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    RAS AL KHAIMAH RECORDS THE HIGHEST EVER HALF-YEAR ARRIVAL NUMBERS

    Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces a record-breaking first six months, with the Emirate reporting its highest ever half-year arrival numbers.
    The impressive performance saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome 600K visitors between January and June 2023, a total increase of 14.8% versus H1 2022 and the highest ever tourism-related revenue achieved for a half-year period. ​ Reinforcing its position as a destination of the future, the results follow a series of strategic investments, partnerships and initiatives to boost tourism, setting a path for continued growth in 2023 and beyond. First half achievements include:
    International tourism rebound accounting for over 52% of all visitor arrivals to the destinationTook a step closer to becoming the regional leader in sustainable tourism by 2025, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority achieved Silver Certification, becoming the first EarthCheck certified tourism board in the Middle EastExpanded its aviation strategy by partnering with Qatar Airways to leverage its 150+ country global network to provide direct access to the EmirateSigned an agreement with FTI GROUP, one of Europe’s leading outbound tour operators, to drive inbound traffic from Germany and increase visitation from one of the Emirate’s top five visitor source marketsUnveiled the design vision for the USD $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island, the largest foreign direct tourism investment project, set to open in early 2027Significant increase in demand (room nights) with year-on-year growth of +33.6%, thanks to the addition of new hotel brands in the Emirate in 2022Announced the addition of Earth Hotels, Le Meridien and Nobu Hotels to its growing hotel portfolio, with plans to double the number of guest rooms over the coming years – one of the highest growth rates in the reigion
    Received six calls by four luxury cruise liners, welcoming over 2,500 passengers and crewIncreased MICE room nights by 26% vs. H1 2022 driven by international incentive groupsHosted several key events including the 16th edition of the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour and Exotic Wedding Planners Conference (EWPC)Held the official draw for the region’s first ever WMF Minifootball World Cup, taking place from October 26th to November 4thIntroduced civil law marriage licenses, and new wedding incentive and certification programmes to bolster the Emirate’s position as a wedding destinationRaki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, named one of Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders and Businessperson of the Year by Arabian Business earlier this yearLaunched ‘Get More’, a brand-new digital-first summer campaign, which generated more than half a billion impressions and over 2.5 million clicks, exceeding industry benchmarks.“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”.
    Strong June performanceADVERTISEMENTThe impressive half-year figures follow a strong June performance in which the Emirate welcomed over 102,900 visitor arrivals, representing a 39.6% increase versus June 2022. Tourism related revenue also grew by 64.7%, while occupancy and Average Daily Rate (ADR) saw an uplift of 33.2% and 6.7% respectively.

    Leading in responsible tourism
    On a mission to not only protect its natural assets, but also engage the growing cohort of responsible travellers, the Authority has set its sights on the Emirate becoming a regional leader in Sustainable Tourism by 2025. Key to achieving this goal is its Sustainable Tourism Strategy Implementation Plan – Responsible RAK, created in partnership with EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification, and advisory group for travel and tourism. This involves collecting clean data from hotels and attractions against 10 performance metrics, from carbon offsets to landfill diversion, gender parity to Emirati employment, in order to assess where they are on their sustainability journey and establish actions to help them progress. Over 20 tourism businesses in the Responsible RAK program are expected to achieve Silver Certification by the second half of 2023. Recently, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority was awarded Silver Certification, making it the first EarthCheck certified tourism authority in the region.
    Enhancing global connectivity to the Emirate
    Primed to deliver significant progress against the Emirate’s vision, the Authority announced new Qatar Airways daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, starting from 1st November 2023. Opening up one of the largest global networks of 150+ destinations, the new flights will provide a tourism boost for the nature Emirate and further strengthen its position as a destination of the future. Significantly strengthening air connectivity between Germany and the Emirate, the Authority also inked a new partnership with FTI GROUP, one of Europe’s leading outbound tour operators, paving the way for the launch of twice-weekly flights from Munich to the Emirate from mid-October onwards. ​ In a further boost to its visitor growth targets, Ras Al Khaimah received six calls by four luxury cruise liners in H1, including Azamara Quest, one of the largest ships ever to arrive in the Emirate. Another key feat was receiving both the Emerald Azzurra and super mega-yacht The World (Residences at Sea) on the same day – a historical moment for the Emirate’s burgeoning cruise sector. Ras Al Khaimah has already confirmed 14 luxury cruise calls for next season, and expects to welcome 20 by 2025/2026 and 50 by 2030/2031.

    Boosting its hospitality offering
    Another 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. This includes the largest-of-its-kind foreign direct investment, the USD $3.9 billion Wynn Al Marjan Island, which is set to transform and accelerate the Emirate’s rise as a major global tourist destination. The integrated resort’s design vision was unveiled earlier this year and will include 1,500+ rooms, suites and villas, shopping, gaming area, a state-of-the-art events center, wellness and spa facilities, 24 dining and lounge experiences and extensive entertainment choices.
    Driving tourism through MICE
    Ras Al Khaimah also focused on the fast-growing MICE market in H1 as part of its diversification strategy. Indicating a successful push to attract international markets for incentive groups with longer stays versus local corporate groups that tend to only stay for a couple of nights, the destination saw a 26% increase in MICE rooms nights compared to the same period in 2022. It also hosted several major events between January and June 2023, including the RAK Half Marathon, Arab Aviation Summit, DP World Tour and Exotic Wedding Planning Conference (EWPC).
    Further establishing the Emirate as a unique and attractive wedding destination, the Authority chose EWPC as its platform to introduce an all-new Wedding Certification Programme that will enable seamless, quick, and easy wedding planning in Ras Al Khaimah. In H1 2023, Ras Al Khaimah saw a 300% increase in revenue from weddings which is expected to continue to grow into H2 with the launch of the programme in September. Those certified through the new Wedding Certification Programme will benefit from added ease and flexibility in obtaining necessary licenses, organising events, and gaining valuable business support from certified hotels via an e-portal. Planners will also gain a deeper understanding of the UAE’s civil marriage process, receive fast-tracked permits, and have access to a network of resources to help them confidently navigate through local regulations, including a curated portfolio of unique venues. Never before has a tourism destination introduced such ease and flexibility for wedding planners and couples. In parallel, the Authority also announced a series of comprehensive incentive packages for couples, wedding planners, and certified venues.
    To find out more about the wealth of experiences in Ras Al Khaimah, please visit visitrasalkhaimah.com and check out the Emirate’s social platforms Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

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    Unveiling the Arctic wonders,  the incredible walruses of SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    The incredible walruses of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi are acclimating well to their state-of-the-art habitats located in the Marine Life Theme Park’s Arctic Realm. Home to five walruses, each with their own unique personalities, the Arctic Realm of the Polar Ocean is one of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s eight immersive realms.
    From Smooshi, her calf Koyuk, and Boris, who joined us from zoological facilities in Canada to Lilou and Nanoha, who join SeaWorld Abu Dhabi from Kamogawa, Japan – all the walruses have adapted exceptionally well to their new home.
    Among the numerous comforts of their habitat is the innovative Animal Life Support System (ALSS), a state-of-the-art technology that meticulously mirrors the atmosphere of the Arctic. The ALSS carefully oversees the control of water quality, ensuring its salinity, temperature, and other parameters are upheld to the highest standards. This comprehensive system fosters an environment that is not just habitable, but entirely conducive for the growth and development of the animals.
    Complementing the ALSS is the Advanced Animal Lighting System (AALS), which reproduces the natural light cycles found in the Arctic north. By simulating daybreak, sunset, seasonality, and the subtle shifts in between, the AALS promotes the animal’s natural circadian rhythm, ensuring their continued physiological and psychological wellbeing. Together, these systems represent a benchmark in marine habitat design and management, underscoring SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the wellbeing of its resident marine life.
    The dynamic walrus habitat, with an intricate design resembling the Arctic north, gives these playful mammals ample room to explore, engage and prosper. The overall design of the habitat includes large Arctic rocks and boulders for the animals to rest, bask and play on, as well as several viewing windows – both above and below water – which give the walruses opportunities to interact with guests. Another interesting feature that’s worth noting is the addition of schools of fish in their habitats, which encourages the walruses to exercise and play throughout the day.ADVERTISEMENTWhile cutting edge technological achievements greatly help the walruses thrive in their new dynamic habitat, this can’t be achieved without the dedicated team of animal care specialists, veterinarians and zoologists at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. This passionate team, expertly equipped with the latest training and knowledge specific to walrus care, ensures around-the-clock care and attention, allowing all five walruses to explore and flourish in their new home at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi.
    The skilled team provides enrichment activities daily, from engaging behavior sessions to providing them with specially designed devices to play with, the walruses are kept busy throughout the day. This enrichment is also supported with a high-quality diet including restaurant grade clams, squid and herring – with their individual diets continuously under review by nutrition specialists to ensure that each walrus’s daily nutritional needs are met.
    SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s commitment to animal welfare has established an enriching environment for all the animals in their care. The Marine Life Theme Park is also the region’s first facility to be certified by Global Humane, the international brand of American Humane and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare.
    Yas Island and its world-class theme parks, experiences and attractions were recognised with seven awards in the globally renowned World Travel Awards in 2022. In addition to scooping the accolade of World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022, Yas Island received the flagship Middle East’s Leading Tourism Development award for the fourth consecutive year, testament to the global reputation Yas Island has as a leisure and entertainment hub.
    To find out more about SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s walruses, please visit seaworldabudhabi.com.

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    Dubai Holding appears to have acquired troubled Dubai Pearl plot

    Dubai Holding, the emirate’s government-owned investment corp, appears to have acquired the Dubai Pearl site.It was previously rumoured that the holding company took on the site after its demolition began in January 2023. An updated information board outside the project now lists Dubai Holding as the client. It is unclear when the sign was updated.Consultants are listed as AECOM – a major global construction consulting firm, involved in many of Saudi Arabia’s giga-projects. Contractors are down as Al Areesh Wrecking and Demolition Works – suggesting the structure remains destined for continued demolition.
    In early 2023, The Financial Times, along with other media, reported rumours Dubai Holding had the winning bid for the failed project, said to be working with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) on new plans.Dubai Pearl is an on-again-off-again US$10 billion mega-project that was first unveiled in 2002. The brakes were first slammed on in 2006 before being bought by Abu Dhabi-based Al Fahim Group from Qatar’s Omnix Group in 2007. Then, in 2008, it came to an end once more.
    The Pearl Dubai masterplan involved four towers based around a large podium, complete with 1,490 apartments, seven five-star hotels, over 60 restaurants and a 1,600-seat theatre.
    The scheme was to be financed by off-plan sales and funds provided by the Al Fahim family and others. In 2008, the investment arm of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) promised to buy US$800m of space within the project but quickly backed out.
    Source: Hotelier Middle EastADVERTISEMENT

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    Greek PM Announces Free Stay in 2024 for Evacuated Tourists: ‘Rhodes is Back!’

    Greek PM Announces Free Stay in 2024 for Evacuated Tourists: ‘Rhodes is Back!’Greece offers free trips to tourists who have had their holidays cut short due to wildfires.
    In July, parts of the island were damaged by fire for days, destroying homes and hotels. Thousands were forced to evacuate.
    Officials said that 20,000 people, including thousands of tourists, fled the fires.
    The Greek Prime Minister KyriakosMitsotakis acknowledged on Wednesday (2 August), ITV’s Good Morning Britain, the inconvenience caused by the fires to visitors.
    “For all those whose holiday was cut short as a result of wildfires, the Greek government in cooperation with local authorities will offer one week of free holidays on Rhodes, next spring, the next fall, so that we make sure they come back to the island and enjoy its natural beauty,” he mentioned.ADVERTISEMENTThe deal is still not clear, nor are the details of flights included. However, it appears that the summer peak season will be excluded.
    Mitsotakis said that while fires are not uncommon on Rhodes but their intensity is increasing due to climate change. He also praised Rhodes’ people for their “unbelievable” hospitality.
    About 2.6 million tourists visited Rhodes in the past year. Tourism accounts for about a quarter (or more) of Greece’s gross domestic product.
    Is it safe for me to travel to Rhodes in the summer?Tourism officials and government officials have assured travellers that the island of South Aegean is ready to welcome their return.
    In a Monday statement, the Greek Tourism Ministry stated that the life on the island was returning to normal.
    “Rhodes is back! We are pleased to announce that the operational state of emergency has expired on the island of Rhodes,” it mentioned.
    The Tourism Ministry added that Greek residents and the Greek State “look forward to continue to offer their care, unique hospitality and to foreign visitors”.
    The Hotel Association of Rhodes announced that the island was now “fully functional, and welcoming thousands of tourists every day”. The hope is that all accommodation will be reopened soon.
    A return of personal items for guests evacuated because of fires was also announced. The luggage will be returned at no cost if the hotel where they stayed is a member.
    George Hatzimarkos, regional governor for the South Aegean region, said that Rhodes was returning stronger.
    He said that “limited” restoration projects were underway and tourism was quickly returning to “business as usual”.
    “We fully reassure our visitors that they can reliably enjoy the exceptional travel experiences and the authentic hospitality that beautiful Rhodes offers as a top-notch (sic) global tourism destination.”

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    Get in Tune with Mother Nature: Jamaica’s Natural Beauty Awaits You

    There’s more to Jamaica than its awe-inspiring beaches. Holidays in Jamaica offer the chance to go beyond the sandy beaches and explore exhilarating adventures among the island’s beautiful landscapes. Discover a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventure in Jamaica thanks to its lush forests, soaring mountains and picturesque scenery.
    Hike the Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site
    Grab your hiking boots and head out to the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park (BJCMNP). The park comprises 100,000 acres of tropical rainforest and is often referred to as the lungs of eastern Jamaica. Established in 1993, the BJCMNP is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region has been noted for having more than 800 species of plants, as well as the largest butterfly in the western hemisphere – the giant swallowtail (Papilo homerus). Ecclesdown and Hardwar Gap in the Blue Mountains have been noted as prime locations from which to view much of the island’s flora and fauna. 
    Coffee plantations for connoisseurs
    As well as wildlife and incredible views, the Blue Mountains are also home to many coffee estates. The plantations produce a bean of such high quality that it is a protected trademark: Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee is quite simply one of the best in the world. The coffee beans found in the mountain range take twice as long to ripen compared to many other types of beans and they are manually inspected to maintain their high quality. Enjoy a Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee tour and sip away among the majestic landscape of the mountains – the perfect recipe for the ultimate coffee experience. ADVERTISEMENTFeathered friends galore
    Did you know there are over 200 species of resident and migrant birds in Jamaica? The island’s tropical landscape features fertile soil and year-round sunshine which has attracted a number of species to Jamaica. Bird watchers can interact with diverse species of birds in peaceful settings across the island such as Rockland Bird Sanctuary, Barney’s Flower and Hummingbird Garden and the Holywell Park in the Blue Mountains. Some birds will even allow you to feed them so you can get up close and personal with some of Jamaica’s feathered creatures.
    Smooth rides along scenic river routes
    The Martha Brae River located just a few miles inland from the historic town of Falmouth, is a slice of tranquillity. Here, bamboo rafts gently float down the serene river while passengers sit atop a double-seat raft. Whether you’re looking for a unique romantic excursion or a relaxing family outing, the soft sounds of the whispering river create an idyllic environment. The towering trees lining the riverbanks provide a beautiful canopy as well as hosting an exciting variety of wildlife. Exotic bird calls and overhead drilling by woodpeckers are likely to be the only sounds to interrupt you. The Rio Grande is another scenic river that runs through the eastern part of Jamaica in Portland. Bamboo raft captains typically ensure not to disturb your peaceful ride but will also graciously point out native natural elements. You can also take a short pause and jump in for a quick swim in the river.

    The Luminous Lagoon
    Put on your swimsuits for a unique experience in the glistening waters of the famous Luminous Lagoon. Home to millions of dinoflagellates, at night the lagoon sparkles and glistens when disturbed, as these microscopic organisms produce an eerie glow, reflecting the outlines of fish and other objects in the water. The Luminous Lagoon is said to be the largest and most brilliant of four in the world, a fact that continually attracts and awes visitors and scientists from around the world. 
    Encounters with the wild
    Get up close and personal with real-life crocodiles at the Black River Safari Crocodile Tour.  The river is home to crocodiles hiding in the mangroves from baby crocs to the large males which can grow to over 13 feet long. Other creatures that inhabit the island include frogs, butterflies, bats, snakes, lizards, iguanas and more. 
    An abundance of waterfalls
    Don’t miss out on Jamaica’s flowing falls that can be found all over the island. The cool chill of river water is particularly refreshing when the temperature is at its hottest. What makes waterfalls here so special is that no two seem to be the same. The dips and depths of freshwater beds, varying elevations, and intensity of cascades, plus surrounding vegetation, make every river excursion a unique one. Ocho Rios’ iconic Dunn’s River Falls is a popular choice with visitors who aim to conquer the climb to its summit. Not far from it flows a selection of other stair-like cascades, such as as Konoko Falls and Turtle River Falls; these are close enough for water lovers to conquer all three in a single day. 

    YS Falls located in the South Coast features a series of cascading waterfalls and natural pools that visitors can swim in, as well as take part in a range of activities, including ziplining and river tubing. Mayfield Falls is a hidden gem surrounded by lush vegetation in a peaceful and secluded location near Negril. 
    Jamaica was a big winner at last years World Travel Awards, the country was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination 2022, for the 16th straight year. Jamaica also took the award for Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2022, Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board 2022, for the 14th year in a row and Caribbean’s Leading Nature Destination 2022.​Explore the abundance of natural beauty all year round in Jamaica. To learn more about Jamaica, visit https://www.visitjamaica.com/.

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    Quito, your story starts here!

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    Quito, your story starts here!

    Quito Turismo’s Communication and Marketing teams, in collaboration with Quito City Council’s Ministry of Communication, have worked tirelessly to elaborate the city’s new branding.
    In marketing, city branding is a concept and image that provides the city with its own unique identity, style and mark, offering a series of singular and exclusive attributes by which to identify and recognise the city and differentiate it from others.
    This new approach sees the graphics, typeface and colours all updated. New modern elements and current design trends have been incorporated to achieve a visual and sensory impact on the audience, thus inspiring them to discover the charms and sites of the Capital of the Centre of the World.One of the major changes is the overhaul of the Quito isologo, which now features a more simple and modern style. The first letter, the ‘Q’, resembles a geolocation icon. Alongside the word ‘Quito’ we have the slogan ‘Your Story Starts Here’, which is much more memorable and directly alludes to the experiences that visitors will be able to embark on from the Metropolitan District.
    The new city branding provides the possibility of incorporating the entire range of services and attractions that the capital city has to offer, such as a special, adapted isologo for gastronomy, events, nature and municipal programmes, for example.The updated image will be gradually rolled out in public spaces and facilities, like Mariscal Sucre International Airport, as well as at certain government offices and installations. In addition, it will be shared worldwide in order to boost Quito’s position and presence on the international market and increase its appeal as a tourist destination.
    The previous ‘Quito – Your Story Starts in Quito’ city branding was launched in 2018, following a study initiated one year before, and was used until June of this year. During this time, it was the image of the Ecuadorian capital that was mainly projected in the international market.ADVERTISEMENTAbout Quito Tourism BoardQuito Tourism Board helps and manages the development and promotion of tourism and the meetings industry in the Metropolitan District of Quito, in partnership with the tourism industry and other productive sectors, for the benefit of local, national, and foreign visitors.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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    Redefining the Luxury Holiday – Simple Pleasures Result in a 5-Star Feeling

    Tailor-made travel specialist Audley Travel has conducted research* into what defines a luxury holiday experience and has concluded that a ‘5-star feeling’ is indeed a more measured personal preference, with almost a third of people explaining that spending time in nature provoked a feeling of opulence (29%), and 38% saying time spent with family on holiday was the luxurious gift they crave.

    For many Brits (60%) the classic combination of indulging their taste buds and relaxing by the pool (43%) whilst on a break was front of mind when thinking about what luxury means to them during holidays taken in the past (in the UK or abroad). Almost half (46%) explained visiting ‘new places and cultures’ was important, and for almost a fifth of people asked, indulging in a good book and meeting local people (18%) felt lavish to them. Being away from the crowds is a luxury for more than 3 in 10 (31%) with 14% going further to say spending time completely alone is a holiday luxury.

    The findings showed however that when trying to please others when planning a trip that luxury feeling can be lost. Unsurprisingly deciding where to go on holiday can be a stressful experience when trying to please a group with 35% of those asked struggling to fulfil everyone’s wishes. The findings showed that 21% explained the cause of family and friends wanting to do different things was to blame, with 20% mentioning it is difficult to identify a destination that will meet everyone’s needs. To help combat this, more than a third (34%) of people said they would like to seek the advice of someone who had visited the destination before so they could plan better and avoid friction amongst the group (13% said wanting to do different things leads to arguments).ADVERTISEMENTAudley Travel CEO, Nick Longman said: “As a nation, we’re on a journey to become more mindful in everything we do, and our findings show that travel is no different. What makes a holiday feel luxurious is actually a very personal preference. It’s the seemingly simple moments that are most appreciated, from a stunning sunset to a meaningful exchange with a new person.

    “Designing a trip with an Audley expert means individual or group tastes can be taken into account. There are multiple ways of experiencing the same place, for example in Cape Town some people prefer to walk up Table Mountain, others take the cable car and some happily enjoy the view from the base. All preferences are catered for and everyone has their wow moment.”
    When it comes to deciding where to go on holiday the majority of people surveyed (43%) said they searched online for inspiration, whereas 35% preferred the familiarity of destinations they have been to before and liked. Friends and family recommendations were cited as a trusted source when planning a trip with 31% of people answering this impacted their decision making, and nearly a fifth of respondents (19%) were enticed by far flung, exotic locations or chose ‘unusual destinations’ (18%) with the same number choosing to stay within a short flight of the UK.

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    Discover the Allure of Morocco with Wego

    Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), team up with Moroccan National Tourist Office to showcase the magic of the country.
    Wego continues to partner with leading tourism boards globally to provide more choice for travelers and promote the best of those destinations, making it easier for travelers to discover their unhidden charms.
    Through the company’s cutting-edge platform, travelers will be empowered to explore Morocco’s hidden gems through immersive virtual experiences, curated itineraries, and tailored suggestions that cater to their unique preferences.
    Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial officer and Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego said: “We are excited to embark our partnership with Moroccan National Tourist Office. This partnership is set to inspire and captivate travelers worldwide, igniting a sense of wanderlust. We recorded over 39% increase in the number of searches to the country in 2023 in comparison to the same period last year, with over 2 million searches so far. We are looking forward to forging a long-lasting relationship with the board.”
    Morocco offers a diverse range of experiences for all types of travelers during the summer.ADVERTISEMENTFor history and culture enthusiasts, exploring the ancient medinas of cities like Marrakech and Fes is a must. Immerse yourself in the bustling souks, admire stunning architectural masterpieces like the Koutoubia Mosque, and visit historical sites such as the iconic Jardin Majorelle.
    Nature lovers can embark on an adventure to the Sahara Desert, where they can experience the magic of camel trekking, spend a night under the starry desert sky, and witness mesmerizing sunsets over the golden dunes.
    Beachgoers can head to coastal towns like Essaouira or Agadir, where they can relax on pristine sandy beaches, try water sports like surfing, or savor delicious seafood.
    Food enthusiasts can indulge in the aromatic flavors of Moroccan cuisine, sampling tagines, couscous, and traditional mint tea in local restaurants or joining cooking classes to learn the secrets of Moroccan culinary delights.
    With its vibrant markets, captivating landscapes, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Morocco offers an unforgettable summer experience for travelers of all interests.

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