Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

At the 66th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Africa, Member States joined representatives from international organizations and the private sector to focus on opportunities around tourism jobs and investments while also recognizing the vital need to address challenges including the climate crisis.
According to the latest UNWTO data, tourism across Africa is returning to strength following the unprecedented crisis caused by the pandemic:
International arrivals across Africa were back to 88% of pre-pandemic levels at the end of the first quarter of this year.At the sub-regional level, North Africa is performing particularly strongly. Here, arrivals were actually 4% higher than the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 in the same period.Globally international tourism receipts reached USD 1 billion in 2022, a 50% growth in real terms compared to 2021. Among African destinations with available data, Morocco and Mauritius notably exceeded their 2019 tourism receipts in the first quarter of 2023.Welcoming delegates, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “The UNWTO Agenda for Africa has been adapted. Our vision for African tourism is also one of strong governance, more education and more and better jobs. To achieve it, we aim to promote innovation, advocate for Brand Africa, facilitate travel, and unlock growth through investment and public-private partnerships.
Members meet in MauritiusUNWTO welcomed delegations from 33 countries, including 22 Ministers of Tourism, two Deputy Ministers and four Ambassadors to the meeting, the most important annual event for the region’s Member States.
Reflecting the high level of political support for the event, and for UNWTO’s mission to guide tourism development across Africa, the meeting welcomed the attendance of the Prime Minister Republic of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, as well as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Republic of Mauritius, and Vice-Chair of the UNWTO Executive Council Steven Obeegadoo. Also in attendance were the African Union Commissioner for Trade and Development, Albert Muchanga, the Secretary-General of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, the Secretary-General of the Commonweath, Patricia Scotland KC, Special Advisor to the UNWTO Secretary-General Lai Mohammed, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles Lisa S. Singh, the Resident Representative of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Amanda Seumaga, and representatives from the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and from IFEMA and the Tui Care Foundation.ADVERTISEMENTMembers were provided with an overview of UNWTO’s achievements over the past year, with a particular focus on core priorities for tourism in Africa:
Tourism Investments: UNWTO presented a new set of Investment Guidelines for Mauritius, designed to connected investors with tourism projects in the country. The Guidelines follow on from similar publications focused on Tanzania, with editions for Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda and Zambia in development. UNWTO has also held two Tourism Investment Forums in Africa.Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment: With tourism recognized for its unique ability to drive gender equality and empower African youth, Members were advised on the progress of the UNWTO Women in Tourism Leadership for Africa Committee, and the Organization’s focus on education and training. Key achievements include the Travel Hospitality and Tourism Education Summit (Zambia, May 2023) and plans to open an International Academy in Nigeria.Advocating for ‘Brand Africa’: Members were provided with an update on UNWTO’s work to empower African tourism professionals to take charge of the narrative, including through two editions of the Brand Africa Think Tank Dialogue and plans for a UNWTO Media Training Workshop.In close collaboration with its Member States from across the region, UNWTO has also updated its Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth. The revised roadmap reflects the new challenges of post-pandemic tourism and the priorities outlined by Members.
Tourism addresses climate actionUNWTO continues to lead tourism’s shift to greater sustainability, recognizing the impact of extreme weather events, including the potential for heat waves to cut off the lifeline the sector offers for destinations worldwide. In Mauritius, Members were given an update of UNWTO’s work around sustainability, most notably its leadership of the One Planet Tourism Network and the progress of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.
Tourism for rural developmentAgainst the backdrop of the Regional Commission meeting, Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili enjoyed an official visit to Le Morne, recognized by UNWTO as one of its Best Tourism Villages. The Mauritian village of Old Grand Port was also awarded the accolade.

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Speaking at a panel session at the Hyatt Regency Pravets Resort in Bulgaria, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) President & CEO Julia Simpson revealed that the WTTC 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today forecasts that 10% of the Bulgarian economy will come from Travel & Tourism by 2033.WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will support 364,000 jobs across the country over the same period.
Reflections on this year
The research also reveals Bulgaria’s Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to reach more than 75% of the 2019 peak this year.
The sector is set to grow more than 14% this year and contribute BGN 11.4BN to the economy, edging closer to the 2019 pre-pandemic high of BGN 14.8BN.
WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create 17,500 jobs this year, to reach more than 287,000 in total, with one in twelve workers across Bulgaria, in the Travel & Tourism sector.ADVERTISEMENTA look back on last year
Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew by 25% to reach BGN 10 BN, representing 6.5% of Bulgaria’s economy, edging closer to the 2019 high of 9.9% of the economy.
Last year the sector also created almost 18,000 more jobs from the previous year to reach 270,000 jobs – one in 13 across Bulgaria.
According to the global tourism body’s annual research, the sector has now recovered a third of the jobs lost during the pandemic.
Last year also saw the return of international travellers heading to Bulgaria with spending from foreign visitors growing 31% year on year, to reach almost BGN 6.5BN.
Domestic visitor spend almost fully recovered in 2022, growing 21% to reach BGN 1.3BN, less than 5% below the pre-pandemic high of BGN 1.4BN.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Bulgaria’s Travel & Tourism sector has shown remarkable resilience in recovering from the pandemic’s challenges, despite ongoing regional conflicts. The country’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment has not only supported its own recovery but also contributed to the sector in the region overall.
“Bulgaria’s coastal destinations, like Sunny Beach, have been experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting an increasing number of visitors seeking new destinations. The country’s natural beauty extends beyond its stunning beaches with its picturesque mountains offering excellent opportunities for skiing and other winter sports.”
For more information, please visit wttc.org

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Effective 15 August 2023, UK passport holders will be able to enter Vietnam without a visa for up to 45 days, a threefold increase on the previous limit of 15 days.
Brits staying longer can also apply for an e-visa through the online portal and stay for up to 90 days, up from the previous maximum of 30 days. Additionally, the extended e-visa will now be valid for multiple entries, instead of single entry.
A Vietnam Airlines spokesperson said, “The upcoming changes in visa-free travel and e-visas will significantly enhance the flexibility of travel for British visitors to Vietnam and other countries in the diverse region of Southeast Asia.  Multi-destination British travellers will be able to enter Vietnam, travel on to other nations, and return if they miss our beautiful country. Vietnam Airlines will be with them every step of the way with our non-stop services from London Heathrow to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as our extensive network of direct connections to other major cities within Vietnam, Asia, and Australia.”
National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines currently operates five nonstop Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights per week from Heathrow T4 to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, rising to daily services from 29 October 2023. With SkyTrax 4-star rated service across three cabin classes, the flights are carefully scheduled to offer convenient overnight journeys in both directions. Vietnam Airlines also offers excellent connections domestically within Vietnam, to Indochina, and to over 30 destinations in Asia and Australia.
ADVERTISEMENTReturn fares from Heathrow to Ho Chi Minh City currently start from £751 per person, inclusive of taxes. For further information and reservations visit www.vietnamairlines.com or speak to a travel agent.

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Italy, a country renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes is also becoming a very popular destination for golfing holidays, due to its mild climate, making it possible to play golf all year round.
Italy is also home to some of the best golf courses, including some courses being designed by famous names such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Robert Trent Jones.
Most of the golf courses in Italy are set in impressive scenery and the major courses are within easy reach of major cities, providing travellers with the best of both worlds – golf and rich culture – which is perfect for days off the golf course. The green fee prices are very acceptable when compared to other European golfing destinations and the courses are less crowded, allowing travellers to have the full golfing experience, without time restraints on the course.
Maria Elena Rossi, Director of Global Marketing and Promotion, ENIT, says: “Over the last few years, we have seen a huge increase in travellers choosing to come to Italy to play golf, this is down to the country having over 250 courses, some of which that have been designed by renowned golf players and being able to offer travellers a mixture of fine cuisine, wines, history, culture and beaches. Italy is hosting the Ryder Cup this year, which we hope will showcase Italy as being a key location for golf players in Europe, as well as further boosting the Italian tourism and the golf tourism sector.”
Italy is proving to be a popular destination for golf and this is shown by the Ryder Cup 2023 being hosted in Rome, Italy. This prestigious biennial event will start on Friday, 29th September with the final day on Sunday 1st October. The historic occasion marks the first time Italy has been chosen to host the Ryder Cup, making it an exceptional destination for golf enthusiasts and travellers alike.ADVERTISEMENTItaly has a rich connection with golf, with the country being home to over 250 world-class courses.
See the below best golf hotspots in Italy:
The Marco Simone Golf and Country Club
Located in the captivating region of Guidonia Montecelio, just outside Rome, The Marco Simone Golf and Country Club will serve as the host venue for the 44th Ryder Cup. The place is no stranger to hosting prestigious golf events. Having previously hosted the Italian Open, this stunning 27-hole championship course has captured the hearts of players and spectators. With its meticulously designed fairways, challenging greens and breath-taking views, The Marco Simone Golf and Country Club provides the perfect setting for this esteemed golfing spectacle. Beyond golf, guests can indulge in the club’s spa and wellness centre, or simply relax by the pool and enjoy the serene surroundings. The Marco Simone Golf and Country Club provides a perfect blend of sporting excellence, luxurious comforts, and natural beauty, making it an exceptional destination for both golf aficionados and those seeking a tranquil retreat.
Arzaga Golf
Arzaga Golf, situated in the breathtaking Lombardy region of Italy, is a captivating destination that harmonises natural beauty with exceptional golfing facilities. This prestigious golf resort features two championship courses designed by renowned golf architects Jack Nicklaus II and Gary Player. Nestled amidst rolling hills, picturesque lakes, and lush greenery, Arzaga Golf provides a serene and scenic backdrop for players to enjoy their rounds. The resort’s amenities extend beyond golf, with luxurious accommodations, a spa, a fitness centre and gourmet dining options that highlight the finest Italian cuisine. Whether it’s a competitive game or a leisurely outing, Arzaga Golf ensures an unforgettable golfing retreat in the heart of Lombardy.
Castello di Spessa Golf & Country Resort
Nestled amidst the enchanting landscape of Friuli Venezia Giulia in northeastern Italy, Castello di Spessa Golf & Country Club is a captivating retreat that seamlessly blends history, natural beauty and world-class golfing. This exclusive destination showcases a magnificent 13th-century castle, exuding an air of timeless elegance and charm. Surrounded by lush vineyards and rolling hills, the estate offers a serene and picturesque setting for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The meticulously designed 18-hole golf course, crafted by renowned architect Michael Hurdzan, challenges players with its strategic layout and breathtaking vistas. After a round of golf, guests can indulge in the region’s culinary delights at the club’s exquisite restaurant, which showcases local produce and traditional Italian flavours.
Golf Club Biella Le Betulle
Golf Club Biella Le Betulle, situated in the enchanting Piedmont region, seamlessly merges stunning natural surroundings with top-notch golfing facilities. With the awe-inspiring Biella Alps as its backdrop, this prestigious club provides golf enthusiasts with an unparalleled experience amidst picturesque rolling hills, lush foliage and sweeping vistas. The carefully crafted 18-hole course, designed by the renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Sr., presents players with strategic challenges and breathtaking landscapes. Following a fulfilling round of golf, visitors can unwind and indulge in the delectable local cuisine and regional specialties at the club’s restaurant.
Verona Golf Club
Verona Golf Club, located in the beautiful city of Verona, offers a remarkable golfing experience in a captivating setting. Surrounded by the rolling hills and vineyards of the Valpolicella wine region, this 18-hole course provides a serene and picturesque backdrop for golf enthusiasts. Designed by famous architect Jack Nicklaus II, the course boasts strategic layouts, challenging fairways and immaculate greens, catering to players of all skill levels. Beyond golf, Verona Golf Club also offers excellent facilities, including a driving range, a pro shop and a clubhouse with a welcoming atmosphere. With its combination of scenic beauty, exceptional golfing facilities and warm hospitality, Verona Golf Club is an ideal destination for both locals and visitors seeking a memorable golfing experience in Verona.
Bologna Golf Club
Bologna Golf Club, a classic Italian 18-hole course designed by Cotton & Harris and established in 1959, is a picturesque retreat nestled amidst breathtaking rolling countryside. Boasting magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding hills and plains, the club offers a constantly updated layout that has hosted prestigious events like the Italian Amateur Championships and top-level professional competitions. The elegant clubhouse seamlessly blends with the natural landscape and provides an ideal setting to savour the refined cuisine of the club’s restaurant, which has earned a spot among Italy’s top ten club restaurants. Additional amenities include a splendid summer swimming pool open from June to mid-September. A golf school, pro shop, bar, and restaurant complete the offerings.
With its snow-capped Alpine mountains, historic Roman ruins and alluring Mediterranean islands, Italy invites golfers to plan their golf journey and indulge in the full splendour of this captivating country.

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Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/ Visit Maldives)  is excited to announce a joint marketing campaign with TravelBag (DNATA UK), one of the world’s leading air and travel service providers.
This strategic collaboration aims to promote the Maldives as the ultimate holiday destination, targeting B2C audiences in the United Kingdom.
Running from May 2023 to April 2024, the joint marketing campaign will leverage online, social media, and print channels to reach over 2.5 million individuals. The Maldives is a well-known destination for tourists from the UK. Accordingly, the overall aim of the campaign is to reach a large audience, inspire them to choose the Maldives over destinations, and maintain the Maldives as a key holiday destination for the UK market.
TravelBag has over 40+ years of experience and a reputation for creating tailor-made holidays for every budget. TravelBag’s retail shops, staffed by dedicated travel specialists with global experience, cater to a discerning audience, 95% of whom prefer offline bookings via retail stores and call centres.
In 2022, TravelBag was one of the top sellers for the destination. Building on this success, the joint marketing campaign aims to drive incremental growth in bookings and revenue for the Maldives. This campaign will focus on advertising and promoting individual products and unique experiences, aligning with the UK market strategies. It will highlight the diverse offerings of the Maldives, including luxury resorts, liveaboards, diving, family holidays, and experiences related to nature, conservation, and the pristine Maldivian environment. Ultimately, the campaign aims to show the Maldives as the most ideal holiday destination owing to these diverse products, experiences and segments.ADVERTISEMENTAs the third-highest arrival market to the Maldives, the UK has recorded consistent growth, even during challenging times. In 2022, the UK market witnessed a remarkable 185.6% increase in arrivals, reaching a total of 179,309. This growth trend underscores the significance of the UK market to the Maldives tourism industry.

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This summer, discover Geneva’s rich history and dynamic homegrown wine offering with Geneva Tourism’s latest ‘Heritage and Wine’ package. Designed to strike the balance between wine tasting and exploring the city’s rich cultural history, the package combines interactive fun, and multi-sensory elements, to engage both wine lovers and culture vultures alike!
A leader in homegrown viniculture, Geneva is home to many exquisite vineyards which are all set against the backdrop of the Swiss Alps. Providing the perfect introduction to the world of oenology, Geneva Tourism’s ‘Heritage and Wine’ package includes four tastings of four different local grape varieties from across some of the city’s leading vineyards.
With a guided tour through Geneva’s old town, visitors can dive deeper into Geneva’s rich history throughout the Protestant Reformation period – which can be traced back to the 16th century – while discovering a number of key cultural landmarks throughout the city.
Available to purchase from £390pp, on the Geneva Tourism website, the ‘Heritage and Wine’ tour lasts 2.5hours and is perfect for those looking for a unique way to explore Europe’s leading city break destination.
The Heritage and Wine package can be reserved by visiting: https://www.geneve.com/en/attractions/guided-tour-heritage-and-wine-in-geneva#/ADVERTISEMENT

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Following the success of this year’s Tour de France, heads are turning to next year. 2024 will mark the 111th edition of the iconic bicycle race, and moreover, will be making tracks through the breath-taking region of Emilia Romagna for the Grand Départ, seeing it land on Italian soil for the first-time ever.
Following kick off in Florence on 29 June 2024, cyclists will enter Emilia Romagna, passing through key check points in the region including Bologna, Rimini, Cesenatico and Plaisance.
Globally recognised as a peerless cycling destination, Emilia Romagna will soon be able to label itself as an official Tour de France destination, adding to its enviable list of cycling credentials: from the Giro d’Italia to the Nove Colli di Cesenatico, to name a few. To get travellers in the mood ahead of the great race next year, here are five cycling experiences to try when visiting Emilia Romagna.
Ciclovia del Santerno – All levelsCiclovia del Santerno, located in the Imola area, is a route that connects Mordano and Castel del Rio, suited for cyclists of all levels. The route carves through the stunning scenery of the Santerno River Valley – an ancient land that preserves the traditions of the past and an enchanting nature in pristine condition. This 44-km cycle path begins in the vines of Mordano and reaches the centuries-old chestnut groves of Castel del Rio, crossing the park created in a chalk vein area called “Parco della Vena del Gesso Romagnola”. Highlights of this route include crossing the stone pillar bridges that arch over the river (cyclists need to disembark and wheel their bikes here), or visiting the church of “San Prospero Vescovo”.
ADVERTISEMENTVia della Lana e della Seta MTB – Experienced cyclistsFor an unmissable alpine route, cyclists should test out the Via della Lana e della Seta, otherwise known as the wool and silk route. This 130-km route caters to experienced cyclists only, connecting the cities of Bologna and Prato, which have grown over the centuries, owed to their optimal management of water. From Bologna, known as the city of the sluice and canals, which has been the silk capital for centuries, to Prato, the city of the Cavalciotto, a primary wool and silk district; both established destinations with an important history cemented in the manufacturing industry. Sandwiched between each city, cyclists will pass through quaint villages and valleys that tell the history and culture of the territory; divided into three stages of about 40 kilometres each, it is a route immersed in the beauty of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. 
https://extrabo.com/itinerary/via-della-lana-e-della-seta-mtb/
Romagna Toscana Cycling Route – MediumThe Romagna Toscana Cycling Route is a 126-km long path that connects the towns of Bagno di Romagna and Castrocaro Terme/Terra del Sole, renowned for their thermal hot springs. The route winds through low traffic asphalt roads and gravel paths, woodlands and hills, and explorers keen to go off-piste should consider tracking down a hot-spring. The Romagna Toscana Cycling Route is also linked to other cycling routes and walking paths that reach different parts of Italy and Europe.
https://emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en/sport/cycling/romagna-toscana-cycling-route
Ciclovia sulle tracce degli Etruschi – Mountain bikeCiclovia sulle tracce degli Etruschi cuts through the Footsteps of the Etruscans. This mountain bike trail combines the natural and historical beauty of the area with the traces left by the ancient Etruscan people. This special route weaves through areas of both environmental and historical interest, including parks and nature reserves in eastern Emilia Romagna. Travelling between the Comacchio Valleys and the ancient port of Spina, ending in Piombino (Populonia), it crosses the Adriatic coast and the Po Delta Park towards the city of Bologna and it’s Apennines in between. A route rich in variation, cyclists can gaze at the grand villas of Bolognese aristocratic families when passing through Bologna, or soak up the scenery of the Montovolo (a sacred mountain), and the Parco dei Laghi Suviana e Brasimone lake park.
https://extrabo.com/itinerary/ciclovia-sulle-tracce-degli-etruschi/
Dante’s Cycle Path – Experienced cyclistsLast but not least, Dante’s Cycle Path is a fascinating yet lengthy itinerary stretching from Emilia Romagna and travelling into Tuscany, featuring Ravenna the birth and death place of the Supreme Poet, Dante. Between picturesque villages and breath-taking views, the route touches some of the most significant places of Dante’s narration merging art, history, nature and literature. The Emilia Romagna section of the route is about 252.6 km in total, making it quite the challenge, but softened with stunning, rolling scenery. Cyclists should stop at the likes of Brisighella, Portico di Romagna and San Benedetto in Alpe when in Emilia Romagna, all set in a delightful stretch of country threaded by rivers, dotted with waterfalls offering a blissfully refreshing summer dip.
https://emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en/sport/cycling/dante-ciclovia-cycle-path
For further information on Emilia Romagna, please visit www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en

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Leading online Travel Agent Opodo’s latest poll of 10,000 respondents across international markets* – 2,000 from the UK – reveals traveller motivation for getting out of our comfort zones, what that means when it comes to holidays, and how the benefits are felt.
The majority of respondents associate a trip outside of comfort zone with a holiday where they need to learn survival techniques (21%) followed by 20% who see it instead as an improvised trip – without prior organisation.  16% of respondents perceive solo travelling to be an ‘out of comfort zone activity’
24% of UK respondents report they have already travelled to a destination out of their comfort zone and of those the younger age groups are the most experienced – 52% of 18-24 year-olds compared to just 19% of those aged 55-64
20% of UK travellers report that they have not tried this type of travel yet, but are planning to step outside what they ordinarily feel comfortable with – choosing to travel to a place that does not make them feel secure and in control
30% of the respondents to Opodo’s poll see clear benefits in this type of travel, believing that this involves positive challenges.14% believe this will help them to learn another / different way of living and 14% believe they will learn about themselves during the tripADVERTISEMENT
Within the UK it is interesting to note that Londoners are most likely to have travelled outside their comfort zones (36%) compared to just 16% of respondents from Yorkshire and the Humber
Globally Spanish respondents are most keen to explore an out of comfort zone travel (37%) followed by 36% of Portuguese compared to just 29% Americans

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