Organisations & Operators,

ADCEB will educate corporates, associations, event organisers, MICE agencies, and other industry stakeholders in South Korea about Abu Dhabi’s strong MICE proposition, highlighting it as a dynamic global destination for business events.
Mubarak Al Shamisi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are excited to open our first representative office in South Korea to further establish Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for meetings, incentive travel, conferences, and exhibitions. As we remain focused on progressing the emirate, growing our network of international offices will help us expand Abu Dhabi’s reach in newer markets. With the recent easing of travel restrictions in South Korea, we anticipate great demand for outbound MICE travel, making it the best time for us to establish our presence in this market.”
In recent years, ADCEB has accelerated its financial and non-financial support towards strategic business events, which includes the launch of Advantage Abu Dhabi 2.0, an enhanced subvention programme that offers event organisers an array of support throughout the event planning cycle, comprising financial assistance and destination-driven value-adds.
ADCEB continues to build strategic partnerships that ensures event objectives are met with world-class experiences for both planners and attendees. Earlier this year, ADCEB formed a strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, to further bolster support for MICE travel groups travelling to Abu Dhabi.
Through this collaboration, ADCEB can offer eligible Advantage Abu Dhabi applicants additional flight benefits and perks such as group booking discounts, complimentary flights for large MICE travel group bookings on direct flights, and special flight rates for site/destination inspection trips to Abu Dhabi for clients who host their business events and incentive groups in the UAE capital.ADVERTISEMENTIn addition, ADCEB occasionally leads or supports the bidding process for suitable conventions and influences event organisers’ decision in launching their first-ever event or geo-clone their flagship events in Abu Dhabi too.
Fostering deeper collaborations with associations, ADCEB also renewed its memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Emirates Medical Association to attract more B2B medical sector conferences to Abu Dhabi.

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PATA signs organisational partnership with Cvent

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The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce a new preferred partnership with Cvent, a leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider.“Our partnership with Cvent will enhance the user experience for our members and event delegates by providing an easy-to-use, integrated technology platform to maximise the impact of meetings and events before, during and after the event. I look forward to working with them in improving our event experiences and welcome them to the PATA family,” said PATA Chair Peter Semone.
As part of the agreement, Cvent will be the official Event Tech Partner for all PATA events for the next two years and PATA will be using Cvent’s comprehensive event marketing & management platform to manage and streamline every step of the event lifecycle including registration, event promotion, attendee engagement, and appointment scheduling between attendees, exhibitors, & sponsors to facilitate relationship building and enable a greater return on experience. By leveraging Cvent’s best-in-class technology and all-in-one event management platform, PATA looks to provide a more engaging and immersive attendee experience, while enabling a more streamlined event management process to drive greater ROI.
“As global travel continues to accelerate, our partnership with PATA comes at the right time. PATA is a powerhouse within the travel and hospitality space and we’re proud to provide our industry-leading event technology to elevate their event experiences and facilitate more meaningful member engagement. In today’s digital-first environment, technology is at the forefront, and as a long-time leader in the space, we’ve helped tens of thousands of hospitality professionals leverage Cvent technology to expand their reach, engage planners, streamline processes, and increase group business revenue We look forward to working with PATA to further enhance the value, quality and sustainable growth of travel within the Asia Pacific region and to support their members through our innovative technology,” said Sandeep Nagpal, Cvent Vice President and Head of Marketing

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BERLIN BRANDENBURG AIRPORT (BER) IS THE OFFICIAL AIRPORT PARTNER OF ITB BERLIN 2023

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Shannon Airport has become the first Irish airport to take delivery of an electric Medical Response Vehicle.
The vehicle, called “Rescue 14”, replaces its diesel-powered model and will be used for emergency medical responses that may arise at the airport.
Rescue 14 is designed and built to similar specifications as the National Ambulance Service vehicles and is fully equipped with a defibrillator, stretcher, medication bag, oxygen masks and more.
The Shannon Airport Police and Fire team, who are all Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) accredited Emergency First Responders, have already begun training on the new vehicle.
The new electric vehicle was built by Offaly based Wilker Group, which has more than 50 years’ experience in the design, build and delivery of ambulance and specialist vehicle conversions.ADVERTISEMENTPat O’Brien, Chief Officer Fire & Rescue, Airport Police Fire Service at Shannon Airport said, “We are delighted to be the first airport in the state to take in delivery of this new electric Medical Response Vehicle. It will be a great addition to our fleet, as we transition to more sustainable vehicles.
“The continued investment by the Shannon Airport Group into new technology across our fleet, allows us to ensure continued safety of all passengers and staff at the Airport in more sustainable and efficient ways.”
In 2019, the airport made a significant investment in two new state-of-the-art High Reach Extendable Turret (HRET) fire tenders, becoming the first airport in the country to take delivery of the cutting-edge vehicles.
Commenting on the delivery of the new electric vehicle, Head of Sustainability, Sinead Murphy says, “This is another chapter in our sustainability journey and the next step in the electrification of our fleet across the airport.
“This Medical Response Vehicle is part of our commitment to facilitate more sustainable mobility across the campus and beyond.”The delivery of the new medical response vehicle coincides with the commencement of the roll out of a programme for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the Shannon Campus.
Included in this are several ultra-fast charging points for the public.

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WTTC and Oxford Economics Report Positive Recovery Signs for South African Travel and Tourism Sector

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Airbnb.org is working with non-profit organizations and government entities to offer free, temporary housing to survivors of the earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, and to relief workers.Airbnb.org announced it will offer free temporary housing to people displaced by the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, and first responders assisting with search and rescue, as well as ongoing relief and recovery efforts. These stays will be coordinated by Airbnb.org’s nonprofit partners and funded by Airbnb and generous donors to Airbnb.org.
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, Airbnb.org reached out to organizations on the ground, including JDC, Catholic Relief Services, CARE International and Build Change, to assess how it can best support housing needs in impacted areas and safe zones. Based on the guidance received, and the breadth and scope of the devastation, Airbnb.org is offering housing vouchers to first responders leading life-saving search and rescue operations through its trusted network of nonprofit organizations and government entities. In the coming weeks and months, Airbnb.org will expand its work with nonprofit partners to offer free, temporary housing to survivors in areas where it is safe to do so.
Airbnb.org does not currently provide a direct intake process for individuals in need of temporary housing. Instead, housing is facilitated through Airbnb.org’s trusted network of nonprofit partners and government entities, and focused on vulnerable populations–including residents of Türkiye, as well as Syrian and other refugee populations residing or migrating to Türkiye.
This commitment is part of Airbnb.org’s ongoing work to support people impacted by natural disasters and conflict around the world.
People interested in supporting this critical work and other crises can visit airbnb.org/earthquakes to donate. Currently, all donations will be matched up to a total of $5 million USD. That means every gift will have twice the impact, and will help fund the cost of housing for people in times of crisis.ADVERTISEMENT

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Finnair celebrates one year of innovative travel

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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Government of the Federal Republic of Somalia agreed to deepen and formalize cooperation with the aim of strengthening the economic and social benefits of aviation in SomaliaUnder an agreement signed by Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President, Africa and the Middle East, and H.E. Fardowsa Osman Egal, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Federal Republic of Somalia, a new framework was established that will also see an expansion of IATA’s activities in the country.
“Aviation is a significant contributor to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), so the potential for a strengthened air transport sector to contribute to Somalia’s development is enormous. This agreement aims to realize that potential for social and economic development by focusing on global standards and best practices. H.E. Minister Fardowsa Osman Egal has a strong vision for a successful aviation sector to contribute to a more prosperous Somalia. And we are determined to support that by turning the words of our agreement into real actions,” said Alawadhi.
The agreement provides the framework to support IATA’s mission for aviation in Africa: the creation of a safe, efficient, sustainable, and economical air transport sector that generates growth, creates jobs, and facilitates international trade and tourism as well as playing an essential role in supporting the UN SDGs through generating connectivity between nations.
“Aviation is essential to the success of Somalia’s development plans.  The Government of Somalia is committed to developing its air transport sector to help promote long-term social and economic growth in the country. And we will ensure that global best practices are at the core of development. This agreement will pave the way for closer cooperation on the priorities for aviation in the country,” said Egal.

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Qatar Airways to sponsor 2023 Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition

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dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, announced the appointment of Lynn McClelland as Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Catering and Retail division in the United Kingdom.In her role, Lynn will head dnata’s catering and retail operations at 18 airports across the UK. Under Lynn’s leadership, dnata will continue to deliver world-class culinary services and innovative products that enhance passenger experience and contribute to customers’ business objectives. dnata currently provides quality catering and retail services to 38 airlines with a team of over 3,000 dedicated professionals in the UK.
With significant experience in previous executive roles, including Head of British Airways Global Catering and Director of Worldwide Operations for IAG Cargo, Lynn has delivered large scale change in a wide range of positions within both the transport and food industries. Lynn will begin her role with immediate effect.
Robin Padgett, Chief Executive Officer of dnata Catering and Retail, said: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lynn with dnata Catering UK. Lynn brings a wealth of international experience and has a demonstrable track record in building high performing businesses and teams, driving operational excellence, understanding our customer’s needs, as well as financial and change management.
“With her broad expertise and passion for culinary excellence,  Lynn is well-positioned to lead our dedicated team and help dnata’s customers deliver on changing traveller expectations and needs.”
dnata’s flight catering operation uplifted 50.5 million meals in the period April to September 2022, a sharp increase of 204% compared to 16.6 million meals in the equivalent period in 2021.As one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers dnata offers ground handling, cargo, travel and catering & retail services at over 130 airports in more than 30 countries across six continents.ADVERTISEMENT

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Qatar Airways Re-Launches Lavish Premium Lounge at Paris CDG

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The first meeting of the G20 Tourism Working Group to be held under the Indian Presidency placed the focus on the sector’s role in in advancing the 2030 Agenda.
UNWTO is working as the knowledge partner to the Presidency to deliver the Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the SDGs. This week’s meeting, held in the Rann of Kutch (7-9 February), featured as well a side event dedicated to rural tourism for community development and poverty alleviation. Here, UNWTO shared its recently launched Tourism for Rural Development Programme, including the Best Tourism Villages Initiative.
The side event was an opportunity to highlight opportunities for rural tourism, including new consumer behaviors and growing interest in new destinations. The meeting also explored the main challenges facing the sector, particularly with regards to digital and non-digital infrastructure, the empowerment of local communities and skills development. The findings presented were the result of an analysis of more than 200 candidacies by villages from around the world to the Best Tourism Villages Initiative as well as UNWTO Member States priorities and policies.
Representatives from Indonesia, Spain, Italy and Japan joined UNWTO, the UN Environmental Program, the International Labor Organization and the South Asia Women’s Network (SWAN) in discussing how can tourism policy can support tourism’s contribution to rural development. Participants stressed that the sustainability of tourism in rural areas is dependent on a comprehensive planning strategy is adopted and implemented based on a multi-action and multi-stakeholder participatory approach. Furthermore, it was noted that rural tourism requires the support of regional and local governments, the private sector, industry associations, civil society, communities and tourists.
In 2021, recognizing the immense potential of rural tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism of India formulated a National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism. Reflecting this, the event included also rural tourism cases from India, including examples from Astro-tourism, homestays and women empowerment as well as the Indian village selected by UNWTO to join the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme – the Khonoma Village in Nagaland.ADVERTISEMENT

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Fraport AG and TAV Airports Holding Donate €1 Million to Aid Earthquake Victims in Turkey

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Fraport AG has joined forces with TAV Airports Holding to donate €1 million to the victims of the earthquake in Turkey. The two companies work closely together in the Turkish market in the operating consortium of Antalya Airport.The joint venture partners are each donating €500,000. Talks with the Turkish authorities to determine where the money is needed most urgently are currently ongoing.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families,” said Dr. Stefan Schulte, Chairman of the Executive Board of Fraport AG. “Rapid assistance is required now, which we are arranging together with our partner TAV Airports Holding. Together, we are contributing to alleviating the suffering of the people in the affected regions.”
In addition, Fraport AG is encouraging its staff for donations to help the victims of the earthquake. Employees can donate money via the charitable aid organization “Luftfahrt ohne Grenzen / Wings of Help.” Fraport will then double this amount.
“Many of our employees have Turkish roots or family in the country. The fate of the people in the aftermath of this natural disaster is affecting us all deeply,” said chairman of the works council Hakan Bölükmese. “It is important to us to send a signal from the workforce to the affected regions. That is why the works council is also appealing to employees to donate.”Fraport AG has been active at Antalya for over two decades. Since it entered into this commitment in 1999, Fraport has succeeded in consolidating and increasing the enormous importance of the airport for international tourism in the Mediterranean region. In 2022, Fraport AG and its partner TAV Airports Holding were awarded a contract to extend their concession for a further 25 years.

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Opening Ceremony and Day 1 of the Global Tourism Resilience Conference

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