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Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya Offers Professional Safari Vacations in Kenya to the most popular wildlife national parks and Luxury Accommodations in Nairobi, Masai Mara, Samburu, Amboseli, Tsavo, Lake Nakuru, Nyeri Aberdares, Nanyuki and around Mount Kenya.Cruzeiro Safaris also helps last minute traveler and transit travelers book short day tours and trips in Nairobi.
Are there any destinations in the world which can evoke such powerful imagery as Kenya, one of East Africa’s premier destinations?Indeed, the acacia-dotted savannahs of Kenya re inhabited by classic African animals, from towering elephants and prancing gazelles to prides of lions and stalking leopards. The country also plays host to the annual migration, the largest single movement of heard animals on the planet. However, what makes Kenya truly stand out as a travel destination is the vast palette of landscapes that comprise this visually stunning country. While the flaunted image of the savannah of Maasai Mara perhaps the single key selling point for Kenya’s tourist industry, intrepid travelers can also explore the barren expanses of the Rift valley, the glacial ridges of Mt. Kenya and the beaches of the Swahili coast.
This rich diversity of quintessential African environments present opportunity for hiking, trekking, diving sailing and so much more But to simply focus on Kenya’s wildlife and nature is to ignore the people that make this country so dynamic. Kenya is a thriving multicultural country with a wide cross-section of everything that is classic and contemporary Africa. Everyday life brings together traditional tribes and urban families, ancient customs and modern sensibilities. And, while much of the East Africa has suffered from bitter feud between divided ethnic groups, Kenya has usually been regarded as an island of stability in a trouble region. Kenya may be a somewhat more intimidating destination that it once was, but remains one of the undisputed highlights of Africa. Check your inhibition, ignore the hype, bring your sense of adventure and get ready for some truly inspiring and life-changing travel.
Planning a trip to Kenya is a pleasure in itself: the country is so versatile that it’s virtually a blank canvas, catering equally for the thrill-seekers and sun-seekers, budget backpackers and high-end rollers, those who like it tough and those who just want to get going. Whatever you do here, you’ll discover that it’s very straightforward to sort yourself out of the ground and advance plans are very necessary.
When to go to Kenya: The main tourist season is January, February and March, when the weather is hottest and driest. At this time, the animals in the wildlife parks tend to congregate more around the watercourses, making them easy to spot. However, the parks can get crowded and rates for accommodation soar –also make sure you avoid Christmas and Easter unless you want to pay much higher prices. From June to October, the annual wildebeest migration takes place, with thousands of animals streaming into the Maasai Mara National reserve from Serengeti. During the long rains (the low season April to May) things are much quieter.ADVERTISEMENTTransit Travelers and Travelers with a stopover in Nairobi are also not left behind, book a half or full day tour in Nairobi and visit many places. This trip comes with Free airport transfers from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport or Wilson Airport.
Itineraries and Classic RoutesClassic routes put you face to face with the continent’s most charismatic creatures. Safari njema – have a good trip!
Departing from Nairobi, Kenyas capital city one can enjoy the Nairobi city tours at any point where low or high season. Our first port of call is Maasai Mara National Reserve between July and October, the Maasai Mara plays host to the annual wildebeest migration, which offers a definitive slice of safari Africa. Even if you can’t time your visit to coincide with this epic event, the Mara is still worth visiting as the famous national park in Kenya. The northern trails leads to Samburu National Reserve , a dusty, red, desert habitat that shelters’ species of animals not found elsewhere in Kenya. The safari trail continues down to Amboseli National Park, which is regarded as one of the best places in Africa to get up close and personal with the heads of grazing elephants.
In search of the big fiveThe ultimate goal of any safari-gore is to spot the Big Five, namely lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant. While you’re going to have to put in a lot of hours to spot them all-particularly the elusive leopard – this itinerary will have you ticking them off the list in no time. Start your search at Lake Nakuru National park, an alkaline lake in the Rift Valley, which is home to many thousands of pink flamingos and pelicans. This vitally important national park also protects the country’s largest population of endangered black rhinos, as well as large herds of buffalo. From lake Nakuru, your next stop is the obligatory Maasai Mara National Reserve which is veritable lion country, With a little luck you can spot leopards lounging in trees, and cheetahs prowling around the savannahs, from Maasai Mara head south to Naivasha and visit the Hells gate National park swim in the hot water sulfuric swimming pool belonging to the geothermal energy plant. Then head south to the Amboseli national park for a wildlife drive through Kilimanjaro court. Against a back drop of Africa’s tallest peak, you will see dozens of elephants. From Amboseli it’s straight forward drive to the Tsavo West National Park and Tsavo East National Park. Kenya’s largest wildlife parks. As they are relatively undeveloped. Tsavo East and West are where you can truly have a wildlife experience. From here you can head down to the highway to ancient Swahili port of Mombasa where you can either fly straight home or start a whole new journey exploring the Kenyan coast. Indeed, its’ just a short trip south west to the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary a small but important reserve that protects elephants migratory routes, and on to the densely forested Shimba Hills National reserve home to the rare antelope.
Sun, Surf and SwahiliWhether you’re interest in exploring the remaining vestiges of Swahili culture, or simply kicking it on the beach for days on end, don’t miss the chance to explore Kenya’s sun-drenched coast. From the coastal getaway of Mombasa City, the first stop head south is Tiwi beach, a tranquil white-sand paradise that is popular with independents travelers. Just down the road, you can head on to the package holiday destination of Diani beach for a taste of the more full-on rest experience. Near the Tanzania Border are the Funzi and Wasini islands provide a dose of real, unspoilt coastal life and also afford easy access to the excellent Kisite Marine National Park. Here you can spot the Dolphins each other it’s a wonderful complement to Kenya’s terrestrial wildlife destinations.
Back to the coastal trail make a quick stop in the charming town of Kilifi before pressing on to the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve on the largest remaining tracts of indigenous coastal forest in East Africa. Further north are the Gede ruins and ancient Swahili City that dates back to the 13th century. Another historic town along the Swahili coast is Malindi, a 14th century trading post that is now one of the country’s leading beach destinations for Italian holiday makers. Your itinerary can end its peaks at the wonderful Lamu archipelago a veritable tropical paradise and Swahili heritage gem. One can take up the Summer Package staying in Mombasa and travelling to the Tsavo Park and back.
Roads Less Travelled: Desert FrontiersThis unbeaten trail winds through the harsh and barren landscapes around Lake Turkana, which dominates the northwest corner of the country. The Eastern getaway to this region is the small town of Isiolo, Just north of Mt Kenya. There are several good national parks and wildlife reserve in this area. One can plough through straight to the desert route and head up the rough road to Marsabit the dusty tribal centre of this remote area which boasts a fine national park. Assuming you are not tempted to hope over the border to Ethiopia at Moyale, a real wild frontier, take the western loop to Turkana via North Horr heading for the tiny lake side settlement of Loiyangalani a base for trips into even more remote parts of the country. From here the trail leads through again passing all kinds of scenic zones and the stopover towns of South Horr and Baragoi. It’s worth stopping for a couple of days in Maralal to replenish supplies and sample the joys of camel-trekking. Your could end your trip here but for the full effect, head up to the other side of Turkana, passing though the lush western area around marich to reach sweltering Lodwar and the lovely lake shore Springs.

When is the best time to spot animals?When you visit Kenya’s parks and reserves, you’ll be spending a lot of time craning your neck and keeping watchful eyes out for animals and birds. There are a few telltale signs to note, as we as a few things you can do to maximize your chances of spotting the Big Five. Most are just common sense.
The best time to view wildlife to between 6.30am and 9.30am and from 3.30am to 6.30 pm. Cruzeiro Safaris makes sure they you during these timings. Wildlife drives in the mid of the day are unlikely to turn up much, (although there are popular parks such as Amboseli and Maasai Mara), animals are actually changing their normal hunting habits to avoid the tourist. When the tourists head back to the lodges for lunch, the carnivores go out hunting – in peace. In wooded country, agitated and noisy monkeys or baboons are often a sign that there’s a big cat (probably a leopard) around. Vultures circling are not necessarily an indication of a kill below. But if they are gathering in trees and seem to be watching something, you can reasonably assume they are waiting their turn for a go at a carcass.
One final note – taking longer safari is great, but endless long days peering out of a sunroof, on bumpy roads, in the heat, eating the same food stuck with the same people can take its toll quicker than you might think. Any animal you see on the first day will be exciting, though sooner or later most travelers will experience safari fatigue, that jaded feeling of ‘not another zebra, I wanna see a freaking leopard’. If this happens a few cultural activities and afternoon’s relaxations or even just a quick swim can do wonders for keeping things fresh. Or just take an air package especially for single travelers.
Nairobi and around highlights, Transit and Stop over Tours:Spotting wildlife in the most incongruous of surroundings at the Nairobi National Park, Tangling tongues with the rubber-necked ungulate at Giraffe centre, Broadening your appreciation of all things cultural and environmental at the National Museum, Surveying the Landscape from the grand heights of the Kenyatta Conference centre, making the most essential foodie pilgrimage to the Carnivore and dancing it off at the Simba salon. Striking out for some proper exercise, walking through the incredibly scenic Ngong Hills, Visit the 2. And half hour away park to the Lake Nakuru national park.
Does One have more than 24 hours stopover in Nairobi then book a fast last minute safari tour to the Masai mara for 1 night / 2 days
Cruzeiro Safaris Also Offers Instant Online Bookings for Half – day tours and full day tours in Nairobi.Nairobi Day Tours, Nairobi National Park, Animal Orphanage, Giraffe Center, Karen Blixen, Safari Cat Show, Musuems, City Tours, Amboseli Day trip, Lake nakuru day Trip, Airport Transfers in Nairobi, Nairobi Airport Transfers from Airport to Hotels, Mombasa City Tours, Kenya Safari Packages by Road , Nairobi National Park Tours with Option
Nairobi National Park Guided Tour Morning or AfternoonKindly indicate your preferred departure timeMorning Tour : starts at 6am – 11amAfternoon Tour: Starts at 1.30pm – 6.30pm
The Nairobi National Park Tour is one of the most popular tours in Nairobi. A must visit for everyone and a top attraction in the world near a city. This tour starts early morning at 6am to 11am. Visit the Nairobi National Park and embark on a long game viewing drive around the park. It was established in 1946, 114 kms (44 sq miles) of pristine savanna with a large stock of migratory game and lies between the Nairobi-Mombasa railway and the garden suburb of Langata. It is open on its south-east perimeter and here the Kitengela Conservation Area allows a corridor for the natural migration of the game which takes place with the seasonal rains.
Please note the morning tour takes 5 hours and the afternoon takes 4 hours from pick up to drop off.
Cost Includes:
Game viewing drive in Safari 4×4 wheel Drives for the Ultimate Safari ExperienceTransport pick up and drop off from hotel / AirportSafari Driver guide entry feesPlease note PARK ENTRY FEES for travellers are NOT INCLUDED in this OPTIONNOT INCLUDED
Park Entry Fees of USD40 Adult and USD20 Child (Low Season MARCH to JUNE) and USD60 Adult and USD20 Adult (High Season JULY to FEBRUARY)Park entry fees are paid by Credit Card or Mobile money at the Park Gate in the morning ( NO cash is accepted)Food and Drinks – However, Carry your own Drinking water with a NON-PLASTIC Vessel. The Kenyan Government has banned single use of plastic bottles.OTHER NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK TOURS WITH OPTIONSPrices for Below Tours In Nairobi are for Non- Kenyan CitizensNairobi National park Tour Including Park fees (Non-Kenyans) – (6am to 11am) – Transport in Safari minivanNairobi National Park Tour Morning (6am – 11am) Transport in 4×4 Wheel DrivesNairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage and Lunch at Carnivore or Tamarind – (6am – 2pm)Elephants Orphanage, Giraffe Center , Lunch at carnivore and Nairobi National Park ( 10am – 6.30pm) – Transport in 4×4 wheel DrivesNairobi National Park Tour Afternoon (1.30pm – 6pm) Transport in Safari MinivanNairobi National Park Tour and Giraffe center (6am – 1pm) POPULAR (in 4×4 Wheel Drives)Nairobi National Park, Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Center and Lunch at Carnivore (6am – 3pm) – Transport in 4×4 wheel drivesNairobi National Park, Giraffe center, Lunch, Karen Blixen Musuem (6am to 5pm)Lake Nakuru National Park Day Trip – Transport in Safari MinivansLake Nakuru National Park Tour Day Trip – Transport in 4x4wheel drivesLake Naivasha Tour with Crescent island – Day Trip
IMPORTANT INFORMATION SINGLE / SOLO TRAVELERPlease check on our main website https://www.cruzeiro-safaris.com if we have a departure that you can join, then book and pay we shall honor your booking. However, if there is no tour to join on your date PLEASE do NOT book and pay. Please note there will be NO Refund.
Cost Includes:
Game viewing drive,Transport pick up and drop off from hotel / AirportLunch where applicable/ mentioned in the tour packageEntry to Giraffe centre with applicable packageSafari Driver guidePlease note PARK ENTRY FEES are INCLUDED in ALL options for NON-KENYAN CITIZEN.Not IncludedHowever, Carry your own Drinking water with a NON-PLASTIC Vessel. The Kenyan Government has banned single use of plastic bottles and Papers.

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In just 100 days, guests at the Minnesota Zoo will be able to reach new heights when the Treetop Trail, the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop, officially opens.Beginning Friday, July 28, 2023, the 1.25-mile Treetop Trail will bring guests up to 32 feet above the ground and provide them with an immersive and accessible naturistic journey.This opening date of the Zoo’s new pathway to nature appropriately coincides with World Nature Conservation Day. As a worldwide leader in wildlife conservation, the Minnesota Zoo created the Treetop Trail to give guests year-round access to hundreds of acres of hardwood forest, ponds and marshes, and the diverse wildlife that call Minnesota home. The Treetop Trail will provide new perspectives of many Zoo animals, including tigers, moose, bison, and of course, a bird’s eye view for bird watchers during each of Minnesota’s four seasons.
The Minnesota Zoo opened 45 years ago in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. The Treetop Trail will reinforce the Zoo’s reputation as a trusted nature destination and is an evolution of the role that zoos play around the globe.
“The Treetop Trail marks a new chapter for the Minnesota Zoo,” said Minnesota Zoo Director and Foundation President John Frawley. “As we look ahead to the Zoo’s next 45 years, the Treetop Trail is a major step in furthering connections to nature and animals in an accessible and immersive way.”
Integrating into the Zoo’s original monorail track which was retired in 2013, the Treetop Trail is the ultimate reuse construction project. The Zoo contracted with award-winning Snow Kreilich Architects; engineering firm Buro Happold (known for its work on the High Line in New York City); and construction partner, PCL. Together, they have been committed to minimizing disruptions to the Zoo’s animals and guests before, during, and after construction.
The entrance to the Treetop Trail will feature the Zoo’s new animal ambassador habitat. Here, guests will be greeted by several species native to Minnesota including the Treetop Trail ambassador – a North American porcupine named Quillber.ADVERTISEMENTPlanning for the Minnesota Zoo Treetop Trail began in June 2018 and a ceremonial groundbreaking was held in April 2022. “Thanks to the full support from our Boards, legislative and government champions, as well as the philanthropic community, we have secured $39 million in public and private partnership to support this transformational project,” said Frawley.
The Minnesota Zoo would like to express profound gratitude to the following for their support of the Treetop Trail: State of Minnesota, K.A.H.R. Foundation, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Target, Best Buy Foundation, Hubbard Broadcasting Foundation, and hundreds of individual donors.
To learn more about the Minnesota Zoo’s Treetop Trail, please visit mnzoo.org/treetoptrail.

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Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America located in the Canadian province of British Columbia, has announced the appointment of Belinda Trembath as its new Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, effective May 15. 
Trembath has more than 30 years of experience in the ski industry and mountain operations, and has been Chair of the Australian Ski Areas Association since 2018. Born and raised in Australia, she began skiing at age six, and started her career as a ski instructor. In 2006, Trembath was appointed Vice President & General Manager of Mt. Hotham in the Australian state of Victoria. Starting in 2019, she also provided oversight for Falls Creek, which has the largest skiable area in Victoria. In 2022, she was named Vice President & General Manager of Perisher, the role she currently holds. Perisher is the largest alpine resort in the southern hemisphere, located in the Australian state of New South Wales. Trembath played a key leadership role in helping Perisher, Falls Creek, and Mt. Hotham successfully navigate through the pandemic and borders reopening. She has also been a proactive member of a range of tourism and government advisory boards throughout her career.
“Belinda is dedicated to ensuring the preservation of unique mountain cultures alongside a commitment to excellence across the employee, guest, and community experience,” said Doug Pierini, Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Vail Resorts’ West Region and Interim COO at Whistler Blackcomb. “This is what makes her an exceptional mountain operator. I can’t imagine a better leader to step into the COO role at Whistler Blackcomb to help guide the next chapter of such an iconic, influential, world-class resort.” 
Whistler Blackcomb was recently named the “best ski resort in North America” by Condé Nast Traveler’s annual readers choice awards. Located in Whistler, off the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway, the resort is honoured to operate on the shared unceded territory of the Lil’wat Nation and the Squamish Nation. Whistler and Blackcomb are two, side-by-side connected mountains, offering over 200 marked runs, 3,307 hectares (8,171 acres) of legendary terrain, and 1,609 metres (5,280 feet) of vertical. It is home to one of the longest ski and ride seasons in North America, and in the summer, the resort offers a variety of activities, including the globally recognized Whistler Mountain Bike Park, as well as sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. 
“I am honoured and thrilled to be the COO of Whistler Blackcomb,” said Trembath. “It is not lost on me how profound this opportunity is, and I look forward to being an advocate for our resort and its passionate employees, our guests, and the iconic Whistler community. Canada has always held a special place in my heart – early on in my career, I spent a season in BC at Big White. A spark ignited within me, and I always hoped to find my way back. It is a bit surreal that this dream is now a reality. My husband and children also feel a connection to the beauty of BC, and they are looking forward to this new adventure.” ADVERTISEMENTTrembath’s strength of leadership has also been evident through the implementation of strategic growth programs that she has developed and executed. She also led the three Australian resorts through multiple technology advancements, allowing them to lead through innovation and outside-the-box thinking to enhance the employee and guest experience.
Trembath will lead the resort, which includes Mountain and Base Area Operations, Food & Beverage, Snow and Bike School, and other important areas of the business.

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“What’s Your M-O?” It’s not just a question, it’s at the heart of the successful Visit Missouri integrated communications campaign.According to Strategic Marketing and Research Incorporated (SMARI), the campaign generated $884 million in incremental visitor spending in the state of Missouri in 2022.
The Missouri Division of Tourism (MDT) and its agency partner, Osborn Barr Paramore (OBP), created the campaign, which has been recognized with more than 30 awards to date. Most recently, the work won platinum, gold, silver and bronze awards at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s (HSMAI) prestigious Adrian Awards honoring the best in hospitality advertising, digital, PR/communications and integrated campaigns.
“The creativity of this campaign has allowed us to showcase the variety the state of Missouri offers visitors in a unique and personal way,” said Stephen Foutes, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism.
The campaign was shortlisted as a finalist for the 2022 World Advertising Research Center (WARC) Awards for Effectiveness, North America Edition, in the Sustained Growth category. The U.S. Travel Association honored the work with an Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations (ESTO) award. The Travel and Tourism Research Association (TTRA) awarded the campaign with the first-ever Cheryl Schutz Award for Destination Marketing and Research Excellence. This award recognizes an individual or Destination Marketing Organization for research that resulted or contributed to key decisions that helped promote travel and tourism within their destination and the industry. The campaign also earned two Telly awards for excellence in video and television.On a regional level, the campaign received a Mid-America EMMY award, several regional American Advertising Federation (AAF) awards and multiple silver and gold honors by the St. Louis AAF.
The “What’s Your M-O?” campaign features “Mo,” a genial tour guide that embodies Missouri and all the state has to offer. Just as different people seek different experiences on vacations, there’s a different Mo for everyone’s M-O (modus operandi). Learn more about the campaign here.ADVERTISEMENTThe campaign has generated more than 2 billion impressions and 138 million social engagements through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and 4.8 million website visits to VisitMo.com. New advertising for the campaign debuted in February 2023.

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Vietnam’s tourism industry is well prepared to welcome more visitors, however, companies remain cautious in their business outlook due to the uncertainty caused by the absence of key markets and labor shortages, according to local tourism businesses at the four-day Vietnam International Travel Mart starting on Thursday in Hanoi.
STRONG RESUMPTION OF DOMESTIC TRAVEL
Vietnam’s domestic tourism experienced impressive growth last year, serving 101.3 million locals, 168.3 percent higher than an official target and above the previous peak of 85 million in pre-pandemic 2019, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Two years of the COVID-19 pandemic made Vietnamese holidaymakers turn their attention inwards, exploring the treasure trove of travel opportunities at home rather than venturing abroad, said tour operators.
However, the pandemic has also left an impact on travel habits as local tourists want to be well-protected. They are traveling in smaller groups and to the places closer to their home, Ly Truong Xuan, marketing manager at Hanoi-based Vietnamtourism told Xinhua.ADVERTISEMENTHe was cautious over a four-fold surge in the number of COVID-19 cases over the past week, with the capital of Hanoi recording the most cases.
Besides, soaring transportation costs, especially airfares, which greatly add to travel expenses, would make domestic tourists think twice before booking trips, the marketing executive added.
Vietnam is slated to raise the fare caps on domestic airlines by an average 3.75 percent in the second half of this year after the Civil Aviation Administration said fuel prices, among other expenses, have been eating away at local airlines’ profitability.
Despite a cautious outlook, the domestic tourism market has rebounded strongly, as the government statistics revealed that total sales at retailers and service revenues in the first three months were higher than an annual expansion of 12.6 percent in the same period in pre-pandemic 2019.
Restaurant and accommodation revenues during the January-March period totaled 6.84 billion U.S. dollars, up 28.4 percent from a year ago, while tourism revenues more than doubled from a year earlier to nearly 289 million dollars, said the General Statistic Office.PREPARING FOR THE RISE OF CHINESE TOURISTS
Regarding the international market, 2022 saw some growth compared to the tough years of the pandemic, but the results failed to either reach the target or measure up to pre-pandemic levels.
Vietnam’s tourism peaked in 2019, when the country welcomed 18 million international arrivals, earning more than 30.2 billion U.S. dollars, according to the General Statistics Office.
Then COVID-19 struck, plunging the number of foreign tourists to 3.8 million in 2020, which shrank to 157,300 in 2021. Last year, the Southeast Asian country received nearly 3.7 million arrivals, around 20 percent of the pre-pandemic levels despite being one of the first Southeast Asian countries to fully reopen its doors to foreign visitors.
However, Vietnam’s tourism recovery is expected to accelerate considerably after recording tepid growth from key markets, especially China.

“We have prepared to roll out several packages to entice visitors, but the number of Chinese visitors booking experiences in Vietnam is still lower than the corresponding period prior to the pandemic,” said the marketing executive with Vietnamtourism.
Chinese tourists make up a vast portion of the total arrivals in Vietnam, and their higher spending power provides a significant boost to the destinations they choose to visit, he said.
As Chinese tourists return in greater numbers, they will play a crucial role in the recovery of the tourism industry, said Duong Thanh Phuong, chief executive of 5-star Annova Hotel in Vietnam’s south-central province of Khanh Hoa.
Khanh Hoa, among the country’s most popular tourist destinations, welcomed over 2.5 million Chinese tourists, making up more than 70 percent of the coastal province’s international arrivals in 2019, statistics from the Department of Tourism showed.
Before the pandemic, China was obviously the biggest source of tourist arrivals in the beach city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province, said Phuong.
The lure of beaches, combined with the convenience of direct flights, large accommodation capacity of hotels and luxury resorts, and high-quality services, brought an increasing number of Chinese tourists to the province, he added.
Local tourism companies at the annual Vietnam International Travel Mart said they embraced the opportunities brought by Chinese tourists to position themselves for long-term growth in the increasingly competitive travel industry.
As the world’s largest tourism market, it will take some time for China to get back up to its full capacity, said the hotel chief executive, forecasting of a full rebound from Chinese tourists by the end of this year.

LABOR SHORTAGES HOLD BACK RECOVERY
As the Southeast Asian country is on track to welcome more tourists, targeting to receive 8 million foreign arrivals and earning about 27 billion U.S. dollars in revenue this year, tourism operators are finding it hard to recruit enough workers, especially high-skilled staff, to meet the expected demand.
Vietnam’s tourism sector is among the world’s hardest-hit as the country saw almost one third of all job losses occur in the industry, according to the International Labor Organization.
During the pandemic, airlines, tour operators, hotels and restaurants let go of staff who then decided to leave the sector for good, said the National Administration of Tourism, adding that 44 percent of workers with 5-10 years of experience and 90 percent of those with graduate degrees moved into other areas less affected by the pandemic.
After the pandemic, companies had little time to scale up their capacity before a rush of interest from both domestic and international markets.
“So now we are desperately in need of workers,” said Annova Hotel’s chief executive.
It has been a struggle for companies to recruit the staff back and re-train them, he said.
“This will take time, and it is not the problem that can be solved in one or two months,” he stressed but hoped that thing would be back to normal by the end of this year.
Staff shortages are forcing owners of hotels, bars, restaurants and travel agencies in Vietnam to offer better pay for full-time workers responsible for multiple tasks, recruit more seasonal semi-qualified or unqualified workers and cut services, local media reported.
It requires the recruitment of full-time devoted workers, not part-time simple positions, with a focus on training to equip them with field experience, since services quality holds the key to the sustainable growth of the industry to draw high-spending and long-stay visitors, said the hotel chief executive.
Source: Xinhua

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A new report from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) revealed total economic output related to visitor spending reached a record $79.3 billion in 2022, a 24.7 percent increase from the previous record set in 2019.
The annual Economic Impact of Southern Nevada’s Tourism Industry report outlines economic impacts associated with the region’s tourism industry and convention travel, including visitor spending on rooms, dining, shopping, sports, local transportation and other activities and amenities.
Las Vegas, as a tourist destination, has experienced dramatic growth in recent years with the addition of new resort properties, expanded convention and meeting space, professional sports teams, and new venues such as Allegiant Stadium. Following the disproportionate impacts suffered by tourist destinations like Las Vegas during the pandemic, Las Vegas demonstrated a strong rebound as a favorite location for pent up travel demand. Visitor spending in 2022 hit an all-time high of $44.9 billion, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Total spending by visitors in 2022 outpaced the prior year by 24.4 percent and the 2019 total by 21.8 percent.
“These results are a powerful testament that what we do in concert with our resort partners to market this destination has an undeniable impact on our community,” said Steve Hill, CEO and president of the LVCVA. “We’re proud of this city and this industry and know that the upcoming offerings in the destination will add to that success.”
The report also notes that Southern Nevada’s tourism industry remained the largest regional employer in 2022, directly employing an estimated 229,440. With direct and indirect impacts included, total impacts reached an estimated 358,880, a 21.3 percent increase over the prior year.ADVERTISEMENT“As we emerged from the pandemic, our consumer research made clear it was the perfect moment for us to capitalize on pent up travel demand,” said Kate Wik, chief marketing officer of the LVCVA. “We’re thrilled to see not only the strong rebound in visitation, but also the significant impact our visitors have on our state’s economy.”
The report’s findings are based on data sourced from the LVCVA; the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation; the Nevada Gaming Control Board; Clark County School District; the Nevada Commission on Tourism; and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. The report was compiled and presented by Applied Analysis on behalf of the LVCVA.
Other key findings include:
The total economic output related to visitor spending in 2022 (including direct, indirect and induced impacts) reached an all-time high of $79.3 billion, equivalent to about half of the region’s gross economic output.Despite 2022’s 38.8 million visitation tally falling 3.7 million visitors short of the 2019 visitation total, overall spending increased dramatically due to a 33.4 percent rise in per-trip visitor spending compared with 2019.Per-trip visitor spending climbed to an all-time high of $1,156 in 2022, 3.3 percent higher than 2021.For more information on Las Vegas travel and tourism, visit lvcva.com.

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SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc, a leading theme park and entertainment company, today announced that Marisa Thalberg will join the company as their Chief Marketing and Communications Officer effective April 24, 2023.
In this role, Marisa will be responsible for brand and marketing strategies that drive revenue, increase visitation across the organization’s award-winning portfolio of 12 parks, and elevate the company’s conservation mission. Marisa is a globally recognized brand-builder and pioneer of digital, social and eCommerce marketing. She is a five-time honoree on Forbes’ “World’s Most Influential CMOs” list, among other industry accolades.
Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. said, “Marisa’s experience with some of the most recognized retail and F&B brands, coupled with her strong history of driving revenue growth through holistic marketing strategies, represents a great opportunity to better showcase our iconic brands and the passionate work we do with conservation. We are thrilled to have her join our leadership team.”
Marisa added, “From the moment I experienced SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and learned more about all of the brands within it, I have been so excited to join this leadership team. This is a company that is uniquely built on delivering joy and creating memories that matter, while also educating and inspiring others to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. Across SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Discovery Cove and every brand in the portfolio there is a unique story that I cannot wait to work with the team to tell. The growth opportunities ahead are incredibly exciting.”
Marisa was the first Executive Vice President, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer for Lowe’s Companies Inc. from 2020-2022. At Lowe’s, she was responsible for the transformation of marketing during which she helped drive record sales and brand growth for the company.ADVERTISEMENTPrior to Lowe’s, Marisa was the Global Chief Brand Officer at Taco Bell, where she achieved category-beating same store sales growth every quarter and captured the highest passion index among fans of any QSR brand. She also provided global brand stewardship for Taco Bell’s rapid international expansion.
From 2007-2015, Marisa was the head of Corporate Digital Marketing Worldwide for The Estee Lauder Companies (ELC), where she was responsible for the total company leadership of digital/social marketing and content strategy to support brand and eCommerce development worldwide, across the company’s portfolio of 30+ leading prestige global beauty brands.
In 2002, Marisa founded Executive Moms (www.executivemoms.com), an organization created to connect and support accomplished women who are both professionals and moms. She currently serves as a Strategic Advisor to the VC firm Composite Ventures and is on the boards of the Blumenthal Center of the Arts and the MMA. She has served on the boards of the AdCouncil, International Women’s Media Foundation, TheatreworksUSA and the Orange County School of the Arts. Marisa graduated Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

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Hosting the Global Tourism Resilience Day 2024 in Malaga, from left to right the Spanish Ambassador to South Africa HE Raimundo Robredo Rubio along with the two deputy Mayors Jacobo Florido, Susana Carillo and the Director of Tourism Jonathan Gomez-Puzon of Malaga as well as ITIC group CEO Ibrahim Ayoub with Hon Edmund Bartlett Founder and Chairman of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre
Following a meeting in Cape Town on the 4th April 2023 during the ITIC-WTM African Tourism Investment Summit, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica and Co-chair and Founder of the Global Tourism Resilience and Crisis Management Centre GTRCMC is pleased to announce that next year’s Global Tourism Resilience Conference will be held in the City of Malaga on the 16th and 17th February
The 17th February has been proclaimed by the United Nations as the Global Tourism Resilience Day, an initiative spearheaded by Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica and voted by 94 nationsat the General Assembly of the UN on the 4th February 2023. This United Nations proclamation culminated in the second edition of the Global Tourism Resilience Conference from the 15th to the 17th February 2023 in Kingston, Jamaica.GTRCMC and its partners have united their forces to advance the capacity of countries and especially of the tourism industry across the world, to enhance their preparedness and response to the increasingly complex risk scape resulting from climate change and natural hazards.
This initiative shows the commitment of GTRCMC to host the conference in the City of Malaga which is also known as the European Capital of Smart Tourism.The project is a collaboration of ITIC, GTRCMC and the City of Malaga and such a partnership will not only enable countries to harness disruptions but also to attract more sustainable investment flows forging a more resilient and prosperous future for all nations.

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