Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

In a recent report published by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it has been unveiled that the count of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ventures within the tourism cluster surged by an impressive 23 percent. This remarkable increase is marked by a shift from 286 investments in 2021 to a substantial 352 investments in the year 2022.
The data presented in the report also highlights a significant surge in job creation within the tourism sector attributable to FDI. During this same timeframe, the estimated number of employment opportunities generated climbed by an equivalent 23 percent, reaching a remarkable figure of over 36,400 jobs, as per SchengenVisaInfo.com’s report.
Furthermore, the preceding year witnessed Western Europe emerging as the predominant destination region for tourism-related FDI projects, boasting a total of 143 declared investments, collectively valued at an impressive $2.2 billion.
The Asia-Pacific region also experienced a noteworthy uptick in announced FDI projects in 2022, showcasing a 2.4 percent growth rate, culminating in a total of 42 projects for the year.
Within the overarching tourism cluster, the hotel and tourism sector commanded a leading role, constituting nearly two-thirds of all projects spanning from 2018 to 2022. Furthermore, FDI endeavors in this sector underwent substantial expansion, manifesting a robust 25 percent increase from the preceding year.ADVERTISEMENTUNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili emphasized the imperative need for substantial investments in education and talent development. This includes upskilling the professional workforce and the implementation of vocational and technical programs. He stressed that, especially considering that only 50 percent of young individuals have completed secondary education, this approach is vital to ensure their success in the sector.
Jacopo Dettoni, the editor of FDI Intelligence, noted that FDI within the tourism sector is displaying signs of rejuvenation after facing near extinction during the pandemic years. He further emphasized that, with COVID-19 now behind us, the tourism industry must promptly address the most pressing challenge of our time: climate change and the vital call for sustainability.
UNWTO Executive Director Natalia Bayona added that UNWTO is placing heightened emphasis on innovation, education, and strategic investments as fundamental pillars to adapt to the ever-evolving market dynamics. She elaborated that UNWTO administers multiple initiatives aimed at providing the professional workforce with up-to-date skills through skills development and professional workforce programs. These initiatives, she stressed, foster high-quality job opportunities and lead to an increase in average wages across the entire tourism value chain.

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Scandic Unveils Intentions for the Launch of Two Additional Hotels in Helsinki

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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has announced construction is officially underway on the largest and most transformative project in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s 50-year history. The all-new Denny Sanford Elephant Valley will reimagine the heart of the Safari Park, turning the current elephant environment into a dynamic savanna and a place of exploration. Elephant Valley will give guests of all ages the opportunity to connect with elephants like never before, encouraging greater empathy, understanding, and appreciation of this majestic species—and igniting a passion for wildlife.
We are thrilled to announce Denny Sanford Elephant Valley—a first-of-its-kind immersive experience for visitors, to further connect the vital work happening here in San Diego to the collaborative elephant conservation initiatives we support in the field,” said Paul A. Baribault, president and chief executive officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Elephant Valley could not be achieved without the incredible community, donors, members and allies who support us and make all our conservation work possible with partners around the world.”
Surrounded by elephants on multiple sides, including from below via an overhead walkway with views of the herd passing through, guests will learn about the crucial role elephants have as ecosystem engineers, and about their intricate social dynamics. Elephant Valley will provide guests with new insight into the role San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance pursues as a leader in wildlife conservation. It will highlight the organization’s world-changing partners and celebrate the vibrant cultures and local communities where people and elephants coexist.
At the center of the guest experience in Elephant Valley is a two-story lodge, inspired by the destinations frequented by travelers while on safari in Africa. This gathering place will provide opportunities to learn from educators about the awe-inspiring wildlife of the region, while witnessing elephants wade in expansive watering holes. The rich plant life in Elephant Valley has been carefully curated by a team of expert horticulturists and arborists to authentically reflect the sights, sounds and smells of the African grasslands. The vast new habitat will provide enhanced experiences for the herd of elephants by introducing several innovative features that align with seasonal variations to closely replicate the African savanna year-round.
“As magnificent as elephants are, their future is equally fragile,” said Lisa Peterson, executive director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “We are honored to take millions of wildlife allies on a journey into the life of elephants, where they will learn about the positive impact everyone can have, and share in our hope for elephants worldwide. Elephant Valley will be a place where curiosity turns into discovery—where anyone from ages 1 to 100 will experience breathtaking moments of wonder in nature. Our hope is that the defining memories you make here stay with you for a lifetime.”ADVERTISEMENTThe effects of climate change, challenges to human-wildlife coexistence, habitat loss and poaching are taking a toll on elephant populations. African savanna elephants are currently listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Conserving African elephants has long been a top priority for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. The organization works closely with Save the Elephants, The Nature Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust, Kenya Wildlife Service and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya for conservation of elephants.  Scientific studies conducted in both Africa and with the elephant herds at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, provide a unique opportunity to increase the understanding of the species, and help develop additional conservation solutions. Increasing knowledge of the complexity of elephant social behaviors and the understanding of their overall health needs has given San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and its partners valuable insight into what successful conservation outcomes look like for elephants.
“Elephants across Africa are facing immense challenges, which require all of us to collaborate and find sustainable conservation solutions for elephants and people,” explained Nadine Lamberski, DVM, chief conservation and wildlife health officer, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We are eager to witness the impact Elephant Valley will have on our continued elephant conservation efforts globally.”
Elephant Valley is funded by thousands of generous donors and longtime San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supporter Denny Sanford. In addition to Elephant Valley, Sanford was the lead donor for Wildlife Explorers Basecamp at the San Diego Zoo, and for the educational television programing of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers, provided at hundreds of children’s hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses and other facilities across the globe. Elephant Valley is expected to be completed in 2025. For more information and to make a donation, visit sdzsafaripark.org/elephantvalley.

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Saudi Arabia‘s NEOM, in partnership with IMG Golf Course Services, will introduce an nine-hole beachfront golf course on the Sindalah island.
Appointed to oversee pre-opening, marketing, and management services for the Golf Club at Sindalah is IMG Golf Course Services.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 6,474-yard par 70 golf course will boast nine holes and 18 teeing points, accompanied by a 280-meter driving range and state-of-the-art golf practice suites featuring advanced ball tracking technology.
The course’s commitment to environmental and social responsibility is further emphasised as it aims for GEO certification.
In addition to golf, the onsite sports club will be managed by the IMG Golf Course Services team, offering a range of membership options for visitors.ADVERTISEMENTThe club will feature a deluxe gym, Olympic-size swimming pool, spa facilities, and various sports courts. The Sindalah Golf Academy will complement these offerings with its cutting-edge performance studios, providing the latest in golf-learning technology.
Sindalah island, positioned as a luxurious gateway to the Red Sea, is set to revolutionise the concept of upscale island travel.“Sindalah will be the first physical showcase of NEOM to open to the world and will become a new and exotic golfing destination like no other. We are proud to be working with IMG Golf Course Services to bring this premium course from the mind of Robert Trent Jones Jr to reality at Sindalah,” Antoni Vives, Chief Urban Development and Islands Officer at NEOM said.
“We are delighted to partner with NEOM and Sindalah Island and welcome them proudly to our growing portfolio of world-class clubs and resorts across the globe. Their vision for this stunning new destination makes it exactly the sort of project which will benefit from IMG’s international experience and resources,” Russell Hannah, Vice President of IMG Golf Course Services added.
Sindalah explainedSindalah will offer 413 ultra-premium hotel rooms, in addition to 333 top-end serviced apartments. There will also be 51 luxury retail outlets.
It is set to open by 2024.
When Sindalah was unveiled, HRH Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the NEOM Company Board of Directors, said: “This is another significant moment for NEOM and a major step in the Kingdom realising its tourism ambitions under Vision 2030. Sindalah will be NEOM’s first luxury island and yacht club destination in the Red Sea, providing a scenic gateway to the Red Sea that will become the region’s most exciting and attractive tourism location. It will be a destination where travellers can experience the true beauty of NEOM and Saudi Arabia, above and below the water, making Sindalah the future of luxury travel.”
In terms of yachting, there will be an 86-berth marina, 75 offshore buoys to house superyachts; and a myriad of experiences including snorkelling, kayaking and scuba diving.

The 840,000 sq m island will boast 38 restaurants, including nine premium casual names and nine fine dining restaurants. Set to become the giga-projects yachting hub, there are also plans for offshore yacht F&B programming.

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The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, launched today a new advertising campaign platform called ‘Travel Oregon with Travel Oregon’ that promotes the idea that the best way to experience Oregon is with an Oregonian—a guide, a podcast host with in-the-know recommendations or perhaps even a state park ranger with knowledge of Oregon’s dark skies.The campaign will allow Travel Oregon to drive more personal connections between visitors and the state’s people, cultures and must-see, but less-traveled, destinations while making Oregon feel welcoming to all.
“The Travel Oregon with Travel Oregon campaign celebrates the fact that Oregon is best experienced with a guide,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “There’s so much to do and see here, so many incredible destinations and activities, that it can be hard to scratch the surface. Guides take visitors deeper, offering closer connections to welcoming, inclusive and immersive travel experiences.”

Developed by creative agency Wieden+Kennedy Portland, the campaign centers on Travel Oregon’s newest team members—guides who are definitely not inanimate objects, but real Oregonians. Each guide brings their own expertise and all are united by their eagerness to connect a diversity of travelers with Oregon’s wide variety of activities and local guides. The strategy behind the campaign was based on consumer research by Wieden+Kennedy that found that while there is an overall positive association with the state, there isn’t a deep knowledge of what there is to do in Oregon or how to do it. ‘Travel Oregon with Travel Oregon’ addresses the need to broaden the aperture of Oregon to make the state attractive and relevant to new audiences and subcultures who may not have felt confident that Oregon was accessible to them in the past.
ADVERTISEMENTThe campaign ecosystem will allow the agency to shift between seasonal messages such as promoting responsible recreation or wildfire awareness in the summer and promoting niche tourism experiences in rural destinations during less-traveled seasons. This evolution in strategy marks a shift in how Travel Oregon markets the state to visitors, moving away from launching one-off campaigns and into an “always on” mode of marketing and communications that directly supports the agency’s 10-Year Strategic Vision.

The initial launch of the campaign will focus on broad-reaching channels to build excitement and drive the notion that it’s always good to go with a guide. This includes placements of a :30 second campaign anthem in the World Cup and NFL games, stunning outdoor advertisements across top West Coast markets and engaging video and custom content across a variety of trusted channels and media partners such as Hulu, Peacock and YouTube as well as popular social platforms.

“I am incredibly proud of this team and excited to be part of this campaign,” said SustainaBill, Travel Oregon’s resident expert in sustainable travel. “It’s given me an opportunity to celebrate the things that are most important to me–the state of Oregon and sustainable practices. Creation of this campaign was incredibly straightforward and there wasn’t anything unexpected about it at all. We just traveled around the state and got to do what we do best: welcome people to Oregon.”

Meet Travel Oregon’s new guides:

SustainaBill, our resident expert in all things sustainable travel.
Boots, whose knowledge of Oregon’s greenways and trails is second to none.
Kayakyak, the perfect companion for whatever water recreation you want to get into.
Dark Sky, who’ll point out all of Oregon’s stargazing and cosmic events.
Telephone Paul, the guy to ask when it comes to live events, festivals or concerts.
Rosa, who’s always in the know on the latest seasonal trends for wine, food, or music.

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If you look up from Quito city centre, you will be able to catch a glimpse of one of the biggest statues in the world: The Virgin of El Panecillo. Also known as the Virgin of Quito, it measures 41 metres from base to tip and rests atop the loaf-shaped hill at the heart of the city (hence its name, with panecillo meaning “bread roll” in Spanish) and can be seen from just about any point in the city.
The Virgin of El Panecillo serves as both a cultural and religious figure for Quito, a constant reminder of the city’s faith and religious nature. As well as being one of the top symbols of Ecuador’s capital city, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, making it one of its most-visited landmarks.
Together with the Church of the Company of Jesus, the Basilica of the National Vow, the TelefériQo cable car, La Ronda neighbourhood, the Middle of the World City and Itchimbía Park, it makes up the Seven Wonders of Quito, a collection of must-sees for anyone who visits the Capital of the Centre of the World.The statue of the Virgin is made from 7,400 numbered pieces of platinum, aluminium and other metals which were all put together like a giant puzzle.  Measuring 30 metres tall, the stone and reinforced concrete base adds another 11 metres to its overall height. Its total stature of 41 metres makes it the tallest aluminium statue in the world, even taller than the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
The base comprises 18 columns representing Ecuador’s provinces at the start of the 1970s, when construction began. At the top of the base is a 180º viewpoint offering unrivalled panoramic views of the city of Quito. The base is crowned with a globe and a snake, which allude to the original sin, from which the Virgin rises up.
The sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary as portrayed in the Book of Revelation – the Woman of the Apocalypse – a woman with wings and a chain shackling the snake. Finally, she wears a crown comprising 12 stars, which symbolise the 12 apostles. This statue is based on the Virgin of Quito, a 17th-century wooden sculpture made by Bernardo de Legarda, one of the finest artists of the Quito school.ADVERTISEMENTSince its inauguration on 28 March 1975, the Virgin of El Panecillo has attracted visitors from far and wide, amazing people with its imposing structure and the impressive vistas from its viewpoint, offering a unique perspective of the city. For the residents of Quito, it is a symbol of identity and local pride, turning it into a truly authentic landmark that is greatly valued.

Quito, the Capital at the Middle of the World, is the closest city to the sun and the only place where it is possible to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. This city, declared the First Cultural Heritage of Humanity thanks to its Historic centre, mixes the pre-Hispanic, colonial, traditional and modern.Quito is also a place for adventure. This equatorial city is the start of the Avenue of Volcanoes, or you can visit the Andean Chocó, home to the spectacled bear and thousands of bird species.It is also the gateway to the four worlds of Ecuador: Galapagos, Pacific Coast, Andes and Amazon. Quito has a unique cuisine that fuses ancestral knowledge and flavours with avant-garde proposals that conquer the palates of those who try it.https://visitquito.ec/

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The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals Germany’s Travel & Tourism sector is recovering at pace to recover to within 95% of pre-pandemic levels.The sector is set to contribute €355BN to the national economy this year, getting to within 95% of the 2019 highpoint, and representing 9.3% of the economy. WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create more than 168,000 jobs this year, recovering most of the jobs lost due to the COVID 19 pandemic to reach 5.6MN.
A look back on last year
Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew by 43.4% to reach more than €338BN, representing 8.8% of the economy, edging closer to the 2019 high of €374BN.
Last year the sector also created 550,000 more jobs from the previous year to reach 5.4MN jobs nationally – one in eight jobs across Germany.The sector has now recovered over 50% of the 1MN jobs lost during the pandemic.
Last year also saw the return of international travellers heading to Germany with spending from overseas visitors growing 61% to reach almost €31BN.ADVERTISEMENTDomestic visitor spend is within touching distance of the pre-pandemic level of €307.8BN and is currently €304.4BN, a year-on-year increase of 49%.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector in Germany is making a strong recovery. It will contribute €355BN to the German economy this year and employ one in eight jobs across the country.
“Germany is forecast to remain the fifth most popular tourism destination in Europe over the next decade, demonstrating its enduring appeal.”
What does the next decade look like?
The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to more than €440BN by 2033, 10.3% of the overall economy and will employ almost 6.1MN people across the country, with one in seven Germans working in the sector.
Europe
In 2022, the European Travel & Tourism sector contributed €1.9TN to the regional economy, just 7% below the 2019 peak. WTTC forecasts the region’s GDP contribution from the sector will reach more than €2TN in 2023 – within touching distance of the 2019 highpoint.
The sector employed almost 35MN people across the region in 2022, an increase of 2.9MN from the previous year but still 3.2MN behind pre-pandemic levels. WTTC forecasts the sector will fully recover the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of 2024.

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Underground Donut Tour Launches in Victoria

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Today, the Underground Donut Tour, the World’s Best Donut Tour, is launching their next tour in Victoria, British Columbia. The Underground Donut Tour has been running for 8 years across the US, Canada, Ireland, and the UK, including Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City, Portland, Seattle, Boston, Nashville, New Orleans, Miami, London, Dublin, Toronto, Vancouver and now adding Victoria to our roster. Hosting thousands of guests from around the world and showcasing the best doughnuts each city has to offer.
“Victoria is such a beautiful city with so much to see and do. From gorgeous architecture to the focus on sustainable living, indigenous culture, and finally an incredible food scene. We have some absolutely delicious donuts lined up for this tour. We can’t wait for our guests to come and check them out,” said Jeff Woelker, founder of the Underground Donut Tour.
What Can Customers ExpectWalking between 4 of the best doughnut shops in Victoria – we share the history of each location, along with many local sights, sounds, and tastes of the area. Our tour primarily takes place around downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour, the Market Square, and Chinatown.
“We’re so excited to get this tour started. Everyone we’ve spoken with is so excited to take part and we can’t wait to share the rich history, culture, and stories with our guests. And not to mention, the donuts are absolutely delicious,” said Sage Schmied, Victoria’s city manager for the Underground Donut Tour.
When Do Tours RunTours will start on Friday, August 11th, and run year-round. Tours run numerous times a day and days of the week, so check our website for the latest schedule. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, so don’t miss out.ADVERTISEMENTHow Can Customers Book TicketsTickets are 73 CAD for adults and 60 CAD for kids 10 and under. Tickets can be booked at www.undergrounddonuttour.com today.

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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF YOSEMITE FACELIFT

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Yosemite National Park’s annual park-wide cleanup event, Yosemite Facelift, is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary this September, with significantly expanded programming and partnerships.
Yosemite gateway partner Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is taking this voluntourism experience to new heights by offering their Facelift guests the opportunity to trade trash for Spa services! Between September 4th and October 5th, 2023, lodge guests participating in Facelift will receive a complimentary detox spa experience which includes a magnesium foot soak at Rush Creek Spa.Founded in 2003 by Ken Yager, President of the Yosemite Climbing Association, Yosemite Facelift has grown into a transformative week-long event, bringing together volunteers from around the world to contribute to the preservation of this cherished national treasure. Yosemite Facelift was conceived as a way for climbers to give back to Yosemite after each bustling summer tourist and climbing season, instilling a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility among participants.
The 20th anniversary event is set to take place in Yosemite Valley on September 20th to 24th, 2023, with volunteer opportunities from as little as an hour to larger multi-day projects, plus daily giveaways, guest speakers, music and celebrations. This initiative has inspired similar cleanups in over 20 additional locations across America, including the 2nd annual Groveland Facelift September 9th and 10th, 2023. To participate in any Facelift event, interested individuals must pre-register at yosemiteclimbing.org.
Facelift volunteers staying at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa will end their day not only satisfied with their stewardship efforts, but also with the invitation to head to the innovative Yosemite-inspired Spa for some luxurious pampering. Rush Creek Spa’s Wellness team will treat guests to a complimentary Detox Experience that includes a magnesium foot soak in the Spa’s heated outdoor lounge and access to day use amenities such as the Granite Waterfall Mineral Hot Tub, Warm Waterfall Coves, Aromatherapy Steam Room and more.. To book this exclusive wellness treatment, guests can call the Wellness Team at (209) 379-2425.
Over the years, Yosemite Facelift has witnessed remarkable success in its efforts to keep the park free from litter and waste. During the event’s 16th year in 2019, nearly 3,000 dedicated volunteers participated, resulting in the collection of nearly 16,000 pounds of trash, a significant portion of which was recycled to keep it out of landfills. To date, the cumulative efforts of Yosemite Facelift have led to the removal of an impressive 1 million pounds of trash from Yosemite National Park, making a substantial positive impact on the environment.ADVERTISEMENTKen Yager, the visionary behind Yosemite Facelift, is dedicated to expanding cleanup initiatives to other national parks as well. Collaborating with the National Park Service and sponsors such as The North Face, 5 Gyres, Patagonia, and Leave No Trace, Yager launched similar cleanups in South Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Rocky Mountain, Joshua Tree, and others. He hopes that Yosemite Facelift will serve as an inspiration for communities to engage in environmental stewardship not only in parks but also in their local surroundings, as they did in San Francisco’s Glen Park earlier this year.
Yosemite Facelift remains committed to preserving the natural splendor of Yosemite National Park and encourages everyone to join this noble cause, and Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is honored and eager to support its participants. By fostering a spirit of camaraderie and fun while cleaning up the environment, Yosemite Facelift continues to inspire a worldwide community of volunteers dedicated to preserving our precious natural heritage.
For more information and to participate in Yosemite Facelift, please visit yosemiteclimbing.org. To book the exclusive wellness treatment at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, participants can call the Wellness Team at (209) 379-2425.

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