Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett addressing media at a destination press briefing held at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association’s (CHTA’s) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados on May 10.
At a destination press briefing held at the 41st Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Barbados, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism the Hon. Edmund Bartlett announced that Jamaica has surpassed one million visitor arrivals year-to-date for 2023, reaching this milestone approximately one month earlier than in 2022.
He also updated attending media about Jamaica’s robust tourism arrivals, investments, and work to build resilience for the industry on island and throughout the world.
“From January through December 2022 Jamaica welcomed 2,478,386 stopover arrivals, a 69.2% increase over 2021 and nearly a full recovery to 2019 highs,” said Minister Bartlett. “As of May 10, we received over a million visitor arrivals to date this year, putting our destination on par with 2019 records. We have seen steady growth in our arrivals and continued investment in the tourism sector, which is a tremendous achievement. Projecting ahead for 2023 through 2025, we expect to attract more than 3.8 million visitors in 2023 and grow to more than 5 million visitors in 2025.”
Minister Bartlett continued, “To keep this growth on an upward trajectory, we continue to build out new air service with new flights this year from Chicago Midway, Denver, St. Louis, Dallas, Kansas City, and London Gatwick. Plus, we are expanding and modernizing Sangster International Airport and have approximately 8,000 new hotel rooms slated for construction over the next two to five years.”
“Further, Jamaica has implemented the Blue Ocean Strategy to develop a more sustainable, diverse tourism product,” concluded Minister Bartlett. “We have also established Global Tourism Resilience Day with the United Nations to take place annually on February 17 with the aim of growing awareness for tourism to build back stronger and take steps to protect itself from future disruptions.”ADVERTISEMENT“The fact that Jamaica’s tourism arrivals continue to rise is a clear testament to the success of our internal strategies, destination marketing initiatives and relationships with key travel partners on island and worldwide,” added Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board. “We are very grateful to all who have contributed to Jamaica’s success in lifting our tourism product to new heights meeting and soon to exceed 2019 record levels.”
Minister Bartlett also noted that Jamaica is leveraging key pillars for tourism that showcase the destination’s unique culture and heritage while simultaneously addressing the desire from today’s traveler to experience more than just sun, sea and sand. He also emphasized the need to carefully manage the tourism industry through resilience building where it can continually adapt to issues that may arise and to put plans in place to protect it from potential future shocks.
For more information on Jamaica, please go to www.visitjamaica.com.

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Miral Destinations, the trusted one-stop trade and promotional partner for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi, has partnered with Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), to roll out joint marketing campaigns in 2023. The deal, which was inked at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on May 3, falls under a GCC awareness campaign to promote the highly anticipated opening of SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi on May 23 and Yas Island’s ‘Kids Go Free’ summer offering.
The agreement was signed by Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations and Mr. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer & Managing Director – MENA and India, Wego, and was held in presence of Mohamed Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, with the attendance of representatives from both entities.
“We are pleased to be joining hands once again with Wego to offer guests and travelers best-in-class leisure and entertainment experiences on Yas Island,” said Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations. “As we gear up to unveil the region’s first Marine Life Theme Park, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, on May 23, we are delighted to see positive footfall and an increasing interest from visitors at ATM after showcasing a glimpse of the immersive marine experience that awaits guests at Yas Island’s newest attraction. Coupled with our family-friendly summer packages, guests from around the world can look forward to enjoying a wider range of world-class offerings on Yas Island.” 
Commenting on this regards, Mr. Mamoun Hmedan, CCO and MD, MENA and India of Wego, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Miral Destinations to bring the magic of the ‘SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi’ theme park to adventure-seekers worldwide, offering a thrilling experience like no other. Our collaboration reflects our vision of providing travelers with unparalleled experiences and creating unforgettable memories. We look forward to continuing to work with Miral destinations to drive more travelers to their must-see
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is the latest addition to Yas Island’s award-winning entertainment portfolio, which includes world-leading theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Visitors at the Arabian Travel Market witnessed first-hand an immersive experience of the park inside a submarine, bringing guests one step closer to the underwater world of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi which will soon be revealed to the public later this month. ADVERTISEMENTEarlier this month, Miral Destinations announced the return of ‘Kids Go Free’ summer packages during ATM. The offering, which is valid for purchase until September 30, 2023, allows guests and children to stay, play and dine for free as they extend their stay on the island and avail access to all three award-winning theme parks during the summer season. 
For more information on Miral Destinations, please visit: https://miral.ae/destinations/ 
For more information on Wego, please visit: https://www.wego.ae/en

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In celebration of longer days and mild temperatures, North Dakota Tourism invites visitors to kick-off the golf season by playing incredible courses found throughout the state.With more golf courses per capita than any other state, North Dakota offers ample opportunities to shake the winter rust off. With inflation top of mind for summer vacationers according to a recent survey, golf enthusiasts can rest assured knowing North Dakota’s courses won’t break the bank. In fact, the state’s Triple Golf Challenge features three courses that can be enjoyed by golfers of every skill level for less than $200. Here are some of the best courses to play this summer:Bully Pulpit Golf Course – Medora, North DakotaBully Pulpit Golf Course, in the heart of Medora, is one of the most unique golf courses in North Dakota. Named after a term coined by former President Theodore Roosevelt, the course is fully immersed in the badlands with spectacular views across the greens. Toward the end of the 18-hole course, golfers are met with Bully Pulpit’s infamous “Badlands Holes,” carved out of the landscape and featuring a 120-yard drop from the tee to the fairway.
Fox Hills Golf Course – Watford City, North DakotaNamed a runner up in Golf Digest’s ranking of best new public courses for 2023, Fox Hills Golf Course was designed by golf course architect Kevin Norby. The expansive 18-hole course sits on 200 acres of rolling prairie and offers five different tee boxes to give players different views and distances. For a sneak peek of the course, take an online tour featuring drone footage and photography of each hole.
Hawktree Golf Club – Bismarck North DakotaNatural hills and contours, brilliant coloration, plentiful wildlife, and native grasses add to the experience at Hawktree Golf Club in Bismarck. The course’s unique black sand bunkers and devilish design were the brainchild of architect Jim Engh. No club goes unused on this picture-perfect course sculpted from land near the Missouri River.
Links of North Dakota – Ray, North DakotaRecently named one of the state’s best courses by GOLF Magazine, the Links of North Dakota is nestled on the bluffs of Lake Sakakawea. It is the area’s only 18-hole championship course with bent grass greens, fairways and tee boxes which allow a true links-style experience. While a round during the summer months is always a good idea, locals find the fall months equally appealing. Book a stay at one of the on-site cabins or secure a spot at the adjacent RV park as part of its stay and play packages.
Other notable courses throughout the state include Grand Forks’ King’s Walk, Minot’s Vardon Golf Club and Fargo’s El Zagel. Ideal for beginner golfers, El Zagel is a nine-hole, par-three course located along the Red River. The course also features FootGolf, which is a cross between soccer and golf.ADVERTISEMENTIf golfing at 9-hole courses is more your pace, test your skills at some unique and challenging rural courses such as Bottineau Country Club Golf Course, Medicine Hole Golf Course in Killdeer or the Rolla Country Club, known to be one of the toughest 9-hole courses in North Dakota.
For more information on North Dakota’s courses and to plan the ultimate golf road trip, visit NDtourism.com/golf.
Follow North Dakota Tourism on Facebook at facebook.com/TravelND, on Instagram at instagram.com/northdakotalegendary/, or on Twitter at twitter.com/NorthDakota and get tips on what to see and do all year long.

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Wego and Egyptian Tourism Authority sign a new deal

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Wego, the largest online travel marketplace in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), recently signed a new partnership with Egyptian Tourism Authority as part of its efforts to boost tourism in the region.This partnership is aimed at promoting Egypt’s rich history, culture, and tourism opportunities. Through this campaign under the theme “In Egypt, your expectations are history”, Wego will work closely with Egyptian Tourism Authority to promote this campaign on all its marketing channels and bring travelers the best of Egypt’s summer and Eid Al Adha celebrations, including festivals, events, and attractions.
Mamoun Hmedan, CCO and MD, MENA and India, Wego, said: “We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Egyptian Tourism Authority. Egypt is a perfect destination for travelers looking for a mix of history, culture, and adventure. Summer and Eid Al Adha are the ideal times to visit Egypt. We have recorded over 24 million searches from MENA to Egypt between 1 January to 27 April 2023 and we expect to see a surge around the Eid Al Adha period.”
Wego will be presenting its users with a comprehensive guide highlighting the best places to visit, things to do, and experiences to enjoy. To reward travelers, a social media competition will run online to give people the chance to visit this must-see destination.
Egypt has a variety of activities and experiences to offer visitors during summer and Eid Al Adha. Travelers can explore ancient monuments as Egypt is home to some of the world’s most iconic ancient monuments, including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Aswan.
Amr ElKady, CEO of Egyptian Tourism Authority, commented: “We are excited to partner with Wego for another year. With Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, diverse landscape, and welcoming people, and Wego’s large user base in MENA, we are confident that we can attract more visitors to Egypt and provide them with an unforgettable experience.”ADVERTISEMENTSuzan Mostafa, General director of Tourism Promotion at Egyptian Tourism Authority, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Wego and promote our country through this joint campaign. We will benefit from Wego’s large user base in the MENA region, which will enable us to drive more traffic to Egypt and attract holidaymakers in the summer season.”
During this period, Egypt comes alive with music, dance, and traditional festivities. Moreover, tourists can explore Egypt’s stunning beaches, desert landscapes, all of which make Egypt a unique and unforgettable destination.

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Jamaica and Dubai to Collaborate on Tourism

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(HM Dubai Meeting) Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett (centre) shares lens time with (l-r) Dr. El Hassan Jouaouine, Economic Advisor, Office of the Minister of the Economy, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Mr. Ibrahim Ayoub, Group CEO of ITIC and Invest Tourism Ltd.; Mr. Delano Seiveright, Senior Strategist, Ministry of Tourism; H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary, Ministry of Economy, UAE; Mr. Gerald Lawless, Partner ITIC, Invest Tourism Ltd. and World Travel and Tourism Council Ambassador and Mr. Ammar Sajwani, Director of the Tourism Development Department, Ministry of Economy, UAE. The officials met recently at the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, which has oversight for tourism in the UAE, where they discussed plans to facilitate tourism cooperation between Jamaica and Dubai.
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett has revealed that plans are afoot to facilitate tourism cooperation between Jamaica and Dubai following a meeting with H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh, Undersecretary of Foreign Trade and Industry in the Ministry of Economy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
They met recently at the UAE’s Ministry of Economy, which has oversight for tourism in the UAE, where they discussed areas for cooperation in tourism that will redound to the benefit of both countries and their citizens.
Minister Bartlett outlined that: “We concluded that Jamaica and Dubai can collaborate in tourism. Dubai will support us in terms of MICE market development, logistics and technology and we will reciprocate in terms of resilience and sustainability, the building out of human capital programmes, product development and marketing.”
In expressing his enthusiasm at the possibilities for collaboration in cruise tourism, Minister Bartlett noted that “Dubai Ports, one of the largest in the world with enormous capacity, is looking for partnerships across the world and Jamaica is a good place to start.”
A key matter that was also explored during the meeting was the possibility of establishing an outpost of the Jamaica-based Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC) in the UAE. This would mark the centre’s latest satellite location, adding to its offices in countries including Kenya, Jordan and Canada.ADVERTISEMENTThe tourism minister indicated that further discussions will be held to formalise these arrangements through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) when both countries convene alongside other nations at COP 28 this November.

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‘Aquicito’ is the new rural tourism guide developed by Quito Turismo, a collection of the tourist attractions that the Metropolitan District’s 33 rural parishes have to offer. The guide includes information about festivals, traditions, outdoor activities, experiences, tours, cultural events, lists of food stores and establishments, accommodation and tourist services. Designed for audiences of all ages, the guide covers an extremely broad range of interests where visitors can find options for enjoying their free time in Quito.
Cristina Rivadeneira, General Manager of Quito Turismo, said that promoting tourism in rural areas helps to strengthen the sources of income of low-income parishes, creating local jobs and diversifying the local economy. It is also a firm commitment to preserving local culture, history and traditions, offering new experiences to visitors and positively impacting communities’ education, health and infrastructure.
The guide, which will be continually updated, is available in digital format at visitquito.ec and in the Visit Quito app. There is an interactive map in ‘Aquicit’ with around a thousand rural tourist establishments; a guide to outdoor activities; and tourist routes such as ‘Tulipe – Rumisitana’, ‘Exploring the Cloud Forest’, ‘El Quinche – Guayllabamba’, ‘Hiking in Pahuma’, ‘Between Lagoons and Paramos’, ‘Middle of the World’, ‘Hidden Route’, ‘Culuncos de Yunguilla’, ‘Maquipucuna’ and more.
Quito Turismo showcases the fantastic destinations and the variety of activities on offer in the city’s surrounding area through this living document that is open to the public.  It is an invitation to enjoy all the possibilities that the parishes have to offer: culture, nature, adventure, cuisine, relaxation and sports.
More information about Aquicito – Quito Rural Tourism Guide: aquicito/ADVERTISEMENT

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Bartlett to Participate in Caribbean Travel Marketplace Trade Show

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Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett will continue his push for the introduction of a multi-destination tourism framework within the region as he heads to Barbados for the annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace trade show. The highly anticipated event runs from May 9 to May 11, 2023.Minister Bartlett has become the leading advocate for multi-destination tourism in the Caribbean, one of the major selling points he has been promoting regionally and globally.
He has renewed his call for the private sector to get involved. “Regional governments and the private sector need to collaborate more closely to develop multi-destination tourism and advance market integration by fostering and harmonizing legislation on air connectivity, visa facilitation, product development, promotion and human capital development,” he said.
“Jamaica has always played a leading role in the CHTA and coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year is even more special for our participation as our own Nicola Madden-Greig is the president with the responsibility of charting the course for the Caribbean moving forward,” added Minister Bartlett.
The schedule for the trade event will entail the participation of other Jamaicans during an innovative Caribbean Travel Forum and Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, May 9.
This forum is a new event for the CHTA and will focus on the business of tourism in the Caribbean with specific emphasis on topics such as intra-Caribbean travel relating to air connectivity and multi-destination marketing, sustainability, technology, labour market constraints and taxation.ADVERTISEMENTCHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig will deliver her state of the region and industry address while Prime Minister of Barbados, Hon Mia Mottley will give the keynote address.
Minister Bartlett will participate in an in-depth panel discussion among regional Ministers of Tourism and private sector leaders on pressing issues affecting the business of tourism with emphasis on multi-destination marketing and new markets for Caribbean tourism.
Other panellists will include Minister of Tourism and Transport, Cayman Islands, and current Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Hon Kenneth Bryan; Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Barbados, Hon Ian Gooding-Edghill, and Chief Executive Officer of Chukka Caribbean, Marc Melville, with Mrs Madden-Greig as moderator.
Another panel discussion will focus on responsible and resilience tourism: “Positive Mind Change = Positive Climate Change.” It will explore impactful and innovative ideas as well as solutions to drive responsible and resilient tourism with an emphasis on human capital development.
The session will be moderated by General Manager, Jamaica Inn and Chairperson, Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST), Kyle Mais.
Other topics for discussion include technology and its impact on Caribbean tourism and the impact and state of artificial intelligence (AI) in the hospitality industry.
The CHTA Awards Luncheon recognizing Destination Resilience and Caribbean Icons of Hospitality will close off the forum allowing participants to prepare for the CHTA Marketplace official opening, followed by two packed days of back-to-back meetings. Minister Bartlett’s slate of activities kick off with a Jamaica Press Conference on Wednesday, May 10 and includes meetings with prospective investors, participation in the CHTA Marketplace sessions, and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the CHTA and the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre (GTRCMC).
Mr Bartlett, who is being accompanied by Director of Tourism, Donovan White, returns to Jamaica on Friday, May 12.

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SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the region’s next-generation Marine Life Theme Park, is set to offer an unmatched experience across all eight realms, including animal encounters, exhilarating rides, exciting entertainment and diverse dining and retail options upon opening on May 23rd, 2023. Guests visiting the Marine Life Theme Park will be captivated by SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s One Ocean story, which uncovers the interconnectivity between life on earth and our ocean. Alongside Yas Island’s world-class theme parks including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, guests will be able to access SeaWorld Abu Dhabi year-round with new upgrades to the Yas Annual Pass.
Yas Island was voted World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022 at the prestigious World Travel Awards.
When it opens to the public, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s eight realms will take guests of all ages on an adventurous journey of discovery leaving them with a greater appreciation of the ocean’s beauty and importance. The adventure begins in Abu Dhabi Ocean, where guests can engage with invertebrates, sharks, and rays in touch pools, learn about the local marine life, and explore the nation’s founding father’s respect for the natural world. In the One Ocean realm, guests will get the chance to witness the park’s signature multi-media spectacular, One Epic Ocean, that takes guests on a journey through the earth’s most fascinating ocean environments, while also celebrating the connection between life on earth and the ocean. This realm also features the Animal Care Center, an on-site clinic allowing guests to observe and interact with our expert veterinarians and animal care specialists who provide animals with around-the-clock care, routine check-ups, and treatment when needed.

The Rocky Point realm will usher guests into a beautiful hidden cove in the USA’s Pacific Northwest, where park-goers will find seals and sea lions resting on rocks and swimming around their stunning surroundings. A venture into the sun-soaked Tropical Ocean will reveal a glimmering blue lagoon, a lush rainforest and various animals such as dolphins, flamingos, and tropical fish living in bespoke state-of-the-art dynamic habitats. This realm will also be home to the record-breaking Manta Coaster, a thrilling roller coaster with the region’s most airtime moments in addition to the world’s first zero gravity flip-out and the world’s first twisting double-down dive.ADVERTISEMENTIn MicroOcean, a special realm designed with young explorers in mind, children can discover the vital role of some of the ocean’s smallest inhabitants, plankton, through interactive exhibits, rides, entertainment and play structures. Endless Ocean is home to the world’s largest multi-species marine life aquarium containing 25 million liters of water and featuring over 68,000 marine animals. Meanwhile, the Arctic and Antarctica realms of Polar Ocean showcase the habitats of walruses, penguins, and other amazing polar species, giving guests ample opportunities to learn about the uniqueness of these diverse regions. The Arctic realm also features Hypersphere 360°, a fully immersive 360-degree multimedia sphere that offers guests an opportunity to delve into the ocean’s depths through an around-the-world journey brimming with awe and exploration beneath the waves.
Guests will be able to indulge in 17 different dining options featuring a wide selection of cuisines across all eight realms of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, from quick snacks on-the-go to fine dining experiences with stunning views into various animal habitats, both above and below the water.
Those looking to take home mementos from their visit to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi can choose from 13 distinct retail destinations to shop from. Guests can browse Sunken Treasures at Tropical Ocean for delightful keepsakes, explore The Armillary Collection at Polar Ocean for enchanting ocean-inspired treasures, or visit the bustling Souk Al-Seef at Abu Dhabi Ocean for a diverse selection of souvenirs, apparel, plush animals, and other memorabilia in addition to photos of their unforgettable experiences at the park.
At SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, guests will be able to experience over 100 animal experiences and presentations and over 10 up-close animal encounters. Additionally, guests are invited to experience 15 interactive experiences and rides, roaming entertainment and the parkwide game – S•E•A Guardian Games. Guests can witness the inspiring Dolphin Presentation at the Tropical. From Rocky Point’s playful sea lions and seals to various birds, dolphins and rays at Tropical Ocean, there’s so much to discover, explore and learn at SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – a Marine Life Theme Park that aims to educate and inspire people of all ages to care about marine life.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with extended hours on weekends and holidays. Tickets for SeaWorld Abu Dhabi can be purchased online, priced at AED 375 for adults and AED 290 for children (with children below the age of three entering free of charge). To experience more than one of Yas Island’s award-winning theme parks, guests can purchase tickets for multiple park access both online and at the entrance, with a 2-park access priced at AED 475, 3-park access at AED 575 and 4-park access at AED 675 – all multi-park passes are valid for 14 days.
Ahead of its highly anticipated launch, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will also offer guests year-round access as it joins the Yas Annual Pass offerings. In addition to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, families who purchase the pass will have year-round access to the rest of Yas Island’s award-winning theme parks including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Featuring a range of tiered benefits and perks, Annual Passholders can choose from Silver, Gold, or a new Diamond Annual Passes to enhance their visit to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi with exclusive access to events, discounts on retail and dining, and access to Quick Passes among other perks.
To purchase tickets or learn more about SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, please visit www.seaworldabudhabi.com.
For purchase a Yas Annual Pass or for more information, please visit https://www.yasisland.com/en/yas-annual-pass.

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