Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

2023 European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) Kranj (Slovenia) is participating in ITB Berlin 2023. Representatives from the destination will be at the European Capital of Smart Tourism stand (Hall 20, stand 303).Kranj is setting the standard in a form of tourism that is good for the environment and benefits the local community. This means implementing tourism measures that are reducing carbon footprints, while at the same time, empowering communities to get the most out of their local tourism industry. Leading sustainable tourism practices in Kranj include:
The Green Team: a team dedicated to lowering the carbon footprint across Kranj. The team is made up of 21 members from different local authority institutions. It collects data, sets targets and organises workshops with local businesses and tourism industry representatives, to make sure those targets are met.The SOS Info Centre Proteus: the tunnels underneath Kranj old town are home to a rare species of olm. A local laboratory, in partnership with town authorities, have been researching and protecting these amphibious creatures for decades. The centre is taking this a step further, by informing visitors and locals about the endangered species, as well as the importance of the groundwater in which they live; a vital source of drinking water for the entire Slovenian population.To secure a one-on-one meeting a representative from Kranj, you can book an appointment here.
The European Destinations of Excellence is an EU initiative, implemented by the European Commission. Its aim is to recognise and reward smaller destinations that have put in place successful strategies to boost sustainable tourism through green transition practices. The competition is founded upon the principle of promoting the development of sustainable tourism in destinations which brings value to the economy, the planet and people.
For all the latest news visit the European Destinations of Excellence website. https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/tourism/eden_en

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2023 European Capitals of Smart Tourism at ITB Berlin

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Royal Jordanian Airlines expands technology agreement with Sabre More

Celebrating 20 years of marine animal conservation grants, the SeaWorld Conservation Fund announced 22 new grants made in 2022 to support third party research, rescue, and conservation programs to protect marine animals and their habitats.arious marine animal species directly benefiting from these 2022 grants include coral reefs, dolphins, manatees, penguins, seals, seabirds, sea turtles and whales. This year the Fund is celebrating its 20th anniversary, created as a nonprofit foundation in 2003. To date the SeaWorld Conservation Fund has provided more than $20 million in grants to 1,391 organizations across all seven continents.
Dr. Chris Dold, President of the SeaWorld Conservation Fund and Chief Zoological Officer of SeaWorld said, “We are committed to advancing animal conservation and preserving wildlife species and their natural habitats across the globe. Protecting wildlife is no small mission and requires the teamwork and support of countless organizations focused on animal rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection and species research. We are proud to be able to provide financial support that helps these organizations continue the work imperative to our common goal of wildlife conservation.”
Supporting Fellow Rescue and Rehabilitation Organizations
SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world. It has come to the aid of more than 40,000 sick, injured, orphaned, and stranded marine animals, always with the goal of rehabilitating and returning healthy animals back to their native environment. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund honors this mission by supporting other organizations that share the same goal. 
In 2022, a grant was made to the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) to create increased capacity for marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation in the state of Texas. Of their grant, Heidi Whitehead, Executive Director at Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network said, “Generous donations from organizations such as the SeaWorld Conservation Fund allow us to provide a coordinated response to marine mammal strandings along the Texas coastline and continue our important mission of marine mammal conservation. We are very grateful for their support and are honored to be their partner in the mission to protect marine animals.”ADVERTISEMENTOther 2022 grant recipient organizations with a focus in species rescue and rehabilitation include:
Coral Restoration Foundation for international coral reef restoration efforts which are carried out by a collaborative team of staff, interns and countless volunteers.Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) for the conservation of southern African seabirds and their marine environment.Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Association (ARCAS) for protecting the most important sea turtle nesting beaches and mangrove wetlands of the Pacific coast of Guatemala.Advancing Scientific Research that Leads to the Preservation of Species and their Habitats
The SeaWorld Conservation Fund supports organizations whose species research leads to healthier and more biodiverse populations in the future. One 2022 grant recipient was the Norwegian Orca Survey for the ‘Keeping up with Norwegian Orcas’ program which continues a long running photo identification and DNA study of killer whales throughout Norway.
“Killer Whales are a vital species to our environment and through the generous funds from SeaWorld, we have been able to improve the knowledge of Norwegian killer whales through researching, monitoring and observing the diversity of individuals’ dietary habits on a long-term basis,” said Dr. Eve Jourdain, Director at Norwegian Orca Survey. “Our research findings have led to the writing of multiple scientific publications which will help revise the protection status and identify human threats to this population. It is critical that we continue this long-term research project so we can achieve to better understand and protect this unique population of killer whales.”
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) received its third grant from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund in 2022. Their work focuses on ending lethal fishing gear entanglements by advancing buoyless fishing. Dr. Michael Moore, Senior Scientist at WHOI, said, “Rope entanglements are a serious threat to the survival of many endangered whales and sea turtles. With the help from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund, we have been able to test On Demand gear systems which significantly reduce entanglements and create a safter environment for marine animals.”
Additional 2022 grant recipient organizations advancing science to protect marine animals include:
Alaska Sealife Center for research on non–releasable Alaskan ice seals to better understand their behavior patterns.AMPA-Friends of Manatee Association for monitoring an Amazon River dolphin population to watch their behavioral and reproductive patterns.Rising Tide Conservation for advancing sustainability in the marine aquarium industry by funding and promoting marine fish research.The Society for Marine Mammalogy for fostering international partnerships and collaborations to improve the quality of research on marine mammals within the science community.Recipient organizations focused on marine habitat preservation include Restore America’s Estuaries for coastal restoration within the Great Marsh, the largest salt marsh in New England and Tampa Bay Watch for community action and partnership to reduce marine debris in Tampa Bay.
Emergency Grants to Help Wildlife Organizations Impacted by Hurricane Ian
In response to the damage caused by Hurricane Ian, the SeaWorld Conservation Fund made emergency grants to 10 Florida zoological and wildlife rescue organizations impacted by the storm. Most organizations that applied for a SeaWorld emergency grant suffered from damaged fences, major flooding, habitat destruction, wind damage and other storm-related issues. More information about the zoological and wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organizations that received emergency grant funding can be found here.https://seaworldentertainment.com/media/press-releases/seaworld-conservation-fund-makes-10-emergency-grants/

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Serengeti Flyer, the World’s Tallest and Fastest Ride of its Kind, Officially Opens at Busch Gardens

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Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s newest ride, Serengeti Flyer, is now open for all guests. The park’s latest attraction, which opened today, is the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, providing riders with breathtaking views of the park’s expansive 65-acre Serengeti Plain
Serengeti Flyer features twin dueling arms that soar progressively higher, reaching speeds of 68 mph, a maximum height of 135 feet at the ride’s peak and the pulse-pounding thrill of multiple negative-G moments. The park’s new thrill features the capability to adjust the ride’s intensity level, giving guests the opportunity for a milder or wilder experience. Serengeti Flyer allows 40 guests to experience the ride at once, seated back-to-back in rows of 10 across two gondolas
“Thrills are in full swing at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay with yet another exciting record-setting ride for our guests to enjoy,” said Neal Thurman, Park President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “As the world’s tallest and fastest ride of its kind, Serengeti Flyer joins a world-class portfolio of attractions, offering breathtaking views of the park and a one-of-a-kind experience for all our guests.”
Annual Passes and Fun Cards Offer the Best Way to PlayBusch Gardens Tampa Bay’s Annual Pass is the best way to enjoy an entire year of thrilling attractions and exciting seasonal events. Categorized in easy-to-use tiers, all options provide guests with unlimited year-round admission and unbeatable benefits like free parking, in-park discounts and monthly rewards starting as low as $15.
Additionally, those interested in paying for a day and playing all year can take advantage of the current buy-one-get-one Fun Card offer. For a limited time, guests purchasing a Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Fun Card will receive an Adventure Island Fun Card for FREE.ADVERTISEMENTGuests can visit BuschGardensTampa.com to purchase tickets and learn more about the Annual Pass program’s benefits and monthly rewards, the current special offer for the 2023 Fun Card and stay in the know about new events, special deals and future announcements by following Busch Gardens Tampa Bay on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and Twitter.

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UNIQUE VACATIONS APPOINTS TONY CORTIZAS AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

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This spring, Nash County North Carolina is taking a new approach to travel marketing targeted towards 20-30+ year olds and that generation’s obsession with reality dating shows. While this approach may seem out of left field, it is based in research and creativity.The campaign’s focus is to connect with singles within a 100-mile radius to drive overnight stays to the county as a destination for leisure travel while highlighting various locations throughout the county that make ideal dating locations.
Digging into information on this audience, research showed that more single women than single men were coming to the area,” said Barbara Green, Nash County Tourism Director. “Even with the odds in their favor, a lot of guys were still having trouble finding ‘the one.’ From these facts, a campaign was born to help encourage the visitation of Millennials and Generation X to the county for overnight stays.”
Further insight identified that Nash County is home to the largest craft beer incubator in the state. That fact alone pulls in a younger demographic to try new beers each week.
The Nash County travel campaign is called “I’m Still Looking.” It follows a guy named Jim Green, who has been unlucky in love. Jim is a frequent visitor to the area, but has yet to meet “the one.” The campaign allows the audience to meet Jim; then, it asks the internet to help find him a date. Every other week the campaign will release a video of Jim’s latest date. Between dates, the campaign will feature bad date videos and stories submitted by the public, dating surveys, information on places to take a date. Jim’s grandmother even makes an appearance reading and reacting to fan comments. How will it turn out? Who will he choose? Tune in to find out at imstilllooking.com when the campaign concludes mid-April.
Explore Nash County, the travel and tourism department for Nash County, partnered with travel marketing company Wonder Guides, Greensboro, NC, to create the ground-breaking campaign. The videos will be progressively released on the Explore Nash County social media pages, and on the campaign website imstilllooking.com.ADVERTISEMENTExplore Nash County partnered with Koi Pond Brewing Company, at Rocky Mount Mills, to create a custom “I’m Still Looking” beer dedicated to the campaign. The beer features an image of Jim Green with the call to action to help find him a date. A QR code on the can takes users to the landing page for the campaign at ImStillLooking.com. The beer will be released to the public in March 2023.
The campaign videos currently released can be viewed at: www.imstilllooking.com
For additional campaign content follow Explore Nash County on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/Explore.Nash.County.

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Wentworth by the Sea to Join the Prestigious Opal Collection

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The Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica is undergoing significant modernization designed to transform it into a world-class facility. Business interests and stakeholders say this is expected to result in the airport’s repositioning to be on par with corresponding facilities in developed countries.
They cite the programmed US$70-million runway expansion, opening of the world’s first Bob Marley (One Love)-branded restaurant, expansion of the immigration hall and departure lounge, and upgrade of outbound security, landside roads, and parking arrangements as developments that can potentially compare with any of those at the top airports globally.
“When the dust is settled on all of these projects, we are talking about [comparisons with] Heathrow, Atlanta, JFK, Qatar, Dubai… you name the airport,” Senior Strategist/Adviser in the Ministry of Tourism, Delano Seiveright said.
“When guests fly [into Jamaica] from wherever they are coming, there will be that ‘wow’ factor. MBJ Airports Limited must be commended for… the tireless work… and the vision to make this possible. That Bob Marley One Love restaurant and the runway extension will be something else.”
MBJ Airports Limited is the operator of Sangster International Airport, which connects Jamaica with more than 60 international destinations.ADVERTISEMENTA record 4.7 million passengers used the airport in 2019, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Executive Officer of MBJ, Shane Munroe said the plan is not only to modernize, but to also make the airport so aesthetically appealing that it will assume the characteristics and flair of an attraction.
Munroe notes that with Sangster International Airport being Jamaica’s busiest gateway and the number-one airport in the region, the onus is on MBJ to keep raising the bar, thereby creating seamless ease of travel for visitors.
“There are other works being undertaken to modernize the Sangster International Airport and provide a seamless experience for passengers. Several projects are scheduled to commence this year to further improve the infrastructure at the airport,” he said.
“These include the expansion of the immigration hall to increase queuing and processing capacity, and the construction of a lounge for air-to-sea passengers to provide a dedicated arrivals space for landing procedures and coach transfer to the cruise ship pier. Additionally, several improvements will be made to upgrade the landside road and parking infrastructure to increase capacity.”
Munroe shared that the runway expansion works are on schedule and are expected to be completed by June 2023.
He noted that the extension will allow for the establishment of Runway End Safety Areas (RESAs), in keeping with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and improving safety in that area.
Sangster International Airport, located east of Montego Bay, has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport by World Travel Awards for 14 years.
Source: www.caribbeannationalweekly.com

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Fairmont Mayakoba is one of the only resorts in Mexico to employ two Certified Meeting Professionals More

Destination Canada, the national tourism organization, introduced its new global brand strategy to put Canada on the map as the destination that inspires openness. This new brand strategy will be unveiled through a series of traditional and unconventional marketing initiatives that aims to increase Canada’s competitiveness as a destination and drive international high value guests to visit Canada.The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic forced bold choices and new ways of marketing the destination. Canadians represented 8 out of 10 tourism dollars spent last year, a formidable contribution to the recovery. With these domestic travellers set to exodus this Spring for international travel, Canada needs to fill the gap and bring back international travellers, especially from the US, Canada’s largest inbound market and biggest opportunity for revenue recovery.
“Our valued guests want more than a travel experience – they want a space for growth, enrichment and true transformation,” says Gloria Loree, Destination Canada’s Senior Vice-President, Marketing Strategy & Chief Marketing Officer. “In a world that makes us feel trapped, Canada’s unique blend of openness helps us break free. It’s Canada’s open spaces, open hearts and open minds, that offer the space that travellers crave and will help us as a nation brand stand out in the fiercely competitive travel marketplace.” 
[email protected]
This bold brand ambition is pushing Destination Canada to embrace unique ways of engaging a global audience. Through a first-of-its kind partnership with TED, Destination Canada is creating a global conversation about openness. Through masterful storytelling by remarkable Canadians, they are encouraging new conversations about the destination, and pushing people to rethink what they already know about Canada. These TED Talks were filmed today in New York City and will be published on TED.com starting in the Spring. Destination Canada will share with its key leisure markets, as well its Business Events markets.
“TED’s mission of Ideas Worth Spreading is perfectly aligned with Destination Canada’s theme of Openness – we are thrilled to offer the TED stage as a place for extraordinary Canadians to share their ideas with the world,” says Lindsay Levin, Head of Partnerships + Impact, TED.ADVERTISEMENT“From breathtaking outdoor landscapes to authentic Indigenous experiences to incredible urban and culinary journeys, Canada’s openness and inclusiveness make possible the memorable experiences that people carry with them for the rest of their lives,” says the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance. “There’s no doubt Canada is the place to visit, any time of the year, and we welcome you with open arms!”
Destination Canada unveiled its new brand positioning with a campaign that invited Americans to take a new kind of leave – a Maple Leave and escape for a stress-free vacation to Canada. Destination Canada also launched its Open If You Are campaign in the US which challenges certain myths and misconceptions that are stopping guests from thinking about Canada as a long-haul travel destination and aims to inspire, surprise and immerse travellers in Canada’s experiences, as well as its unique blend of openness.
Additional brand campaigns will be launched throughout 2023 as Destination Canada finds new ways to invite guests to experience Canada’s open spaces, open hearts, and open minds.

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SEABOURN ANNOUNCES 2024-2025 EXPEDITION VOYAGES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC, ARCTIC, ANTARCTICA

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Yvette Keller is a lifelong fan of the British writer, Douglas Adams, best known for the 5-book, science fiction humor “trilogy,” The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.The Santa Barbara, California-based writer now invites Adams fans and London tourists to experience all things Adams through a new literary guide, “Douglas Adams’ London,” published by Herb Lester Associates. Pre-orders are now available at www.herblester.com with a ship date of March 11, chosen because it is Adams’ birthday.Adams lived and worked in London for decades. “Douglas Adams’ London,” is a hitchhiker’s guide to 42 places (chosen honor of Hitchhiker’s reference to the ultimate answer to life, the universe, and everything) drawn from the reality and fiction of Adams’ life. On one side, a stylized map pinpoints relevant sites across London. On the reverse, detailed information about each site spotlights its significance to the author.
From Shepherds Bush to Highgate, the map leads tourists along the streets that Adams knew and cared about, noting the rampant development of his beloved Islington, “Grim concrete monoliths, eyeing the new spaces in Upper Street where they hoped to spawn their horrid progeny.” Expressing the timeless joy Adams referred to Hyde Park as, “stunning except for the rubbish on Monday mornings.”
Keller’s pilgrimage to walk in Adams’ footsteps began very simply. It began with her 42nd birthday and a book, one she is writing to share her experiences with other fans. “By exploring the meaningful places in Adams’ life, you start to see how reality and fiction came together for him,” Keller explained. “Character, setting, and author, intersect with reality, and, as Douglas said, ‘If you’re going to set it in London, you may as well set it where you live because you know it. There’s no point in setting it in Putney if I’ve then got to get a bus down to Putney to see what the layout is.’”
Ben Olins is the director at Herb Lester Associates. He was intrigued by how real and imagined worlds overlap. So, to explore real places from the work of an author best known for Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy was, in his words, “irresistible.” The publisher is no stranger to literary maps. The company’s “guides to the unexpected,” include Agatha Christie’s England, Occult Paris, and New Orleans Good Times.
ADVERTISEMENT“One’s first thoughts of places included in a galactic travel guide don’t include the north London estate agents and residential streets. But places he (Adams) knew are used throughout his books,” Olins said. “In charting all of that, I hope we bring to life the world Adams inhabited, and in doing so perhaps bring readers closer to a writer they admire.”
Those who pre-order the Douglas Adams’ London guide directly from Herb Lester Associates have an opportunity to order a set of six coasters gathered from fictional pubs and clubs across the Hitchhikers universe. (Check out the author’s unboxing video here.)
While supplies last, they will also receive a seventh, exclusive beer mat from Milliways – The Restaurant at the End of the Universe. The guide will be available to fans in the United States beginning April 15. For more information, or to order, visit www.herblester.com.

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ADD SOME SLIME TO YOUR SPRING BREAK OR EASTER VACATION AT NICKELODEON HOTELS & RESORTS

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SEABOURN ANNOUNCES 2024-2025 EXPEDITION VOYAGES IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC, ARCTIC, ANTARCTICA More

WTTC reacts to statement from the Presidency of the EU Council on easing restrictions for travellers from China to the EU
After a prolonged period of post-pandemic disruption, we welcome the latest statement from the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council, to facilitate easing restrictions for travellers from China, to the EU.
This is an important step forward for EU economies.
It will be a major boost to businesses across the Travel & Tourism sector in the region, as well as for families and friends reconnecting and society generally returning to post-COVID normality.
In 2019, before the pandemic, nearly 10 million Chinese tourists visited the EU with inbound revenue worth US $12.2 billion, creating jobs and boosting regional economies. The return of Chinese travellers to the EU is very welcome.ADVERTISEMENT

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FOCUS ON SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY AT ITB BERLIN

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Emirates recycles more than 500,000 kilograms of plastic and glass in one year More