Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

SeaWorld has launched its reimagined, exclusive “Ultimate VIP Tour” at parks across the country. The first-of-its-kind private VIP Tour allows guests the opportunity to feel like a celebrity for a day with a highly tailored experience. Where else in the world can you ride some of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the country, feed a shark, interact with penguins in their unique habitat, learn how to care for wildlife and meet the rescue team all before lunch?
“We are introducing the Ultimate VIP Tour as a special combination of personalized education and thrills that will enrich an already great day and turn it into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family,” said Marisa Thalberg, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “There is so much to do in our parks, but also so much to experience, and learn, and that’s what makes this such a unique opportunity.”
SeaWorld’s “Ultimate VIP Tour”, available at all parks, blends luxurious convenience and exclusivity, with personal VIP Tour guides for each tour armed with expert knowledge of the parks, opening doors to once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters with unprecedented access to enriching marine conservation education where the wonders and curiosity of the sea are explored firsthand.
The “Ultimate VIP Tour” offers guests priority access to highly coveted animal interactions only available on a limited basis each day. Experiences range from the ability to touch and feed stingrays, enjoy up-close encounters with dolphins and sea lions, meet and greet penguins, sharks and orcas, and spend time with the rescue teams and dedicated animal care specialists. In addition to these animal interactions available in every park, VIP Tour guests receive priority reservations for special animal interactions only available in individual parks, such as:
At SeaWorld Orlando, VIP guests can come “face-to-whiskers” with a walrus and meet a new fabulous flippered friend while they slurp fish right from guests’ handsIn San Antonio, guests can swim with sea lions and interact with penguins inside their 35-degree home as they waddle and swim among the rocky cliffs and icy water of this wonderfully naturalistic habitatAt SeaWorld San Diego, get in a wetsuit for an in-water interaction with belugas as animal behaviorists share how they care for and relate to these warm-hearted residents of the cold Arctic watersVIP Tours are now available for booking, with the purchase of a park ticket, with prices starting at $499/per person. Guests can book their VIP Tour online at SeaWorld.com or by contacting SeaWorld’s VIP Concierge Services.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information on SeaWorld San Antonio, SeaWorld San Diego, and SeaWorld Orlando, including park hours, ticket purchases, and Annual Passes, please visit SeaWorld.com. Stay up to date with the latest park updates and information by following SeaWorld on Facebook and Instagram.

Older
Make Epic Outdoor Memories on Florida’s Space Coast this Summer

Newer
Hyatt Place Yantai Development Zone Celebrates Official Opening More

This summer, the Space Coast is your one-stop bucket list destination for epic experiences from the surf to the skies. Learn more at VisitSpaceCoast.com.
Watch a Rocket Launch from the Beach or your RV – Launches continue to become more frequent on the Space Coast, so there’s a good chance one may happen during a visit. Head to any stretch of the 72 miles of beach for a one-of-a-kind view or rent an RV spot at Jetty Park at Port Canaveral. Pair it with a brew from the Launches and Lagers trail.Experience Bioluminescence – The Indian River Lagoon comes to life with this sparkling phenomenon on summer nights. Dinoflagellates light up when disturbed, leaving the wake from boats and paddles shimmering neon blue and green. Experience this magical spectacle firsthand.
See a Sea Turtle Lay her Eggs – The Space Coast is one of the top sea turtle nesting locations in the world, making up 75% of all nests in Florida. Take a turtle walk with a sea turtle conservation non-profit and watch a loggerhead lay her eggs up close!
Kayak at Brevard Zoo – Make time to visit the only zoo in North America with a kayak tour around habitats. See Giraffes, rhinos, and more from this unique view.
Surf like the Champions – Dubbed the East Coast Surfing Capital, the Space Coast is home to some of the greats, including 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater and Olympian Caroline Marks. Take a lesson on the beach or head to the Intracoastal Waterway to try wakesurfing and kitesurfing.ADVERTISEMENTEnjoy a Fisher’s Paradise – There are multiple ways to fish on the Space Coast. For salt water, try surf fishing straight from the beach or charter an offshore fishing excursion. Head out on an inshore trip on rivers and canals or Headwaters Lake for freshwater fish.
Take a Bike Ride through Nature – Titusville and Malabar are two of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s 17 Trail Towns and bookend the county. For endurance riders, head to Titusville where three long-distance trails converge: Florida Coast-to-Coast Trail, East Coast Greenway, and the St. Johns River-to-Sea Loop. Looking for mountain biking or BMX trails? Visit the Grapefruit Trails down in Palm Bay. Keep an eye out for the many amazing creatures like scrub jays and gopher tortoises that call the Space Coast home.

Older
Set Sail and Receive simply MORE™, Oceania Cruises’ New Value Promise

Newer
Play Celebrity for a Day at SeaWorld this Summer with the “Ultimate VIP Tour More

Tourism leaders from across the Americas committed to a more ethical, inclusive tourism as the sector bounces back to drive economic recovery across the region. The 68th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for the Americas brought together high-level delegations from 20 countries.
The meeting saw participants work together around shared priorities, with a focus on jobs and education, boosting investment in the sector and advancing sustainability and climate action efforts.
The Americas: Strong demand drives tourism recovery
According to UNWTO data, tourism in the Americas has experienced rapid recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.
International arrivals to destinations across the Americas reached 86% of pre-pandemic levels at the end of the first quarter of 2023. International seat capacity on planes in the region is also close to pre-pandemic levels, at 97%.Several destinations in the region are already above pre-pandemic levels in terms of international arrivals, including Saint Maarten (+51%), El Salvador (+26%), Colombia (+18%), the Virgin Islands and the United States (+17%), Guatemala (+14%), Honduras (+13%) and the Dominican Republic (+11%).Strong demand from the United States outbound market has been key to driving recovery.UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “For the Americas, tourism’s recovery has been rapid and remarkable. Our Regional Commission meeting has made clear a shared commitment to make the most of this recovery by building a stronger, more resilient and more sustainable sector that delivers real benefits for many millions of people right across the region.”ADVERTISEMENTHigh-Level Support as Regional Commission Meets
On the eve of the Regional Commission meeting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with the President of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso, reflecting his Government’s strong support for tourism as a key pillar of sustainable economic development, both in the country and across the region. Also participating in the Commission meeting were Ministers and Vice-Ministers of Tourism from 15 countries. Key achievements of the Commission Meeting included:
Legal Protection for Tourists: Chile, Costa Rica, Haiti and Honduras all announced they will adhere to the UNWTO International Code for the Protection of Tourists. This landmark legal first is designed to provide comprehensive and harmonized legal protection for tourists, thereby boosting confidence in travel and making the responsibilities of different tourism stakeholders more transparent. From the region, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay and Uruguay have already adhered to the Code.Tourism Law: UNWTO announced plans to establish a first UNWTO Observatory on Tourism Law for Latin America and the CaribbeanTourism Education and Youth Empowerment: Member States were updated on UNWTO’s progress in one of its priority areas, with achievements in the region including UNWTO Academy courses held in Argentina and Mexico, collaboration on specialist tourism courses with the Universidad Anáhuac in Mexico.Tourism Investments: UNWTO has produced Investments Guides for Dominican Republic, Colombia and Paraguay, with seven more focused on countries in the region set to follow. In Quito, UNWTO also hosted a special Investments Seminar and announced the next step in its collaboration with CAF, the Investment Bank of Latin America.Collaboration: UNWTO signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Honduras around tourism for sustainable development.Looking Ahead
In line with UNWTO’s statutory obligations, Members from the Americas agreed:
Argentina and Paraguay will serve as Vice-Presidents for the UNWTO General Assembly, set to be held in October.The Dominican Republic will serve as President of the Regional Commission for the Americas for 2023-2025. Argentina and Paraguay will serve as Vice-Presidents for the same period.Colombia and Jamaica will serve on the UNWTO Executive Council for 2023-2027.The 69th Regional Commission meeting will be held in Cuba in 2024. Peru will then host the 70th meeting in 2025.

Older
EU Travel & Tourism sector recovering strongly says WTTC

Newer
St. Regis Hotels & Resorts in Asia Pacific Announces “House of Celebration” to Revel in More

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals the EU Travel & Tourism sector is forecast to reach 98% of the 2019 peak.The sector is set to contribute €1.44BN to the economy this year, edging close to the 2019 pre-pandemic high of €1.47BN.
WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create more than 687K jobs this year, recovering almost 90% of the jobs lost due to the COVID 19 pandemic to reach more than 22.4MN, with one in nine workers across the EU, in the Travel & Tourism sector.
A look back on last year
Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew by 40.5% to reach more than €1.37BN, representing 8.7% of the Bloc’s economy, edging closer to the 2019 high of 9.6% of the economy.
Last year the sector also created 2MN more jobs from the previous year to reach 21.8MN jobs – one in ten across the EU.ADVERTISEMENTAccording to the global tourism body’s annual research, the sector has now recovered 3.1MN of the 3.6MN jobs lost during the pandemic.
Last year also saw the return of international travellers heading to the EU with spending from overseas visitors growing 81% year on year, to reach almost €385BN.
Domestic visitor spend fully recovered in 2022, exceeding the pre-pandemic high of €809BN, to reach €814BN.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector in the EU is recovering strongly with high visitor demand. The number of jobs created by Travel & Tourism stands at 21.8MN, but by the end of this year it will reach nearly 22.5MN jobs, just 2% behind 2019 numbers.
“Travel & Tourism is a key economic growth sector and driver of jobs in the EU due to the importance of the sector in so many countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and France. Our most recent Cities Economic Impact Report revealed that Paris remains the world’s most popular tourist destination.”
What does the next decade look like?
The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to almost €1.9BN by 2033, more than 10% of the EU economy and will employ over 26.3MN people across the region, with one in eight EU residents working in the sector.

Older
The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival Returns to Maymont, August 12 and 13

Newer
UNWTO WELCOMES MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAS TO ECUADOR More

Discover The Palm Beaches, the official tourism marketing organization for Palm Beach County, Florida, proudly announces the implementation of an accessibility program aimed at bettering the community’s preparedness to welcome all travelers, no matter their ability level.
The accessibility plan focuses on enhancing information and resources through strategic partnerships and assessments with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), Wheel the World and Travelability. The goal is to help the destination improve accessibility for all travelers by identifying places to stay and things to do, educating partners and providing resources for adaptability.
Kicking off the program, Discover The Palm Beaches earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation, granted by IBCCES to organizations having successfully completed extensive autism-specific training and certification from leading experts to ensure all families with autism or other sensory-sensitives are understood and properly accommodated. This important milestone marks the first step for The Palm Beaches in its journey to become a Certified Autism Destination™, further establishing its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
“The Palm Beaches prides itself on being a warm and welcoming destination for all,” stated Jorge Pesquera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Discover The Palm Beaches. “Becoming an Autism Certified Center™ is just one way to showcase our commitment to learning and evolving to better serve this travel sector. We look forward to expanding this certification to our partners and improving the options for sensory-sensitive travelers in The Palm Beaches.”
Many autistic individuals and their families want to travel but may worry they will not be understood, welcomed, or have access to accommodations, attractions and other points of interest. Through the larger accessibility-focused program initiated by Discover The Palm Beaches to become a Certified Autism Destination™, partnerships with various area attractions, hotels, recreation and entertainment venues will complete autism and sensory training and certification, as well as onsite reviews, and have long-term access to other support. This process and designation ensures concrete steps are in place to enhance the experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors, so they feel safe and enjoy a more welcoming environment. With 1 in 6 people having a sensory need or sensitivity and 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism in the United States, the demand for more trained and certified options is at an all-time high.ADVERTISEMENT“It is crucial now more than ever to provide a deeper understanding of autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers’ needs to travel and entertainment organizations to better equip their staff to offer the best possible service and experiences to all visitors,” emphasized Myron Pincomb, Board Chairman of IBCCES. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Discover The Palm Beaches as they strengthen their commitment to accessibility ensuring that a wider range of travelers can forge unforgettable experiences together. Our certification programs and long-term support options will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.”
For over 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals worldwide. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based training as well as the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other tools and resources such as onsite reviews and customized recommendations, and renewal requirements to ensure the program is a long-term commitment that has a lasting impact.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, as a free online resource for parents that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ requirements.

Older
Four Seasons Resorts Hawaii Unveils Extraordinary Private Jet Experience

Newer
The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival Returns to Maymont, August 12 and 13 More

In anticipation of the busy Fourth of July holiday travel week, Barclays US Consumer Bank is releasing an excerpt from its points, loyalty, and travel report, which will be available in August 2023.Findings highlight that miles and points make it possible for consumers to travel, especially in today’s challenging economic environment.
76% of loyalty and rewards program members couldn’t imagine taking the kinds of trips they want without the benefits of such programs
44% of travelers say earning the most travel rewards is more important than getting the lowest price
During times of economic uncertainty, travelers prioritize lower fees (52%), flexibility in redeeming miles and points (47%), and the ability to earn more miles and points (46%)
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, 36% of travelers are more focused on accumulating rewards now and 39% remain as focused on accumulating rewardsADVERTISEMENTBarclays partnered with independent market research company Wakefield Research, whose team conducted a survey among 1,000 U.S. adult travelers to understand attitudes, sentiments and behaviors related to travel loyalty and rewards programs. Data was collected from May 19 to May 27, 2023. “Travelers” defined as having traveled by air in the past 12 months, and likely to travel again in the next 12 months.
For questions or to receive the full report in August, contact [email protected]

Older
Holland America Line’s ‘Unforgettable Journeys Event’ Brings More Experiences

Newer
HARRY POTTER: VISIONS OF MAGIC – AN ALL-NEW INTERACTIVE ART EXPERIENCE More

Minister Edmund Bartlett shares lens with (from left to right) Niels Olsen, Minister of Tourism of Ecuador; Sofía Montiel de Afara, Minister of Tourism, Paraguay; and Carlos Andrés Peguero, Vice Minister of Tourism, Dominican Republic moments before the announcement of his election to the UNWTO Executive Council.
Jamaica has been elected to serve on the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Executive Council for 2023-2027 alongside Colombia. The decision was made during the 68th UNWTO Commission for the Americas Meeting (CAM) currently underway in Quito, Ecuador.
In celebrating the achievement, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said, “Jamaica has been among the top-performing countries in the Americas leading a robust recovery in travel and tourism. Being elected alongside Colombia to represent our regional colleagues is an incredible honour, and we look forward to contributing wholesomely to the organization’s thrust to promote tourism as a driver of sustainable economic growth for developing nations especially.”
The Executive Council is responsible for the management and implementation of strategic decisions carried out by the UNWTO.
“We are thrilled by the expression of confidence our fellow member states have shown. I continue to invite deeper collaboration among regional partners as we work to build resilience regionally and internationally. We are among the most tourism-dependent regions in the world, and it is imperative that our views are represented at the highest level,” added the tourism minister.
Other decisions arising from the meeting include the Dominican Republic’s selection to serve as President of the Regional Commission for Americas for 2023-2025. Argentina and Paraguay have been selected to serve as Vice-Presidents of CAM for the same period as well as for the UNWTO General Assembly to be held in October. ADVERTISEMENTMinister Bartlett has been participating in a series of panels, presentations and seminars focused on tourism investment trends and opportunities in the Americas. A highlight of the 68th CAM was the Investment Seminar that explored the promotion of investments through technical cooperation, building capacity for tourism development and accessing financing that accelerates climate resilience in the regional sector.
It was agreed that Cuba would host the 69th CAM scheduled for 2024.

Older
Divine Desserts Around the World That Will Delight Your Taste Buds

Newer
Holland America Line’s ‘Unforgettable Journeys Event’ Brings More Experiences More

NEOM has signed a deal with superyacht concierge and maritime agency BWA Yachting. The firm will establish an office at NEOM’s luxury island development Sindalah.BWA is the Key partner superyacht agency in NEOM and will provide services for the world’s most spectacular luxury vessels, as Sindalah becomes the Red Sea’s first ultra-prime superyacht destination.
Sindalah will be the first part of NEOM to open, one of NEOM’s 39 islands that will have more than 5,000 berths.Antoni Vives, chief urban development and islands officer at NEOM, said: “Sindalah will redefine the luxury island experience and become the most sought-after yachting destination in the world, offering six months of winter sun and less than a day’s sail from the ports of the Mediterranean.
“Working with BWA Yachting will allow us to tap into their expertise and provide the unparalleled yachting ecosystem and elevated experience for which Sindalah will become synonymous. This partnership represents an important step as we invite the world to set sail for Sindalah.”
Paschalis Patsiokas CEO at BWA Yachting added: “We are honoured and excited to be invited by NEOM to establish our presence within this groundbreaking project. At BWA Yachting, we are committed to providing world-class services to superyachts visiting Sindalah and eagerly look forward to creating captivating NEOM itineraries, delivering extraordinary experiences for our clients in this spectacular new destination.”
ADVERTISEMENTSindalah will have six months of winter sun a year, with the ‘ultra-prime’ marina offering 86 berths for yachts up to 50 meters. Additional serviced offshore buoys will provide mooring for superyachts up to 180 meters.
On land, Sindalah will be home to high-end restaurants, designer fashion and luxury retail and a golf course.
The island’s beach club promises ‘will be like no other, hosted by the region’s ‘top entertainment icons’, while the Marine Activities Center will provide underwater experiences,
Three luxury hotels, including a Four Seasons Resort and Saudi Arabia’s first Marriott International Autograph Collection Hotels property will also be on the island.
The sustainable design is being led by Italy’s Luca Dini Design & Architecture.
Source: Hotelier Middle East

Older
GARUDA INDONESIA ONCE AGAIN ACHIEVED THE TITLE OF “THE WORLD’S BEST AIRLINE CABIN CREW”

Newer
SILVERSEA® REVEALS EXCLUSIVE EVENTS FOR ‘THE CURIOUS AND THE SEA’ WORLD CRUISE 2026 More