While participating in the GREAT FUTURES Initiative conference, I met with Mr. Nick de Bois, Chairman of the British Tourism Authority. This was posted by HE Ahmed Al-Khateeb today on his X account.
Al Khateeb explained: We discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the tourism sector and the importance of exchanging experiences that enhance the two countries' progress at the global tourism level.
The arrival of leading sporting competitions such as Red Bull Cliff Diving and the Presidents Cup confirms the undeniable attractiveness of the city among international decision-makers. This power of seduction is due in particular to our ability to remain relevant by proposing an event offering that is constantly fresh.
Responding to the growing demand from guests, departure capacity from Oslo has been doubled, opening more opportunities than ever to experience the breathtaking journey from Norway's southernmost to northernmost points. Between autumn and spring, Hurtigruten’s ship MS Trollfjord offers The North Cape Line from the Norwegian capital
United Airlines' mobile application offers a range of features that can help airline passengers save an average of 30 minutes at the airport. These features include mobile check-in, a bag drop shortcut, live flight updates, terminal wayfinding, self-service rebooking, and more. By utilizing these mobile app tools, passengers can streamline their airport experience and make the most of their time.
Reflecting a positive trend, the Group’s operating result (or EBITDA) rose by 34.3 percent to €212.6 million during the first three months of 2024 (Q1/2023: €158.3 million). The Group result (or net profit) improved to €12.7 million. In the same period last year, this figure was still negative at minus €32.6 million.
The Lord Mayor of Oxford, Cllr Lubna Arshad presented Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award at an NRI Ceremony at Oxford University of the UK on Friday 10th May 2024.
The coastal town of Las Catalinas in Guanacaste, Costa Rica is dedicated to creating opportunities for a more balanced lifestyle and a stronger connection to nature. It has been at the forefront of the car-free movement, aiming to build neighborhoods, towns, and cities that are highly walkable. In 2022, Las Catalinas received the prestigious Charter Award from The Congress for New Urbanism for its Beach Town neighborhood. This recognition highlights the town's commitment to creating communities that are equitable, sustainable, connected, healthy, and prosperous.
Today, World Travel Market London opens its ‘Call for Papers’ inviting innovators and experts from around the globe to contribute to the 2024 conference programme at the world’s most influential travel and tourism event.
The WTM London Conference program is traditionally one of the event’s highlights, as evidenced by the overwhelmingly positive feedback each year from attendees and sponsors alike. As well as high-profile keynote speakers, the WTM conference stages host a wide cross-section of voices covering mainstream as well as specialist topics.
Star Asia Group has made the decision to purchase 100% of the shares of Minacia from a third party. Minacia currently operates 39 limited-service hotels with a total of 5,180 rooms in major cities across Japan. This acquisition aligns with our strategic goal of actively investing in the hotel industry, which offers significant growth opportunities. With a history of over 30 years, Minacia has established itself as a leading hotel and restaurant management company in Japan. The company operates limited-service hotels under well-known brands such as Wing International and Tenza Hotel, the latter of which was introduced in 2020. These brands are widely recognized throughout Japan. Additionally, Minacia boasts a strong proprietary loyalty program that attracts a large number of repeat customers. The company also has extensive experience in the restaurant sector and is currently developing unique dining concepts both within and outside its hotel properties, leveraging the diverse regional characteristics of Japan.
The "Love Boat" line, Princess Cruises, has just announced that their 2026 European cruise and cruise tour season for that year will be their largest ever. Five Princess cruise ships, including the impressive new Sun Princess, will be sailing the region. With a staggering 222 cruises planned, guests will have unparalleled opportunities to discover the beauty and diversity of Europe. From March to November 2026, the European season will offer 59 unique itineraries, covering 101 destinations across 29 countries. These itineraries range from five to 42 nights, ensuring a variety of options for travelers. Some of the highlights of the upcoming season include the chance to witness the total solar eclipse of 2026, the opportunity to sail on the newest Princess ship – Sun Princess, and the return of roundtrip cruises from Copenhagen, as well as new itineraries from Rome. Guests will have the option to enhance their Europe cruise experience by adding several days on land to explore different parts of the region.
The expedition will explore four iconic regions in Northern Norway: the Lyngen Alps, Senja, Lofoten, and Vesterålen, uncovering hidden gems in each during ten scheduled sailings from January to March 2026. Departing from and returning to Tromsø, the expedition aboard MS Spitsbergen promises a completely all-inclusive experience. Guests will delve deep into Norwegian culture and the spectacular winter landscapes through three bespoke experiences unique to HX, including a bonfire under the polar night, an exclusive evening at the Hurtigruten Museum in Stokmarknes, and a traditional Scandinavian sauna session followed by a polar plunge. Additionally, the itinerary includes a variety of activities such as kayaking, whale watching, nature walks, alpine treks, snowshoeing, community visits, and ski touring, ensuring a rich and diverse adventure. During the seven-day expedition cruise, guests will have the unique opportunity to venture above the Arctic Circle, where long winter nights devoid of light pollution create ideal conditions for observing the mesmerizing Northern Lights.
Incorporated in 1990, Pegasus Airlines was acquired by ESAS Holding in 2005 and adopted the low-cost business model. As Türkiye’s leading low-cost carrier, Pegasus Airlines believes that everyone has the right to fly and offers its guests the opportunity to travel with good-value fares and young aircraft through its low-cost model. In 2018, Pegasus Airlines adopted the motto Your Digital Airline and carries its guests to 137 destinations, 36 in Türkiye and 102 on its international network. Pegasus Airlines operates connecting flights between Türkiye and Europe, North Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia via Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen. Commencing on June 27, 2024, Pegasus Airlines will offer customers direct flights between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport in Turkey and Edinburgh Airport, Scotland providing 2,500 seats for sale at a price of £1 + taxes for a one-way journey. These airline tickets can be booked from May 10 to May 16, 2024.
Emirates will resume flight operations from Dubai to Edinburgh starting from 4 November 2024. The highly anticipated return to the Scottish capital will complement the airline’s current A380 daily flight to Glasgow and offer customers 14 weekly flights to/from the country.
The Dubai to Edinburgh route will be served by the Emirates A350-900 aircraft in a three-class configuration: 32 lie-flat seats in Business Class, 21 seats in Premium Economy, and 259 seats in Economy Class.
Emirates flight EK23 will depart Dubai at 14:50hrs and arrive in Edinburgh at 19:05hrs, local time. The return flight, EK24, will depart Edinburgh at 20:40hrs and arrive in Dubai at 08:05hrs the following day.
The North 8 berth at Port Canaveral currently shares its basin with Cruise Terminal 5 on the northside of the port. Originally designed and constructed in 2018 with versatility in mind, the North 8 berth will only require minimal modifications to extend its current bulkhead length from 1,020 linear feet to 1,344 feet in order to accommodate larger cruise vessels. Furthermore, improvements to the waterside of the shared basin on the northside will also enhance the berthing capacity of Cruise Terminal 5. The new cruise terminal and parking facility will utilize technology to offer maximum flexibility for multiple users and brands. The North 8 site, existing berth layout, and available uplands present the chance for minimal interference with current port and tenant activities while under construction. The schedule for the design, engineering, and construction phases is currently being developed, aiming for the completion of the new facility by the summer of 2026. The upcoming terminal campus will feature a multi-level parking structure capable of accommodating 3,000 vehicles.
Urban Air, the largest indoor adventure park operator globally, offering a wide range of thrilling activities such as intense ropes courses, Urban Air's Sky Rider, Battle Beams, laser tag, dodgeball courts, electric Go-Karting, obstacle courses, and more, has appointed Jeff Palla as its new Brand President. Palla, a franchise-industry leader with over 25 years of experience, most recently held the position of President at Mr. Handyman, a part of the Neighborly platform of home service brands. Prior to this role, he spent 18 years as the Senior Vice President of Operations at the hotel chain La Quinta, where he played a key role in launching and expanding the franchise program to over 600 units. Palla began his career at the Walt Disney Company, serving in various guest service roles. Additionally, he was a franchisee of Bloomin' Blinds in Texas, providing him with valuable insights into driving success in a small business.
Hotel Management Japan, the hotel operator, which operates 22 properties across Japan, will implement selected technology from Sabre Hospitality’s SynXis platform for its own brands.
Carnival Corporation began its fleetwide roll-out of Starlink in December 2022 with Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises ships. The Starlink expansion further advances Carnival's multi-provider strategy to deliver the reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi service available on land while on board its global fleet of 90+ ships visiting 800 ports worldwide. Designed to support a variety of constantly moving vessels that sail all over the world, the system leverages technologies from a diverse range of suppliers and is capable of dynamically routing internet traffic and optimizing network speeds to provide a consistent experience to guests across every brand and itinerary.
Cathay members travelling to Thailand can now enjoy seamless two-way points conversion and exclusive member offers at ICONSIAM, Siam Paragon, Siam Centre and Siam Discovery. This collaboration will provide them with the advantage of a versatile and convenient two-way points conversion system that combines the finest aspects of both options. They can enjoy personalized perks and privileges while in Bangkok, as well as access Cathay's carefully selected range of products and experiences from anywhere in the world.
This new agreement ensures that together, WestJet and Travelport deliver a future modern retailing experience for our agency partners and travel customers so that they can easily search, shop and service our fares and ancillaries. New deal includes the future implementation of WestJet NDC content - and Travelport is the first GDS to reach an NDC agreement with WestJet. This agreement shows the companies' commitment to deliver retail-ready content and more value to the customers in North America and the rest of the world.
Sabre Corporation entered into a new agreement with Hotel Management Japan. This agreement will involve Hotel Management Japan utilizing SynXis, Sabre Hospitality’s cloud-based commerce and distribution platform, to improve its connectivity to travel agents and travel management companies worldwide.
Innocentin holds a Master of Business Administration from the Schulich School of Business, York University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Toronto. His achievements include being recognized as one of Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International's Top 25: Extraordinary Minds in Hospitality Sales, Marketing, Revenue Optimization in 2015. He currently serves as the Global Chair of HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International).
The four new venues are: Becketwell Performance Venue, Derby (Anticipated opening 2025), The Sage ICC, Newcastle Gateshead (Anticipated opening 2026), Olympia London (Anticipated opening 2026), Southport Marina Lake Events Centre (MLEC) (Anticipated opening 2026). Currently, in the UK, ASM Global Europe manages 11 Arenas, theaters and conference and exhibition centers and its subsidiary catering company, CGC Events, operates at 11 sports, culture and heritage venues, as well as catering for outdoor and special events.
Trip.com Indonesia recently hosted a grand hotel partner appreciation event in Bali, bringing together over 100 esteemed hotel partners, including the largest local chain hotels in Indonesia. The event served as a platform to celebrate collaboration and innovation, and also to strengthen partnerships within the hospitality industry.
As per the terms of this strategic partnership, Ethiopian Skylight Hotel will take on the responsibility of operating and managing the remarkable Chebera Churchura Elephant Paw Lodge, Halala Kella Lodge, Gorgora Ecolodge, and Wonchi EcoLodge. Each Legacy Lodge provides a distinct encounter that highlights Ethiopia's natural splendor and cultural heritage. The primary objective of this new partnership is to enhance the tourism experience in Ethiopia by leveraging Ethiopian Airlines Group's extensive expertise in the hospitality industry. This collaboration will ensure the provision of unparalleled services to all visitors. This partnership between Ethiopian Airlines Group and the Prime Minister's Office signifies a significant achievement for Ethiopia's tourism sector, solidifying the country's status as a top choice for global travelers. By combining the renowned hospitality of Ethiopian Airlines with the distinctive offerings of the Legacy Lodges, visitors can anticipate an exceptional experience that celebrates Ethiopia's natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
The Goethe-Institut is the global cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. With currently 151 institutes in 98 countries, it promotes the knowledge of the German language, fosters international cultural cooperation. Through partnerships with partner institutions in numerous other locations, the Goethe-Institut has a total of around 1,000 contact points worldwide. In New York, the Goethe-Institut has been linking Germany, Europe, and the USA since 1969. From Union Square in Downtown Manhattan, the institute team manages a network of partners in the cultural and educational fields in New York State, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, offering its own language courses and events on current socio-political debates and contemporary cultural productions from Germany. Special emphasis is placed on the promotion of literature and translation as well as visual arts. Norse is supporting the institute with flights for artists traveling to New York from Berlin for cultural projects and events. Norse Atlantic operates up to four direct weekly flights between the two cities.
In 2023, the top five markets for visitation to Illinois, US were Canada, Mexico, India, the U.K., and Germany. Canada emerged as the leading market for international visitation, experiencing an impressive growth of 48% from 425,000 to 627,000 visitors. Overseas visitors, excluding Canada and Mexico, also showed significant growth, dramatically increasing from 963,000 visitors in 2022 to 1,347,000 in 2023, representing a 40% rise. India demonstrated substantial growth in visitors to Illinois, with a remarkable 55% increase from 2019 to 2023. Additionally, Mexico contributed to the upward trend, with visitation numbers rising from 164,000 to 183,000, reflecting a notable 12% increase. In 2022, Illinois received a grand total of one hundred eleven million visitors, who collectively spent $44 billion. This figure, which is based on the latest available data, indicates a significant increase of 14 million travelers compared to the previous year, resulting in an additional expenditure of $12 billion.
This new initiative will be directed by the esteemed Charlotte Regan, who has been nominated for a BAFTA award. By showcasing the allure of Britain's cinematic heritage through the eyes of its own people, this campaign aims to address the curiosity of Americans and provide an authentic glimpse into what Britain truly embodies. Under the guidance of Charlotte Regan, known for her recent film "Scrapper," and in collaboration with Uncommon Creative Studio, new initiative showcases the charm, humor, and idiosyncrasies of Britain on screen, with the goal of encouraging American travelers to consider booking their next trip to Britain with British Airways. Featuring a pair of films that explore the questions "Does Britain Live Up to the Movies?" and "Is Britain as Romantic as Depicted in Films?" this campaign captures genuine reactions from a variety of individuals hailing from England, Scotland, and Wales. Moving beyond stereotypes, the campaign highlights the diverse and distinctive qualities of Britain, while also presenting its famous film locations in a fresh and authentic light.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf no sells a range of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf™ coffee capsules that are compatible with Nespresso® Original machines, giving coffee lovers around the world a new way to enjoy the signature café taste and quality of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf™ coffee.
"At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, we've been passionate about bringing exceptional coffee experiences to everyone since 1963," said John in de Braekt, CEO, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. "That's why we're excited to launch our new coffee capsules. This curated selection lets coffee lovers go on a global flavor journey to discover the world one cup at a time – all from the comfort of their own homes."
Creams and teals dominate the color scheme, creating a calming and earthy ambiance in the retreat in Venice. The use of teal hues reflects the colors of Venice's lagoon, mirroring the breathtaking views of the city and the Giudecca Canal from the suites. The building's history as a flour mill is honored with exposed wooden beams and brushed oak floors, adding warmth to the space. To add a touch of luxury, black lacquer tables by Chica and crystal chandeliers by Fortuny are incorporated. Wall screens are adorned with bespoke 'Toile de Venice' Venetian fabric made by Rubelli, while dreamlike teal-colored wallpaper for the connecting rooms is crafted by Inkiostro Bianco. Rubelli fabrics are also used for upholstered furniture such as sofas, armchairs, curtains, and cushions, as well as chairs, benches, headboards, and bed structures upholstered in eco-leather fabric by Casamance. Throughout the space, references to the city of canals can be found.
Emirates Skyward's frequent flyer system has renewed its long-standing partnership with Emirates NBD, the leading banking group in the MENAT (Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey) region at the Arabian Travel Market 2024. The award-winning loyalty program of Emirates and Flydubai has signed an agreement to enhance its strategic partnership with Emirates NBD - driving product innovation and offering co-brand cardholders even more personalized benefits and experiences.
Emirates NBD Skywards Credit Cards continue to offer cardholders exclusive travel benefits and privileges. The renewal of this partnership underscores Emirates NBD and Emirates Skywards' commitment to providing exceptional value and unparalleled benefits to customers.