Tourism, Organisations & Operators,

The US Travel Association has hailed a series of major wins for the country’s travel and tourism sector in the Senate, including a new federal post dedicated to the industry.US Travel Association president and chief executive Geoff Freeman hailed the passing of a US government funding bill, including the Omnibus Travel and Tourist Act, “a tremendous win for travellers, the travel industry and America’s economy”.
The bill will create a new assistant secretary of travel and tourism role within the US Department of Commerce, meaning the industry will have dedicated representation at American’s top table.
“The idea to create a presidentially appointed, US Senate-confirmed position to lead federal travel policy has been around for decades,” said Freeman. “Thanks to a bipartisan and bicameral group of congressional leaders, the United States will now join all G20 countries with a senior federal official focused on travel.”
Freeman said the incumbent would be vital to the association’s ambitions to lobby the US government, in particular, for action on reducing US visitor visa wait times, which it says can run to between 400 and 800 days for would-be arrivals from some key source markets.
“The assistant secretary will play an important role as we partner with government to lower visitor visa wait times, modernise security screening and leverage new technologies to make travel more seamless and secure,” added Freeman.ADVERTISEMENTSource: https://www.ttgmedia.com/

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Miami Beach and the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA) celebrate a year of multiple award wins from a notable selection of the industry’s most recognized and respected organizations including Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards and the World Travel Awards.As an international destination, Miami Beach was recognized as the “World’s Leading Lifestyle Destination 2022” and “North America’s Leading City Destination 2022” by the World Travel Awards, both testaments to the destination’s experiences rooted in arts + culture, wellness and wellbeing, outdoor activities, water sports and recreation and the rising culinary scene. The World Travel Awards also took note of the MBVCA’s work in the year, including the launch of a new experiential app, EXP Miami Beach Tour App, recognizing the MBVCA as “North America’s Leading Tourist Board 2022.” Adding to the year’s wins, Chairman of the MBVCA, Steve Adkins, has also been named “South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year” by the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism/NAF in the awards’ 31st edition.“As advocates for Miami Beach with a dedication to further enhancing our global reputation, we dedicate these awards to the community and those who work tirelessly to deliver stellar experiences to visitors and locals at our city’s hotels, restaurants and attractions,” says Steve Adkins, Chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority. “The passion for hospitality is evident and we are proud to be recognized by our fellow industry professionals for the work we have done and will continue to do in the future.”
Miami Beach was also a Travel Weekly Silver Magellan Award winner in the Culinary Mecca category, further cementing the city’s position as a travel-worthy destination for foodies. This year, Miami Beach became home to two Michelin star recognized restaurants, Stubborn Seed and Jaya at The Setai. In addition, Miami Beach’s signature and world-famous restaurants, all located within a seven-mile range, include legendary Joe’s Stone Crab, Prime 112, Carbone Miami Beach, Forte di Marmi, Chotto Matte, Nobu and Bagatelle. And, for the first time, the MBVCA won a Travel Weekly Gold Magellan Award for the consumer-facing Instagram handle @experiencemiamibeach, recognized for connecting with social users through authentic and engaging content, in the Social Media – Hospitality category.
“We look forward to building upon these recent accolades in the areas we know have an impact on driving visitors to Miami Beach in the new year,” adds Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the MBVCA. “These awards will continue to support our ongoing efforts to innovate and provide unique experiences that appeal to all traveler styles.”
For more information and to plan a future trip to award-winning Miami Beach, download the Experience Miami Beach and EXP Miami Beach Tour App Miami Beach Apps and follow the @experiencemiamibeach handles on Instagram and Facebook for the most up-to-date details and offerings.

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Spend the First Day of 2023 Hiking in America’s State Parks

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America’s State Parks are inviting everyone to start the new year off enjoying time spent in nature and tapping into the health benefits of being outdoors.To make it easy, state parks from Maine to California are offering free, First Day Hikes on January 1st. The guided hikes are led by park staff members and volunteers who have expert knowledge of their respective locales.
The distance and difficulty of the trails vary from park to park, but the hikes are designed to benefit the entire family. This year there are more than 1,300 hikes available!“It’s our way of wishing health and happiness for the coming new year,” said Lewis Ledford, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors.
“Recent research is confirming the benefits of just 30 minutes a week spent in nature, and what better way to start a new healthy habit for 2023 than taking advantage of hikes being offered in state parks across the nation,” said Ledford. “Our hope is that this event will stimulate a passion for the outdoors and a desire to explore our local treasures throughout the entire year.”
Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels, including mountain and hill climbing, walks along lakes, exploring trails that wind through forests, and wildlife expeditions.
“Each state enjoys unique outdoor features and wildlife on its public lands,” Ledford said. “And no matter your weather preference, whether it be snow in the north and across the Rockies or mild temperatures across the south and southwest, you can experience it all with First Day Hikes.”ADVERTISEMENTFirst Day Hikes began more than 30 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, which is a state park in Massachusetts.
America’s State Parks are committed to promoting outdoor recreation to help address mental, emotional and physical health – especially among children. So begin 2023 with a focus on your physical and mental well-being with a First Day Hike in one of America’s State Parks.
For more information on First Day Hikes at your nearest state park, go to https://www.stateparks.org/special-programs/first-day-hikes/. And use the hashtag #FirstDayHikes.

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Al Hosn Festival, Abu Dhabi’s annual celebration of the emirate’s cultural heritage, is set to return with a packed ten-day programme taking place from 13 to 22 January at the iconic Al Hosn site. Set across Al Hosn’s historic buildings and outdoor areas, the event will showcase the best of Abu Dhabi’s heritage as well as the breadth of its creativity.
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), the festival promises an exciting array of activities for visitors of all ages, with cultural performances, film screenings, art installations, craft and design demonstrations, creative workshops, retail pop-ups, and a variety of culinary experiences.
His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Each year, Al Hosn Festival tells the story of Abu Dhabi at its place of origin. A key component of our cultural calendar, the festival celebrates Abu Dhabi’s heritage and craftsmanship and connects them with the contemporary art practices of the emirate. The festival has quickly become a focus of inspiration and exchange for the emirate’s cultural ecosystem, and a key element of DCT Abu Dhabi’s drive to both preserve the emirate’s treasured heritage and support and grow its new generation of artists and creative practitioners.”
Activations will span the vast Al Hosn site, with Qasr Al Hosn transporting visitors back in time to offer a glimpse of life in Abu Dhabi in decades past. Guests will enjoy live demonstrations of Emirati craftsmanship and artisanal techniques at House of Artisans, where they can also participate in creative workshops and witness competitions highlighting Emirati cultural excellence. Similarly, Cultural Foundation is once again set to offer an engaging and thought-provoking programme of art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, interactive installations and workshops.
The festival’s Makers Village is set to return, offering unique items created by artists and designers from local and regional concept stores. There will also be a creative culinary experience.ADVERTISEMENTAl Hosn Festival provides a platform for cultural experimentation and exchange in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s ever-evolving urban landscape, while remaining rooted in the emirate’s authentic traditions. The event aligns with the vision and mandate of DCT Abu Dhabi to protect, preserve and promote the emirate’s heritage, showcase Abu Dhabi as a cultural destination and provide a platform for artistic experimentation and public engagement.
Al Hosn is the original urban block of the city and comprises the historic Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the Cultural Foundation, the National Consultative Council building and the House of Artisans. Al Hosn is emblematic of the proud cultural heritage of the UAE, bringing to life the rich fabric of its history, people and traditions and highlighting the city’s future ambition.Full details of the Al Hosn Festival 2023 programme will be announced closer to the event. For more information, please visit www.alhosnfestival.ae

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Riyadh Season, a pivotal step in achieving Saudi Vision 2030, seeks to attract more tourists and boost tourism growth in Saudi Arabia through various cultural and entertainment experiences and diverse cultural contents.Boulevard World was officially launched on November 21st as part of the Riyadh Season 2022, taking visitors on a journey around the world by presenting diverse cultures from the US, France, Greece, India, China, Spain, Japan, Morocco, Mexico, and Italy.Boulevard World collaborated with Unilumin Group, a Chinese high-tech company, to draw tourists from all over the world and create novel entertainment experiences they have never had. With a large number of Metasight LED displays supported by software integration and control technologies, Boulevard World showcased artistic design and creative content to the audience and created an immersive experience space filled with modern science and technologies. Boulevard World has thus become another world-class entertainment landmark.
The huge spherical screen created by Unilumin will catch tourists’ eyes immediately when they enter Boulevard World. As an innovative product by Unilumin, the spherical screen has broken the Guinness World Records and become a new city landmark in Saudi Arabia. It also represents the strong connections across the global village advocated by Boulevard World. In addition, the largest LED ceiling screen in the Middle East and the first one in Saudi Arabia, together with dozens of outdoor ultra-high-definition (UHD) large screens, allows Boulevard World to present diverse cultures and history to the visitors.
Riyadh Season started cooperation with Unilumin back in 2021. Using Unilumin’s LED displays and Metasight solutions, Riyadh Season has served over 15 million tourists worldwide and has driven the region’s tourism development. The professionalism of Unilumin throughout the project has left a deep impression on the clients in the Middle East.

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ABTA Members’ customers travel with confidence in latest campaign

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ABTA has launched the second phase of its annual flagship Travel with confidence campaign with a customer-focused video to be promoted through social media advertising. The campaign launches today,  Boxing Day, to coincide with the start of the peak holiday booking season and to promote and support Members during the busy period.The two-minute video shares testimonials from loyal customers talking about what holidays mean for them, and the various reasons why they book with an ABTA member.  The video reinforces the reassurance and peace of mind that comes with booking through a trustworthy and reputable company.  Customers featured include Naomi, a Virgin Atlantic Holidays customer, who says:
“Holidays are very important as they provide that much needed time away from work, the chance to explore new cultures, and to spend quality time with loved ones. 
“Total confidence in an ABTA registered Member is 100% peace of mind which makes for a perfect holiday.”
The feel-good video drives home the importance people place on their holidays, with customers listing the time away from work, the chance to explore new cultures, the opportunity to spend time with loved ones, and being good for mental health as the main benefits of going away.  The initial phase of the campaign launched in early December with radio advertising on Heart Digital and reiterated the importance customers place on their holidays. 
The video will be cut to different lengths for Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Reddit and will run throughout January.  The campaign will conclude at the end of January with a consumer competition. ADVERTISEMENTGraeme Buck, ABTA Director of Communications said:
“This next phase of our Travel with confidence campaign is designed, just like the radio ads we are still airing, to help drive business for our Members through the peak booking period. 
“It was great to see so many ABTA Members’ customers submitting content for the video and sharing the true excitement of booking a holiday. These real views from real people make this year’s Travel with confidence campaign heart-warming, relatable and effective.”
For more information about the campaign, please visit www.abta.com/travelwithconfidence

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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center have unveiled revolutionary new data detailing the climate footprint of the Travel & Tourism sector in the Asia Pacific region (APAC).According to the data, between 2010 and 2019, the APAC Travel & Tourism sector decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions.
The new data for the region reveals the total contribution to APAC’s GDP grew on average 7.3% annually, whilst greenhouse gas emissions increased by just 4% during the same period.
The data also shows how the sector’s emissions intensity continues to decrease.
In 2010, for every $1 USD of the region’s Travel & Tourism GDP, the sector emitted 0.94kg of greenhouse gas emissions.
But in 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak, this figure had dropped by more than 26% to 0.69kg, demonstrating the progress of changes implemented by governments and business leaders across the Asia-Pacific region to create a more sustainable sector.ADVERTISEMENTThe new data shows that in 2019 the sector was responsible for an average of just 10.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the APAC region.
For the first time ever, this ground-breaking research can accurately report and track the impact industries within the sector have on the environment.
This world first research which covers 185 countries across all regions and will be updated each year with the latest figures.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are now able to give governments across the Asia-Pacific region the insights they need to make significant steps towards the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“The Travel & Tourism sector in the region has decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions and reduced its emissions intensity by an incredible 26%. But while this shows progress, a lot more needs to be done.
“To reach our goals and ambitions, we must make bigger and bolder steps to reduce our absolute emissions.
“Government support will be crucial in accelerating the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels which will have a significant impact on our footprint, as well as bringing in more renewable energy to our national grids.”
The global findings were launched at the global tourism body’s 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in November this year.
This research was made possible thanks to the partnership between WTTC and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center. Under the Saudi green Initiative, more than 60 initiatives have been launched in the past year, representing more than $186BN USD of investment in the green economy.

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Between 2010 and 2019, the North American Travel & Tourism sector decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions. The new data for the region, which covers the Travel & Tourism sectors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, reveals the total contribution to North America’s GDP grew on average 3.1% annually, whilst greenhouse gas emissions increased by just 1.2% during the same period.
The data also demonstrates how the sector’s emissions intensity continues to decrease.
In 2010, for every $1 USD of the region’s Travel & Tourism GDP, the sector emitted 0.53kg of greenhouse gas emissions.
But in 2019, when Travel & Tourism was at its peak, this figure dropped by 15% to 0.45kg. This demonstrates the progress of changes implemented by governments and business leaders across North America to create a more sustainable sector.
The new data shows that in 2019 the sector was responsible for just 9.3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in North America.ADVERTISEMENTFor the first time ever, this groundbreaking research can accurately report and track the impact industries within the sector have on the environment.
This world first research which covers 185 countries across all regions, will be updated each year with the latest figures.
Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “We are now able to give governments across North America the comprehensive information they need to make significant steps towards the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“The Travel & Tourism sector in the region has decoupled its economic growth from its greenhouse gas emissions and reduced its emissions intensity by 15%. But while this shows progress, a lot more needs to be done.
“To reach our goals and ambitions, we must make bigger and bolder steps to reduce our absolute emissions.
“And for this we need government support in accelerating the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels which will have a significant impact on our footprint, as well as bringing in more renewable energy to our national grids.”
The global findings were launched last week at the global tourism body’s 22nd Global Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
This research was made possible thanks to the partnership between WTTC and the Saudi-based Sustainable Tourism Global Center. Under the Saudi green Initiative, more than 60 initiatives have been launched in the past year, representing more than $186BN USD of investment in the green economy.

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