Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

Qatar Duty Free (QDF), the Official Retail Partner for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 TM, has officially launched the first FIFA store at the World Best Airport, Hamad International Airport. The FIFA store showcases an impressive collection of FIFA Official World Cup merchandise, souvenirs, collectibles and team jerseys. The FIFA store spans over 185 square metres and operates round the clock, every day.
Qatar Duty Free is also operating all the official FIFA stores, located in different locations throughout the iconic eight stadiums of Qatar and the mega store at the FIFA Fan Festival. The official opening of the FIFA store was officiated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Vice President of Qatar Duty Free, Mr. Thabet Musleh, said: “This has been an extraordinary period for our beloved home Qatar, and we are proud to have played a significant role in this year’s FIFA tournament. Launching the first FIFA store worldwide at our brand new expansion in Hamad International Airport is a great honour.
As the tournament is coming to an end, we look forward to welcoming thousands of fans travelling through HIA to explore the FIFA store and shop for memorable souvenirs to mark an unforgettable experience.”
The FIFA store features a collection of FIFA Merchandise, including football jerseys, sports attires, accessories, the Official FIFA World Cup Al Rihla Ball, Souvenirs, and collectibles. In addition, fans are offered a premium selection of official team jerseys and accessories to show support for their favourite teams. Unique items sold at the FIFA store include the Al Hilm Pro Final Official Match Ball and Retro FIFA collection items. The stores also feature trophy World Cup replicas and FIFA 2022 branded attire.ADVERTISEMENTAbout Qatar Duty Free
Qatar Duty Free (QDF), a subsidiary of Qatar Airways group, is a shopping emporium at the heart of the Skytrax 2022 World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport (HIA), with more than 50,000 square meters of duty-free and concession space. By the end of the end of 2022, QDF will boast more than 130 luxury and affordable retail outlet and more than 40 F&B outlets.
QDF offers an extensive selection of luxury boutiques and a wide portfolio of multi-brand concept shops and duty free stores.
In addition to its wide luxury brand portfolio, QDF boasts a wide range of cuisines to suit every palette and budget at our numerous dine in restaurants, cafes and grab and go outlets.
As part of its position within a powerful trinity of a retailer, an award-winning airport and a global airline, QDF is uniquely positioned to partner with travel retail brands to launch products and services, bringing exclusive experiences to customers.
HIA, QDF’s home and hub, continues to increase capacity to more than 70 million passengers and 3 million tons of cargo annually. The expansion project has increased to 15,620 sqm. of landscaped retail and F&B space, which had enhanced the multi-dimensional offerings of the five-star airport by integrating world-class art collection and refreshing environment of lush greenery with contemporary retail and dining concepts among other leisure attractions and facilities under one expansive terminal.
In November, Qatar Duty Free was named the Official Retail Partner for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. This partnership includes a license to exclusively sell all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 merchandise in the fan zones and all spectacular stadiums hosting the matches in Qatar, as well as at Hamad International Airport.

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Discover Puerto Rico, the Island’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), announced today its Sunshine Route and the Sunshine Shop – new and unique ways for visitors to #LiveBoricua both on and off the IslandIn a tribute to Puerto Rico’s official color, Puerto Rico Sunshine created by Pantone, the route features several stops where explorers can tangibly experience the iconic sunshine through adventure, beauty, cuisine, fashion and more, while the shop curates local products inspired by the color for consumers to enjoy.The map provides a guide for travelers to road trip and experience sunshine – a proven mood booster especially in the winter months – wherever they are on the Island. Starting in the San Juan metro region, visitors can make stops at Distrito T-Mobile, Puerto Rico’s massive entertainment complex, where they can experience a unique light show inspired by Puerto Rico Sunshine across their 14,000 feet of LED screens. From there, venture to Señor Paleta and Indulge Chocolat to grab a Sunshine popsicle or bon-bon to enjoy while taking in the special sight of a Puerto Rico sunset over the San Juan Bay. Next, followers can wake up to a breathtaking sunrise at Playa Isla Verde before visiting aWa Outdoor where they’ll pick up a Puerto Rico Sunshine cooler backpack featuring petroglyph prints from the Taínos – Puerto Rico’s native people. From there, visitors can head to Rincón, Ponce, Jayuya and more for additional sunshine.
“We’re very pleased with the overwhelming local support for our Puerto Rico Sunshine color with Pantone – from local foods to accessories and more – partners and small business owners have embraced this to make it their own. It only felt natural to curate these goods and experiences that can immerse travelers in the Island’s sunny rays both literally and figurately,” said Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico. “There has never been a better time, or easier way, to visit Puerto Rico, with new direct flights departing from across the U.S. daily, and no passport required. Especially as the cold settles in across much of the mainland, we encourage people to feel the warmth in Puerto Rico.”
Consumers can shop all bespoke Sunshine products created by local vendors in the new Sunshine Shop on Discover Puerto Rico’s website. The unique products include jewelry from Knot Predictable and local designer Grace Gonzalez; Bomba accessories from Bombazo Wear that reflect an authentic aspect of the Island’s African influence; nail polish from Bettina Cosmetics; sandals from Isleñas; and Chuchería bags from Rogative, among others. These products provide consumers with the ability to support local businesses anywhere in the world and bring the Boricua spirit home, as well as inspiration to visit the Island in the future. Two additional vendors with products inspired by Puerto Rico Sunshine – Señor Paleta and Indulge Chocolat – offer their Sunshine tasty treats at brick-and-mortar locations featured on the Sunshine Route.
Earlier this year, Discover Puerto Rico announced their partnership with the Pantone Color Institute to create a first-of-its kind color inspired by the hue of Puerto Rican sunlight, based on findings by Puerto Rican physicist, Hector J. Jimenez. Dr. Jimenez calculated the color of sunbeams using various existing models of the solar radiation and the atmosphere at different moments throughout the day in several locations throughout the Island, which then was applied to create the color Puerto Rico Sunshine. Since then, the color has taken on a life of its own and sparked pride in the Boricua community, with local small businesses creating unique products inspired by the color.
With no passport, currency exchange, or international phone plan required for U.S. citizens, Puerto Rico is the perfect place for those looking for the balance of unparalleled cultural experiences, award-winning beaches, world-class culinary delights, natural wonders, and heart-pounding adventure in their future trip.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information about the destination, follow Discover Puerto Rico’s social channels on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook and visit DiscoverPuertoRico.com.
The Sunshine Route includes:DISTRITO T-Mobile – The Island’s newest entertainment complex, DISTRITO T-Mobile is home to a unique light show inspired by Puerto Rico Sunshine across their 14,000 feet of LED screens, including the largest 4K horizontal LED screen in the Americas.Señor Paleta – This artisanal shop is home to handmade and natural frozen treats, including their new Puerto Rico Sunshine-inspired Paleta, rich with flavors of papaya and pineapple.Indulge Chocolat – A couture chocolate shop that designs delectable, handcrafted treats including their Puerto Rico Sunshine-inspired passion fruit-infused bon-bons.San Juan Bay – Enjoy the sunset over San Juan Bay either tableside at one of the many local restaurants or catch a catamaran for a memorable cruise around the bay.aWa Outdoor – aWa Outdoor is founded by two Puerto Rican women who focus on products to protect personal items from water. Their Puerto Rico Sunshine dry bags and coolers are made of the exact Puerto Rico Sunshine color, featuring petroglyphs from the native Taínos.Playa Pastillo – Soak up the sun at this lush beach area as the turquoise waves crash on the shore. Sunbathe under a palm tree or check out Isabela’s famed Cuevas de las Golondrinas.Rincón – Famous for its breathtaking sunsets on the Western region of the Island, Rincón is the perfect place to catch some Puerto Rico Sunshine before it sets for the evening.Hacienda Tres Casitas – Reconnect with nature at this family-owned Hacienda tucked away in the beauty of the Island’s west coast. Spend the day relaxing under the sun and listening to the sounds of the coquis as you unwind and decompress.La Parguera Natural Reserve – Get outdoors and catch some rays with a snorkeling adventure at the La Parguera Natural Reserve. This stop features a variety of reef life thriving in the sun-filled waters off the shoreline.Hacienda Tres Angeles – Rise and enjoy the sunshine at Hacienda Tres Ángeles, a coffee hacienda tucked away in the mountains of Adjuntas, where you can sip on a fresh cup of their specialty coffee while soaking up the sun on their spacious deck.Caguan Indigenous Ceremonial Park – One of the Island’s most precious Taíno legacies stretching back more than 800 years, the park has numerous well-preserved petroglyphs, a museum with Taíno artifacts, and a botanical garden to explore under the sun.Cerro Punta – The highest peak on the Island at an elevation of 1,338 meters above sea level, Cerro Punta is where travelers can get as close to the Puerto Rico Sunshine as physically possible while experiencing panoramic views of the Island.Peñuelas – If you’re looking for a little shade from the sun’s rays, this spot is known as “The Valley of the Flamboyant Trees,” which bloom a vibrant red-orange color reminiscent of the Puerto Rico Sunshine Pantone color. Be sure to stop by La Soplaera Waterfall when visiting for a quick dip!Coamo Hot Springs – Feel the warmth of the sun and relax in this outdoor spa and natural thermal spring, legend says these waters were the fountain of youth sought by Puerto Rico’s first governor, Juan Ponce de León.Sun Bay Beach – This family friendly beach boasts everything you need for a day in the sun including changing rooms, lifeguards and food kiosks. Guests can also camp under the sun at the beach, with a permit.Zoní Beach – A hidden paradise, Zoní Beach in Culebra offers natural caves, sea grapevines, and a beautiful sunset in a less crowded environment.Punta Santiago Beach – Have fun in the sun at Punta Santiago, lounging under palm tree or taking a dip in the sea. With plenty of parking and nearby restaurants, you’ll be surrounded by perfect picturesque scenery.Salty Dog Catamaran – Enjoy the sunshine, at sea! Tours travel to unspoiled islands off the coast, where you can explore tropical fish and coral reefs on the eastern coast.Luquillo Beach – Visit la Capital del Sol or “The Sun’s Capital” to experience some of the Island’s best beaches as well as their famous Los Kioskos de Luquillo to enjoy a beachside strip of restaurants, bars and gift shops.Playa Isla Verde – The long golden sand beach of Playa Isla Verde offers the opportunity to experience the breathtaking beauty of sunrises in Puerto Rico.

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Results of a recent survey of operators of the largest natural tourism attractions in the world, show caves, indicates that recovery from the pandemic remains challenging. In 2021 there were 120.8 million visitors to show caves, an overall 16% decline from a pre-pandemic high in 2019 of 144 millionHowever, show caves in the United States (U.S.) were up 27%, from 13.8 million in 2019 to 17.5 million in 2021. The assumption is the accelerated opening of tourism in the U.S. along with pent up demand and an emphasis on outdoor recreation may have been the reason for the difference.Worldwide staffing remains a challenge for show cave operators who rely on tour guides and hospitality professionals. Worldwide employment at show caves is down by 17% from 2019 levels, tracking with hiring challenges that continue to be endemic within the tourism industry as a whole. However, another surprising finding was that direct spending at show caves was up 7% globally (corrected for inflation), indicating the visitors who did come were willing to spend more on the experience overall.
Yet, according to Dr. Jim Petrick, Professor at Texas A&M, “Direct spending at a local attraction is just one aspect of the impact caves have on local economies.  Typically, spending doesn’t stop at the attraction as visitors often stop at other businesses in the area including restaurants, hotels, shops, and more.  Since tourism spending is also new money to a community, it also has multiplier effects (beyond direct spending) as dollars spent at a cave can often trickle down to the rest of a community.  Thus, the economic impact of the cave industry is likely considerably higher than just direct spending.”
The International Show Caves Association (ISCA) and the National Caves Association (NCA) in the U.S. joined together to survey more than 1500 show caves around the world. Respondents represented 10% of the world’s and one third of the U.S. show caves, minus Southwest Asia caves. Operators in Southwest Asia have not responded to surveys, although efforts continue to keep lines of communication open. This year’s survey follows a 2020 effort to establish a baseline of the industry and its impact, and to show the impact of the global pandemic on these hubs for tourism. The 2022 survey follows up on the industry, tracking recovery, growth, and, unfortunately, closures around the world of these unique natural wonders.
“Ongoing capacity restrictions were causing real challenges for show caves around the world,” said Friedrich Oedl, president of ISCA. “Some caves are still closed; others have ongoing mandates that are keeping them from operating fully. This makes it hard for them to return to pre-pandemic levels of visitation.”
“Show caves are more than unique natural wonders,” said Joe Klimczak, president of NCA. “They have long served an important economic role as engines for local tourism as well. While it’s clear some level of recovery has begun, we still have some ways to go.”ADVERTISEMENT
The findings included:
VisitationIn 2021, 120.8 million people visited show caves worldwide, and 17.5 million in the U.S. This is down from the peak of 2019 of 144 million worldwide, but up from 2019’s numbers of 13.8 million in the U.S. The U.S.‘s 27% increase in visitors in 2021 is believed to be due to an emphasis on outdoor travel and faster rate of reopening in 2020 and 2021. Still, given that in 2020 94% of show caves worldwide closed due to COVID, the recovery so far is a hopeful indicator of continued possibilities for a full recovery.
Direct Economic ImpactShow caves generated direct visitor spending of $2.14 billion worldwide with $382.1 million in the U.S., an increase of 7% and 3% respectively when corrected for inflation. This spending reflects only revenue for the show caves, the impact in the communities surrounding these destinations is also significant. Restaurants, hotels, and many other local businesses as well as local government entities all benefit from the visitor spending in the communities around show caves. Up from 2019’s spending of $1.93 billion and $354 million in the U.S., the change is remarkable, particularly in light of the loss in the first half of 2020 closures that resulted in a loss of 61% of revenue and the drop in visitors in 2021 for caves outside the U.S. It is on track with a reported trend of visitors to attractions spending more while traveling in 2021, a trend that is helping fuel a rebound for the industry.
JobsDuring the closures in 2020, 40,000 people lost their jobs at show caves worldwide, over 3,400 in the U.S. The lower number in the U.S. was largely due to the Paycheck Protection Program established in the U.S. Worldwide show caves in 2019 employed 69,000. The good news is nearly 57,000 of those jobs have returned (including 7,600 in the U.S.), however hiring remains challenging with two-thirds of respondents indicating they have more jobs than applicants.
Survey respondents represented a sampling of show caves in 195 countries across six continents, including Europe, Asia, Oceania, North and South America, and Africa. Participants included a wide range of government owned and privately held show caves with visitation levels ranging from zero (caves which are still unable to open due to local restrictions) to over 500,000.

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Most Expensive Travel Destinations Revealed

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Travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth.com analyzed data from thousands of travelers to determine the world’s most expensive destinations in 2022.Trips to Africa, Antarctica, and the islands of Oceania cost the most. This year, travelers spent 44% more on trips to these 25 destinations compared to any other countries.
Travelers Spend Over $133 Million on Expensive Destinations Alone, Up Nearly Half from 2021

Over 21,000 travelers spent over $133 million to visit the 25 most expensive nations.This year, Squaremouth saw a 57% increase in travelers and 44% increase in spending to expensive destinations compared to 2021.The average individual trip cost to these destinations in 2022 was just over $11,000 – 2.8x more than the average traveler spent this year.Africa Leads All Continents in Most Expensive Destinations
ADVERTISEMENTFor the second consecutive year, nearly half of the most expensive trips were to African nations.
Congo, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Kenya were the five most expensive African countries to visit.Travel to the Oceania islands increased in 2022, comprising 24% of the most expensive destinations.

Antarctic Travel Continues to Trend Higher in 2022
Antarctica continues to trend as a popular destination more than ever before.

Travel to Antarctica in 2022 increased by 134% compared to the previous year.Antarctica is the only destination among the top 10 most expensive travel destinations and the top 2022 holiday season destinations.Travel Insurance Remains a Good Deal for High Priced Destinations
Comparing costs, travel insurance remains a good, low-cost investment compared to the price of the most expensive trips:
The average travel insurance premium for the top 25 most expensive destinations was $717.44. That’s nearly three-times higher than the year’s average travel insurance premium of $242.55The cost of insuring a trip to the most expensive destinations was only 6.5% of the average trip price.Methodology: Squaremouth analytics compared travel insurance policy sales for trips being insured between January 1 and November 27, 2022.

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Today, Trip.com Group’s leading Chinese language platform Ctrip launched its 2023 Travel Revival A Plan to reunite destinations with Chinese travellers.The platform’s four-pronged strategy engages destinations around the world in capturing pent-up travel demand from the vast Chinese travel market.
In 2020, Trip.com Group launched its pilot Travel Revival V Plan, investing RMB 1 billion in a recovery fund to help the industry battle pandemic pressures. On today’s new iteration of the initiative, Bo Sun, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Trip.com Group, commented: “The launch of our 2023 Travel Revival A Plan is built on three years of experience bucking negative trends to drive growth. Our focus on revival is to assist the industry to meet short-term difficulties, whilst strengthened revitalization efforts will look to reshape the post-pandemic industry by forging new opportunities for the industry and destinations.”
Reinventing brand value: working with destinations to create innovative “reunion” experiences
“For Chinese tourists, there has been a huge buildup of anticipation for their first outbound journey. For this reason, our Ctrip platform has been collaborating with destinations in preparation, using the platform’s high-quality, comprehensive supply chain resources to create a full range of ‘reunion’ experience products. Our offering spans Chinese travellers’ desire for scenic locations, entertainment and culinary experiences during their journey, including offering comprehensive coverage of cultural and historical activities.”
In July 2022, Ctrip independently produced the travel documentary “Hit the Road” that combined destination marketing and the platform’s unique new “Travel + Culture” content marketing model, with the show garnering over 120 million total views. In the future, this model will be extended to tourist destinations around the world as a solution to attracting Chinese travellers – providing a direct line to understanding Chinese tourists’ preferences after three years of travel restrictions. Furthermore, the Ctrip platform is home to thousands of travel influencers, guides and other personalized travel service providers who create personalized in-depth travel products and content for users.ADVERTISEMENTReviving consumer confidence: marketing matrix boosts travel consumption
As of December 2022, most countries have completely lifted pandemic-related travel restrictions, with travel once again at the top of the agenda. “Since 2022, dozens of global destinations have established Star Hub channel homepages on Ctrip to expand their reach to Chinese audiences. We have built out top destination lists, delivered hundreds of super destination promotions, destination-specific live streaming events, and facilitated the distribution of RMB 1 billion in travel consumption vouchers across 20 countries and regions to boost campaign destination orders. In 2023, we will continue to leverage the cultural travel economy to drive business,” said Mr. Sun on Trip.com Group’s expanded marketing offering.
Ahead of the upcoming outbound travel boom, Ctrip’s comprehensive marketing matrix is leading the way in connecting global destinations and Chinese travellers. The platform’s Ctrip Community and Star Hub channels enable destinations to engage with hundreds of millions of users every week. Partners can leverage this traffic together with promotions and cultural travel consumption vouchers to offer regular content and products through Ctrip Live, with over 200 million users on the platform. The product system will be updated through dynamic data to meet tourists’ needs.
Remodelling the industry ecosystem: building a global tourism data and resource sharing platform
Given the announcement of new policies and optimistic signals from the Chinese government, Trip.com Group is building a global tourism data and resource sharing platform, linking its brands, including Ctrip, in order to help global destinations to better welcome Chinese tourists again.
In regards to this new venture, Mr. Sun said: “We are opening up our airline ticketing and hotel resources to travel agencies around the world. In the short term, this will facilitate travel service providers to package and sell their products online, and help destinations to access the first cohorts of outbound Chinese tourists. Whilst in the long term, this platform will enable real time supply chain updates according to global traveller dynamics and product supply. As a tech-driven leading travel service provider, we believe we have the responsibility to drive industry progress through such developments and resource sharing.”
Reiterating corporate responsibility: promoting sustainable travel to hundreds of millions of users
In 2022, Trip.com Group released its first-ever Sustainable Travel Consumer Report, which found that sustainable travel is now a global trend at the forefront of travllers’ minds. Nearly 80% of respondents stated they attached great importance to sustainable environmental factors when travelling, and nearly 70% of respondents said they were willing to pay higher prices for more sustainable travel options.
In July this year, Trip.com Group launched its Green Tourism Goals. The ambitious plan includes launching more than 10,000 low-carbon travel products. Expanding on this, Mr. Sun introduced: “We have launched ‘green stays’ and ‘green car rentals’ on our Ctrip platform, and are currently working on launching ‘green flights’, ‘green corporate travel’ and ‘green trips’. We have a duty to develop sustainable travel for the future of the entire industry and to fulfil the tourism industry’s responsibility to the world.”

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5.6m people travelled through Heathrow in November, down from 5.9m in October. Over 55 million people have travelled through Heathrow already this year, which is nearly 70% of 2019 levels.We expect December will be busy and are looking forward to welcoming people heading off for their first Christmas with loved ones in three years. New York’s JFK is set to reclaim the crown of most popular route this Christmas.
The vast majority of travellers will be unaffected by Border Force strikes. We are doing everything we can to protect a full flight schedule on strike days, so departing passengers should expect to travel as normal. Arriving passengers with UK, EU, US, Canadian and some other passports will be able to use e-gates as usual and their journeys should be largely unaffected on strike days. Border Force has contingency measures to ensure other arriving passengers are cleared safely and as quickly as possible. We are continuing to support them to strengthen these plans so that as few people are impacted as possible. If passengers who cannot use e-gates are concerned about travelling during the strikes, their airline may be able to offer them alternative travel dates.
This Christmas is a time for celebration after three years of covid, so we will be bringing the fun back into festive travel. Our customer service and Here to Help teams will be on-hand to give a friendly welcome and provide any extra assistance passengers may need. This year, they will also be handing out 10,000 gifts to departing passengers – ranging from treats to enjoy on the journey, through to lounge access and flight vouchers.
The airport will be busy, especially during the peak getaway, and we will all be working hard to get passengers on their way.
These 12 handy tips can help people to speed through Heathrow like a pro this Christmas, including:ADVERTISEMENTArrive no earlier than three hours before long-haul flights, and two hours for short-haulBe ready for security: no liquids, creams or gels over 100ml, seal any liquids in the bags provided and ensure large electricals go in a separate trayCheck eligibility for and use eGates for a quicker journey when arriving back into the UKHeathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “We are ready to welcome millions of passengers heading off to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. We have extra people in the terminals on the busiest days, including me and my management team, to ensure we get people on their way as smoothly as possible and start to bring the joy back into travel. We are doing everything we can to protect full operating schedules on Border Force strike days and departing journeys and the vast majority of arriving journeys should be unaffected.”

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During COP15 in Montreal yesterday, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) announced a new collaboration which will bring together the public and private sectors in a shared vision to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.The vision sees the global Travel & Tourism sector supporting and inspiring governments, businesses, and society to implement the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework and help to transform our relationship with the natural world.
Signatories to the vision have committed to adopt a nature positive approach to tourism through integrating biodiversity safeguards by reducing carbon emissions, the impact of pollution, the unsustainable use of resources, and by protecting and restoring nature and its wildlife.
This collaboration follows the release of WTTC’s ‘Nature Positive Travel & Tourism’ report, which was created jointly with ANIMONDIAL, and focuses on halting and reversing damage to nature so the living world can recover from its current depleted state. This involves minimising ongoing harm and taking positive action to restore nature to produce an overall benefit to biodiversity and help achieve Net Zero.
Almost 150 organisations have signed up to the vision so far including international hotel groups, tour operators, travel agents, destinations, and international wildlife charities.
Complementing the power of the private sector, UNWTO, as the voice of tourism at the global governance level, will work to bring governments and international organisations on board and announce the shared vision of tourism as a pillar of wildlife conservation and habitat protection.ADVERTISEMENTProgress will also be guided by UNWTO’s trusted data and analysis, including groundbreaking Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism (MST) initiative and its growing International Network of Sustainable Tourism Observatories (INSTO).
The vison forecasts a future where governments implement policies that integrate biodiversity safeguards throughout their operations and the supply chain. The vision will also enable the sector to take action to avoid or minimise negative impacts on nature and play a proactive role in the protection and restoration of biodiversity.
Integral to this will be an enhanced recognition of the importance of clean oceans for sector, with around 40% of the global ‘Blue Economy’ related to tourism, according to UNWTO data.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Travel and nature are intrinsically linked. Millions of people travel to explore nature and feel a connection they cannot get through computer screens. Whether it is hiking to see the mountain gorillas in Rwanda or snorkelling at the Red Sea, people want to see the world’s most amazing wildlife first hand. It restores the human soul.
“Wildlife tourism creates over $340BN USD each year and supports more than 21 million jobs around the world. Today’s collaboration between WTTC, UNWTO and the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, spearheading the sector’s vision to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, shows our commitment to preserve the planet for future generations.”
Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director at UNWTO and Special Representative to the United Nations in Geneva said: “A people-centred agenda for biodiversity is the path towards a more sustainable tourism. As part of the broad Alliance of stakeholders for ‘Nature Positive Travel & Tourism’, UNWTO shows its commitment to the Global biodiversity Framework of COP15 – making tourism the Guardian of Nature.
“New governance and business models, enhanced capacity to monitor positive change and scaling up green jobs are all part of the solution as we move ahead together.”
Glenn Mandziuk, CEO at the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance said: “As an industry that relies on our natural world for everything from our buildings to attracting guests to outstanding locations across the globe, we recognise the immense importance of protecting our beautiful planet.
“Collaboration across sectors and across borders is essential to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. We are proud to partner with WTTC and UNWTO to help transition the industry’s relationship with nature and make Nature Positive Tourism a reality.”
The three bodies are calling on Travel & Tourism bodies to adopt the vision.

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Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), “Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations” will be held on 31 December night (New Year’s Eve) to welcome 2023 together with the world.
A succession of energetic young performers will stage an exuberant performance through live broadcast and online livestreaming to welcome the New Year, featuring internationally-acclaimed young pianist Niu Niu (Zhang Shengliang), multiple-timeworld champion Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club, and local taiko drumming group Gekko, which has previously performed in many large-scale international events.
No on-site audience will be admitted
Online and TV audience can get prepared for the countdown moments with a 3D animation celebrating the city’s diversity and dynamics as the short film hypes up the countdown ambience with rhythmic drumming, dancing fires and exciting music.

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