Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Apes Hill Barbados shined at the World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi, with the Caribbean resort-residential community winning four categories, including ‘World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue’, ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’, and World’s Best new golf course in both Barbados and the Caribbean.The 10th World Golf Awards was hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. The ceremony, which rewards excellence in the golf tourism market, brought together industry leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania.
“We are deeply pleased to see our sustainability work recognized, while our relatively new real estate offering being named the ‘best in golf’ so early into the project confirms the unique, special community we’re building,” said Sunil Chatrani, Executive Chairman, Apes Hill Barbados. “We set out to create one of the best experiences in golf. Recognition as the best course in both Barbados and the Caribbean, means a great deal as we strive to establish one of the region’s leading destinations.”
At 1000ft above sea level, Apes Hill Barbados is the most elevated golf resort and community in Barbados, spanning 475 acres made up of lush tropical vegetation, indigenous gullies and rare panoramic ocean views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Set within the undulating topography of the Central Highlands, and hugging the geologically unique Scotland District, it is home to an 18-hole, par-72 Championship golf course which is complemented by state-of-the-art golf amenities featuring the latest technology, a short course under development, and a 19th hole.
With its laid back, luxury lifestyle, sustainability lives at its core and permeates through the entire resort and community. The stunning collection of residences, which blend seamlessly with the environment, highlight that nature, innovation and technology reign supreme across the lush landscape.ADVERTISEMENTSleek and modern residences can be found ranging from three-bedroom courtyard villas to four-bedroom hilltop residences and golf course homes featuring a bespoke design service. It is a place of prestige without pretense, set in one of the most unique high points to be found. Apes Hill Barbados delivers an unmatched adventure for the entire family and is a natural setting for an ultra-luxurious golf resort and community.

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Southwest Airlines orders 108 additional Boeing 737 MAX jets

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The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) has announced the introduction of the “Tattoovenir,” the first-ever souvenir that truly stays with you. The One happy island is offering visitors the chance to get a free Aruba-themed tattoo from a local artist, as a permanent reminder of the One happy island.“When our visitors leave, they take some of the island’s abundant happiness with them,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “What better way to celebrate this lasting feeling than to give away permanent souvenirs from our talented local tattoo artists. Because Aruba stays with you, long after you leave.”
Starting today, eligible visitors can register for the opportunity to receive a free Aruba-themed tattoo during their trip from one of the five participating local Aruban tattoo shops by visiting aruba.com/tattoovenirs and claiming a Tattoovenir voucher while supplies last. Pending verification of their eligibility, participants can redeem their Tattoovenir at the participating shop of their choice between January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.
Participating Tattoo Shops Include:
Black Sheep Body ArtsLocated ideally in the heart of Oranjestad, Black Sheep Body Arts features a team of award winning tattoo artists that specialize in custom, fine line, bright color, and black and grey realism tattoosCadushi Ink TattoosA trend setter in the Aruban tattoo industry, the eclectic Cadushi Ink Tattoo shop has years of experience perfecting a variety of styles from minimalistic to to neotraditional, geometric, realistic, and freestyle.Inkspiration Tattoo StudioOperating just off the shoreline in Palm Beach, Inksiration tattoo is home to a team of versatile artists with experience working with fineline, black & grey, color and custom tattoos.Aruba Tattoo/Aruba Tattoo and PiercingJust minutes from Eagle Beach, Aruba Tattoo and Piercing features a dedicated team of artists that are constantly studying new techniques to evolve their work and perfect their craft, with a specialty in realism composition tattoos in black and grey.Art 4 Life TattooAt Art 4 Life Tattoo, conveniently situated amongst the high rise hotels of Plam Beach, visitors will find a staff of skilled tattoo artists who pride thesleves on crafting one-of-a-kind personalized tattoos and creating unforgettable experiences.To learn more about the Aruba Effect and all that the One happy island has to offer, visit Aruba.com and follow us on social @ArubaTourism. The Aruba Tourism Authority encourages visitors to show how Aruba has stayed with them by sharing their Aruba-inspired ink on social media and using the hashtag #Tattoovenir.

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Eight locations across the globe are named Wildlife Heritage Areas

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World Animal Protection and World Cetacean Alliance have launched a new global program, working in coalition with responsible travel businesses and wildlife charities, to forever change the way people view and understand wildlife.
As more people become aware that zoos and aquariums exploit animals for entertainment, Wildlife Heritage Areas will meet an increasing demand from tourists to ethically see wild animals in the wild.
“World Animal Protection and our partners are breaking new ground in the world of responsible and sustainable tourism,” says Cameron Harsh, US director of programs for World Animal Protection. “Now, travelers will be able to discover amazing destinations—whether near their own homes or abroad—where they can trust that the local communities and the incredible tourism experiences, they have created are meaningfully protecting wild animals and their homes.”
One newly designated Wildlife Heritage area, the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA), is located in the United States, less than a hundred miles outside Los Angeles. The Santa Barbara Channel, renowned for its rich biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem, has long been a haven for over 25 different species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. More than 15,000 Pacific gray whales migrate through the channel each year on their way to their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico in the winter and their feeding grounds in the Arctic in the summer.
“Animals have the power to touch our hearts, inspire our minds, and deepen our connection to the natural world. By appreciating and protecting these magnificent cetaceans in their natural habitat, our hope is we not only enhance their lives but also cultivate an opportunity for tourists to understand and witness their responsibility towards keeping animals in the wild,” said Holly Lohuis, co-director of SBCWHA and local naturalist and marine educator with Island Packers, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Ocean Futures Society.ADVERTISEMENTAdditional Wildlife Heritage areas have been launched in Peru/Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Australia, Portugal, and South Africa.
Wildlife Heritage Areas provide a clear solution for eliminating the exploitation of animals by the modern tourism sector. It is long past time to end all attractions that force animals to suffer by allowing them to be ridden, touched, or posed for selfies, and to recognize that all wild animals have a right to a wild life.

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Club Med, the Pioneer of the All-Inclusive Concept, Announces New Resorts

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The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Kimberly King to the position of Chief Marketing Officer.Ms. King is an accomplished tourism marketing professional with a strong record of achievement in both the public and private sectors,” stated Mr. Kenroy Herbert, Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board. “She has an innate understanding of the challenges facing the Caribbean region, particularly for small destinations like Anguilla. She has successfully tackled these issues with innovative and creative strategies and programs, and we are confident that the expertise she brings to the Tourist Board will enhance our presence and advance our initiatives in all major source markets.”
As Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. King will be responsible for the development, execution, and continuous review of all marketing programs of the Anguilla Tourist Board.
“I am delighted and honored to join the Anguilla Tourist Board, and I deeply appreciate the vote of confidence from the Board in offering me this wonderful opportunity,” said Ms. King.  “Anguilla is an amazing destination with tremendous potential and a unique story to tell.  I look forward to working closely with the talented team at the ATB to elevate the Anguilla brand and position the island as the premier Caribbean destination for discerning leisure and business travelers.”
Prior to joining the Anguilla Tourist Board Ms. King served as the Destination Marketing Manager for the Discover Dominica Authority, where she successfully developed and implemented the marketing strategy for the Dominica destination brand. Under her tenure overall brand awareness, destination arrivals, and occupancy levels increased significantly. She pioneered select digital marketing strategies which resulted in more dynamic content for event marketing, and introduced a pillar strategy, which, among other factors, resulted in Dominica being named the #1 island in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2022.
Her private sector experience includes executive positions with leading hotel chains Blue Diamond Resorts, as Sales and Accounts Manager for the Eastern Caribbean, and Rex Resorts, as Regional Sales Manager.  Ms. King began her tourism career at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, where she served in a variety of capacities, rising to the position of Events Sales Manager.ADVERTISEMENTMs. King holds a Masters Degree in Marketing Management from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. She earned her undergraduate degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, where she was awarded Most Outstanding Tourism Student by the Ministry of Tourism.
For information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; YouTube; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

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MARCEL THOMA APPOINTED GENERAL MANAGER OF MANDARIN ORIENTAL, NEW YORK AND GROUP AREA VP OPERATIONS

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Jamaica, with its rich history and vibrant culture offers a unique and thrilling experience for Halloween enthusiasts. One of the most intriguing destinations is the Rose Hall Great House, located in Montego Bay.This historic mansion is known for its haunting tales and legends, making it a perfect setting for those seeking a spooky adventure.
Step into the gripping tale of Annie Palmer’s reign, the mistress of the cursed Rose Hall Great House. As the night falls, visitors can embark on ghost tours or explore the eerie corridors, hearing chilling stories about the infamous White Witch Annie Palmer of Rose Hall who turned the plantation into a harrowing realm of unspeakable horrors. With its dark history and mystery, Rose Hall provides an unforgettable Halloween experience that combines history, folklore, and a touch of the supernatural.
Jamaica itself is a fantastic destination for a Halloween getaway. If you’re looking to take a break from the spine-tingling Halloween activities at Rose Hall, look no further than the idyllic Doctor’s Cave Beach, a serene oasis just a short distance away. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand, Doctor’s Cave Beach offers the perfect escape from the eerie tales and spooky season festivities. Visitors can also enjoy Jamaica’s beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture which add an extra layer of excitement to the Halloween merriment. Immerse yourself in lively celebrations, street parties, and themed events that showcase the island’s artistic talents and vibrant spirit. Whether it’s attending a costume party, indulging in delicious Jamaican cuisine, or dancing the night away to pulsating rhythms, Jamaica offers a unique blend of spooky fun and tropical charm for Halloween celebrations.
For further information please visit https://www.visitjamaica.com/.

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ITB Asia 2023 – a Major Success With a 42% Growth in Attendance, Paving the Way for a Promising 2024

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In a defining moment for the global Travel & Tourism sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) initiated by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia today released the latest industry-shaping Environmental Impact Research data.
Last year, during the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, the two organizations launched the collaboration and unveiled the inaugural results including the sector’s accurate greenhouse gas emissions for the first time ever.
This represents the most comprehensive environmental data in Travel & Tourism’s history.
H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said:
“We welcome this joint report initiated by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, and WTTC, as an invaluable resource for decision makers around the world. It provides vital insights and unique impactful environmental research into how Travel & Tourism has both an influence on climate change and how it is affected by it. ADVERTISEMENT“Our research highlights the consistent decline of emissions intensity of Travel & Tourism over the last decade. Whilst the sector’s GDP growth averaged 4.3% annually, emissions only grew by 2.5% annually between 2010-2019 Still, the continued commitment to achieve net zero emissions for the Travel and Tourism sector has never been more important.
“We firmly believe Travel & Tourism is part of the solution and that is why Saudi Arabia has taken a leading role to accelerate and track this change to promote sustainability across the sector, protect nature and support communities.”
Today’s launch not only tells the sector’s direct impact, but also its supply chain impacts, both within national borders and those that are embedded in Travel & Tourism’s international supply chains.
The groundbreaking ER data covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
Building upon WTTC’s world-renowned Economic Impact Research, this initiative introduces individualized factsheets for each country and major global regions, and a dedicated microsite allowing users to explore the data in detail.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Today marks a pivotal moment for the global Travel & Tourism sector. Through this data, we are highlighting the sector’s multi-dimensional impact — economically, environmentally, and societally.
“We’re talking about a vision that sees beyond tourism and leans into its sustainable future. With this data, we are not just reflecting on where we are now, but actively charting our course for a future where the sector progressively reduces its environmental footprint and boosts its social impact.”
H.E. Gloria Guevara, Chief Special Advisor of the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said:
“There is no doubt that this joint report between the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s STGC and WTTC is a major milestone for the global Travel & Tourism sector. We are proud that Saudi Arabia has stepped up to become part of the solution. The STGC will unite the sector to accelerate the transition to a net-zero world, while protecting nature and supporting communities. Our mission is to be the leading global center for sustainable Travel & Tourism, delivering impact driven research, stakeholder-centric services, and tangible end-to-end solutions.”
“As an industry, we are responsible for 8.1% of all carbon emissions globally, rising on average 2.5% a year between 2010 and 2019. However, global Travel & Tourism’s GDP grew at an average of 4.3% per year, indicating the link between our sector’s growth and its carbon footprint has been loosened.
“Now for the first time we have the data which enables us to properly quantify the sector’s global emissions and identify and track which measures will work so we can map our journey towards a net zero future.”
Arnold Donald Chairman of WTTC said, “This first of its kind, in-depth report is a significant contribution to ensuring the inclusive, sustainable growth of the sector. Through its sponsorship, It’s yet another example of how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading in so many ways in advancing global Travel and Tourism.”
The data converges economic metrics with crucial issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and composition, freshwater use, air pollution and resource use as well as age, gender, and wage profiles of different employments, as well as harmonised indicators across a wide range of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The comprehensive data reveals the nexus between each dollar generated by Travel & Tourism in the economy and its consequential environmental and social impact.
Key highlights from the research include:
Environmental Impact (highlights):
·      The Travel & Tourism sector demonstrates an impressive trend of decoupling its environmental footprint from its GDP growth.·      Key achievements include reductions in the intensity of water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and material extraction.·      Travel & Tourism’s share of global energy consumption amounted to 10.6% in 2019·      The sector represented 0.9% of total global water consumption in 2019·      Travel & Tourism’s material footprint accounts for 5-8% of global material extraction ·      The report’s monitoring extends to pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and nitrogen oxides, among others.
Importantly, the data tracks the sector’s performance towards 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting its commitment to a more equitable and sustainable world.
The prime objective of this groundbreaking work is to elevate the accuracy and pertinence of sector-specific data, setting the trajectory for future initiatives and realigning with global sustainability milestones.
WTTC and STGC remain committed to cultivating cooperation and conversation among all industry stakeholders.
For detailed insights, comprehensive reports, or to delve deeper into the unveiled data, interested parties can visit https://researchhub.wttc.org/global-travel-footprint.

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Trip.com Group and Singapore Tourism Board Renew Three-Year Global Partnership

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(L-R) Mr Sun Bo, Chief Marketing Officer, Trip.com Group; Ms Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer, Trip.com Group; Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, STB; Ms Juliana Kua, Assistant Chief Executive, STB
Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider, and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Group’s Global Partner Summit – held at Resorts World Convention Centre – to renew their global partnership for three years.Under the MOU, both parties will expand their collaboration and embark on joint campaigns to boost inbound travel to Singapore and promote more in-depth and lesser-known tours and experiences in Singapore. In addition, Trip.com Group will also leverage its expertise and resources to promote Singapore’s MICE offerings and explore digital innovations that enhance visitors’ experience in Singapore.
Both parties will launch marketing campaigns in mainland China and other key markets including Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and Korea, and also promote the various offerings, experiences and activities in Singapore, including new products relating to wellness and sustainability. Trip.com Group will also customise new itineraries for specific groups of travellers, including families, with the objective of enhancing their experience in Singapore.
The MOU was signed by Ms Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer, Trip.com Group, and Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, STB.
Ms Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “The STB and Trip.com Group have forged a longstanding partnership since 2012. Moving forward, we endeavour to deepen our collaboration to elevate Singapore’s status as a leading destination for leisure and MICE travellers. Additionally, we will expand the scope of our partnership to include exchanges on digital solutions and innovation, and jointly develop more in-depth travel products to diversify our destination offerings.”
Said Ms Jane Sun, Chief Executive Officer, Trip.com Group: “Singapore has always been one of the most popular destinations for Chinese and other international tourists, and we have been collaborating with the STB to promote tourism and showcase the beauty of this beautiful country. Hosting our annual flagship Global Partner Summit – with its over 2,000 delegates – in Singapore earlier this week reflects our commitment to the local tourism sector and we will utilise our strengths, including content marketing, AI and innovation, to further strengthen Singapore’s position as a destination of choice.ADVERTISEMENTSince the resumption of China-outbound tourism in February, accompanied by the resumption of flight capacity, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Singapore has continuously increased, with particularly strong growth observed during the summer vacation period. Over the recent Golden Week holiday in China, Singapore was in the top five most popular international destinations for mainland Chinese travellers.

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Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, delivers keynote speech to partners at the Global Partner Summit
Leading travel service provider Trip.com Group held its Global Partner Summit in Singapore, inviting guests from across the travel industry, including accommodation, airline and destination marketing partners. More than 2,000 partners and media attended the event held at the Resorts World Singapore – Convention Centre.
James Liang, Co-Founder and Chairman of Trip.com Group, explained why travel is unique from a multifaceted perspective. “Psychologically, it fulfils a high level of need which is not easily saturated. In economic terms, it is a long-term, high-growth industry. At the social level, it promotes human understanding, enhances communication and brings peace and inclusiveness. Philosophically, tourism helps promote human innovation, thus pursuing the long-term prosperity of human civilisation.

“At Trip.com Group, we have made it our mission to provide the best travel experience possible. We will explore AI innovation, travel content marketing, and sustainable practices to enhance every aspect of the user experience while preserving our planet and community.”
As the tourism industry gradually recovers and grows, Trip.com Group has taken a significant step towards its “Local Focus, Global Vision” strategy by holding its Global Partner Conference abroad for the first time. This move signifies the ambitious outlook for the inbound and outbound tourism industry and reaffirms the company’s commitment to enhancing global partner growth.ADVERTISEMENTSpeaking at the conference, Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, recapped the vigorous recovery of its businesses and reflected on the potential for further growth. “Guided by our strategy, multi-dimensional innovations in content marketing and AI-driven products, we have strengthened the Group’s business, accelerating our recovery and bringing forward new growth drivers.
“Our approach continues to pay dividends, with the number of Trip.com bookings doubling this year compared to 2019 and the number of flight reservations for our EU partners increasing sevenfold.”
Notably, various businesses have achieved restorative growth, with domestic hotel reservation volumes increasing by an average of 60% among Trip.com Group partner hotels. The growth extended to global scenic attraction tickets and reservations on Trip.com. The domestic group tours sector also experienced an increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) with a 53.6% surge compared to the same period in 2019, highlighting the overall resurgence of the industry.
Trip.com Group’s innovative marketing strategies have led to a threefold increase in new customers and a 263% spike in product sales in the first three quarters of the year. They have been a catalyst for remarkable growth, such as a 54 times increase in new customers for air tickets. Diverse product offerings, including multi-scenic attractions tickets, as well as concert tickets with hotel packages, generated an astounding 188-fold increase in hotel reservations in recent months.
Dedicated to supporting and enhancing the communities it serves, Trip.com Group has taken significant steps to incorporate sustainable travel products into its various business lines, including flights, car rental, and corporate travel. Over 16 million people have chosen these sustainable travel options, favouring the company’s low-carbon products.
As part of its ongoing commitment to promote a sustainable travel industry, Trip.com Group launched its Low-Carbon Hotel standard initiative, which aims to encourage eco-friendly practices, and facilitate a shift towards a more sustainable travel ecosystem by collaborating with hotel partners. Trip.com Group has engaged with nearly 1,000 hotel partners in this transformative project.
With its global reach, diversified supply chain, and strengthened technological capabilities, Trip.com Group is distinctively positioned to bolster and promote regional and local destinations to eager travellers worldwide.
Bo Sun, CMO of Trip.com Group, said, “Trip.com Group continues to deepen strategic cooperation with our partners in Singapore, leveraging our position as a leading travel service provider to unlock new opportunities and expanding partner reach to our international customers.
“With our global supply chain, advanced and innovative technology, and extensive reach, we are uniquely positioned to showcase regional and local destinations to travellers worldwide, and help bring global travellers to Singapore.”
Data shows that travel-related products to Singapore have become increasingly popular in recent months. Resort World Singapore Group experienced an 85% QoQ increase in UV search for Q2; in Q3, there was another 33% increase. During the recent Golden Week holiday, Singapore hotel bookings increased by 370% compared to 2022.
Bo Sun expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support seen over the years, saying, “This is our first global partner summit held overseas, and we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Singapore Tourism Board and other stakeholders for their support and continued cooperation.
“Singapore is one of our top-ranked destinations among our customers and the International Headquarters of Trip.com. Going forward, we aim to enhance our partnerships, and attract more travellers for a unique experience in this beautiful country, whether for business, leisure, or bleisure trips. At the same time, we also look forward to welcoming Singaporean travellers to various destinations.”

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