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    Minister of Tourism expects 4.5 million international tourists to visit Cambodia in 2023

    The Minister of Tourism Thong Khon confirmed that in the first five months of 2023, more than 2.16 million international tourists visited Cambodia, and he also expressed expectations that throughout the year 2023, Cambodia is set to receive about 4.5 million of international tourists and about 16 million domestic tourists.
    He made this statement at a meeting to review the plan to restore and promote Cambodia’s tourism sector during and after the Covid-19 crisis in second semester of 2022, first semester of 2023 and the implementation direction for 2023-2024 on June 21, at Sokha Residence Hotel, Phnom Penh.
    Khon said that for the first five months of 2023, more than 2.16 million international tourists visited Cambodia at a growth rate of 530 percent compared to the same period in 2022 and about 10 million national tourists, an increase of 76 .4 percent compared to the same period in 2022.
    “Throughout 2023, we expect to receive about 4.5 million international tourists and about 16 million domestic tourists, which is similar to the forecast in the roadmap,” he said.
    Minister Thong Khon stated that in order to ensure the sustainability of the rehabilitation and support of Cambodia’s tourism sector during and after the Covid-19 crisis, the Royal Government has set out key strategies and policies, including: 1. Roadmap on the plan to restore and promote Cambodia’s tourism sector during and after the Covid-19 crisis, 2- Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2021-2035 and 3- Mondulkiri Tourism Development Master Plan 2021-2035.ADVERTISEMENT

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    PATA Honours Industry Leaders at the PATA Annual Summit and Adventure Travel Mart 2023

    L/R: Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, Canada.
    The PATA Life Membership and the PATA Award of Merit were presented during the Inauguration Ceremony and PATA Awards Presentation held at the Pokhara Grande Hotel on Tuesday May 30, 2023.
    PATA Chair Peter Semone said,”As we look towards the future of travel, it is always important to remember the past and recognise the individuals who have greatly contributed towards a more responsible travel and tourism industry. Their achievements should inspire us all to work harder for the responsible and sustainable recovery of the travel industry. I would like to sincerely congratulate them for their valuable contributions and support to both PATA and the entire travel and tourism industry.”
    PATA was honoured to announce that the PATA Life Membership was awarded to Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). The award is the Association’s highest individual honour and recognises significant leadership and invaluable dedication to PATA.
    Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes came on board the Marketing Department of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) in 1988, and throughout the years organized and participated in various local, Greater China and overseas tourism exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and promotional activities. In September 1998, she became Deputy Director, carrying on her dedication to destination marketing, and was appointed as MGTO Director in December 2012, before receiving the Medal of Merit for Tourism from the Macao Special Administrative Region Government in 2016.
    She is a current member of the following committees of the Macao SAR Government: Tourism Development Committee, Economic Development Committee, Cultural Development Consultative Committee, Urban Planning Committee, and Investment Committee. She also acts as Macao SAR (China) Focal Point to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, as well as a current member of the Supervisory Board – Finance and Elections of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).ADVERTISEMENTThe PATA Award of Merit was presented to Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, Canada. The Award of Merit is reserved for individuals who have consistently contributed to PATA and the PATA chapter network over an extended period.
    Chris (pronouns he/him) is an accomplished educator and administrator and has a wide background of applied experiences. He has taught tourism sustainability, destination development, entrepreneurship, and adventure management topics in universities in Canada, New Zealand, USA and Austria, and served as Dean of three different Faculties at Capilano University. In his current role as Head of International, he oversees a complex portfolio of international recruitment, admissions, partnerships, internationalization and global engagement activities working with a wide array of partners around the world. Chris contributes regularly to professional development activities and has delivered related presentations and workshops in 18 countries. He has also completed over 50 projects around the globe.

    In addition to PATA Life Membership and the PATA Award of Merit, the Association also bestowed a special award to Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board and Soon Hwa Wong, CEO, AsiaChina Pte. Ltd., Singapore for the extraordinary efforts and support to PATA.

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    Fourth of July Weekend in Las Vegas Promises an Unforgettable Patriotic Party

    LAS VEGAS – Independence Day is always celebrated with fantastic fireworks, electrifying entertainment and splashing under the sun in Las Vegas. The destination is the ideal place to salute the red, white and blue this Fourth of July.Fireworks Displays
    Caesars PalaceTuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
    Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & CasinoTuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
    Las Vegas BallparkSunday, July 2 & Monday, July 3 at 6:05 p.m.
    Las Vegas Motor SpeedwayMonday, July 3 following the Night of Fire race.ADVERTISEMENTThe Plaza Hotel & CasinoTuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
    Red Rock Casino Resort & SpaTuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
    Fireworks Viewing Opportunities
    Visitors can view the Caesars Palace fireworks on Tuesday, July 4 from the resort’s iconic Front Fountains. An elevated view is available at GIADA at The Cromwell, where an al fresco dining experience complements the show in the sky.
    Legacy Club at Circa Resort & Casino presents its Star-Spangled Glamour celebration on Tuesday, July 4. The rooftop cocktail lounge offers sweeping views of the evening’s fireworks displays in addition to a selection of craft cocktails, patriotic bites and live music.
    Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino, in partnership with City of Henderson, presents a Fireworks Viewing Party from the resort’s Backyard area on Tuesday, July 4. Visitors will be provided with complimentary light-up necklaces and are welcome to enjoy frozen treats, snacks, and beverages for purchase.
    Main Street from Carson Avenue to Ogden Avenue in front of Plaza Hotel & Casino will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8:45 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. to offer visitors prime viewpoints of the resort’s fireworks display. The hotel’s recently opened outdoor Carousel Bar also offers additional spots to see the show.
    Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa presents a Fireworks Viewing Party at its Sandbar pool on Tuesday, July 4, with admission including complimentary light-up necklaces. Visitors can enjoy beverages and pizza from Side Piece Pizza for purchase, as well as opportunities to book cabanas for the pyrotechnic show. The resort also features live music on the T-Bones Chophouse patio that same evening.
    Exciting Entertainment
    The Fremont Street Experience continues its Downtown Rocks free concert series during Fourth of July weekend, with Switchfoot and Skillet taking the stage on Saturday, July 1. The downtown Las Vegas attraction also presents a digital fireworks display on its Viva Vision Canopy, running every hour from Tuesday, July 4 at 6 p.m. to Wednesday, July 5 at 2 a.m.
    Night of Fire at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway offers a number of exhilarating experiences for Independence Day weekend, as the event being held on Monday, July 3 includes a waterless boat race, skid plate car racing, nostalgia street rod outlaws, a fireworks display and more.
    The Neon Museum again partners with Blue Star Museums to offer free general admission to active-duty military personnel and their families throughout the summer.
    Palms Casino Resort hosts concerts by Yächtley Crëw at its SOAK Pool on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1. The resort also presents the Saigon 30th Anniversary Tour concert at Pearl Theater on Saturday, July 1.
    Dolby Live at Park MGM brings Usher back to the stage, as he performs on Saturday, July 1; Sunday, July 2; and Tuesday, July 4.
    Resorts World Las Vegas brings back headlining artist Carrie Underwood, as the country songstress continues her REFLECTION residency at the Resorts World Theatre on Saturday, July 1.
    Wynn Las Vegas welcomes podcasting comedian Theo Von to its Encore Theater on Friday, June 30 and Sunday, July 2. The venue continues the laughs throughout the weekend with a show from British comedian and actor Jack Whitehall on Saturday, July 1.
    World-Class Daylife and Nightlife
    JEWEL Nightclub at ARIA Resort & Casino presents DJ Five on Friday, June 30; Murda Beatz on Saturday, July 1; and DJ Pauly D of Jersey Shore fame on Sunday, July 2 and Monday, July 3. Nearby at the hotel, LIQUID Pool Lounge offers beats by DJ CLA on Friday, June 30; DJ Scooter on Saturday, June 1; and DJ Nova on Saturday, June 2.
    OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace offers beats by Loud Luxury on Friday, June 30; Illenium with William Black on Saturday, July 1; and Steve Aoki on Sunday, July 2.
    Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas features a weekend of talent, including Damaged Goods on Friday June 30; DJ Pauly D on Saturday, July 1; and Bob Moses on Sunday, July 2. Its nighttime counterpart, Marquee Nightclub, offers beats by James Hype on Friday, June 30; Deorro on Saturday, July 1; and Sourmilk on Sunday, July 2 for its Drenched After Dark pool party.
    Drai’s Beachclub at The Cromwell offers sets by JNOLD on Friday, June 30; hip-hop artist French Montana on Saturday, July 1 (who also performs at Drai’s Nightclub the night before on Friday, June 30); and DJ Susie on Sunday, July 2.
    Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino plays host to hip-hop icon Nelly with Justin Credible on Friday, June 30 and EDM duo Above & Beyond on Saturday, July 1. Across the resort at WET REPUBLIC Ultra Pool, visitors can splash to the sounds of DJ Shift on Friday, June 30 and Steve Aoki on Saturday, July 1.
    Ghostbar at Palms Casino Resort presents a set by Baby Bash with support from DJ Supa James on Friday, June 30.
    Resorts World Las Vegas brings the noise throughout the weekend, hosting top-tier acts at its party pool and nightclub. Ayu Dayclub features sets by Nervo on Friday, June 30; Kaskade on Saturday, July 1; and an installment of The Do Over party on Sunday, July 2. Across the resort at Zouk Nightclub, visitors can enjoy soundtracks supplied by Slander on Friday, June 30 and Zedd on Saturday, July 1.
    TAO Beach Dayclub at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas offers a top-notch lineup, with John Summit on Friday, June 30; Alesso on Saturday, July 1; and Mustard on Sunday, July 2. Its sister nightspot, TAO Nightclub, features sets by Greg Lopez on Friday, June 30 and Justin Credible on Saturday, July 1.
    Wynn Las Vegas presents a weekend of beats from acclaimed electronic acts at its daylife and nightlife venues. Encore Beach Club features Dillon Francis on Friday, June 30; Marshmello on Saturday, July 1; and Diplo on Sunday, July 2. The venue continues the party under the stars with Gryffin on Friday, June 30 and Tyga on Saturday, July 1 for installments of the Encore Beach Club at Night parties. Nearby, XS Nightclub hosts Dom Dolla on Friday, June 30; The Chainsmokers on Saturday, July 1; and Two Friends on Sunday, July 2 for the club’s Nightswim party.
    Spectacular Sports
    Visitors can take in a soccer match during the long weekend, as the Las Vegas Lights play the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, July 1 at Cashman Field, followed by a holiday match against the New Mexico United on Tuesday, July 4.
    America’s pastime can be enjoyed at Las Vegas Ballpark throughout the weekend, as the Las Vegas Aviators face the Round Rock Express from Saturday, July 1 to Monday, July 3.
    The World Champion Las Vegas Aces take on the Connecticut Sun—the team they defeated in the WNBA Finals in 2022—on Saturday, July 1 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
    Delectable Dining
    Visitors can enjoy a patriotic Firecracker Fizz at GO Pool at Flamingo Las Vegas; The Pool at Harrah’s Las Vegas; and Influence, The Pool at The LINQ at The LINQ Hotel + Experience. The frozen delight features Tito’s Handmade Vodka, blue Curaçao, and grenadine mixed with lemonade and topped with a garnish of blueberries and raspberries.
    Visitors at Pool à Paris at Paris Las Vegas can stay cool while sipping on the Star-Spangled Slush, a celebratory frozen cocktail made with Malibu, strawberry daiquiri, piña colada and blue lagoon frozen mix.
    The newly opened Pinkbox Doughnuts location at Plaza Hotel & Casino will offer a line of Fourth of July-inspired creations. The resort’s nearby Carousel Bar, also a recent offering, offers its Amalfi Swing cocktail—complete with a crackling Pop Rocks rim—for the celebration.
    90 NINETY Bar + Grill at Suncoast Hotel & Casino offers diners a special meal of grilled bangers wrapped in bacon, tomatillo-cheese sauce, and homemade salsa, served with sugar-cinnamon sweet potato fries.
    Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and Arizona Charlie’s Decatur celebrate Independence Day with a classic American barbecue meal available exclusively on the holiday. The Sourdough Cafe at both of its locations will feature St. Louis ribs, chicken and hot links served with potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob and cornbread.
    For more information about Las Vegas or to plan your next trip, please visit www.VisitLasVegas.com.

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    How Hajj facilities flourished in 100 years under House of Saud

    Nearly one century has passed since King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud founded Saudi Arabia after conquering Mecca in 1924, since then a series of rapid developments took place until present day.
    King Abdulaziz’s first ordered the maintenance of the Grand Mosque of Mecca and the introduction of electricity at the holy site, a vision of continuous improvements that never seized until the Kingdom’s very recent third expansion project of Mecca’s Grand Mosque with a cost that surpassed 200 billion Saudi riyals.
    Two decades after King Abdulaziz entered Mecca, he ordered the creation of an apparatus dedicated to the organization of Hajj and Umrah affairs, and thus the General Directorate of Hajj was established in 1948 to take up the task of serving pilgrims and providing them with all means of comfort.
    The following Kings of House Saud embraced the same path until the reign of King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during whose era the Grand Mosque’s area was expanded to 139,000 square meters with a capacity of 400,000 worshipers in 1976.
    However, the largest expansion project of the Mosque was inaugurated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, targeting urban and security aspects, with the area of the entire project is estimated to be more than 1.3 million square meters with a capacity of 2 million devotees.ADVERTISEMENTThe latest expansion encompasses sub-mega projects, namely the squares project, the foot tunnels project, the central services station, and the Haram Ring Road project.
    Furthermore, the pilgrims’ growing modern needs required infrastructure projects to grow rapidly, including Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro, which has been running with full capacity since 2018 to move 60 million people every year between Mecca and Medina in merely two hours.
    Additionally, 17 trains are operating at the holy sites between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat with a capacity of 72,000 people per hour.
    Over the past 80 years the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has always strived to raise the quality of services and to facilitate the procedures for the arrival of pilgrims as well as Umrah performers, whose numbers are targeted for an increase to reach 30 million annually, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

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    Ctrip Reveals Increase in Outbound Travel Bookings for Chinese Mainland Dragon Boat Festival Holiday

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    Ctrip Reveals Increase in Outbound Travel Bookings for Chinese Mainland Dragon Boat Festival Holiday

    Ctrip platform, owned by leading travel service provider Trip.com Group, recently released their Chinese mainland outbound and domestic Dragon Boat Festival trends, with outbound booking for the festival increasing more than 12 times year-over-year.Notably, the average cost of outbound travel reduced for a one-way air ticket by 6%, compared to the May Day holiday.
    The primary groups engaged in outbound travel from Mainland China were individuals born in the post-80s (37%) and post-90s (36%) generations who preferred leisurely holidays. Hong Kong, Bangkok, Macau, Tokyo and Singapore were the most popular destinations, with post-80s and post-90s spending an average of RMB 2,981 (415 USD) per hotel booking.
    Hong Kong was the most popular option for Chinese Mainland travellers, with hotel orders from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong increasing more than 18 times year-over-year. Many travellers chose to take the high-speed rail to Hong Kong, with orders for high-speed rail on Ctrip’s platform rising by more than 60% compared to last month.
    Most millennials opted for destinations based on proximity, visa and flight convenience, with many selecting routes within a three-hour flight time. Shanghai-Osaka, Shanghai-Jeju Island, Beijing-Seoul, and Beijing-Tokyo were among the most popular outbound routes.
    The Dragon Boat Festival is a brief national holiday in the Chinese mainland, prompting many individuals to spend less time travelling domestically and more time relishing their vacation through various activities.ADVERTISEMENTNearby, cross-provincial routes were the mainstay for travellers on vacation, selecting a radius of 300 kilometres or less. The Top 10 popular domestic city destinations were Hangzhou, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Beijing, Tianjin, Jinan, Qinhuangdao and Shenzhen.
    The price of domestic hotels per night decreased compared to the May Day holiday. Xi’an, famously known for the Terracotta warriors, saw hotel prices fall by 29%, compared to May, with Nanjing and Guangzhou hotel prices down 22% and 19%, respectively.
    Many young people have chosen outdoor or rural activities as a great way to escape the heat, with outdoor product bookings increasing by more than 50% in the past two weeks.
    As one of the last short holidays of this year ends, Ctrip data shows a growing trend for summer vacations, with search data rising 50% from the previous year.
    Families are eager to explore and make memories together this summer. In fact, as of June 14th, Ctrip has seen a surge in orders for parent-child tours, making up over 30% of all summer bookings and more than seven times compared to last year.
    With growing supply capacity, it is clear that Chinese travellers have newfound confidence, with many families welcoming in trips this summer season and a positive indication of travel recovery. 

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    Japan’s Travel & Tourism sector nears pre-pandemic recovery despite lengthy restrictions

    The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) this week reveals Japan’s Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution is forecast to reach USD 285.5 billion (JPY 37.6 trillion) this year.
    This figure is only 6.8% shy of to the 2019 pre-pandemic high of USD 306.5 billion (JPY 40.3 trillion), and by end of year the sector could represent 6.8% of the total economy.
    Despite the effects of the pandemic spanning into 2023 in Japan, WTTC is forecasting for the sector to create around 470,000 jobs this year, to reach nearly 5.6 million. This means around one in twelve workers in Japan, are directly or indirectly employed in the Travel & Tourism sector.
    While the sector is still shy of 300,000 jobs to reach pre-pandemic levels, by the end of this year it will only be 5.2% below 2019 levels.
    International visitor spend in Japan is forecast to surge by 553.4% this year to reach USD 16.8 billion (JPY 2.2 trillion), still 57.6% below the 2019 peak.ADVERTISEMENTA look back on last year
    Last year the sector’s GDP contribution grew by 50.5% to reach more than USD 257 billion (JPY 33.9 trillion), representing 6.2% of the economy.
    The sector saw jobs increase in 2022, from the previous year, to nearly 5.1 million jobs nationally – one in 13 jobs across Japan.
    International visitor spend in Japan declined in 2022 as the effects of prolonged travel restrictions continued to have a chokehold on the sector. International visitor spend declined a by more than 31%, remaining 93.5% below 2019 levels.
    Domestic visitor spend grew by 61.6% last year, virtually returning to 2019 levels, only 0.2% behind.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travel & Tourism is an important driver of economic growth and job creation to Japan. We predict a significant boost to the global Travel & Tourism sector as residents begin to travel once again.
    “The economic ripple effect of this sector is awe-inspiring. It stimulates job creation, from tour guides and hotel staff to local artisans and transportation providers.
    “International travel will be essential to achieve the long-awaited recovery. We must nurture and support this sector, finding innovative ways to attract visitors and ensure their comfort. By doing so, we not only boost our economy but also support livelihoods and local communities.”
    Hiroyuki Takahashi, JTB Corp. Chairperson of the Board, said: “As the global demand to visit Japan is extremely high and growing, we, JTB Corp., are working together with the public and private sectors and developing new tourism attractions to expand the capacity in rural areas.
    “Adventure tourism would be the innovative driver to address to these demands and challenges. “With a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and unforgettable experiences, we envision a future where Japan’s Travel & Tourism sector thrives.”
    Isao Takashiro, JAT Chairman and CEO, said: “Thanks to the government’s efforts and a resurgence in travel demand, our domestic terminal passengers have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. This remarkable recovery showcases the resilience of our sector.
    “Haneda Airport’s international terminal is on track to surpass 18 million passengers by the end of this year, despite challenges faced. With increased slots and capacity, and anticipated growth in inbound demand, we project exceeding 25 million passengers by 2025.”
    “As an essential gateway to Japan, we remain committed to enhancing the passenger’s experience, with new international flight facilities and attractive commercial amenities.”
    In 2022, the top source markets for international visitors to Japan were South Korea (24%), mainland China (10%), Taiwan, China (10%), U.S. (8%) and Hong Kong, China (7%).
    What does the next decade look like?
    The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to USD 353.4 billion (JPY 46.5 trillion) by 2033, nearly 8% of the Japanese economy, and will employ 6.7 million people across the country, with one in ten Japanese residents working in the sector.
    Asia-Pacific
    In 2022, the Asia-Pacific Travel & Tourism sector contributed USD 1.6 trillion to the regional economy, but this is still 50% behind the 2019 peak. WTTC forecasts the region’s GDP contribution from the sector will reach more than USD 2.6 trillion in 2023 – just 16% below the 2019 highpoint.
    The sector employed over 155 million people across the region in 2022, an increase of 8.7 million from the previous year but still 15% behind pre-pandemic levels. WTTC forecasts the sector will fully recover the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.
    For more information, please visit wttc.org

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    Greek Travel & Tourism sector to approach full recovery this year, says WTTC More

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    Greek Travel & Tourism sector to approach full recovery this year, says WTTC

    The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals the Greek Travel & Tourism sector is projected to near pre-pandemic levels this year.
    The sector is set to contribute €39.2 billion to the Greek economy by the end of 2023, only 4% behind the 2019 pre-pandemic high of €40.8 billion.
    WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create more than 17,000 jobs this year, reaching the 2019 peak of 820,000 employed by Travel & Tourism.
    A look back on last year
    Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew by nearly two fifths (38.2%) to reach nearly €38 billion, representing 18.5% of the Greek economy.ADVERTISEMENTThe sector also created 5,000 more jobs, compared to the previous year, to reach almost 800,000 jobs nationally.
    According to the report, the sector has now recovered 82%% of the jobs lost during the pandemic.
    Last year also saw the return of international travellers heading to Greece, with the UK (14%), Germany (14%), and Bulgaria (10%) leading as source markets for international arrivals in Greece.
    According to the data, in 2022, international visitor spend contributed €19.1 billion to the national economy, representing a year-on-year growth of more than 56%.
    Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector is very important in Greece, representing more than 19% of the economy. Tourism is recovering strongly with high visitor demand. Greece is one of Europe’s most popular destinations, and the data clearly shows travellers are heading back in their droves. Greece took a leadership position during the pandemic.
    “The future for the sector in Greece is optimistic. By the end of this year, the sector’s contribution will be almost back to 2019 levels. Over the next decade, growth will outstrip the national economy growth rate and create thousands of new jobs over the next decade.”
    What does the next decade look like?
    The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to €57.2 billion by 2033, representing nearly a quarter (23.6%) of the Greek economy.
    Over the next decade, Travel & Tourism could employ more than 1,02 million people across the country, with one in four jobs supported by the sector.
    Europe
    In 2022, the European Travel & Tourism sector contributed €1.9 trillion to the regional economy, just 7% below the 2019 peak. WTTC forecasts the regional sector’s GDP contribution will reach €2.04 trillion in 2023 and be within touching distance of the 2019 highpoint.
    The sector employed 34.7 million people across the region in 2022, an increase of 2.9 million from the previous year, but still 3.2 million behind the 2019 peak. WTTC forecasts the sector will fully recover the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of 2024.

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    Say “I Do” at Aruba’s Fifth Annual Vow Renewal on Award-Winning Eagle Beach

    Love is in the air on the One happy island as Aruba I Do, the Caribbean’s largest vow renewal, returns for a fifth year. Located on the sands of TripAdvisor’s #1 Best Beach in the Caribbean, Eagle Beach, this year’s milestone ceremony will take place on August 9, 2023. The news comes on the heels of new survey data from The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA*) sharing that 80% of Americans feel that no matter how big or small the ceremony, vow renewals bring marital happiness for years to come.
    In celebration of half a decade of saying “I Do” (again), the ATA went directly to the source. Teaming up with The Harris Poll to uncover how Americans really feel about formally reaffirming their marital vows, the ATA surveyed over 2,000 adults 18+,* and uncovered that 87% of Americans agree that vow renewals are a great way to celebrate a significant milestone or anniversary. Additionally, 83% agreed that vows can be renewed multiple times throughout a marriage and 86% felt vow renewals are an opportunity for couples to create new memories in a special location.
    “Aruba is honored to host the largest vow renewal in the Caribbean for a fifth year and provide this beloved tradition to couples of all demographics worldwide to experience romance in a way unique to the One happy island,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “This year’s registrants have an average of 20 years of marriage together, making the event just that much more heartwarming to witness in the sand of the breathtaking Eagle Beach. “
    With one of Aruba’s renowned sunsets in the background, couples will recommit their love, champagne in hand at the most romantic event of the summer. For those unable to witness the renewal in person, the ceremony will once again be globally accessible through a Facebook and Instagram live-stream, spreading the love past Aruba’s shores. Registration is open now for couples to attend the vow renewal by visiting aruba.com/us/renew-your-vows-in aruba.
    Participating couples can also take advantage of romantic vacation packages that pair best-in-class hotel stays with some of the most romantic on-island activities and Aruba’s picturesque backdrop to rekindle their love. From bucket list worthy sunset sailing and couples’ massages to relaxing candlelight dining and breakfast in bed, couples can fall in love all over again on island – with an Aruba Ariba in hand!.ADVERTISEMENTHotel Packages
    Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort, Create Unforgettable MemoriesBoardwalk Boutique Hotel, Stay Longer and Save Package Courtyard by Marriott, Room to Rendezvous Package Hilton Aruba Caribbean, Our Time Package Holiday Inn Aruba Beach Resort & Casino, The Romantic Escape Package Hyatt Regency Aruba, Elite Romance ExperienceHyatt Place Aruba Airport, Vow Renewal Special Experience Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa, Romantic Getaway Package Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino Aruba, Sand, Sea, You & Me PackageRadisson Blu Aruba, Renew Your I Do’s Package The Ritz Carlton Aruba, Romance Escape The Ritz Carlton Aruba, Dinner on the BeachActivities
    Aruba I Do by Monforte Luxury Cruise Aruba I Do by Pelican AdventuresCouple Photoshoot Package by Flying Dress ArubaFor more information on the ceremony or registration, as well as special discounts on hotel packages and experiences, please visit https://www.aruba.com/us/renew-your-vows-in-aruba and make sure to follow along on social, using the #OneHappyIsland hashtag and tagging @ArubaTourism.

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