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    Wego and Egyptian Tourism Authority sign a new deal

    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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    Jamaica and Dubai to Collaborate on Tourism

    (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, the rural tourism guide for exploring the most unique spots in Quito

    ‘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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    Bartlett to Participate in Caribbean Travel Marketplace Trade Show

    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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    Discover Unforgettable Adventures at SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

    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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    Abu Dhabi targets 24 million visitors by 2023

    His Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi, affirmed the start of an ambitious new chapter for the emirate’s tourism sector. The new targets follow a surge in Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector in 2022, with hotel occupancy rates and other metrics demonstrating that the sector’s revival is well underway.The emirate received a total 18 million visitors representing a 13 percent increase from previous year, while the hotel occupancy rates reached 70 percent, which surpasses the Middle East average of 67 percent.
    The emirate welcomed visitors from around the world, with the highest number of international visitors arriving from India, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, respectively. The improved domestic and international market performance can be attributed to increased destination awareness and consideration of Abu Dhabi’s increased range of year-round entertainment and sporting events, as well as trade events and roadshows.
    H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi: “Our ambitious goal to welcome more 24 million visitors by end of 2023 builds on healthy growth over the past year. This encouraging performance was enabled through powerful collaborations and delivery of memorable travel and business experiences across the whole year, supported by an integrated ecosystem of best-in-class services, infrastructure, and impactful marketing.  In Abu Dhabi we are demonstrating the power of partnerships across the tourism sector and the fact that collectively we can thrive.”
    Commenting on the new targets, H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The success we have achieved so far inspires us to strive for more. We are committed to deliver on our ambitions for 2023 by further elevating the successful strategy of creating and delivering unique experiences for everyone to enjoy and diverse range of year-round events for visitors in collaboration with our global IP partners. This is complemented by a MICE industry that continues to thrive, owing to the emirate’s world-leading venues, hotels and supporting facilities.
    Last year, Abu Dhabi Calendar successfully hosted a diverse range of over 100 events during a 180-day period, featuring an impressive line-up of A-list global talent. From the legendary Grammy award-winning singer Sting to K-pop sensations BLACKPINK, and Oscar-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman, the events left audiences captivated and entertained.ADVERTISEMENTThe emirate also played host to some popular homegrown family festivals such as the Mother of the Nation (MOTN) and LIWA festivals, which added to the cultural richness and vibrancy of the city.
    Abu Dhabi also proved itself as a premier destination for global sport by hosting key events such as the renowned Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, NBA, and UFC. These events drew in massive crowds and garnered global attention, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a world-class destination for entertainment and sports enthusiasts.
    In line with DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission to provide a diverse range of experiences, 2022 witnessed the launch of two tourism campaigns: ‘Experience Abu Dhabi, Find Your Pace’ and ‘Summer Like You Mean It’. Additionally, a month-long program of activities was held to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s, alongside two high-profile events, namely, Abu Dhabi Art and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.
    Looking ahead to 2023, DCT Abu Dhabi is determined to offer even more ambitious campaigns and events that showcase its commitment to providing memorable experiences to a worldwide audience, leveraging the strength of its partnerships.

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    GNTB focuses on sustainable inbound tourism at ATM

    The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has presented a campaign update for its vision of ‘Making Tourism More Sustainable’ to GCC travel professionals at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023.
    Under the slogan, ‘Germany, simply inspiring’, GNTB is focusing on the sustainable related aspects across a number of tourism segments, which include:
    Embrace German Nature, highlighting natural landscapes and activity holidays; Historic Modern Germany, promoting cultural heritage and 51 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a spotlight on traditions and customs of rural regions. And thirdly, their Feel Good – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign, emphasising how to enjoy an environmentally friendly holiday in Germany.
    “We aim to make a meaningful contribution towards climate change mitigation, supporting Germany’s commitment to net zero, as well as driving increasing numbers of environmentally aware, inbound GCC tourists,” said Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist GCC Office (GNTO GCC), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). 
    “We want to present Germany as an all-year-round destination, that is not only sustainable, but diverse, accessible, inclusive, resilient and viable for the future,” she added.ADVERTISEMENTThe GCC region is now Germany’s top performing inbound source market in Asia and Australasia, with 404,707 GCC guests generating almost 1.13 overnight stays during 2022, representing an increase of 117.6%, compared with the same period in 2021. 
    “These figures confirm that Germany continues to be a preferred tourism destination for GCC visitors and unspoilt nature and careful use of resources are clearly becoming increasingly important to them. We also want to encourage longer stays in order to reduce the carbon footprint per travel day,” said Sofo.
    Germany boasts more than 350 spa and health resorts and the GNTB is focusing on the sustainability-related aspects of health tourism. These include the preservation of traditional treatment methods, location-specific treatments and remedies as drivers of regional prosperity, and examples of sustainable energy management.
    There is also growing interest in low-impact tourism which is supporting climate goals and making tourism more resilient. More than one-third of Germany’s land area is under special protection as a nature park or national park, it has around 200,000 kilometres of walking trails and 70,000 kilometres of long-distance cycle routes. There has also been a resurgence of interest in traditional lifestyles in rural regions, which has further bolstered Germany’s image as a sustainable travel destination.
    In addition, Germany boasts 51 World Heritage sites, over 6,000 museums, offering a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance. 
    The GNTB’s focus on sustainability provides synergy with the official ATM 2023 theme – ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. In addition, Dubai will be the host for COP28 this year and outbound tour operators and travel agents will no doubt have sustainable travel at the top of their agendas. 
    Participants on the Germany stand this year include Baden-Baden Tourism Board, Düsseldorf Airport, Düsseldorf Tourism Board, Elinor Travel Germany, Frankfurt Airport VIP-Services, Frankfurt Tourism Board, Hommage Luxury Hotels Collection, Hotel Palace Berlin, Ingolstadt Village and Wertheim Village, International Office am Klinikum Solingen GmbH, The Wellem – part of the unbound collection by Hyatt, Wiesbaden Tourism and visitBerlin.
    Arabian Travel Market 2023 takes place from May 1-4 and the Germany stand is located in the Europe Hall Stand EU1635.
    Source – TradeArabia News Service

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    Disney and Make-A-Wish® Celebrate Long Standing Relationship

    The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish celebrated World Wish Day on Saturday, April 29, a date that marks the anniversary of the wish that inspired the founding of Make-A-Wish in 1980. Since the first official wish – which was granted at Disneyland® Resort – Disney and Make-A-Wish have worked together to help grant 150,000 wishes globally, delivering joy when it is needed most to wish kids and their families.
    Over the past 43 years, Disney has become the biggest wish granter in the world for Make-A-Wish, bringing the life-changing impact of a wish to children facing critical illnesses and their families.
    “Disney and Make-A-Wish are a perfect match – we’re both in the business of creating happiness,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks Experiences and Products, and Make-A-Wish America Board Member. “We also understand the transformative impact we can make on the lives of wish kids and their families. We’re thrilled to honor the history of Make-A-Wish and Disney together and look forward to creating special moments for many years to come.”
    As part of this year’s World Wish Day celebration, Disney unveiled special, first-of-its-kind windows on Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park, dedicated to Make-A-Wish and all the wish kids of the world.
    Main Street, U.S.A. windows historically have been dedicated to people who have made significant contributions to Disney over the past century. The windows, the first ever dedicated to a nonprofit, represent the unique and special relationship Disney and Make-A-Wish have developed throughout the years. The three windows include a center window dedicated to Make-A-Wish and all the wish kids past, present and future; and side windows honoring Chris Greicius, whose wish inspired the creation of Make-A-Wish, and Frank ‘Bopsy’ Salazar, who made the first official wish granted by Make-A-Wish (and the first Disney wish).ADVERTISEMENT“World Wish Day presents an opportunity to bring together the global community of supporters that makes wishes possible, and Disney has been one of our most committed and impactful supporters from the very beginning,” said Make-A-Wish America President and CEO, Leslie Motter. “It’s a testament to the passion and generosity of cast members past and present that we have reached the point where our wish families are being recognized with their very own, dedicated windows at Disneyland Resort.”
    The three windows are located above the redesigned and rededicated Wish Lounge, where wish families can relax privately during their visit to Disneyland. Walt Disney Imagineering worked with story artists and animators at Walt Disney Animation Studios to bring to life this incredible wish lounge inspired by the artistic style and characters from Disney Animation’s upcoming animated film, “Wish.”
    Disney also announced this weekend that Mikayla, a talented 16-year-old from Florida who ‘lives and breathes theater,’ will be Disney’s official 150,000th wish. Mikayla and her family were surprised with the news on World Wish Day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort, where she was Grand Marshal of the Disney “Festival of Fantasy” Parade. After the parade, Disney had another surprise for Mikayla unique to this very special occasion marking this historic milestone of our 150,000th wish – an exclusive opportunity to stay in the famous Cinderella Castle Suite. She will return to the park later this year for a special celebration to fulfill her wish, which is to perform on stage at Disney.
    Disney also celebrated World Wish Day around the world, with several other Disney Parks hosting wish kids and their families, reminding us that wishes do come true:
    On Saturday, April 15, Shanghai Disney Resort hosted a charity concert that benefited its local Make-A-Wish affiliate.Hong Kong Disneyland hosted a World Wish Day celebration party, where 10-year-old wish kid Javis’ wish to play the drums onstage was fulfilled.Disneyland Paris held Wish Weekend, hosting 88 wish kids and their families at the theme park for a weekend full of wish granting.Across The Walt Disney Company, there were more celebrations in honor of wish kids:
    ESPN helped to enhance Kyle’s wish to announce the first-round draft pick for his favorite team – the New York Jets – at the NFL Draft in Kansas City. Kyle also was able to visit the sets of ESPN’s NFL Live and College GameDay shows.In Los Angeles, four wish kids were welcomed to Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 World Premiere, walking the red carpet, meeting the stars and getting a first look at the eagerly awaited third film in the trilogy.Pixar shared Addie’s wish on World Wish Day 2023. Addie’s wish to be a voice actor was granted with her visit to the Pixar campus.The Walt Disney Company works with Make-A-Wish to grant wishes ranging from theme park and resort vacations, cruises, and shopping sprees, to studio visits, talent meet-and-greets, sports-themed experiences and more. Many Disney cast members are also wish-granting volunteers, parents of wish kids, or wish alumni themselves. To learn more about the longstanding relationship between Disney and Make-A-Wish, visit wish.org/Disney.

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