Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Emmanuel Marill, Airbnb Regional Director for EMEA, will present to members of the European Committee of the Regions including local Mayors, and meet with the European Parliament Cultural Heritage Intergroup this week to champion the benefits of heritage travel for tourism dispersal in Europe and share an update on Airbnb’s support for the EU’s short-term rental proposal.The meetings come as Airbnb unveils new initiatives to grow heritage travel in Europe including funding a new European Historic Homes education programme on heritage preservation and promotion, and launching a partnership with the Demeures Historiques & Jardins de Belgique to promote and boost heritage tourism in Belgium.
Airbnb has donated almost ten million euros to heritage organizations in Europe to help boost demand for heritage-related travel and launched a new Historical Homes category in May 2022, making it easier for guests to discover heritage homes in Spain, Germany, Italy, France, the UK, and now Belgium
There are around 45,000 listings* in the historical homes category and just under 70% of European historic homes on Airbnb are located in non-urban areas, helping to disperse the benefits of tourism to rural and lesser visited destinations**. A previous analysis by Airbnb on the impacts of Airbnb’s flexible search features – including ‘Categories’ such as historical homes and ‘I’m Flexible’– shows they help to divert bookings away from Europe’s most saturated tourist hotspots and peak travel dates in support of more sustainable travel trends.
“Heritage travel can play a vital role in helping to disperse tourism outside of city centers and spread the benefits of tourism to more rural areas, all whilst helping to preserve historic homes for generations to come. The typical historical home Host on Airbnb in EMEA earned around than 1,200 euros between May and September last year*** and we look forward to building on our work to support heritage travel and historic home owners with partners in the EU in 2023.”
Emmanuel Marill, Airbnb Regional Director for EMEAADVERTISEMENTAirbnb’s work on heritage in the EU also includes:
Donations totalling almost €10 million to heritage associations across Europe to boost heritage tourism and help restore some of the continent’s most important historical attractions and homes. Donations have been made in France, the UK, Spain, Italy and Germany.The restoration of a traditional townhouse in the historic town of Sambuca, bringing an abandoned ‘1 euro house’ back to life with the aim of boosting tourism as part of a wider commitment to support rural communities and cultural heritage in Europe.Showcasing Europe’s rich architectural heritage by offering guests the opportunity to stay in landmark heritage buildings such as Weissenstein Palace in Germany and Villa Balbiano in Italy.The launch of the Heritage Academy in France, Italy and Spain, giving prospective Hosts a dedicated toolkit and a personal Host ambassador to offer bespoke training and advice on how to become a Historical Homes Host.An epic slow travel journey connecting remarkable historic homes across Europe, shining a spotlight on the appeal of heritage travel through a specially curated railway adventure in partnership with Interrail.Airbnb is also working with policy-makers from across the EU on establishing and enforcing fair and transparent STR rules and believes the EU short-term rental proposal is a major step forward that can introduce clear, simple and harmonized rules that unlock the benefits of hosting for European families and give governments the information they need to clamp down on speculators and overtourism.
Read more about: EU, Heritage
* 45,000 as of September 30th 2022.**As of June, 2022*** The typical Host earnings amount represents the median amount of earnings for Hosts with listings in the Historical Homes category between May 11th, 2022 and September 30th, 2022

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Whether you’re a lone wolf at heart or looking to broaden your sense of independence, traveling solo can be a richly empowering and satisfying experience.Setting out on your own has many practical advantages. You’re not worrying about accommodating another’s schedule, interest or needs, and you’re free to decide what you want to do and when. Solo travel also elicits some mental and emotional benefits, as you experience a unique sense of freedom, liberation and self-sufficiency.If you’re considering a solo journey, consider these tips from the book “101+ Tips for Solo Women Travelers,” which is offered by Overseas Adventure Travel in free digital and print editions.
Make Sure Your Passport is UpdatedMany countries now require your passport to be valid for six months after your return to the United States. If you don’t have a passport, or need to renew one, apply for one as soon as possible. Ideally you should have your application in six months before you depart.
Look for Trips with No Single SupplementOften, quoted rates are “per person, based on double occupancy.” This is because travel hosts know they can make more from a couple traveling than an individual. You can avoid paying a single supplement premium by being willing to match with a roommate or traveling with a tour company or cruise line with free or low-cost single supplement fees.
Use the ATMAs an affordable and convenient way to get cash, you can avoid wasting time in line at a bank or currency exchange bureau by visiting an ATM. While you’ll likely incur a fee for using an ATM that’s not part of your bank, it is often less than the commission you’d pay at an exchange bureau. Plus, you can avoid additional fees by calculating how much you’ll need for the trip and making one withdrawal as opposed to multiple smaller withdrawals.
Download Entertainment Before You LeaveWhen traveling, Wi-Fi can be expensive, slow or just not available. Before you leave, download music, e-books, podcasts, favorite tv shows or movies to enjoy while you’re en route or during down time.ADVERTISEMENTJoin Group ToursOnce you reach your destination, you may enjoy joining small groups for excursions or to explore local cuisine. Or you can make your entire journey a group experience. A small group adventure with Overseas Adventure Travel has many benefits, and built-in dining companions is just one of them.
Take Precautions in Your Hotel RoomWhen you check in, ask the receptionist to write your room number down instead of announcing it so everyone can hear. Make sure your room’s locks work on both the door into the hallway and the balcony. Never let any repair person or staff member into your room without confirming with the front desk first. Bring a rubber doorstop, which makes a hotel room door nearly impossible to open. Finally, have an exit plan: Know where the nearest exit is located and the route from your room.
Make New FriendsFor some, making friends seems to happen naturally while traveling alone by chatting with strangers at a neighboring restaurant table or striking up a conversation while waiting in line at a store. If those situations don’t occur naturally, there are useful apps that can connect you with local people as well as fellow travelers.

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QUARK EXPEDITIONS LAUNCHES BRAND NEW GREENLAND EXPLORER ITINERARY

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Quark Expeditions, the global leader in polar adventures, has announced a brand-new cutting-edge Greenland itinerary constructed around Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters—and brought to life with local Greenlandic partners, enabling guests to enjoy the most innovative itinerary in Quark Expeditions’ 32-year history.The 11-day Greenland Explorer: Sail and Soar the Alpine Arctic will launch in 2024
“Being able to develop this itinerary in full collaboration with local partners in Greenland ensures our guests can enjoy truly authentic experiences no one else can provide, such as Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience and Greenland Camping along the Tasermiut Fjord,” said Josh Weidman, Director of Product for Quark Expeditions. “The other gems in this new itinerary are Ultramarine’s two twin-engine helicopters, which enable our expedition team to take guests to areas in South Greenland no one else can where they’ll choose from the most robust portfolio of off-ship adventures in the Arctic. It’s our long-standing partnerships with local Greenlanders, and our dedicated expedition team—the best in the industry—that make us the experts in Greenland adventure.”
Itinerary highlights:
The most helicopter activities in Greenland:Guests can explore the scenic landscapes and overwhelming natural beauty of South Greenland as they experience Heli hiking, Heli landing and the Ice Sheet Experience, among other activitiesSet foot on the breath-takingly beautiful Greenland Ice sheet, the second-largest body of ice in the world.Authentic Greenland Cultural Immersion:Enthusiasts can visit one of the most welcoming populations in South Greenland and experience first-hand the rich cultural history, excellent cuisine, captivating stories, and vibrant local agricultural and tourism economy.Plus one-of-a-kind culinary experience featuring local foods prepared by Greenlandic chefs during our Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience.The Stunning Northern Lights:Observe the natural phenomena also known as the Aurora borealis, which, in September, is a great time to observe due to the extended 4 to 8 hours of night in South Greenland. Guests can book Greenland Explorer: Sail and Soar the Alpine Arctic now and get 20% off, plus an additional 10% if they pay in full at time of booking.

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ORFALI BROS BISTRO TAKES NO.1 SPOT AS THE MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA’S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS LIST

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MAG (Manchester Airports Group) this weekend announced a £440m investment in Manchester Airport that will create thousands of jobs and unlock billions of pounds of economic value for the North over the next decade.The investment will transform the passenger experience at the UK’s third largest airport, with new spacious facilities, state-of-the-art technology and equipment, and an exciting array of shops, bars, restaurants and airport lounges.
It will see Manchester Airport expand its role as the UK’s global gateway in the North, connecting the region to even more international destinations, including some of the world’s most important economic markets.
The investment is the final phase of the £1.3bn Manchester Airport Transformation Programme (MAN-TP), first announced in 2015 with a 10-year vision to revolutionise the customer experience at the Northern hub and unlock the potential of its two full-length runways.
The first phase saw Terminal 2 more than double in size, with the new facility having received positive feedback from passengers and airlines since opening in July 2021.
This latest investment will complete the transformation of Terminal 2, delivering improvement to all stages of the passenger journey – from check-in to baggage reclaim – as well as upgrading its airfield to cater for next generation aircraft.ADVERTISEMENTUpon completion in 2025, around 80% of all passengers will use the expanded Terminal 2, with Terminal 1 set to close – 63 years after it was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh, in 1962.
More than 500 jobs will be created in the construction phase alone, while independent analysis shows around 16,400 extra jobs will be generated by 2040 as a result of the economic activity stimulated by the expansion of the airport and its route network.
The same research – by York Aviation – reveals that Manchester Airport’s current contribution to the Northern economy of £3.5bn is expected to soar by nearly 80%, to £6.3bn by 2040 as a result of the full delivery of the transformation programme.
And a further £2.9bn boost will be triggered through the increased productivity of businesses travelling and trading globally through Manchester over the same period.
Charlie Cornish, CEO of MAG, said: “Manchester Airport is a key economic asset for the North, and this investment will maximise the contribution it makes to creating a balanced and globally competitive UK economy.
“Our £1.3bn transformation programme demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing a great airport experience for passengers who travel through Manchester. I’m delighted to be announcing the go-ahead for the final phase, which will open in 2025, connecting the people and businesses of the North to dozens more global destinations, and creating jobs and stimulating increased levels of trade and tourism.”
Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “It is hugely exciting to be announcing this significant investment in Manchester Airport. It represents a major milestone in the history of both our airport, and the region as a whole.
“By completing the transformation of Terminal 2, we will not only be offering passengers across the North an unrivalled choice of destinations, but also providing them with world class facilities and a great overall experience when they travel through Manchester.
“I cannot wait to see the plans come to fruition, for the benefit of all of our customers, colleagues and supporters.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “As the aviation industry recovers after Covid, it’s great news to see this significant vote of confidence in the UK.
“This investment will be a huge boost for the North, benefitting passengers flying in and out of the region as well as supporting thousands of jobs.”
The expanded Terminal 2 has already welcomed a number of new airlines to Manchester, and seen the launch or relaunch of a string of key routes.
Examples include a brand-new service to Kuwait, a revived service to Beijing and a first UK Transatlantic base for AerLingus.
Enabling works for the second phase of the project are already underway, and planned improvements include:
– Doubling the size of the existing departure lounge, with a wider selection of shops and food and drink outlets, showcasing the best of what the North has to offer
– The construction of an additional security hall, fitted with next-generation security scanners.
– A new pier, matching the look and feel of the first pier that opened in 2019. It will include spacious gates
– A new dual taxiway system to improve airfield efficiency, with flexible aircraft stands
– More than doubling the terminal’s hold baggage capacity to over 5,000 bags per hour, with two new teardrop check in islands.
The news has been welcomed by business and political leaders.
Deepa Bharadwaj, Head of Infrastructure Europe, IFM Investors, said:
“This announcement is extremely positive news for Manchester Airport, its colleagues, passengers and airline customers.
“As a pension fund owned infrastructure investor, IFM’s commitment to MAG is very long-term, unlocking significant value for the North of England, and the UK economy as a whole.”
Damian Waters, Regional Director – CBI, said:
“I am delighted to hear that Manchester Airport is making such a major investment in its facilities and am excited to see the positive impact this will have on the region as a whole.
“This is yet another demonstration of not only MAG’s long-term commitment to providing an excellent experience for passengers and airlines, but also the key role it continues to play as a true driver of economic growth and success for the North West.”
Henri Murison, Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said
“As the international gateway to the North of England, Manchester Airport acts as a critical player in our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and unlocking billions in economic value by facilitating tourism, trade and investment.
“This major investment will sit at the heart of plans to make the North one of the most competitive economic regions in the world, helping the North realise its full potential while rebalancing the UK economy.
“Over the past decade the Northern Powerhouse has built up a heavyweight reputation around the globe, with foreign direct investment up more than 72% in the last five years. This transformation project from Manchester Airport will help to cement our position on the world stage and attract even more visitors and investors in the years to come.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:
“Manchester Airport is a massive asset to our city region, connecting those living and working here to global destinations, as well as helping attract visitors, tourists and inward investment.
“The further investment in the Manchester Airport transformation programme will enhance Greater Manchester’s international credentials and make a major contribution to the northern economy.
“The project is also doing a huge amount to create employment for people from all backgrounds and providing training that will ensure it leaves a skills legacy for future generations.”
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“We welcome this important investment in a thriving future for Manchester Airport.
“It is a boost not just for the airport itself but for Manchester, and Greater Manchester, as a whole. The airport is a vital asset which helps attract employment and investment to the city and supports tens of thousands of jobs, both directly and through the wider visitor economy. Having this global connectivity is a major competitive advantage for Manchester.
“As well as boosting the airport, this next phase of the transformation programme will also create thousands of jobs which Manchester people can access, including young people getting started in their careers.
“This scale of investment, underpinned by a long-term vision to transform the airport and its facilities, is a real statement of confidence.”
Rhys Whalley, Interim Managing Director at MIDAS, Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency said:
“Manchester Airport’s next phase of investment is another significant boost to Greater Manchester’s offering, as one of the most accessible cities in the UK.
Not only will this transformation help to secure more high value routes, it will also create a world class hub connecting the North of the UK to key markets internationally. Both those factors combined will make us an even more attractive place for international investors and I can’t wait to see it come to fruition.”
Richard Sofer, TUI’s Commercial and Business Development Director said:
“The news of Manchester Airport’s redevelopment is hugely exciting, for both our customers and TUI colleagues based at Manchester.
“As one of our major airport hubs, TUI flies to more than 40 holiday hotspots from Manchester, so it’s great to hear about the plans for the evolution of the airport, with passengers benefitting from the new facilities, shops, bars and restaurants once the project is completed.
“We look forward to continuing to work together with the team at Manchester Airport and our TUI colleagues to create more holiday memories for our customers in the North West.”
Sheona Southern, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said;
“This year Lonely Planet and National Geographic have named Manchester a must-visit city, so it is great to hear about Manchester Airport’s investment to strengthen its position as a major international hub for the city, and gateway to the North. As the volume of international visitors to Greater Manchester increases, it is reassuring to know Manchester Airport will be ready to handle demand and offer visitors a warm welcome and a positive travel experience.”
Lou Cordwell, Chair of Greater Manchester Business Board (LEP), said:
“Today’s announcement on the next phase of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme is fantastic news for people and businesses in Greater Manchester and across the wider North.
“Manchester Airport has an integral role in the North’s economy, connecting us with the rest of the world and supporting businesses who export goods and services overseas. As well as creating hundreds of jobs in the immediate term, the improvements being delivered will enable and support economic activity for decades to come.”
Emma Degg, CEO of the North West Business Leadership Team, said:
“‘Manchester Airport is an essential transport hub for the North West – it connects us to key markets, the international investment community, students and visitors. If the region is to continue to grow and competitive effectively across the world, business requires an airport of truly global class, and this latest phase of the transformation programme will help to deliver what we need long into the future.”
Trevor Brocklebank, Deputy Chair of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and Chair of Marketing Cheshire, said:
“For millions of people every year Manchester Airport is their gateway to everything Cheshire and Warrington has to offer.
“This investment will mean even more people can visit and enjoy our sub-region as well as creating jobs for our residents and helping our economy and the economy across the North grow.”
Gill Haigh, Managing Director at Cumbria Tourism, said:
“Manchester Airport is a vital travel hub for the North West, it’s the gateway for international visitors to get to the Lake District, Cumbria. These upgrades propose access from even more overseas destinations, including some of the world’s highest spending economic markets which is set to be to be a major boost for the future of inbound tourism.
“The Lake District, Cumbria had become an established destination choice for the many international markets who absolutely love the history and culture the area has to offer, with an increasing number of independent travellers exploring more widely and discovering the hidden gems dotted around our diverse county so this is great news and we look forward to the improvement plans at Manchester Airport”Rachel McQueen, Chief Executive at Marketing Lancashire, said:
“Manchester Airport is one of the most important gateways to Lancashire, offering visitors from around the world the opportunity to experience the county’s rich culture and heritage, incredible countryside, 137 miles of beautiful coastline, as well as our renowned, warm hospitality. It also opens up vital connections and new international markets for Lancashire’s leading industries, manufacturers, universities and educational establishments.
“News of new routes and enhancements to the customer experience at Manchester Airport, come hot on the heels of the government announcement of £200m levelling-up funding for Lancashire projects. This includes the £50m funding needed for the much-anticipated Eden Project Morecambe; a world-class environmental destination set to attract around 740,000 new visitors a year to Lancashire, when it opens in 2026.
“We look forward to developing our work with Manchester Airport, North West tourism colleagues and stakeholders, to increase visitor numbers to Lancashire and to exploiting any new opportunities for Lancashire’s tourism and hospitality businesses, now and in the future.”
Professor Stephen Flint, Associate Vice-President International at The University of Manchester said:
“We welcome this announcement. Staff and students who make essential trips to overseas partners will benefit from more direct routes, which is more efficient. The improvements to passenger experience will make our city a more attractive destination, including for students, to the benefit of the regional economy.”
Paul Stowers, Head of Exports in the Northern Powerhouse at Department for International Trade said:
“It’s wonderful to see these developments for the transformation and expansion continue, positively impacting on trade and investment in the North. This new capacity at Manchester Airport will help our businesses grow further, expanding their global reach and making the journey much more exciting.”
Chris Brown, Director of Marketing Liverpool, said:
“We’re delighted to hear that Manchester Airports Group has announced this significant investment of the Manchester Airport Transformation Programme. Not only will it benefit passengers travelling through the airport with brand new routes and world class facilities, but it will open up Liverpool City Region as a destination to attract long haul global audiences.”
Terry Hayward, Chief Executive of North Cheshire Chamber, said:
“Manchester Airport’s announcement of a £440m investment in the next phase of their Transformation Programme could not have come at a better time. This major infrastructure project will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy both in the construction phase and afterwards, as the capacity of the airport continues to increase. Manchester Airport is critical to so many north Cheshire businesses both for business travel and for freight and as it continues to attract new airlines and open up new routes it will bring more businesses to the area and more visitors.”
Mark Casci, Head of Policy and Representation at West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“This announcement will unlock economic growth and job creation across multiple fronts around the North of England.
“Businesses in Yorkshire will benefit from increased trading opportunities in key worldwide markets because of this expansion and we welcome the investment which will bring manifold benefits to our region.
“We look forward to seeing new routes being opened up, as well as enhanced services on pre-existing corridors.”
Chris Fletcher, Policy Director, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said:
“This is great news and comes at a critical time for the local and national economy not just in supporting jobs on the ground, but also by taking a positive step forward by investing in a critical part of the North’s infrastructure. At a time when it seems many projects are being given second thoughts, this decision reaffirms Manchester Airport’s status as a genuine gateway to the rest of the world and will unlock tourist and commercial traffic opportunities now and in the future.”

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Golf in Saudi Arabia is set to embark upon the next phase of its growth among golfing nations around the world, following the appointment of Noah Alireza as new CEO of Golf Saudi. He succeeds Majed AlSorour in the role.
Alireza is a former member of the Saudi Arabian national team who has represented his country at the Asian Games. He brings a wealth of experience in strategic advisory serving some of Saudi Arabia’s most influential entities within the public and private sectors, is a lifelong student of the game of golf and a graduate of Brown University.

Alireza’s remit will be to activate and accelerate Golf Saudi’s mandate in creating and serving new demand for golf in Saudi Arabia, through mass participation programmes and increasing access to the sport in the country.
AlSorour, whose four years at the helm saw unprecedented progress in Saudi Arabia’s golfing landscape, will remain as Board Member of Golf Saudi, Board Member and Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Golf Federation and Secretary of the Arab Golf Federation.ADVERTISEMENTSince its formation in 2018, Golf Saudi has created opportunities for more people to experience the benefits of golf. In the last year alone, over 50,000 individuals have been introduced to golf through a wide variety of activities.
The organisation has placed equal emphasis on the development of a sustainable ecosystem for the sport, creating the world’s first National Sustainability Strategy for golf, centred upon environmental, social and economic impacts. This has included alignment with the United Nations’ Sport for Climate Action Framework and the creation of higher education programmes in collaboration with the Club Managers Association of Europe (CMAE) and the National Training Center for Facilities and Hospitality Management (FHM Academy).

“I’m honoured to start this role and be part of the future of the Golf ecosystem in Saudi,” said Alireza. “Golf Saudi is set to deliver significant initiatives and programmes aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 to improve quality of life and sports mass participation; my goal is to ensure that the acceleration and activation of these creates a highly significant impact on the nation.
“The task at hand is to further enhance the country’s masterplan for golf and, in hand with private and public sector bodies, create an unparalleled ecosystem which derives incredible value for the people of Saudi Arabia and visitors from around the world.
“I appreciate the trust of Golf Saudi’s Board for giving me this opportunity, and I would like to thank my predecessor, Mr. Majed AlSorour, for his role during the foundational phase of the organization.”
Today’s announcement comes on the cusp of an historic event season, with no fewer than four international events upon the men’s and women’s global schedules set to take place in Saudi Arabia in 2023, starting next week at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers. These occasions serve as a crucial point of inspiration for future generations of golfers, and are fundamental to the national golf development strategy.

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With so many choices about where to go, where to stay and what to do, figuring out all the details that go into a vacation can be overwhelming. That’s why National Plan for Vacation Day is the perfect time to learn about the advantages of using a travel advisor.National Plan for Vacation Day — Jan. 31 this year — is celebrated on the last Tuesday in January and organized by the U.S. Travel Association. It’s designed to encourage Americans to plan their vacation days for the entire year at the start of the year.“We know that many Americans often don’t take all of the vacation time that they get,” said J.D. O’Hara, CEO, Internova Travel Group, one of the industry’s largest travel services companies representing more than 100,000 travel advisors worldwide. “Countless studies have shown that taking time off has tremendous benefits for our physical and mental well-being. Vacations give us a chance to explore new places, reduce stress and strengthen bonds with family and friends. And if you really want a low-stress experience, let a travel advisor do all the work.”
When it comes to booking a vacation, nearly 80 percent of Americans prefer working with a human being over an online travel agency, according to an Internova survey. And younger travelers are increasingly using the services of a travel professional, especially in light of disruptions caused by the pandemic.
Travel advisors have developed a deep relationship with supplier partners in all facets of a trip. They have exclusive access to discounts, perks and booking options that benefit their clients.
For example, Internova’s SELECT Hotels & Resorts is a carefully curated collection of more than 1,600 of the world’s most distinguished premium properties where clients receive special amenities. Internova SELECT In-Country Partners is a carefully vetted international portfolio of more than 150 destination management companies and specialty tour operators.
Travel advisors have years of experience in planning a variety of trips and they’re passionate travelers themselves, with firsthand knowledge of the most popular destinations both domestically and abroad. They do the research, saving time and providing clients with the best options for their needs and budget.ADVERTISEMENTMost importantly, travel advisors provide peace of mind. Their clients can be confident that if any questions or problems arise during their trip, they can contact a real human being who knows them.
Travel Weekly’s 34th annual Travel Industry Survey, conducted by Phocuswright and sponsored by Internova, asked travel advisors to select the top benefits they provide that their clients would not be able to get on their own. Their top responses included full support and travel advice from an expert, advocacy for clients, including making sure they get a refund or credit if their travel plans change, creating personalized, curated travel itineraries and exclusive access to travel experiences.
While the market for artificial intelligence is growing rapidly, it’s clear that for some transactions, consumers prefer working with a human being and they prefer the personal service that only a travel advisor can provide.
A survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Internova found that consumers appreciate the benefits of connecting with a real human being versus using an automated website when making a purchase, including booking a trip.
Seven in 10 respondents said they feel they get better service when speaking with a person and 63 percent feel more confident that issues will be resolved when they work with a person, versus doing things digitally. They get more detailed information about their options, have the ability to ask follow-up questions and receive responses that are tailored to their situation.
Internova Travel Group includes the world’s most experienced and well-traveled leisure, luxury and corporate travel advisors. To find an Internova advisor, go to internova.com/advisors.

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At Orlando’s PGA Show, Lazio Golf District showcases Rome and Lazio’s 22 clubs

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The big Ryder Cup 2023 event, scheduled for September 29-October 1 in Rome, Italy, is now just around the corner and day after day attracts more and more attention from fans and insiders around the world.This is why Lazio Golf District – a DMO created with the support of the Lazio region and the Castel Gandolfo and Fiuggi clubs – has chosen to attend the prestigious PGA Show 2023, a theme show on the world of golf scheduled from January 24 to 27, 2023 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando (FL). This is a way to raise awareness of the golf courses in Rome and Lazio, but above all of the interesting sightseeing places that the region offers.
For golfers from all over the world, experiencing the Ryder Cup means not only witnessing a golf tournament of the highest level – where the greatest American players challenge the European ones in a clash that promises to be spectacular – but also being able to immerse themselves in a welcoming territory rich in tourist destinations, which perfectly matches the needs of golf tourism.
Precisely for this reason, the Lazio Golf District has been working for months now to offer an increasingly unique experience that flanks the purely sporting side and better intercepts the needs of that qualified segment of tourists, who not only want to live the Ryder Cup experience in full but also admire the beauty that Rome and the Lazio region offer.
Thanks to the agreement with various partners, the Lazio Golf District already offers structured packages uniquely designed for golfers, with stays in the best hotels and resorts, as well as artistic, cultural and food&wine experiences among the best in the area, which can be purchased here: www.laziogolfdistrict.com
Within a radius of 130 km, the Lazio Golf District promotes 22 facilities including the prestigious Marco Simone Golf & Country Club that will host the 2023 Ryder Cup.ADVERTISEMENTIn detail, Lazio includes 11 courses with at least 18 holes, plus another 11 clubs, where it is possible to find driving ranges or 9-hole courses. Spread throughout Lazio, these facilities offer visitors the chance to play golf in sought-after atmospheres rich in tradition, such as spas, natural parks or archaeological sites.
Italy’s capital city, with its 8 competition courses of at least 18 holes plus another 5 including driving ranges and 9-hole courses, is undoubtedly the most popular destination with the Colosseum, the Imperial Forums and all the beauties of a rich artistic and cultural heritage. The provinces of Lazio are also rich in sights that seamlessly draw the attention of golfers. Sutri, the Castelli Romani, Lake Bracciano, Caprarola, Civita di Bagnoregio, Ostia Antica, mount Soratte, Tivoli, Fiuggi, and Viterbo are just some of the places not to be missed that also bring with them a great food&wine tradition, a peculiarity of the region.
Info: [email protected] – Reservations: [email protected]

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The Yucatán Tourism Observatory was established in 2018 to generate and manage information around tourism development. This work has identified key challenges and opportunities and so led to the design of relevant policies aimed at supporting the destination’s overall sustainable development, thereby increasing its competitiveness. Joining the INSTO Network will help Yucatán manage tourism development in a responsible and sustainable manner, taking a holistic view in developing adequate and innovative strategies for “rethinking” tourism.
UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “In this time of rethinking tourism, measurement is increasingly important as it provides a better understanding of where a destination stands and where it wants to go. The INSTO network provides an opportunity to work together to ensure that tourism is a tool that contributes to sustainable development. We are very pleased to welcome Yucatán as a new member.”
Green and sustainable future plans for Yucatán´s tourism
The INSTO network provides an opportunity to work together to ensure that tourism is a tool that contributes to sustainable development. We are very pleased to welcome Yucatán as a new member
Yucatán is home to the Maya, has an extensive coastline, is mostly covered by forests, jungles and has numerous cenotes, sinkholes created by collapsed limestone rocks that expose groundwater. This and other tourism resources attracted 2.1 million overnight tourists in 2019, two-thirds of them domestic tourists. Tourism GDP accounts for 11,1% of Yucatán’s overall GDP. According to the vision of the Secretariat of Tourism of the State of Yucatán (SEFOTUR) “In 2030 tourism is widely recognized as a key sector that benefits Yucatán society, and to conduct tourism development in consensus with industry actors and with a full insertion of society in the benefits of tourism”. Among the environmental priorities climate action, ecosystem restoration and conservation, water quality preservation, and sustainable energy supply are cited, as well as the need to create a culture of sustainability within Yucatán society.ADVERTISEMENTYucatan’s Secretary of Tourism, Michelle Fridman Hirsch, noted: “We are very pleased to have been enrolled in the UNWTO’s INSTO network, as we become the second Observatory in Mexico to be part of this network, which will allow us to better evaluate the impact of tourism in Yucatan and contribute with better data to global sustainable tourism”.
Yucatán’s Tourism Observatory will monitor the 11 mandatory INSTO key areas for tourism sustainability: tourism seasonality, employment, economic benefits of the destination, energy management, water management, wastewater management, solid waste management, climate action, accessibility, local satisfaction and governance.

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