Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

If you look up from Quito city centre, you will be able to catch a glimpse of one of the biggest statues in the world: The Virgin of El Panecillo. Also known as the Virgin of Quito, it measures 41 metres from base to tip and rests atop the loaf-shaped hill at the heart of the city (hence its name, with panecillo meaning “bread roll” in Spanish) and can be seen from just about any point in the city.
The Virgin of El Panecillo serves as both a cultural and religious figure for Quito, a constant reminder of the city’s faith and religious nature. As well as being one of the top symbols of Ecuador’s capital city, it attracts thousands of visitors each year, making it one of its most-visited landmarks.
Together with the Church of the Company of Jesus, the Basilica of the National Vow, the TelefériQo cable car, La Ronda neighbourhood, the Middle of the World City and Itchimbía Park, it makes up the Seven Wonders of Quito, a collection of must-sees for anyone who visits the Capital of the Centre of the World.The statue of the Virgin is made from 7,400 numbered pieces of platinum, aluminium and other metals which were all put together like a giant puzzle.  Measuring 30 metres tall, the stone and reinforced concrete base adds another 11 metres to its overall height. Its total stature of 41 metres makes it the tallest aluminium statue in the world, even taller than the statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
The base comprises 18 columns representing Ecuador’s provinces at the start of the 1970s, when construction began. At the top of the base is a 180º viewpoint offering unrivalled panoramic views of the city of Quito. The base is crowned with a globe and a snake, which allude to the original sin, from which the Virgin rises up.
The sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary as portrayed in the Book of Revelation – the Woman of the Apocalypse – a woman with wings and a chain shackling the snake. Finally, she wears a crown comprising 12 stars, which symbolise the 12 apostles. This statue is based on the Virgin of Quito, a 17th-century wooden sculpture made by Bernardo de Legarda, one of the finest artists of the Quito school.ADVERTISEMENTSince its inauguration on 28 March 1975, the Virgin of El Panecillo has attracted visitors from far and wide, amazing people with its imposing structure and the impressive vistas from its viewpoint, offering a unique perspective of the city. For the residents of Quito, it is a symbol of identity and local pride, turning it into a truly authentic landmark that is greatly valued.

Quito, the Capital at the Middle of the World, is the closest city to the sun and the only place where it is possible to stand with one foot in each hemisphere. This city, declared the First Cultural Heritage of Humanity thanks to its Historic centre, mixes the pre-Hispanic, colonial, traditional and modern.Quito is also a place for adventure. This equatorial city is the start of the Avenue of Volcanoes, or you can visit the Andean Chocó, home to the spectacled bear and thousands of bird species.It is also the gateway to the four worlds of Ecuador: Galapagos, Pacific Coast, Andes and Amazon. Quito has a unique cuisine that fuses ancestral knowledge and flavours with avant-garde proposals that conquer the palates of those who try it.https://visitquito.ec/

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The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) today reveals Germany’s Travel & Tourism sector is recovering at pace to recover to within 95% of pre-pandemic levels.The sector is set to contribute €355BN to the national economy this year, getting to within 95% of the 2019 highpoint, and representing 9.3% of the economy. WTTC is also forecasting that the sector will create more than 168,000 jobs this year, recovering most of the jobs lost due to the COVID 19 pandemic to reach 5.6MN.
A look back on last year
Last year, the Travel & Tourism sector’s GDP contribution grew by 43.4% to reach more than €338BN, representing 8.8% of the economy, edging closer to the 2019 high of €374BN.
Last year the sector also created 550,000 more jobs from the previous year to reach 5.4MN jobs nationally – one in eight jobs across Germany.The sector has now recovered over 50% of the 1MN jobs lost during the pandemic.
Last year also saw the return of international travellers heading to Germany with spending from overseas visitors growing 61% to reach almost €31BN.ADVERTISEMENTDomestic visitor spend is within touching distance of the pre-pandemic level of €307.8BN and is currently €304.4BN, a year-on-year increase of 49%.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector in Germany is making a strong recovery. It will contribute €355BN to the German economy this year and employ one in eight jobs across the country.
“Germany is forecast to remain the fifth most popular tourism destination in Europe over the next decade, demonstrating its enduring appeal.”
What does the next decade look like?
The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to more than €440BN by 2033, 10.3% of the overall economy and will employ almost 6.1MN people across the country, with one in seven Germans working in the sector.
Europe
In 2022, the European Travel & Tourism sector contributed €1.9TN to the regional economy, just 7% below the 2019 peak. WTTC forecasts the region’s GDP contribution from the sector will reach more than €2TN in 2023 – within touching distance of the 2019 highpoint.
The sector employed almost 35MN people across the region in 2022, an increase of 2.9MN from the previous year but still 3.2MN behind pre-pandemic levels. WTTC forecasts the sector will fully recover the jobs lost during the pandemic by the end of 2024.

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Underground Donut Tour Launches in Victoria

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Today, the Underground Donut Tour, the World’s Best Donut Tour, is launching their next tour in Victoria, British Columbia. The Underground Donut Tour has been running for 8 years across the US, Canada, Ireland, and the UK, including Chicago, Philadelphia, New York City, Portland, Seattle, Boston, Nashville, New Orleans, Miami, London, Dublin, Toronto, Vancouver and now adding Victoria to our roster. Hosting thousands of guests from around the world and showcasing the best doughnuts each city has to offer.
“Victoria is such a beautiful city with so much to see and do. From gorgeous architecture to the focus on sustainable living, indigenous culture, and finally an incredible food scene. We have some absolutely delicious donuts lined up for this tour. We can’t wait for our guests to come and check them out,” said Jeff Woelker, founder of the Underground Donut Tour.
What Can Customers ExpectWalking between 4 of the best doughnut shops in Victoria – we share the history of each location, along with many local sights, sounds, and tastes of the area. Our tour primarily takes place around downtown Victoria, the Inner Harbour, the Market Square, and Chinatown.
“We’re so excited to get this tour started. Everyone we’ve spoken with is so excited to take part and we can’t wait to share the rich history, culture, and stories with our guests. And not to mention, the donuts are absolutely delicious,” said Sage Schmied, Victoria’s city manager for the Underground Donut Tour.
When Do Tours RunTours will start on Friday, August 11th, and run year-round. Tours run numerous times a day and days of the week, so check our website for the latest schedule. Tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis, so don’t miss out.ADVERTISEMENTHow Can Customers Book TicketsTickets are 73 CAD for adults and 60 CAD for kids 10 and under. Tickets can be booked at www.undergrounddonuttour.com today.

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CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF YOSEMITE FACELIFT

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Yosemite National Park’s annual park-wide cleanup event, Yosemite Facelift, is proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary this September, with significantly expanded programming and partnerships.
Yosemite gateway partner Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is taking this voluntourism experience to new heights by offering their Facelift guests the opportunity to trade trash for Spa services! Between September 4th and October 5th, 2023, lodge guests participating in Facelift will receive a complimentary detox spa experience which includes a magnesium foot soak at Rush Creek Spa.Founded in 2003 by Ken Yager, President of the Yosemite Climbing Association, Yosemite Facelift has grown into a transformative week-long event, bringing together volunteers from around the world to contribute to the preservation of this cherished national treasure. Yosemite Facelift was conceived as a way for climbers to give back to Yosemite after each bustling summer tourist and climbing season, instilling a sense of stewardship and environmental responsibility among participants.
The 20th anniversary event is set to take place in Yosemite Valley on September 20th to 24th, 2023, with volunteer opportunities from as little as an hour to larger multi-day projects, plus daily giveaways, guest speakers, music and celebrations. This initiative has inspired similar cleanups in over 20 additional locations across America, including the 2nd annual Groveland Facelift September 9th and 10th, 2023. To participate in any Facelift event, interested individuals must pre-register at yosemiteclimbing.org.
Facelift volunteers staying at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa will end their day not only satisfied with their stewardship efforts, but also with the invitation to head to the innovative Yosemite-inspired Spa for some luxurious pampering. Rush Creek Spa’s Wellness team will treat guests to a complimentary Detox Experience that includes a magnesium foot soak in the Spa’s heated outdoor lounge and access to day use amenities such as the Granite Waterfall Mineral Hot Tub, Warm Waterfall Coves, Aromatherapy Steam Room and more.. To book this exclusive wellness treatment, guests can call the Wellness Team at (209) 379-2425.
Over the years, Yosemite Facelift has witnessed remarkable success in its efforts to keep the park free from litter and waste. During the event’s 16th year in 2019, nearly 3,000 dedicated volunteers participated, resulting in the collection of nearly 16,000 pounds of trash, a significant portion of which was recycled to keep it out of landfills. To date, the cumulative efforts of Yosemite Facelift have led to the removal of an impressive 1 million pounds of trash from Yosemite National Park, making a substantial positive impact on the environment.ADVERTISEMENTKen Yager, the visionary behind Yosemite Facelift, is dedicated to expanding cleanup initiatives to other national parks as well. Collaborating with the National Park Service and sponsors such as The North Face, 5 Gyres, Patagonia, and Leave No Trace, Yager launched similar cleanups in South Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lakes, Rocky Mountain, Joshua Tree, and others. He hopes that Yosemite Facelift will serve as an inspiration for communities to engage in environmental stewardship not only in parks but also in their local surroundings, as they did in San Francisco’s Glen Park earlier this year.
Yosemite Facelift remains committed to preserving the natural splendor of Yosemite National Park and encourages everyone to join this noble cause, and Rush Creek Lodge & Spa is honored and eager to support its participants. By fostering a spirit of camaraderie and fun while cleaning up the environment, Yosemite Facelift continues to inspire a worldwide community of volunteers dedicated to preserving our precious natural heritage.
For more information and to participate in Yosemite Facelift, please visit yosemiteclimbing.org. To book the exclusive wellness treatment at Rush Creek Lodge & Spa, participants can call the Wellness Team at (209) 379-2425.

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Maui and Hawaiʻi Island Wildfire Updates

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All eyes are on Ras Al Khaimah as the nature-focused emirate goes into overdrive building hotels, opening new flight routes and signing development deals. All of which has resulted in the northern emirate’s best-ever visitor numbers.
For the first half of the 2023, RAK recorded 598,079 arrivals, 310,886 of which were international. That is a 14.8 percent boost year-on-year for Ras Al Khaimah.
Russia makes up almost one third of the emirate’s international source markets, accounting for 30.3 percent (that’s 94,089) visits. That eclipses tourists from UK, Germany and India combined.A similar trend can be seen in Dubai.
Tourism revenues are also record-breaking so far this year, up 30.6 percent on 2022 to reach AED701.2 million.
Average daily rates are down seven percent YOY at AED533.5 for a roomm but a 25.5 percent increase in occupancy levels of 72.1 percent helped the emirate stay ahead.ADVERTISEMENTLooking at other revenue drivers, in H1, Ras Al Khaimah saw a 300 percent increase in revenue from weddings, which is expected to continue to grow into H2.

Hotel development spike in RAKAnother key driver of the northern emirate’s rising visitor numbers is the continued expansion of its hotel portfolio. Ras Al Khaimah announced the addition of Nobu Al Marjan Island (300 keys) in 2026, Westin Resort (257 keys) in 2024, Le Méridien Al Marjan Island Resort (350 keys) and Earth Shore Al Marjan Island (265 keys) in 2025. With Anantara Mina Al Arab (174 keys) and Sofitel Al Hamra (300 keys) set to open this year plus several other global names in the near future, the emirate plans to double the number of keys over the coming years.
“2023 is shaping up to be the Emirate’s best year to date, with our first half results proving the efficacy of moving fast, staying relevant and just getting things done,” said Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “It’s essential we remain agile and continue to develop Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism offering and create diverse and inspiring experiences for all. We have big ambitions and are confident that we will exceed our targets for 2023”.
12 new hotels opening in Ras Al Khaimah soon: From Wynn Resorts to Earth Hotels
Market analysts say the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island will have its own ‘Wynn Effect’ in the emirate.
In March, investment management specialists Colliers published a report on the future of tourism in Ras Al Khaimah and says Wynn Al Marjan Island Resort could bring 5.5m tourists to RAK by 2030, smashing the target number of three million.

In April, the first pictures of the upcoming Wynn Al Marjan Island resort were released. The US$3.9 billion integrated resort will be home to the UAE’s first confirmed casino when it opens in 2027.
Wynn Al Marjan Island will comprise 1,500 keys, including rooms, suites and villas, along with two dozen restaurants, a spa, an events centre, and a threatre for “unique production shows.” Wynn states the resort is designed for longer visits and “day trips” from those across the six other emirates. With this in mind, there will be nightly laser and light shows, much like in Las Vegas.
Source: Hotelier Middle East

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G Flip Performs Floating 270m Above Sydney’s Blue Mountains

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Sydney’s World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains has today become the ultimate stage with music artist G Flip performing atop a cable car 270 metres (885 feet) above its soaring sandstone ridges and Eucalyptus forests.Looking every part the rockstar for the world-first event, G Flip, who is an Australian drummer-turned-singer, songwriter and producer, delivered an epic performance with their full drum kit set up on the top of Scenic World’s Skyway cable car.
Against a spectacular backdrop that included the iconic rock formation the Three Sisters, G Flip performed their new single, The Worst Person Alive. Signature beats and vocals echoed across the breathtaking ravines and valleys below, as they connected with the sounds of nature just after the sun rose.
G Flip said the experience was one of the most memorable performances they had done to date. “This is the coolest performance I’ve ever done in my life. Drumming 270m above the air in the Blue Mountains is something I never thought I’d do – it was so awesome, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face!”
The awe-inspiring, adrenaline-infused performance was delivered on the eve of the highly anticipated launch of G Flip’s second studio album, DRUMMER.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said this initiative was artistic brilliance and natural wonders at its best.ADVERTISEMENT“These are exactly the types of collaborations that help to form NSW’s unique visitor experiences – a picturesque World Heritage-listed site intertwined with one of Australia’s edgiest and top-performing artists; it really doesn’t get much better than that.
“This is an outstanding example of how Destination NSW is showcasing our state’s strengths as outlined in the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2030.
“The beautiful Blue Mountains are a must-see destination for anyone travelling to Australia and we couldn’t be more excited to have such a talented artist like G Flip put NSW on the global stage, showcasing the unique experiences that will entice even more visitors to come and explore Sydney and NSW for themselves.”
Anthea Hammon, Managing Director of Scenic World said it was an honour to host G Flip for such an exciting activation.
“We’re so pleased to have had G Flip perform on the roof of the Scenic Skyway and to do what no-one has done before – drum on a stage that’s floating 270 metres above the Blue Mountains!”
“Scenic World is especially proud of our unique connection to the natural wonders around us and having a homegrown Aussie star like G Flip celebrate this special place with a global audience,” said Ms Hammon.
DRUMMER will be released Friday 11 August by Future Classic. G Flip will perform at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on Thursday 7 September and Friday 8 September and at Newcastle’s Bar On The Hill in Newcastle on Saturday 9 September. For tickets visit https://www.frontiertouring.com/gflip.
For information on Sydney, the Blue Mountains and New South Wales check out www.visitnsw.com

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No UNESCO “in danger” listing for the Great Barrier Reef this time, but a scorching El Nino summer season is on the horizon.Scientists are challenging the decision of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, notwithstanding substantial scientific data that says it is at risk of undergoing huge bleaching this year.
The group of experts met in Paris and reported that the Australian officials had achieved “substantial progress,” but that climate change and polluting industries still posed “severe threats” to the reef. The committee also stressed the need of “continued effort to execute the key recommendations,” and it requested an update from the administration by February 1st 2024.
However, El Nino, which normally has a warming influence, is expected to arrive in six months, and climate analysts predict this will likely cause the waters to become even hotter.
More than 1,500 species of fish and 411 types of hard corals make their home in the Great Barrier Reef, which spans an area of about 345,000 sq km. It’s worth billions to the Australian economy every year and is aggressively advertised to international visitors as one of the world’s most impressive natural attractions.
Australia’s administrations have been racing to dispel fears of an “in danger” classification from the World Heritage Committee ever since the threat was first raised in 2021.ADVERTISEMENTAt the same time, as the globe continues to consume planet-warming fossil fuels, the Great Barrier Reef has experienced major mass bleaching in 2016, 2017, and 2020. The first bleaching incident to occur during El Nino’s counterpart, La Nina, which typically has a cooling impact, cast severe doubt on the future of the nation and its management strategies in 2022.
The committee said in a draft conclusion released that several critical species’ numbers were growing or remaining steady since the previous bleaching episode, indicating that the reef had made “some recovery.”
The panellists expressed “appreciation” for the state’s recent efforts, but they also called for “stronger government pledges to decrease carbon emissions” and “further improvement of water quality” as part of the Reef 2050 Plan. However, experts warned that the reef’s prospects are not expected to improve until the government issues another status statement on February 1.
Moreover, next summer, after the analysis is finished, there would be another huge bleaching incident when El Nino conditions rise again, making the government’s recent licensing of new fossil fuel projects at odds with its declared attempts to safeguard the reef.

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DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, launches its most forward-looking beauty event of the year. Themed “Explore New Dimensions,” DFS aims to redefine beauty dimensions and possibilities, bringing together 15 world-renowned brands to curate a series of exclusive experiences that offer guests personalized shopping journeys leveraging AR and AI technology and limited-time offers at select DFS stores in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, Singapore, Bali, Guam, Saipan, Paris and Venice.Guerlain and Jo Malone London Anchor the Extensive List of Participating Luxury Beauty Brands
Two anchor brands, Guerlain and Jo Malone London, will be joined by Burberry, Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins, Clinique, Estée Lauder, Ginza, Kiehl’s, La Mer, Lancôme, L’Occitane, Sol de Janeiro and Sulwhasoo to offer a variety of pop-ups* and at-counter* experiences. Customers will be invited to express themselves, explore one-of-a-kind experiences, test new products and experiment with beauty’s new dimensions through textures, colors and sensations to Glam Up their look with limited-time makeup and fragrance offerings and Glow Up their beauty routines through skincare regimens.
Guerlain, the luxury French beauty brand, is offering two exclusive-to DFS workshops – “Honey Tasting Workshop” and “Melliferous Flower Workshop” – to showcase the benefits of the brand’s new Abeille Royale Honey Treatment Night Cream at selected DFS stores in August. Customers will also be able to enjoy a range of facial treatments conducted by expert beauty therapists using the latest techniques and technology harnessing the power of honey and royal jelly.
Jo Malone London, the British lifestyle brand known for its unique fragrance portfolio and luxury products for the bath, body and home, is presenting a “Whimsical World” with playful pop-ups at T Galleria by DFS, Hong Kong, Canton Road; T Galleria by DFS, Macau, City of Dreams; and T Galleria by DFS, Macau, Shoppes at Four Seasons. With purchases, customers can play the digital claw grabber on-site to win Jo Malone London products and enjoy exclusive personalization services with limited-edition shaped boxes, keychains or magnets.
Technological Innovation Provides Customers with Experiences that Expand the Dimensions of BeautyADVERTISEMENTDigitalization is an essential feature of the journey to Explore New Dimensions following DFS’ award-winning venture into the metaverse in 2022. The augmented reality (AR) face filters Magic Mirror offers customers a fun and instantaneous Glam Up and Glow Up transformation, digitally.
The Aura Perfumery provides scent-seekers with an interactive consultation and an exploration of one’s Aura, made up of colors representative of his/her energy field that are uniquely individual. Customers can bring home a complimentary, signature scent that is a perfect match of their aura based on a personality quiz, with limited quantities available on a first-come-first-served basis. The experience uses one-of-a-kind AI to select the scent and generates artwork that symbolizes the customer’s auric DNA.
To celebrate the launch of the multi-dimensional beauty event of the year, a special “Beauty Night Out” will take place at 19 locations globally, on August 4, with the flagship event kicking off at T Galleria Beauty by DFS, Galaxy Macau. The store, featuring two-times the original space through DFS’ latest beauty upgrade, will have a livestreaming studio, a high-end fragrance section, the first expression of DFS Beauty Collective concept, a Meitu Make-Up digital mirror activation, several Spa Cabines to offer the ultimate beauty rituals, and more.
Two limited-edition scents – Glam Up and Glow Up – powered by Maison 21G, will also be available for sale exclusively at Galaxy Macau, while stock lasts.
“We are extremely excited to be back live-in person to present our biggest beauty event of the year in partnership with 15 world-renowned brand partners. Bringing our discerning customers entertainment, technology-driven exploration, and exclusive products and services that you simply can’t find elsewhere and, in the way only DFS knows best.”
Christophe Marque, President, Merchandising, DFS
At all DFS stores during the beauty event of the year, customers will receive a complimentary compact mirror upon a designated spend amount*.
To maximize rewards and increase enjoyment, customers are invited to join the DFS global loyalty program – DFS CIRCLE, through mobile APP (iOS, Android), WeChat mini program, or the DFS website. DFS CIRCLE members will earn additional points* when they make purchases during the months of August and September.
*Activations, pop-ups and additional points may vary per location. Visit DFS.com for the latest details.

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