Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Gothenburg is ranked one of the world’s 100 best cities in 2023* (the only non-capital in the Nordic Countries) and is also the winner of the Global Destination Sustainability Index Leadership Award 2023* for the 7th time in a row. Here are 7 reasons to visit in 2024. There’s also a selection of new restaurants, bars, and shops to discover in Sweden’s second city situated on Sweden’s west coast.Experience World of VolvoWorld of Volvo, run by Volvo Cars and Volvo Group, will be both a landmark and meeting place with space for the new Volvo Museum, exhibitions, concerts and dining experiences. The circular, five-storey, 22,000-square-metre building is inspired by the Scandinavian landscape and will be located just next to Liseberg Amusement Park. It opens April 2024.
Liseberg opens brand new water park – OceanaOceana, part of Liseberg Amusement Park, is inspired by the history of Gothenburg and will be unlike anything else available in Scandinavia today. Guests will be able to enjoy everything from quiet indoor sandy beaches to thrilling water slides. 14 attractions, a wave pool, family river and water play for various ages. Opens spring 2024.
Re-opening of the renovated Fish ChurchThe fish market hall The Fish Church “Feskekörka” will re-open after an almost 4-year renovation. This iconic temple of seafood from 1874 houses fishmongers, restaurants, and a bar. Vegetarian options are available. The Fish Church will be open all year round, with outdoor seating in the summertime. Opens in the beginning of 2024. Information only in Swedish
New hotel Clarion Hotel KarlatornetKarlatornet is now the tallest building in Scandinavia. 246 meters high and 74 storeys, it will have apartments, restaurants, a sky bar, and a lookout viewpoint as well as a photo exhibition about the project and the surrounding area. The new hotel Clarion Hotel Karlatornet will open spring 2024 with 300 rooms. The lookout viewpoint and sky bar will open late 2024 or spring 2025.
The re-opening of the public saunaThe public and free sauna in the Jubilee Park – Jubileumsparken – will re-open in spring 2024. The sauna, originally a prototype, will be replaced by a permanent sauna, retaining its unique appearance. It is also possible to swim all year round in the two recently opened saltwater pools, situated in the river beside the sauna, and during the warmer part of the year, you can also swim in a freshwater pool.ADVERTISEMENTClarion Hotel Draken opens its new SPAThe 33-storey Clarion Hotel Draken opened in October 2023 and is right now Gothenburg’s tallest hotel building with 474 hotel rooms, a cinema, several restaurants and a sky bar with a rooftop terrace boasting views that stretch for miles. In March 2024 the hotel will open its new SPA area, including a gym, and is promised to be something extra.
New exhibition Design storiesDesign Stories (“Designhistorier”), a new permanent exhibition at the Röhsska Museum of Design and Craft, is based on the question What is design? The exhibition will focus on Scandinavian design from the end of the 19th Century until today. Objects, sketches, films and interviews will be the starting point for different stories about design. Opens autumn 2024. Information only in Swedish.
https://www.goteborg.com/en– The official visitors guide to Gothenburg

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Mabrian, a leading travel intelligence company, has analyzed in a new study the low season opportunities for Croatia and the Mediterranean. The analysis was presented at the 7th edition of the Tourism 365 Conference that has taken place in Toplice, Croatia, this month. 
This forum brought together both public entities in the tourism sector and major private companies to discuss opportunities for maintaining sustainable tourism activity throughout the south-eastern Mediterranean region all year round. The conference also featured prominent international speakers, including Carlos Cendra, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mabrian, who presented forecasts and analyses of tourism strengths and opportunities for Croatia and other Mediterranean countries.
The main conclusions of the study are:
·      A Seasonal Context with Room for Improvement. Croatia still has room for improvement during the considered low season months. When compared to the context and its closest competitors, the data indicates that the Southeast Mediterranean region is 9 percentage points more dependent on the high season than the average in the nearby Mediterranean, while Croatia is 16% more. ·      Promising Prospects for the Low Season. One of the main takeaways from Mabrian’s analysis is the promising outlook for Croatia in the coming months. It forecasts a 10% increase in tourism from September to March 24, compared to last year. In terms of growth, Croatia is expected to outperform Italy and Turkey during these months, although it has not yet reached the levels seen in Greece.
·      Croatia Well Positioned for Travellers’ Motivations. According to the latest global travellers’ motivations study conducted by Mabrian, there is a consistent growth in experiential motivations for travel, substituting more conventional motivations. Analysis of travellers sentiment and preferences, based on over 400 million interactions on social media, reveals that interests in Active, Natural, Wellness, and Gastronomy experiences are gaining importance over Sunbathing, Family Travel, Shopping, and Nightlife. This positions Croatia with a great opportunity to solidify its leadership in Nature and Active tourism products during the low season, compared to Mediterranean competitors. Additionally, there is an interesting opportunity to further develop Gastronomy and Culture-related activities, which were among the main travellers interests from October to March during the Autumn-Winter 2022-2023 season. ADVERTISEMENTIvana Kolar, CEO at Julius Rose Consulting and Director of the Tourism 365 Conference, commented, “It is great to have confirmation that the Southeast Mediterranean region and Croatia are moving forward to achieve a more balanced tourism activity throughout the year. This has been the objective of this conference since its inception 7 years ago – bringing together governments and companies to align on vision and strategy”.
Carlos Cendra, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mabrian added, “There are no doubts about the development possibilities of the region and Croatia for the non-summer season. The data shows excellent security perception and a well-balanced tourism offering to generate sustainable activity throughout the year, thereby boosting local economies”.
Mabrian Technologies is an international data intelligence company specializing in travel and tourism. It provides updated information and trends to destinations and companies. Powered by proprietary technology based on Big Data and AI, and supported by a tourism advisory team, Mabrian aggregates data from over 30 global sources to advise destinations in more than 40 countries. The company has now begun working in the Southeast Mediterranean region, thanks to its partnership with New Deal Europe.

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Located one hour away by bullet train from Tokyo, the prefecture of Shizuoka boasts an array of seasonal delicacies during the autumn and winter months. Below Tourism Shizuoka Japan highlights some hands-on foodie experiences that can be enjoyed over this period, including kiwi and mandarin picking and oyster farming.A boost of vitamin C
The mandarin picking experience by Suzuki Farm is an ideal way for travellers to infuse their autumn days with a healthy dose of vitamin C, just as the temperatures start to cool down. The experience is available until the end of November and begins with a demonstration by the farmers on how to pick and distinguish different types of mandarin. After the demonstration, visitors are free to pluck mandarins at their own pace. Starting from JPY 1,100 (approx. £6) per person, this experience offers not only a hands-on adventure but also the chance for visitors to enjoy as many mandarins as they desire.
All-you-can-eat kiwi fruit
Located in Kakegawa, Kiwi Fruits Country Japan beckons visitors with its status as the country’s largest kiwi fruit farm, cultivating 80 different varieties. The facilities are open year-round and offer an unlimited kiwi fruit feast from JPY 1,500 (approx. £8) per person. The harvest season at the farm is from October until mid-January and during this period, visitors can also enjoy kiwi fruit picking at an additional cost. The facilities also boast a green tea farm and tranquil forest, the perfect setting for a leisurely post-feast stroll.
ADVERTISEMENTOyster galore
Surrounded by beautiful scenery and a popular destination for visitors, Lake Hamana is Japan’s second largest brackish lake, meaning its waters are a mix of salt water from the Pacific Ocean and freshwater that flows down from the Japanese Southern Alps. The Oyster Farm Experience is available from mid-February to March and offers participants the opportunity to sample Lake Hamana’s native oysters, which are mineral-rich, larger in size and an exclusive treat only found in this region. The experience starts from JPY 32,000 (approx. £176) per person inclusive of an overnight stay at a waterfront inn, an oyster farm tour departing from the inn’s private dock, oyster tasting and two meals. For those seeking further thrills, popular activities around the lake include an array of marine sports and cycling (there is a 67-kilometre cycle path along the lake) and adrenaline-pumping activities such as wakeboarding, parasailing and windsurfing.

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According to the World Economic Outlook (WEO) Report, the global economy will grow an estimated 3.0% in 2023 and 2.9% in 2024. While this is higher than previous forecasts, it is nevertheless below the 3.5% rate of growth recorded in 2022, pointing to the continued impacts of the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and from the cost-of-living crisis.
Tourism key sector for growthThe WEO report analyses economic growth in every global region, connecting performance with key sectors, including tourism. Notably, those economies with “large travel and tourism sectors” show strong economic resilience and robust levels of economic activity. More specifically, countries where tourism represents a high percentage of GDP   have recorded faster recovery from the impacts of the pandemic in comparison to economies where tourism is not a significant sector.
As the report Foreword notes: “Strong demand for services has supported service-oriented economies—including important tourism destinations such as France and Spain”.
Looking AheadThe latest outlook from the IMF comes on the back of UNWTO’s most recent analysis of the prospects for tourism, at the global and regional levels. Pending the release of the November 2023 World Tourism Barometer, international tourism is on track to reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Prospects for September-December 2023 point to continued recovery, driven by the still pent-up demand and increased air connectivity particularly in Asia and the Pacific where recovery is still subdued.

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Val Thorens in Les 3 Vallées Set to Open Early Due to Excellent Early Snow Fall With Passes Just €20

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The Association Les 3 Vallées announces today that, due to negative temperatures and significant early snowfall, Val Thorens will be open a week early with some select slopes skiable from November 18, 2023.These include the Funitel Péclet, the Cascade chairlift and all the magic carpets in the centre of the resort which will be available from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
For this pre-opening week only – up to Saturday November 25, 2023 – skiers and snowboarders will be able to hit the slopes at a discounted rate of just €20 per day, with Val Thorens’ mountain operation staff working hard to prepare the entire ski area for full operation in time for the La Grande Première.  This is Val Thorens’ big annual launch event– held over the weekend of November 25 & 26, 2023 – where top ski, clothing and accessory brands create a tent village in Place de Caron so that enthusiastic skiers and snowboarders can register and then test out the latest equipment for an hour or two.
Olivier Desaulty, the Association Les 3 Vallées’ executive director, explains, “Val Thorens is Europe’s highest ski resort at 2,300m and we’re super excited that they’re opening early, with passes at such a compelling rate.  Other resorts in Les 3 Vallées system have also had decent early snow. For example, 60 to 80 cm has fallen on Mont Saulire which links Courchevel to Méribel, so it’s looking like a very positive start for winter 2023/24.”
To kick off the season, other key events are also being held in Val Thorens: the Ski Mountaineering World Cup (November 24 to 26) as well as the Skicross World Cup (December 5 to 8).
For the specific opening and closing dates of all resorts – namely Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Saint Martin de Belleville, Les Menuires and Orelle – click here .ADVERTISEMENTThe whole interconnected system is open from December 2, 2023 to April 21, 2024.
For a simple way to book holidays, visit the Les 3 Vallées Travel agency at https://booking.les3vallees.com

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Nearly half of global destinations now facilitating visas for durations extending up to one year.
In a fresh analysis conducted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), encompassing 54 destinations, the ascendancy of Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) correlates with a noticeable uptick in the number of digital nomads. Destinations across diverse regions are actively adapting to this evolving market trend, embracing the concept of remote work.
What the global landscape of digital nomad visas looks like
The UNWTO Brief delves into the intricacies of DNV programs across seven crucial facets: Application process, Visa duration, Taxation policies, Insurance provisions, Accommodation facilities, Minimum income prerequisites, and criminal records checks. The brief scrutinizes the historical backdrop and the current landscape of digital nomadism trends, offering an insightful analysis of existing DNVs globally within five distinct regions. Key insights encompass:
Nearly half of destinations worldwide offer visas valid for up to one year, catering to the needs of digital nomads seeking extended stays. A significant proportion, 39%, exempt digital nomads from tax obligations, providing a favorable financial environment. In 17% of destinations, there are no minimum income requirements, offering flexibility to individuals with varying income levels. The majority, 76%, streamline the application process by facilitating online submissions for Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) programs, ensuring efficiency and accessibility. Furthermore, 80% of destinations boast a quick turnaround, processing DNV applications within a one-month timeframe. Conversely, a minimal 6% of destinations impose no visa fees during the application process, reducing financial barriers for aspiring digital nomads.ADVERTISEMENTThis is the future of workA Digital Nomad Visa provides individuals the liberty to reside and work in a foreign country while concurrently engaging in professional endeavors, be it regular employment or freelance work for employers or clients situated in their home country or another. This visa category enables digital nomads to seamlessly pursue their careers while immersing themselves in the distinctive lifestyle of the host destination, aligning with prevalent trends in the future of work.
Flexibility and having digital access are important elementsThe UNWTO Brief underscores critical considerations for destinations contemplating the initiation or expansion of their DNV programs:
Destinations prioritize the digitalization of their infrastructure, recognizing the significance of strong connectivity and productivity. Investments in robust digital infrastructure, including high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and comfortable accommodations, are made to enhance optimal conditions for remote work. Host destinations, by providing a flexible visa framework, empower digital nomads to strike a harmonious balance between work and lifestyle. This approach allows them to craft conducive work environments while immersing themselves in the local culture and lifestyle. Additionally, the brief stresses the critical need for host destinations to conduct impact assessments for Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) programs, establishing it as a vital mechanism for evaluating and understanding their future implications.

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Sonoma County Tourism has announced the launch of its “Discover Your &” consumer marketing campaign, which is designed to inspire visitation to the destination in the off-peak season of November through April. 
The “Discover Your &” campaign works to leverage all the great things that consumers know Sonoma County for, while also showcasing incredible experiences and activities they might not be aware of (yet). While Sonoma County is renowned for its world-class wine scene and unrivaled natural beauty, “Discover Your &” also connects visitors with only-in-Sonoma County events and high touch experiences they can choose based on their personal interests and needs. Visitors also enjoy a higher level of access this time of year to local makers and artisans to gain a deeper understanding of how Sonoma County inspires them to create all our world-class products and experiences.
“Sonoma County is particularly compelling this time of year,” said Todd O’Leary, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Sonoma County Tourism. “You might have a favorite Chardonnay from Sonoma County, but have you paired it with freshly caught Dungeness crab uniquely prepared at one of our fabulous restaurants? Or, you may love exploring our incredible Pacific coastline, but have you witnessed the great migration of humpback whales just offshore? To further entice visitors, our businesses are offering high-touch experiences and lodging offers that make Sonoma County a must-visit destination in the off-peak season.” 
A tentpole of the campaign is a promotion entitled “More Than a Stay.” A curated list of both lodging offers, and high-touch experiences, inspires visitors to explore more aspects of the destination while also saving them money.
For more information on the “Discover Your &” campaign, including loads of travel inspiration about Sonoma County, please visitsonomacounty.com.ADVERTISEMENT

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Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to collectively initiate and pursue cross-destination tourism promotion and marketing initiatives between the Musandam Governorate, Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.
The agreement was signed in London, UK, between Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, Chief Executive Officer of OMRAN Group during a signing ceremony held at the World Travel Market, one of the most influential annual global exhibitions on travel and tourism.
The MoU provides an official platform for both parties to cooperate on initiatives aimed at attracting more international visitors while positioning Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam as leading global tourism destinations in the Middle East. The agreement will see leaders of both organisations work together to create opportunities for travellers to visit both destinations, Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam, in a single trip. The partnership between the destinations is a natural fit, with just a 90-minute drive between them and a shared mountain range, the majestic Hajar mountains, among a wealth of other shared natural landscapes. Furthermore, their intertwined cultural heritage and historical connections only serve to enrich and strengthen this unique collaboration. 
To this end, the MoU sets forth a framework for greater collaboration and dialogue on marketing initiatives to promote cross-destination tourism. This includes facilitating ease of access in transportation between Musandam and Ras Al Khaimah, developing favourable visa arrangements for international travellers to visit both destinations and initiating tourism packages, adventure offerings and partnership opportunities.
Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “This first of its kind agreement is built upon a formidable synergy between Ras Al Khaimah and the neighbouring Musandam Governorate. We look forward to working together with OMRAN on cross-destination promotions which will not only showcase each of our destinations’ distinct tourism offerings, but also raise awareness among international visitors about the wide range of tourism attractions in the Middle East.” ADVERTISEMENTDr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, OMRAN Group’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “It gives us great pleasure to partner with the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. This MoU underscores the pivotal role tourism authorities play in championing natural assets and cultural heritage. Through our joint efforts, we aim to craft distinctive and innovative experiences for global travellers, further enhancing the allure of our region.”
Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam Governorate boast remarkable natural assets, offering tourists a range of captivating attractions. These include the majestic Hajar Mountains and the stunning fjords for which the Governorate of Musandam is renowned. As both are uniquely situated along the pristine shores of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman respectively, international travellers can additionally expect to enjoy an extensive range of water activities when visiting both destinations as part of the new partnership. From immersive diving and snorkeling experiences, picturesque Dhow cruises, dolphin watching, kayaking and waterparks, Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam are set to deliver unforgettable experiences for every kind of traveller amidst stunning natural landscapes. 
The two destinations also offer a wide range of adventure experiences, this strategic partnership will focus on positioning Ras Al Khaimah and Musandam as leaders within the global adventure tourism market through unified marketing programmes. Ras Al Khaimah, known as the adventure hub of the Middle East, offers adventure enthusiasts a host of high-octane experiences on Jebel Jais, the highest mountain peak in the UAE, such as the Jais Flight, the longest zipline in the world, the Jais Sledder, the longest toboggan ride in the region, among many other attractions, while Musandam recently shattered international records with the launch of the world’s longest over water zipline. Together, the two destinations are poised to make a significant contribution to the global adventure market, elevating the Middle East’s status as a hub for adventure seekers internationally. 
Additionally, both destinations boast an impressive heritage and rich cultural history. History buffs can start with visiting one of the various sites in Ras Al Khaimah, including four archaeological sites on the UNESCO tentative list and Suwaidi Pearls, the only pearl farm in the UAE, then head to Oman and visit the Khasab Castle and Telegraph Island, one of the famous historical sites in Musandam. In addition, incentives will be developed through this MoU to attract international visitors to these sites to preserve the captivating natural beauty and cultural traditions of each destination.
Taken together, the new strategic partnership will offer travellers a seamless experience which showcases the rich diversity of tourism offerings within the Sultanate of Oman and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, making it easier than ever to explore and enjoy both destinations.

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