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These credit cards offer ALFURSAN members a wide range of exclusive and qualitative benefits, with a strong leading proposition in the market and more ways to earn joining and spending bonuses.

SAUDIA, represented by ALFURSAN, the loyalty program, is always keen to enhance the relationship with members by providing various and distinct opportunities to earn more miles. Adding that this partnership is in line with the objectives of the program and will provide a marketing leading proposition for international and local spends.

The launch of these cards confirms Riyad Bank’s commitment to credit card sector growth in the Kingdom, and its constant endeavor to enhance the added value of its products in a way that enriches the experience of customers and extends more qualitative advantages.

As well as clarifying that the launch of these cards is considered a reward for the bank’s senior customers to express appreciation and affiliation with the bank, Those two cards’ users can enjoy exclusive and unlimited travel rewards, starting with access to more than 1,000 airport lounges in more than 300 cities, discounts and offers in more than 200 restaurants around the world, and in several most luxurious international hotels as well as booking sites, tickets, hotels, and cars.

Additional benefits also include 24-hour concierge service, global customer assistance services with medical and travel services, discounts on golf course fees, as well as multi-trip travel insurance with coverage ranging from $50,000 to $2.5 million, which covers personal accidents, expenses, rental car collision damages and repatriation.

About SAUDIA

SAUDIA started out in 1945 with a single twin-engine DC-3 (Dakota) HZ-AAX given to King Abdul Aziz as a gift by US President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This was followed months later with the purchase of 2 more DC-3s, and these formed the nucleus of what a few years later was to become one of the world’s largest airlines. Today, SAUDIA has 142 aircraft, including the latest and most advanced wide-bodied jets presently available: B787-9, B777-268L, B777-300ER, Airbus A320-200, Airbus A321, and Airbus A330-300.

Read more: SAUDIA and Riyad Bank Launch ALFURSAN Credit Card

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Data recently released by the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) show that in April 2023 international visitors spent more than $17.3 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States, an increase of nearly 26 percent compared to April 2022 and marking the twenty-fifth consecutive month of year-over-year gains (when compared to the same month, previous year).

Conversely, Americans spent a record-setting $17.2 billion traveling abroad, yielding a balance of trade surplus of $83 million for the month—reversing a trend of seven consecutive months of balance of trade deficits for U.S. travel and tourism.

Revised data released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis (monthly trade data were revised back to 2018) suggest that international visitors have spent nearly $67.2 billion on U.S. travel and tourism-related goods and services year to date (January through April 2023), an increase of more than 45 percent when compared to 2022. International visitors have injected, on average, nearly $560 million a day into the U.S. economy year to date.

Composition of Monthly Spending (Travel Exports)

• Travel Spending

• Purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the United States totaled $9.7 billion during April 2023 (compared to $7.2 billion in April 2022), an increase of nearly 35 percent when compared to the previous year. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation in the United States, and other items incidental to foreign travel.

• Travel receipts accounted for 56 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports in April 2023.

• Passenger Fare Receipts

• Fares received by U.S. carriers from international visitors totaled $3.1 billion in April 2023 (compared to $2.4 billion in the previous year), up 31 percent when compared to April 2022. These receipts represent expenditures by foreign residents on international flights provided by U.S. air carriers.

• Passenger fare receipts accounted for 18 percent of total U.S. travel and tourism exports in April 2023.

• Medical/Education/Short-Term Worker Spending

Read more: International Visitors Spent $17.3 Billion on US Travel in April

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All eyes are on the coronation in London, the largest travel and tourism event in British history.

It is being held at Westminster Abbey on 6 May, and King Charles and Camilla, the Queen Consort, will be the 40th reigning monarch crowned there since 1066.

London is ready

The day of splendor and formality is based on rules, and traditions set more than 1,000 years. Here is how we expect it to unfold.

Public access to the sites along The Mall and Whitehall will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with people directed to official screening sites in Hyde Park, Green Park, and St James’s Park once they are complete.

With only a few hours before the big event, people are already camping outside along The Mall for a prime position.

A gentleman was already there since April 26 to secure his place. Some spectators in line are watching the nightly rehearsals with the carriages drawn and processions.

Another royal fan camping at The Mall was devastated after his belongings were stolen from his tent. H is now worried about going to the toilet. Two of his tents were stolen when he went to the toilet.

Patrick McCrossan, a royal fan who lives in Chelsea, has been forced to sleep in an outdoor chair after having his tent removed.

Mr. McCrossan`s $ 800 Go Pro camera and mobile phone chargers were also stolen despite The Mall being at the heart of British history’s most extensive security operation.

A record 11,500 police officers are on duty in LONDON this weekend.

“Stop Oil” activists brought parts of London to a standstill again during the week. If they will try to disrupt the Coronation, Scotland Yard warned swift action by police for anyone trying to disrupt the King’s Coronation on Saturday.

Coronation last-minute preparation

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended final rehearsals this morning in preparation for tomorrow.  Tourists had been arriving in London in record numbers to witness this historic world event, which is, without doubt, a historic event for travel and tourism.

When King Charles went on a  surprise walkabout on The Mall greeting Royal fans who had been sleeping along the route all week, fans were blown away by his surprise visit.

It came just hours after a downpour soaked thousands of people camped out at The Mall, with one person saying: ‘This is the happiest moment in my life.’

The monarchy is a tremendous asset to the country in terms of symbolism and heritage. King Charles is a well-trained monarch who laughs when asked if he is nervous.

A massive security operation is on the way, and people are gathering along the route of tomorrow’s processions in central London. 

In the evening, a vast convoy of limousines was making its way along the MALL as over 1000  dignitaries from around the world will be heading to Buckingham Palace for the  Reception hosted by King Charles.

But most surprised were some passengers of London`s Underground tonight.

Charles and Camilla have recorded a message played across all 2,570 UK rail stations and the 270 London Underground stations over the Coronation weekend.

It includes the King playing the role of station announcer to issue the most famous London Tube warning: Mind the gap.

Mind the gap

The recording, which was made at Charles’s country retreat, Highgrove, in conjunction with Transport for London audio engineers earlier this year, sees the royal couple perform a double act.

Read more: Queen Camilla Makes eTN Reporter Smile: King Charles III Coronation

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From April 14-16, more than 450 tourism partners, with over 1,200 professionals from airlines to tour operators and hoteliers, came together in Terrasini Città del Mare, near the city of Palermo.

Seychelles was well represented with a dedicated stand depicting the natural wonders of the archipelago and its culture, providing the perfect occasion to meet the local trade, clarify any doubts about the destination and distribute promotional material.   

Travelexpo’s success confirmed the market recovery in the post-pandemic era, attested by the vibrancy and industriousness of the companies and professionals attending.

Logos, the organizer of Travelexpo, has contributed significantly to the development of the tourism industry in Sicily since 1983, organizing trade fairs and workshops around Sicily and managing the tourism news portal Travelnostop.com with 37, 882 records and dedicated newsletters.  

Sicily is an important market for Seychelles, especially in the honeymoon segment.

Despite being an island with beautiful seas, local consumers are high-end travelers when it comes to special occasions. The new air links by Turkish Airlines departing from Palermo and Catania also help connect Sicily to the rest of the world.  

Seychelles’ participation aimed to increase the destination’s visibility as a travel and desired destination. The three-day event focused on bringing together travel agencies, tour operators, tourism boards, and other tourism suppliers from around the world.  

Commenting on the fruitful three days, Ms. Danielle Di Gianvito, Tourism Seychelles’ representative for Italy, said, “It is a great opportunity to participate in Travelexpo, to further promote and increase the visibility of Seychelles and to meet the Sicilian trade, which is a bit more difficult to intercept due to its geographical position during other workshops and roadshows.”  

Travelexpo was also an opportunity to build and reconnect potential businesses or collaborations. Ms. Di Gianvito had the chance to engage with people from different sectors and interact with multiple attendees.   

Read more: Seychelles Strengthens as Ideal Tropical Holiday in Sicily, Italy

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He stressed that “this is the biggest and best winter season Jamaica has ever had in the history of tourism” adding that the tourism industry was set on a path to continue the boom now being experienced.

He said: “For the January to March 2023 period, it is estimated that Jamaica welcomed 1.18 million visitors, which represents growth of 94.4% when compared to the same period in 2022. This represents earnings of US$1.15 billion, 46.4% above the US$786.8 million earned for the same period in 2022.”

In reviewing the performance of the tourism sector as he opened the Sectoral Debate in Parliament yesterday, Minister Bartlett noted that arrivals for 2022 were up by 117% and earnings by 71.4% when compared to 2021. Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors and earned an estimated US$3.7 billion in 2022 and projections for 2024 are for US$4.1 billion in earnings.

He told Parliament that:

“If there was ever an industry that has the potential to transform our nation, our communities and the lives and livelihoods of the Jamaican people for the better, it is tourism.”

He added that real gross domestic product (GDP) for the economy is projected to “grow within the range of 3.0% to 5.0% during January – March 2023 when compared to January – March 2022.” This growth is expected to be led by strong performances by the hotels and restaurants, and the mining and quarrying industries.

Minister Bartlett highlighted that in fiscal year 2023/24 GDP is anticipated to be driven by continued robust performance in stopover arrivals, facilitated by increased room capacity and intensified marketing efforts.

“Never before in the history of Jamaica has tourism made such a great contribution to the national economy and we are willing to contribute to that process and to make even greater contributions,” declared Mr. Bartlett, noting that “Jamaicans at all levels of society can enjoy a bigger slice of the tourism pie.”

Mr. Bartlett outlined that “investments continue to boom to drive the industry’s recovery (and) over the last five years tourism investment contributed 20% of the island’s total foreign direct investments (FDI) and over the next 5 to 10 years, there are multiple upcoming investment projects which will see the addition of 15,000 to 20,000 new rooms with investment of US$4 billion to US$5 billion.”

The Minister said stakeholders had been working together to build a tourism industry that was equitable, viable and which generates opportunities for all. He noted that “tourism will be the biggest driver of economic growth and prosperity in Jamaica for years to come and it is absolutely important that you are made aware of the work that we have been doing over the last year in repositioning the sector to achieve higher growth rates, a better spread of the benefits of tourism to each and every Jamaican and stronger linkages throughout the economic fabric of this beautiful island.”

Read more: Jamaica’s Tourism Boom Set to Continue says Bartlett

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The joint plan submitted by the city of Osaka and Osaka Prefecture 13 years ago will witness the PM award the casino gambling license for the US$8 billion project. Both MGM Resorts and Orix have a 40% stake in the casino. The remaining 20% is jointly owned by Panasonic Holdings, West Japan Railway, and Kansai Electric Power Co.

The resort will be located in the port city of Osaka on the artificial island of Yumeshima near the mouth of the Yodo River. Upon completion of landfill for the island, Yumeshima will consist of 960 acres of land and in addition to the casino project, will host the world’s fair Expo 2025.

The casino complex will include hotels, an international convention center, exhibition facilities, a theatre, restaurants, and shops as well as the casino which will occupy 3% of the total resort. It is anticipated that 20 million people will visit the resort annually of which 6 million are likely to be international visitors. Gambling revenue is expected to be over US$3 billion per year, with total resort sales forecast to be close to US$4 billion.

Concerns

A survey conducted by the government in 2021 revealed that around 2.8 million people have a gambling addition in Japan. The country has publicly run racing of horses, motorcycles, speedboats, and bicycles in addition to a pinball-type game called pachinko available to play in around 7,600 parlors within Japan.

While there is some concern about a potential rise in addiction to gambling, supporters of the casino said strict rules for entering the casino should help to abate this possible problem. According to Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura, individuals will not be allowed to enter the casino if their family makes that request. Also, passports and My Number ID cards will be needed to enter along with a US$45 entry fee for Japanese and foreign residents; it does not apply to international visitors.

The location of the casino also created concerns over earthquakes in the area. To satisfy those worries, the city of Osaka spent US$588 million in order to conduct a geological survey and replace the soil, along with other pre-construction measures to mitigate potential earthquake destruction.

Read more: Addiction Should Not Be a Concern at New Japan Casino

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There are a lot of similarities between Sedona and Hawaii Tourism. State-funded tourism boards promoting those destinations are forced to do the opposite – not promote.

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau had enough of getting funding cut and being forced to remain voiceless when wanting to promote tourism.

Sedona Tourism has always been outspoken. In 2019 Sedona officials said AIRBNB was killing our city.

On Monday, they cut ties with the City of Sedona after the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau (SCC&TB) Board of Directors voted unanimously not to renew its tourism contract with the city.

The interest of public officials is the interest of local voters. Re-election is front and center, but no long time outlook.

Many residents, especially those that recently moved to Sedona to enjoy the tourism infrastructure, may not fully understand that tourism is not only fun but also a business – however of course they vote for city officials.

Destinations such as Sedona or Hawaii rely on tourism income, making this sector everyone’s business. Even if you’re not a natural part of the business, indirectly, the entire population, in one form or another, relies on tourism.

Michelle Conway is the President and CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau. She is responsible for supporting the many businesses and jobs, relying on the mighty tourism dollars.

Her organization took an unusual and brave step in saying, enough is enough.

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau thinks they can promote Sedona tourism better without the city and by working only with its members.

She talked to eTurboNews today and explained why her organization cut ties with the City of Sedona. Her organization is no longer interested or can rely on bed taxes and other public revenue.

The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau is looking for a voluntary solution for businesses in this small town with millions of visitors.

The chamber cannot continue to allow the city to micromanage its activities.

“The city has been on our case and has not treated us like other non-profit entities, such as the public library or the humane society for example.”

Picterous Sedona is known for outdoor recreation, lovely accommodation, excellent restaurant, and many outdoor activities.

While most tourism destinations collapsed during the COVID pandemic, Sedona had its best years in 2020/21. The city faced challenges during COVID-19 overcrowding, environmental concerns, and resource management.

In a press statement released today, SCC&TB Board Chair Jennifer Perry explained. “At the same time, our economies depend on tourism, and we compete with other destinations for the tourism dollar.”

It’s important to know for our visitors that Sedona is ready to welcome them while expecting courtesy that honors our environment and lifestyle. It is time we reinvite visitors while placing responsible recreation front and center.”

Jennifer Perry, Sedona Tourism Board Chair

We can no longer allow the City of Sedona to silence our call for visitors and not allow us to promote this beautiful travel and tourism destination.

Sedona’s ‘Respect Red Rock Country’ tips are among many tools offering visitors practical instructions and education, she said.

Read more: Silencing Sedona Tourism – Visit Sedona Fights Back

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This new provision is designed to ensure the safety and security of visitors trekking in protected areas in the mountains of Nepal. With the new provision, all trekkers are required to obtain services of a licensed trekking guide and to obtain a TIMS Card through authorized trekking agencies registered with the Government of Nepal. The new provision shall come into effect on March 31, 2023.

The decision has been made subsequent to a series of discussions with trekking and exhibition stakeholders and relevant trade unions in Nepal to help mitigate adverse incidents such as getting lost en-route, health issues, and/or natural disasters. With the implementation, trekkers will have immediate access to a professional support system and will help in addressing the challenges of rescue operations in case of any unwarranted situation.

In October of 2022, heavy snow fall led to 200 trekkers in Upper Dolpa and 100 trekkers in Upper Manang being left stranded. One trekker died as well as a Nepali guide.

Three Nepali guides also went missing for a period as they lost their way in the snow. In that same year, trekkers have gone missing, some to be later found and some who remain missing. Some were with guides, some were trekking alone. Some had guides who allowed them to go forward on their own.

In November, a group of 22 people including 12 foreigners, 8 porters, and 2 guides, went on the Annapurna Circuit trek. As they were trekking, the weather turned bitterly cold leading to the deaths of 2 Thai citizens. All in all, 2022 was a bad year of missing trekkers and fatalities in Nepal.

Looking at previous years, in 2019, there were 2 missing trekkers who were found deceased. In 2018 ,there were 3 confirmed missing trekkers but a total of 7 unconfirmed missing trekkers. This is compared to 2017 which had 5 missing trekkers, and in 2016, which also had 5 missing trekkers. Overall, the standard of trekking safety in Nepal has plummeted.

In addition to safety, the new provision will create employment for workers in the tourism sector in Nepal and discourage unauthorized trekking operations in the country.

The fees for the TIMS Card have been revised to NPR 1000 per person for SAARC citizens and NPR 2000 for the rest of the world. The provision for Diplomatic Missions in Nepal will remain as before, however, accompaniment by a licensed guide shall be required. Fees, passport photocopy, and passport size photographs are required to obtain the TIMS Card.

Detailed guidelines for the new provision will be published shortly, with NTB stating that it is positive this step will pave the way for sustainable, responsible, and eco-friendly tourism in the Himalayan region of Nepal.

Read more: Nepal Trekking Now Requires Licensed Guide

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Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism joined forces to partner with the highly acclaimed Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress 2023, an exclusive event that brought the largest Business-to-Business platform for weddings to Doha. This collaboration underscores the city’s growing stature as a key figure in the MICE industry, which continues to attract business travellers from around the world.

The 9th edition of DWP congress was held from 14-16 March, to bring together leading wedding planner professionals who provided fresh perspectives on the industry through a series of keynote speeches and DWP masterclasses. Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker opened the congress with a speech to spotlight Qatar’s offerings as a versatile and captivating wedding destination.

Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Our continuous effort to promote Qatar as a leading destination that caters to the needs of all travellers has been further strengthened by the recent hosting of the Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2023. This event is regarded as the most prestigious B2B gathering in the multi-billion-dollar wedding industry, and we are honoured to have had the best wedding planners and designers in Doha. We eagerly anticipate welcoming them back following an inspiring visit this year, and look forward to seeing their vision for luxurious and elaborate weddings.”

Ackash Jain, Director of QnA International, organiser of the prestigious DWP Congress said: “Qatar is one of the most fascinating countries in the world to tie the knot with its majestic palatial resorts and scenic backdrops. Combining world-class hospitality with cosmopolitan sophistication, it seamlessly opens the door to planning some of the most opulent celebrations. We are proud to bring the world’s biggest destination wedding congress to Qatar, which was at a perfect timing right after the FIFA World Cup. With the support of Qatar Tourism, Qatar Airways and other regional and international partners, we were able to showcase the best of Qatar as a wedding destination to leading wedding experts from around the world.”

The DWP congress has grown rapidly since its inception in 2014, which took place in Greece, and has successfully made its mark in desirable destinations across the globe from Florence, Phuket, Los Cabos, Dubai and Bali.

This year the congress highlighted Doha, a city that has undergone remarkable developments in hospitality, aviation, the service industry and tourist attractions. In the last year the country has hosted what is being called the greatest FIFA World CupTM, a mega-event which has made the country fully equipped to take on a wider range of global events.

Read more: Qatar Airways, Qatar Tourism Partner with Destination Wedding Planners Congress

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New study has revealed Americans’ favorite honeymoon destinations, after industry experts analyzed Google Trends data to establish the most-searched-for honeymoon locations in each US state. 

The analysis determined that Indonesia topped people’s wish lists as the most desirable destination in eight states, with Hawaii, Kansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming all wanting to visit Indonesia. When broken down, the majority of these states search the most for a honeymoon in Bali, apart from Kansas, which searches most for a honeymoon in Indonesia in general.

Mexico ranks as the most Googled honeymoon destination in seven states. Tulum is the most Googled area of Mexico for honeymooners, with couples in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Texas all wanting to visit there. Connecticut residents searched for honeymoons in Cabo San Lucas, and Nevada couples most want to visit Puerto Vallarta.

Italy leads the way for a European honeymoon destination. It is the top search in six states, as Florida, Oklahoma, Washington, Michigan, and Illinois are all searching for honeymoons on the Amalfi Coast. In contrast, newlyweds from New Mexico are searching for Italy as a whole.

Switzerland is the most searched-for honeymoon destination in Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi and North Carolina.

Newlyweds in four states are happy staying closer to home, mostly searching for honeymoons within the U.S. Couples in Maryland and Minnesota prefer honeymoons in Florida over any other location; those in Utah prefer a honeymoon in Los Angeles, California, and New Yorkers prefer a trip to Oahu, Hawaii for their post-wedding vacation.

Greece is the most Googled honeymoon destination in three states–New Hampshire, South Dakota, and New Jersey–with Santorini and Mykonos being top destinations.

The first Caribbean destination to appear on this list is St. Lucia, the most Googled honeymoon destination for couples in Georgia and Vermont. Belize is the most searched-for honeymoon destination for residents of North Dakota, while Barbados is the most Googled location for Alabama newlyweds.

Honeymooners in Oregon and Montana Googled Aruba more than any other location, whilst Chile was the most Googled option for newlyweds in Iowa and Virginia.

The Maldives was also the most Googled location for those looking to book a honeymoon from Alaska and Rhode Island.

The Seychelles were the most desirable honeymoon destinations for residents from Indiana. West Virginia couples Googled the romance capital of the world, Paris in France, more than any other destination, whilst Iceland is the top honeymoon destination for South Carolina couples.

Mauritius and Tahiti in French Polynesia were the most Googled honeymoon destinations in Wisconsin and Arkansas, respectively. Delaware favored Ireland as a prime honeymoon destination over any other location, Antigua was the most Googled destination by Maine couples, and the Cayman Islands took the number one spot for Nebraska residents.

Each US state’s favorite honeymoon destination

Read more: Different US states favor different honeymoon destinations

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Forbes Travel Guide, the only independent, rigorous global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas, unveiled its 65th prestigious luxury Star Awards Winners for 2023.

The 2023 Forbes Travel Guide lists ten luxury properties in Malta, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, 4 more than in 2022. 

The 4 newly included properties featured in the Forbes 2023 list are AX The Saint John Boutique, Hyatt Regency Malta, The Phoenicia Malta and The Westin Dragonara Resort. The 2023 list features one 5-Star property, the Iniala Harbour House and four 4-Star properties offering high levels of service and quality of facilities including Corinthia Palace Malta, Hyatt Regency Malta, The Phoenicia Malta, The Westin Dragonara Resort.

Five Maltese properties listed in the Recommended category, rated for being excellent properties with good facilities and consistently good service.

They include AX The Saint John Boutique, Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Golden Sands, Rosselli – AX Privilege, and Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, in Gozo.

“The fact that the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide has now featured three more hotels in 2023, now totaling 10 luxury properties, is a clear indication that Malta has gained worldwide recognition as a luxury destination,” said Michelle Buttigieg, Representative North America, Malta Tourism Authority. She added, “with new luxury hotels opening this year, 2023, we hope that the number of luxury properties listed by Forbes in 2024 will be even greater.” 

About Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide is the global authority on luxury hospitality and to compile the 65th annual Star Awards, their professional inspectors, who travel incognito, assess the finest hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruise ships based on hundreds of exacting standards that determine their coveted annual Star Ratings. Forbes Travel Guide’s incognito inspectors inspect every hotel, restaurant, spa and cruise ship in person, while posing as ordinary guests. In this way they ensure that every Star Rating is earned through an objective, independent process and no one is capable of buying a rating under any circumstance. 

The 2023 Star Awards Winners list includes 360 Five-Star, 585 Four-Star and 433 Recommended Hotels. It also features 79 Five-Star, 113 Four-Star and 67-Recommended restaurants, 119 Five-Star, 195 Four-Star spas, and five cruise ships, worldwide.

About Malta

The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere. Valletta, built by the proud Knights of St. John, is one of the UNESCO sites and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta’s patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire’s most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. 

For more information on Malta, go to visitmalta.com.

Read more: Malta featured for 2nd year on Forbes Luxury Star Awards 2023

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EL AL Israel Airlines, which recently relocated its regional headquarters for North America to Margate, Florida is proud to announce that it is continuing to expand its activity in South Florida.

Effective on September 13, 2023, EL AL will begin seasonal service from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Tel Aviv (TLV). The new non-stop flights will operate on selected days of the week to accommodate the Jewish High Holidays through October. In addition to this year’s seasonal service, year-round Tel Aviv service to and from FLL will begin in Spring of 2024. The complete schedule for the September and October 2023 departures to Tel Aviv is available on El Al website.

Marc Cavaliere, EL AL’s Senior Vice President for the Americas commented that “EL AL is thrilled to continue opening new routes and increasing our service in the US. We’ll be operating more than 40 flights a week to Israel, continuing our mission to be The Bridge between Israel and the world. Our non-stop, point-to-point, route network provides the most direct service, and offers our guests the most authentic experience between Israel and the US.”

Broward County Vice Mayor Lamar Fisher noted “EL AL’s new service between FLL and Tel Aviv will help to boost business, tourism, and trade opportunities between the Middle East and Broward County. We’re excited to welcome Israel’s national airline to Broward County’s FLL and look forward to a mutually successful partnership.”

“The addition of EL AL to FLL’s roster of international carriers is a significant step forward as we strive to increase our portfolio of global airlines and destinations,” said Mark E. Gale, FLL CEO/Director of Aviation. “We proudly welcome EL AL to our community and are truly excited that our patrons will soon have another nonstop option for traveling to Israel for leisure or business.”

In addition to the new FLL service, beginning on May 25, 2023, EL AL will add a sixth weekly flight on its Miami International Airport to Tel Aviv route. The flight will depart Saturday evenings from Miami at 11:30 pm and arrive at Ben-Gurion airport at 6:30 p.m. the following evening.

All EL AL flights to and from Florida, including the new service to Fort Lauderdale will be operated with its award-winning B787 Dreamliner aircraft.

In 2022 EL AL carried over 100,000 passengers on more than 450 flights between Miami and Tel Aviv. “As demand for travel continues to increase from Florida to Israel, across all segments, we’re confident that the new service to Fort Lauderdale will exceed our customers’ expectation for service, convenience and value,” Cavaliere added.

For the second year in a row, EL AL has been recognized for offering award-winning in-flight service by the APEX Official Airline Ratings. The survey covered passenger ratings of over one million flights operated by 600 different carriers on five elements of inflight service – seat comfort, cabin service, food and beverage, entertainment, and Wi-Fi – and awarded EL AL a Five Star rating.

EL AL’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner features the latest amenities including lie-flat seats in Business Class, gourmet meals, and an extensive choice of wines and beverages, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi for the duration of the flight. EL AL’s Premium Class offers Business Class amenities and oversized, comfortable seats with a footrest and extended legroom.

Read more: New Tel Aviv to Miami and Fort Lauderdale flights on El Al

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The week attracted crews and spectators from the USA, the UK, Italy, Australia, and even Poland. The end of January sailing week was organized by the Barbados Cruising Club and the Barbados Yacht Club and sponsored by the Barbados Tourism and Marketing Inc (BTMI) and Mount Gay Rum Barbados

A Pivotal Year

Corey Garrett, Director of Caribbean and Latin America, Sports for the BTMI described the 2023 edition of Barbados Sailing Week as a pivotal year for the event. He said it marked the beginning of a five-year marketing plan to promote sailing week as one of the number one sporting activities in Barbados.

“We understand how important sports tourism is in Barbados and building it as a platform for locals and for our visitors will continue to do the destination well into the future. So, forming a strong partnership with the Barbados Sailing Association, the Barbados Yacht Club and the Barbados Cruising Club will definitely take us forward as a destination,” he stated.

This year the week was deemed one of the most inclusive as events such as kiteboarding, wing foiling and remote-control boating were officially added to the week of events. Along with the anticipated offshore and junior dinghy sailing races, there was also a fun day which included a paddle surfing race and a treasure hunt, explained Jens Thraenhart, Chief Executive Officer of BTMI.

The Legendary Race

What continues to make the week legendary is the highly anticipated Mount Gay Round Barbados Race.

The race dates back to the 1930s and is held annually on January 21, a national bank holiday, in honor of The Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, who was Barbados’ first prime minister, a sailing enthusiast and the co-founder of the Barbados Cruising Club.

The Round Barbados Race is also seen as the climax of the week for many, including Race Coordinator of Barbados Sailing Week, Chris Worme.

“My highlight of the event is the Round Barbados Race which has been a tradition for a number of years.”

“It has been going on since the early days with schooners and we have tried to develop it into a bigger event as we have managed to increase it now to a 7-Day Event,” Worme said.

Nine boats from around the globe competed in the race and even a Wing Foil tried to make it around the island.

Spectators were given the chance to view the iconic race from 13 designated points around the island. Some caught up with the action while dining or ‘liming’ at La Cabane, Tapas, Animal Flower, Round House, Sea Shed and John Moore Bar to name a few. Spectators could even track the boats via the YB Races mobiles application, which allows you to track live boat races around the globe.

Barbadian Zachary Stuart was stationed at La Cabane bright and early to watch his daughter Savannah compete on the Rapajam. He spent the day following his daughter and the race around the island, making a stop at a few viewing points.

This was his first time watching the race and he was very proud and nervous to watch his daughter out on the waters.

The most popular viewing point was Animal Flower Cave, as the north point of the island is the most challenging and enthralling point of the race.

Meg Matthews and her husband Bob were vacationing on the island from New Jersey and heard about the week while visiting the Animal Flower Cave prior. Meg previously sailed to Barbados so watching the race was an exciting full-circle moment.

A Unique Race

Though the race may be difficult, it’s exciting and includes different aspects of sailing in one race. That’s why Captain Matthew Barker keeps coming back to the island to participate in the race and the sailing week.

He has been participating for 10 years and his boat, the Blue Peter placed second overall in the Round Barbados Race.

Describing the race, he stated “The race is a lot of fun, it’s hard, it’s challenging but it’s worth it because then you finish it off with rum and a red cap,” he described.

For 40 years, sailors who participate in a Mount Gay-sponsored regatta have received a red cap featuring the Mount Gay logo, the name of the regatta and the year. During the first historic Round Barbados race, most boats sailed for the honor of the fastest time and a barrel of Mount Gay Rum. Today, this honor has transitioned into achieving the coveted Mount Gay Red Cap.

The Red Cap is an esteemed symbol of accomplishment in the international sailing community which must be earned. Around the globe, they say, if you win a red cap, you are a sailor, so it makes sense that after a fun and challenging race, the week of the event ends with the iconic Red Cap Party.

Spectators, crews and sailing enthusiasts all gathered at the Cruising Club to celebrate the sailors and a successful week with live music, deejays and of course Mount Gay Rum, in Barbados, the Birthplace of Rum.

Full Race Results for each event are available here.

For more information on travel to Barbados, go to visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook, and via Twitter @Barbados.

article courtesy of Rhe-Ann Prescod, Visit Barbados

Read more: Barbados kicks off Caribbean sailing season

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With more and more couples looking for romantic, off-the-beaten track destinations to celebrate their special occasion, the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) sought to capitalize on the increasing global demand for destination weddings by partnering with Canada’s Bridal Show to showcase the warmth and romance of destination Tobago.

Hosted in downtown Toronto from January 13 to 15, this event was an optimal setting to showcase Tobago to Canadian couples currently considering their options. Over its 37 years, Canada’s Bridal Show has grown to become “the largest and most prestigious Show for Wedding Industry Exhibitors”, with the 2023 showcase welcoming more than 10,000 visitors.

Tobago’s presence – marked by the destination’s signature pink booth – garnered much attention at the show, with a constant flow of visitors over the three-day period. TTAL’s representatives at the event, PR agency Siren Communications, engaged with brides, their families, and their planners, helping to educate them on the island and what a destination wedding or honeymoon would be like in Tobago’s paradise. The representatives also shared information on seasonal events on the island, as well as airlift and accommodation options, distributing Tobago’s official Weddings & Honeymoon Guides and destination fact sheets to help persuade decision making.

“For Canadian couples the trend of destination weddings continues to soar,” said Ann Layton, founder of Siren Communications. “That’s why we partnered with Canada’s Bridal Show, the biggest and best attended wedding tradeshow in the country. On a cold January weekend in Toronto, we introduced the remarkable warmth and hospitality of Tobago to thousands of attendees. We welcomed brides from all across the Greater Toronto Area to introduce them to the beauty of Tobago. So many brides-to-be were thrilled to discover how Tobago could play host to the most romantic time of their life.”

Tobago and Canada’s love affair

The romance, weddings, and honeymoon market has been identified by TTAL as one of the four main core attractors to the island, and capitalizing on this lucrative niche market continues to be a key factor in increasing Tobago’s market share in Canada. The island’s warm weather, unspoilt landscapes, and undiscovered romantic hideaways makes it a great option for
Canadian couples looking for an experience beyond the ordinary.

In 2020, the Tobago Tourism Agency partnered with Canada’s most-read wedding magazine Weddingbells to showcase the island as the ideal destination for Caribbean weddings and honeymoons through an integrated campaign. The campaign’s stunning visuals created exclusively for TTAL by Weddingbells once again made waves among romance-minded Canadians, as it was integrated into Tobago’s booth at the 2023 Bridal Show, serving as a helpful tool to bring the diversity of Tobago to life.

As one of the first major overseas activations in Canada post-COVID, Canada’s Bridal Show presented a great opportunity to have rich discussions with couples, wedding planners, fellow exhibitors and travel-trade partners, and showcase that the island is open for business and ready to welcome Canadians and their bridal parties. Overall, the activation was a success with a new database for leads developed, promotional video clips viewed, and interest ignited by future visitors to Tobago.

Read more: Tobago Bridal Show in Canada

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Türkiye will also focus on health tourism and health diversification of the tourist offer in its 81 cities for 12 months of the year.

As for the creation of archaeological attraction points, Türkiye will continue archaeological excavations in the area of Taş Tepeler, the oldest Neolithic site in the world, and will launch new archaeological parks at the sites of Side Antalya, Göreme-Cappadocia, Pergamum and Asklepion in İzmir, and along the Lycian Way.

The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced the tourism results of the Country for 2022. According to statistical data, the number of tourists that Türkiye received in 2022 has exceeded 51.4 million, compared to 51.8 million in 2019, a record year in the pre-pandemic period. With these numbers, Türkiye has become the third largest tourist market in the world.

Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Türkiye, announced the results today saying: “In 2022, global visitor data will have recovered by 65% compared to the pre-pandemic period, but Türkiye has almost reached its pre-pandemic numbers.

“Our tourism revenue growth is even more impressive.”

In 2022, Türkiye’s tourism revenue hit a record $46.3 billion, with an increase of 19% compared to 2019. These results certify that Türkiye had a great return after the pandemic, and we are confident that we will welcome 90 million tourists and achieve $100 billion in tourism revenue by the end of 2028.

“Tükiye will increase its global promotional activities and focus on sustainability. To achieve our goals over the next 5 years, we will focus on market diversification, global promotion and branding of our regions and our specific products and on creating a sustainable tourism ecosystem.

“Turkiye is the first country in the world to sign a collaboration agreement with Global Sustainable Government-level Tourism Council (GSTC).”

“Our agreement with the GSTC provides for a 3-step plan until the end of 2030, by which time we will have a 100% sustainable tourism ecosystem in our own village.

“Our global branding and promotion activities will increase year by year, and by end of 2028, we will have a total of 9 destination brands and 20 product sub-brands which they will present the entire tourist and cultural offer of our country to the whole world. We will support the diversity and continuity of communication, thus operating with a budget of 225 million dollars for marketing communications by 2028.”

According to the data made public by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, there were over 420,000 (+260% on the 2021) Italians who in 2022 chose to travel to Türkiye.

Read more: Türkiye tourism strategy unveiled for next 5 years

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Today, the Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.) detailed its upcoming tourism product developments as the island heads into the new year.

The One happy island is enjoying a strong pandemic recovery, with full-year 2022 visitor arrivals reaching 98% of 2019 levels and tourism receipts fully recovered, the island is poised to welcome new and enhanced tourism products to visitors.

From major hotel openings and renovations to airport enhancements and more, 2023 is poised to be a year of major tourism developments in Aruba.

“As we all collectively put the pandemic further into the rearview mirror, Aruba is thrilled to welcome the major developments happening on island, which add to the excitement visitors will feel this year,” said Ronella Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority. “From major accommodation developments to new airport resources, we are excited to showcase how the One happy island is continuously strengthening visitor resources this year.”

The notable developments are led by the grand opening of the Embassy Suites by Hilton Aruba Resort, which will open its doors to guests on February 01, 2023. Ideally located across from the world-renowned Eagle Beach, this all-suite resort will feature 330 spacious and upscale suites with scenic ocean and island views, each equipped with a separate living area, private bedroom and wet bar. Outside of the suites, guests will enjoy an expansive pool, three dining outlets, meeting space, a fitness center and soon, a spa and casino

In addition to this major opening, several hotels are in the midst of or have recently completed significant enhancements.

• The Ritz Carlton, Aruba began 2023 with the debut of new, island-inspired designs for all guestrooms, suites, and corridors. The contemporary design pays homage to the hotel’s idyllic location along Aruba’s acclaimed Palm Beach with locally inspired design motifs and color waves featuring custom artwork. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba has also introduced new culinary experiences including a rum-tasting flight at Divi Sushi Bar and Lounge and the new Madero Pop-Up Bar debuted in the pool area.

• At the end of 2022, Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort completed renovations of all one-bedroom suites on the property. Designed by internationally acclaimed Architecture & Design firm, Tvsdesign, the renovated rooms are inspired by the island’s natural elements and inclusive culture.

• In December of 2022, Raddison Blu Aruba welcomed the award-winning Senses Fine Dining restaurant to the property, which offers a renowned chef’s table experience, as well as an a la carte option. The hotel also opened a new specialty coffee shop and café, The Clover, in late 2022 offering high-quality food and coffee.

• Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort is also undergoing major renovations including updates to all studios and suites by April 2023. The property also recently completed renovations of Passions on the Beach, Horizons Lounge as well as both the freshwater swimming and kiddie pools.

For visitors who choose to stay at an Airbnb property, Airbnb experiences now offers a variety of e-bike tours courtesy of Stezo Tours. Lasting about 90 minutes, tours such as the Full Moon E-Bike Experience allow guests to take in some of the One happy islands best views with peddle-powered assistance.

Wellness offerings in Aruba have also been recently enhanced by two new businesses. The Now Skin Health & Wellness Studio offers a variety of beauty and skin care services, including signature experiences such as a Beauty Steam Party and The Now Signature Ancient Healing skin rejuvenating treatment. Essential Wellness Retreats, meanwhile, offers holistic health experiences such as wellness workshops, 1-on1 wellness consultations, and mindful activities like yoga, tai chi, and nature hikes.

Complimenting these hotel developments and new activities are new resources that aim to make travel to and from the One happy island even more convenient.

In December 2022, the Aruba Airport Authority and Customs and Border Patrol unveiled a remote Global Entry Enrollment Center for US Citizens, allowing U.S. visitors to conveniently apply for this time-reducing certification and enhance their departure experience from Aruba.

Additionally, Aruba will soon unveil the Aruba Happy One Pass, which will allow travelers to optimize the airport check-in process and health requirements as part of their arrival on island. The app will connect directly to the traveler’s Embarkation Disembarkation card to streamline travel to and from Aruba.

Read more: Aruba: New hotels, airport and travel enhancements in 2023

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France is set to cement itself as the most visited country in the world, with estimated 93.7 million international travelers the country will attract by 2025.

The forecast by the travel industry analysts places the country ahead of competitor, Spain, which overtook France in 2021.

According to the latest report, France held the title of most visited country in the world prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, welcoming 88.1 million visitors in 2019.

However, it was overtaken by Spain in 2021.

Having attracted 66.6 million international visitors in 2022, France is now set to re-claim the title, with the number of international arrivals expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.1% between 2022 and 2025.

Alongside Italy and Spain, France represents a significant segment of the growth in Western Europe.

The country is not only popular with travelers from Europe itself—especially the UK, Germany and Belgium—but it is also popular with visitors from further afield, including China and the United States.

In fact, France is one of the top Western European destinations for US travelers.

Spain received 26.3 million visitors in 2021, overtaking France to become the most visited Western European destination.

By 2025, Spain is expected to attract 89.5 million international visitors (CAGR of 12.2% between 2022 and 2025).

Visitation to France and Spain will remain strong in the years to come, with festivals, culture and gastronomy being a big pull for tourists.

Both countries have a lot to offer visitors, with their own unique cultures, cuisines, and atmospheres.

Both countries are also relatively large, with a diverse and varied landscape, and each country has its own unique coastline.

One of France’s big advantages is its transportation. Travel between major cities in both France and Spain is relatively easy, with high-speed trains connecting most major cities.

One key transportation project in Western Europe is the Ultra Rapid Train line, which is being planned by the European Commission to improve connectivity between Lisbon in Portugal and Helsinki in Finland.

The program involves the construction of an 8,000 km doubletrack high-speed railway network between Lisbon and Helsinki with a loop around the Baltic Sea.

The rail line will pass through, Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland.

Read more: France set to be world’s most visited country by 2025

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On one side of paradise, guests discover the beachside Caribbean Riviera with a hot beach club. On the more serene side, true romance spans over a 100-acre Garden of Eden full of private escapes and the elite Butler Village.

At Sandals Ochi, there is unsurpassed privacy when it is wanted, and thrilling activity and nightlife when it’s time to socialize and play. All-included – at prices hard pressed to find for just a room at a luxury resort – all the time.

True Wining and Dining

Designed to bring visitors closer to the water’s edge than any other all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, guests at Sandals Ochi enjoy a total of 11 unique bars – including the Caribbean’s first speakeasy – as well as 3 swim-up bars. Premium liquors and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks® Wines are unlimited, and every room comes with a stocked bar.

And just like the wining part of the wining and dining equation, unlimited (guests hear this word a lot here) fine dining is available at 16 restaurants. The only challenge guests face when it comes to breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, is deciding which place to indulge in this time.

Play then Play Some More

No need to worry about working off those fine dining feasts, because there is so much to do at Sandals Ochi with the Ochi Beach Club, 105 pools – yes, altogether there are 105 – 22 whirlpools, and ocean activities like snorkeling (equipment included of courses), PADI-Certified SCUBA diving and equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, Hobie Cats, and a glass-bottom boat ride.

On land, green fees are already included at the nearby Sandals Golf & Country Club, and there’s also land sports that includes tennis as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center. Then when you’re ready to just sit back and be entertained, live shows are on tap day and night.

I do, I do, I most certainly do!

For guests who stay 3 nights or longer, a wedding is included… free! Wait. What? A free wedding?

This free wedding actually starts before guests even arrive. The bride and groom will talk with a personal wedding planning team who will prepare the marriage documents, wedding gift registry, and a customizable wedding website.

A stunning ceremony venue, a bouquet and boutonniere of fuchsia Dendrobium orchids, and even a cake to cut when it’s all said and done are all part of the free wedding package. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Upon arrival, the bride and groom will receive a 15% discount on Red Lane® Spa services. Then the wedding ceremony itself will take place at a picturesque location featuring the most beautiful and natural backdrops with a complimentary 5”x7” wedding photo, plus white cushioned Chiavari chairs for guests and pre-recorded musical accompaniment of the couple’s choosing.

At the wedding cocktail reception with sparkling wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a signature cocktail for the bridge and groom, a two-tiered white fondant wedding cake with fuchsia Dendrobium to match the couple takes center stage with a decorative lantern centerpiece for the head table and table settings of crisp white linens, shining silverware, sparkling crystal, and white china.

And finally, for the honeymoon, Sandals Ochi provides a romantic turndown service with flower petals on the first evening of the honeymoon, breakfast in bed with mimosa on any morning of choice, and a honeymoon dinner with white-glove service in a specialty restaurant.

Really all-included

When guests stay at Sandals, all included really does mean everything – all tips, all taxes, all gratuities are already included. Roundtrip airport transfers, roundtrip shuttles to the Golf Club – of course, that’s included. And there’s free Wi-Fi in every room as well as the common areas around the property.

Simply put, Ocho Rios’ premier luxury destination has truly arrived in the form of Sandals Ochi, a Travvy Award winner for Best Destination Wedding Resort in the Caribbean/Bahamas having brought home that trophy in 2018.

Read more: Sandals Ochi: A True Garden of Eden in Jamaica

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DWP Congress welcomed over 450 luxury wedding experts and influencers from 70 countries to the island of Bali for the 8th Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress 2022. The biggest B2B platform of the destination wedding industry was held from September 27-29 in collaboration with The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia. Mr. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Minister, Tourism and Creative Economy gave the opening remarks and highlighted the potential Indonesia has to attract couples for their dream wedding.

Read more: Destination Wedding Planners Congress a success

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Summer is in full swing, and ice cream lovers everywhere are finishing their time in the sunshine with the treat they love most.

That’s why America’s favorite dessert is celebrated this month.

And there is a lot to celebrate because Americans really love their ice cream.

Americans consumed 12.1 pounds of ice cream per person in 2019 – basically the weight of a 40″ TV.

Americans eat it often – 73% of consumers eat ice cream at least once per week, and 84% prefer to purchase ice cream at the grocery store and eat it at home.

This all equals a big piece of business.

Industry experts estimate the global ice cream market will reach $97.85 billion in 2027, up from $71.52 billion in 2021.

That’s a 37% jump in less than a decade thanks to the world’s craving for ice cream. 

Plus, ice cream and novelties are a family affair and not just for those enjoying it.

The majority of U.S. ice cream and frozen dessert manufacturers have been in business for more than 50 years, and many are still family-owned businesses.

The Cherry on Top – Fun Facts!

• The top three flavors of ice cream are Chocolate, Cookies ‘N Cream and Vanilla

• Chocolate is the most popular topping sauce

• Strawberries are the most popular fruit topping

• Cookies are the most popular confection topping

• Chocolate was the first ice cream flavor ever invented

• The World Record for most ice cream eaten is 16.5 pints in six minutes, set by Miki Sudo

• The average dairy cow produces enough milk in its lifetime to make 7,500 gallons of ice cream

• Ice cream cones were invented at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri by concessions vendors as a way for people to eat ice cream easily while they enjoyed the fair

• More than two billion popsicles are sold each year

Read more: Sweetest time of the year: National Ice Cream Month

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Award Winning MarryCaribbean.com Produces the Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding & Romance Guide to Highlight the Region as the Preferred Destination for Romance

The Caribbean is well positioned to take advantage of an anticipated surge in weddings, honeymoons and romance travel this year and award winning MarryCaribbean.com’s latest edition of the 2022 Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding and Romance Guide is the seamless resource for inspiring couples seeking to plan their dream Caribbean wedding, honeymoon or romantic getaway.

Industry analysts predict that due to pent up demand, 2022 will be the busiest on record with approximately US$2.87 million spent on weddings, an increase from US$1.93 million spent in 2021. The average cost of a wedding celebration is forecasted to increase from US$22,500 to US$24,300, according to the Wedding Report. To meet the demand, MarryCaribbean.com, the Caribbean honeymoon, romance and wedding headquarters, in collaboration with government tourism agencies,  has produced the 2022 edition of their Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding and Romance Guide, designed to capitalize on what is expected to be an extremely eventful year for the industry.

“Following two difficult years for the romance market due to the impact of Covid-19, the signs of a strong rebound are there for destination weddings, honeymoon and romance travel.”

“As a most desired region for romance travel, the Caribbean must be positioned to take advantage of this pent-up demand,” said Jacqueline Johnson, CEO of MarryCaribbean.com, a division of Global Bridal Group. “This is why the 2022 Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon, Wedding and Romance Guide is an important and impeccable resource for those planning a wedding, honeymoon or a romantic interlude. It is a one-stop-shop to identify and plan the perfect getaway on the most beautiful islands on earth,” she continued.  

The 2022 issue of the Caribbean Romance Guide contains the most complete details on legal requirements, marriage laws, what to do and where to do it – all the necessary information, and guidance along with the inspiration, to create memories to last a lifetime. This new and revised version is designed to guide travelers wanting to rekindle romance, celebrate a milestone anniversary, renew marriage vows, experience a beach wedding, or enjoy a honeymoon in the Caribbean. 

 “At MarryCaribbean.com we are also cognizant of the fact that the honeymooning or romance couple are powerful brand ambassadors and will use social media to make their experience a viral one, thereby attracting a larger universe of travelers to the region,” Johnson stressed. “The Caribbean and romance go together, and there’s no better place than this paradise for a life-changing event such as a wedding. The romance guide is an unparalleled and primary resource for all engaged couples, those rekindling their love or those in search for a romantic retreat, and our guide provides all the information for easy decision-making,” she concluded.

Read more: Caribbean benefits from multi-billion dollar wedding industry

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Osaka district court has dismissed a lawsuit by several same-sex couples today, ruling that Japan’s same-sex marriage ban was not unconstitutional.

The court upheld the country’s ban on gay marriage, rejecting arguments from plaintiffs and denying their demand for 1 million yen ($7,405) in damages per couple.

In its final ruling, Osaka district court said: “From the perspective of individual dignity, it can be said that it is necessary to realize the benefits of same-sex couples being publicly recognized through official recognition.”

The country’s current law recognizing unions only between a man and a woman is “not considered to violate… the constitution,” the court added, noting that “public debate on what kind of system is appropriate for this has not been thoroughly carried out.” 

Japan’s constitution states that “marriage shall be only with the mutual consent of both sexes.”

The dismissed lawsuit was part of a coordinated effort by multiple same-sex couples in district courts across Japan back in 2020. The Osaka case is the second one to make it to a hearing.

The plaintiffs decried the court’s decision, fearing that the ruling would further complicate the lives of same-sex couples in the country.

While Japan’s stance on homosexuality is much more liberal than most of its Asian neighbors, it still lags far behind the West in this respect.

Gay couples cannot get married legally in Japan, although several municipalities and prefectures issue rather symbolic ‘same-sex partnership’ certificates.

The certificates do not offer any legal recognition but provide some benefits, such as ensuring hospital visitation rights and helping with renting property.

Read more: Court: Japan same-sex marriage ban is constitutional

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According to a recent survey from Sandals® Resorts’ Institute of Romance, a newly launched trend-house created by the resort company to analyze and spot the latest global news in modern love, relationships, and intimacy, more than half of American women (55%) wish their relationships mirrored those of the couples from their most beloved romance novels. In its first expression, to help couples bring the sugar and spice found in their favorite books from ‘page to reality,’ the Luxury Included® romantic vacation experts have partnered with Avon Books, the romance imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, and best-selling author, Tessa Bailey, to offer tips, on-resort programming and a giveaway to turn partners into #BookBaes.

“With 49% of women preferring to read on vacation – from the initial plane ride to beachside – and romance novel sales skyrocketing over the last two years, this felt like a natural place for us to lend our 40 years of expertise in the romance space,” said Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, Director of Romance, Sandals Resorts. “With this partnership, we are helping bring to life the sometimes swoonworthy, but nearly always attainable relationships our guests read about in their favorite books, creating a meaningful and lasting connection on and offvacation.”

Seek a Happily Ever After on the Page and Beyond

Of the more than 1500 American women surveyed between the ages 18-54, 81% say they read romance novels and 45% say they’ve increased their consumption of the genre over the last two years, citing the comfort of happily ever after (44%), the flirty banter (36%) and steamy scenes (30%) as the primary reasons.

Bailey, whose new book Hook, Line and Sinker debuted March 1, points to the data to explain what women most often find lacking from their real-life relationships in comparison with romance novels – better communication (55%), spontaneous romantic gestures (54%), and more satisfying sex life (34%). “Sometimes it’s as simple as incorporating a 10-minute conversation before bed or a flirty glance across the dinner table. It’s not always the large expressions of love that fill the pages – even the smaller, quieter gestures can have a great impact,” says Bailey.

Taking a cue from the Sandals Institute of Romance’s newly collected data, Sandals Resorts will be developing ways to prompt spontaneous romantic moments of connection throughout guests’ stays – such as reminders to hold hands, ask a meaningful question or share a compliment. Surveying past guests, as well as travelers in committed relationships, the Sandals Institute of Romance will collect data on an ongoing basis via biannual global surveys, with results inspiring new integrated on-resort programming and innovative partnerships geared towards enhancing the guest experience before, during, and after their vacation.

Share the Pages to Turn Up the Attraction

While more than a third (36%) of respondents shared they fantasize about fictional characters more than their significant others, 55% say reading romance novels makes them more likely to want to connect with their partner and 38% say reading romance novels have made them feel more fulfilled in their relationships. “There’s nothing wrong with the fantasy and sharing it with your significant other can often be even more fulfilling,” says Bailey. In fact, a quarter of women say they’ve gotten their partners to join them in reading romance novels – and to impressive results. Two-thirds of women whose partners have dabbled in the romance genre believe their partners look sexy or handsome while reading and 34% say it made them appear intellectual.

“There’s something inherently attractive when a partner takes an interest in something you’re excited about – whether it be reading a new book from one of your favorite authors or trying a new activity together. It’s why we encourage couples to experience adventures together on vacation – from learning to scuba dive to taking in a round of golf. We always tell couples to be intentional about the time they share with each other; make it meaningful,” says Donaldson-Brown.

Creating opportunities for connection and for couples to quite literally share the pages, Sandals Resorts is creating a ‘romance library’ of titles curated by the experts at Avon Books for guests to borrow while on vacation. Beginning at Sandals all-inclusive resort in Grenada, the initial library will include a selection from Bailey, as well as popular titles from Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series and authors Talia Hibbert, Olivia Dade and more.

Bring the Pages to Life

“Books are a place for escapism, of course, but also a destination for discovery,” says Bailey. Nearly half (49%) of women surveyed say they’ve learned something from reading a romance novel that they’ve brought to their real-life relationships, with 53% engaging in more meaningful communication, 48% spicing up their love life and 35% setting time aside for romantic getaways.

To continue the learning experience and help women transform their partners into the ultimate #BookBae, one lucky couple will be selected to win a 4-day/3-night stay in a Love Nest Butler Suite® at any of 15 Sandals Resorts and a 30-minute virtual experience with Bailey to learn first-hand how to bring the romance from ‘page to reality’ before their trip.

To learn more about the Sandals Institute of Romance and enter Sandals Resorts’ #BookBae Getaway Sweepstakes, visit sandals.com/bookbaegetaway.

Sandals® Resorts:

Sandals® Resorts offers two people in love the most romantic, Luxury Included® vacation experience in the Caribbean across its 15 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, and new 16^th location coming to Curaçao in 2022. Celebrating 40 years, the leading all-inclusive resort company offers more quality inclusions than any other on the planet. Sandals Resorts exclusive include signature Love Nest Butler Suites® for the ultimate in privacy and service; butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers; the Red Lane Spa®; 5-Star Global Gourmet dining, ensuring top-shelf liquor, premium wines, and gourmet specialty restaurants; Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; fast Wi-Fi from beach to bedroom and Sandals Customizable Weddings. Sandals Resorts guarantees guests peace of mind from arrival to departure with the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, the company’s enhanced health and safety measures designed to give guests the utmost confidence when vacationing in the Caribbean as well as the new Sandals Vacation Assurance, a comprehensive vacation protection program featuring an industry-first guarantee of a free replacement vacation including airfare for guests impacted by COVID-19 related travel interruptions. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), founded by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, which includes family-oriented Beaches Resorts. For more information about the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® difference, visit sandals.com. 

The Sandals Institute of Romance:

Created in celebration of Sandals Resorts’ 40^th anniversary and leveraging four decades of romance expertise, the Sandals Institute of Romance is a trend-house launched by the resort company to analyze and spot the latest news in modern love, relationships, and intimacy via biannual global surveys. Surveying past guests, as well as global travelers in committed relationships, the Sandals Institute of Romance’s data will drive the development of integrated on-resort programming, innovative partnerships geared towards enhancing the guest experience, and expert relationship guidance for couples before, during and after their Luxury Included® vacation.

Avon Books, a HarperCollins Publisher Imprint:

For more than 75 years, Avon Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, has been publishing award-winning romance and women’s fiction. Known for having pioneered the historical romance category, Avon’s editorial program now encompasses a wide variety of inclusive and emotional stories where love, in all its forms, always wins. Avon’s authors and books strive to reflect the myriad cultures, backgrounds, viewpoints, and voices of our authors, our readers, and the world in which we live. Avon believes that love is love, and everyone is deserving of a deeply personal, empowering happy ending, whether it is romantic, the love of family and friends, or finding happiness in loving yourself. The list of Avon authors is wide-ranging and diverse including Ilona Andrews, Alexandria Bellefleur, Alyssa Cole, Olivia Dade, Tessa Dare, Alexis Daria, Talia Hibbert, Eloisa James, Beverly Jenkins, Lisa Kleypas, Tracey Livesay, Sarah MacLean, Selena Montgomery, Suzanne Park, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Diana Quincy, Julia Quinn, Alisha Rai, Jennifer Ryan, Lynsay Sands, Cat Sebastian, Jill Shalvis, Nisha Sharma, Mia Sosa, Julie Tieu, and Olivia Waite

Tessa Bailey:

New York Times best-selling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue-collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island, avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.

Image courtesy of Sandals Resorts

Read more: Sandals Resorts Launches New Institute of Romance with HarperCollins

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Many people dream of a “Real Housewives” lifestyle: the mansion, the Bentley, the Patek Philippe, the country club membership — minus the cheap drama.

But some cities are more ritz and glitz, while others are more Ritz crackers and grits.

So, which of the 200 biggest U.S. cities are most suited to a five-star way of life?

Experts ranked 2022’s Most Glamorous Cities based on 35 indicators of exclusivity, such as household wealth, access to Michelin-starred restaurants, and Fashion Week participation.

Below are 10 cities on the high end (and 10 more down-to-earth) of our ranking, followed by some highlights and lowlights from the report.

Highlights and Lowlights:

Putting the Extra in Extravagant: There’s gold in them San Francisco hills, but it’s not the kind you have to dig up. 

Not only is San Francisco this year’s Glamour Capital, but it also dominated in Fashion and Entertainment. It fell just behind Miami in Beauty and New York in Fine Dining. Until 2019, San Francisco was one of only five cities in the nation — and only two in California — to be included in the prestigious Michelin Guide.

Where the Golden City (barely) lacks luster is Status and Wealth, ranking No. 5. The Bay Area, a magnet for the ultra-wealthy, is consistently the most expensive metro in which to live, and wherever the money goes, luxurious amenities often follow. So, if you want to rub elbows with the likes of Dustin Moskovitz and Julia Roberts — and have the balance sheet to back it up — then put an offer down on that Victorian mansion.

It’s Gettin’ Hot in Herre: Nothing screams “glamorous” more than a polished outward appearance. But one characteristic not often associated with beauty is climate. 

Nearly all of the cities that placed in the top 10 of our Beauty category have warm or hot year-round weather. They include cities like Miami (No. 2), Honolulu (No. 5), Las Vegas (No. 7), and Scottsdale, Arizona (No. 8).

The connection between beauty and balmy weather is unclear, but if you want to be appreciated for good looks, head to lower latitudes.

Texas Glitz vs. Texas Grits: Some of The Lone Star State’s biggest cities have earned the title of “America’s most glamorous.” Houston at No. 11 and Dallas at No. 15 lead the Texas cities in our ranking, thanks to their whopping wealth, which they lavishly spend on entertainment options. 

At the opposite end are Brownsville in last place, Killeen at No. 199, and Laredo at No. 198. In fact, 16 of the 23 Texas cities we tested for glamour landed in the lower half of our ranking. But those cities aren’t likely to take umbrage at our findings. Rather, they pride themselves more on their grittier flavor and down-to-earth charm.

The upshot: If glam is your jam, stick to the biggest Texas cities.

Read more: 2022 Most and Least Glamorous Cities in America

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A day of Love for the travel and tourism industry was celebrated today by members of the World Tourism Network in 128 countries around the globe.

With COVID having battered this sector since early 2020, with war clouds over Russia and Ukraine, today’s Valentine’s day is especially important in the world.

“Travel and Tourism is a Peace industry”, according to Louis D’Amore, founder of the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism, and a founding member of the World Tourism Network.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries worldwide, including Ukraine, on February 14. It is viewed as a romantic day and a time when people show feelings of love, affection, and appreciation to their loved ones.

Similarly, Valentine’s day in Russia is not observed as a public holiday but is widely celebrated as one of the most popular romantic holidays in Russia.

Love and Peace tie Russia and Ukraine together. This was the conclusion after last week’s panel discussion facilitated by WTN with travel industry leaders from Ukraine questioned by fellow WTN members.

Who Was St Valentine?

It is believed that the priest helped Christian couples get married secretly. This happened during the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius II, who did not allow men to marry.

He believed single men were better and more dedicated soldiers. St Valentine was opposed to this view and helped men marry secretly. After he was found out, the emperor ordered him to be beheaded. He was executed on February 14 in 270 AD.

Valentine’s Day is an observance and not an official public holiday in Ukraine. It is a busy time for many shops that sell flowers, chocolates, and other Valentine’s Day-related products. Some restaurants are fully booked on this day.

Today is Valentine’s day:

A popular belief is that St Valentine was a Catholic priest from Rome in the third century AD. Those days, Romans would celebrate the feast of Lupercalia from February 13 to 15, for which men would sacrifice a dog and a goat. Their hides would be used by men to whip women to boost their fertility. Women would then be paired with men via lottery. This match-making sometimes would culminate in marriage.

Today Valentine’s day is celebrated in many countries in the world. Here is how:

Argentina

In Argentina, Valentine’s Day is observed for a whole week in July, known as “Semana de la Dulzura”, or “week of sweetness”. It’s the day when lovers give and receive kisses, chocolates, and other delicacies. The holiday began as a commercial venture, but it has since evolved into Valentine’s Day tradition.

France

One of the most beautiful Valentine’s Day celebrations takes place in France. The first Valentine’s Day card is thought to have originated from France in 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orleans, sent love notes to his wife from prison. Between February 12 and 14, the French village of Valentine becomes the epicenter of romance. Beautiful yards, trees, and residences are covered with cards and roses.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria has its own version of Valentine’s Day. The country celebrates San Trifon Zartan on February 14, which translates to “day of winemakers”. Over a glass of local wine, couples toast their love for one another.

South Korea

The day of love is celebrated on the 14th of each month. While on May 14, it’s “the day of roses”, June 14 is “the day of kisses”. On December 14, it’s “the day of hugs”. Single people celebrate “the black day” on April 14 by eating black noodles.

South Africa

To show their love in South Africa, women pin their significant other’s names on their sleeves. Men, albeit in small numbers, also follow this custom.

Philippines

Here, on Valentine’s Day, many couples get married in a government-sponsored event. This is a gala event in the country, and one of the most magnificent Valentine’s Day celebrations around the world.

Ghana

February 14 is observed as ‘National Chocolate Day’ in Ghana. It’s one of the world’s top cocoa-producing countries. So, the government decided to dedicate the day to chocolate to boost tourism.

China

Women in Miao, southwest China, prepare a variety of colored rice dishes to serve to male suitors. The women hide various trinkets inside the rice to communicate a message.

Read more: World Tourism Network is Celebrating a Day of Love

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According to a recently published report, ‘Niche Tourism, 2022 Update – Thematic Research’, demand for niche tourism holidays and experiences is growing among Generation Hashtag (defined as people born between 1991 and 2005).

Generation Hashtag is a driving force behind the experience economy, which is defined as an economy in which goods and services are sold by emphasizing the personal effect they have on people’s lives. As such, it is closely linked with niche tourism due to the broad range of personalized excursions and experiences that can be on offer.

In a Q1 2021 Global Consumer Survey, respondents were asked how much a product/service tailored to their needs influences their product choice. The survey found that 27% of Gen Z and 26% of Millennials said it ‘always influences my product choice,’ which were the two highest percentages out of all the age groups surveyed, and 3% above the global average.

Global Consumer Surveys from Q4 2018, Q3 2019, and Q3 2021, which asked travelers what type of holiday they typically take, shows the increasing preference for niche trip types among young adults.

The results demonstrate a gradual increase in popularity for various niche trip types including adventure, gastro, eco, LGBTQ and health and wellness holidays within this cohort. However, the percentage of Generation Hashtag respondents taking more traditional types of trips such as city breaks, and sun and beach tourism stays roughly the same throughout the annual surveys.

The preferences of Generation Hashtag are helping drive many forms of niche tourism to the next level. Almost all types of niche tourism covered in the surveys over the last three years have shown an increase in demand from this cohort. This generation is the industry’s future, and the results indicate that their demand for niche trip types will help to drive tourism’s ongoing recovery.

Young adults yearn for more engaging and meaningful experiences. As such, perceived value is rarely down to just cost. Travel and tourism companies operating in niche sectors must focus on Generation Hashtag within marketing campaigns. This highly differentiated market could act as the deciding factor in specialist companies’ recovery and future growth.

Read more: Generation Hashtag will be a key driver for niche tourism growth

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Accessibility to resorts in the Maldives’ Lhaviyani Atoll will be significantly improved with the opening of Madivaru Airport in early February. Flights to and from Male’s Velana International Airport to Madivaru Airport will take just 25 minutes and operate throughout the night – until now Lhaviyani has been serviced only by seaplanes, where operation is limited to daylight as well as flying from a different terminal at Velana.

The flight schedule will commence with three flights per day, scheduled according to arrivals and departures of international flights to ensure minimal wait times for travelers.  Madivaru Airport has been developed by Kuredu Holdings Pvt Ltd and will be managed by the national airline Maldivian, following a management agreement signed by Mr.Mohamed Moosa, Chairman of Champa Brothers Maldives Pvt Ltd & co-owner of Crown & Champa Resorts, one of the owners of luxury resorts Kudadoo Maldives Private Island and Hurawalhi Island Resort, as well as Kuredu, Komandoo and Innahura (Crown & Champa Resorts), all located a 10–25-minute speedboat ride away from Madivaru Airport. The project includes land reclamation from Madivaru’s lagoon, construction of a 1200m runway and a passenger terminal.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island is an exclusive, intimate private island comprising just 15 expansive, over water Ocean Residences. Designed by Yuji Yamazaki, Kudadoo is a sanctuary of serenity for those seeking a fully inclusive luxury experience, defined by the philosophy of freedom offering an anything, anytime, anywhere concept.

Hurawalhi Island Resort Maldives is an adults-only paradise famous for its 5.8 Underwater Restaurant. There are more than 50 plentiful dive sites within easy reach to explore one of the Indian Ocean’s richest reefs, a stunning underwater restaurant and numerous underwater experiences to try.

Madivaru Airport’s flights have been scheduled to connect travelers flying from the below airlines to the Maldives:

·      SriLankan Airline (UL)

·      Condor Airline (DE)

·      Lufthansa (LH)

·      Aeroflot (SU)

·      British Airways (BA)

·      Qatar Airways (QR)

·      Emirates (QR)

·      Austrian Airlines (OS)

·      Singapore Airlines (SQ)

·      Turkish Airlines (TK)

Read more: New airport opens in Maldives

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The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) remains positive about the continued rebound of the tourism industry even in the face of the uncertainty caused by the ongoing pandemic.

Over the past eighteen months, Caribbean destinations, without exception, have shown their resilience in creating strategies for recovery, incorporating frequently updated travel protocols, and collaborations with regional and international partners in the areas of health and economic support and development. Recovery in each instance, has taken place while ensuring the health and safety of residents and visitors alike.

The year 2021 has given us an indication that there is light at the end of what has been a long tunnel which began in March 2020. By mid-2021, we saw a turnaround in tourism activity, with the Caribbean exceeding the global average for stayover arrival growth and tourism’s contribution to gross domestic product (GDP).  During the third quarter of 2021, there were 5.4 million tourist arrivals to the region, almost three times the arrivals for the same period in 2020, but still 23.3 percent below 2019 levels. Preliminary reports suggest that this progress continued through to the end of the last quarter. Consequently, it is estimated that tourist arrivals for 2021 will exceed 2020 levels by 60 to 70 percent.

As we begin 2022, once again grappling with the effects of a new variant which is also affecting international travel adversely, we are heartened by the recovery experiences and the lessons learnt in 2021.

These experiences and lessons have taught us that travel and hospitality can co-exist with the pandemic affecting both our destinations and markets. While the results to date have not indicated a return to 2019 levels, the exceptional results recorded in the summer to year-end period of 2021 show that a scaled or gradual rebound is likely and very possible by the end of 2022.

Read more: Caribbean tourism remains hopeful of rebound despite new Omicron snag

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In a recent interview with the Nikkei Asia, the CEO of Malaysian company Karex Berhad, which produces more than 5.5 billion condoms annually, attributed the slump in demand for condoms to COVID-19 pandemic-induced lockdowns.

Karex CEO Goh Miah Kiat said that the firm’s sales declined by 40% in the last two years and the company will diversify into the booming medical glove manufacturing business to boost revenues as demand for its production has declined.

The sex industry, which is normally a major condom market, has also been impacted by the health crisis, he said, with sex workers facing challenging conditions. Goh pointed to hotel and motel closures, noting that those locations had provided privacy.

According to the Karex CEO, large-scale government condom distribution programs were also hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

“A large portion [of condoms] is distributed by governments around the world, which have reduced [distribution] significantly during COVID-19,” Goh said. “For instance, in the United Kingdom, the National Health Service (NHS) shut down most nonessential clinics because of COVID-19, and sexual wellness clinics which hand out condoms were also closed,” he added.

Talking about the company’s plans to move into glove manufacturing, which has seen significant growth during the pandemic, Goh said production was set to begin in Thailand by the middle of this year. Similar raw materials and technologies are used in both condom and glove-making, he explained.

Karex posted a full-year loss for its fiscal 2020 ending June, which is the company’s first since it went public in November 2013. Its share price on the Bursa Malaysia exchange nosedived by almost 50% last year.

Read more: New COVID-19 lockdowns killing sex industry & condom business

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H10 Hotels has inaugurated Ocean Eden Bay, a newly built five-star resort in Jamaica for Adults Only luxury holidays. The new hotel is located on the seafront at Coral Spring, with access to a spectacular white sand beach and turquoise water and is adjacent to the Ocean Coral Spring resort that the company opened in December 2019.

With the opening of this hotel, its second in Jamaica, the company now has seven establishments in the Caribbean, with three resorts in the Riviera Maya and two more in Punta Cana, all of them five-star with exceptional seafront locations.

Ocean Eden Bay is a resort for guests looking for a contemporary luxury stay in the heart of nature. Its 444 rooms and modern facilities include 6 restaurants, 4 exclusive bars, a large modern swimming pool overlooking the sea, a jacuzzi and a private beach area with sun loungers.

Ocean Eden Bay, Jamaica specializes in adult holidays, offers a calm, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for unwinding with one’s partner or friends, and a full program of Blue Team activities for those aged 18 and over.

During the day, guests can enjoy sporting activities at the two tennis courts and multi-sports court, on the hotel’s beach and at the Dive It! diving center. In the evenings, guests can enjoy leisure time at a unique bowling alley at Ocean Coral Spring or be entertained by live music and shows.

To guarantee a safe stay, the hotel will apply all the established safety and hygiene measures, based on the company’s Safety Program protocol, to ensure its guests’ maximum well-being during their stay. In compliance with the established procedures, the hotel will be COVID-19 Hygiene Response-certified by the external consultant Preverisk Group.

In addition to protecting the safety of its guests, H10 Hotels promotes sustainability and environmental protection. The company promotes responsible tourism and its commitment to the environment and society through its Stay Green project. This project is based on three main lines of action: The elimination of plastics and waste reduction in its facilities, energy efficiency and the use of green energy, and training and awareness programs.

Read more: New Adults-Only hotel opens in Jamaica

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The 2021 Gay Travel Awards has released its list of official winners.

This year has been another challenging one for travelers. With the pandemic ebbing and flowing across the globe and the uncertainty related to the latest Omicron variant, many are restricted from traveling or waiting for a safer time. The Gay Travel Awards affords everyone a moment to focus on the industry’s best as a prologue to getting back out there.

The Gay Travel Awards support and promote LGBTQ+ travel and tourism by identifying and rewarding select destinations, properties, events, influencers, and other organizations that exemplify a spirit of inclusiveness and hospitality excellence. These distinguished winners lead by example and inspire other inclusive companies and brands.

Every year, especially now, The Gay Travel Awards offer something to look forward to, while inspiring future travel. The Gay Travel Awards are akin to The Oscars for LGBTQ+ travelers.

Returning for its sophomore year, “The Gay Travel Influencers” category consists of creators who inspire travel with their inclusive spirit, a drive for diversity, and a desire to change the world for the better.

The 2021 Gay Travel Awards Winners by category appear alphabetically below:

Read more: 2021 Gay Travel Awards new winners announced

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An Australian man has been barred from leaving Israel till December 31, 9,999, due to a little-known Israeli ‘stay-of-exit’ law.

Noam Huppert cannot leave the Jewish State for any reason for another 7,978 years unless he pays his Israeli ex-wife $2.4 million in child support.

The date was submitted in accordance with the internationally accepted Gregorian calendar.

Huppert’s ban would’ve been significantly shorter if it was given to him in line with Israel’s traditional Hebrew calendar, which states that we are currently in the year 5,782, but the man wouldn’t live to see its end in either case.

Huppert complains that Australian men have been “persecuted by the Israeli justice system only because they were married to Israeli women,” and he’s been effectively “locked” in Israel since 2013, after arriving in the Jewish state in 2012 to reconnect with the two children he had with his former wife.

His Israeli ex-wife brought a case against him to a local religious court, which oversees issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and child support in Israel. It issued the Australian man a so-called ‘stay-of-exit’ order over a ‘future debt’ in alimony payments.

According to Israeli law, in the case of a divorce, a father has to cash out 5,000 Israeli shekels (around $1,600) for each of his children until they turn 18.

There could be ‘hundreds’ of foreign citizens affected by the ‘stay-of-exit’ orders in Israel. The exact number is ‘almost impossible to ascertain’ as the subject is taboo in the country.

The United States Department of State informs American citizens going abroad that Israeli courts “actively exercise their authority to bar certain individuals, including nonresidents, from leaving the country until debts or other legal claims against them are resolved.”

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) doesn’t warn its citizens heading to Israel of such matters on its SmartTraveller website.

Read more: Australian man now stuck in Israel for the next 8,000 years

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The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), Association of South African Travel Agencies (ASATA), Association of Canadian Travel Agencies (ACTA), Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Associations (ECTAA) and World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA), collectively representing the hundreds of thousands of people who work at travel agencies and related businesses around the world, call on government leaders globally to expedite the lifting of all country- and region-specific travel bans.  

When elected officials make public policy decisions in the interest of public health, those governments have an obligation to provide financial resources to those industries and individuals most affected by their decisions. Closing borders and implementing new restrictions affects untold millions of employees in the travel and tourism industry. It also is putting already vulnerable businesses at further risk from ever recovering, while government revenues continue to be eroded due to the loss of economic activity from the industry, which represents one in every ten jobs globally according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. 

Recent and more stringent border closures have severely impacted already-complex international travel. We collectively call on global government leaders to follow the best available science when determining border measures, including testing and prohibitions. Many countries follow strong biosecurity protocols, including masking, social distancing, and vaccination requirements. The addition of new border measures has significant economic impacts on travel and tourism businesses that may not add additional community protection. It is critical that government policy is guided by science, not political pressure or the desire to be seen as “doing something” since these measures have significant, sometimes irreversible impact on businesses and jobs.

We implore governments to take responsibility for their actions by sustaining travel reliant businesses until such time as they lift restrictions and normal travel patterns re-emerge.  Thus far, government responses to this economic factor have been uneven at best. We highlight the fact that, in response to its Covid restrictions Canada has pledged support for travel-reliant businesses in that country through May of 2022, and urge other global leaders to follow their lead. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has continued to advise against the application of travel or trade restrictions to countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks: “In general, evidence shows that restricting the movement of people and goods during public health emergencies is ineffective in most situations and may divert resources from other interventions…Travel bans to affected areas or denial of entry to passengers coming from affected areas are usually not effective in preventing the importation of cases but may have a significant economic and social impact.” This is line with the most recent European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) authoritative and science-based analysis, confirming that travel restrictions generally have no effective impact on the spread of the virus in Europe.

Read more: Travel agents worldwide: Lift all travel bans now

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Just days after the proposed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage was approved by Chilean Congress, Chile’s president has signed a historic bill into law.

Chile’s Senate voted 21-8 in favor of the marriage equality legislation on Tuesday, with three abstentions, while the Chamber of Deputies passed the bill 82-20, with two abstentions.

The law “puts all love relationships between two people on an equal footing”, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said at a ceremony at La Moneda government palace today alongside LGBTQ activists, civil society representatives, legislators and other officials.

The bill was originally sponsored by Pinera’s predecessor, Michelle Bachelet, who introduced it in 2017.

The law’s passage marks an important milestone after a decade-long legal battle in the South American nation, which is holding a presidential runoff later this month.

The law covers recognition of parental ties, full spousal benefits and adoption rights for married same-sex couples, among other reforms.

“All couples who so wish, regardless of their sexual orientation, will be able to live, love, marry and form a family with all the dignity and legal protection they need and deserve,” Pinera said.

Pinera, a center-right leader who is leaving office in March, and his government threw their full support behind marriage equality this year.

Chile has long had a conservative reputation – even among its strongly Roman Catholic peers in Latin America – but most Chileans now support same-sex marriage.

Chile is the ninth country in the Americas to pass marriage equality legislation, joining Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, the United States, Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica.

Civil unions have been permitted in Chile since 2015, which affords same-sex partners many but not all the benefits of married couples.

“Love is love, no matter what,” rights group Amnesty International said, calling the new law “great news”.

Read more: Same-sex marriage is now legal in Chile

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Seychelles came out tops for romance ahead of other nominees for the World’s Most Romantic Destination including Antigua & Barbuda, Atacama Desert, Chile, Bali, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Maldives, Mauritius, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands, as listed on the World Travel Awards website.

It is no surprise that the Seychelles islands have been crowned the world’s most romantic destination, its outstanding and exotic beauty and commitment to privacy woo couples from all over the globe seeking the ideal destination to tie the knot or to spend a romantic honeymoon; the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin are among those who chose to honeymoon in idyllic Seychelles.

Acknowledging the accolade, the Principal Secretary for Tourism, Mrs. Sherin Francis said: “This award reinforces Seychelles’ prominent position in today’s competitive market. It has huge significance, and we are pleased to be recognized for going above and beyond for our clients and we strive to make the country one which visitors will have engraved in their memory.”

The World Travel Awards serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry. Celebrating its 28th anniversary, the World Travel Awards is renowned as the most prestigious and comprehensive in the global industry. Each year World Travel Awards covers the globe with its Grand Tour – a series of regional gala ceremonies to recognise excellence within each continent, culminating in a Grand Final at the end of the year.

World Travel Awards gala ceremonies are regarded as milestone events in the travel calendar, attended by the industry’s key decision-makers, figureheads, influencers and media. The program, its winners and its sponsors are represented globally on social media, with fresh daily content across multiple platforms.

Read more: Seychelles Wins Most Romantic Destination in the World for 2021

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18 years on from first hitting the big screen, the iconic opening scene of Love Actually at Heathrow has been recreated for today’s times.

Love Actually script-supervisor Lisa Vick has modernized the monologue first voiced by Hugh Grant in the 2003 box office hit, whose words reminded people that love can be found everywhere. 

The new words reflect the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic and the emotion of reuniting with friends and family as the world slowly opens back up. The one-minute recreation is narrated by British actress Martine McCutcheon, who played Natalie in the movie. 

The scene has been reshot at Heathrow Terminal 3, the same location it was filmed in almost two decades ago. It features footage of real-life passengers emerging in Arrivals and reuniting with loved ones in time for Christmas, after months and even years of being apart.

The festive film launches as Heathrow expects to face a busy Christmas despite demand being suppressed by the ongoing impact of COVID-19. Research commissioned by Heathrow earlier this year found that two in three people (62 percent) haven’t seen a loved one in over a year, with 40 percent of the UK having loved ones who live abroad. 

Following the easing of travel restrictions, Heathrow has seen increases in people booking flights this winter as travelers set their sights on flying home for Christmas. Additional data from Heathrow reveals the weekend of 17/18/19^th December are set to be the most popular days to travel during the Christmas period, with Dubai, New York and Dublin the most popular destinations.

Read more: Love Actually is all around at Heathrow now

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The Annual Wedding Festival in Zanzibar is a part of social activities targeted to boost tourism on the Indian Ocean islands, said the island’s Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Ms. Lela Mohamed Mussa.

This year’s Zanzibar Wedding Festival ended last Sunday with a good participation from the island’s residents and foreign visitors.

The African Tourism Board (ATB) Chairman, Mr. Cuthbert Ncube, was among key dignitaries who attended the just-ended annual Wedding Festival which took place at Park Hyde Hotel at Stone Town.

The ATB Chairman joined top Zanzibar government officials, diplomats, and other residents of Zanzibar to celebrate the cultural Wedding Festival 2021, which included recognition of the best wedding festival dress.

Organizers hoped the activation of the Zanzibar Wedding Festival would act as another product that would attract the global wedding market to the spice Island in the nearest future to make this Indian Ocean island the “Honeymoon Destination in Africa.”

ATB has committed to work closely with the Zanzibar government to develop and then promote the arts and culture in Zanzibar in efforts to promote the island’s tourism and its rich heritage.

“The emphasis should be on emulating this grand initiative, which purpose is to break the divide that has separated us as a continent, and ATB has affirmed that arts and culture is a catalyst to brand and tell our lovely stories from our own perspectives,”  Ncube said. He added:

Arts and culture will be the medium that should and must unite the continent in achieving the agenda 2063, then showing the world the true sense of Africa.

The African Union (AU) has endorsed arts and culture to be the medium that should and must unite the continent in achieving the agenda 2063 for one Africa, Ncube said. “ATB [will] continue to support the initiative in the future and also continue to be a strategic partner for ideas of such within the continent,” the ATB Chairman said.

Mr. Ncube then expressed his profound appreciation to the Zanzibar’s Minister for Tourism and Heritage for promoting tourism in the island which is now the envy of all within and outside its boundaries.

On her part, the Zanzibar Minister applauded ATB’s participation and involvement in reshaping the African Tourism narratives and pleaded with Africans to start looking within the continent for solutions to their challenges rather than outside the continent.

The Zanzibar Wedding Festival was founded by Mr. Farid Fazach, targeting to promote tourism, preserve Zanzibar’s unique culture, promote wedding dresses and rituals, and publicize Zanzibar as the best honeymoon destination in the world.

About the African Tourism Board

Founded in 2018, the African Tourism Board (ATB) is an association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from, and within the African region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its members. In partnership with private and public sector members, the African Tourism Board enhances the sustainable growth, value, and quality of travel and tourism in Africa. The Association provides leadership and counsel on an individual and collective basis to its member organizations. The ATB is expanding on opportunities for marketing, public relations, investments, branding, promoting, and establishing niche markets. For more information, click here.

#zanzibar

#weddings

#honeymoons

Read more: Zanzibar Sets Itself to Become a Honeymoon Destination in Africa

Copyright: eTurboNews is Travel Industry News - Travel & Tourism Story Telling Exposed

eTurboNews:

1. The global Wedding Planning market is anticipated to rise at a considerable rate during the forecast period, between 2021 and 2025.
2. In 2021, the Wedding Planning market has been growing at a very steady rate.
3. With the rising adoption of strategies by key players, the market is expected to rise over the projected horizon.

Nancy Barkley, Coordinator for Wedding Tourism for World Tourism Network (WTN) has been advocating that Wedding Tourism needs more acknowledgement as it is significant to a destination’s economy. She applauds Market Watch Newsroom for categorizing this on their latest press release, “Wedding Planning Market 2021 Global Share, Size, Future Demand, Global Research, Top Leading Players, Emerging Trends, Region by Forecast to 2025.”

At the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 disease began to spread around the world, millions of people worldwide were infected with COVID-19 disease, and major countries around the world have implemented foot prohibitions and work stoppage orders. Except for the medical supplies and life support products industries, most industries have been greatly impacted, and Benomyl industries have also been greatly affected.

The Global “Wedding Planning Market” (2021-2025) report covers the manufacturers’ data, including shipment, price, revenue, gross profit, interview record, business distribution, etc., which helps the consumer know about competitors better. This report also covers all the regions and countries of the world, which shows a regional development status, including market size, volume, and value, as well as price data.

Additionally, the report also covers segment data, including type segment, industry segment, channel segment etc. cover different segment market size, both volume and value. It also covers different industries client’s information, which is very important for the manufacturers.

Global “Wedding Planning Market” (2021-2025) presents scenario and growth prospects of pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics and a forward-looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining industry growth. The Wedding Planning Market offers a thorough analysis of market size, share, growth, scope, and outlook prospects of the Wedding Planning industry. This report provides all the essential information required to understand the key developments in the market spending in the Wedding Planning market and expansion trends of each segment and region. The study shares Wedding Planning market performance both in terms of volume and revenue and this factor which is useful and helpful to the business. Get a sample PDF of the report.

To Know How COVID-19 Pandemic Will Impact Wedding Planning Market/Industry, request a sample copy of the report.  

About World Tourism Network

World Tourism Network (WTN) is the long-overdue voice of small- and medium-size travel and tourism businesses around the world. By uniting efforts, it brings to the forefront the needs and aspirations of small- and medium-sized businesses and their stakeholders. World Tourism Network emerged out of the rebuilding.travel discussion. The rebuilding.travel discussion started on March 5, 2020, on the sideline of ITB Berlin. ITB was cancelled, but rebuilding.travel launched at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Berlin. In December, rebuilding.travel continued but was structured within a new organization called World Tourism Network. By bringing together private and public sector members on regional and global platforms, WTN not only advocates for its members but provides them a voice at major tourism meetings. WTN provides opportunities and essential networking for its members in more than 120 countries. Click here to become a member.

Read more: Wedding Tourism: Breathing New Life into Travel and Tourism

Copyright: eTurboNews is Travel Industry News - Travel & Tourism Story Telling Exposed

eTurboNews:

1. As countries begin to try to recuperate from COVID-19, Turkey has set its sights on wedding tourism.
2. A board member of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies said weddings are more profitable than any other type of tourism.
3. International wedding owners are increasingly showing preference for Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean costal resort towns.

World Tourism Network (WTN) and Nancy Barkley, WTN Coordinator for Wedding Tourism, supports Turkey’s tourism sector as it turns to international wedding organizations to maintain recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2019, Turkey’s tourism revenues had hit a record high of US$34.5 billion with more than 45 million foreign visitors. In 2020, however, the country’s losses hit 70% due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Turkey’s tourism sector is turning to international wedding organizations this year to maintain recovery from the adverse effects of the ongoing pandemic.

“Wedding organizations are more profitable than other types of tourism,” Nalan Yesilyurt, a board member of the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies, told Xinhua. “The money spent in a week alone during such organizations is equal to what regular tourists spend in a month.”

She said foreign wedding owners increasingly prefer Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean coastal resort towns that offer “unique and exclusive” services in upper segment hotels, marinas, and restaurants. “Bodrum (in the southwestern province of Mugla) has shined like a star mostly with its vivid nightlife, qualified marinas, which attract jet society yachts and restaurants with celebrity chefs,” Yesilyurt said.

Bodrum’s Mayor Ahmet Aras said that Bodrum is in high demand in many European and Far Eastern countries, and it also gets recognition from Arab and Middle Eastern countries. The town possesses grandiose and boutique hotels with over 1,000-bed capacities.

“Despite the pandemic conditions and restrictions, Bodrum hosted 6 wedding organizations from India this year, which were very promising for the future,” he said. The municipality has been conducting talks with several international organizing companies to secure more wedding ceremonies in the upcoming period.

“Having foreign wedding ceremonies during the off-season when the hotel occupancy rates are low, significantly contributes to the tourism sector in Bodrum, generating income and boosting job opportunities. Visitors who come to Bodrum for weddings do not only spend their time at their hotels but also go shopping and dining, doing a lot of activities,” he added.

Indian wedding ceremonies are significantly profitable for the locals as wedding owners spare no expense to make their guests comfortable, according to the Mayor. “They usually book the entire hotel for their guests, who come to the town with big chartered planes,” he added.

They usually spend a week and enjoy the natural and cultural beauties of the region. Renting yachts and having boat tours to see the untouched bays are becoming the most popular activities among visitors.

With the addition of more direct international flights from different parts of the world in the upcoming period to the Bodrum airport, the town expects to pull more “luxury tourists.”

The fast spread of the daily COVID-19 cases across the country,  however, worries tourism representatives and local officials. “Any reservation cancellation would mean a huge loss for the entire industry,” Aras said.

About World Tourism Network

World Tourism Network (WTN) is the long-overdue voice of small- and medium-size travel and tourism businesses around the world. By uniting efforts, it brings to the forefront the needs and aspirations of small- and medium-sized businesses and their stakeholders. World Tourism Network emerged out of the rebuilding.travel discussion. The rebuilding.travel discussion started on March 5, 2020, on the sideline of ITB Berlin. ITB was cancelled, but rebuilding.travel launched at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Berlin. In December, rebuilding.travel continued but was structured within a new organization called World Tourism Network. By bringing together private and public sector members on regional and global platforms, WTN not only advocates for its members but provides them a voice at major tourism meetings. WTN provides opportunities and essential networking for its members in more than 120 countries. Click here to become a member.

Read more: Turkey’s New Tourism Focus on Weddings

Copyright: eTurboNews is Travel Industry News - Travel & Tourism Story Telling Exposed

eTurboNews:

• In early 2020, the COVID pandemic brought to an abrupt halt what was already a remarkable multi-year acceleration and diversification of the Jordan tourism offering.
• As Jordan prepares for guests visiting from around the world, the time is ripe to re-introduce Jordan, our Kingdom of Time, to a global audience.
• Jordan’s new tourism brand also marks a shift in the role of tourism as a driver local sustainable development.

The Kingdom of Jordan is set to regain its spectacular pre-pandemic tourism momentum with the launch of a multifaceted new tourism brand at the World Travel Market in London today.

With its bold ‘Kingdom of Time’ brand platform, Jordan is reintroducing itself as an accessible, intriguing and multifaceted destination that appeals to the rising global tribe of intrepid travelers; independent, active, digital-empowered explorers and travelers seeking meaningful experiences and human connection.

In early 2020, the COVID pandemic brought to an abrupt halt what was already a remarkable multi-year acceleration and diversification of the Jordan tourism offering. With the Kingdom becoming easily accessible through low cost airlines, Jordan was shaking off its traditional “history lesson” positioning, and a new generation of Jordanian tourism innovators was adding exciting new layers of experiences to Jordan’s majestic ancient landscapes. 

Beyond the world wonder of Petra, the Jordan experience was getting global attention for award-winning nature and adventures like the Jordan Trail that traverses the Kingdom from north to south offering views of the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea at the planet’s lowest point, for its urban and town tourism, with British super-band Coldplay remarkably choosing the ancient Roman and Islamic ruins in the heart of the contemporary capital Amman as a stage to launch their November 2019 album Everyday Life,  and for attracting seekers of authentic flavors to enjoy the mosaic of Arabic culinary delights of the Jordanian kitchen.

The new Jordan tourism brand, originally planned for an early 2020 launch was supposed to be a celebration of the Kingdom’s transformed tourism experience. Then, in March of 2020 the world stopped.

“Twenty months later, Jordan is back, ready to unveil its new tourism brand, as an authentic reflection of a destination which, within a land that can be traversed by car in less than a day, fuses together a dizzying collage of geological and natural diversity, historical richness, a tradition of spirituality and faith, and a contemporary Arabian culture of openness  and warm hospitality that welcomes everyone for leisure, business and healing,” said Nayef Al-Fayez, Jordan’s Minister of Tourism.

If humanity has learned anything from the pandemic, it is a redefined sense of time, making Jordan’s core brand promise as ‘The Kingdom of Time’ even more relevant today: a place where one can literally touch all of geological time and human history, where time can accelerate in a bustling city center, or go to slow-motion during a dive of Aqaba’s Red Sea underwater coral forests, or even come to a total standstill in the desert of Wadi Rum, under a clear starry sky that unveils the Milky Way.

“Jordan’s new tourism brand also marks a shift in the role of tourism as a driver local sustainable development. Co-created with a wide spectrum of Jordan’s tourism, cultural and creative communities, the brand was conceived by the Jordan Tourism Board in cooperation with an alliance of local and global firms,  designed as an inclusive catalyst to spread tourism across the Kingdom, benefiting both traditional tourism operators and our emerging generation of hyper-local tourism experience creators,” said Dr Abdel Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board.

Beyond brand building, Jordan’s government and tourism business have worked diligently to ensure the health safety of citizens and guests. The Kingdom’s successful efforts at preventing a first COVID wave made global headlines in 2020. “Today we are one of the first countries in the region with a fully vaccinated tourism sector,” added Al-Fayez.

“As Jordan prepares for guests visiting from around the world, the time is ripe to re-introduce Jordan, our Kingdom of Time, to a global audience,” he added.

Jordan: Kingdom of time, watch the promotional video by clicking here

Read more: Jordan to regain pre-pandemic tourism momentum with launch of “Kingdom of Time” brand

Copyright: eTurboNews is Travel Industry News - Travel & Tourism Story Telling Exposed

eTurboNews:

1. Plans for the reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian have been in the works for nearly three years.
2. This renovated resort will reopen with luxurious new accommodations, locally inspired experiences, enhanced dining, and more.
3. The new designs are all part of a much larger strategy across the organization to authentically reflect the unique Caribbean destinations.

“We’re dialing up the luxury and leaning into the easy-going spirit of The Bahamas to deliver an incredible and authentic experience that as we like to say, makes love come easy,” said SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart. “From an entirely new village of pastel-colored private villas and Coconut Grove, our innovative new outdoor lounge & entertainment area to our offshore island that has been transformed to a romantic hideaway, every moment, every point of guest touch and experience embodies this beautiful destination. We can’t wait to welcome guests back to Nassau and to the new Sandals Royal Bahamian.”

According to SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, plans for the reimagined Sandals Royal Bahamian have been in the works for nearly three years and are part of a much larger strategy across the organization to authentically reflect the unique Caribbean destinations where Sandals Resorts operates in design, product offerings and style of luxury service.

The reimagined award-winning Sandals Royal Bahamian will feature:

All-New Suites & Island Village

Sandals Royal Bahamian has elevated its array of accommodation options with the addition of the brand’s iconic river suites in the freshly named East & West Bays, over 200 fully renovated rooms and suites and the all-new Island Village. The new pastel-colored village was inspired by the Bahamian archipelago and features butler style villas each named after an island in The Bahamas with their own private pool.

Coconut Grove

A new addition to the property is Coconut Grove, an expansive lounge area extending Bahamian beach vibes to the center of the resort both day and night. Shaded by coconut palms, the new setting boasts chic seating options, live music & entertainment, unparalleled views of the sea and 3 all-new food trucks. All Sandals ‘firsts,’ guests can grab a sweet treat or coffee at Sweets n Tings, indulge in locally inspired Bahamian fusion cuisine and fresh seafood at Coco Queen, or opt for an Italian classic at Bahama Mamma Mia.

A Private Island Hideaway

Deserted beaches and colorful coral reefs await at the resort’s secluded private island, Sandals Barefoot Cay. Couples can sail to the island hideaway and spend the day reconnecting on the quiet shores featuring a beach bar, whimsical seating, outdoor shower and new restaurant, Aralia House, serving up fresh seafood from boat to table and authentic Caribbean delicacies.

Early Check-Ins & Traditional Evening Ritual

For early arrivals, Sandals Royal Bahamian welcomes early check-ins with their new programming, The Breakaway. Upon arrival, a dedicated hostess will lead guests to the relaxation lounge with a signature cocktail in-hand to freshen up and head straight to the pool while taking care of the rest. At sunset, couples can participate in a traditional conch blowing ritual said to welcome love and good fortune. The ritual is accompanied by rake and scrape music and Bahamian cocktails with a sea breeze.

New Dining Options

Sandals Royal Bahamian will introduce five new restaurants when it opens this winter including La Plume for exquisite French cuisine; traditional British Pub The Queen’s Pearl; Kanoo for cuisine that celebrates the Caribbean region, Butch’s Island Chop House for hand-cut steaks, fish fillets and seafood prepared to order and fresh sushi spot Soy.

From a casual beachside grill serving up hearty burgers and fresh salads to the tantalizing aroma of exotic spices and perfectly grilled Japanese delights, the all-new Sandals Royal Bahamian will boast a total of 13 dining options.

To learn more and book a stay at the new Sandals Royal Bahamian, visit sandals.com/royal-bahamian/renovations.

Sandals® Resorts

Sandals® Resorts offers two people in love the most romantic, Luxury Included® vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 15 stunning beachfront settings in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, and a 16^th location coming to Curacao Spring 2022, Sandals Resorts offers more quality inclusions than any other resort company on the planet. Signature Love Nest Butler Suites® for the ultimate in privacy and service; butlers trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers; the Red Lane Spa®; 5-Star Global Gourmet dining, ensuring top-shelf liquor, premium wines, and gourmet specialty restaurants; Aqua Centers with expert PADI® certification and training; fast Wi-Fi from beach to bedroom and Sandals Customizable Weddings are all Sandals Resorts exclusives. Sandals Resorts guarantees guests peace of mind from arrival to departure with the Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, the company’s enhanced health and safety measures designed to give guests the utmost confidence when vacationing in the Caribbean. Sandals Resorts is part of family-owned Sandals Resorts International (SRI), founded by the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, which includes Beaches Resorts and is the Caribbean’s leading all-inclusive resort company. For more information about the Sandals Resorts Luxury Included® difference, visit sandals.com. www.sandals.com.