Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Following the success of this year’s Tour de France, heads are turning to next year. 2024 will mark the 111th edition of the iconic bicycle race, and moreover, will be making tracks through the breath-taking region of Emilia Romagna for the Grand Départ, seeing it land on Italian soil for the first-time ever.
Following kick off in Florence on 29 June 2024, cyclists will enter Emilia Romagna, passing through key check points in the region including Bologna, Rimini, Cesenatico and Plaisance.
Globally recognised as a peerless cycling destination, Emilia Romagna will soon be able to label itself as an official Tour de France destination, adding to its enviable list of cycling credentials: from the Giro d’Italia to the Nove Colli di Cesenatico, to name a few. To get travellers in the mood ahead of the great race next year, here are five cycling experiences to try when visiting Emilia Romagna.
Ciclovia del Santerno – All levelsCiclovia del Santerno, located in the Imola area, is a route that connects Mordano and Castel del Rio, suited for cyclists of all levels. The route carves through the stunning scenery of the Santerno River Valley – an ancient land that preserves the traditions of the past and an enchanting nature in pristine condition. This 44-km cycle path begins in the vines of Mordano and reaches the centuries-old chestnut groves of Castel del Rio, crossing the park created in a chalk vein area called “Parco della Vena del Gesso Romagnola”. Highlights of this route include crossing the stone pillar bridges that arch over the river (cyclists need to disembark and wheel their bikes here), or visiting the church of “San Prospero Vescovo”.
ADVERTISEMENTVia della Lana e della Seta MTB – Experienced cyclistsFor an unmissable alpine route, cyclists should test out the Via della Lana e della Seta, otherwise known as the wool and silk route. This 130-km route caters to experienced cyclists only, connecting the cities of Bologna and Prato, which have grown over the centuries, owed to their optimal management of water. From Bologna, known as the city of the sluice and canals, which has been the silk capital for centuries, to Prato, the city of the Cavalciotto, a primary wool and silk district; both established destinations with an important history cemented in the manufacturing industry. Sandwiched between each city, cyclists will pass through quaint villages and valleys that tell the history and culture of the territory; divided into three stages of about 40 kilometres each, it is a route immersed in the beauty of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. 
https://extrabo.com/itinerary/via-della-lana-e-della-seta-mtb/
Romagna Toscana Cycling Route – MediumThe Romagna Toscana Cycling Route is a 126-km long path that connects the towns of Bagno di Romagna and Castrocaro Terme/Terra del Sole, renowned for their thermal hot springs. The route winds through low traffic asphalt roads and gravel paths, woodlands and hills, and explorers keen to go off-piste should consider tracking down a hot-spring. The Romagna Toscana Cycling Route is also linked to other cycling routes and walking paths that reach different parts of Italy and Europe.
https://emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en/sport/cycling/romagna-toscana-cycling-route
Ciclovia sulle tracce degli Etruschi – Mountain bikeCiclovia sulle tracce degli Etruschi cuts through the Footsteps of the Etruscans. This mountain bike trail combines the natural and historical beauty of the area with the traces left by the ancient Etruscan people. This special route weaves through areas of both environmental and historical interest, including parks and nature reserves in eastern Emilia Romagna. Travelling between the Comacchio Valleys and the ancient port of Spina, ending in Piombino (Populonia), it crosses the Adriatic coast and the Po Delta Park towards the city of Bologna and it’s Apennines in between. A route rich in variation, cyclists can gaze at the grand villas of Bolognese aristocratic families when passing through Bologna, or soak up the scenery of the Montovolo (a sacred mountain), and the Parco dei Laghi Suviana e Brasimone lake park.
https://extrabo.com/itinerary/ciclovia-sulle-tracce-degli-etruschi/
Dante’s Cycle Path – Experienced cyclistsLast but not least, Dante’s Cycle Path is a fascinating yet lengthy itinerary stretching from Emilia Romagna and travelling into Tuscany, featuring Ravenna the birth and death place of the Supreme Poet, Dante. Between picturesque villages and breath-taking views, the route touches some of the most significant places of Dante’s narration merging art, history, nature and literature. The Emilia Romagna section of the route is about 252.6 km in total, making it quite the challenge, but softened with stunning, rolling scenery. Cyclists should stop at the likes of Brisighella, Portico di Romagna and San Benedetto in Alpe when in Emilia Romagna, all set in a delightful stretch of country threaded by rivers, dotted with waterfalls offering a blissfully refreshing summer dip.
https://emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en/sport/cycling/dante-ciclovia-cycle-path
For further information on Emilia Romagna, please visit www.emiliaromagnaturismo.it/en

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Leading online Travel Agent Opodo’s latest poll of 10,000 respondents across international markets* – 2,000 from the UK – reveals traveller motivation for getting out of our comfort zones, what that means when it comes to holidays, and how the benefits are felt.
The majority of respondents associate a trip outside of comfort zone with a holiday where they need to learn survival techniques (21%) followed by 20% who see it instead as an improvised trip – without prior organisation.  16% of respondents perceive solo travelling to be an ‘out of comfort zone activity’
24% of UK respondents report they have already travelled to a destination out of their comfort zone and of those the younger age groups are the most experienced – 52% of 18-24 year-olds compared to just 19% of those aged 55-64
20% of UK travellers report that they have not tried this type of travel yet, but are planning to step outside what they ordinarily feel comfortable with – choosing to travel to a place that does not make them feel secure and in control
30% of the respondents to Opodo’s poll see clear benefits in this type of travel, believing that this involves positive challenges.14% believe this will help them to learn another / different way of living and 14% believe they will learn about themselves during the tripADVERTISEMENT
Within the UK it is interesting to note that Londoners are most likely to have travelled outside their comfort zones (36%) compared to just 16% of respondents from Yorkshire and the Humber
Globally Spanish respondents are most keen to explore an out of comfort zone travel (37%) followed by 36% of Portuguese compared to just 29% Americans

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Philadelphia is the 2023 Best City for Street Art

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The city of Philadelphia has enjoyed yet another accolade having been named the 2023 Best City for Street Art by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.This designation recognizes that Philadelphia is home to thousands of vibrant outdoor murals, sculptures, statues, and public art pieces that are easily accessible for visitors and residents alike.
Philadelphia is widely recognised as the ”Mural Capital of the World”  due to its vibrant and awe-inspiring public art scene. From towering masterpieces that adorn entire buildings to hidden gems tucked away in neighbourhood streets, Philadelphia’s mural art has become an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric, captivating residents and visitors alike.
USA Today cited the work of Mural Arts Philadelphia for helping to cement Philadelphia’s global reputation for street art. Since its inception in 1984, Mural Arts Philadelphia has overseen the creation of 4,400 works of public art, working tirelessly to bring together artists, communities and organisations to create stunning murals that transform public spaces and inspire dialogue.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the city’s street art on foot, by train, by trolley, bicycle or Segway, either guided by volunteers from Mural Arts Philadelphia or with the aid of a free smartphone app.
Philadelphia’s street art also won international praise in Michelin’s new Philadelphia destination guide, released earlier in 2023. “Few North American cities have shown such consideration to art and urban planning,” the Michelin Green Guide states. “Philly is practically an open-air museum. Everywhere you look are statues, porticos, Greek Revival or neoclassical pediments, museums.”ADVERTISEMENTFor more information on Philadelphia’s street art visit Discover Philadelphia.

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) reiterated the importance of women’s engagement in Travel & Tourism to catapult its growth and achieve a thriving and resilient sector at the Women Deliver Global Conference, in Kigali, Rwanda.Speaking at the conference today, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, emphasised the importance of promoting women’s involvement in the sector and overcoming challenges for success in the business world.
The event served as a platform to address the challenges faced by women in the Travel & Tourism sector and explore strategies to overcome them, aiming to inspire change and promote equal opportunities for women in the sector.
The panel discussions shed light on the challenges faced by women in various aspects of the business, including barriers to entry, operational obstacles, and ecosystem limitations.
The event underscored the vital role of mentorship in empowering young women and girls in business. Through networking, opportunities, and resources, mentorship programs unlock their potential for economic transformation.
During her address, Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “It is proven that companies that have 50% women in their leadership make more money. This makes even more sense in travel and tourism where women make the buying decisions on where to go on holiday.ADVERTISEMENT‘It also makes good sense to employ women in senior roles; why would you exclude access to 50% of global talent.
“Rwanda has a great track record with a majority of women MPs in the Parliament. President Kagame addressed the Women Deliver, for the first time held in Africa, with real passion and a track record of gender equality.
“Putting women centre stage in Travel & Tourism will ensure a better future for the sector and the global economy. Currently, more than half of the sector is made up of women.
“By addressing the barriers and inequalities they face, we can unlock immense potential and drive sustainable growth.
“The ‘Women Deliver’ event serves as a catalyst for change, bringing together sector leaders, policymakers, and advocates to work collectively towards a more diverse and prosperous future.”
According to the global tourism body, women constitute approximately 54% of the workforce. Travel & Tourism provides accessible opportunities for women, but it also faces disparities such as lower pay and job security.
These disparities were reflected in the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, where a majority of the 62 million jobs lost in the travel and tourism sector were women’s jobs.
WTTC urges both the public and private sectors to play their part in promoting women’s participation in the Travel & Tourism sector. It says governments should adopt policies that promote women in senior management, such as mandatory quotas for publicly listed companies and state-owned enterprises.
The private sector should offer targeted professional development programs for women and create networking and mentoring opportunities.
WTTC remains committed to advocating for gender equality, working closely with its members, governments, and industry partners to foster an environment where women have equal opportunities to excel, lead, and shape the future of the travel and tourism sector.

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As part of the latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations summer campaign, a new interactive guide titled ‘Dubai’s Summer Gems’ was issued today by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office.
Showcasing a comprehensive compilation of tranquil beach destinations, exhilarating water activities, and captivating waterparks, the new guide perfectly encapsulates Dubai’s distinctive summer ambiance and unparalleled experiences that distinguish it as one of the world’s most fascinating destinations during the warmer months.
Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said: “‘Dubai’s Summer Gems’ guide unveils the best of what our city has to offer during the summer months. It serves as a fantastic resource that invites individuals to embark on a remarkable journey of discovery in this vibrant city. The guide highlights a diverse range of attractions and activities that cater to every taste and interest. From serene beaches perfect for relaxation to thrilling water activities that ignite a sense of adventure, this guide captures the essence of Dubai’s summer charm.”
The guide highlights numerous exceptional public beaches that provide ample facilities and activities for families and children. These beaches offer a range of amenities and services to ensure a memorable experience. Additionally, for those seeking thrilling water adventures, the guide features a variety of waterparks that guarantee a fun-filled day of aquatic excitement.The guide also includes a selection of other exhilarating water activities that cater to diverse interests. Some of these activities include the thrilling experience of parasailing, the mesmerising exploration of scuba diving, the scenic delights of boat touring, and the adrenaline rush of surfing.
The latest phase of the #DubaiDestinations campaign invites international audiences to embark on a captivating journey of exploration and immerse themselves in the abundant offerings of Dubai. Set against the backdrop of an extraordinary summer, the campaign showcases Dubai as one of the world’s best city for both living and visiting. Running until the end of August, it will unveil the city’s top-rated summer experiences, highlighting its unique attractions that make Dubai a truly one-of-a-kind destination for the summer season.ADVERTISEMENTAs part of the campaign, Brand Dubai will continue to launch a collection of interactive guides, offering valuable insights into Dubai’s premier summer experiences.
The #DubaiDestinations campaign is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences. Brand Dubai is implementing the #DubaiDestinations campaign in cooperation with various stakeholders and the creative media community.
The guide, available in English and Arabic, can be viewed on the following link: https://branddubai.ae/Dubai_Summer_Gems.pdf. More content and videos related to the campaign can be found on https://www.dubaidestinations.ae/.

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The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is leading a delegation of tourism officials to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for three days of meetings culminating in the signing of a multi-million-dollar contract with the Saudi Fund for Development to enhance economic tourism development in The Bahamas.“Over the last few years, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism officials have engaged in ongoing bilateral talks with government officials in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” said Deputy Prime Minister Cooper.
“Our continuing communication led last year into both countries entering into a Memorandum of Understanding, and this visit will culminate with the cementing of this agreement through a contract signing for the construction of innovative business incubation centres around our archipelago,” he said.
While in Riyadh, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with His Excellency, Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and tour King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), formerly known as the Saudi Arabian National Centre for Science and Technology (SANCST), which is an independent scientific organisation that is responsible for the promotion of science and technology in Saudi Arabia.
“The Bahamas and Saudi Arabia are creating unified strategy to share mutual tourism investment opportunities alongside day-to-day expertise in initiatives like sustainable tourism practices, management of tourism facilities and the sharing of insight and data,” added the Deputy Prime Minister

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THG, an independent creative agency specializing in creating awe-inspiring attractions for theme parks, museums, and leading brands, is proud to present its latest project, American Heartland Theme Park – providing attraction design, art direction and overall creative development. Working in collaboration with Mansion Entertainment Group’s Executive Producer of Project Development, Steve Hedrick, THG crafted the initial concept master plan and is currently engaged in show design of the park’s primary attractions. Additionally, the design team is collaborating with renowned design firms such as FORREC and Cuningham.
Mansion Entertainment Group announced the project yesterday in Vinita, Oklahoma. The 1,000-acre development will feature the 125-acre American Heartland theme park, which is comparable to the size of Magic Kingdom® Theme Park and Disneyland® Park. The park will feature an Americana-themed environment with a variety of entertaining rides, live shows, family attractions, waterways as well as restaurant-quality food and beverage offerings. The theme park and resort are scheduled to open in fall of 2026.
“I am so excited to embark on this extraordinary project, joining forces with this talented collection of teams,” said Erik Neergaard, Chief Creative Officer at THG. “Our collaboration brings together decades of expertise and creativity. We are honored that Mansion Entertainment Group is leading the development of this captivating and unforgettable destination. This is one of the first independent theme parks of this scale to be built in the US in many years.”
THG lead conceptual design work for the new American Heartland Theme Park, combining the nostalgic charm of a traditional amusement park with modern-day elements. The new park features a collection of six distinctly American lands to welcome guests on a journey through the best of the American story. Families will find thrilling rides and heartwarming shows as they discover Great Plains, Bayou Bay, Big Timber Falls, Stony Point Harbor, Liberty Village and Electropolis. This independent regional theme park will be located in northeast Oklahoma, just west of Grand Lake on Route 66 and promises to deliver an immersive and captivating experience for visitors.
The brains behind the American Heartland Theme Park features some of THG’s most experienced and talented leaders. Erik Neergaard, Chief Creative Officer at THG, specializes in cultural-entertainment-fusion which has led to award-winning design experiences across the globe. Joining Erik on this project is Scott Sinclair, Executive Director Of Design. Scott Sinclair has served as lead designer on international projects, ranging from the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland, Tokyo DisneySea, Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame in Seattle, to Abbey Road Studios. They are supported by THG’s amazing Pasadena-based award winning creative team. THG brings more than two decades of experience with projects from One World Observatory at One World Trade Center, the High Roller Observation Wheel at The LINQ in Las Vegas, and Beyond All Boundaries at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.ADVERTISEMENTAs a world leader in experiential design, THG has worked with high-profile clients around the globe such as Universal Creative, Walt Disney Imagineering, DreamWorks, Sony, Paramount, Nickelodeon and more. Most recently, THG collaborated with Cedar Fair and Knott’s Berry Farm to transform Fiesta Village at Knott’s Berry Farm. THG transforms clients’ visions into uniquely creative attractions, exhibits, shows and settings. THG has additional projects in the pipeline for this year that further showcases its innovative approach and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

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If you want to find some of the best rollercoasters in Europe, you don’t have to stay in the UK or even go to Disneyland Paris – France, Belgium and The Netherlands have some of the highest, fastest and most exhilarating rollercoasters and attractions you’ll find anywhere in Europe, and the fact that you can drive to them from Calais is all the more reason to hop on a ferry with DFDS and take your thrill-seeking to new heights – literally!
Parc Asterix
After Disneyland Paris, Parc Asterix is the biggest theme park in France, and while they may not be as well known in the UK, in France Asterix and Obelix are superstars.
Originally a comic book series that first appeared in 1959, the series has spawned TV shows, cartoons films (both animated and live action), books, games, and of course, the theme park. France’s first satellite and even two asteroids are also named after the pair! The comics have been translated into 111 languages, making them the most widely translated comic book series in the world.
But while Asterix and Obelix have been children’s favourites for decades, the park isn’t just for kids. There are rides for thrill seekers of all ages, from the classic carousel and miniature train to the Pegasus Express, which will suddenly throw itself into reverse on its perilous journey through the ancient cities of Olympia and Alexandria, and Discobelix, where you spin round and round and back and forth like a giant discus thrown by Obelix himself.ADVERTISEMENTIn 2023 Parc Asterix unveiled its newest rollercoaster, Toutatis – the fastest rollercoaster in France. Achieving speeds of 110kmph and standing 51m high, it also boasts the most airtime of any steel rollercoaster in the world – you leave your seat 23 times!
The Parc is incredibly popular in France, attracting approximately 2.3 million visitors a year, and its 50 attractions and shows are spread over six areas or “universes”, each themed around a different Asterix and Obelix adventure. The park is the total package for a family holiday, with three hotels on site as well as several restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Efteling
Enter the enchanted world of Efterling, a magical theme park where fairy tales come to life. It is the largest theme park in The Netherlands and actually predates the original Disneyland in the US, making it one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is such a popular theme park in Europe that only Disneyland Paris and Europa-Park in Germany regularly receive more visitors.
Folklore and fairy tales abound in Efteling, where you can meet classic characters and get lost in stories from around the world. Explore the Fairytale Forest with Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel, encounter ancient tribes along Pirana’s river rapids, and dine with the Sultan on Fata Morgana – just don’t get thrown in the dungeon!
But it’s not just for kids, the rides at Efteling challenge even the most adventurous of thrill-seekers. The Baron 1898 drops you down a 37.5m free fall at 90kmh, Python twists and turns round its double loop and tight corkscrew, and Vliegende Hollander takes you on a doomed ship’s eternal journey before splashing into the abyss.
There are shows and live entertainment to enjoy, including a thrilling knight’s tournament and a spectacular water show, as well as chances to meet your favourite fairytale characters. You couldn’t enjoy everything Efteling has to offer in just a day, so stay overnight at one of Efteling’s excellent accommodations such as the glamorous Efteling Hotel or the idyllic lakeside holiday village of Efteling Bosrijk to make the most of one of Europe’s best theme parks.
https://www.efteling.com/en

Plopsaland
Just across the border into Belgium is Plopsaland, one of the country’s most beloved amusement parks and themed around children’s favourite Maya the Bee. Suitable for kids of all ages, Plopsaland has 52 attractions, including seven rollercoasters.
One of the highlights of the park is their rollercoaster The Ride to Happiness, the very first extreme spinning rollercoaster in Europe. Riders are catapulted to 90km an hour on the almost 1km ride as the cars rotate freely on the journey around the track – a bit like a waltzer and a rollercoaster combined! No two rides are the same, with the twists, drops and chicanes giving riders a different experience every time.
For younger kids, there are other rides and rollercoasters that are a bit less high octane, but great fun nonetheless, such as De Draak and the K3 Roller Skater.
Guests can stay in one of the 117 rooms and suites in the Plopsa Hotel, which has its own restaurant, cocktail bar and theatre, or the Plopsa Village, where guests can bring their own camping equipment and motorhomes or stay in one of the amazing chalets on site.
Now that the summer heat is here, don’t forget to visit Plopsaqua, a huge Viking themed waterpark with flumes, swimming pools, and a wave pool. There are rides and activities for all ages, with special pools for younger children and toddlers, and if you’re feeling brave you can do the Sky Drop, a 20ft freefall slide into the pool below. There’s even a sauna and jacuzzi if you want to treat yourself to a bit of much needed relaxation.
https://www.plopsalanddepanne.be/en

Parc Bagatelle
Parc Bagatelle in Merlimont is in the heart of an area that is perfect for holidaymakers, especially those with young children. The nearby town of Berck-sur-Mer has a fantastic Blue Flag beach with excellent beach activities for adults and kids alike, and a the town itself has plenty of souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants along the seafront that make it surprisingly reminiscent a British seaside town.
Parc Bagatelle is an excellent amusement park for kids of all ages, with rides that have been designed for toddlers upwards. There are gentler rides for the younger children, and more exhilarating rides for older kids and adults like Triops, which takes you round spins and loops on the second highest rollercoaster in France, and the 4G spins and exhilarating twists and turns of Silver Wings.
There are rollercoasters, dodgems, and a little train that tours the park for younger kids and anyone who might want a gentler ride, there’s even a petting zoo, a mini farm and a boating lake to enjoy, complete with rowing boats and pedalos.
The park is set in the middle of the woods, and it has taken efforts to give back to nature with the farm and the boating lake. There is also a dedicated area known as Insect City, where a habitat has been created to allow insects to flourish. Visitors can learn about the different insects in the park and their vital role in the biodiversity of the area.
There are restaurants, bars and shops to satisfy your hunger while you explore and enjoy the park, and plenty of areas to rest after all the excitement of the rides and attractions, with hotels and camping sites nearby for guests who want to make the most of the park.
https://www.parcbagatelle.com/
DFDS offers up to 30 crossings per day on its Dover to Calais service. Fares start from £68 each way for a car and four people. Browse a selection of fragrances, cosmetics and electronics in DFDS’ duty-free shops and save up to 50 per cent off UK high-street prices. Book at www.dfds.com.
Upgrade your ticket to include access to the exclusive Premium Lounge with complimentary hot and cold drinks and snacks from £12 per person. Add Priority Boarding to be one of the first to board and disembark the ferry from £10 per car each way.

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