
Glenn Fogel (CEO, Booking Holdings) will speak about future prospects and technology in tourism under the title “Leadership, Innovation and the Future of Travel” as part of the Future Track. Another highlight will be “Engineering the Future: How GenAI and Microsoft Copilot bring a new Intelligence to Travel” with Karim Bagga (Engineering Group Manager, Travel & AI Microsoft), who will discuss the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence. Stefan Ebener (Head of Customer Engineering, Google) will also take a look at the mega topic of artificial intelligence in his presentation “How GenAI is changing the Digital World – From Future Tech to Daily Business”. Under the title “How Airbnb is unlocking new Opportunities for Growth”, Dave Stephenson (Chief Business Officer, Airbnb) will explain the booking platform’s current plans.
The responsibility of tourism for biodiversity and climate justice will be the focus of the Responsible Tourism Track on March 7, which will use current practical examples to demonstrate sustainable solutions. The top speakers include Bruno Oberle (President World Resources Forum Association and Former Director General International Union for Conservation of Nature), Külli Kraner (Head of Tourism, Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications) and Ingo Burmester (CEO, DER Touristik), who will present “Pioneering the Transition towards Net Zero: Climate Footprints Unveiled” initiatives for more climate justice.
Sponsors of the ITB Berlin Convention 2024ADVERTISEMENTThe World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF) is co-host of the ITB Convention 2024. Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) is track sponsor of the Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track on the Blue Stage. The Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is a partner of the Responsible Tourism Track on the Orange Stage). Global Travel Tech is track sponsor of the eTravel Track on the eTravel Stage. Google is Track Sponsor of the Marketing & Distribution Track on the Orange Stage. Lonely Planet is track sponsor of the Future Track on the Orange Stage. Studiosus Reisen München is session sponsor of the Responsible Tourism Track on the Orange Stage. TikTok is Session Sponsor of the Marketing &Distribution Track on the Orange Stage.
ITB 360°: Year-round content and insights into the tourism industry
ITB Berlin offers the global tourism community valuable thematic content all year round in the form of newsroom articles, podcast episodes and other innovative formats. With ITB 360°, each month is dedicated to a different hot topic. More insights at:itb.com/360

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