Association and Organzation News

Hawaii Tourism Reinvests $3.78 Million in Community Projects

Harry Johnson — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 19:34:42 +0000

The Hawaii Tourism Authority’s (HTA) Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs demonstrate its longstanding commitment to reinvesting in the community and implementing its Strategic Plan and Destination Management Action Plans.

HTA today announced it is awarding $3.78 million in funding to support 76 community projects, festivals, and events throughout the state as part of its Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs in 2023.

“The festivals and events being supported by our Signature Events and Community Enrichment programs are integral to Hawaii’s multi-cultural community and contribute to a stronger, diversified economy,” said John De Fries, HTA’s president and CEO. “By providing funding assistance to these programs on each island, we are vigorously supporting our kama‘āina – cultural practitioners, musicians, artists, athletes, production staff, nonprofit groups, and volunteers – who are sharing meaningful experiences with residents and visitors alike.”

Since 2017, HTA has invested more than $11 million to over 411 community projects and events. HTA’s Signature Events program supports major festivals and events that provide a unique and enriching experience, preserve Hawaii’s natural resources, perpetuate Hawaiian culture, and celebrate the islands’ multi-cultural diversity and community. HTA’s Community Enrichment program supports community-based projects and experiences that encourage tourism diversification in the areas of agriculture, culture, culinary, education, health and wellness, nature, sports, and voluntourism. Both programs seek to build kamaʻāina leadership capacity in Hawaii’s communities and organizations.

HTA has partnered with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and Island Chapters to administer its 2023 Signature Events and Community Enrichment Programs. Funded by HTA, five program project managers have been appointed to administer the awardee contracts in each county.

• Christy Calabrese has recently re-joined HVCB. She is responsible for managing the statewide Signature Events and Community Enrichment awardee contracts. With years of experience, she has a background in travel trade and tourism.

• Michelle Pope has joined the Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau. A dynamic professional who is driven by clear communication and efficient workflows, she is passionate about building community and supporting local non-profit organizations.

• Sumithra Balraj has joined the Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau encompassing Maui, Molokai and Lānai. Most recently, she served as the director of public relations at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa.

• Taryn Pascua has joined the Oahu Visitors Bureau. Born and raised on Oahu, she has more than eight years of experience in project management, communications, and marketing. Pascua has partnered with various nonprofits and stakeholders to create impactful campaigns that support the community.

• Lani Kaui joined the Kauai Visitors Bureau in 2015. In addition to managing the Community Enrichment Program on Kauai for 2022 and 2023, she handles a range of responsibilities including coordinating familiarization programs, travel and tradeshows, webinars, and presentations.

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association Partners with PortMiami

Harry Johnson — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 19:29:56 +0000

eTurboNews:

Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) – the trade association that represents the mutual interests of destinations and stakeholders throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico, along with Member Lines that operate over 90 percent of the global cruising capacity – is pleased to announce that it has partnered with PortMiami – the ‘Cruise Capital of the World’ – on a strategic program that will target FCCA’s channels and resources to focus on further strengthening PortMiami’s long-term goals.

“We deeply appreciate our partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association,” said Hydi Webb, PortMiami Director and CEO. “As we continue to expand our operations and partnerships, we look forward to cruise activity growth which will benefit all of our industry colleagues.”

“PortMiami has been one of our longest-standing partners, and we are humbled by their continued confidence,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “Like PortMiami, we at FCCA constantly work to adapt our approach for our partners, and we are excited to chart the course for growth together.”

The partnership agreement will promote PortMiami through a multifaceted approach, including coverage in all FCCA publications such as the official magazine of the cruise industry produced and distributed in partnership between FCCA and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Travel & Cruise; spotlights in a weekly e-mail newsletter sent to tens of thousands industry professionals; and a campaign to feature PortMiami throughout FCCA’s social media channels.

Additionally, the agreement will utilize FCCA’s Operations Committee comprised of high-level cruise executives representing FCCA’s 23 Member Lines, with PortMiami to be featured in the workbooks and have opportunities to meet with the executives on PortMiami’s agenda of long-term strategic goals, including the launch of a NetZero program.

Hawaii Tourism Finalizing Contracts with Marketing Vendors

Harry Johnson — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 14:46:43 +0000

eTurboNews:

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state agency responsible for holistically managing tourism in the Hawaiian Islands, announces that the protest period for three major procurements pertaining to destination stewardship and brand management in the United States and Canada markets closed on June 8. With no protests received for any of the awards announced on May 22, the awards are now final.

HTA is finalizing contracts with the selected vendors to advance Hawaii’s progress toward regenerative tourism through destination management and visitor education.

“With the procurement protest period behind us, we look forward to continuing our work in destination management and visitor education, advancing us toward a model of regenerative tourism for the good of Hawaii,” said John De Fries, HTA’s president and chief executive officer. “My gratitude is extended to the state Administration and the Legislature for their support through this process, and to our HTA staff for their dedication and commitment in advancing the best interests of the Hawaiʻi visitor industry and the wellbeing of our local communities statewide.”

Support Services for Destination Stewardship (RFP 23-08)

HTA issued RFP 23-08 on February 13, 2023, seeking a range of services including post-arrival visitor education; administrative support for HTA community programs; technical assistance and capacity building for community organizations and local businesses; and technology-enabled solutions to manage tourism hotspots.

HTA and the evaluation committee selected the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement for this work on HTA’s behalf. The new contract, worth $27,141,457 for the initial term spanning two and a half years, has an option for two one-year extensions, and is scheduled to begin on June 20, 2023.

Destination Brand Management & Marketing Services: United States (RFP 23-03)

HTA issued RFP 23-03 on February 13, 2023, seeking brand management and marketing services in the United States, Hawaii’s largest visitor source market. The focus is on pre-arrival communications to educate visitors with information about safe, respectful, and mindful travel within the Hawaiian Islands. In 2022, visitors from the United States spent $16.2 billion in Hawaii, averaging $231 per visitor, per day.

HTA and the evaluation committee selected Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, which will continue its work on HTA’s behalf as Hawaii Tourism United States. The new contract, worth $38,350,000 for the initial term spanning two and a half years, has an option for one two-year extension, and is scheduled to begin on June 22, 2023.

Destination Brand Management & Marketing Services: Canada (RFP 23-02)

HTA issued RFP 23-02 on March 14, 2023, seeking a contractor to educate Canadian visitors about traveling mindfully and respectfully while supporting Hawaii’s communities. The focus is also on driving visitor spending into Hawaii-based businesses as a means to support a healthy economy, and promoting festivals and events, agritourism programs, and voluntourism activities. In 2022, visitors from Canada spent $928.2 million in Hawaii, averaging $188 per visitor, per day.

HTA and the evaluation committee selected VoX International, which will continue its work on HTA’s behalf as Hawaii Tourism Canada. The new contract, worth $2,400,000 million for the initial term spanning two and a half years, has an option for one two-year extension, and is scheduled to begin on June 30, 2023.

In alignment with HTA’s guiding principle of Mālama Ku‘u Home (caring for our beloved home), its 2020-2025 Strategic Plan, and the community-driven Destination Management Action Plans being implemented on each island, the contractors’ work will advance a regenerative model of tourism for Hawaii. Work performance will be measured against HTA’s Key Performance Indicators with an emphasis on strengthening resident sentiment.

Contract terms, conditions, and amounts are subject to final negotiations with HTA and the availability of funds.

PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal made Nepal the Center of World Tourism

Juergen T Steinmetz — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 16:28:55 +0000

eTurboNews:

Right Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, personally rushed in from a security conference to open this event, indicating the rebegin of a bright tourism future for Nepal.

The Chief Guest inaugurates the 4th Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM 2023) by lighting the traditional Nepali Lamp.

The Honorable Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation for Nepal, Mr. Sudan Kirati, spoke at the opening, as did Mr. Bibhuti Chand Thakur, Chairman PATA Nepal Chapter.

This is the first Travel Mart since 2019, when COVID closed tourism worldwide.

Organized by the PATA Nepal Chapter, the World Tourism Network joined as a strategic partner and showed up in full force, with Chairman Juergen Steinmetz leading the WTN delegation.

He will speak in a panel about “Rejuvenating Travel Spirit and Tourism Businesses: Adapting to Climate Change, Embracing Sustainability, and Building a Resilient Tourism Industry.”

The Head of the WTN Aviation Group, Vijay Poonoosamy, will deliver a keynote address tomorrow. He is an Honorary Member of the Hermes Air Transport Organisation, a Non-Executive Member of the Board of the Veling Group, and a member of the Advisory Board of the World Tourism Forum Lucerne and the World Economic Forum’s Gender Parity Steering Committee. He was a former VP for Etihad Airways.

In tonight’s opening, Mr. Ubaraj Adhikari, Executive Chairman- of Nepal Airlines Corporation, addressed the audience with new developments, followed by closing remarks delivered by Mr. Suresh Adhikari, Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

#HTM2023

IATA and ATPCO Partner For Flight Emissions Data Calculation

Harry Johnson — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 14:17:29 +0000

eTurboNews:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ATPCO have announced a partnership which will see ATPCO use IATA’s CO2 Connect data in its Routehappy API offering later this year.

Routehappy is an API that helps airlines and sales channels to convey expected “Amenities” of the onboard experience, including seat pitch and type, Wi-Fi, power, entertainment, and more, to consumers at the time of booking. ATPCO plans to create a new Amenity that will use IATA CO2 Connect data to help shoppers understand the carbon cost of various itinerary options.

The agreement was signed between Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General and Alex Zoghlin, President and CEO of ATPCO during IATA’s 79th Annual General Meeting.

“We know travelers want to understand their flight’s environmental impact in a consistent, transparent and trustworthy way. IATA CO2 Connect is the most accurate tool providing this information. ATPCO customers will be able to make travel decisions using carbon calculations benefitting from top quality,” said Walsh.

“Routehappy data has been the one-stop shop for airline merchandising data for years. Adding this needed data is another way for ATPCO to provide more value back to our airline and channel partners, and in turn the consumers. It’s clear there is a growing interest from passengers, corporate, travel management companies, and travel agents to receive CO2 information so they can use it to compare flights and make a more sustainable choice. IATA’s CO2 Connect offers airline specific fuel burn data and we are looking forward to making this available to our growing list of Routehappy Rich Content partners,” said Zoghlin.

This answers a major consumer concern. Multiple studies have shown that consumers and corporate travelers want access to carbon emissions data, and that this information can influence purchasing decisions.

• A recent IATA survey shows that nearly two-thirds of travelers believe they have a responsibility to know the carbon emissions of their flights, and that a third of air travelers believe carbon emissions is the most important factor in future travel decisions.

• Trip.com’s 2022 sustainable travel report found that 78.7% of respondents agree that sustainable travel is vital, while 74.9% are likely to book sustainable travel in the future.

• ATPCO’s annual consumer shopper survey, published in February 2022 found that 62% of shoppers think it’s extremely important to compare carbon emissions when flight shopping and that 63% claim that aircraft specific sustainability practices would influence the flight they book.

IATA: Countries Must Publish Timely Aviation Accident Reports

Harry Johnson — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 19:14:35 +0000

eTurboNews:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on governments to live up to longstanding international treaty obligations to publish timely and thorough aviation accident reports.

Safety is aviation’s highest priority and failure to publish prompt and complete accident investigation reports deprives operators, equipment manufacturers, regulators, infrastructure providers and other concerned stakeholders of critical information that could make flying even safer.

“The accident investigation process is one of our most important learning tools when building global safety standards. But to learn from an accident, we need reports that are complete, accessible and timely,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

The requirements of the Convention of International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention) Annex 13 are clear. States in charge of an accident investigation must:

• Submit a preliminary report to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) within 30 days of the accident.

• Publish the final report, that is publicly available, as soon as possible and within 12 months of the accident.

• Publish interim statements annually should a final report not be possible within 12 months.

Only 96 of the 214 accident investigations during the period 2018-2022 conform with the requirements of the Chicago Convention. Just 31 reports were published in less than one year of the accident with the majority (58) taking between 1–3 years.

In addition to the fact that final reports regularly take more than a year, interim statements often provide little more than what was presented in the preliminary report.

“Over the past five years, fewer than half of the required accident reports meet the standards for thoroughness and timeliness. This is an inexcusable violation of requirements stated clearly in the Chicago Convention. As an industry we must raise our voice to governments in defense of the accident investigation process enshrined in Annex 13. And we count on ICAO to remind states that the publication of a complete accident report is not optional, it is an obligation under Annex 13 of the Chicago Convention,” said Walsh.

How Tourism Will Beat Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day

Dmytro Makarov — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 18:01:19 +0000

eTurboNews:

The theme for World Environment Day in 2023 is “Beat Plastic Pollution,” against the background of some 400 million tonnes of plastic produced yearly, half designed to be used only once.

The WTN Chairman Juergen Steinmetz said: ” Speaking for many SMEs in our 132 member countries. The World Tourism Network supports the initiative headed by SUNX Malta and Professor Geoffrey Lipman, who has led our initiatives on Climate Change and sustainable tourism development.”

Professor Geoffrey Lipman said: “At SUN^x Malta, in solidarity and partnership with the World Tourism Network and ICTP, we are adopting a sub-theme to our 2030 Strategy that tracks IPCC Targets and building a responsive Plastics initiative to support our Community Members.

“Our Strategy now incorporates a call for peaking of plastic use in 2025, cutting by half in 2030 and Zero Plastics in 2050.“

IATA said: “Aviation wants to be carbon neutral by 2050.”

Lipman continued: “To support this, we are creating a CFT Plastics Reduction Initiative with our Members and Partners who specialize in this work – Common Seas, Serious Business, Travel without Plastic, and the Blue Community, who are global players in the Circular Economy, Plastic Elimination, and Waste Management.

“We will introduce the initiative through selected Chapters, supported by Climate Friendly Travel Services, later this year. It is part of our broader “Peak Emissions by 2025 Program.”

“SUN^x is reaching out to the leadership of the Travel & Tourism sector to act on the latest IPCC Report (6th Assessment 2022), which called for three clear actions to have any chance of stabilizing global temperatures at Paris 1.5 by mid-century:

2025 Peak GHG Emissions
2030 Cut by 43%
2050 Net Zero

“It is a fact that many of the leading Travel & Tourism organizations & companies have firmly committed to the 2030 / 2050 goals – epitomized by the Glasgow Declaration.

But what happened to 2025?

Prof.Geoffrey Lipman

“Who in the tourism sector has even recognized the IPCC science-based call that says any mid- and long-term goals depend on facing the harsh realities now and setting a 2025 peaking ambition? Who wants even to try to bend our trend?

“How many floods, wildfires, ice melts, and deaths will it take for tourism to act now – not in 7 years?

“It is a massive challenge for every tourism stakeholder, and aviation is a hard-to-abate sector. But during COVID, we faced up to that challenge because there was no alternative. Now we have a chance to prepare – and time to get our act together.”

SUN^x Malta is a not-for-profit, EU-based organization partnered with the government of Malta that has created a unique, low-cost system to help Travel & Tourism companies and communities transform to the New Climate Economy.

The SUN^xMalta “Green & Clean, Climate Friendly Travel System” is Action and Education focused – supporting today’s companies and communities to deliver on their proclaimed ambitions and encouraging tomorrow’s young leaders to prepare for rewarding careers across the sector.

The World Tourism Network emerged from the COVID crisis with its “rebuilding.travel” discussion and currently has members in 132 countries. At the World Tourism Network, members are associated. Associates include SMEs, larger private sector leaders, and public travel sector representatives.

IATA: Aviation Consumer Protection is Shared Responsibility

Harry Johnson — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:03:00 +0000

eTurboNews:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for consumer protection regulation to address the responsibility shared by all stakeholders when passengers experience disruptions and released survey data showing most passengers trust airlines to treat them fairly in cases of delays and cancellations.

Whenever there is a delay or a cancellation, where specific passenger rights regulations exist, the burden of care and compensation falls on the airline, regardless of which part of the aviation chain is at fault. IATA therefore urged governments to ensure that responsibility for flight issues is shared more equitably across the air transport system.

“The aim of any passenger rights regulation surely should be to drive better service. So it makes little sense that airlines are singled out to pay compensation for delays and cancellations that have a broad range of root causes, including air traffic control failures, strikes by non-airline workers, and inefficient infrastructure. With more governments introducing or strengthening passenger rights regulations, the situation is no longer sustainable for airlines. And it has little benefit for passengers because it does not encourage all parts of the aviation system to maximize customer service. On top of this, as costs need to be recouped from passengers, they end up funding this system. We urgently need to move to a model of ‘shared accountability’ where all actors in the value chain face the same incentives to drive on-time performance,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Economic deregulation of the airline industry has brought huge benefits over decades, increasing consumer choice, reducing fares, expanding route networks and encouraging new entrants. Unfortunately, a trend of re-regulation threatens to undo some of these advances. In the area of consumer protection, more than a hundred jurisdictions have developed unique consumer regulations, with at least a dozen more governments looking to join the group or toughen what they already have.

EU 261 needs to be reviewed

The Commission’s own data show that delays have increased since the existing EU 261 Regulation was introduced, even as the cost to airlines—and ultimately passengers—continues to balloon. It has become subject to more than 70 interpretations by the European Court of Justice, each of which serves to take the regulation further than originally envisaged by the authorities. The European Commission, along with the Council and Parliament, needs to revive the Revision of EU261 that was on the table before it was blocked by Member States. Any future discussions should address the proportionality of compensation and the lack of specific responsibilities for key stakeholders, such as airports or air navigation service providers.

Such a review is even more necessary when the EU Regulation is in danger of becoming a global template, with other countries, including Canada, the United States, and Australia, as well as some in Latin America and the Middle East, seeming to consider it a model, without recognizing that EU261 was never intended to address operational disruption and therefore does not apply equally to all actors in the aviation chain.

“In refusing to address the issue of distributing accountability more evenly across the system, EU261 has entrenched the service failings of some actors who have no inducement to improve. A classic example is the more than 20-year lack of progress toward the Single European Sky, which would significantly reduce delays and airspace inefficiency across Europe,” said Walsh.

An opportunity for the United Kingdom

With sensible reform of EU 261 stalled, the United Kingdom has an opportunity to incorporate some of the proposed revisions into the country’s post-Brexit model for passenger rights. Proper reform of ‘UK 261’ provides a gilt-edged opportunity for a genuine ‘Brexit dividend’ which the present pro-Brexit government should not ignore.

Canada is losing its reputation for good regulation

The situation in Canada is particularly disappointing because it has benefitted from a well-balanced regulatory regime up to now. An example is the explicit recognition of the primacy of safety, meaning that safety-related problems are not subject to compensation. Unfortunately, Canadian policymakers seem inclined to remove this important exception. Canada has also announced a “guilty until proven innocent” approach to airlines when there are delays or cancellations. These moves appear to be driven by internal Canadian party politics. Moreover, the government’s regulatory zeal appears to evaporate when it comes to holding government-run entities such as Border Services (CBSA) or Transport Security (CATSA) accountable for their performance.

One potential bright spot is that the National Airlines Council of Canada has put forward a model for shared accountabilities across the aviation value chain, including increased transparency, data reporting and service quality standards, an approach that could well have merit beyond Canada.

The United States—a solution in search of a problem

The US Department of Transportation is proposing to mandate compensation for delayed or cancelled flights when their own Cancellation and Delay Scoreboard shows that the 10 largest US carriers already offer meals or cash vouchers to customers during extended delays, and nine also offer complimentary hotel accommodation for passengers affected by an overnight cancellation. Effectively, the market is already delivering, while at the same time allowing airlines the freedom to compete, innovate and differentiate themselves in terms of their service offerings.

“It’s easy for a politician to regulate a new passenger rights law, it makes them look like they’ve achieved something. But every new unnecessary regulation is an anchor on the cost-efficiency and competitiveness of air transport. It takes a brave regulator to look at the situation and recognize when ‘less is more’. The history of this industry proves that less economic regulation unlocks greater choice and benefits for passengers,” said Walsh.

Passengers don’t agree there is an issue

There is little evidence passengers, outside of a few rare instances, are clamoring for stronger regulation in this area. An IATA/Motif survey of 4,700 travelers across 11 markets asked passengers how they were treated in the case of delays and cancellations. The survey found:

• 96% of travelers surveyed reported they were ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ satisfied with their overall flight experience

• 73% were confident they would be treated fairly in the event of operational disruptions

RwandAir CEO Chairs IATA Board of Governors

Harry Johnson — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 14:59:12 +0000

eTurboNews:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that RwandAir CEO Yvonne Manzi Makolo has assumed her duties as Chair of the IATA Board of Governors (BoG) for a one-year term, effective from the conclusion of the 79th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Istanbul, Türkiye on 5 June.

Makolo is the 81st chair of the IATA BoG and the first woman to take on this role. She has served on the BoG since November 2020. She succeeds Pegasus Airlines Chairperson of the Board Mehmet Tevfik Nane who will continue to serve on the BoG.

“I am honored and pleased to take on this important role. IATA plays a critical role for all airlines—big and small, various business models, and in all corners of the world. Leading a medium-sized airline in Africa gives me a unique perspective on issues that airlines hold in common. At the top of the agenda are decarbonization, improving safety, the transformation to modern airline retailing, and ensuring we have cost-efficient infrastructure. I am particularly pleased to be taking on this role as IATA launches Focus Africa with the aim of unifying the continent’s stakeholders so that together we can strengthen the contribution of aviation to Africa’s social and economic development,” said Makolo.

Makolo started her aviation career in 2017 when she was appointed as RwandAir’s Deputy CEO in Charge of Corporate Affairs. She was named CEO in April 2018. Yvonne brought 11 years of commercial expertise to her current role, having joined telecommunications company MTN Rwanda in 2006, rising to the positions of Chief Marketing Officer and Acting CEO. Under her leadership, RwandAir has become one of Africa’s fastest growing airlines with a fleet of 13 modern aircraft. She has led cultural change at the airline with a focus on inclusion and diversity and growing the number of women in under-represented roles.

“I look forward to working with Yvonne as we tackle the important challenges of sustainability, rebuilding the aviation workforce while growing diversity and reinforcing the global standards that are so critical for efficient connectivity. I want to thank Mehmet for his strong support and leadership over the past year as the industry emerged from the COVID-19 and in particular, his encouragement in working for greater gender diversity,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

Chair Elect and Board of Governors Appointments
IATA announced that Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo, will serve as Chair of the BoG from June 2024, following Makolo’s term.

Edmonton Tourism Awards Honors Outstanding Achievements

Harry Johnson — Sat, 03 Jun 2023 15:00:01 +0000

eTurboNews:

The winners of the prestigious Edmonton Tourism Awards 2023 have been announced, recognizing exceptional contributions to the city’s tourism scene. Hosted by Edmonton Destination Marketing Hotels (EDMH) and their brand Edmonton’s Best Hotels (EBH), these awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have played a pivotal role in promoting Edmonton as a premier travel destination. The inaugural ceremony was held Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Edmonton South Conference Centre to a sell-out audience.

“The Edmonton Tourism Awards is a day of recognition, appreciation, respect, and paying tribute to a job well done. We are delighted to host this celebration and applaud the Best of Edmonton in the tourism industry,” said Barnie Yerxa, Chair of EDMH.

The winners of the Edmonton Tourism Awards 2023 are:

• Sustainable Tourism Award: River Valley Alliance
• The River Valley Alliance’s dedication to sustainable practices and preserving the natural beauty of the river valley has made a significant impact on tourism in Edmonton.
• Sporting Event of the Year Award: Summer of Dodgeball, Dodgeball Canada
• Dodgeball Canada’s Summer of Dodgeball enthralled sports enthusiasts, showcasing the exhilarating spirit of dodgeball while creating memorable experiences for participants and spectators.
• Great Place to Work Tourism Award: YEG: Edmonton International Airport
• YEG has been acknowledged as a Great Place to Work, providing travelers with exceptional services, facilities, and amenities, ensuring seamless and enjoyable travel experiences.
• Tourism Business of the Year Award (Small Business): Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market
• The Old Strathcona Farmers’ Market has captivated visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, diverse offerings, and commitment to supporting local producers.
• Tourism Business of the Year Award (Large Business): Fort Edmonton Management Company-Fort Edmonton Park
• Fort Edmonton Park has set the standard for excellence with immersive historical experiences, engaging activities, and dedication to preserving Edmonton’s rich heritage.
• Best in Class Customer Service Award: Winspear Centre for Music/Edmonton Symphony Orchestra
• Winspear Centre for Music and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra have been recognized for their exceptional customer service, enhancing visitors’ experiences with their commitment to excellence.
• Outstanding Contributor to the Community Tourism Award (Tie): The Edmonton Elks and OEG Sports and Entertainment
• The Edmonton Elks and OEG Sports and Entertainment have contributed significantly to the community, enriching tourism through their commitment to promoting Edmonton as a vibrant, welcoming destination.
• Cultural Experience Award: Fort Edmonton Park
• Fort Edmonton Park offers immersive cultural experiences that transport visitors through time, showcasing Edmonton’s history and heritage.
• Attraction of the Year Award (Tie): West Edmonton Mall and Muttart Conservatory
• West Edmonton Mall and Muttart Conservatory have both been recognized as the Attraction of the Year, providing visitors unique offerings and world-class experiences.
• Event of the Year Award: Taste of Edmonton
• Taste of Edmonton has been celebrated as the Event of the Year, tantalizing taste buds and delighting visitors with exceptional culinary offerings, live entertainment, and vibrant atmosphere.
• Hotelier Lifetime Achievement Award (Tie): Tina Tobin and Grant McCurdy
• Tina Tobin and Grant McCurdy have both received the esteemed Hotelier Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing their remarkable contributions, leadership, and dedication to enhancing Edmonton’s hospitality industry.

The Edmonton Tourism Awards celebrate the unwavering passion and dedication of these deserving winners in making Edmonton a world-class travel destination. Their outstanding achievements continue to elevate the city’s tourism industry and foster unforgettable experiences for visitors from around the globe.

The Edmonton Tourism Awards would like to acknowledge our partners: Explore Edmonton, OEG Sports and Entertainment, YEG: International Airport, Global Edmonton, Edify Magazine, the Alberta Counsel, and the Blackhawk Network.

52nd Skal Asia Congress Opens In Bali

Andrew J. Wood - eTN Thailand — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:03:50 +0000

eTurboNews:

Once again highlighting the association’s strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie in the association’s long 91-year-old history. The Asia Area represents almost 18% of all global members worldwide. Members from more than a dozen countries make up the dynamic Skal International Asia region.

Attend by Skal World President Juan Steta, Vice President Denise Scrafton and Director NSN Mohan along with Past World President Peter Morrison and National Presidents and their representatives from five NatComs in the region. The largest of which was Australia with a strong turnout from their 855 members led by President Ivana Patalano.

The Bali Club under the leadership of President Stefan Mueller and IPP Stuart Bolwell put on a well-managed and highly organized opening ceremony today on the first day of the Congress on the Island of the Gods. The venue was the magnificent Merusaka Hotel Nusa Dua, led by expert Scottish GM Ian Mc.D Campbell.

Skal Asia President-elect Keethi Jayaweera

In his opening address Skal Asia President-elect Keethi Jayaweera said: “On behalf of the Asian Area, it is my great honor to welcome all of you to the opening ceremony of the 52nd Skal Asia Congress. It is nearly nine years ago, when we last met in Bali for the 43rd Asian Area Congress.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the importance of the tourism industry in shaping our world.”

“Tourism Is not just about leisure and travel, but it is also about creating opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange and environmental sustainability.

“In the past few years we have been facing unprecedented challenges in the tourism industry including climate change, over tourism and the Covid-19 pandemic. Thankfully tourism is once again showing signs of recovering to its pre-covid levels.

“As members of Skal international, we have a responsibility to lead the way in its recovery, keeping in mind our obligation of promoting sustainable tourism practices. We must work together to ensure that tourism benefits not only the Industry but also the local communities and the environment.

“We have today a distinguished line-up of speakers who will share their thoughts, insights and experiences on sustainable tourism, technology and food security.

“But this Congress is not just about learning and sharing. It is also about networking and building relationships. We have delegates from all over Asia and Oceania, representing different sectors of the tourism industry. Let us take this opportunity to connect with each other, keeping to the Skal motto of “Doing Business among Friends”, to exchange ideas and to collaborate on projects that will make a positive impact on our world.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to our speakers today, the host club, Skal International Bali and President Stefan Mueller, the Congress Director Stuart Bolwell and the Organizing Committee, Ian Cameron the General Manager of the Merusaka Nusa Dua and his team who were very accommodating with all our requests, the sponsors and partners who have made this Congress possible. Finally I would also like to thank all of you fellow Skalleagues from Asia and Oceania for your participation and contribution to this important event. “

Mr. Keethi Jayaweera closed saying, “Let us make the most of this Congress and let us work together to make tourism a catalyst for sustainable development.”

More news about Skal

Skal Nepal Honors 1st Above-Knee Double Amputee to Summit Mount Everest

Linda Hohnholz, eTN editor — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:54:32 +0000

eTurboNews:

On May 19, 2023, Mr. Budha Magar accomplished a remarkable feat by becoming the first above-knee double amputee to successfully climb Mount Everest, defying all odds and inspiring countless individuals globally.

The event, held at Le Himalaya in Kathmandu on May 30, brought together Skal members, Toastmasters, and members from the tourism industry. The gathering aimed to recognize and celebrate the incredible journey of Hari Budha Magar, a British Gurkha veteran, who turned tragedy into triumph and served as a beacon of inspiration for humankind.

The program began with a welcome speech by Mr. Sanjib Pathak, General Secretary of Skal International Nepal, expressing deep gratitude and admiration for Mr. Budha Magar’s indomitable spirit and historic achievements.

Following the opening address and an engaging impromptu Table Topics session, attendees eagerly awaited the highly anticipated highlight of the evening: the SKAL Talk. Hosted by Pankaj Pradhananga, the Charter President of the Tourism Toastmasters club and Executive Committee member of Skal International Nepal, the SKAL Talk featured Mr. Hari Budha Magar sharing his incredible journey, from his time in the British Gurkha to the life-altering loss of his legs in the Afghan war in 2010. Mr. Budha Magar emphasized the importance of fostering an inclusive environment that embraces individuals from all walks of life, including those with disabilities. He also recounted the challenges he faced in obtaining permission to climb Everest as a double amputee and expressed gratitude to his sponsors and expedition team.

Mr. Budha Magar reiterated his commitment to advocating for disability rights awareness, promoting global peace, and positioning Nepal as an inclusive tourism destination.

Through this event, Skal International Nepal reinforced its dedication to promoting innovative and responsible tourism practices. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that empower individuals, regardless of their physical abilities, to explore and immerse themselves in the wonders of the Himalayas and Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.

Roshan Ghimire, President of Tourism Toastmasters, delivered the vote of thanks and invited participants to join the Toastmasters club,; emphasizing the importance of investing in honing effective communication and presentation skills. The event was skillfully emceed by Esha Thapa, a Toastmaster from the Tourism Toastmasters club, with an impromptu speaking session conducted by Santosh and the Sergeant at Arms role fulfilled by Prarthana, both from the Tourism Toastmasters club.

This event showcased the potential of responsible and inclusive tourism in Nepal while highlighting the significance of individuals like Mr. Budha Magar, who serve as profound sources of inspiration for humanity. Skal International Nepal’s event stands as a testament to the club’s vision of sustainable, inclusive, and impactful tourism in Nepal.

More news about Skal

New Associate VP of Tourism Development at Visit Salt Lake

Harry Johnson — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:56:18 +0000

eTurboNews:

Antonette Eckert recently joined Visit Salt Lake (VSL) as Associate Vice President of Tourism Development. She will be responsible for managing VSL’s growing portfolio of destination assets and associated opportunities in the travel trade space, working with local suppliers and domestic and international distributors to expand the trade segment for Salt Lake globally.

“Anton is an experienced brand builder, strategic marketer and data geek who loves to cross industries, departments and cultural boundaries to maximize results for travel brands and products,” said Chief Brand & Marketing Officer Tyler Gosnell. “We’re excited to have her on our team as we strategically and sustainably increase the travel trade sector of tourism for Salt Lake County.”

Most recently, Anton was the Chief Industry Development Officer at Travel Nevada where she reconstructed their global representation strategy to drive post-pandemic visitation and spend; launched learning platforms for both travel advisors and local ambassadors to improve overall visitor experience; reimagined the rural marketing grant program to insure equity and accountability across the state; and instituted a destination development program to create long-term community led strategic plans for rural Nevada. She’s led global travel trade sales and marketing teams at state, city and rural DMOs including Visit California, San Francisco Travel and Visit Vacaville, CA.

“I’m so excited about working with this team of professionals in Salt Lake,” said Eckert. “I look forward to building alliances and partnerships, taking on new challenges and building our brand while increasing tourism traffic.”

EU Transport Council Issues Warning

Linda Hohnholz, eTN editor — Wed, 31 May 2023 22:22:36 +0000

eTurboNews:

Ahead of a meeting of the EU Transport Council, EU Commissioner of Transport Adian Valean, through a letter to the Swedish Presidency of the EU, set the tone of a discussion by inviting member states to take measures to mitigate the impact of industrial actions.

Commenting on the letter, ETF General Secretary Livia Spera stated:

“The ongoing disruptions in aviation originate from the inability to recruit and retain workers, mainly due to deteriorating working conditions and from a short-sighted approach that some employers took during the pandemic.

“This is also the cause of industrial actions. On top of worsening conditions, the shortage of workers has meant additional pressure on those working in the sector.

“Strikes are always the last resort for unions and occur when all attempts to dialogue have failed.

“Instead of asking member states to act and limit the impact of industrial actions, the Commissioners should encourage them to act on the root causes that caused industrial actions.”

ETF warning: until real social improvements occur, chaos will continue in aviation

Until governments and aviation companies are ready to offer real solutions to address the deteriorating working conditions, the 2022 summer chaos will repeat in 2023, warns ETF.

The ETF answered to the Commissioner, emphasizing what the real problems are:

• Inadequate wages and precarious forms of employment, with temporary and seasonal work and part-time contracts, for ground handling and airport operations.

• Precarious employment with temporary work and bogus self-employment and social dumping, for instance, through the use of wet lease, for pilots and cabin crew members.

• A chronic shortage of qualified workers in the ATM sector.

As indicated in the letter to the EU Commissioner for Transport, the ETF has already proposed targeted solutions to tackle the new crisis in aviation. Yet, one fundamental condition remains the same: aviation workers must be at the core of all the upcoming decisions regulating the sector.

The European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) represents over 5 million transport workers from more than 200 transport unions across Europe, from the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Central and Eastern Europe, in over 30 countries.

US Virgin Islands Presents at US Travel IPW

Harry Johnson — Wed, 31 May 2023 19:42:29 +0000

eTurboNews:

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Department of Tourism made a powerful presence at the U.S. Travel Association’s IPW, the premier international inbound travel trade show. Led by Assistant Commissioner Alani Henneman, the USVI proudly served as a lead sponsor, captivating the attention of travel buyers and media representatives from over 60 countries through its vibrant exhibition space.

Aside from the USVI’s promenade exhibition and exhibit booth, USVI branding was featured prominently throughout the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, from main floor large wall banners to entryway door covers spotlighting the territory’s two main marketing campaigns “Naturally in Rhythm” and “A Vibe Like No Other.”

“IPW has solidified its reputation as one of the world’s foremost travel trade shows,” expressed Henneman. “Throughout the three-day event, our team had the privilege of connecting with esteemed media professionals, influential buyers, and valued travel industry partners while showcasing our remarkable territory’s unique offerings. This included meeting and forging connections with 45 journalists and nearly 100 travel buyers from six continents.”

The spotlight was on the USVI’s exciting developments, including the recent openings of the Pink Palm Resort and Morningstar Buoy Haus Beach Resort, as well as the highly anticipated forthcoming launch of the Westin Frenchman’s Reef Beach Resort & Spa. Additionally, the department highlighted the allure of the territory’s vibrant carnival celebrations, increased airlift options, and attractive investment opportunities.

As part of the USVI’s captivating promenade exhibit, attendees were treated to nightly happy hour mixers featuring spirits from Cruzan Rum and Mutiny Vodka, complemented by captivating performances from cultural ritual dancers, a talented steel pan player, and the lively Moko Jumbie.

Continuing its commitment to expand its marketing initiatives, the USVI Department of Tourism is eagerly preparing for the highly anticipated return of the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week in New York, scheduled to take place from June 5-8, 2023. This significant event will offer another valuable platform to showcase the USVI’s distinctive attractions and engage with industry professionals.

IATA: Air Cargo Demand Decline Slows

Harry Johnson — Wed, 31 May 2023 13:06:12 +0000

eTurboNews:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2023 global air cargo markets, showing a continued, but slower, decline against the previous year’s demand performance.

• Global demand, measured in cargo ton-kilometers (CTKs), fell 6.6% compared to April 2022 (-7.0% for international operations). This decline was an improvement over the previous month’s performance (-7.6%).

• Capacity (measured in available cargo ton-kilometers, ACTK) was up 13.4% compared to April 2022. It was also up 3.2% compared to April 2019, marking the first time in three years that the capacity has surpassed pre-COVID levels. The strong uptick is primarily driven by belly capacity as demand in the passenger business recovers. Adjusting for this, freighter capacity declined 2.3%.

Preighter operations ceased in March after 2.5 years of continuous activity.

• Key factors influencing demand include:

o The global new export orders component of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), a leading indicator of cargo demand, improved in April. China’s PMI level surpassed the critical 50-mark indicating that demand for manufactured goods from the world’s largest export economy is growing.

o Global goods trade increased by 0.2% in March, marking the first annual increase since November 2022.

o Consumer and producer prices increases have moderated. The April headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded rates of 5.0% in the US, 0.3% in China, and 3.5% in Japan. While Europe was higher (8.1%), it is well below its 11.5% October 2022 peak.

“The air cargo industry is adjusting itself to the implications of the recovery in passenger demand that brings with it an expansion of belly capacity. Preighter operations stopped in March and freighter services were scaled back by 2.3% in April. The demand environment is challenging to read. Tapering inflation is definitely a positive. But the degree and speed at which that could lead to looser monetary policies that might stimulate demand is unclear. The resilience that got the air cargo industry through the COVID-19 crisis is also critical in the aftermath,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

April Regional Performance

• Asia-Pacific airlines saw their air cargo volumes decrease by 0.4% in April 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. This was a significant improvement in performance compared to March (-6.8%). Available capacity in the region increased by 41.2% compared to April 2022 as more and more belly capacity came online from the passenger side of the business.

• North American carriers saw the weakest performance of all regions with a 13.1% decrease in cargo volumes in April 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. This was a drop in performance compared to March (-10.2%). Notably, airlines in the region saw a significant decrease in international demand in April due to a substantial fall in volumes on two major trade lanes: North America-Europe (-13.5%) and North America-Asia (-9.3%). Capacity decreased 1.5% compared to April 2022.

• European carriers experienced an 8.2% decrease in cargo volumes in April 2023 compared to the same month in 2022. This was a slight decline in performance compared to March (-7.4%). Airlines in the region saw a significant decrease in international demand due to double-digit contractions on the North America-Europe (-13.5%) trade lane, as well as within Europe (-16.1%). This was partially offset by strong demand on the Europe-Asia route (3.4%), which helped mitigate the overall decline in the region. Capacity increased 7.8% in April 2023 compared to April 2022.

• Middle Eastern carriers experienced a 6.8% year-on-year decrease in cargo volumes in April 2023. This was a slight decline in performance compared to the previous month (-5.5%). Capacity increased 10.0% compared to April 2022.

• Latin American carriers reported a 1.6% decrease in cargo volumes in April 2023 compared to April 2022. This was an improvement in performance compared to March (-4.4%). Capacity in April was up 8.1% compared to the same month in 2022.

• African airlines had the only positive performance in April posting a 0.9% increase in demand compared to April 2022. This was an improvement in performance compared to the previous month (-4.3%). Notably, the Africa to Asia trade route experienced a significant increase in cargo demand in April, up 20.0% year-on-year. Capacity was 5.3% above April 2022 levels.

SKAL Cape Town New Tourism Partnership with Qingdao, China

Harry Johnson — Tue, 30 May 2023 14:17:51 +0000

eTurboNews:

Skål International Cape Town proudly announces the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOU) with Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, marking a significant milestone in fostering cross-marketing and collaboration between these two vibrant cities. The formalities took place during an extraordinary meeting held on Friday, 26 May 2023, in Cape Town, South Africa.

Johan van Schalkwyk, Vice President of Skål International Cape Town, had the esteemed honor of delivering a heartfelt welcome address during the proceedings. Recognizing the immense potential for growth in the tourism sector, Van Schalkwyk emphasized the critical importance of cultivating strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts between brands, organizations, cities, and regions.

The distinguished delegation from Qingdao, China, included Wenpeng Su, Deputy Governor of the Laoshan District Government, and Bangru Sui, Deputy Director of the Qingdao Culture and Tourism Bureau. Their presence exemplified their commitment to fostering meaningful relationships and mutual growth within the tourism industry.

A momentous highlight of the gathering was the signing of the MOU, solidifying the cooperative efforts between Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and Skål International Cape Town. The memorandum recognizes the global reach and influential network of Skål International, while acknowledging Qingdao as an exceptional international tourism brand.

The MOU furthermore emphasizes the importance of co-marketing and promoting each other’s destinations, facilitating the exchange of information and tourists between Cape Town and Qingdao. This collaborative approach aims to drive the mutual development and prosperity of tourism in both cities.

While Skål International currently does not have a dedicated club in China, the previous World President, Lavonne Wittman, made significant strides in establishing a Skål International presence in the country. Presently, there are three independent Skål International members in China, showcasing the growing interest and potential for further collaboration.

The ceremony, hosted at the prestigious TAJ Hotel in Cape Town, culminated in a magnificent tea ceremony symbolizing unity and friendship between Cape Town and Qingdao.

The MOU between Skål International Cape Town and Qingdao Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism paves the way for strategic relationships, creating a platform for sharing best practices, fostering cultural exchange, and enhancing tourism cooperation between these dynamic cities.

USAID Follows WTN with Warning About Uganda Travel

Harry Johnson — Tue, 30 May 2023 13:36:08 +0000

eTurboNews:

After the World Tourism Network (WTN) warned travelers to Uganda about the possible dangers involved, and urged the United States to take action, USAID issued a firm warning today, urging Uganda to reconsider dangerous law targeting LGBTQI+ that jeopardizes assistance.

The United States cancelled the current Visa for Uganda’s House Speaker Anita Among.

With the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 (AHA), Uganda has become one of the most dangerous places in the world for LGBTQI+ persons. Under the AHA, persons who engage in same-sex relations may be imprisoned for life or even face the death penalty.

This law is an unconscionable attack on an already marginalized group. No one should be punished or harmed for whom they love. LGBTQI+ Ugandans have been a part of the country’s society throughout history and should enjoy the same protections and opportunities as every other Ugandan. Yet since the AHA passed Parliament on March 21, 2023, LGBTQI+ Ugandans have been targeted with heightened violence, harassment, and evictions. Many fear they will soon lose access to critical health and social services.

The AHA is only the latest in a series of actions by the Government of Uganda to curtail freedoms and violate the human rights of its people. Human rights are under attack in Uganda, with journalists, human rights defenders, and anyone who opposes the regime regularly arrested, tortured, and disappeared. The increasing threats, violence, and abuse perpetrated against the Ugandan people, including members of the LGBTQI+ community and those who provide services to them, is unacceptable.

As one of the largest providers of foreign assistance to the people of Uganda, including through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief, USAID remains committed to nondiscrimination for all its program participants – including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

As we have raised on many occasions with the Government of Uganda, the enactment of the AHA will directly impede our ability to provide effective USAID assistance to the people of Uganda. It will hinder our partnership with Uganda and the Ugandan people in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It will severely undermine the ability of USAID staff and U.S. partners who identify as LGBTQI+ to safely and freely live and work in Uganda. And it will make it more difficult for our partners to advance inclusive development across the many sectors and areas where we work.

Because of this, USAID is joining other departments and agencies from across the U.S. government to evaluate the impact of this law on our policy, relationship, and assistance toward Uganda. The United States urges the Government of Uganda to reconsider the Anti-Homosexuality Act, demand an end to violence against Ugandans under the auspices of the law, and take affirmative steps to protect human rights for all Ugandans.

Shame on Uganda’s President Museveni, Tourism Leaders Warn (eturbonews.com)

African Union and African Tourism Board to sign MOU

Dmytro Makarov — Sun, 28 May 2023 13:24:33 +0000

eTurboNews:

This new chapter for Tourism Cooperation in Africa is also a new chapter for the African Tourism Board, the African Union, and the African Continent.

The proud Chairman of the African Tourism Board, Cuthbert Ncube, is traveling to Addis Ababa to sign this historic Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations at the African Union Headquarters.

This will happen on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 3.00 pm.

The African Union (AU) comprises the 55 member states that comprise the African Continent’s countries. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity.

The African Tourism Board started with a vision for marketing Africa by its founder Juergen Steinmetz. It emerged by developing a global organization under its leader, Chairman Cuthbert Ncube, and a team of dedicated members.

A team of prominent tourism personalities, such as the former UNWTO Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai, the former minister of Tourism from Seychelles, Alain St. Ange, the Hon Memunatu Pratt, Minister of Tourism for Sierra Leone, or the Hon. Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Eswatini Hon. Moses Vilakati, Walter Mzembi, former Minister of Tourism for Zimbabwe are only some of the many leaders sharing and forming this vision for tourism in Africa.

Discussed first in 2017 and launched in Cape Town, South Africa, during the World Travel Market in 2018, the organization is now based in the Kingdom of Eswatini with members across the continent.

The African Union is the pulse of African cooperation on all levels.

Juergen Steinmetz, founding Chair of the African Tourism Board, issued a letter congratulating ATB Chair Cuthbert Ncube.

Dear Cuthbert,

as the founding Chair and Executive Board Member of the African Tourism Board, I would like to relay my heartfelt congratulations on beginning the next big chapter for ATB.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the African Tourism Board and the African Union.
As always, count on my full support and the full support of the World Tourism Network.

Juergen Steinmetz
Chairman World Tourism Network

ATB Chairman Ncube responded:

Chief, this has come as the result of our commitment towards the cause of the Tourism sector. Thank you for your Resilience and hard work, and thank all our Members who have rallied behind us.

It is a milestone for all of us. Hard work is paying off and to all our Members, we celebrate you.

Cuthbert Ncube
Chairman African Tourism Board

The Power Struggle within WTTC Continues – British Style

Juergen T Steinmetz — Sun, 28 May 2023 06:43:58 +0000

eTurboNews:

WTTC, claiming to be the private sector’s voice in the global travel and tourism industry, has responsibilities. Such responsibilities require global thinking from a global perspective by a global team. This responsibility within this now prominently managed British organization may be the cause of the reason some ask if WTTC is falling apart.

The next chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council should be Mr. Paul Griffiths when it comes to the current President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council, Julia Simpson.

Both Paul and Julia are British and have been instrumental in their country, not only in travel and tourism. Julia Simpson is also serving on the London Chamber of Commerce board. She was the UK prime minister’s top advisor.

Paul was the Managing Director of London’s Gatwick Airport. Before joining airport operator BAA in 2004, he spent 14 years with the Virgin Group, working closely with Sir Richard Branson as a Board Director of the Virgin Travel Group, responsible for the commercial activities of Virgin Atlantic Airways and Virgin Trains.

Julia Simpson recently returned from a visit to the United Arab Emirates and met with high-ranking executives in Dubai.

According to the WTTC press spokesperson Elena Rodriguez, Julia presented the latest Economic Impact Research (EIR) numbers for the UAE and the Middle East to a selected group of media, pointing out the promising recovery of the UAE Travel & Tourism sector this year, as well as the outlook for the upcoming decade.

According to sources, at the same time, Ms. Simpson met with her friend Paul Griffiths to open a path for him to become the next chairman of WTTC.

The first election for this post failed in April due to Ms. Simpson postponing the agenda point after a majority vote for Chairman went to Mr. Mandredi Lefebvre.

Monaco-based Lefebvre was predicted by eTurboNews on March 27 to become the next WTTC chairman.

An apparent conflict emerged, and Mr. Lefebvre canceled his decade-old membership in WTTC by the end of this year.

Even though Mr. Griffiths served as a member of the WTTC Executive Committee for two years and attended all committee meetings, he works for the UAE government. This should disqualify him from running for the appointment of chairman due to a conflict of interest in representing the global private sector in travel and tourism as a public sector leader.

Paul Griffiths is the CEO of Dubai Airports, responsible for the operation and development of Dubai International (DXB).

Following the absence of WTTC for European Tourism Day, Criticism was becoming louder by WTTC members and those familiar with the organization that leadership and staff selection by Ms. Simpson turned the organization into an overall British entity unable to serve as a global representative in travel and tours.

This caused numerous prominent members to leave WTTC. It caused other organizations and tourism leaders, such as the African Tourism Board, to appeal to WTTC to “resolve internal issues.”

The venue for the next WTTC Global Summit in 2023 was awarded to Rwanda, and this situation became a concern not only for the host but for travel and tourism leaders throughout Africa.

eTurboNews asked if WTTC and its CEO were in trouble.

Many close to WTTC had been talking to eTurboNews, but the organization has not returned requests for comments and clarification.

According to eTurboNews sources, “major powers” within WTTC are working on this situation to get the organization back on track.

Africa Marks Six Decades of Political Independence

Apolinari Tairo - eTN Tanzania — Sat, 27 May 2023 16:23:59 +0000

eTurboNews:

African continent had celebrated six decades of independence under the umbrella of the African Union, with high expectations for brighter economic prosperity and tourism development.

The continent had celebrated on Thursday this week 60 years of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its successor, the African Union.

The 60th Anniversary celebration of AU has been observed under the theme “Our Africa, Our Future”.

OAU was formed on 25 May, 1963 when 32 heads from independent African States met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, along with leaders from African liberation movements and created a political and economic roadmap that paved a way for Africa’s complete independence and political and economic development.

Heads of the independent African states formed the OAU with a vision of pan-Africanism and United Africa that would be free to control of its own destiny and resources.

In 1999, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU convened an extraordinary session to expedite the process of economic and political integration in Africa.

On 9 September, 1999, the Heads of State and Government of the OAU issued “The Sirte Declaration” calling for the establishment of an African Union.

In 2002 during the Durban Summit, the African Union (AU) was officially launched as the successor to the Organization of African Unity.

The celebration of the 60th anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the role and contribution of the founders of the continental organization and many other Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, working hard to foster political and economic development in Africa.

With a vision of “Africa We Want” under the continent’s Agenda 2063, African states are currently encouraging each other to reflect the Pan-Africanism spirit for the continent’s future.

Rich in tourism and natural resources for tourist development, Africa stands as the future destination for global tourists and leisure travelers.

Through his message to mark the Africa Day 2023, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Secretary General Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili said that Africa is a vast and diverse continent, with vibrant cities and rich cultures.

“Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, as well as to a rapidly expanding middle class Africa is also a hub of entrepreneurship and innovation and boasts some of the most exciting tourism destinations on the planet”, said the UNWTO Secretary General.

“For many millions of people across the continent, tourism is a real lifeline. But the sector’s potential is still to be truly realized. Managed properly, tourism can accelerate socio-economic recovery and growth. It can spur wealth creation and inclusive development”, Pololikashvili said.

The removal of tariff barriers and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area undoubtedly brings new opportunities for Africa.

Facilitating the free movement of individuals for business, for work or for studies, will help reduce economic disparities between regions, and deliver more opportunities, particularly for the most vulnerable, including women, who form the majority of the tourism workforce.

At the same time, regional collaboration and harmonized aviation policies in line with the Single African Air Transport Market will help us achieve the objectives of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Agenda 2030.

“We have also realigned our UNWTO Agenda for Africa: Tourism for Inclusive Growth. It aims to directly support our Member States responding to the current challenges of tourism, particularly the need for more trained workers, more decent jobs and more and better-targeted tourism investments”, he said.

“Above all, we will continue to advocate for tourism as driver for positive change and a pillar of economic growth for the continent. On behalf of everyone at UNWTO, I wish you all a happy Africa Day”, concluded the UNWTO Secretary General through his message.

The Galilee International Management Institute of Israel had sent a message and said that Africa Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the strong and thriving ties between Galilee Institute and the entire African Continent.

Jordan Tourism Board Awarded Order of Al Istiqlal of First Degree

Harry Johnson — Sat, 27 May 2023 15:57:51 +0000

eTurboNews:

Jordan Tourism Board issued the following statement today:

We are truly humbled and deeply grateful as we express our heartfelt thanks to His Majesty King Abdullah II for the remarkable honor bestowed upon the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) today.

It is with great joy that we share the news of JTB’s receipt of the prestigious Order of Al Istiqlal (Independence) of the First Degree, presented to our esteemed Director General, Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat.

This exceptional recognition was granted during a momentous official celebration commemorating our cherished nation’s 77 anniversary of independence.

We are immensely proud to have out tireless efforts in promoting and marketing our homeland as a globally acclaimed tourist destination acknowledged in such a significant manner.

The accolade serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication and unwavering commitment of the JTB, its esteemed Board of Directors, and its exceptional staff.

We are honored to be entrusted with the responsibility of showcasing Jordan’s remarkable beauty and cultural heritage to the world.

Our gratitude knows no bounds, and we remain inspired to continue our mission with renewed vigor, striving to elevate Jordan‘s status as a sought-after destination for travelers.

More news about Jordan

Championing the Best at IMEX Frankfurt Gala Dinner Awards

Harry Johnson — Thu, 25 May 2023 13:58:13 +0000

eTurboNews:

Professionals from across the global business events industry were honoured at the IMEX Frankfurt Gala Dinner Awards at the Alte Oper Frankfurt last night.

As part of IMEX Frankfurt taking place this week, the awards brought together meeting and event professionals in a glittering gathering to celebrate the achievements, innovation and passion of individuals within the industry.

The awards:

Destinations International Global Ambassador Award
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) International Excellence Award
International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) Driving Excellence – Innovation Award
International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) Global Influencer Award
Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) Unity Award
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Foundation Student Scholarship Award
Jane E. Schuldt Society for Incentive Travel Executives (SITE) Master Motivator Award
IMEX Events Industry Council (EIC) Innovation in Sustainability Award
Paul Flackett IMEX Academy Awards

Destinations International President and CEO Don Welsh was warmly welcomed on stage to present the Global Ambassador Award to Yrjötapio Kivisaari, CEO of Visit Oulu. Yrjötapio’s commitment to developing a global community and providing leadership on sustainability has led to the city being crowned European Capital of Culture for 2026.

The roll of honor continued with the IAEE International Excellence Award, presented by IAEE’s Director of Global Business Development, Karen Gonzales, to the Macao Trade & Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM). IPIM works directly with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade as IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) Learning Program partner in China and, thanks to the success of the program, Macao is one of the CEM Learning Program’s top performing regions.

IAPCO’s Driving Excellence – Innovation Award celebrates those at the forefront of innovation and Audrey Alloul, Chief Digital Officer of Kenes, was a fitting winner. Audrey developed Unlok, an AI-powered video library of content to enable knowledge exchange. IAPCO President, Sarah Markey-Hamm, presented the award.

The IMEX Gala Dinner and Awards: ICCA Global Influencer Award Winner Isabel Bardinet, CEO, European Society of Cardiology (ESC).

Isabel Bardinet, CEO of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), added the ICCA Global Influencer Award to her impressive roll call of awards. ICCA President, Marta Gomes, presented the award which celebrates an outstanding contribution to the association meetings industry. Isabel’s wide-ranging 35-year career has seen her move from organizing governmental congresses in Paris to being named as one of the ‘25 most influential people in the meetings industry.’ She’s held many senior positions including Director at Palais des Congrès, CEO of the European Society of Cardiology, and President of the AC Forum.

JMIC President, James Rees presided over the JMIC Unity Award, given to Pier Paolo Mariotti, Certified Meeting Manager at Eurac Research. Pier Paolo has been involved in the meetings industry for almost 40 years and has made a significant contribution to its growth and development. Among others, Pier Paolo played a crucial role in the CityDNA Summer School for 15 years, educating and upskilling close to 1,000 newcomers in Europe and South Africa.

Next, the awards looked ahead to the event professionals of the future: Kewalin Suraphanpirosh from Thammasat University in Thailand won the MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award, which celebrates and supports the next generation of meeting planners as part of the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum International University Challenge. It was fitting that MPI President and CEO Paul Van Deventer presented the award, with MPI leading the charge in supporting young talent.

One of our industry’s most valued skills is the ability to motivate, and it was the duty of SITE CEO Annette Gregg to hand over the Jane E. Schuldt SITE Master Motivator Award to Michael Freedman, Vice President, Meetings & Events at Amstar DMC. During Michael’s almost 15 years with the company, Amstar DMC has grown to become a go-to solution across the many destinations it serves, picking up two prestigious SITE Crystal Awards at SITE’s recent global conference in New York City.

The IMEX EIC Innovation in Sustainability Award shines the light on sustainability success achieved through a deliberate focus on innovation and creative thinking. Destination Canada won the hotly contested award, presented by EIC’s CEO Amy Calvert to Virginie De Visscher, Senior Director of Business Events at Destination Canada for its Canadian Business Events Sustainability Plan. This first of its kind national program embodies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) and is paving the way toward economic, social and environmental sustainability for tourism and business events.

The Paul Flackett IMEX Academy Awards, named in tribute to the former IMEX Managing Director, were a fitting climax to the dinner. Four outstanding individuals were recognized for their long-term commitment to the industry and for pushing boundaries around innovation.

The 2023 roll call is:

Ulrike Von Arnold, Deputy Director, Vienna Convention Bureau
David Kliman, Founder and President, The Kliman Group
Mary Casey, Enterprise Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Maritz Global Events
Tatsuo Arai, Managing Director Corporate Office, MCI Japan – Japan Convention Services

Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO, said: “The amazing roster of Academy Award winners shows the sheer breadth of talent, innovation and professionalism that our industry is renowned for. A huge congratulations to everyone championed at last night’s Gala Dinner and what a way to launch into the fourth and final day of IMEX Frankfurt.”

Gala dinner sponsors are: Song Division (live music) and Cvent (event registration software provider).

IMEX Frankfurt takes place May 23-25, 2023. To register click here. 

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SITE New CEO Makes Formal Debut at IMEX Frankfurt

Harry Johnson — Wed, 24 May 2023 16:18:41 +0000

eTurboNews:

Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA, made her formal debut as CEO of SITE and SITE Foundation at IMEX Frankfurt this year.

Gregg introduced several new initiatives on behalf of the association and spotlighted strengthened industry connections that will benefit SITE members.

Gregg began by announcing a handful of refreshed, renewed and new industry partnerships as part of SITE’s formal press conference at IMEX, including MPI, Destinations International, IMA, IRF, ADMEI, and FICP.

She also announced the forthcoming launch of the 2023 Incentive Travel Index survey, in partnership with the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) and previewed results from SITE Foundation’s latest in-house research project, Participant inSITEs.

“As the only industry association focused exclusively on incentive travel, the research reflected in these two projects is an integral part of SITE’s mission to advance the business case for incentive travel,” said Gregg.

Attendees were then given a rundown of upcoming SITE events, which include an Executive Summit taking place in Zimbabwe this June, SITE Classic this August in Mexico, and a November International Board of Directors meeting that will be held in Egypt. Gregg also highlighted the formation of the newest SITE chapter, SITE Arabia.

“These destinations stand out as excellent emerging incentive travel locales,” said Gregg. “It’s always special to bring the insights and expertise of our community to exchange new ideas and best practices with in-country experts and educate all SITE members about what’s on offer in new destinations.”

Gregg concluded the IMEX Frankfurt press briefing with several updates regarding SITE membership and new benefits for members.

As SITE readies a 2024-26 strategic plan, its membership base is the largest it has been since the COVID pandemic.

Members will also have access this year to online, on-demand versions of SITE’s renowned CIS and CITP certification exams, and to shared content through different industry partnerships and on a newly launched members-only education platform on SITE’s own website.

“It was really great to step into the CEO role heading into SITE’s 50th year,” concluded Gregg. “As a smaller association, I truly believe we’re better, together — and I I look forward to expanding what we do for our members and the wider incentive travel community.”

New Experience Turks and Caicos DMMO Launched

Harry Johnson — Wed, 24 May 2023 13:57:46 +0000

eTurboNews:

Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Josephine Connolly in a press conference at the recent Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace held in Barbados, informed tourism and travel industry partners of the newly established Destination Marketing and Management Organization (DMMO) that will replace the current Turks and Caicos Islands Tourist Board in the coming months.

“Experience Turks and Caicos” will officially commence July 1st 2023; with the sole responsibility of managing and marketing the Turks and Caicos Islands tourism industry.

The Turks and Caicos Islands is one of the most tourism dependent destinations in the world. Home to the best beaches in the world, including the world renown Grace Bay Beach, and stunning natural assets, have become the primary engine of economic growth for the Islands.

“In the post pandemic era, our dependence on tourism has demonstrated the need for Turks and Caicos Islands to review the management and development of tourism, preserve and protect our natural assets for sustainable economic growth, resilience and competitiveness to attract and increase international visitors annually”, stated Honorable Minister of Tourism, Josephine Connolly.

In March 2022, the Turks and Caicos Islands Government commissioned the services of Target Euro Srl. through an open tender process, to develop in collaboration with tourism stakeholders a new TCI Destination Marketing and Management Organization and financial model.

“The New DMMO, Experience Turks and Caicos, is designed to more than market and promote the destination. Its mandate is to increase the tourism value chain throughout the entire destination, improve competitiveness, inclusive growth and sustainable development. All tourism sectors will be represented with a seat at the table in the way forward in the management and marketing of the destination with their representation on the Board of Directors. Additionally, the Hotel and Tourism Association, Chamber of Commerce, Turks and Caicos Airport Authority and the Ports Authority ensuring that all stakeholders and residents can genuinely participate in the decision-making process in the development of the tourism and hospitality industry”, stated Minister Connolly.

The Destination Marketing and Management Organization is established to:

Actively collaborate and partner with the private sector for successful governance e.g., standards and regulations to ensure quality service and products and Co-Op marketing and promotions in source markets;
Increase investment in the diversification of the luxury product offers (hotels, resorts, villas, restaurants, natural and heritage attractions) beyond Providenciales and Grand Turk allowing more Turks and Caicos Islanders to earn income and benefit directly from tourism;
Manage a budget not solely from government funding but from also private sector funding and its own income generating events and marketing activities in the Turks and Caicos Islands and in key source markets; and
Working with other government agencies and departments to support the protection of our natural and cultural heritage while leveraging their benefits to tourism for economic growth.

A Change Manager, interim CEO, is currently in place to lead and manage the transition and the recruitment process for senior management and other key positions within the DMMO to ensure business continuity. A total of 24 individuals will be employed within its first year.

In 2022, the Turks and Caicos welcomed approximately 500,000 stayover visitors, a 17% increase vs 2019, and 1.1 million cruise visitors. At the Caribbean Hotel and Tourist Association (CHTA), Marketplace 2023, CHTA reported the Caribbean led the rebound for travel globally for 2022 and for Q1 2023, this trend continues. Stayover arrivals increased by 17% for Q1 2023 for Turks and Caicos.

“The quick tourism recovery was achieved because of our everchanging COVID Plan and regular industry updates. The Turks and Caicos Island Government cautiously closed borders and adopted a strict vaccination program in 2021. This allowed for the country to reopen its borders much earlier than other Caribbean destinations moreover keeping the vaccine requirement in place until April 1st, 2023, allowed us to develop brand trust and increase our competitiveness among all target markets”, stated Minister Connolly.

Cairns Convention Center to Open $176 Million Expansion

Harry Johnson — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:55:29 +0000

eTurboNews:

Cairns Convention Centre is opening its highly anticipated AUD$176 million expansion next month. With this transformative development, the Centre solidifies its position as a premier business events destination for both corporate and association conferences, delivering sustainable, world-class events with a lasting impact.

The expansion project encompasses a significant number of enhancements. Among the additions are a rooftop banquet area, three state-of-the-art meeting rooms and an exhibition and plenary lecture space, providing a total of 10,500 square meters of new floor space. This significant expansion enables the Centre to accommodate multiple or larger events, with conferences and exhibitions for up to 2,500 guests possible across the entire venue.

“Coupled with the latest audio-visual technology, the additional space offers conference organisers a wealth of flexibility and industry leading infrastructure for their events,” comments Janet Hamilton, general manager at Cairns Convention Centre. “The new interior features significant new exhibition space, a plenary space capable of hosting 400 people and three new meeting rooms.”

The new Trinity Level is a key part of the expansion, offering guests breath taking natural views of two world heritage sites – the Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. The Trinity Room, an ideal setting for gala dinners and large cocktail functions, can accommodate up to 500 people; whilst the outdoor Trinity Terrace offers panoramic views of the Trinity Inlet, providing a unique backdrop for cocktail functions, lunches, and other events seeking to embrace Cairns’ tropical climate.

Janet Hamilton continues: “With face-to-face events more popular than ever, we have proactively equipped the venue with cutting-edge audio-visual equipment. This technology meets the needs of not just the many live events we host but also their hybrid and digital requirements. This ensures that every delegate, whether here in person or on the other side of the world, has an incredible event experience.”

hybrid meetings and online collaborations continues to grow, we have proactively equipped the venue with cutting-edge audio-visual equipment to meet the needs of all clients.”

The Centre’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship remains unwavering. The expansion project incorporates numerous eco-conscious features such as high-performance glazing on the building, which increases energy efficiency by up to 30 percent. 1,200 sun blades and biophilic design living greenery over the façade reduce heat gain from the sun.

“Smart building management systems monitor and control power usage daily. All the lighting is high-efficiency LED with automated dimming control and motion sensors, we have solar-boosted hot water generation and energy efficient fans and equipment. We are installing electric vehicle charging stations and priority is given to Energy Star ratings when buying new appliances,” concludes Janet Hamilton.

New Convention Sales Director at Visit Salt Lake

Harry Johnson — Tue, 23 May 2023 18:52:02 +0000

eTurboNews:

Jill Lackey, recently joined Visit Salt Lake (VSL) as Convention Sales Director pursuing citywide conventions in the education, cultural, social welfare, and trade/business/commercial markets.

Jill worked for 22 years at Snowbird where she held multiple sales-related positions, most recently as Senior Sales Manager handling an eight-state region.

Prior to joining Snowbird, Jill worked at Michigan’s Iroquois Hotel and with Deer Valley Lodging.

“Jill is an energetic, well-respected sales professional and brings a wealth of experience to our team,” said Mark White, chief sales & experience officer.

“I am confident she will be successful at attracting and booking city-wide conventions.”

Visit Salt Lake is a private, non-profit corporation responsible for the promotion of Salt Lake as a convention, meetings, sports events and travel destination.

In partnership with Salt Lake County, Visit Salt Lake improves the area economy by attracting and providing support to conventions, leisure travelers and visitors with a strong commitment to sustainability and stewardship of the area’s natural environment.

Doors Open on New Look IMEX Frankfurt

Harry Johnson — Tue, 23 May 2023 14:27:35 +0000

eTurboNews:

The doors opened on Halls 8 and 9 of Messe Frankfurt today for the 2023 edition of IMEX Frankfurt, the leading tradeshow for the global meetings and events industry.

A brand refresh, timed to launch at the show, meant that visitors were greeted by a new look IMEX, featuring pastel colors derived from its legacy branding, set-off by navy and white and introducing a new motif – a symbolic handshake.

Latin America and Asia comeback strong

With Asian exhibitors making a welcome return to the show floor, together with strong representation from Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, North America and, in particular, Latin America, this week’s IMEX is a living representation of an industry responsible for 27.5 million jobs and a total global economic impact of $2.8 trillion in 2019*.

Award-winning properties such as Ireland’s Adare Manor feature in the exhibitor line-up, together with new hotel launches such as Smiling Hotels’ new elaya brand. Many hotel initiatives focus on new farm to table or heritage food offerings while others are promoting their sustainability credentials. Strategic partnership announcements include a new agreement between Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI) and Hosts Global.

Responding to rising demand for people to connect more with the great outdoors through events or incentives, companies such as HL Adventure has launched a three-week Artic Horizon experience, while Sarawak’s sponsorship of the entry ways into Hall 8 features soothing birdsong and floor to ceiling jungle graphics.

Accessibility and inclusivity

In both halls the IMEX team has focused on improved accessibility and inclusivity for all participants. Color choices, food options, the app, signage, cloakrooms, wayfinding and quiet spaces have all been designed with a new understanding of how people’s needs differ and what a high impact, visceral experience a trade show can be.

The IMEX Frankfurt education program, which spans four days, once again showcases world-class speakers, leading-edge organizations, important trends and industry research. DRPG, Maritz, Encore, Google XI and Valuegraphics all feature while the ever-changing event tech landscape can be explored via a dedicated track.

Technology and Innovation is one of six curated tracks that also include People and Planet; Business Practices; Experience Design, Event Marketing and Trends and Research. Separately, specialist programs include AVoice4All, She Means Business, Association Focus, Exclusively Corporate, Agency Directors Forum and a new German language Impact Academy.

The brand new Google Experience Institute (Xi) CoLabs at IMEX invite attendees into mini design-thinking sprints intended to explore and reveal the ‘current curiosities’ of the global Xi community. Each CoLab is a fast-paced 20-minute ideation and brainstorming session centered on the main themes that have emerged from the last two years of research and work at Google.

Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO, says:

“As a company IMEX has changed enormously in the past decade.”

“We’re more certain than ever about the power of the IMEX shows to facilitate strong business between global exhibitors and buyers. In a post-pandemic world, there are still many pressures facing every industry sector. Nevertheless, all signs point to this week generating healthy business levels and a timely confidence-boost for many.

Our Human Nature Talking Point has also been important. It’s allowed us, and encouraged others, to remember – and design for – what’s good, positive and even extraordinary about being human. If our industry can truly appreciate and leverage its power to create positive change for humanity, then we can change the world for the better,” says Bauer.

*EIC Global Economic Significance of Business Events 2023

IMEX Frankfurt takes place May 23-25, 2023. To register click here. 

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Chinese Tourists Eyeing Tanzania for Wildlife Safaris

Apolinari Tairo - eTN Tanzania — Sat, 20 May 2023 15:23:51 +0000

eTurboNews:

Chinese tourists are eyeing Tanzania, attracted by abundant wildlife resources, the warm beaches of Zanzibar, cultural and historical heritage sites in both – the mainland and the island.

Other than the traditional European and American tourist markets, Tanzania is now eyeing Chinese tourists, mostly ‘photographic’ holidaymakers, to explore the country’s wildlife parks.

China’s fast growing and lucrative outbound travel market has about 150 million Chinese tourists traveling outside their country every year.

Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism had asked the Chinese Embassy in Dar es Salaam to devise joint strategies that would help to reach various parts of China and facilitate travel between China and Tanzania.

Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mohamed Mchengerwa, held discussions earlier with the Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, and said Tanzania aims to attract more Chinese visitors to its most attractive tourist sites.

Mr. Mchengerwa said that China alone could help Tanzania to reach its target of five million tourists by the year 2025, banking on the strong Chinese outbound tourist market.

Data from the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) indicates that about 45,000 tourists from China are expected to visit Tanzania by the end of this year (2023), up from about 35,000 Chinese tourists currently recorded per year, mostly business travelers.

Tanzania is among eight African countries which have been approved by the China National Tourism Administration (CNTA) in Beijing as tourist destination for Chinese travelers.

Other African tourist destinations working on attracting Chinese visitors are Kenya, Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Mauritius, and Zambia.

Tanzania is currently implementing an aviation agreement with China for Air Tanzania Company Limited (ATCL) to operate direct flights between Tanzania and China, from Dar es Salaam to Guangzhou.

The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has recognized China as an upcoming major source of outbound tourists in the world.

A group of about 40 Chinese tourism business executives are currently in Tanzania on familiarization tour of Zanzibar beaches, wildlife parks, cultural and historical sites, developing strategies of attracting Chinese holidaymakers and tourism sector investments.

The Chinese tourism executives are expected to hold business discussions with the Tanzanian tourist counterparts, aiming to get to know each other, then create partnerships between the Chinese and Tanzanian tourism players.

UNWTO Executive Council Convenes in Punta Cana

Harry Johnson — Fri, 19 May 2023 15:16:56 +0000

eTurboNews:

Ahead of the 118th session of the UNWTO Executive Council, the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer showed international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels. The first quarter global results of 2023 set the pace for this upward trend to continue.

Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “In 2022, UNWTO asked the world to “rethink tourism”. Now it’s time to put those plans into action. Building a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive tourism sector will require more and better-targeted investments, skilled workers and more innovation. UNWTO is working closely with our Member States to make significant progress in all these areas and we leave Punta Cana with a clear focus around shared goals and a shared vision for our sector.”

Highest Political Support for Tourism

UNWTO welcomed delegations from 40 countries to its Council meeting, with the high-level political support reflecting tourism’s heightened relevance.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic. The one-on-one meeting focused on tourism investments and education, both shared priorities.

The 118th session of the Executive Council counted on the participation of high-level delegations from 40 countries, including 30 Council members.

Secretary-General Pololikashvili was awarded the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic’s “Champion of Tourism” recognition for his leadership of the sector and friendship of the country.

Guiding Tourism Forward

The UNWTO Secretary-General gave Member States an overview of the Organization’s work since the previous Executive Council (Marrakesh, Morocco, 25 November 2022) as well as UNWTO’s priorities looking ahead:

The Secretary-General’s report provided an up-to-date overview of tourism numbers and trends, identifying potential challenges for 2023 and beyond, including the cost-of-living crisis and geopolitical uncertainty.

Members were given an overview of UNWTO’s key achievements around its main priorities (investments, education and jobs, innovation and tourism and rural development).

Participants were provided with a update on UNWTO’s status as an organization, including plans to open new Regional and Thematic offices, and new approaches to tourism governance.

Focus on Sustainability

On the eve of the Executive Council, UNWTO participated in an International Forum on Sustainable Tourism organized by the Dominican Republic. In Punta Cana, UNWTO:

invited the Dominican Republic and Maldives to become the first countries to sign up to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, designed to reduce waste and increase circularity in the sector;

provided an overview of its central role in advancing sustainability, including as part of the One Planet Network, which UNWTO will continue to lead in 2024-25; and

announced progress on the creation of a landmark first global standard for Measuring the Sustainability of Tourism

Education, Jobs and Investments: Priorities for Tourism

During its Executive Council session, the UNWTO Secretariat provided updates on progress made in advancing its key priorities of education, jobs and investments:

UNWTO and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts have partnered for a Bachelor’s Degree in International Sustainable Tourism

Reflecting the feedback of Members, UNWTO is set to launch a new Educational Toolkit to help make tourism a subject in high schools everywhere

UNWTO Investment Guidelines are serving as the bridge between investors, destinations and projects, with editions focused on countries in the Americas and Africa

Plans to create a Pan-African Tourism Fund, a Guarantee Fund to provide security for banks, investors and financial institutions, continue to advance

Within the framework of the Executive Council, UNWTO held the first ever Thematic Session on tourism communications and its role in building a new narrative focused on the sector’s importance for economic development and social opportunity.

New CEO at Langham Hospitality Group

Harry Johnson — Thu, 18 May 2023 14:07:18 +0000

eTurboNews:

Bob van den Oord has been named Chief Executive Officer for Langham Hospitality Group, stepping up from his current role as Regional Vice President – Europe, Middle East and North America from September 1, 2023.

He will succeed current Chief Executive Officer, Brett Butcher, who is stepping down from this role, but will retain responsibilities within Great Eagle as well as CEO of the Listed Langham Hospitality Investment Ltd.

Bob has served as a senior business leader at Langham Hospitality Group for the last 20 years with an excellent track record of leading various business units at regional and global level. In his previous roles as COO and Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Bob has delivered on organisational transformation, been instrumental in defining the direction of the brands and enhanced operational excellence.

He will bring his extensive experience and strategic focus to further elevate its varied brands, including The Langham Hotels & Resorts, Cordis, Eaton and Ying’nFlo. He will lead the company’s growth, increasing the Group’s global footprint, enhance operational efficiencies and develop the guest experience through new partnerships and digital innovations.

Dr. KS Lo, Chairman and Managing Director of Great Eagle Holdings said: “Bob is a dynamic business leader with a diverse background and excellent track record of delivery in the hospitality business. He possesses exceptional strategic capabilities, is highly operational effective, and over the years has built great relationships with all our stakeholders and owners. We look forward to Bob driving the development of Langham Hospitality Group’s portfolio as one of the world’s eminent hospitality groups, delivering long term growth and value for all our brands and partners.”

“I would also like to thank Brett for his visionary leadership of Langham Hospitality Group. The changes he has initiated to the company’s global strategy, and organizational structure leaves the group better positioned for success in a post-pandemic world.

Incoming CEO, Bob van den Oord said, “I am delighted and humbled to have been appointed to lead Langham Hospitality Group into a new era of success. We have an attractive brand portfolio of iconic hotels, with strong appeal to guests and partners. Supported by our talented colleagues around the world, we will continue to deliver enhanced guest experiences, drive business performance with exceptional results as we serve our guests every day.”

Boeing and FAA put the US Freedom of Information Act in Danger

Juergen T Steinmetz — Thu, 18 May 2023 03:11:56 +0000

eTurboNews:

Paul Huson, the founder and head of Flyers Rights, a US consumer rights movement for the aviation industry, had been instrumental in fighting Boeing and the US Government in telling the truth, releasing secret documents, and going to court.

eTurboNews reported about this lawsuit in March since experts could not determine if the Boeing 737 MAX, whose original certification is alleged by the DOJ to be a product of a criminal conspiracy, and is safe to fly.

Flyers Rights want FAA and Boeing to be transparent, and the latest case at the US Appeals court in Washington, DC, shows this.

This case began before the last crash of the Boeing Max in 2019.

In a press conference today, Paul Hudson shared some background of where he was coming from, why he called for the press conference, and where he was going with the case.

My name is Paul Hudson. I’m the president of Flyers Rights. Paul is also designated to the FAA safety advisory committees.

Today Flyers Rights told journalists:

I was unaware of the max problems until after the first crash.

No one else was either.

Associates at the FAA certainly knew some things, and Boeing knew a lot about how defective their plane was.

Watch the press conference on YOUTUBE.

The first crash in October of 2019 was far away in Indonesia.

There were no Americans on board.

I was paying attention to it. But then I got a phone call from a frequent traveler. He told me there was a real problem here.

I contacted the Boeing representative with whom I’ve been acquainted for many years.

The fact that the plane had a haywire flight control system that had taken over caused many ups and downs and then crashed, killing everyone on this brand-new aircraft.

I asked him why Boeing hadn’t grounded this plane.

This was the first week in December of 2018.

He answered: Well, it’s under investigation with the NTSB, but we can’t tell you anything. It’s all secret.

I waited a few weeks. I wait a little longer, but I shouldn’t have done that.

In March, the second plane went down. Now we had 346 lives lost.

Court Awards Former SKAL CEO Daniella Ortego Compensation

Juergen T Steinmetz — Wed, 17 May 2023 18:58:17 +0000

eTurboNews:

After its 2022 Annual Conference in Croatia, SKAL International replaced its CEO, Daniella Ortego and replaced her with Ana Maria Vera. Both ladies attended the conference.

This dismissal caused a division in the organization meant to do business amongst friends, resulting in a Spanish court case against SKAL at the Torremolinos-based global organization.

Pleased with the result of the court case, the former SKAL CEO told fellow SKAL members:

I have won the labor lawsuit!

Skal has been condemned to pay the maximum compensation because the judge has considered the dismissal unjustified and the lie in the arguments used! The sentence is a professional revindication for me! They have told many lies to the members, and now they will have to give explanations!

International SKAL president Juam Steta from Mexico, elected at the Croatia conference replacing Burcin Turkkan (USA), issued this statement today.

Dear Skålleagues,

Following various notes that have been published in social media, below is a fair translation of our lawyer’s E-Mail regarding the subject matter:

“At this time, it can only be said in a formal way that the sentence is not final because it is appealed and pending resolution by the TSJA (i.e., Superior Court of Justice of Andalusia-Málaga); and that while it is sub-judicial, it is not appropriate to make comments, except to categorically deny the disqualifications that Daniela Otero is making publicly.

We cannot enter the game of fighting lies and malicious comments while a case is pending judicial resolution. A sentence does not say that someone is a liar.

It only prosecutes if the termination decision is appropriate or inappropriate, which is different from saying that whoever does not obtain a verdict in their favor is a liar”.

I would also like to inform you that the maximum cost that Daniela´s dismissal would have for Skål International if we lose the case will be around € 40,000, which will come from the savings we had in 2022 (€ 27,000), and the 2023 budget allocated to the CEO (i.e., 101,000 €).

Finally, we need to remember that it was the Membership that questioned the expenses made on the Digital Transformation. That considered the project as unsuccessful during the 2021 AGA, which resulted in the audit presented during the Croatia Congress.

“Con un fuerte abrazo Skål”,

IATA: Latest Developments in FlyNetZero by 2050

Harry Johnson — Mon, 15 May 2023 16:41:49 +0000

eTurboNews:

IATA announced that its latest policy paper on SAF is now available, calling for stronger incentives to increase SAF deployment across the industry. Government policy has an instrumental role to play in the deployment of SAF and IATA encourages policies which are harmonized across countries and industries, while being technology and feedstock agnostic. Incentives should be used to accelerate SAF deployment. As SAF is in the early stages of market development, mandates should only be used if they are part of a broader strategy to increase the production of SAF and complemented with incentive programs that facilitate innovation, scale-up and unit cost reduction.

In the EU, under the European Green Deal a new law was agreed to cut aviation emissions by promoting SAF. The agreement marks an important and timely step necessary to the realization of the ambitious targets of the decarbonization roadmap to which the sector has committed. Some of the key elements of the agreement include:

• Setting of mandates for minimum SAF uplift at EU airports of 2% by 2025, 6% by 2030 and 20% by 2035, up to a maximum of 70% by 2050. Of these amounts, 1.2% in 2030, and 5% in 2035 must be power to liquid (PtL) or E-Fuels, increasing to 35% by 2050.

• A requirement for the Commission to report by 2024 on the feasibility of a Book and Claim (B&C) system for airlines to manage the supply of SAF in a flexible way across the EU.

• A call for States to adhere to a single EU SAF mandate and avoid a patchwork of national SAF mandates.

Elsewhere in Europe, Norwegian partnered with Norsk e-Fuel to build a full-scale sustainable fuel plant in Mosjoen. Under the agreement, the carrier aims for long-term offtake of the fuel and an equity stake in the company. Norwegian plans to secure 20% of its SAF demand to 2030 through the partnership. Wizz Air has signed a MoU with Spanish energy company Cepsa for the supply of sustainable aviation fuel from 2025, giving Wizz Air the opportunity to purchase SAF from Cepsa for the supply across the airline’s route network in Spain from 2025. Ryanair have announced a partnership with Neste Holland to power approximatively a third of its flights at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) with a 40% SAF blend. Repsol and Ryanair have signed a strategic agreement to promote the use of renewable fuels in Spain and Portugal.

In Canada, Airbus Canada, Pratt & Whitney Canada, and SAF+ Consortium announced a new initiative to collaborate on next-generation SAF, supported by the Government of Quebec. Key areas of collaboration include SAF research and testing, including flight testing blends of up to 100% SAF on an Airbus A220 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF engines. The project will also comprise feasibility studies for establishing local production facilities for power-to-liquid e-SAF in Quebec. Neste and Air Canada are expanding their collaboration with an additional supply of 2.5 million gallons (9.5 million liters or 7,500 tons) of SAF, used to power the airline’s flights from the San Francisco International Airport. Still in Canada, Raven SR and Cap Clean Energy have announced a collaboration on Canadian SAF and renewable diesel projects.

In the US, Delta will purchase up to 10 million gallons of SAF from Shell Aviation over a two-year period for use at its hub at Los Angeles International Airport. United Airlines has announced a $15 million investment in Svante, a Canadian company specializing in carbon capture and removal technology. Svante provides materials and technology as part of the value chain that has the potential to convert CO2 removed from the atmosphere and from industrial emission sources into SAF. In the Pacific Northwest, Washington State University and Snohomish County have teamed up to develop a proposed research and development center for sustainable aviation fuels. The $6.5 million SAF Applied Research and Development Center will offer fuel testing, fuel finishing as well as a fuel repository. For the first time, companies including Bank of America, Boom Supersonic, Boston Consulting Group, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Meta and clean energy nonprofit RMI are joining together through the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) to purchase SAF certificates at scale for nearly 850,000 gallons of high-integrity SAF produced by World Energy and helping fuel JetBlue flights, reducing an estimated 8,500 tons of CO2 on a lifecycle basis. This practice will strengthen the demand signal aviation customers are sending to the SAF market.

In Mexico, low-cost airline Viva Aerobus has agreed to purchase 1m liters of SAF from Neste. The fuel will be used on Viva Aerobus flights from Los Angeles to Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.

In Asia, Cathay Pacific announced a collaboration with State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to develop SAF supply chain in China through four new SAF plants using a pathway similar to power-to-liquids. The plants are expected to be commissioned between 2024 and 2026, and each will have the capacity to produce 50,000 to 100,000 tons of SAF annually. In Japan, All Nippon Airways (ANA), has for the first time agreed to use SAF that was blended in Japan under a public-private initiative led by the Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). ANA will procure the blended SAF from ITOCHU Corporation and will use the fuel on ANA’s international and domestic flights from Haneda and Narita airport. Earlier this year, Honeywell and Oriental Energy Company Ltd. jointly announced that a SAF production facility with an annual output capacity of 1 million tons will be built in Maoming, Guangdong Province in China.

Single Use Plastics

Aéroports de Montreal’ has announced a new policy to phase out certain single-use plastics, such as utensils, food containers, cups and bags. These plastics will no longer be available in concession areas and VIP lounges at Montréal-Trudeau International Airport.

Air India announced having minimized single-use plastic usage by approximately 80% on board all flights across its worldwide network. The reduction has been achieved in an ongoing effort led by a team of in-house experts and supported by catering partners and multiple vendors, with the aim of continually minimizing the carrier’s environmental impact.

Electric planes

Sweden’s Northvolt revealed a development program for aviation battery systems. Northvolt’s subsidiary Cuberg unveiled a new program dedicated to developing high-performance battery systems that will enable safe, sustainable electric flight. Cuberg will spearhead the program through the design and build of system solutions for the aviation industry based on its innovative lithium metal battery technology.

Airports

Air India has signed an agreement with KSU Aviation to launch TaxiBot operations at Delhi and Bengaluru airports for its Airbus A320 Family of aircraft. The strategic partnership is aligned with Air India’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, as the adoption of TaxiBots envisages a potential saving of ~15,000 tons in fuel consumption over three years.

SAF and decarbonization of the aviation industry

IATA spoke with Oliver Fernández García, International Aviation Director at Repsol, to discuss SAF and decarbonization of the aviation industry

How is Repsol helping airlines tackle the climate challenge? Who are your clients?

The WTTC Situation Could Spell Disaster says Alain St. Ange

Juergen T Steinmetz — Mon, 15 May 2023 08:18:25 +0000

eTurboNews:

This morning Visit Portugal left the World Travel and Tourism Council based on not yet confirmed information from a whistleblower within the WTTC structure.

The current situation is unhealthy for WTTC and the Global Travel and Tourism Industry.

African American WTTC Chairman Arnold Donald has not responded to the crisis unfolding at the London HQ.

After Cuthbert Ncube, Chairman of the African Tourism Board, called on WTTC to solve its internal issues, now Alain St. Ange, former minister of Tourism for Seychelles and a Vice President in charge of government relations for the World Tourism Network, is urging the WTTC Chairman Mr. Arnold Donald to take ownership of the situation.

Hon. Alain St. Ange speaks out on the WTTC Crisis

The news about WTTC and the resignation of influential private sector members is troubling. I am sure it’s even more troubling to active players in the broader tourism community. “

It’s even more surprising after WTTC finished the largest and most successful summit in Riyadh with a message of unity.”

WTTC commands an important position as the body where the major private sector meets government representatives and agrees on strategies outside the official political stand. This is opening the needed dialogue for a more conducive tourism industry.

Any family faces challenges, but it cannot be allowed to disrupt the core fabric of the family base.

The WTTC situation may spell disaster.

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio leaving WTTC after 20 years of active membership should be more than a wake-up message.

Many in the industry supported Manfredi’s ambition to take over the next chairmanship of the Council. It is troubling to hear from a friend that even though a majority for this support was already voted for at the April board meeting, and dismissed by a technicality. Of course, this creates tension.

Manfredi also spoke for Africa at the World Travel and Tourism Council. With the upcoming WTTC Summit in Rwanda, the news of his resignation united African Tourism in seeing this as a major step backward.”

WTTC must remain a global leader with stakeholders in all parts of the globe.

It would be equally sad if WTTC lost this diversity and inclusivity. This may cause more members to no longer see the value of belonging to this global organization.

The COVID pandemic, followed by the Russia – Ukraine war, has impacted the tourism industry, and stability is needed more than ever.

Everyone knows that the situation WTTC is now facing will not disappear by itself. We need the tourism fraternity to rally, talk and save the organization that had grown to be the voice of the private sector trade and the motor behind tourism.

The coming Rwanda Summit plans to have more private sector trade coming forward to sit and meet Government Officials.

We need to save the Rwanda Summit.

The World Tourism Network suggests that the African Tourism Board take a leadership role so that Africa can speak with a clear and powerful voice.

Do it to Africa, for tourism and the economies of the world — save WTTC.
Hon. Alain St. Ange, former minister of Tourism Seychelles, VP World Tourism Network

Exposed! UNWTO 1971 Ankara Minutes on World Tourism Day

Juergen T Steinmetz — Mon, 15 May 2023 00:26:53 +0000

eTurboNews:

UNWTO began in 1925 as the International Congress of Official Tourist Traffic Associations. The International Union of Official Travel Organizations (IUOTO) was renamed in 1947. It was reorganized in 1975 as the World Tourism Organization, which became a UN Specialized Agency in 2003.

The UNWTO is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. UNWTO is governed by its General Assembly, which meets every two years.

Nigerian Lucky George is an icon in the African travel and tourism industry, a long-time publisher of African Travel Times, the Executive Director at the African Travel Commission [ATC], and one of the first members of the World Tourism Network.

Juergen Steinmetz is the publisher of eTurboNews and the founder and chairman of the World Tourism Network. He is also the Hon. founding chairman of the African Tourism Board. Lucky George and Juergen Steinmetz gave the keynote opening speeches at the launch of the African Tourism Board in 2018 in Capetown.

Both publishers have a decades-long history following UNWTO, the World Tourism Organization.

Lucky George is the man behind World Tourism Day. He shared his fascinating story with Juergen Steinmetz in a public conversation last week entitled “It’s Time To Reform The United Nations World Tourism Organisation.”

Lucky explained:

Due to the disconnect between the United Nations World Tourism Organisation [UNWTO], a specialized agency of the United Nations in the field of travel and tourism since 2003, and some of its members, I, Lucky Onoriode George, 2006 Winner of the European Commission Lorenzo Natali Prize for Journalists Reporting Human Rights and Democracy engaged Juergen Steinmetz, Publisher, eTurboNews on the way forward for the UNWTO.

Here is a transcript of this conversation

Lucky George: Good morning, Juergen

Juergen Steinmetz: Good evening, George from Hawaii. How are you?

Lucky George: Lagos is fine.

Juergen Steinmetz: I’ve never been to Lagos. I made it to Abuja once and was there for the Commonwealth Tourism Conference. It was a really good experience, I have to say, and I loved the way the women dressed in their colorful clothes. Also, the men, I mean, everyone dressed well, and it’s really like a different world.

Lucky George: Juergen, I guess you enjoyed your stay overall besides that, the people are very colorful and flamboyant.

Juergen Steinmetz: One thing that has stuck in my head since that visit and a significant lesson is that I will never have a desert in the dark anymore.

We were at the Abuja Sheraton Hotel for dinner, and your minister was speaking, and they had problems with the electricity. When the electricity went off, I was at the buffet trying to get a dessert. In the dark, I grabbed something, thinking it was a desert, and put it into my mouth for a bite. It was a glass thing, and I almost screamed after biting on it in the dark.

Lucky George: What a terrible experience.

Juergen Steinmetz: I will never forget that moment and swore never to try such an exercise in the dark again.

Lucky George: I think it’s a good idea.

Juergen Steinmetz: Desserts aren’t good anyway, you know, they have too much sugar, and it’s not good, so forget it.

Lucky George: Absolutely. Yeah.

Juergen Steinmetz: I guess we were going to discuss the United Nations World Tourism Organization [UNWTO] as you requested, do we?

Lucky George: Yes, Juergen!
You and I know the UNWTO very well, but few people know the history. However, in fact, I was privileged to have been introduced to a man known as Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi, former Secretary General of the then Nigeria Tourist Association, now the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation [NTDC], an apex tourism agency in Nigeria.

I became his student because I was willing to listen to his stories of how he began his career as a journalist with Reuters in West Africa and later to Fleet Street in London.

From there on, I was educated on the history and the formation of the UNWTO and, the institutionalization of the World Tourism Day Celebration, the formation of the United Nations in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1970.

True, the African Travel Commission [ATC], which decided that their members should continue to receive government support, the status of the International Union of Official Travel Organisation [IUOTO] based in France must change.

How was UNWTO formed?

The members agreed to it, and the chair asked if any lawyer was in the house to guide them. Behold, the only lawyer present was a Nigerian named Odubayo, a staff member of the Nigerian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

He drafted an agreement that was voted on by members. By 2 am on September 27th, 1970, the motion of renaming IOUTO to the World Tourism Organisation [WTO] was adopted.

Juergen Steinmetz: I didn’t know that. That’s so fascinating.

Lucky George: Yes. And I have the documents, the minutes of meetings.

Juergen Steinmetz: Wow, it’s all new to me.
But you have been in the travel and tourism business longer than I have. I started in the travel business in 1978, but I was more in the practical part. I wasn’t involved in organizations.

My first job was in Morocco, in Africa. I was a tour guide, not a tour guide, but I sold land arrangements to German tourists on a cruise ship for Morocco. So that was my very first job. So, I had no worries with the board and tourism organization.

How did World Tourism Day Started?

Lucky George: That is the story and journey of today’s UNWTO. However, by 1971 in Ankara, Turkey, at the XXII General Assembly Meeting of IUOTO, the African Commission, under the leadership of Nigeria’s Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi, proposed that September 27th, being the date that transformation of IUOTO to WTO was made possible be set aside and commemorated annually as World Tourism Day.

So, the idea is to commemorate the achievement and look at the necessary adjustments that need to be made.

Juergen Steinmetz: Interesting!

Lucky George: Despite this firsthand account story, there was no document to corroborate the tourism agency’s voices.

We don’t have any of the documents. So, I took it as a challenge, and I decided to travel from Lagos to Spain on a visit.

Then luckily for me, I have been communicating with a Slovenian guy who was the head of the UNWTO communications department at that time.

I wrote to him and informed him of my intention to come to Spain to seek evidence that Atigbi was the man who proposed the celebration of World Tourism Day in his capacity as the Chairman of the African Travel Commission [ATC].

He was skeptical, though, but he promised to help me once I arrived in Madrid, which was precisely what he did.

We’re looking at the minutes of meetings. Luckily, we first stumbled upon a copy of the minutes of the meeting of 1971 in French, where the history was well documented, and behold; we also located the English version.

That was how I returned home (Nigeria) to the tourism agency and the ministry with my findings. In summary, I instigated that a letter be written to the Secretary General of the UNWTO at that time and demand that the African guy deserves to be remembered and celebrated.

Gladly, there was no objection to Nigeria’s call, and UNWTO, under Secretary General Dr. Taleb Rifai, wrote back to the ministry and promised to honor Late Ignatius Amaduwa Atigbi at the 2009 International World Tourism Day Celebration that was hosted by Ghana.

The Story Behind UNWTO and World Tourism Day

Juergen, that was the story behind the UNWTO and World Tourism Day Celebration.

Juergen Steinmetz: Incredible!

Lucky George: To cap it all, the Nigerian government, through the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, congratulated me and the sum of N200.000. You know I love African tourism, and I guess you still recollect my Zimbabwe exploits.

And, of course, you knew very well when the trouble started in Zimbabwe, I was the one that was contacted by the Chief Executive Officer of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority [ZTA], the late Karigoke Kaseke, who wanted me to come to Zimbabwe with some journalists from around the world.

Juergen Steinmetz: Sure!

Lucky George: I invited you, as the Publisher of eTurboNews, to come, but you eventually sent your Editor in Chief at that time, Nelson Alcantara, and we were in Zimbabwe for 18 days.

Then two or three years later, Zimbabwe co-hosted the UNWTO General Assembly Meeting with Zambia at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia.

That massive turn of events was because of the groundwork that you and I used our platforms to change.

Again, sadly, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the ministry failed to pay me the balance of the agreed fee for my services. Shameful!!!

The CNN Task Group and eTurboNews

Juergen Steinmetz: You know my story well with the UNWTO and CNN Task Group. We were the ones who brought CNN into the picture because Anita Mendiratta, who was based in Cape Town, South Africa, didn’t know many of the other people, and we started introducing her to people.

Though, the idea was really that at the end, we were going to get major advertising and thought, this is great.

CNN did well. Anita wrote many excellent articles on eTurboNews. We profiled organizations, initiatives, and individuals. But unfortunately, we never got any share in the advertising.

Lucky George: I know Anita Mendiratta very well. Our last encounter was a bitter one in the Gambia. I saved the Gambia $1.5 million in World Bank tourism funding that the country director was willing to part with for a bogus publicity contract with CNN that I wrestled.

Anyway, that is a story for another day.

Juergen Steinmetz: Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know my story with UNWTO.

Lucky George: Absolutely. Absolutely. The big question is how do we make the UNWTO function with other UN specialized agencies, where each continent would have tenured representatives like the World Health Organization [WHO] and International Labour Organisation [ILO] from all the continents instead of relying on career directors whose interest are their benefits.

Juergen Steinmetz: You are right.

Lucky George: All reputable UN agencies work closely with local and international media, including the UNWTO. They usually don’t pick up calls or reply to emails.

Juergen Steinmetz: No, they don’t.

Lucky George: It’s sad, but we cannot continue to tolerate the excesses of the UNWTO.

Juergen Steinmetz: You have a very valid point. I have had the same experience with them over the years. Maybe mine has different reasons, but Marcelo Risi, the media guy, has not responded to anything ever since he got his new boss.

Since Zurab Pololikashvili took over, I have not had any phone calls.

UNWTO has banned me from attending their press conferences, specifically at the World Travel Market, where we are an official media partner, and I couldn’t attend. They had hired a bodyguard standing there with my photo in his hand to ensure I didn’t get into the hall.

So, they’re not inclusive in any way. They don’t like criticism, and they don’t respond to criticism. And I guess he (Zurab) can make any decision he wants. And no one cares.

It is sad because even when you look at the general assemblies and the other events they have, their members, many of the ministers, as you rightfully said, change all the time. The new ones from many countries don’t know what the old ministers did.

Lucky George: So, Juergen, what do we do? Most African countries use UNWTO events as leisure trips and are paid for by their government, of which Nigeria is one.

Juergen Steinmetz: And it’s probably not only in Africa because there is a similar situation in many countries around the world, and if you don’t have the more prominent players, and I’m talking about the UK, the United States, Canada among others, the UNWTO will remain a ragtag agency of the UN.

Lucky George: It’s a mess.

SKAL Councilors Meeting in Malaga

Juergen T Steinmetz — Sat, 13 May 2023 19:42:47 +0000

eTurboNews:

SKAL International Executive Board and International SKAL Councilors met in Malaga for their mid-year meeting, discussing the organization’s plans.

The meeting also featured virtual participation through Zoom from several Councilors and Past presidents who could not attend in person.

World President Juan Steta reviewed the current changes the organization is implementing with the new governance structure approved last year and how the next steps will be introduced and implemented in the coming months.

“Exciting changes are in the works – offering leaders of our industry an opportunity to expand their business network all under the spirit of friendship instilled by our founders,” said Steta during the 3-day sessions.

On April 28^th, during the days of the meeting, SKAL International celebrated its 89^th birthday – a strong statement complimenting the sustainable bonds and results of this organization.

Messages from all members of the executive board were sent honoring this special occasion.

A vibrant organization and leader in the tourism industry SKAL INTERNATIONAL has over 12,500 members from 84 countries and 84 countries, forming a robust database of professionals from all industry sectors working together to shape the future of tourism.

Skal International strongly advocates for safe global tourism, focused on its benefits— “happiness, good health, friendship, and long life.”

Since its inception in 1934, Skål International has been the leading organization of tourism professionals worldwide, promoting global tourism through friendship, uniting all travel and tourism industry sectors. For more information, please visit https://skal.org

#SKAL

African Tourism Board calls for WTTC to Resolve Internal Issues

eTN Managing Editor — Sat, 13 May 2023 06:06:19 +0000

eTurboNews:

Cuthbert Ncube, Chairman of the African Tourism Board, speaking also for the World Tourism Network Africa Chapter issued an open appeal directed to the Hon. Chairman, of the World Travel and Tourism Council, Arnold Donald.

Joint ATB and WTN Statement

There has been excitement all over Africa, in bringing the first World Travel and Tourism Council summit to our continent.

The 23rd World Travel & Tourism Council Global Summit will take place in Kigali, Rwanda, 1st – 3rd November 2023 after it was officially announced in Riyadh in November.

The Rwanda Tourism community is already working hard to make this summit the best ever.

WTTC’s annual Global Summit is the most influential Travel & Tourism event on the calendar, and this year, industry leaders will once again gather with key government representatives to continue aligning efforts to support the sector’s recovery and move beyond to a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future.

Manfredi Lefebvri, the Africa Chair for WTTC has been instrumental in reaching his hand out to Africa and bringing Rwanda forward to host this upcoming summit.

Equally CEO Julia Simpson has been seen as the influential woman leader in WTTC moving this event forward.

Recent news about Mr. Manfredi Lefebvre and with him Heritage Group operating Abercrombie and Kent Travel Group leaving the organization he proudly belonged to for more than 20 years is disturbing.

Recent news about the disagreements within the top leadership in WTTC in London and other members, staff and associates are equally alarming.

As agreed in Riyadh, the travel and tourism industry has to stand united, specially during the ongoing recovery from the COVID pandemic. This is even more important with armed conflicts spreading in Sudan.

African Tourism Board & World Tourism Network United

The African Tourism Board and the World Tourism Network Africa Chapter is appealing on all parties involved to resolve issues for the good of the organization and tourism as a sector.

WTTC Chair Arnold Donald had announced the Rwanda summit in Riyadh. This was met with great excitement at the Rwanda Development Board and tourism stakeholders in Rwanda and across the African continent.

Hosting such a world event comes with enormous costs for our tax payers and industry sponsors.

WTTC Chairman Arnold Donald

We appeal on Mr. Donald to immediately take ownership of the situation at WTTC and do whatever is necessary to resolve it.

All of us at the African Tourism Board, also speaking on behalf of the World Tourism Network global chairman Juergen Steinmetz, like to see the private and public sector of the tourism industry come together in Rwanda in September to celebrate a united global tourism industry.
Cuthbert Ncube, Chairman African Tourism Board

Southwest Airlines: Strike vote has no effect on operations

Harry Johnson — Fri, 12 May 2023 22:42:17 +0000

eTurboNews:

The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), the labor union that represents the pilots of the Dallas-based air carrier, announced that its members have overwhelmingly voted for approving a union strike mandate yesterday.

Union members’ vote, authorizing a potential labor action, came just as the hectic summer season is about to kick in.

With 98% participation and 99% of members authorizing the strike, SWAPA signaled a strike could possibly happen at any time.

According to Southwest Airlines representatives, pilots’ vote to authorize the labor action will have no immediate effect on the carrier’s operations and is not likely to lead to a walkout in the near future.

SWAPA President, Casey Murray, said the association will request the permission to strike from the mediators, but will act in strict accordance with the law.

Union president said: “The lack of leadership and the unwillingness to address the failures of our organization have led us to this point.

“Our pilots are tired of apologizing to our passengers on behalf of a company that refuses to place its priorities on its internal and external customers.’

“We want our passengers to understand that we do not take this path lightly and are disheartened that the LUV airline has gotten so far away from the values set forth by Herb Kelleher.

“We want our customers to be prepared for the path ahead and make arrangements on other carriers so that their plans through the summer and fall are not disrupted.”

Under the United States’ laws, air carrier employees are not allowed to legally strike, unless the action is approved by the federal mediators after deciding that any further bargaining is futile.

But even after the federal mediator’s approval, the strike can still be blocked by the President and US Congress.

The negotiations over the new contract between the Southwest Airlines and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association have been ongoing for over three years now.

In the meantime, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says they expect 2023 summer air travel volumes to surpass pre-pandemic levels, and industry experts say that many of the issues that led to last year’s meltdown have not been resolved.

‘Travel Works for America’ National Advocacy Tour Launches

Harry Johnson — Fri, 12 May 2023 14:47:33 +0000

eTurboNews:

Travel Works for America—a national advocacy tour designed to highlight the $2.6 trillion economic impact and far-reaching contributions created by travel—relaunched this week in the Washington, DC, region.

“Our Travel Works activations will take the powerful message of the industry’s impact on the American economy from Capitol Hill to cities across the nation, demonstrating for lawmakers and community leaders how travel benefits not only their regions but also other sectors within the economy,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association.

The May 10 kickoff—held during the 40th anniversary of National Travel and Tourism Week—began Wednesday on Capitol Hill in Washington before a stop at the National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, which was followed by a Thursday rally with Destination DC in downtown Washington’s Franklin Park and a visit to Old Town in Alexandria, VA.

At its first stop, a branded Travel Works food truck served coffee and donuts—along with a message that travel fuels the American economy—to morning commuters, Capitol Hill staffers and more than 20 members of Congress near U.S. House of Representatives office buildings.

Among the elected officials stopping by the morning kickoff were Rep. Diaz Balart (R-FL), Rep. Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Rep. Letlow (R-LA), Rep. LaHood (R-IL), Rep. McCaul (R-TX), Rep. Amodei (R-NV), Rep. Bilirakis (R-FL), Chm. Hudson (R-NC), Rep. Moore (R-UT) and Chm. Smith (R-MO).

At Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, representatives from U.S. Travel, Visit Baltimore and the National Aquarium handed out refreshments and spread the word about travel’s role in powering Charm City.

The final capital area Travel Works stop in Old Town Alexandria, VA, featured a tour through the historic city with Visit Alexandria.

U.S. Travel is planning other Travel Works stops in additional cities and states this year, including, among others:

• Charleston, SC
• Boston, MA
• Detroit, MI
• Savannah, GA
• Orlando, FL

The Travel Works for America roadshow first launched in 2019 with stops in St. Louis and Columbus, OH.

Is WTTC Falling Apart? Mass Exodus of Members in Progress

Juergen T Steinmetz — Fri, 12 May 2023 10:03:00 +0000

eTurboNews:

The World Travel and Tourism Council needs to be resilient now. This is an emergency for WTTC as a pioneer in bringing the global private travel and tourism industry together, and the companies behind it.

Just two days ago eTurboNews was asking if WTTC and its CEO were in trouble? The answer to the troubling question unfortunately is a big YES.

On March 27, eTurboNews had predicted, that Vice Chair Manfredi Lefebvre would be the next chairman for WTTC. At that time the election for Chairman recommendation was expected at a board meeting that took place in April.

The election was taken off the agenda by the CEO for the April board meeting, leaving the recommendation for chairman open. The next WTTC Summit is scheduled in Rwanda for September, where the confirmation for the next chairman will be decided. This was reported on eTurboNews earlier this week.

Today Manfredi Lefebvre together with Heritage Group. the majority of stakeholders in Abercrombie Kent, canceled their membership and resigned from the World Travel and Tourism Council in a surprise development.

Correction

ETurboNews reported first that Silversea is owned by Mr. Lefebvre. This is incorrect.
Silversea was founded by the Lefebvre family in the early ‘90s as a pioneering cruise line offering a personal style of ultra-luxury travel, unrivalled in the world.
In June 2018, two-thirds of Silversea was sold to Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited for an amount in excess of $1 billion in equity value.
According to its director of communication Jonathon Fishman, who contacted eTurboNews in response to this article, Royal Caribbean Cruises is a member of WTTC and did not cancel its membership.

Mr. Lefebvre was also the Africa Chair and instrumental in bringing the first WTTC summit to Rwanda later this year.

His resignation could mean dark clouds may be on the horizon for the 2023 summit in Rwanda. Canceling the Rwanda summit may be a tsunami for the African travel and tourism world.

American Express Corporate Travel, a key member in WTTC also said good bye.

eTurboNews was told about a list of 20 members. According to a whistleblower these members already decided to resignation as members. Such announcements may be forthcoming as early as next week.

This may trigger an even bigger avalanche.

For many years, stakeholders and governments in the tourism world accepted WTTC was speaking for the private industry, while the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) was representing governments, the public sector.

If the current exodus in WTTC continues, it may very well be fatal for the organization.

A major shift on how public and private partnerships in travel and tourism may be the result.

Under the current WTTC CEO Julia Simpson, the interaction between private and public sector was already outsourced.

According to inside information WTTC CEO Julia Simpson, and Virginia Messina, SVP Advocacy & Communication, Vice Chair Jerry Noonan are being seen by many of treating members and staff disrespectful.

Manipulation, incompetence, LGBTQ discrimination, bullying, are some of the trigger words heard. Obviously WTTC lost its direction. Some say the organization became too British and can no longer operate as a global player.

Perhaps with Julian Simpson as a board member of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), there is a conflict of interest.

According to the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) , they are the very center of London’s business community. LCCI supports their members, make connections to spark new opportunity, and champion the needs and interests of London businesses at home and abroad.

At a time when unity in the travel and tourism industry is more important than ever, this unity seems to be falling apart at WTTC in London.

Is WTTC and its CEO in Trouble?

Juergen T Steinmetz — Wed, 10 May 2023 06:53:06 +0000

eTurboNews:

eTN’s recent article on the European Tourism Day returning after five years without WTTC unexpectedly triggered a heated discussion on the current state of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Members, associates, and former executives in the organization spoke out “off the record.”

After concluding a very successful WTTC Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the world of tourism is again united, more significant, and better. This was the message from the Riyadh summit, but it may have been wishful thinking regarding UNWTO and WTTC.

After the summit, the global world of tourism has not heard much from WTTC, except for some mostly automatic social media posts and press statements, such as announcing outsourced research and promoting a brochure on illegal wildlife from July 2021.

Did you know that travel is good for your mental health?

This was one of the prominent tweets by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), referring to World Health Organization research.

Insiders told eTurboNews that a team by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Tourism was the driving force behind making the 2022 SUMMIT in Riyadh last November a big success.

“Without this team at the Ministry of Tourism, the summit would have failed,” was feedback from one of the individuals with knowledge about the event. “Thanks to the support by the ministry WTTC can now take credit for the largest, best, and most impressive Summit ever.”

WTTC Members are concerned

A source told eTurboNews that WTTC members and former associates are increasingly concerned about ineffective leadership, favoritism, and purchases not directly benefiting the organization.

Saudi Arabia became the most influential emerging country in the world for the travel and tourism industry.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) opened a regional center in Riyadh.

In the meantime, UNWTO keeps gaining visibility, while the organization’s Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili remains hardly accessible to people other than ministers. His public appearance concentrates on official photo opportunities.

UNWTO is a politically motivated UN-affiliated agency. Countries are members.

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), however, is a private membership organization with some of the largest global travel and tourism companies, such as Marriott, TUI, and other giants of the industry as members.

How WTTC started?

It all started in the late 1980s when a group of industry Chairs and CEOs, led by James Robinson III – then Chairman and CEO of American Express – realized that, although Travel & Tourism was the largest industry in the world, the biggest provider of jobs, few in the industry, let alone within governments, were not aware of this.

It’s expensive for companies to join WTTC. There is usually no government funding.

For years WTTC demonstrated clear leadership for the private travel sector.

Under Dr. Taleb Rifai, the previous UNWTO secretary-general, WTTC, and UNWTO were like Siamese twins, coordinating every step and effectively steering the direction of global tourism both in the private and public sectors.

At that time, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) presented Open Letters to 89 Heads of State and Governments, outlining the value of this sector as the largest generator of jobs and a powerful driver of socioeconomic growth and sustainable development in the world.

This close cooperation between the two organizations ended after Zurab took the helm at UNWTO on January 1, 2018.

The world was thrilled to hear at the WTTC Summit in November 2018 that this global voice seems to unite again in a world emerging after COVID.

UNWTO has been criticized for many years for being ineffective, and a UN organization where key countries such as the United States, UK, or Canada are not even members. The UNWTO Secretary-General was criticized for getting his position due to political manipulation. This did not stop in the second round during the COVID period in September 2020.

ETOA Puts Athens at the Center of Global Tourism Market

Harry Johnson — Mon, 08 May 2023 14:26:15 +0000

eTurboNews:

Over 160 representatives from the Greek and international tourism industry met in Athens for the 9th Travel Trade Athens, the signature annual B2B event of the City of Athens organized in collaboration with the European Tourism Association (ETOA).

Operated by the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA), the event ran April 24-25 with the participation of hosted buyers, local suppliers, and international media.

Since the start of Travel Trade Athens in 2013, visitor arrivals to Athens have increased by more than 160% and the Athens meetings & events industry has been recognized as a rising leader in the European market that is creating local economic opportunities.

This year, the event hosted more than 1,600 B2B meetings between Greek and international tourism professionals during the two-day event, including more than 60 hosted buyers and over 100 local suppliers. The hosted buyers represented the city’s target markets in Europe, the United Kingdom, USA and Canada.

At the Press Conference launching Travel Trade Athens 2023 and marking the start of the spring season, Mayor of Athens Kostas Bakoyannis was joined by Yiannis Paraschis, Chief Executive Officer of the Athens International Airport (AIA); Eftichios Vassilakis, President of AEGEAN; and Tim Fairhurst, Secretary General of ETOA.

Kostas Bakoyannis, Mayor of Athens, underlined the importance of the event: “The 9th Travel Trade Athens is here. It is an exceptional event that is opening more windows and doors for Athens as a destination. Certainly, we have many reasons to be happy about the development of Athens as a tourist destination, as in recent years we have been breaking one record after another. To these, one more is added: it’s the first time in history that Athens is welcoming so many investments.”

The Mayor of Athens thanked all the partners who are contributing to the development of the tourist market of Athens. “I would like to extend a very big thank you to Mr. Tim Fairhurst, the Secretary General of the European Tourism Organization. His presence honors us and is a vote of trust and confidence in the Athens market. I would also like to thank Mr. Vassilakis and Mr. Parashis for the excellent collaboration we have developed through This is Athens. This public-private partnership is a great opportunity for all of us, because it enables us to join forces and achieve a much better result together.”

Tim Fairhurst said on behalf of ETOA: “A precondition for tourism success is the positive collaboration between private and public sectors. Athens understands this and our collective progress towards best tourism for residents and tourists alike depends on it. We are delighted to be working with the city again, bringing quality buyers interested in developing new products.”

In addition to a full schedule of B2B meetings, the 9th Travel Trade Athens includes a number of tours and experiences. It also hosts the Τhis is Athens Agora, a half-day cross-sectoral gathering for Greek tourism professionals. Through a series of educational workshops, panel discussions and speeches from world renowned industry professionals, the attending Greek professionals have the opportunity to gain valuable insights and develop expertise on the tourism industry’s global trends.

The speakers included Tim Fairhurst, Secretary General of ETOA; Maria Founta, Head of Marketing South East Europe at Google; Anna Vasila, Head of Sustainability and Industry Affairs at the Athens International Airport; Christos Koutsoukos, Executive Creative Director of Cream and Rascal; Elke Dens, Global Director of The Travel Foundation; Ioannis Pallas, Association Manager of the ESAE – European Society of Association Executives; Dr. Christina Gitsaki, Congress Coordinator of the International Association of Applied Linguistics; and Stylianos Filopoulos, Founder of Association by Design.

Athens moving from strength to strength

The 9th Travel Trade Athens builds upon a strong year for the Athenian tourism industry.

Through the efforts of the City of Athens and ADDMA’s strategic planning, as well as of This is Athens and Τhis is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau, Athens won its first global distinction at the World Travel Awards 2022 as the World’s Leading Cultural City Destination.

The award followed the city’s double win at the European World Travel Awards where Athens was named “Europe’s Leading Cultural City Destination 2022” and This is Athens-Convention & Visitors Bureau received the “Europe’s Leading City Tourist Board” title for 2022.

Athens has also been recording an upward course in the global meetings industry. Athens ranked 6th in Europe and 8th in the world for international association meeting according to the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Annual Report 2021, having hosted over 130 international association meetings and events.

Since its launch in 2013, Travel Trade Athens has welcomed more than 700 buyers from 35 countries. With the completion of the 9th Trave Trade Athens, the event has supported more than 19,500 B2B meetings between Greek and international tourism professionals. The event is organized every year by the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency of the City of Athens (ADDMA) through the This is Athens-Convention and Visitors Bureau that operates under the umbrella of ADDMA, in collaboration with the European Tourism Association (ETOA).

New Chair at European Business Aviation Association AMAC

Harry Johnson — Thu, 04 May 2023 20:37:37 +0000

eTurboNews:

Janine K. Iannarelli, founder and president of Par Avion Ltd., was elected in Brussels, Belgium, as Chair of the European Business Aviation Association’s (EBAA) Associate Member Advisory Council (AMAC) during the organization’s recently held annual general assembly. Founded in 1977 and based in Brussels, the EBAA is the largest business aviation association in Europe with members from around the world. The AMAC comprises in excess of 500 members strong representing a diverse group of industry participants including aircraft charter, finance, legal, maintenance and sales.

Iannarelli has been a member of EBAA since the early 1990s and an active participant in AMAC since the founding of the associate membership. In February 2016, Iannarelli was invited to serve on the EBAA AMAC Sales and Acquisition committee to provide expert input on international sales transactions. She was appointed Chair of this committee in 2017. In October 2019, she was elected Vice Chair of the Board by her fellow AMAC chairs.

“It is an honor to have been elected Chair of the EBAA’s AMAC, and I look forward to helping to improve the membership experience for all. Part of my focus will be on assisting the individual working committees continue to explore and help to address the issues impacting business aviation. I look forward to this opportunity to work even more closely with the membership, EBAA staff, and Board of Governors,” said Iannarelli.

Iannarelli is an aviation industry professional with more than 35 years of experience focused on aircraft sales and marketing. In 1997, she founded Par Avion Ltd., which is recognized as one of the leading global aircraft brokerages. In addition to her current leadership roles, Iannarelli has served as Chair of the State of Texas’ Aerospace & Aviation Advisory Board and has been recognized by numerous organizations for her contributions to the advancement of women as well as her entrepreneurial accomplishments. An advocate for business aviation, Iannarelli volunteers her time to various industry organizations including the National Business Aviation Association for its Mentoring Program and Women in Aviation, International’s Girls in Aviation Day.

IATA: Global Air Travel Demand Keeps Growing Stronger

Harry Johnson — Thu, 04 May 2023 15:47:15 +0000

eTurboNews:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced strong demand growth in air travel for March 2023.

Total traffic in March 2023 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 52.4% compared to March 2022. Globally, traffic is now at 88.0% of March 2019 levels.

Domestic traffic for March rose 34.1% compared to the year-ago period. Total March 2023 domestic traffic was at 98.9% of the March 2019 level.

International traffic climbed 68.9% versus March 2022 with all markets recording healthy growth, led once again by carriers in the Asia-Pacific region. International RPKs reached 81.6% of March 2019 levels while the load factor at 81.3% exceeded the March 2019 level by 10.1 percentage points.

“The calendar year first quarter ended on a strong note for air travel demand. Domestic markets have been near their pre-pandemic levels for months. And for international travel two key waypoints were topped. First, demand increased by 3.5 percentage points compared to the previous month’s growth, to reach 81.6% of pre-COVID levels. This was led by a near-tripling of demand for Asia-Pacific carriers as China’s re-opening took hold. And efficiency is improving as international load factors reached 81.3%. Even more importantly, ticket sales for both domestic and international travel give every indication that strong growth will continue into the peak Northern Hemisphere summer travel season,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

International Passenger Markets

• Asia-Pacific airlines had a 283.1% increase in March 2023 traffic compared to March 2022, continuing the robust momentum since the lifting of travel restrictions in the region. Capacity rose 161.5% and the load factor increased 26.8 percentage points to 84.5%, the second highest among the regions.

• European carriers posted a 38.5% traffic rise versus March 2022. Capacity climbed 27.0%, and load factor rose 6.6 percentage points to 79.4%, which was the second lowest among the regions.

• Middle Eastern airlines saw a 43.1% traffic increase compared to March a year ago. Capacity climbed 30.5% and load factor pushed up 7.0 percentage points to 79.4%.

• North American carriers’ traffic climbed 51.6% in March 2023 versus the 2022 period. Capacity increased 34.0%, and load factor rose 9.8 percentage points to 84.8%, the highest among the regions.

• Latin American airlines had a 36.5% traffic increase compared to the same month in 2022. March capacity climbed 33.4% and load factor rose 1.9 percentage points to 82.8%.

• African airlines’ traffic rose 71.7% in March 2023 versus a year ago, the second highest among the regions. March capacity was up 56.2% and load factor climbed 6.5 percentage points to 72.2%, lowest among the regions.

“As traveler expectations build towards the peak Northern Hemisphere summer travel season, airlines are doing their best to meet the desire and need to fly. Unfortunately, a lack of capacity means that some of those travelers may be disappointed. Part of this capacity shortfall is attributable to the widely reported labor shortages impacting many parts of the aviation value chain, as well as supply chain issues affecting the aircraft manufacturing sector that is resulting in aircraft delivery delays. However, a significant share of recent flight cancellations, primarily in Europe, are owing to job actions by air traffic controllers and others. These irresponsible actions resulted in thousands of unnecessary cancellations in March. This is unacceptable and should not be tolerated by the authorities,” said Walsh.

Tourism and Sports United for Sustainability

Harry Johnson — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:38:40 +0000

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The 2nd edition of the World Sports Tourism Congress (WSTC), organized by UNWTO, Government of Croatia through its Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and the Affiliate Member Croatian National Tourist Board, brought together experts and leaders from across the sports and tourism sectors, alongside representatives of destinations and businesses.

Held under the theme “Tourism and Sports United for Sustainability”, the Congress focused on key issues such as sports tourism’s economic impact and its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Sports Tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximize its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that’s where UNWTO steps in”.

Ms. Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia said: “I am very proud of having hosted this Congress in Croatia. We enjoyed hearing many excellent international and Croatian speakers, as well as presenting the many opportunities of sustainable development of sports tourism in Croatia. Croatian government has secured generous funds for building active tourism infrastructure, in line with our goal of making Croatia a globally competitive sports tourism destination.”

Delivering sports tourism’s benefits

Alongside assessing the impacts of sports tourism, the Congress also explored the potential benefits of the growing sector, including its links to health and wellbeing, and its importance for promoting destinations to bigger and more diverse audiences.

In Zadar, leaders from both established and emerging sports tourism destinations shared their insights and best practices to produce recommendations for growing the sector in size and influence.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations mandated with the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.

UNWTO is the leading international organization for the promotion of tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability. It provides leadership and support in advancing knowledge and tourism policies and serves as a global forum for tourism policy and a source of tourism research and knowledge. It encourages the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism e Development, Competitiveness, Innovation & Digital Transformation, Ethics, Culture & Social Responsibility, Technical Cooperation, UNWTO Academy, and Statistics.

The official languages of UNWTO are Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Sandals Resorts and ASTA Celebrate Global Travel Advisor Day

Linda Hohnholz, eTN editor — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 22:23:26 +0000

eTurboNews:

In partnership with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), Sandals Resorts International (SRI) – parent company of luxury all-inclusive brands Sandals® Resorts and Beaches® Resorts – is celebrating the integral role of travel advisors by reaffirming its commitment through exclusive ASTA partnership along with programming and educational opportunities, as well as advisor incentives in honor of Global Travel Advisor Day.

“Travel advisors have been key characters throughout every chapter of our more than 40-year history and have played a leading role in the industry’s resurgence,” said Gary C. Sadler, the Executive Vice President of Sales and Industry Relations at Unique Vacations Inc., an affiliate of the worldwide representatives for Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. “We’re proud to have them as partners in our joint success and to champion the critical work of ASTA in recognizing the incredible travel advisor community today, and every day.”

As the exclusive sponsor of Global Travel Advisor Day 2023, Sandals Resorts and ASTA are celebrating travel advisors with a Facebook Live on May 3 that will feature a one-on-one session between ASTA President Zane Kerby and Gary Sadler, who will also be speaking on stage at ASTA’s Global Conference in Puerto Rico on the same day. While discussing the latest trends in travel, Sadler and Kerby will have an opportunity to dive into the latest research fielded by ASTA which shows that 68% of Americans believe planning a trip is more complex now and that 50% of people are more likely to use a travel advisor today than they were in the past—a 14% increase year over year.

“We’re excited to partner with Sandals to celebrate the accomplishments of travel advisors who are a vital part of the travel and tourism industry as they provide unparalleled customer service to their clients.”

Zane Kerby, President and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors, added: “Our members tell me that their businesses are growing, because Americans want to get out and see the world. Travel is more than a priority. It is essential. We’re proud to work with companies like Sandals who both appreciate and support the travel advisor community—not just during special events like today, but every day.”

During the Facebook Live, hosted from 2-4 pm EST on ASTA’s Facebook page, lucky travel advisors will have the opportunity to win a trip to Sandals Dunn’s River, the newest luxury resort within the Sandals Resorts portfolio set to debut May 24, 2023. Showcasing appreciation for travel advisors’ commitment to service, dedication to education and role within the customer booking journey, new bookings of 6 nights or longer at Sandals Resorts made directly with Unique Vacations, Inc. from May 4-31, for travel through December 24, 2023, will also be eligible for additional booking incentive up to $200.

“Programming surrounding Global Travel Advisor Day is important, but for us, it amplifies an extensive suite of tools – including our BDM team, the largest and most active sales force of any Caribbean hotel brand, to help advisors sell more effectively,” said Sadler. “We are there for advisors, not merely through a call center, but as partners in the field.”

Sadler points to the recent launch of a new online training tool, which now allows travel advisors from around the globe to become Sandals Elite Advisors at their own pace, as an example of the company’s innovative professional development and educational opportunities. Advisors will retain access to the program even after completion, allowing them to revisit lessons and access new or updated reference materials including the latest information on specific resorts, room categories, and programming across the Sandals and Beaches portfolio. In addition to the new online course, the company continues to enhance its offerings, launching initiatives such as its “Let’s Talk” webinar series and “Back to the Beach” series hosted by BDM’s.

For more information and details on the company’s special Global Travel Advisor Day incentives, please visit: https://taportal.sandals.com/. For additional details on Global Travel Advisor Day, please visit ASTA’s celebration toolkit Global Travel Advisor Day 2023 (asta.org).

About Sandals Resorts International

Founded in 1981 by the late Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is the parent company of some of travel’s most recognizable vacation brands. The company operates 24 properties throughout the Caribbean under four separate brands including: Sandals® Resorts, the Luxury Included® brand for adult couples with locations in Jamaica, Antigua, the Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia and Curaçao; Beaches® Resorts, the Luxury Included® concept designed for everyone but especially families, with properties in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica; private island Fowl Cay Resort; and the private homes of Your Jamaican Villas. Family-owned and operated, Sandals Resorts International is the largest private employer in the region. For more information, visit Sandals Resorts International.

About ASTA

Rebranded in 2018 as the American Society of Travel Advisors, ASTA is the leading global advocate for travel advisors, the travel industry and the traveling public. Its members represent 80 percent of all travel sold in the United States through the travel agency distribution channel. Together with hundreds of internationally-based members, ASTA’s history of industry advocacy traces back to its founding in 1931 when it launched with the mission to facilitate the business of selling travel through effective representation, shared knowledge and the enhancement of professionalism. For more information about the Society, visit our mission statement.

More news about Sandals

Economic, Social and Environmental Impacts of Mountain Tourism

Harry Johnson — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 20:25:22 +0000

eTurboNews:

Mountain tourism represents between 9 and 16% of international tourist arrivals worldwide, translating into 195 to 375 million tourists for 2019 alone. However, the scarcity of domestic mountain tourism-related data makes it difficult or even impossible to assess the economic, social and environmental impacts of this important segment.

The new report from the UN agencies the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Mountain Partnership (MP) aims to address this data gap.

Mountain tourism for sustainability and inclusion

Mountains are home to around 1.1 billion people, some of them among the poorest and most isolated in the world. At the same time, mountains have long drawn tourists interested in nature and open-air destinations and outdoors activities like walking, climbing and winter sports. They also attract visitors with their rich biodiversity and vibrant local cultures. However, in 2019, the most recent year for which figures are available, the 10 most mountainous countries (in terms of average height above sea level) received only 8% of international tourist arrivals worldwide, the report “Understanding and Quantifying Mountain Tourism”, shows.

Managed sustainably, mountain tourism has the potential to boost the incomes of local communities and help preserve their natural resources and culture. And, according to FAO, UNWTO and MP, measuring the volume of visitors to mountains represents the first vital step towards unlocking the potential of the sector.

“With the right data, we can better control the dispersal of visitor flows, support adequate planning, improve knowledge on visitor patterns, build sustainable products in line with consumer needs, and create suitable policies that will foster sustainable development and make sure tourism activities benefit local communities,” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu and UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili stated.

Recommendations

The study, which was based around research carried out in 46 countries, shows that generating economic benefits, creating opportunities for local communities and developing sustainable products are the main motivations for mountain tourism development. The sustainable development of mountain tourism was also identified as a means to help to spread tourism flows, tackle seasonality and complement existing tourist offerings.

Through the report, FAO, UNWTO and MP highlight the importance of collective efforts, involving public and private stakeholders from across the value chain, to improve data collection, standardization and delivery to gain a more comprehensive assessment of mountain tourism in terms of volumes and impacts, so that it can be better understood and developed to align with the Sustainable Development Goals. The report also calls for concerted work to help raise awareness of the socio-economic importance of tourism in mountains and targeted policies to create jobs, support small and medium sized businesses and attract green investments in infrastructure and the digitalization of tourism services.

IATA: Aviation Provides Critical Relief in Crises

Harry Johnson — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 15:30:13 +0000

eTurboNews:

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reminded stakeholders of the critical role that aviation plays at times of natural disasters and humanitarian crises.

“When crises strike, aviation is there. Connectivity is essential to get aid and first responders to where they are needed. The response to the recent earthquake in Southern Türkiye and Syria was no exception. Airlines helped save lives in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. And airlines continue to help accelerate the recovery with vital cargo shipments,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General, as the airline industry met in Istanbul for the IATA World Cargo Symposium.

While there is no comprehensive tabulation of the support that aviation provided, a limited review of 29 key carriers serving the Türkiye market reveals an impressive relief effort. These airlines:

• Delivered over 3,500 tons of aid from over 90 countries
• Operated over 350 relief and repatriation flights to affected areas
• Provided transport for over 130,000 responders from across the world

Critical supplies delivered included winter jackets, blankets, toilets, hygiene articles, food, fire guards’ equipment, power generators, tents, water distribution ramps, flashlights, sleeping bags, and medical supplies, among other items.

Airlink provides a good example of how the aviation sector responds to crises. It is a non-profit organization that coordinates donated airline resources and NGO needs in times of humanitarian disaster. Working with its NGO and airline partners, Airlink has coordinated the transport of 1,000 tons of aid supplies to the affected area, with an additional pipeline of 300 tons.

Resilience of cities and infrastructure are key components of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SGD 9 and 11 respectively). This is tested in times of crisis when air transport’s role is both as an essential infrastructure component in its own right and a vital lifeline for communities.

“Each and every day airlines make an enormous positive contribution to humanity by connecting people, cultures, businesses and economies. This fosters economic growth and social development. When disaster strikes, these links become even more critical. Everyone in aviation can be proud of the essential supplies, critical talent and hope that planes carry to disaster affected areas. With that in mind, we encourage all our stakeholders to join us in ensuring that aviation can fulfil this role by becoming ever more safe, secure, reliable and sustainable,” IATA chief said.

“Airlines have shown exceptional compassion and solidarity, delivering vital supplies and aid to affected communities around the world. During crises, we bring hope, relief, and aid, striving to rebuild lives together. I am proud to be part of an industry that makes such a difference,” said Walsh.

PATA and Pacific Tourism Organization join forces

Juergen T Steinmetz — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 06:46:08 +0000

eTurboNews:

The two organizations agreed to promote and strengthen shared interests between the two organizations in the areas of market access, innovative events, membership, and communications, among others.

PATA Chair Peter Semone expressed his delight about this partnership between the two organizations and highlighted that PATA is thrilled to partner with SPTO in implementing these exciting development opportunities to encourage advocacy marketing and communication, insightful market research, and innovative events for its member organizations.

“PATA is looking forward to further connecting with SPTO on these areas of cooperation for travel and tourism within the Asia Pacific region. This connection will provide more opportunities to host international events, share market insights, and enable us to promote the Pacific region to a globally connected audience. Keeping the P in PATA is imperative to us,” Mr Semone said.

Currently, PATA is looking for a new CEO allowing the Chairman to get more involved.

In acknowledging the importance of the MoU, SPTO CEO Christopher Cocker highlighted the potential to establish important public-private partnerships, to strengthen the development of the travel and tourism industry in Asia and the Pacific.

“We welcome this partnership with PATA as it aligns with the innovative partnerships component of SPTO’S Strategic Plan 2020-2024. Our two organizations have a wealth of diverse membership and broader stakeholders. “

“We recognize this partnership as an opportunity to unite our stakeholders and resources to revitalize our progress towards the sustainable growth of travel and tourism in Asia and the Pacific”, he said.

Established in 1983 as the Tourism Council of the South Pacific, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the mandated organization representing Tourism in the region.

Its 21 Government members are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna, Rapa Nui and the People’s Republic of China. In addition to government members, the Pacific Tourism Organisation has about 200 private sector members.

Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership-based association that catalyzes the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from, and within the Asia Pacific region.

By bringing together private and public sector members, PATA facilitates meaningful partnerships to enhance the value, quality, and sustainable growth of travel and tourism to, from, and within the Asia Pacific region.