Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Discover The Palm Beaches, the official tourism marketing organization for Palm Beach County, Florida, proudly announces the implementation of an accessibility program aimed at bettering the community’s preparedness to welcome all travelers, no matter their ability level.
The accessibility plan focuses on enhancing information and resources through strategic partnerships and assessments with the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), Wheel the World and Travelability. The goal is to help the destination improve accessibility for all travelers by identifying places to stay and things to do, educating partners and providing resources for adaptability.
Kicking off the program, Discover The Palm Beaches earned the Certified Autism Center™ designation, granted by IBCCES to organizations having successfully completed extensive autism-specific training and certification from leading experts to ensure all families with autism or other sensory-sensitives are understood and properly accommodated. This important milestone marks the first step for The Palm Beaches in its journey to become a Certified Autism Destination™, further establishing its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
“The Palm Beaches prides itself on being a warm and welcoming destination for all,” stated Jorge Pesquera, President and Chief Executive Officer of Discover The Palm Beaches. “Becoming an Autism Certified Center™ is just one way to showcase our commitment to learning and evolving to better serve this travel sector. We look forward to expanding this certification to our partners and improving the options for sensory-sensitive travelers in The Palm Beaches.”
Many autistic individuals and their families want to travel but may worry they will not be understood, welcomed, or have access to accommodations, attractions and other points of interest. Through the larger accessibility-focused program initiated by Discover The Palm Beaches to become a Certified Autism Destination™, partnerships with various area attractions, hotels, recreation and entertainment venues will complete autism and sensory training and certification, as well as onsite reviews, and have long-term access to other support. This process and designation ensures concrete steps are in place to enhance the experience for autistic and sensory-sensitive visitors, so they feel safe and enjoy a more welcoming environment. With 1 in 6 people having a sensory need or sensitivity and 1 in 36 children diagnosed with autism in the United States, the demand for more trained and certified options is at an all-time high.ADVERTISEMENT“It is crucial now more than ever to provide a deeper understanding of autistic and sensory-sensitive travelers’ needs to travel and entertainment organizations to better equip their staff to offer the best possible service and experiences to all visitors,” emphasized Myron Pincomb, Board Chairman of IBCCES. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Discover The Palm Beaches as they strengthen their commitment to accessibility ensuring that a wider range of travelers can forge unforgettable experiences together. Our certification programs and long-term support options will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.”
For over 20 years, IBCCES has been the leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals worldwide. IBCCES is the only credentialing organization providing this type of certification, which includes evidence-based training as well as the perspectives of autistic individuals, alongside other tools and resources such as onsite reviews and customized recommendations, and renewal requirements to ensure the program is a long-term commitment that has a lasting impact.
IBCCES also created AutismTravel.com, as a free online resource for parents that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ requirements.

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In anticipation of the busy Fourth of July holiday travel week, Barclays US Consumer Bank is releasing an excerpt from its points, loyalty, and travel report, which will be available in August 2023.Findings highlight that miles and points make it possible for consumers to travel, especially in today’s challenging economic environment.
76% of loyalty and rewards program members couldn’t imagine taking the kinds of trips they want without the benefits of such programs
44% of travelers say earning the most travel rewards is more important than getting the lowest price
During times of economic uncertainty, travelers prioritize lower fees (52%), flexibility in redeeming miles and points (47%), and the ability to earn more miles and points (46%)
Compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic, 36% of travelers are more focused on accumulating rewards now and 39% remain as focused on accumulating rewardsADVERTISEMENTBarclays partnered with independent market research company Wakefield Research, whose team conducted a survey among 1,000 U.S. adult travelers to understand attitudes, sentiments and behaviors related to travel loyalty and rewards programs. Data was collected from May 19 to May 27, 2023. “Travelers” defined as having traveled by air in the past 12 months, and likely to travel again in the next 12 months.
For questions or to receive the full report in August, contact [email protected]

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Minister Edmund Bartlett shares lens with (from left to right) Niels Olsen, Minister of Tourism of Ecuador; Sofía Montiel de Afara, Minister of Tourism, Paraguay; and Carlos Andrés Peguero, Vice Minister of Tourism, Dominican Republic moments before the announcement of his election to the UNWTO Executive Council.
Jamaica has been elected to serve on the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO) Executive Council for 2023-2027 alongside Colombia. The decision was made during the 68th UNWTO Commission for the Americas Meeting (CAM) currently underway in Quito, Ecuador.
In celebrating the achievement, Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett said, “Jamaica has been among the top-performing countries in the Americas leading a robust recovery in travel and tourism. Being elected alongside Colombia to represent our regional colleagues is an incredible honour, and we look forward to contributing wholesomely to the organization’s thrust to promote tourism as a driver of sustainable economic growth for developing nations especially.”
The Executive Council is responsible for the management and implementation of strategic decisions carried out by the UNWTO.
“We are thrilled by the expression of confidence our fellow member states have shown. I continue to invite deeper collaboration among regional partners as we work to build resilience regionally and internationally. We are among the most tourism-dependent regions in the world, and it is imperative that our views are represented at the highest level,” added the tourism minister.
Other decisions arising from the meeting include the Dominican Republic’s selection to serve as President of the Regional Commission for Americas for 2023-2025. Argentina and Paraguay have been selected to serve as Vice-Presidents of CAM for the same period as well as for the UNWTO General Assembly to be held in October. ADVERTISEMENTMinister Bartlett has been participating in a series of panels, presentations and seminars focused on tourism investment trends and opportunities in the Americas. A highlight of the 68th CAM was the Investment Seminar that explored the promotion of investments through technical cooperation, building capacity for tourism development and accessing financing that accelerates climate resilience in the regional sector.
It was agreed that Cuba would host the 69th CAM scheduled for 2024.

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NEOM has signed a deal with superyacht concierge and maritime agency BWA Yachting. The firm will establish an office at NEOM’s luxury island development Sindalah.BWA is the Key partner superyacht agency in NEOM and will provide services for the world’s most spectacular luxury vessels, as Sindalah becomes the Red Sea’s first ultra-prime superyacht destination.
Sindalah will be the first part of NEOM to open, one of NEOM’s 39 islands that will have more than 5,000 berths.Antoni Vives, chief urban development and islands officer at NEOM, said: “Sindalah will redefine the luxury island experience and become the most sought-after yachting destination in the world, offering six months of winter sun and less than a day’s sail from the ports of the Mediterranean.
“Working with BWA Yachting will allow us to tap into their expertise and provide the unparalleled yachting ecosystem and elevated experience for which Sindalah will become synonymous. This partnership represents an important step as we invite the world to set sail for Sindalah.”
Paschalis Patsiokas CEO at BWA Yachting added: “We are honoured and excited to be invited by NEOM to establish our presence within this groundbreaking project. At BWA Yachting, we are committed to providing world-class services to superyachts visiting Sindalah and eagerly look forward to creating captivating NEOM itineraries, delivering extraordinary experiences for our clients in this spectacular new destination.”
ADVERTISEMENTSindalah will have six months of winter sun a year, with the ‘ultra-prime’ marina offering 86 berths for yachts up to 50 meters. Additional serviced offshore buoys will provide mooring for superyachts up to 180 meters.
On land, Sindalah will be home to high-end restaurants, designer fashion and luxury retail and a golf course.
The island’s beach club promises ‘will be like no other, hosted by the region’s ‘top entertainment icons’, while the Marine Activities Center will provide underwater experiences,
Three luxury hotels, including a Four Seasons Resort and Saudi Arabia’s first Marriott International Autograph Collection Hotels property will also be on the island.
The sustainable design is being led by Italy’s Luca Dini Design & Architecture.
Source: Hotelier Middle East

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The Minister of Tourism Thong Khon confirmed that in the first five months of 2023, more than 2.16 million international tourists visited Cambodia, and he also expressed expectations that throughout the year 2023, Cambodia is set to receive about 4.5 million of international tourists and about 16 million domestic tourists.
He made this statement at a meeting to review the plan to restore and promote Cambodia’s tourism sector during and after the Covid-19 crisis in second semester of 2022, first semester of 2023 and the implementation direction for 2023-2024 on June 21, at Sokha Residence Hotel, Phnom Penh.
Khon said that for the first five months of 2023, more than 2.16 million international tourists visited Cambodia at a growth rate of 530 percent compared to the same period in 2022 and about 10 million national tourists, an increase of 76 .4 percent compared to the same period in 2022.
“Throughout 2023, we expect to receive about 4.5 million international tourists and about 16 million domestic tourists, which is similar to the forecast in the roadmap,” he said.
Minister Thong Khon stated that in order to ensure the sustainability of the rehabilitation and support of Cambodia’s tourism sector during and after the Covid-19 crisis, the Royal Government has set out key strategies and policies, including: 1. Roadmap on the plan to restore and promote Cambodia’s tourism sector during and after the Covid-19 crisis, 2- Siem Reap Tourism Development Master Plan 2021-2035 and 3- Mondulkiri Tourism Development Master Plan 2021-2035.ADVERTISEMENT

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L/R: Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO), and Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, Canada.
The PATA Life Membership and the PATA Award of Merit were presented during the Inauguration Ceremony and PATA Awards Presentation held at the Pokhara Grande Hotel on Tuesday May 30, 2023.
PATA Chair Peter Semone said,”As we look towards the future of travel, it is always important to remember the past and recognise the individuals who have greatly contributed towards a more responsible travel and tourism industry. Their achievements should inspire us all to work harder for the responsible and sustainable recovery of the travel industry. I would like to sincerely congratulate them for their valuable contributions and support to both PATA and the entire travel and tourism industry.”
PATA was honoured to announce that the PATA Life Membership was awarded to Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director, Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO). The award is the Association’s highest individual honour and recognises significant leadership and invaluable dedication to PATA.
Ms. Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes came on board the Marketing Department of the Macao Government Tourism Office (MGTO) in 1988, and throughout the years organized and participated in various local, Greater China and overseas tourism exhibitions, conferences, seminars, and promotional activities. In September 1998, she became Deputy Director, carrying on her dedication to destination marketing, and was appointed as MGTO Director in December 2012, before receiving the Medal of Merit for Tourism from the Macao Special Administrative Region Government in 2016.
She is a current member of the following committees of the Macao SAR Government: Tourism Development Committee, Economic Development Committee, Cultural Development Consultative Committee, Urban Planning Committee, and Investment Committee. She also acts as Macao SAR (China) Focal Point to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, as well as a current member of the Supervisory Board – Finance and Elections of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).ADVERTISEMENTThe PATA Award of Merit was presented to Dr Chris Bottrill, Associate Vice President, International, Capilano University, Canada. The Award of Merit is reserved for individuals who have consistently contributed to PATA and the PATA chapter network over an extended period.
Chris (pronouns he/him) is an accomplished educator and administrator and has a wide background of applied experiences. He has taught tourism sustainability, destination development, entrepreneurship, and adventure management topics in universities in Canada, New Zealand, USA and Austria, and served as Dean of three different Faculties at Capilano University. In his current role as Head of International, he oversees a complex portfolio of international recruitment, admissions, partnerships, internationalization and global engagement activities working with a wide array of partners around the world. Chris contributes regularly to professional development activities and has delivered related presentations and workshops in 18 countries. He has also completed over 50 projects around the globe.

In addition to PATA Life Membership and the PATA Award of Merit, the Association also bestowed a special award to Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, CEO, Nepal Tourism Board and Soon Hwa Wong, CEO, AsiaChina Pte. Ltd., Singapore for the extraordinary efforts and support to PATA.

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LAS VEGAS – Independence Day is always celebrated with fantastic fireworks, electrifying entertainment and splashing under the sun in Las Vegas. The destination is the ideal place to salute the red, white and blue this Fourth of July.Fireworks Displays
Caesars PalaceTuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & CasinoTuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Las Vegas BallparkSunday, July 2 & Monday, July 3 at 6:05 p.m.
Las Vegas Motor SpeedwayMonday, July 3 following the Night of Fire race.ADVERTISEMENTThe Plaza Hotel & CasinoTuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Red Rock Casino Resort & SpaTuesday, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Fireworks Viewing Opportunities
Visitors can view the Caesars Palace fireworks on Tuesday, July 4 from the resort’s iconic Front Fountains. An elevated view is available at GIADA at The Cromwell, where an al fresco dining experience complements the show in the sky.
Legacy Club at Circa Resort & Casino presents its Star-Spangled Glamour celebration on Tuesday, July 4. The rooftop cocktail lounge offers sweeping views of the evening’s fireworks displays in addition to a selection of craft cocktails, patriotic bites and live music.
Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino, in partnership with City of Henderson, presents a Fireworks Viewing Party from the resort’s Backyard area on Tuesday, July 4. Visitors will be provided with complimentary light-up necklaces and are welcome to enjoy frozen treats, snacks, and beverages for purchase.
Main Street from Carson Avenue to Ogden Avenue in front of Plaza Hotel & Casino will be closed to vehicular traffic from 8:45 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. to offer visitors prime viewpoints of the resort’s fireworks display. The hotel’s recently opened outdoor Carousel Bar also offers additional spots to see the show.
Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa presents a Fireworks Viewing Party at its Sandbar pool on Tuesday, July 4, with admission including complimentary light-up necklaces. Visitors can enjoy beverages and pizza from Side Piece Pizza for purchase, as well as opportunities to book cabanas for the pyrotechnic show. The resort also features live music on the T-Bones Chophouse patio that same evening.
Exciting Entertainment
The Fremont Street Experience continues its Downtown Rocks free concert series during Fourth of July weekend, with Switchfoot and Skillet taking the stage on Saturday, July 1. The downtown Las Vegas attraction also presents a digital fireworks display on its Viva Vision Canopy, running every hour from Tuesday, July 4 at 6 p.m. to Wednesday, July 5 at 2 a.m.
Night of Fire at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway offers a number of exhilarating experiences for Independence Day weekend, as the event being held on Monday, July 3 includes a waterless boat race, skid plate car racing, nostalgia street rod outlaws, a fireworks display and more.
The Neon Museum again partners with Blue Star Museums to offer free general admission to active-duty military personnel and their families throughout the summer.
Palms Casino Resort hosts concerts by Yächtley Crëw at its SOAK Pool on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1. The resort also presents the Saigon 30th Anniversary Tour concert at Pearl Theater on Saturday, July 1.
Dolby Live at Park MGM brings Usher back to the stage, as he performs on Saturday, July 1; Sunday, July 2; and Tuesday, July 4.
Resorts World Las Vegas brings back headlining artist Carrie Underwood, as the country songstress continues her REFLECTION residency at the Resorts World Theatre on Saturday, July 1.
Wynn Las Vegas welcomes podcasting comedian Theo Von to its Encore Theater on Friday, June 30 and Sunday, July 2. The venue continues the laughs throughout the weekend with a show from British comedian and actor Jack Whitehall on Saturday, July 1.
World-Class Daylife and Nightlife
JEWEL Nightclub at ARIA Resort & Casino presents DJ Five on Friday, June 30; Murda Beatz on Saturday, July 1; and DJ Pauly D of Jersey Shore fame on Sunday, July 2 and Monday, July 3. Nearby at the hotel, LIQUID Pool Lounge offers beats by DJ CLA on Friday, June 30; DJ Scooter on Saturday, June 1; and DJ Nova on Saturday, June 2.
OMNIA Nightclub at Caesars Palace offers beats by Loud Luxury on Friday, June 30; Illenium with William Black on Saturday, July 1; and Steve Aoki on Sunday, July 2.
Marquee Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas features a weekend of talent, including Damaged Goods on Friday June 30; DJ Pauly D on Saturday, July 1; and Bob Moses on Sunday, July 2. Its nighttime counterpart, Marquee Nightclub, offers beats by James Hype on Friday, June 30; Deorro on Saturday, July 1; and Sourmilk on Sunday, July 2 for its Drenched After Dark pool party.
Drai’s Beachclub at The Cromwell offers sets by JNOLD on Friday, June 30; hip-hop artist French Montana on Saturday, July 1 (who also performs at Drai’s Nightclub the night before on Friday, June 30); and DJ Susie on Sunday, July 2.
Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino plays host to hip-hop icon Nelly with Justin Credible on Friday, June 30 and EDM duo Above & Beyond on Saturday, July 1. Across the resort at WET REPUBLIC Ultra Pool, visitors can splash to the sounds of DJ Shift on Friday, June 30 and Steve Aoki on Saturday, July 1.
Ghostbar at Palms Casino Resort presents a set by Baby Bash with support from DJ Supa James on Friday, June 30.
Resorts World Las Vegas brings the noise throughout the weekend, hosting top-tier acts at its party pool and nightclub. Ayu Dayclub features sets by Nervo on Friday, June 30; Kaskade on Saturday, July 1; and an installment of The Do Over party on Sunday, July 2. Across the resort at Zouk Nightclub, visitors can enjoy soundtracks supplied by Slander on Friday, June 30 and Zedd on Saturday, July 1.
TAO Beach Dayclub at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas offers a top-notch lineup, with John Summit on Friday, June 30; Alesso on Saturday, July 1; and Mustard on Sunday, July 2. Its sister nightspot, TAO Nightclub, features sets by Greg Lopez on Friday, June 30 and Justin Credible on Saturday, July 1.
Wynn Las Vegas presents a weekend of beats from acclaimed electronic acts at its daylife and nightlife venues. Encore Beach Club features Dillon Francis on Friday, June 30; Marshmello on Saturday, July 1; and Diplo on Sunday, July 2. The venue continues the party under the stars with Gryffin on Friday, June 30 and Tyga on Saturday, July 1 for installments of the Encore Beach Club at Night parties. Nearby, XS Nightclub hosts Dom Dolla on Friday, June 30; The Chainsmokers on Saturday, July 1; and Two Friends on Sunday, July 2 for the club’s Nightswim party.
Spectacular Sports
Visitors can take in a soccer match during the long weekend, as the Las Vegas Lights play the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Saturday, July 1 at Cashman Field, followed by a holiday match against the New Mexico United on Tuesday, July 4.
America’s pastime can be enjoyed at Las Vegas Ballpark throughout the weekend, as the Las Vegas Aviators face the Round Rock Express from Saturday, July 1 to Monday, July 3.
The World Champion Las Vegas Aces take on the Connecticut Sun—the team they defeated in the WNBA Finals in 2022—on Saturday, July 1 at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
Delectable Dining
Visitors can enjoy a patriotic Firecracker Fizz at GO Pool at Flamingo Las Vegas; The Pool at Harrah’s Las Vegas; and Influence, The Pool at The LINQ at The LINQ Hotel + Experience. The frozen delight features Tito’s Handmade Vodka, blue Curaçao, and grenadine mixed with lemonade and topped with a garnish of blueberries and raspberries.
Visitors at Pool à Paris at Paris Las Vegas can stay cool while sipping on the Star-Spangled Slush, a celebratory frozen cocktail made with Malibu, strawberry daiquiri, piña colada and blue lagoon frozen mix.
The newly opened Pinkbox Doughnuts location at Plaza Hotel & Casino will offer a line of Fourth of July-inspired creations. The resort’s nearby Carousel Bar, also a recent offering, offers its Amalfi Swing cocktail—complete with a crackling Pop Rocks rim—for the celebration.
90 NINETY Bar + Grill at Suncoast Hotel & Casino offers diners a special meal of grilled bangers wrapped in bacon, tomatillo-cheese sauce, and homemade salsa, served with sugar-cinnamon sweet potato fries.
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder and Arizona Charlie’s Decatur celebrate Independence Day with a classic American barbecue meal available exclusively on the holiday. The Sourdough Cafe at both of its locations will feature St. Louis ribs, chicken and hot links served with potato salad, coleslaw, corn on the cob and cornbread.
For more information about Las Vegas or to plan your next trip, please visit www.VisitLasVegas.com.

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Nearly one century has passed since King Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud founded Saudi Arabia after conquering Mecca in 1924, since then a series of rapid developments took place until present day.
King Abdulaziz’s first ordered the maintenance of the Grand Mosque of Mecca and the introduction of electricity at the holy site, a vision of continuous improvements that never seized until the Kingdom’s very recent third expansion project of Mecca’s Grand Mosque with a cost that surpassed 200 billion Saudi riyals.
Two decades after King Abdulaziz entered Mecca, he ordered the creation of an apparatus dedicated to the organization of Hajj and Umrah affairs, and thus the General Directorate of Hajj was established in 1948 to take up the task of serving pilgrims and providing them with all means of comfort.
The following Kings of House Saud embraced the same path until the reign of King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, during whose era the Grand Mosque’s area was expanded to 139,000 square meters with a capacity of 400,000 worshipers in 1976.
However, the largest expansion project of the Mosque was inaugurated by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, targeting urban and security aspects, with the area of the entire project is estimated to be more than 1.3 million square meters with a capacity of 2 million devotees.ADVERTISEMENTThe latest expansion encompasses sub-mega projects, namely the squares project, the foot tunnels project, the central services station, and the Haram Ring Road project.
Furthermore, the pilgrims’ growing modern needs required infrastructure projects to grow rapidly, including Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro, which has been running with full capacity since 2018 to move 60 million people every year between Mecca and Medina in merely two hours.
Additionally, 17 trains are operating at the holy sites between Mina, Muzdalifah, and Mount Arafat with a capacity of 72,000 people per hour.
Over the past 80 years the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has always strived to raise the quality of services and to facilitate the procedures for the arrival of pilgrims as well as Umrah performers, whose numbers are targeted for an increase to reach 30 million annually, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

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