Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Southeast Asia based destination management company Khiri Travel has launched new travel products in eight countries in the region.
Each Khiri travel experience is listed in one of six categories: Signature, Select, Personality, Sundowner, Picnic, and Wow!
The categories give tour operators and travel agents in source markets a quick indication of what to expect.
Specifically, Khiri Signature is reserved for special travel experiences not offered by other operators. Khiri Personality is for conversations with renowned local experts such as historians, authors and artists.
Khiri Sundowner presents amazing views at sunset with private drinks service away from other tourists. Khiri Select is reserved for experiences that reflect the essence of a place with activities that give unique insights and memories.ADVERTISEMENTKhiri Picnic allows clients to enjoy the best of locally sourced food with freshest ingredients prepared by locals in appealing locations unconstrained by restaurant availability.
Khiri Wow is for when money is no object.
Within that six-point framework, Khiri Travel will showcase its latest travel products at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 6-8 November and at Further East Bali on 6-9 November.
Sample experiences that Khiri will promote at both events include off-the-beaten track markets and temples of Cambodia, white water rafting on the Mae Taeng river in Thailand, sunset barbecues on the beach at Hoi An, Vietnam, kayaking to remote villages on Inle Lake in Myanmar, meeting ethnically diverse tribes of the Bolaven Plateau in Laos, and encountering the orangutans of Sumatra in Indonesia, to name a few.
“At Khiri, we mix and match the experiences to meet the personal needs of clients,” said Khiri Travel CEO and founder, Willem Niemeijer, who will attend WTM.
“We can create some remarkable travel experiences by combining categories such as signature, wow, personality and sundowner on any given trip. That’s when our 30 years of DMC know-how and intimate knowledge of our destinations really shines through,” he said.
Khiri Travel offers B2B destination management services to tour operators sending clients to Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and the Maldives.
WTM and Further EastTravel professionals can meet Mr Niemeijer and Khiri’s General Manager for Cambodia and Laos, John Black, at Stand N11-400 at WTM London, and Aini Wikamto, General Manager Indonesia, at Stand S10-220. Bookings are available here. https://khiri.com/join-khiri-travel-at-wtm-2023
Khiri Travel will be represented at Further East Bali by Mahiru Fernando, General Manager of Khiri Travel Sri Lanka, and Aaron Edgington, General Manager Vietnam.
Further information: Khiri.com.

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Celebrating 50 years of guiding travellers, Lonely Planet has released Best in Travel 2024, expanding its list to 50 remarkable destinations worldwide. For 2024, the American Midwest shines as the number one Best Value Destination due to its cultural richness, diversity, and outstanding value, offering travellers an extraordinary experience at an exceptional price.Illinois, located in the heart of the American Midwest, stands out as the gem within this region, and it’s one of the key reasons why the Midwest is hailed as a Best Value Destination in 2024. Illinois offers travellers a diverse array of experiences that combine history, culture, and natural beauty, all while providing exceptional value.
Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism said, “We are delighted that America’s Midwest, which includes Illinois, has been highlighted by Lonely Planet as the Best Value Destination for 2024. From thrilling outdoor adventures to its world-class architecture and culinary scene, Illinois offers a diverse range of free and budget-friendly activities and attractions for all ages and interests, making it an attractive destination to global visitors.”
Chicago, the state’s largest city, is renowned for its striking skyline, iconic architecture, and vibrant arts scene. The city boasts world-class museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, where visitors can explore an extensive collection of art and exhibitions. From the start of Historic Route 66 to picturesque Millennium Park and the eclectic Navy Pier, Chicago offers a range of free attractions that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank.
In addition to its urban charm, Illinois also offers travellers the opportunity to explore its natural wonders including beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan and nearly 70 state parks. Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois is a hidden paradise, featuring dramatic rock formations, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails, including the popular Garden of the Gods. This stunning outdoor playground is ideal for nature enthusiasts and hikers, and it’s easily accessible without straining your travel budget.
History buffs will find plenty to discover in Illinois as well. Springfield, the state capital, is home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, a captivating destination that delves into the life and legacy of the 16th President of the United States. Visitors can also tour the Lincoln Home National Historic Site and explore other sites related to the nation’s history.ADVERTISEMENTFoodies will be delighted by Illinois’ culinary offerings. Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and diverse international cuisine, making it a top destination for food lovers on a budget. The city’s 77 neighbourhoods, including Pilsen, Logan Square, Hyde Park and Chinatown, offer affordable and delectable dining options that reflect the city’s multicultural heritage. In Springfield travellers can visit the Cozy Dog Drive In – home to the world’s first corn dog on a stick, and Motorheads – a restaurant, museum and live music venue that serves a local delicacy – the horseshoe sandwich. While across the state local distilleries, wineries, and craft breweries are waiting to be explored.
In 2024, Illinois becomes an even more attractive destination with a variety of cultural events, festivals, and celebrations that provide insight into the state’s rich heritage, including the 20th anniversary of Chicago’s Millennium Park, and the crossroads of the Total Solar Eclipse in southern Illinois on April 8, while in 2026 Illinois will celebrate the centennial of Route 66.
For more information on Illinois, or to plan your trip, visit www.enjoyillinois.co.uk

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Apes Hill Barbados shined at the World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi, with the Caribbean resort-residential community winning four categories, including ‘World’s Best Golf Real Estate Venue’, ‘World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility’, and World’s Best new golf course in both Barbados and the Caribbean.The 10th World Golf Awards was hosted at the Radisson Blu Hotel and Yas Links Abu Dhabi. The ceremony, which rewards excellence in the golf tourism market, brought together industry leaders from Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania.
“We are deeply pleased to see our sustainability work recognized, while our relatively new real estate offering being named the ‘best in golf’ so early into the project confirms the unique, special community we’re building,” said Sunil Chatrani, Executive Chairman, Apes Hill Barbados. “We set out to create one of the best experiences in golf. Recognition as the best course in both Barbados and the Caribbean, means a great deal as we strive to establish one of the region’s leading destinations.”
At 1000ft above sea level, Apes Hill Barbados is the most elevated golf resort and community in Barbados, spanning 475 acres made up of lush tropical vegetation, indigenous gullies and rare panoramic ocean views of both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
Set within the undulating topography of the Central Highlands, and hugging the geologically unique Scotland District, it is home to an 18-hole, par-72 Championship golf course which is complemented by state-of-the-art golf amenities featuring the latest technology, a short course under development, and a 19th hole.
With its laid back, luxury lifestyle, sustainability lives at its core and permeates through the entire resort and community. The stunning collection of residences, which blend seamlessly with the environment, highlight that nature, innovation and technology reign supreme across the lush landscape.ADVERTISEMENTSleek and modern residences can be found ranging from three-bedroom courtyard villas to four-bedroom hilltop residences and golf course homes featuring a bespoke design service. It is a place of prestige without pretense, set in one of the most unique high points to be found. Apes Hill Barbados delivers an unmatched adventure for the entire family and is a natural setting for an ultra-luxurious golf resort and community.

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The Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) has announced the introduction of the “Tattoovenir,” the first-ever souvenir that truly stays with you. The One happy island is offering visitors the chance to get a free Aruba-themed tattoo from a local artist, as a permanent reminder of the One happy island.“When our visitors leave, they take some of the island’s abundant happiness with them,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. “What better way to celebrate this lasting feeling than to give away permanent souvenirs from our talented local tattoo artists. Because Aruba stays with you, long after you leave.”
Starting today, eligible visitors can register for the opportunity to receive a free Aruba-themed tattoo during their trip from one of the five participating local Aruban tattoo shops by visiting aruba.com/tattoovenirs and claiming a Tattoovenir voucher while supplies last. Pending verification of their eligibility, participants can redeem their Tattoovenir at the participating shop of their choice between January 1, 2024 through June 30, 2024.
Participating Tattoo Shops Include:
Black Sheep Body ArtsLocated ideally in the heart of Oranjestad, Black Sheep Body Arts features a team of award winning tattoo artists that specialize in custom, fine line, bright color, and black and grey realism tattoosCadushi Ink TattoosA trend setter in the Aruban tattoo industry, the eclectic Cadushi Ink Tattoo shop has years of experience perfecting a variety of styles from minimalistic to to neotraditional, geometric, realistic, and freestyle.Inkspiration Tattoo StudioOperating just off the shoreline in Palm Beach, Inksiration tattoo is home to a team of versatile artists with experience working with fineline, black & grey, color and custom tattoos.Aruba Tattoo/Aruba Tattoo and PiercingJust minutes from Eagle Beach, Aruba Tattoo and Piercing features a dedicated team of artists that are constantly studying new techniques to evolve their work and perfect their craft, with a specialty in realism composition tattoos in black and grey.Art 4 Life TattooAt Art 4 Life Tattoo, conveniently situated amongst the high rise hotels of Plam Beach, visitors will find a staff of skilled tattoo artists who pride thesleves on crafting one-of-a-kind personalized tattoos and creating unforgettable experiences.To learn more about the Aruba Effect and all that the One happy island has to offer, visit Aruba.com and follow us on social @ArubaTourism. The Aruba Tourism Authority encourages visitors to show how Aruba has stayed with them by sharing their Aruba-inspired ink on social media and using the hashtag #Tattoovenir.

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Eight locations across the globe are named Wildlife Heritage Areas

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World Animal Protection and World Cetacean Alliance have launched a new global program, working in coalition with responsible travel businesses and wildlife charities, to forever change the way people view and understand wildlife.
As more people become aware that zoos and aquariums exploit animals for entertainment, Wildlife Heritage Areas will meet an increasing demand from tourists to ethically see wild animals in the wild.
“World Animal Protection and our partners are breaking new ground in the world of responsible and sustainable tourism,” says Cameron Harsh, US director of programs for World Animal Protection. “Now, travelers will be able to discover amazing destinations—whether near their own homes or abroad—where they can trust that the local communities and the incredible tourism experiences, they have created are meaningfully protecting wild animals and their homes.”
One newly designated Wildlife Heritage area, the Santa Barbara Channel Whale Heritage Area (SBCWHA), is located in the United States, less than a hundred miles outside Los Angeles. The Santa Barbara Channel, renowned for its rich biodiversity and thriving marine ecosystem, has long been a haven for over 25 different species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. More than 15,000 Pacific gray whales migrate through the channel each year on their way to their breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico in the winter and their feeding grounds in the Arctic in the summer.
“Animals have the power to touch our hearts, inspire our minds, and deepen our connection to the natural world. By appreciating and protecting these magnificent cetaceans in their natural habitat, our hope is we not only enhance their lives but also cultivate an opportunity for tourists to understand and witness their responsibility towards keeping animals in the wild,” said Holly Lohuis, co-director of SBCWHA and local naturalist and marine educator with Island Packers, Santa Barbara Maritime Museum and Ocean Futures Society.ADVERTISEMENTAdditional Wildlife Heritage areas have been launched in Peru/Colombia, Brazil, Italy, Australia, Portugal, and South Africa.
Wildlife Heritage Areas provide a clear solution for eliminating the exploitation of animals by the modern tourism sector. It is long past time to end all attractions that force animals to suffer by allowing them to be ridden, touched, or posed for selfies, and to recognize that all wild animals have a right to a wild life.

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The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Kimberly King to the position of Chief Marketing Officer.Ms. King is an accomplished tourism marketing professional with a strong record of achievement in both the public and private sectors,” stated Mr. Kenroy Herbert, Chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board. “She has an innate understanding of the challenges facing the Caribbean region, particularly for small destinations like Anguilla. She has successfully tackled these issues with innovative and creative strategies and programs, and we are confident that the expertise she brings to the Tourist Board will enhance our presence and advance our initiatives in all major source markets.”
As Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. King will be responsible for the development, execution, and continuous review of all marketing programs of the Anguilla Tourist Board.
“I am delighted and honored to join the Anguilla Tourist Board, and I deeply appreciate the vote of confidence from the Board in offering me this wonderful opportunity,” said Ms. King.  “Anguilla is an amazing destination with tremendous potential and a unique story to tell.  I look forward to working closely with the talented team at the ATB to elevate the Anguilla brand and position the island as the premier Caribbean destination for discerning leisure and business travelers.”
Prior to joining the Anguilla Tourist Board Ms. King served as the Destination Marketing Manager for the Discover Dominica Authority, where she successfully developed and implemented the marketing strategy for the Dominica destination brand. Under her tenure overall brand awareness, destination arrivals, and occupancy levels increased significantly. She pioneered select digital marketing strategies which resulted in more dynamic content for event marketing, and introduced a pillar strategy, which, among other factors, resulted in Dominica being named the #1 island in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2022.
Her private sector experience includes executive positions with leading hotel chains Blue Diamond Resorts, as Sales and Accounts Manager for the Eastern Caribbean, and Rex Resorts, as Regional Sales Manager.  Ms. King began her tourism career at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad, where she served in a variety of capacities, rising to the position of Events Sales Manager.ADVERTISEMENTMs. King holds a Masters Degree in Marketing Management from the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business. She earned her undergraduate degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, where she was awarded Most Outstanding Tourism Student by the Ministry of Tourism.
For information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; YouTube; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

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Jamaica, with its rich history and vibrant culture offers a unique and thrilling experience for Halloween enthusiasts. One of the most intriguing destinations is the Rose Hall Great House, located in Montego Bay.This historic mansion is known for its haunting tales and legends, making it a perfect setting for those seeking a spooky adventure.
Step into the gripping tale of Annie Palmer’s reign, the mistress of the cursed Rose Hall Great House. As the night falls, visitors can embark on ghost tours or explore the eerie corridors, hearing chilling stories about the infamous White Witch Annie Palmer of Rose Hall who turned the plantation into a harrowing realm of unspeakable horrors. With its dark history and mystery, Rose Hall provides an unforgettable Halloween experience that combines history, folklore, and a touch of the supernatural.
Jamaica itself is a fantastic destination for a Halloween getaway. If you’re looking to take a break from the spine-tingling Halloween activities at Rose Hall, look no further than the idyllic Doctor’s Cave Beach, a serene oasis just a short distance away. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand, Doctor’s Cave Beach offers the perfect escape from the eerie tales and spooky season festivities. Visitors can also enjoy Jamaica’s beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture which add an extra layer of excitement to the Halloween merriment. Immerse yourself in lively celebrations, street parties, and themed events that showcase the island’s artistic talents and vibrant spirit. Whether it’s attending a costume party, indulging in delicious Jamaican cuisine, or dancing the night away to pulsating rhythms, Jamaica offers a unique blend of spooky fun and tropical charm for Halloween celebrations.
For further information please visit https://www.visitjamaica.com/.

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In a defining moment for the global Travel & Tourism sector, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC) initiated by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia today released the latest industry-shaping Environmental Impact Research data.
Last year, during the WTTC Global Summit in Riyadh, the two organizations launched the collaboration and unveiled the inaugural results including the sector’s accurate greenhouse gas emissions for the first time ever.
This represents the most comprehensive environmental data in Travel & Tourism’s history.
H.E. Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said:
“We welcome this joint report initiated by the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, and WTTC, as an invaluable resource for decision makers around the world. It provides vital insights and unique impactful environmental research into how Travel & Tourism has both an influence on climate change and how it is affected by it. ADVERTISEMENT“Our research highlights the consistent decline of emissions intensity of Travel & Tourism over the last decade. Whilst the sector’s GDP growth averaged 4.3% annually, emissions only grew by 2.5% annually between 2010-2019 Still, the continued commitment to achieve net zero emissions for the Travel and Tourism sector has never been more important.
“We firmly believe Travel & Tourism is part of the solution and that is why Saudi Arabia has taken a leading role to accelerate and track this change to promote sustainability across the sector, protect nature and support communities.”
Today’s launch not only tells the sector’s direct impact, but also its supply chain impacts, both within national borders and those that are embedded in Travel & Tourism’s international supply chains.
The groundbreaking ER data covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
Building upon WTTC’s world-renowned Economic Impact Research, this initiative introduces individualized factsheets for each country and major global regions, and a dedicated microsite allowing users to explore the data in detail.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO said: “Today marks a pivotal moment for the global Travel & Tourism sector. Through this data, we are highlighting the sector’s multi-dimensional impact — economically, environmentally, and societally.
“We’re talking about a vision that sees beyond tourism and leans into its sustainable future. With this data, we are not just reflecting on where we are now, but actively charting our course for a future where the sector progressively reduces its environmental footprint and boosts its social impact.”
H.E. Gloria Guevara, Chief Special Advisor of the Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia, said:
“There is no doubt that this joint report between the Saudi Ministry of Tourism’s STGC and WTTC is a major milestone for the global Travel & Tourism sector. We are proud that Saudi Arabia has stepped up to become part of the solution. The STGC will unite the sector to accelerate the transition to a net-zero world, while protecting nature and supporting communities. Our mission is to be the leading global center for sustainable Travel & Tourism, delivering impact driven research, stakeholder-centric services, and tangible end-to-end solutions.”
“As an industry, we are responsible for 8.1% of all carbon emissions globally, rising on average 2.5% a year between 2010 and 2019. However, global Travel & Tourism’s GDP grew at an average of 4.3% per year, indicating the link between our sector’s growth and its carbon footprint has been loosened.
“Now for the first time we have the data which enables us to properly quantify the sector’s global emissions and identify and track which measures will work so we can map our journey towards a net zero future.”
Arnold Donald Chairman of WTTC said, “This first of its kind, in-depth report is a significant contribution to ensuring the inclusive, sustainable growth of the sector. Through its sponsorship, It’s yet another example of how the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is leading in so many ways in advancing global Travel and Tourism.”
The data converges economic metrics with crucial issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use and composition, freshwater use, air pollution and resource use as well as age, gender, and wage profiles of different employments, as well as harmonised indicators across a wide range of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The comprehensive data reveals the nexus between each dollar generated by Travel & Tourism in the economy and its consequential environmental and social impact.
Key highlights from the research include:
Environmental Impact (highlights):
·      The Travel & Tourism sector demonstrates an impressive trend of decoupling its environmental footprint from its GDP growth.·      Key achievements include reductions in the intensity of water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and material extraction.·      Travel & Tourism’s share of global energy consumption amounted to 10.6% in 2019·      The sector represented 0.9% of total global water consumption in 2019·      Travel & Tourism’s material footprint accounts for 5-8% of global material extraction ·      The report’s monitoring extends to pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ammonia, and nitrogen oxides, among others.
Importantly, the data tracks the sector’s performance towards 15 UN Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting its commitment to a more equitable and sustainable world.
The prime objective of this groundbreaking work is to elevate the accuracy and pertinence of sector-specific data, setting the trajectory for future initiatives and realigning with global sustainability milestones.
WTTC and STGC remain committed to cultivating cooperation and conversation among all industry stakeholders.
For detailed insights, comprehensive reports, or to delve deeper into the unveiled data, interested parties can visit https://researchhub.wttc.org/global-travel-footprint.

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