eTurboNews:

His contract, therefore, concludes on September 15, 2023. De Fries made the announcement to the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) Board of Directors during a special board meeting today.

The board invited De Fries to consider an extension of his contract in a March 30, 2023, meeting. Following the conclusion of the legislative session, De Fries informed the board on May 9 that he would decline that extension.

“It has been an honor to serve the communities and people of our islands these past three years and I will support the board and staff during this transition in leadership of HTA,” said De Fries. “I am incredibly proud of our passionate, unwavering team of professionals at HTA and all that is being accomplished in our communities to improve the well-being of Hawaii. I extend my gratitude to the HTA Board for their support of our critical work in accelerating HTA’s focus on improved destination management and increased visitor education and changing our collective outlook toward tourism for the long-term benefit of our kama‘āina, our native culture, and the places we hold dear throughout Hawaii. I’d also like to thank the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Legislature for working together and making it possible for HTA to continue its work in the coming fiscal year.”

De Fries took the helm of HTA to lead Hawaii’s visitor industry in September 2020 amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic and state’s self-quarantine requirement for travelers at a time when visitor spending and arrivals were nearly at a standstill. In September 2020, visitor arrivals were down 97.4 percent with only 18,868 visitors as compared to September 2019.

Building on HTA’s 2020-2025 Strategic Plan which articulated the need for destination management, under De Fries’ leadership, HTA developed three-year Destination Management Action Plans for each island. This community-first, community-led approach to rebuilding, redefining, and resetting tourism is making positive strides as HTA works in collaboration with fellow government agencies, visitor industry partners, and community members toward a regenerative model of tourism for all of Hawaii.

De Fries also led an operational restructuring beginning in June 2021, continuing HTA’s pivot from an agency that was primarily focused on marketing through Hawaii Revised Statute 201B to a more effective destination management organization.

HTA Board Chair George Kam credited De Fries for putting tourism on a new course and doing so at a time when the industry was facing its greatest economic challenge in decades.

“John has done an admirable job fulfilling his three-year contract during the most challenging period in recent Hawaii history. At a time when we needed a strong, visionary leader to calmly guide us forward out of troubling circumstances, John was there for HTA.”

Together with numerous community and industry partners throughout the state, HTA continues to mindfully guide and support the implementation of destination management to advance a regenerative model of tourism, helping to resuscitate Hawaii’s economy well ahead of projections. In the first four months of 2023, total visitor spending increased significantly by 21.7 percent to $7.09 billion despite fewer arrivals compared to the pre-pandemic first four months of 2019, continuing the trend of higher visitor spending with fewer visitors to Hawaii.

Read more: Aloha Hawaii Tourism Authority Leader

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eTurboNews:

His family confirmed his death and said that the leading aviation industry expert in Tanzania had passed away and will be laid to eternal rest this week at his family home in Kilimanjaro region in northern Tanzania.

The family described Mr. Shirima as “an inspiration and a leader to many,” promising to “forever cherish his life.”

Mr. Shirima was a Tanzania businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He was the Founder and Chairman of Precision Air, Tanzania’s only private airline.

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu Hassan sent a condolence message and described Mr. Shirima as an essential person in Tanzania’s airline business and other social functions.

Precision Air Services management confirmed its chairman’s death through public information on Saturday afternoon.

Mr. Shirima founded Precision Air in 1993, with a twin-engine 5-seater airplane, a Piper Aztec.

Precision Air was incorporated in Tanzania in January 1991 as a private airline and started operations in 1993. At first, it operated as a private charter air transport company, but in November 1993, it changed to offer scheduled flight services to serve the growing tourist market in Tanzania. The airline then extended its wings to most towns in Tanzania and other parts in East Africa including Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. 

Operating as the first and competitive private airline in Tanzania, Precision Air managed to dominate Tanzania skies until now, competing with giant and state-owned airlines over the East African skies.

Precision Air started its air services in Arusha city by providing charter planes to fly tourists visiting Northern wildlife parks including Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area with other charter services to Zanzibar.

In 2006, Precision Air became the first Tanzanian airline to pass the IATA Operational Safety Audit.

Growth of customer numbers then attracted the airline to acquire more aircraft and then launched scheduled flights across Tanzania, then Nairobi. In 2003, Kenya Airways acquired 49% shareholding in Precision Air for a cash sum of US$2 million.

The Late Mr. Shirima spoke to eTN on June 15, 2012, then gave an insightful story about aviation and air transport in Africa with challenges facing the African skies. He told eTN that Precision Air was preceded by a crop-dusting company that was formed late in 1986 and when a persistent drought occurred in Tanzania in the early 1990s rendering crop dusting without enough work, an idea to establish a charter company was actualized, and hence, the became the formation of the airline Precision Air.

“This was financed by me from the proceeds of a coffee export business I had been engaged in since [the] early 1980s and partnering with a newly-formed Tanzania Venture Capital Fund at 66% and 33% respectively. That fund was bought out by Kenya Airways in 2003,” he once told eTN.

“Worldwide airlines are in joint ventures, partnerships, buyouts, and alliances. Those who stand alone do not exist anymore, and where they do, they are weak. I wanted Precision Air to continue to exist and be a world-recognized player,” he once said.

Read more: Michael Shirima, Tanzania Aviation Pioneer, Passed Away

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eTurboNews:

Elected officials are put in power by the people. It appears members of the bipartisan leadership group (Sam Graves (R-MO Chair), Rick Larsen (D-WA Ranking Member), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Garret Graves (R-LA), Ranking Member Steve Cohen) don’t care about the traveling public.

They called for its rapid approval as early as this week by the full 65-member committee.

On Friday afternoon, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) leadership introduced a 773-page bill setting FAA policies, organization, and spending for the next five years, as reported by FlyersRights.org.

This legislation would grant significantly more power to the airline industry and FAA bureaucrats while ignoring passenger interests. 

Paul Hudson, president of FlyersRights.org & designated passenger representative to the FAA

The Federal government now has sole power over all aspects of air travel. Despite airlines receiving over $54 billion in federal subsidies, air travel breakdowns, delays, cancellations, and passenger complaints are at record levels.

After two crashes of 737 MAX aircraft due to poor safety regulations and Boeing’s deception, the FAA has lost its reputation as the gold standard for air safety globally. 

Accordingly, this legislation is too important to be rammed through Congress on short notice with little debate.”

Nearly all passenger protection and safety provisions were missing from the legislation supported by a coalition of national passenger and consumer protection organizations.

The bill did not address and omitted the following important consumer demands.

• setting minimum seat sizes
• delay compensation
• allowing passengers on canceled flights to travel on other airlines
• requiring ancillary fees to be fair and reasonable
• advance notice by airlines devaluing frequent flyer miles
• accountability for chronically canceled or delayed flights
• conspicuous notices of passenger rights
• enabling state attorneys general and private attorneys to enforce aviation consumer protection laws.
• Also missing was any reform of FAA secrecy policies blocking public oversight of its safety decision-making.

Today passenger rights groups, including FlyersRights.org, the National Consumers League, Consumer Federation of America, Travelers United, US Public Interest Research Group, and Consumer Action, sent an urgent letter to the T&I leadership urging they hold public hearings and allow full debate and recorded votes on amendments that include passenger rights protections.

Click here to view the US House bill.

Read more: FAA and Elected Officials Ignore Airline Passengers’ Demands

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eTurboNews:

Dubai tourism is booming, with Russian visitors enjoying the UAE’s beaches, nightclubs, and American luxury hotels such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, or IHG.

Russian has become a prominent language in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Yesterday the Burj Khalifa skyscraper next to the busy Dubai Mall and its famous fountains was painted in the colors of the Russian flag to celebrate Russia Day in Dubai.

In February and August 2021, the Burj Khalifa was eliminated with the Ukrainian flag.

The Russian colors and playing of the Russian national anthem made Russian visitors feel at home yesterday on Russia Day. Some tears and pride were seen on the faces of some visitors from Russia.

In today’s time, where Russian visitors are no longer welcome in the European Union, the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, and some other countries, the United Arab Emirates is the second largest holiday destination for Russians. NATO country Turkey is the number one travel holiday destination for Russians.

Top destinations for high-spending Russian visitors also include Abkhazia, Egypt, Thailand, Maldives, Israel, China, Serbia, Dominican Republic, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and even Seychelles, among many other countries.

The war may have been the cause of economic sanctions, and visa restrictions, but the loss in earnings by Ukraine’s loyal countries is the gain for others. They take the mighty Russian Ruble straight to the bank.

Airfares from Russia to the world are expensive, but new routes and full flights show this cannot discourage.

President Vladimir Putin marked Russia’s National Day on Monday by appealing to Russians’ patriotic pride in what he said was a “difficult time” for the country.

“This public holiday marks the inseparability of our centuries-old history, the greatness and glory of the fatherland,” Putin told foreign dignitaries attending a lavish ceremony in the Kremlin.

The national holiday of the Russian Federation has been celebrated annually on 12 June since 1992. The day commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

Tourism is an industry of peace and understanding. American and European-owned and managed hotels in countries like the United Arab Emirates are making good money from Russian visitors. This money will be repatriated eventually.

The “Scream for Ukraine campaign” initiated after the unprovoked war by Russia against Ukraine by the World Tourism Network was in support of Ukraine. The campaign called for a boycott of Russia in travel and tourism. It doesn’t appear this is working at this time.

If tourism is a business or even a custodian of peace, should tourism be encouraged regardless of country of nationality?

Tourism is a people business. Should conflicts initiated by aggressive governments punish citizens of that country?

This is a question World Tourism Network Executives are now discussing.

In the meantime, vodka is flowing, and Russian tourists are often partying like there was no tomorrow- the global travel and tourism industry is booming.

Read more: Dubai Became Russia Yesterday

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eTurboNews:

Thousands of people, including visitors, watched Riyadh Air, the new purple bird, fly over the Saudi Arbias Kingdom’s capital city yesterday.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest airline, symbolizes another emerging mega project in the world’s fastest development of travel and tourism.

Accompanied by Princess Haifa Al Saud, the Saudi Vice Minister of Tourism, and an excited Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas watched the first plane taking off, the purple way. Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air will begin operations in 2025

Saudi Arabia’s newest carrier, Riyadh Air, unveiled its colors and logos just a few days ago and was seen flying the skies of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, yesterday.

Saudi Arabia’s prominent position in global aviation is not new.

Founded in 1945 as the Kingdom’s National airline, prominent Saudi Arabian Airlines, also known as Saudia, changed its liberty to Gold. It now has an emerging giant as a new family member.

Saudia Airlines’ base is in Jeddah and is well known as a superior carrier for business and religious travelers to Jeddah and the Holy City of Mecca.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new second national airline, debuted on Monday and showcased a low-level flight over Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia and the home base of Riyadh Air.

Riyadh Air will be taking advantage of the strategic location of Saudia Arabia, making Riyadh a global airline hub between west and east, and of course, south and north.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner, seen over the skies of Riyadh, displays the new airline’s distinctive purple livery. Riyadh Air unveiled its new design last week, featuring a captivating combination of lavender and indigo colors.

The flight took off at approximately 1 PM local time and embarked on a low-level cruise from Boulevard Riyadh City to Al Murabba.

The Boeing Dreamliner showcased Riyadh Air’s new branding, flying past iconic landmarks such as the King Abdullah Financial District, the King Khalid Grand Mosque, the towering Kingdom Centre, and the impressive Al Faisaliah Tower.

Accompanying the aircraft was a jet from the Royal Saudi Air Force Display Team, Saudi Hawks.

The launch of Riyadh Air was announced in March 2023 by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

The PIF, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, owns the airline.

The new carrier will be a dream to become true development for the kingdom’s striving travel and tourism industry.

It will also create stiff competition for neighboring countries that will have to compete with Saudi Arabia for the most attractive airline hub in the Gulf region. Emirates in Dubai, Ethiad in Abu Dhabi, and Qatar Airways in Doha are the most prominent carriers in the region at this time.

Air Riyadh has the power to create new markets and shift current behavior in global aviation.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), will be the chairman. At the same time, Tony Douglas, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in aviation, transportation, and logistics, has been appointed CEO.

The Riyadh Air Dream team will have both Saudi and international experts.

Our signature “canopy twist,” with its graceful, linear profiles, symbolizes the harmony between our rich local culture and modern global outlook.  ​

The rear fuselage exhibits an innovative “canopy twist” pattern, while the country’s flag and the name “Riyadh Air” are prominently displayed in white, both in English and Arabic.

We look forward to welcoming you onboard #RiyadhAir in 2025​.

Tony Douglas, CEO Riyadh Air

A senior executive of Saudi Arabian Airlines told eTurboNews that the original national carrier is equally excited to welcome Riyadh Air.

Jeddah-based Saudia is rapidly expanding with new destinations, aircraft, and record numbers.

Read more: Riyadh Air is Purple, Saudia Gold – Two National Airlines go Mega

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eTurboNews:

This transfer which took place on Friday, June 9, 2023, was confirmed to this eTN correspondent by Dr. Justin Aradjabu Rsdjabu Lomata, DRC General Administrator at Jeffery Travels, a tourism, environment, nature conservation and sustainable development travel agency based in the region of the Democratic Republic of Congo precisely in Kisangani in the province of Tshopo.

 The white rhinoceros was the emblematic and endemic species of Garamba National Park before its disappearance in 2006 following poaching. Its reintroduction, therefore, aims to restore the complete richness of the Garamba complex. 

“This will strengthen the contribution of this protected area to the economy of flora and fauna in the DRC, thus generating benefits for local communities and all Congolese in general.”

“[It is] a way to promote sustainable socio-economic growth,” added Milan Yves Ngangay, the Director General of ICCN (L’Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature), The Congolese Institute for the Conservation of Nature, who has co-managed the park with the international organization, African Parks, for 18 years. This project was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Barrick Gold corporation. 

Garamba National Park

Garamba National Park is among the oldest national parks in Africa. It was gazetted in 1938. The park is located in Orientale Province, northeast of THE Democratic Republic of Congo, and it borders with South Sudan. In 1980, the park was designated A World Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its great biodiversity and huge numbers of wildlife species.

Garamba National Park covers an area the size of 5,200 km2, and it is administered by African Parks, which is a non-profit organization that takes on direct responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in Africa, as well as the Institute Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN).

The park is famous for being a home to herds of elephants and the Kordofan giraffe.

The park is rich in biodiversity despite  civil unrest that decimated the rhino population. It is characterized by savannah grasslands, papyrus, tropical rainforests, rocky outcrops, and marshlands with dotted inselbergs.

Various rivers cross through the park such as the River Dungu and River Garamba; these act as a source of water for the animals. The park has a diversity of wildlife ranging from large herds of elephants, giant forest hogs, buffaloes, duikers, hyenas, waterbucks, mongoose, bush pigs, golden cats, vervet monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, Olive baboons, Kordofan giraffes, as well as over 1,000 tree species of which about 5% are endemic to the park.

Besides these animals, the park is a home to over 340 bird species such as the squaco heron, knob billed ducks, fishing eagle, white backed pelicans, pied kingfisher, spur winged plovers, water thick knee, black crake, wattled plovers, long tailed cormorant, and white-faced whistling among others.

Read more: Southern White Rhinos Reintroduced in Garamba National Park

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eTurboNews:

Doha-based Qatar Airways has the best service in the sky but is not empowering call centers to handle customer issues.

Dubai’s headquartered Emirates follows closely with UAE’s second airline in Abu Dhabi, the National Carrier of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad.

Qatar Airways always delivers for passengers looking for excellent service, especially when flying business or first class.

Therefore, it’s difficult to understand why the service provided by the 24-hour call center is lacking way behind services for premium customer service by airlines such as United Airlines.

Call center agents are not empowered to help efficiently, especially when a flight is interrupted by a cancellation or re-routing. Agents in call centers are primarily based in India and respond based on hard-to-reason policies set by Qatar Airlines management.

The second reason Qatar Airways fails to be 5-star airline is due to when a passenger travels on a ticket issued by a oneworld alliance partner airline, such as American Airlines, or by a travel agency.

Here is my latest experience, shares eTurboNews publisher Juergen Steinmetz.

Steinmetz is a Platinum Executive flyer with American Airlines and a 1K flyer with United Airlines. These are the top tiers for both airlines. American Airlines is part of the oneworld alliance, and United Airlines is part of the Star Alliance. He said:

“My latest flight on Qatar Airways took me from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Doha, Qatar, in business class then first class from Doha to Dubai, UAE.

“I arrived at the Qatar Airways business check-in on time at 4:00 pm for my 6:00 pm flight to Doha and was looking forward to spending one night in Qatar.

“Due to a weather situation, the incoming plane could not land in Kathmandu and was rerouted to Calcutta. This was done for security reasons and was understandable.

“It took more than an hour after it was known the plane could no longer fly from Calcutta to Kathmandu to finish this round during the same evening.

“Qatar Airways agents were friendly in escorting me to the business class lounge at Kathmandu Airport to await information on a hotel arrangement and alternate flight. I canceled my hotel in Doha and wanted to connect the next day to Dubai directly.

“After complaining to the lounge agent 3 times over the next 2 to 3 hours, she took me downstairs to talk to a Qatar Airways agent.

“Qatar Airways just finished caring for all economy passengers and left me, a business class passenger, last. I was told the flight would be leaving the following afternoon. I explained this would not be a good idea since I would miss a second night to get to my destination, Dubai.

“I found the station manager handling bags downstairs. He accommodated and booked me on an earlier flight with a 5-hour layover. I agreed.

“I was transported in a packed van to the Radisson Hotel with many other QR passengers. At the Radisson Hotel, I noticed a sign stating that the delayed flight would leave earlier than I was told at the airport. Going on the original flight would have cut 3 hours into my wait.

“I googled Qatar Airways and only found the US call center phone number. When I called, I was asked for my booking code, passport number, cell phone number (I have several), and credit card number (I have dozens of cards). It was an interrogation you only expect in a crime story.

“Finally, the agent said she could not re=book or do anything for me because my ticket was issued by American Airlines. She said I had to call American Airlines.

“When a flight is interrupted at United Airlines, I can easily talk to my 1K desk or find flight alternatives on the United Airlines app, allowing me to re-book with a few clicks.

Read more: My 5-Star Qatar Airways 2-Star Airline Experience Was Still Excellent

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eTurboNews:

The Himalayan Travel Mart in Kathmandu concluded last night with a spectacular authentic Nepalese Dinner at the Bhojan Griha restaurant.

The four-day PATA Nepal chapter branded event under the guidance of Suresh Singh Budal had the World Tourism Network as a strategic partner.

Opened by the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, other high-level dignitaries, and Nepal tourism leaders participated in the Himalayan Travel Mart.

They included the Hon. Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Mr. Sudan Kirati, Suresh Adhikari, Secretary for Ministry of Culture, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Chairman of PATA Nepal Chapter, Dr. Dhananjay Regmi, CEO- of Nepal Tourism Board, Mr. Ubaraj Adhikari, Executive Chairman- Nepal Airlines Corporation.

World Tourism Network leaders included the keynote address by Mr. Vijay Poonoosamy, Aviation Group Chair for the World Tourism Network (WTN). He pointed out the role of two airports and a national airline.

Mr. Poonoosamy also took part in a panel discussion on Nepal’s new International airport together with Mr. Kapil Kaul, Director – South Asia Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), Mr. Puskar Nath Thakur, Chief Commercial Officer, Delhi International Airport (GMR Group), Capt. Suraj Bhandari, Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).

The session was moderated by Mr. Sugat Ratna Kansakar, Former Managing Director- Nepal Airlines Corporation and PATA Personality of the Year 2018.

WTN Chairman Juergen Steinmetz participated in the discussion on adapting to climate change, embracing sustainability, and building a resilient tourism industry. His remark to not forget travel and tourism is also a business echoed a reaction with comments still pouring in. Steinmetz explained a new initiative for the sustainable global tourism in the making in Saudi Arabia. There was great interest in the audience to learn more.

Dr. Suvash Dawadi, MDGPEM, DIMM – CIWEC Travel Medicine Centre), Ms. Shova Mohan, Founder- RARE India, Mr. Upaul Majumdar, Head of Practice – Tourism for South Asia, Dolma Consulting UK, participated in the discussion moderated by Mr. William Vazquez, Founder, and President of Camera Voyages.

Moderated by former Nepal Tourism Board CEO and World Tourism Network executive Mr. Joshi Deepak, who is also the Director General- of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), the session Fostering Regional Tourism Potential: Collaboration, Innovation, Sustainability, and Beyond received good feedback.

Mr. Deepak’s session was attended by Mr. Shahid Hamid, Chairman- of the PATA Bangladesh Chapter. Mr. Navin Berry, Founder- SATTE, BITB, and Cross Section Media; Mr. Abdulla Ghiyas, President- MATATO (Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators ); Mr. Dimitri Cooray, Chairman-PATA Sri Lanka Chapter (MD- Jetwing Hotels), Ms. Shreejana Rana, Executive Director, Hotel Annapurna | IP President- Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) | President – Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Shivek Sachdev, Vice President, Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) | Managing Director – OMG Experience.

Mr. Shiva Prasad Dhakal, Founder Chairman, introduced the Community Homestay Network (CHN) in Nepal.

Eran Ketter from Israel presented his research from the European Travel Commission entitled: European Tourism Trends and Opportunities for Nepal’s Tourism.

Professor

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt, also a member of the World Tourism Network representing the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI) explained the return of the Chinese outbound travelers and the need for a meaningful tourism organization in the Himalayas.

The closing Keynote Address by Ms. Raya Bidshahri, Founder and CEO of the School of Humanity, discussed Reinventing Education.

A two-day seller and buyer meeting followed the two-day summit.

The best stand award was given to the Green Chwadi Natural Retreat.

Delegates were treated to entertainment and good Nepalese food at venues around Kathmandu, including the pre-opened new Princess Dusit Hotel.

The Himalayan Travel Mart will be an annual event, with the next session fixed for June 8, 2025.

Read more: The Himalayan Travel Mart: A new day for Nepal Tourism

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eTurboNews:

Mr. Miththapala has authored countless articles for eTurboNews about the elephants in Sri Lanka, the country’s tourism, and relationship between these two entities. He has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry.

He was President of Tourist Hotels Association of Sri Lanka from 2008 to 2010, and in 2009 led an EU funded project called “Greening of Sri Lanka Hotels” to promote sustainability best practices as the Director and Consultant at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a Board member of the Sri Lanka Hotel Classification Committee until 2012. Earlier in his career he served in several executive positions for hotels and management companies.

Currently, he is a part-time consultant in tourism for World Bank, Washington D.C., as well as a member of the Public Utilities Commission Consumer Consultative Committee.

Srilal has always been a committed environmentalist with a special interest in wildlife and especially for elephants.

Elephantine Tales is a collection of short anecdotes of his experiences in the national parks of Sri Lanka doing what he yearns to as often as possible – exploring nature, wildlife, and of course elephants. The book is full of “Elephantine Tales” and a few other wildlife as well. It will be of interest to the die-hard wildlife fraternity, as well as to the laymen with some interest in wildlife.

It is somewhat a personal odyssey re-living his experiences and close interaction with these gentle giants. It is written in simple language and the narratives are packed with in depth information about the environment, wildlife, and elephant behavior.

Here’s what the world-famous elephant researcher of Amboseli fame, Dr. Joyce Poole, Co-Founder and Scientific Director of ElephantVoices, said about the book: “I really enjoyed your book. Elephantine Tales is an immensely readable book about elephants and the love of the Sri Lankan people for them. Srilal Miththapala’s firsthand experiences took me back to the short period I studied elephants in Sri Lanka and reminded me of the warmth and enthusiasm of the people I met there. Miththapala’s tales are those of a naturalist who sets an example of the kind of individual dedication upon which the future survival of the country’s elephants depend.”

Prof. Devaka Rogrugo, top environment expert and head of the Dept. of Zoology at the Colombo University, said: “In this book, Srilal presents a series of short stories about his close encounters with elephants. However, I feel that the book transcends just storytelling, as it provides a wealth of information about the ecology and biology of elephants. Further, the book also provides the reader with an account of the historical changes that have taken place in some of the national parks in Sri Lanka, especially Uda Walawe National Park. I found this book very inspiring and informative.”

Prof. Devaka Weerakoon, Prof. of Environment Science at Colombo University, along with Dr. Sumith Pilapitya, Former Head of Environment at World Bank and former Director of Wildlife, as well as Mr. Hiran Cooray, Chairman of the Jetwing group, graced the event.

The book was launched this month in June at Jetwing Colombo 7 hotel with an appreciative audience who enjoyed the evening which was followed by light cocktails generously sponsored by Jetwing.

Read more: eTN Sri Lanka Contributor Releases New Book: Elephantine Tales

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eTurboNews:

The warm Indian Ocean beaches, historical and cultural heritage sites of Zanzibar are now pulling big crowds of holidaymakers from the Middle East.

Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi had visited Qatar in May and attracted tourism investors and other business people in Qatar to invest in the islands of Zanzibar. Dr. Mwinyi said the Zanzibar government was interested in developing heritage and conference tourism, banking on the attractive tourist resorts available on the island.

The Zanzibar president noted that the close relations between Qatar and Zanzibar had achieved significant development in attracting and safeguarding sustainable investments. He invited Qatari businessmen to explore Zanzibar’s host of opportunities in infrastructure, real estate, tourism, hospitality, agriculture, industry, and energy.

Dr. Mwinyi underscored the strategic location of Zanzibar, saying it is accessible to a number of economic blocs including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), which all offer a huge market for investors. He said:0

“We need to establish health tourism, energy, and conference tourism as new areas to invest.”

His accompanying delegation included officials from various economic authorities in Tanzania and Zanzibar, including the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and Tanzania Investment Centre.

While in Doha, Dr. Mwinyi met with the Vice Chairman of the Qatar Business Council, Mr. Muhammed Bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari, and stakeholders from the private sector of industry, inviting them to invest in Zanzibar where multiple opportunities are available.

Potential investors, led by the Vice-Chairman of the Qatar Business Council, Mr. Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Kowari, expressed the desire to invest in Zanzibar and Tanzania in general, while admiring the environment and culture of Zanzibar.

Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania consisting of Zanzibar Island (locally, Unguja), Pemba Island, and many smaller islands. Zanzibar island itself is approximately 90 km long and 40 km wide.

Read more: Qatar Tourists and Investments Targeted by Zanzibar

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eTurboNews:

World Tourism Network President Dr. Peter Tarlow, who is an award winning travel and tourism safety and security expert explains errors made in the travel and tourism industry in his Tourism Tidbits.

The summer of 2023 is not only a high season in much of the world but also the first official post-Covid pandemic summer.  The World Health Organization has officially stated that the Covid pandemic is history.  

The end of the pandemic and a renewed desire to travel means that the travel and tourism industry might have a record-breaking summer.

Facing what might be the travel and tourism industry’s most successful summer, it is a good idea to review how to make one’s business a success and how to avoid failures. 

A casual perusal of the tourism literature demonstrates the emphasis on having a thriving industry or career.  However, there is another side of the coin: many tourism businesses err and fail.  

here are multiple reasons that a business might fail.  Failures can occur due to a lack of a person’s or team’s passion or pure laziness, bad timing, lack of correct data or incorrect data analysis,  or simply bad luck. 

 Often tourism business failures occur due to overconfidence or arrogance, and in a time of high tourism volume, overconfidence can sow the seeds of future failures.  We can classify most tourism business failures into sociological taxonomies.

These categories help us think about what we may be doing wrong and correct these mistakes before they cause failure. 

We offer the following suggestions to help you keep bankruptcy far from your door during these challenging times.

-Failures occur when tourism leadership fails to provide people, employees, and clients, with a meaningful experience.

Employees do a better job when they believe in the product and understand the direction their manager is leading them. However, that policy does not mean that every decision needs a group decision.

In the end, the tourism businesses are more similar to families than to democracies, and that means that leadership needs to maintain a careful balance between listening and teaching and making the final decisions.

-Businesses that lack passion tend to fail.  In the end, travel and tourism is a people’s industry.

Currently, the airline industry seems to have forgotten this basic concept.  If its employees or owners do not see their work as a vocation rather than a job, they produce a lack of passion and commitment that destroys customer loyalty and, ultimately, the business. 

Tourism professionals must have a sense of joie de vivre, look forward to coming to work and see their jobs not as a means to receive a salary but as a calling.  

Introverted people and/or those who do not like people should not be on the front lines of the tourism/travel industry.

– A lack of security can result in a tourism community, nation or attraction’s failure.  The 21st century is one in which good marketing will include good security and safety as a part of customer service.  

Those places that seek profit over tourism surety (safety and security) will, in the end, self-destruct.  Tourism surety is no longer a luxury but should be a part of every tourism entity’s basic marketing plan. 

Currently, too many places worldwide have chosen to overlook tourism well-being and, in the end, have done great damage to their tourism industry.

-Failures often take place when there are no core questions for improvement. Every part of the tourism industry needs to ask itself its mission, how it differs from the competition, how it can improve, where its weakness is, and how it measures success.  

Read more: Errors that the Tourism Industry Is Currently Making

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eTurboNews:

These roadmaps address aircraft technology, energy infrastructure, operations, finance, and policy considerations leading to net zero.

By adopting a Long Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) at ICAO’s 41st Assembly, governments and industry are aligned to reach the same net zero CO2 emissions goal by 2050. As policy initiatives lay the foundation for many needed innovations and actions, these roadmaps will be a critical reference point for policymakers. 

“The roadmaps are the first detailed assessment of the key steps necessary to accelerate the transition to net zero by 2050. Together, they show a clear direction and will evolve as we dig deeper to set interim milestones on the way to net zero. I must emphasize that roadmaps are not just for airlines. Governments, suppliers, and financiers cannot be spectators in aviation’s decarbonization journey. They have skin in the game. The roadmaps are a call to action for all aviation’s stakeholders to deliver the tools needed to make this fundamental transformation of aviation a success with policies and products fit for a net-zero world,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. 

The roadmaps were not developed in isolation. A peer-to-peer review, complemented by a modeling tool provided by the Air Transportation Systems Laboratory at University College London (UCL), was conducted to calculate emission reductions for each technology. 

Highlights of each roadmap include:

• Aircraft Technology: the development of more efficient aircraft and engines. The steps needed to enable aircraft powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen, or batteries are particularly important. All development milestones are backed up by announced investment and demonstrator programs. Also included are new engines, aerodynamics, aircraft structures, and flight systems.
   
• Energy and New Fuels Infrastructure: the focus is on the fuels and new energy carrier infrastructure upstream from airports needed to facilitate the use of aircraft powered by SAF or hydrogen. Renewable energy plays a vital role in meeting the aviation sector’s energy demand, and the roadmap outlines milestones to enable the necessary infrastructure developments.
   
• Operations: the opportunities for reducing emissions and improving energy efficiency by improving how existing aircraft are operated. Automation, big data management, and the integration of new technologies are key enablers for optimizing air traffic management and enhancing the overall efficiency of the air transportation system.
   
• Policy: the need for globally aligned strategic policies to provide incentives and support for the aviation industry’s transition to a net-zero future. As with all other successful energy transitions, collaboration between governments and industry stakeholders is crucial in creating the necessary framework to achieve the decarbonization goals.
   
• Finance: how to finance the cumulative $5 trillion needed for aviation to achieve net zero by 2050. This includes technological advancements, infrastructure developments, and operational improvements.

The challenges to ramp up SAF production are a good illustration of the importance of these roadmaps. As a drop-in solution, SAF is expected to deliver about 62% of carbon mitigation needed to achieve net zero by 2050. But even though SAF is expected to be fully implementable with future aircraft fleets, it still has major inter-dependencies on policy, aircraft technology, energy infrastructure, financing, and operations for which these roadmaps are critical. 

“The roadmaps show where all stakeholders should focus their efforts. There are two certainties. By 2050 we need to be at net zero carbon emissions. And the steps to get there that are outlined in these roadmaps will evolve as the industry’s expertise grows. The policy is particularly important early on as it largely sets the scene for private sector investors to move.  With that, the private sector can decarbonize at scale and speed,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, SVP of Sustainability and Chief Economist at IATA.

“Without the right policy incentives and bold investments, many of the technologies and innovations simply won’t happen at scale. Everything is related, and that is why we have the five roadmaps to tie all the parallel elements together and give our stakeholders, including governments, a complete understanding of everything that needs to happen,” said Owens Thomsen.

“Time is of the essence, as highlighted by these roadmaps. Immediate action is required to commercialize scalable zero-carbon energy storage solutions along with the required infrastructure and to build a business case for their rapid delivery at Gigawatt scale,” said Prof. Andreas Schafer, Director of UCL’s Air Transport Systems Laboratory.

Read more: Aviation: Critical Steps Needed to Fly Net Zero by 2050

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eTurboNews:

I take note of this doll box around the corner from me, a Bulgarian reader in Sofia told eTurboNews. The reader referred to the just concluded UNWTO Commission meeting in Sofia, Bulgaria.

He continues to comment: “Regionally, this meeting was in no way related to the industry.

“The participants sing their “Hallelujah” but have no obligations. They are on their payroll and travel expense report.

No industry specialists in the private tourism or hospitality industry were invited. WTTC was absent.

“This even counted for the local level. I also didn’t see any executives of the active industry structures. So a hodgepodge of order takers and typewriters.

I will give the caretaker Tourism Minister a good kick in the bottom. In my position, I’m allowed to do that”, the eTN reader from Bulgaria said. “Hopefully, he’ll ask why. “

As it has become a habit since UNWTO Secretary Zurab took the helm of UNWTO, there was no relevant press, and the press attending had to be silent and were encouraged to take a photo of the delegates posing for the photo. No questions could be asked.

The participating faces were somewhat familiar.

The eTN reader concluded: “I see no impact on the industry. It was more like a social talk for the conference participants. It included a happy lunch and a good dinner.”

The outgoing Bulgarian Minister of Tourism could tie his strings.

The official, no question allowed report about the European Commission meeting published by UNWTO had a different version of the meeting :

European tourism leaders have met to advance shared plans for the sector’s future. The 68th meeting of the UNWTO Regional Commission for Europe (31 May – 2 June, Sofia, Bulgaria) assessed the current state of tourism in the region while also recognizing the vital importance of education, jobs, and investments for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Ahead of the meeting, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with President Rumen Radev and the Prime Minister of Bulgaria, Galab Donev, accompanied by Minister of Tourism of Bulgaria Ilin Dimitrov, to discuss shared priorities and areas of cooperation.

• Prime Minister Donev welcomed the latest UNWTO data, which shows Bulgaria is among the fastest-recovering of European destinations, with international arrivals in the first quarter of the year 27% higher than in 2019.
• In recognition of their leadership, President Radev awarded UNWTO Secretary-General Pololikashvili and the Director for Europe Alessandra Priante with the Order of Saints Cyril and Methodius, 1st Class and 2nd Class, respectively, at a special ceremony in the Coat of Arms Hall.
• The two parties recognized tourism’s importance for economic development and strengthening peace and understanding.
• The UNWTO delegation welcomed the Bulgarian Government’s work to diversify its tourism sector, focusing on growing new areas, including wellness, health, and gastronomy tourism and supporting rural communities.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “European tourism is recovering strongly and on track to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. This is exactly the time to step up our efforts to transform our sector, with a skilled workforce and proper investments vital for making it more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive.”

While this tourism conference took place, Bulgaria had its issue with the nomination of the tourism minister.

“The nomination of Zaritsa Dinkova for Minister of Tourism is a complete disappointment. This will be a person who will learn on our backs,” Richard Alibegov, chairman of the Confederation of Bulgarian Tourism Business and chairman of the Bulgarian Association of Restaurants, told Travel News Bulgaria. “The parties announced that they are looking for the best experts for all ministries, and we are looking for a person who has nothing to do with tourism, which is scandalous,” he added.

Dr. Dimitrov opened the UNWTO conference on “Education and skills in health and wellness tourism.”

High-level delegations representing 40 countries, with historic high participation, including Ministers and Deputy Ministers of Tourism, gathered for the Regional Commission. Member States were given an overview of UNWTO’s work, with a focus on:

• Jobs: UNWTO continues to support the Institutions of the European Union in the context of the European Year of Skills, with the co-implementation phase of the EU Transition Pathway for Tourism now underway to re-skill the tourism workforce of the European Union.
• Education: Members were updated on creating a first Bachelor’s Degree in Sustainable Tourism Management in partnership with the Lucerne University of Applied Arts and Sciences and launching a toolkit designed to help make tourism a subject in high schools worldwide.
• Investments: Identified as a key priority for the sector, UNWTO set the stage for World Tourism Day 2023 (27 September) with its theme of ‘Green Investments’ and also looked ahead to the UNWTO Tourism Investment Forum (Yerevan, Armenia, September 2023).
• Sustainability: UNWTO continues to guide global tourism’s climate action efforts; key works include the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative (49 signatories to date, with 17 from European countries) and the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism (800+ signatories to date, more than half from Europe).

The UNWTO Regional Director outlined how European Members champion tourism as a driver of resilience and recovery in the aftermath of the pandemic and amid the fragile socio-political situation in the region caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Adhering to the Organization’s statutory obligations, Members agreed:

• Ukraine will serve as the Chair of the Commission for Europe for the period 2023 to 2025. Greece and Hungary will serve as the Vice Chairs.
• World Tourism Day 2024, to be held around the theme of “Tourism and Peace,” will be officially hosted by Georgia.
• The Commission will meet in Uzbekistan this fall for its 69th meeting and in Albania in 2024 for its 70th meeting.

On the eve of the meeting, UNWTO launched the Global Startup Competition for Mega Events and MICE Tourism, with the support of the Government of Uzbekistan and the participation of UEFA, the International Congress and Convention Association, and Mastercard.

Read more: Hallelujah to the UNWTO Commission for Europe Bulgaria Show

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eTurboNews:

The editorial by eTurboNews correspondence Tony Ofungi, who also owns the Gorilla information travel company in the Pearl of Africa, explains the story of the war on terror behind the Uganda LGBTQ bill.

About a week ago, the Ugandan AMISOM contingent based in Somalia was attacked by the radical Alshabab Islamists. Uganda suffered heavy losses. Some Ugandan soldiers were captured.

The propaganda arm of Alshabab shared images such as those above.

It described the UPDF Ugandan soldiers as invading crusaders.

Anti-LGBTQ Bill in Uganda

Following Uganda’s President’s signing of the Anti-LGBTQ Bill, US President Biden ordered a review of aid to Uganda worth perhaps $ 1.3 billion.

Somalia Connection

In 1993 abhorred by scenes of dead US Marines being dragged on the streets of Mogadishu in the “Black Hawk Down” debacle, the US pulled out of direct engagements in Africa, preferring to train and finance African troops in proxy engagements on the continent.

The result was the assemblage of contingents from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi under the aegis of AMISOM, but in reality, the United States.

The” War on Terror”

In the last 20 years, Africa has made enormous sacrifices by putting boots on the ground. Uganda has the largest contingent in Somalia.

Gains have been made, with Somalia now having a semblance of a government.

US citizens can now sleep peacefully without worrying too much about terrorists or scenes they saw in 1993.

The US support for conservation and in the health sector in Uganda has been phenomenal, with support of the canine unit in Murchison Falls National Park to combat poaching and wildlife crimes, trenches to prevent elephants from straying into communities causing human-wildlife conflict, and support to combat Ebola and Covid in the recent past which was widely reported on eTurboNews.

No one deserves to die for being LGBTQ.

No one deserves to die for being LGBTQ, but several Africans have sufficiently advanced arguments against the victimization of Uganda for standing for our values.

Sex is a private matter, and we would frown even at straight persons in public display, which was the root of contention for the bill.

It has been challenged in the Uganda Constitutional Court premised on human rights violations.

The impression being created by LGBTQ apologists is that Uganda is on fire and, therefore, no tourists should dare visit.

Now even the economic migrants shall start pouring onto the beaches of Lampedusa in droves claiming LGBTQ persecution.

Sadly the biggest victims shall be the reversal of gains made from conservation efforts and the rangers and their families struggling to put food on the table by protecting our wildlife and habitats.

The tour and travel industry, whose revenues trickle down to communities and other value chain sectors, shall suffer too.

The health sector cannot afford to be underfunded, too, lest we end up in another potential lockdown.

The Covid pandemic was proof enough of that.No country lives in isolation in this global world.

Read more: Connecting the War on Terror, the Uganda LGBTQ Bill, and Tourism

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eTurboNews:

Train officials have reported at least 280 people were killed and over 900 injured when the two passenger trains collided in the eastern Indian state of Odisha today.

Railroad ministry spokesperson, Amitabh Sharma, stated that 10 to 12 coaches of one train derailed, and debris from some of the mangled coaches fell onto a nearby track. It was hit by another passenger train coming from the opposite direction. Up to 3 coaches of the second train also derailed.

The Howrah Superfast Express derailed and crashed into the Coromandel Express, South Eastern Railway authorities reported. The derailed Coromandel Express was traveling from Howrah in West Bengal state to Chennai, the capital of southern Tamil Nadu state. The scene of the train crash is around 220 kilometers (137 miles) southwest of Kolkata.

The top administrator in the Balasore district, Dattatraya Bhausaheb Shinde, said there are at least 200 people trapped in the train wreckage.

Although there are still no official reports of the dead and injured, the media is reporting at least 280 have died. Odisha Chief Secretary Pradeep Jena reported that over 900 passengers have been sent to nearby hospitals. The Chief Minister confirmed that their first priority is to “remove the living to the hospitals.” Nearly 500 police officers and rescue workers with 75 ambulances and buses are responding to the train crash.

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that “all possible assistance” is being given to those involved in the train crash. PM Modi said he was distressed by the accident and also tweeted, “In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover soon.”

The Federal Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, tweeted that rescue teams have been mobilized from Kolkata in West Bengal and from Odisha’s Bhubaneswar. Minister Vaishnaw added that the National Disaster Response Force, air force, and state government teams have also been mobilized to respond to the crash.

The India train crash is under investigation.

Read more: India Passenger Train Derails: At Least 280 Dead, 900 Injured

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eTurboNews:

Shame on Uganda’s President Museveni. Tourism leaders warn, was first published by eTurboNews, after the president signed the strictest anti LGBTQ law in the world on Tuesday.

Responses from travel industry leaders, government officials, and concerned travelers had been pouring in.

Surprisingly not all postings on an ongoing heated discussion on the World Tourism Network Africa WhatsApp group condemn this law. It appears those against it are mostly silent, making this public discussion prominently an endorsement for Uganda’s lead in Africa to promote the death penalty for members of the Aggravated gayness.”

While Uganda members remain silent, support for the Uganda Anti LGBTQ law was voiced by members of the travel and tourism community in Kenya, and Nigeria.

Privately, WTN members and eTurboNews readers from Uganda applauded the outcry about this law by the world, but were worried about speaking out.

Because of Ugandans unable to speak out, some in other African countries see this an endorsement and drum the hate bell even louder.

Devna Pandit of Boma Trave in Kenya said:

Someone should raise their voice in defense of the Ugandan President’s & the Ugandan people’s right to choose their stand in this & any other issue.

The publisher of “Best of Nigeria Travel Magazine” did exactly this in saying:

For the records, LGQBT have no place in African cultures and traditions and no amount of blackmail will change that.

Anyone who is not okay with maintaining our cultures and traditions as well as our sanity as human beings can stay away from Africa. Where one man’s right stops is where another man’s right starts. Africa cannot be cajoled into accepting “absurd” behaviors of the west in the name of “human right”. We have come of age.

We will even promote death sentence, not even imprisonment for LGBTQ behaviors.

Best of Nigeria Travel Magazine

Those that don’t want to do business with Africa because of our values should stay away. We abhor LGQBT with a passion.

Please leave the matter where it belongs in the wild wild west NOT in Africa. We don’t, we can’t and will NOT accept it. Jail awaits offenders.

The verdict across Africa is clear. We do not want LGQBT in our communities. Promote it elsewhere NOT in Africa.

Devna Pandit, a tour operator in Kenya added:

We in Africa need to listen to this carefully before we cast our vote and agree with WTM or any other FORUM , to shame Uganda for refusing to accept what the West is trying to foist on us.

Respectfully, to the officials of this forum. It is no disrespect to those who are wilful and old enough to decide what gender they choose to be.

But to inculcate such thoughts in our children. And just because YOU wish to do so in the West, to force us also to do the same is also NOT acceptable to us in Africa or to us as Africans. And to shame any African country or any country in the world for that matter for having their own views, laws and decide for themselves what the wish for as policies smacks on Discrimination and has the flavor of the old Apartheid Regime.

Where the white man decides what Africans should do. I say this with great respect to our members and out board. And apologies if I have caused any offense.

But as Uganda has been officially stayed in this forum has having been shamed. I think it only fair.

JousLTE, Nigerian tour agency and event planner sees it:

Truth is, African countries do not consider that (LGBTQ) as our priority issues. We are more concerned about peace amongst our brethren in the Great Lakes region, How to restore peace in the Horn of Africa etc. How to promote greater intro-African trade and travel, reduce crime and many more salient issues.

So in simple terms we have a lot of situations to take care of than discussing about an irrelevant topic sincerely.

Ms.B from Nigeria explains:

This topic always causes loads to be said!! Can it be kept simple. Can we get any CLARITY from fundamentals?

Away from relating it to “rights”,”Africans”, “Whites”,”Cultures” etc? Just me following here, and pondering. How did we get this far!!

All these familiar concepts where existing from thousands of centuries before Christ and Islam? Before LGBTQ?
Or not?

And there was obviously no conflicts then? No one trying to “impose”, or “insist” any of the above was superior to the other? Or required to be accepted as?

Such that like in other areas such as when suddenly Africans started saying they want to wear African prints culturally known and acceptable to them instead of European suits “culturally known and acceptable to their own culture too”? .

So for instance those that made those decision, and many decided they want none of these TWO. They prefered to choose a polyester mixed of fabric! To be different.

But, the creators of the two main ones created their own CLEAR fashion. African and European. The polyester mix was not either of the two others. It was a “decision mix” a human creator mix? Still wearable by those that WANTED?

Did they have to Lord it over others?

Are they not the ones that chose to deviate from the generally known TWO FASHIONS?

No wahala as we say in Nigeria.

Such that should the POLYESTER GROUP start saying it is their right to make the AFRICAN PRINT group or EUROPEAN group acknowledge their RIGHT to wear polyester? And by force accept their polyester mix? And allow others to wear it too. The two group have a right to say YES OR NO? Because they had an ESTABLISHED CULTURE, People, interest, focus, fabric choice too? And all of this need to be acknowledged and respected like those of the smallest NICHE OF A SOCIETY- FAMILY culture, rights, etc. That existed from the time of “THE GARDEN OF EDEN”?

Is anyone disturbing them? I don’t believe so.

What we don’t hear or ask i think also is. Who is the CREATOR of the common HUMAN Gender known? That we all emerged from?

besides the atheist’s belief ? and those who may believe Man came from evolution? Did any of these sources ” Create” this present gender discussed? From the beginning?

So whatever CREATOR is recognised to be the above he initally created ” Male & Female in the garden we all know? Or the “norm” we all know?

Unless a few “other mix” existed there unknown? As far as I know there wasn’t or Maybe I stand to be enlighten on this.

So any ” polyester mix” has occurred as a result of ” human happenings” to put this simply and with all due respect.

Such that it cannot now be “forced down” anyone’s mind or see it as the norm?

The right? The choice for the whole of AFRICA? EUROPE? THE GLOBE? based on what?

The “right”; The “culture”,etc that was in existence from as long as human beings male and female existed?

I guess we have to keep going back to fundamental reference points?

Who is the creator of the human race? What did he create initially? 5 genders or 2 or ?

So where have we got it mixed up? As I love to say like a ” cocktail mix”!!

This for me is the ” mix” creating “shades of views” here that really can make one ask where did we get all this wrong or create a gap!!

It’s a matter of LIVE & LET LIVE too- if the challenge of whatever gender life decisions have made anyone to ” find yourself”, “think yourself to be” , or ” constantly trying to convince yourself, and others how to perceive your gender” is the case.

Especially if it is not “your choice” or “your fault”.It is all choices that humm exist?

It is like an illness or disease? We never choose it but when we have it we put ALL EFFORT to CURE it to remain alive like normality known to all?

That is a STATE OF FREEDOM from illness or a disease?

Like the familiar Gender known from the “garden of eden” ? Depending on your BELIEVE of where the human race/gender evolved from? Before any others describe here were “born”??

So in such a state we don’t I say because I am “ill”? On burdened with something? Everyone should give a “right” to everyone to be “ill” along with me?

Such a logic of our thoughts process calls for concern. Not only for the African continent but the WHOLE Human race that we all are part of and have a collective responsibility to protect??

Good day to all in the “AFRICAN HOUSE” here.

Just my view.

Cheers

World Tourism Network Chairman Juergen Steinmetz concluded:

I really appreciate your point of view, but respectfully I don’t think the white man or anyone forcing views on an independent country such as Uganda – or on Africa is the issue at all here.

Any country no matter where in the world that legalizes the persecution of a minority and threatens to kill their own citizens only because they have a sexual orientation some find sinful, wrong or perverse does not have the right under human laws, religious values to do so.

The world should have spoken when German Nazis killed fellow German citizens who happened to be Jewish . The apartheid regime in South Africa treating black citizens like secondary – all of this has nothing to do with a country being allowed to make laws for themselves.

Shame on the president of Uganda and those that voted for this so called witch hunt law .

Respect for the good people of Uganda and solidarity with anyone in the Uganda LGBTQ community . They are Ugandan as other Ugandan- or do I see this wrong ?

Juergen Steinmetz is wrong, says JousLTE:

Hi Juergen, you see, words like those in your last paragraph are some of the reasons Africans feel insulted and utterly disrespected on the issue of these LGBTQ thing, Sir.

That is not engaging, rather you’re disparaging the leadership and the entire parliament of a country because MAJORITY of the people speaking and voting through their parliamentarians have chosen what they felt serves them better.

Funnily, many of the people trumpeting LGBTQ all over the place just to be seen to adhere, are silently wishing in their quiet corners that none of their relations will choose to change his or her sex.

Burkhard Herbote from Germant explained:

I just have checked with Germany. Here in Germany the official government statistics speak about 0.01413% of the population have changed their sex. So quite a few.

We have to see this different from the gay and lesbian community, who are much more. Those are between 12-14 % in any country/society, whether it will be Fiji Islands, Germany, Nigeria, USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Israel, UK, Portugal, Uganda or Samoa.

To be gay/lesbian is nothing what one is choosing, that is the fact since birth, even if other have other meanings.

That meaning is a meaning, not a scientific fact. One can like it or not, one can not like it but tolerate, one can not tolerate it, it does not change.

Also gay/lesbian is not related to transsexual people, nobody is gay or lesbian because of being trans whatever. We have to accept those people exist and they are not more good or more bad than others just because of their sexual orientation.

One can decide for him/herself to not like it, what is very normal. I am not gay and have no interest in any gay experiences at all, but I respect the people as long as they do not behave criminal.

Also the LGBTQ community is not just one homogenize community. We all are individuals and that is very good.

Read more: Execute LGBTQ: A Scary Trend by some African Tourism Fanatics

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eTurboNews:

The President of ATB, Hon. Cuthbert Ncube, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with HE Albert Muchanga, AU Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, and Mining (ETTIM), today at the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The African Tourism Board 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. Also in attendance to witness the signing was the Hon. Silesh Girma, State Minister of the Ministry of Tourism for Ethiopia.

ATB Patron Shares His Thoughts

African Tourism Board patron Dr. Taleb Rifai, former UNWTO Secretary-General, expressed his appreciation for the MOU signing.

“Tourism has become today an extremely important activity. No wonder the African Union is signing this memo with the African Tourism Board. Today, tourism is not only a significant economic sector, it is also a wonderful peace builder. It brings everybody together and breaks down all barriers. One can never ever carry any feelings of resentment or stereotyping any nation after he has visited it, had lunch or dinner with somebody at the host country, listened to their stories.

“It’s people rubbing shoulders with people, it’s the best medium to break down all stereotypes and foster world peace.

“It’s particularly important for Africa, where most of the people of the world today don’t know Africa, it’s important that when they come, they learn from us, they would know that all the people of the world came out of Africa, east Africa in particular is without doubt the birthplace of mankind; this is proven by everybody. Look at the BBC program “The Journey of Man” – it says it quite clearly.

“Tourism is today what the world needs not just through creating jobs and providing income to many families of course if well managed, and this why ATB is important.”

“This is a historic day – it caters to the so-called sustainable development tourism in Africa  Sustainability is not just about the environment, as important as that is, it’s about social and economic sustainability in addition.

“ATB is the world’s body that does that for Africa. That is why this is a very important opportunity for all. I wish I was there in person, but my health has prevented me from being with you at my beloved Addis Ababa, where we all came out of there. I wish you all the best of time and ‘Long live Africa?’”

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.

Read more: Dr. Taleb Rifai Shares Proud Day at African Tourism Board

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eTurboNews:

Many in the Uganda LGBTQ Community are fleeing this East African Country; tourists are afraid to visit the Pearl of Africa after 78-year-old President  Yoweri Museveni signed the harshest anti-homosexuality law in the world with a golden pen today. The president of the country, however, is a proud man because he defied pressure from what he calls “imperialistic” Western Countries and even the Vatican.

Foreign investments, foreign aid will punish not only those who supported this law, but Uganda’s economy will suffer All evidence shows it will drive investment away from the country.

The law includes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.”

Same-sex relations were already illegal in Uganda, as they are in more than 30 African countries. The new law in addition also targets lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and requires “reporting.”

Theoretically, anyone could be arrested on a “suspicion only, putting not locals, rivals, but also travelers at risk.

The maximum penalty is death in Mauritania, Somalia, and Nigeria in states where Sharia law is applied – and now also Uganda.

Life imprisonment is the maximum penalty for same-sex relations in Sudan, Tanzania, and Zambia. Jail terms of up to 14 years are possible in Gambia, Kenya, and Malawi.

In 2017, Chad criminalized same-sex acts in what the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA) called “a worrying example of legal regression in the region.”

A draft bill to toughen strict laws against same-sex relations in Senegal was thrown out in January last year before being put to a vote because existing legislation was deemed sufficiently clear and the resultant penalties severe enough.

Although homosexuality is not a crime in Egypt, discrimination against the LGBTQ community is rife. Gay men are frequently arrested and charged with debauchery, immorality, or blasphemy.

Ivory Coast does not criminalize gay sex, but there have been recorded cases of detention and prosecution.

Tanzania has banned the provision of condoms and lubricants to LGBTQ health clinics and, since 2018, increased the use of forced anal examinations.

Sodomy convictions in Tunisia have reportedly been on the rise.

Broad protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation exists in three countries: Angola, Mauritius, and South Africa. Employment protection exists in the same three countries plus Botswana, Cape Verde, Mozambique, and Seychelles.

South Africa is the only African country where gay marriage is legal.

The new law in Uganda imposes capital punishment for some behavior, including having gay sex when HIV-positive, and stipulates a 20-year sentence for “promoting” homosexuality.

Human rights leaders in Uganda say: “It’s a very dark and sad day for the LGBTQ community, our allies, and all of Uganda.”

Activists have vowed a legal challenge to the law.

Uganda receives billions of dollars in foreign aid each year and could face another round of sanctions.

Besides the United States, most European Countries and even Google condemned the legislation after its original passage in March.

“With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues, the Members of Parliament, for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country,” the Speaker of the Uganda Parliament, Anita Among, said.

Uganda’s LGBTQ community is afraid: many have closed down social media accounts and fled homes for safe houses.

The World Tourism Network immediately commented:

“No country has the right to violate human rights, including the life of its people. 10% of all people in Uganda are terrified to be part of the LGBTQ community. Shame on the President of Uganda and those that voted for this so-called law.

We highly respect the good people of Uganda and support the LGBTQ community there. No decent human being would want to support such discrimination.”

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) still remain silent.

Safety and Security for Travelers to Uganda

eTurboNews will continue to warn readers, specifically members and friends of the LGBTQ community, to use extreme caution when traveling to Uganda.

This is a major ramping up of anti-gay laws into unchartered areas.

Uganda’s economy will suffer All evidence shows it will drive investment away from the country. Which multi National CEO would ask employees to go and work there, an investment expert told eTurboNews.

Read more: Shame on Uganda’s President Museveni, Tourism Leaders Warn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Cuthbert,

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

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

Juergen Steinmetz
Chairman World Tourism Network

ATB Chairman Ncube responded:

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

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

Cuthbert Ncube
Chairman African Tourism Board

Read more: African Union and African Tourism Board to sign MOU

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

eTurboNews asked if WTTC and its CEO were in trouble.

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

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

Read more: The Power Struggle within WTTC Continues – British Style

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With a vast territory and complex geological and geomorphic features, China has 289 national geoparks and 41 UNESCO global geoparks, qualifying Beijing as a leading country in the world in establishing and maintaining geoparks.

Chinese experts will undertake a feasibility study for the establishment of a geopark project in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as part of a $9.5 million project support pledged by the Beijing government to Tanzania.

The Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark lies between Serengeti National Park in the north and northwest, with Lake Natron to the east, the left arm of the Great Rift Valley to the south, and the Maswa Game Reserve to the west, covering 12,000 square kilometers of rocky hills, lengthy underground caves, lake basins, and hominid discovery sites. 

This will be the first geopark in Tanzania and East Africa as well as the first site for geo-tourism in the Sub-Saharan region. The Ngorongoro Lengai Geopark is the second in Africa after the M’Goun Geopark, in Morocco.

Welcoming the Chinese experts, the Tanzania Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr. Mohamed Mchengerwa, said apart from enhancing conservation of geo-features, the project will also develop new geo and landscape tourism products, build a state-of-the-art geological museum, and install cutting-edge scientific devices to monitor and detect geo-hazards, as well as build capacity for local experts.  

“The project with [a] $9.5 million package, is part of the bilateral agreement signed between Tanzania and China during the President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan’s maiden state visit to Beijing in November 2022,” Mr. Mchengerwa told journalists, adding “Implementation of the Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark project will take 2.5 years.”

Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) Deputy Conservation Commissioner, Mr. Elibariki Bajuta, said:

“Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark will complement our President Dr. Samia’s painstaking initiatives to expand the tourism attractions in her latest efforts to make tourists stay longer in the country.”

The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently endorsed the Ngorongoro-Lengai Global Geopark, thanks to the aforementioned features.

Geo-tourism is a new concept in tourism and that sustains or enhances the distinctive geographical character of a given precinct including the area’s environment, heritage, aesthetics, tradition, culture, and the well-being of its residents, and in this particular case, the Ngorongoro-Lengai entity ticks all boxes, Mr. Bajuta explained.

The Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark encompasses the 3 districts of Ngorongoro, Karatu, and Monduli in Arusha. The Ngorongoro-Lengai Geopark comprises ancient Datoga tombs; Caldera Route covering, among other sites; Irkepus Village; Old German House; Hippo Pool and Seneto springs; the active Oldonyo-Lengai Volcano; and the Empakai Crater.

Mr. Bajuta said, “While tourists from [the] USA and Europe favor game driving into national parks to view wildlife, the Chinese and other Asians are different.” According to him, tourists from China, Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries prefer exploring landscapes, mountains, caves, gorges, and other geological features.

Mr. Bajuta believes that the country will use the geopark to attract visitors from Asia, with China alone offering a huge market of 1.4 billion people for Tanzania’s geology-based tourism.

Read more: China Pledges $9.5M to Africa’s Second Largest Geopark

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The exhibition presents about 300 exceptional pieces including Greek, Roman, Etruscan, and Italic, as well as medieval, modern, and contemporary works.

For the occasion, some of the Great Halls of the Baths of Diocletian are reopening to the public after decades of being closed. When open it hosted the Archaeological Exhibition in 1911 as part of the celebrations for the first fiftieth anniversary of the Unification of Italy and which still today preserves part of the historical setting of the fifties.

The exhibition, which can be visited until July 30, 2023, is promoted by the Italian Ministry of Culture and the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sport and testifies to the centrality and importance of the collaboration between the two states.

The exhibition event, organized by the General Directorate of Museums and the National Roman Museum in collaboration with Electa, is conceived and curated by Massimo Osanna, Stéphane Verger, Maria Luisa Catoni, and Demetrios Athanasoulis, with the support of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii and the participation of the IMT High Studies School Lucca and the Southern High School. There are 5 sections of the exhibition, each set up in one of the Great Halls of the Baths of Diocletian.

Room I – The eternity of an instant

It opens with the cast of 2 anonymous victims of the Vesuvius eruption that archeology has given us as eternally immobilized in the instant of death. Around them, on the other hand, various popular and cultured forms of modern reinterpretation of the ancient are presented.

Room II – The eternal fame of heroes

Explore the forms of ancient cultural transmission and tradition through art and literature.

Room III – The order of the cosmos

A first journey towards eternity ends from myth to ancient representations of space and time, which take the form of divinities, personifications, and abstract entities that have given rise to our spatial and temporal categories.

Room IV – The works and the days

The second part of the itinerary illustrates the intimate relationship of identification which, despite the cultural and temporal distance that separates us from the ancients, makes them very close to us every time we identify the events of their lives with ours. This section reconstructs, through a series of spectacular recent discoveries, important moments of social life, both in the home and in the city, marked by private and public rituals.

Room V – Divine humans

Antiquity has handed down an inexhaustible variety of ways of representing the individual, from the powerful Neolithic stele-statues to refined classical and Hellenistic compositions. The visitor is accompanied on this journey of discovery and comparison by some extraordinarily representative works, coming not only from the main Italian museums within the National Museum System coordinated by the General Directorate of Museums, but also from very important institutions in Greece.

Many of the works on display are presented to the public for the first time.

There are new discoveries, such as the ceremonial chariot from Civita Giuliana and the statue of Hercules from the Appia Antica Archaeological Park; new acquisitions, such as the Tabula Chigi press release from the Roman National Museum; and above all, numerous masterpieces usually kept in the deposits of museums in Italy and Greece, such as the statue of Santorini.

The exhibition thus represents a further opportunity for the (Re)discovered Deposits project, conceived and promoted by the National Roman Museum, allowing not only to continue the initiative, but also to increase it with the creation of new exhibition stages in the institutes of the Regional Directorate Lazio museums in Nemi and Sperlonga.

All the themes of the exhibition are retraced and explored in the numerous essays published in the catalog published by Electa. On the institutional website of the National Roman Museum there are texts in facilitated language created by the Educational Service of the MNR, specifically dedicated to people with cognitive disabilities and their caregivers, to allow preparation for the visit and facilitate understanding of the exhibition path to this public with special needs.

Read more: National Roman Museum Opens “The Instant and Eternity”

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Inclusive Not Exclusive

Yes, the economy is uncertain. Yes, we are still experiencing inflation. Yes, in many cities, and business sectors, discrimination against age, race, religion, and sexual preferences not only remains but grows. Today, many shoppers are directing their cash to what is joyful and beautiful.

Joy in Spending

Worldwide, the beauty industry is predicted to exceed $716 billion by 2023 and $784.6 billion by 2027 (NPRD/IRI data). What is motivating shoppers to shop? What are they buying?

The beauty industry embraces what is unique, exceptional, different, and special, and because it employs an “inclusive” business model it could become a winning template for all industries losing market share.

The beauty segments are steeped in emotion as beauty brings joy (a universal aspiration) providing experiences that can be classified as play; activities that do not have a purpose other than helping us feel relaxed and happy, keeping our minds focused in the present. The present is where joy lives (mindbodygreen.com).

A key part of the beauty industry is the human touch. From a beauty consultant helping shoppers find the perfect color in a crowded display, to the retail buyer who acts as an editor selecting an assortment for the tastes and interests of customers, this is a people business. The human interaction is one of the most compelling reasons consumers continue to frequent shops (i.e., Sephora), roam the cosmetic counters at department stores and pharmacies (i.e., Macy’s and Duane Reade), attend pricey cosmetology classes, and applaud and follow makeup artists (i.e., Sarah Tanno/Lady Gaga, Gucci Westman/Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Anniston).

Every product and retail success has a human in the front or side of the item; someone who has discovered, refined, and/or created an OMG beauty item or look or created a captivating retail environment. Industries have been overrun with algorithms and data; however, there continues to be a need and a want for the human touch.

The industry is a platform for executives who are willing to take a leadership position. Many owners/managers are making bold moves, including adding services to a drug store dominated by household necessities, or heading into the unknown with an innovative product that is counterintuitive, bucking conventional wisdom.

Is It Worth It?

Larissa Jensen, vice president and beauty industry advisor to the NPD Group determined that 70 percent of consumers who indicate they are watching their spending are NOT reducing beauty purchases. On average, Americans spend between $244 and $313 on cosmetics every month.

Progress

In makeup, lip gloss is the fastest-growing sector, outperforming lipstick. Body skin care products grew at more than three times the rate of facial products while fragrance sales increased in the areas of eau de parfum, parfum, and high-end artisanal fragrance juices. 

Searching for Fresh and Hygienic

Clean is a driving factor in the beauty buying decision. With no clear definition of clean, shoppers are doing their own research; however, 40 percent rely on retailers to classify products for them. Clean was supplanted during the pandemic by CLINICAL – but clean is rebounding.

Vegan and cruelty-free are keywords consumers spot when looking over reviews. Social responsibility percolates to the top of a shopper checklist with 34 percent of consumers indicating that this attribute is important (NPD).

Ingredients

Women do not want products that contain animal-derived ingredients, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, or dyes. Multicultural consumers look to well-established brands of skin care products with natural, certified organic, and ethically sourced ingredients.

Multicultural

In the USA, the female beauty shopper is multi-dimensional and multi-cultural; this is good news for the beauty industry. According to estimates, 129 million multicultural consumers now represent 40 percent of the population and these consumers are responsible for driving nearly all of the US population growth over the last five years. Over 120 million strong and increasing by 2.3 million per year, multicultural populations are the growth engine of the future in the U.S.

Black and brown women already spend approximately $7.5 billion annually on beauty products and the number is projected to grow. According to research from Packaged Facts, the buying power of African Americans has surpassed $1 trillion.

Hispanics, African Americans, Asian Americans, and all other multicultural groups already make up 38% of the U.S. population, with Census Bureau projections showing that multicultural populations will become a numeric majority by 2044.

Committed

Multicultural women, especially Hispanic women, are more committed to beauty routines and trying new products than other women. Acknowledging this fact, brands are responding by introducing new skincare, putting less emphasis on lightening skin tones with a higher priority on products and services that help users achieve a healthy, clear complexion. Latino women in the US report creating complex makeup looks compared to 51 percent of all women, while African American women trend toward embracing a natural beauty appearance (Mintel). In the near future, people of color will represent a majority in America and the beauty industry is positioning itself to capitalize.

Manly Makeup

A research study supports the hypothesis that subtle cosmetics make male faces look more attractive (Batres, C., & Robinson, H. 2022). The men’s makeup market is estimated to reach $276 billion by 2030. The growing trend toward skincare, haircare, and fragrance products among men is thanks to significant brand endorsements by celebrities, encouraging men to purchase cosmetic brands.

Danny Gray, Founder of beauty brand War Paint claims that men, “feel ashamed about using make-up” and studies find that only one in a hundred men wear makeup on a daily basis.

A significant challenge is the small number of specific male-dedicated products. Makeup is frequently designed to be inclusive and education is needed for male consumers to learn why they should select a male-specific product rather than something viewed as unisex. Studies should highlight the fact that men’s testosterone (on average) makes their skin 25 percent thicker than females. In addition, men’s skin produces more sebum resulting in it becoming more acne-prone and oily.

Start Early

Research suggests that 42 percent of men first started practicing skin care between 15-17 y/o; however,

Read more: Beauty Industry: Up Close and Personal

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This was an opportunity that “VisiTuscia Expo,” the Viterbo Tourism and Food and Wine Exchange, included in the initiatives promoted within the DMO “Expo Tuscia” for 2023. It could not be overlooked since the leitmotiv of the event was inspired precisely by this new segment.

The roots tourism live event connection was activated by the Wine Museum of Castiglione in Teverina, the largest in Europe, and the main theme could only be food that has always been considered the demiurge of hospitality and conviviality, enlivening the tables of those about leaving and of those returning.

Representing local administrations were Leonardo Zannini, Mayor of Castiglione in Teverina, who did the honors of the house; Luca Libriani, City Councilor of Bassano in Teverina, and delegate for youth policies and IT systems; Roberto Pesci, Deputy Mayor of Marta; and Roberto Basili, Councilor for Tourism of the municipality of Bolsena.

And We’re Live

Joining via video conference were Claudia Girardo (EFASCE – Ente Friulano Social Assistance and Cultural Emigrants), Melina Mondelli (AERCU – Associazione Emigrati Regione Campania In Uruguay), Ignacio Palermo (Calabrian Association), Lilian Cappuccini (Children of Tuscany Association), and Maria Laura Gardi (Central Lazio Association). In connection, respectively from Mar del Plata and Rosario (Argentina) representing the Italian-Argentine community were Marcelo Castello (Argentine Federation of Abruzzo Associations of Argentina) and Raúl Romanelli (Federation of Italian Associations of Mar del Plata). Finally, in connection from San Paolo (Brazil) representing the Italian-Brazilian community were Daniela Policela and Andrea Chiavacci (Italian Club of San Paolo).

Communication with the various associations involved was directed by researcher and expert in Visual Culture of Italian emigration, Fabio Ragone (currently active on a research project supported by the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande del Sud in Brazil).

At the end of the meeting, the representatives of the local administrations present invited their compatriots abroad to come to Italy for a cultural and productive exchange. The meeting ended with an auspicious toast that bodes well for the intensification of relations and future reciprocal activities.

Read more: Live Toast to Roots Tourism

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The friendly dance Bob Marley style between the Hon. Minister of Tourism for Jamaica, Edmund Bartlett, and His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continued in Jamaica, and a lime in the coconut was just added.

On tour to Caribbean nations, such as the Bahamas, and Barbados, the Saudi Tourism minister stopped in Jamaica last Sunday.

The Hon Minister Bartlett told eTurboNews.: I was enjoying a delicious Jamaican coconut water in Montego Bay last Sunday with His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Minister of Tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

It appears the lime was put into the coconut. What this lime is may be up to speculation, but judging from numerous previous meetings between the two ministers in Jamaica and Saudi Arabia, there seems to be more and more reason to dance.

In June last year, Bartlett told eTurboNews:

“For us, this is a game-changer in the making because small countries like Jamaica will never have the capacity to have large airlines like Emirates Airlines or Saudia coming to us with direct flights. However, we can benefit from these airlines coming into the Caribbean space, landing here in Jamaica but having distribution to other countries in the region,” he explained.

This time a lot happened. Saudi Arabia announced the formation of Riyadh Air, a direct competition to other Gulf airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.

Funded by the Saudi Government, it becomes realistic for Riyadh Air to make Riyadh the next gateway to the world. It could be assumed Minister Bartlett may want his counterpart Ahmed Al-Khateeb to agree with him to add the Caribbean, and specifically Jamaica, as a destination or, better, a Caribbean hub for Riyadh Air.

HE Ahmed Al-Khateeb has been traveling around the Caribbean, signing MOUs of cooperation regarding tourism promotion, easy entry, such as visa-free facilitation, and other issues opening tourism-wide between Saudi Arabia and the Caribbean.

There may be a good reason to continue the dance that started under Bob Marley under One Love to Adding the Lime to the Coconut.

Read more: In Jamaica, the Saudi Tourism Minister put a Lime in the Coconut

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“The 2023 edition clearly reflected an industry pride and renewed confidence among exhibitors and, of course, a strong desire to do business with thousands of buyers,” said IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom at the IMEX Frankfurt closing press conference at Messe Frankfurt today (Thursday 25 May).

Over 3,500 buyers made 55,000 appointments with IMEX exhibitors, of which 47,000 were individual appointments; the remainder were group and stand presentations.

New this year and free for all exhibitors and buyers was the ability to scan each other’s badges through the IMEX app, delivering instant access to a leads report and resulting in more business opportunities.

Reflecting business confidence on the show floor, Pablo Sismanian, Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion, said: “So far, we’ve had 15 events finalised at the show, worth more than $10m – and this is just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve received many enquiries for incentives, and some congresses.”

Claire Smith, VP Sales & Marketing at Vancouver Convention Centre, commented: “The meetings we’ve had have really moved discussions along, including conversations about bringing medical and scientific associations in with between 1,200 and 4,000 attendees. We involve our event partners so buyers can meet the wider team – this helps build trust, which is crucial.”

A new German language Impact Academy, organized by IMEX Brand Ambassador in the German speaking markets, Tanja Knecht, welcomed 60 hosted buyers who share a special interest in using events and event design to achieve both environmental and community engagement goals. Its successful launch augurs well for a repeat in 2024.

Intentional design, brand refresh

Noting the importance of intentional design in both Hall 8 by the exhibitors and Hall 9 by the IMEX team and its industry partners, IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer, remarked on the show’s visual impact and memorability factor being stronger than ever. “This year’s show demonstrated how much more we all know about designing experiences with sustainability and purpose in mind, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, higher standards of psychological safety and wellbeing….in fact all our human needs,” she said.

Bauer noted that, although IMEX pioneered elements such as the Be Well Lounge many years ago, this year many more people had used it and appreciated its calming atmosphere. A choice of high-quality, locally sourced, low carbon food, plenty of comfortable and innovative places to rest and work together with low-level lighting in Hall 9 made the whole event experience more enjoyable and ultimately extended its value as a business and learning platform for everyone attending.

Also adding to engagement and positivity at the show was the IMEX brand refresh. Giant letters in the Galleria became the Instagram hit of the week, while attendees responded positively to the IMEX logo’s ‘handshake’ motif and contemporary colour palette.

Looking ahead, a strong relationship with the Google Experience Institute (XI) is set to expand at IMEX America this October. The launch of Google Co-Labs – mini design-thinking sprints – had been well received by large numbers of attendees, who also relished fresh, interactive learning concepts delivered by DRPG, Maritz and Encore. The show also marked the launch of the Valuegraphics Belonging Index, which was gifted to planners who attended a session run by company founder, David Allison, and Google’s Megan Henshall.

Looking ahead, Bauer declared that IMEX is on target to publish its Net Zero Strategy later in the summer and has already established a dedicated project team who are working closely with MeetGreen and isla.

“We’ve always known that strong personal relationships and connections are the bedrock of business, especially in a global market based on hospitality and freedom to travel. Since the pandemic, we appreciate other aspects of our humanity too – shared values, a shared purpose, and the power of collective action. This is why the IMEX mission is to bring the global events community together to do business, learn and drive positive change. This week’s show has exemplified positive change. It bodes well for the future,” concluded Bauer.

Next year’s IMEX Frankfurt will take place 14 – 16 May 2024. 

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

Click here to schedule your FREE Photo / Video Interview with eTurboNews during IMEX. And visit us at Stand # F477.

eTurboNews is a media partner for IMEX.

Read more: IMEX Frankfurt: How Did It Go?

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If the trend was already clear in recent months, with the approach of the summer season, the mix of inflation, increased fuel costs, and economic uncertainties is sending travel prices out of control.

The alarm has been sounded by consumer associations through the generalist press. A group of 4 people will have to give up on average one or 2 days of vacation a week in high season, underlining the initial analysis by Federconsumatori published in the pages of Il Sole 24 Ore economy daily.

“According to our elaboration on 3 types of one-week holidays by the sea and in the mountains (in a 4-star hotel) and on a cruise, we are talking about 800 euros more than last year,” explained Giovanna Capuzzo, Vice President of Federconsumatori.

This summer, in fact, with inflation in Italy in April reaching +8.3% on an annual basis and a speculative dynamic of all costs, prices have skyrocketed.

More Expensive Cruises and Downhill Ferries

From airline tickets (over 30% more expensive than in 2022 on the domestic market and up to +45% on the international market, according to Lastminute) to increases for cruises (+46%) and trains (+10), transportation costs have severely risen as well, according to association data.

In detail, Federconsumatori has elaborated in its report – for Il Sole – 3 proposals for a typical 7-day holiday in Italy. “Compared to 2022, those who choose to take a cruise, spend 21% more, with the ticket itself marking an increase of 46%.

“The increase is 17% for holidays in a seaside resort, with the hotel item alone registering +28% year on year. The increases for those who focus on the mountains are more contained: 9%, with excursions marking one of the most expensive items of expenditure (+15%).”

On the other hand, the prices of the ferries are falling. “They have decreased a lot,” says Capuzzo, “Last year, routes such as Civitavecchia-Cagliari or Genoa-Olbia had reached peaks of a thousand euros. In 2023, it will also drop by half. As far as trains are concerned, the increases are just over 10%.” Finally, if in the hotel sector the general increase is estimated at around 8% (Istat data, April 2023), in the short-term rental sector, the increases reach even +25/30% compared to last year.

The Leap in Vacation Packages

For another consumer association, Codacons, the price increases will also be important for all food products. The report, taken from the newspaper Il Giornale, signals a strong increase for ice creams (+22% per year), soft drinks (+17.1%), and beer (+15.5%).

For holiday packages, on the other hand, there is a leap of 26.8% compared to 2022. “The price of a hotel stay grows by 15.5%, holiday villages and campsites increase by +7.4%, while for dinner at restaurant spends 5.9% more,” reports the association.

Furthermore, according to Codacons, the cost of bicycles increased by +4.8%, while spending on motor homes, caravans, and trailers grew by 15.6%. “The marine sector which includes boats, outboard engines, and equipment for boats has undergone a 12.6% increase.”

Read more: Italy Summer Travel Prices Out of Control

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23 annual LGBT events, four gay pride festivals, 17 gay bars, and 19 sex shops propelled Germany’s Cologne to the top of the world’s most sexually liberated cities list, compiled by a German magazine.

West Hollywood, California, took the second place, with the Netherland’s Amsterdam, Spain’s Madrid, and Germany’s capital city of Berlin completing the top five.

German-based Lust Magazine evaluated each major city’s LGBT scene, assigning points based on the number of gay bars, sex shops, and LGBT events per capita in each location. It also examined the legal standing of gay and non-traditional sexualities, rewarding the most permissive jurisdictions.

This year, Cologne’s array of gay bars and LGBT events bumped it to the top of a global list.

Gay couples can marry in Germany, prostitution is legal, and Germans can legally change their gender without surgery. In Cologne, the city’s left-wing council has had an ‘LGBT office’ since 2010.

“Cologne is world famous for its carnival and cathedral,” Lust Magazine’s report said. “But for many residents of this cosmopolitan, tolerant city, sex is the new religion.”

“The city on the Rhine is a true model of liberality and openness, especially in the sexual sense, and residents wholeheartedly welcome like-minded visitors who share their values. Rather than insisting on equality, Cologne celebrates everyone’s uniqueness.”

Cologne has not always been a gay mecca The city is the historic center of German Catholicism, and while Hitler’s NSDAP struggled to establish a foothold in Cologne in the 1930s, social conservatism ruled the city for decades after World War II.

More recently, Cologne authorities were condemned for their tepid response to more than 1,000 rapes and sexual assaults by Middle Eastern and African migrants during the 2015-2016 New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Cologne’s Mayor Henriette Reker was re-elected to her post in 2020, despite causing a major uproar after telling women in the city to travel in groups and “keep at arm’s length” from strange men following the spree of assaults by foreign migrants.

Read more: Sex is New Religion: Cologne Named Most Sexually Liberated City

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The Canadian tourist was found shot dead in a car with a bullet wound, and he was the second international tourist killed in Mexico’s southern state of Oaxaca in the past 5 days.

Three days prior to this, a tourist from Argentina – Benjamin Gamond – was attacked with a machete at another Oaxaca coastal down. He was taken to a hospital in Mexico City where he died from his injuries. Gamond was with 2 other travel companions at the time of the attack. Their injuries were non-life-threatening.

So far, prosecutors do not have any motives for the slayings.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to Oaxaca.

Due to the current situation in Mexico, it is being reported that the the US State Department has issued a travel advisory for Americans to Oaxaca, Mexico.

However, when checking the US State Department website, the latest travel advisory in place is dated October 5, 2022. It reads:

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

US citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on US government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. US government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. US government employees may not drive from the US Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

This has been an ongoing problem in Mexico. Earlier this year, an American tourist was shot in the leg in Puerto Morelos outside Cancun by unknown assailants in March. This person survived. Then, a Mexican tourist was shot to death in Tulum, a coastal resort in Quintana Roo, Mexico. This tragedy took place during a robbery at a US chain coffee shop in April 2023.

Read more: Violent Crime Causes Travel Warning for Oaxaca Mexico

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Minister David Collado urgently asked the members to find a solution to common issues being faced in the Caribbean such as the problem with sargassum that is affecting the entire region.

“The solution to the sargassum problem cannot be individual,” said Collado in his opening remarks at the 118th meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council, which began this Wednesday in the touristic eastern region of the country and will last until tomorrow Thursday.

He said that solutions should be sought to the issues that affect the region at a general level, referring to sargassum. Collado added:

“Organizations like this one should help small countries to find solutions when we don’t have them.”

Sargassum is a large brown seaweed that floats in the ocean in great masses, sometimes for miles, but does not attach to the seafloor. While there are benefits of this seaweed, such as providing food, refuge, and breeding grounds for many animals such as fishes, sea turtles, marine birds, crabs, shrimp, and more, it does also create problems for fishermen, vessels in the ocean shipping lanes, and tourism.

The seaweed grows in the Amazon River area and continues to bloom and move with the current until it arrives in  mass in the Caribbean. Once the Sargassum reaches land, it starts to decompose and smells a lot like rotten eggs, and stench carries inland for about a half mile, wreaking havoc on Caribbean destinations that depend on sand, sun, and sea.

While Minister Collado thanked the UNWTO for choosing the Dominican Republic to hold its 118th meeting for the first time in history, he also indicated that tourism is not a luxury for the Dominican Republic. The success of tourism is something essential due to the impact it has on the economy, which represents more than 25% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

At the UNWTO meeting, Minister Collado was accompanied by the Dominican ambassador to that body, Aníbal de Castro, and the Vice Minister of Tourism, Carlos Peguero, among other officials. Nineteen ministers from 38 nations were present, including the 35 member countries and 3 observers, as well as some 200 delegates, who participated in this 118th meeting of the UNWTO, which has been in progress from last Tuesday to today.

Read more: Caribbean Tourism Stinks – Literally

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The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) entered between the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and GreenCop Development PTE, Ltd., a Singapore-registered company, will develop the carbon-offset project as they seek to hook a share of the carbon credit billions to bankroll conservation of a territory covering 2.4 million hectares in Southern Tanzania.

The voluntary carbon offset project that promises substantial new green jobs and multi-million-dollar in revenue will implement measures to avoid greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon from the atmosphere on the globally renowned ecosystem comprising Selous, Msanjeni, and Kilombero game reserves.

“The partners in this MOU are joined by a shared vision to secure the long-term financial viability of the Selous, Msanjesi, and Kilombero game reserves by protecting nature and addressing climate change, whilst generating financial and economic benefits for local community by selling carbon credits on the international voluntary carbon market,” said TAWA Conservation Commissioner, Mr. Mabula Nyanda, who signed on behalf of the government, while the GreenCop CEO, Mr. Jean-Jacques Coppee, signed for the investors.

High-quality carbon credits are generated through conservation, restoration, and improved management of Tanzania’s forests and other natural resources.

The sale of such credits will generate additional funds to support sustainable development locally.

The project’s responsiveness to the needs and concerns of members of local communities, who will participate in its design and implementation, is critical to its success, reads part of the MOU document seen by eTurboNews.

The communities will directly benefit from the distribution of revenues generated by the sale of carbon credits in line with the applicable Tanzanian laws, regulations, and guidelines.

The project is also expected to stimulate the local economy by providing employment opportunities, funding educational and health initiatives, and developing the use of renewable energies as well as other social-economic programs.

This voluntary carbon offset project will contribute to achieving Tanzania’s international commitments under the Paris Agreement (Nationally Determined Contributions, NDC), and under the High Ambition Coalition’s 30×30 target (30% of land and sea protected areas by 2030).

The project also directly conforms to Tanzania’s National Environmental Master Plan for Strategic Interventions 2022-2032.

GreenCop Development aims to become a leader in the voluntary carbon credit market

The main purpose is to accelerate global transition to a de-carbonized economy by developing environmental assets, nature-based solutions, and register carbon removal projects using latest methodologies. It acts as a proponent for developments and funding opportunities promoting conservation of wildlife while generating economic opportunities for the local population.

The Selous Voluntary Carbon Offset Project has a symbolic significance since GreenCop Development’s management has worked to conserve the Selous game reserve alongside TAWA since 2004. GreenCop Development possesses a long-standing knowledge of the Selous and high expertise of wildlife conservation in the Selous and broader Tanzania.

To successfully design, finance, and develop the project, GreenCop Development has appointed Posaidon Capital AG, a leading global advisory firm on green finance, as its advisor in implementing the project and Tanzania Victory Attorneys and Consultants as a key local advisor. Posaidon Capital AG, a leading capital markets and asset management firm exclusively focused on advising and investing in natural capital is the technical advisor for the project’s development and implementation.

This MOU and the development of the Selous Voluntary Carbon Project (SVCP) to follow marks a significant development in Tanzania’s opportunity for responding in a holistic and strategic manner to challenges posed by climate change through nature conservation and sustainable development.

Dr. Hassan Abbas, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, witnessed the ceremony held on May 18, 2023, at the National College of Tourism in Dar es Salaam on behalf of the Minister, Mr. Mohamed Mchengerwa.

Also, in attendance at the ceremony from the government were the Chairman of TAWA Board of Directors, Major General (retired) Hamis Semfuko; Professor Eliakim Zahabu, Coordinator for National Carbon Monitoring Centre; and Professor Suzana Augustino, member of the TAWA Board of Directors.

Mr. Mchengerwa said in a speech read on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary:

“Tanzania stands a great opportunity for benefiting from the emerging carbon market.”

About 307,800 square kilometers – the equivalent of 32.5% – of  the land area with wildlife, forests, and wetland resources the ministry mandated to protect, forms strata for carbon sequestration to reduced carbon from the atmosphere as well as global warming, he said.

“The resources attract investment in carbon trading as an international initiative to mitigate the impact of climate change,” the Minister explained.

Read more: Tanzania Developing Africa’s Largest Carbon Offset Project

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eTurboNews:

This is the provisional balance of the flood that hit Emilia Romagna, a region where the red alert was extended for another 24 hours starting from midnight on Thursday, May 18, and until midnight on Friday, May 19.

Also scheduled for Thursday is the reduction in the number of journeys, detours, and slowdowns for the high-speed train, intercity, and regional trains that travel the high-speed and conventional lines between Florence and Bologna. Slowdowns and cancellations are happening on all circulation along the north-south ridge and the Milan-Rome and Venice-Rome axes.

Due to the difficulties generated by the persistence of bad weather, the reactivation of railway traffic on the Adriatic line between Bologna and Rimini is scheduled for 6 am on Monday, May 22. Some long-distance trains to and from Puglia will follow the route via Bologna-Florence-Rome-Caserta-Foggia with an increase in travel times.

Part of the Intercity night train offer will be guaranteed, which will follow the route via Bologna-Florence-Terontola-Falconara-Ancona-Lecce. On the high-speed line, Trenitalia used double composition trains to ensure more seats for travelers, in view of the necessary reduction in journeys.

“It’s a new earthquake,” was the bitter comment of the Governor of Emilia Romagna, Stefano Bonaccini, who received a solidarity call from the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanks the rescuers on social media:

“Deeply grateful to the men and women engaged in rescue operations in these hours to help the populations affected by the severe weather, risking their own lives to save that of others. Thank you for your amazing work.”

In an official note, the Minister of Tourism, Daniela Santanchè, also expressed her closeness to the populations affected by the flood. “My deepest condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. As for the damage suffered by tourism businesses, I assure you that the ministry will do its part to provide all the necessary support. In the meantime, I would like to sincerely thank those who, in these hours, are engaged in rescue operations, putting their lives at risk to prevent the toll from getting worse.”

From Forlì Airport there is full support to rescuers and law enforcement agencies involved in dealing with the emergency. About 30 flights have been made so far by helicopters of the Air Force and the Fire Brigade in aid of the most affected places in Romagna.

Flights transported people rescued to Ridolfi airport, where 118 vehicles were waiting for them, already alerted based on their conditions (and then transferred to hospitals or assembly points). There has also been maximum collaboration from ENAV, the aviation authorities in Italy.

Read more: Italy Flooding Claims Lives, Causes Massive Disruptions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today Flyers Rights told journalists:

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

No one else was either.

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

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

There were no Americans on board.

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

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

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

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

This was the first week in December of 2018.

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

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

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

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

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Restaurant operators say the cost of food is a huge challenge, and they expect competition to become fiercer as the year goes on. To compensate for this, restaurant owners and operators are faced with having to increase menu prices. From March 2022 to March 2023, menu prices rose 8%. For 2023, it is anticipated that these higher prices will account for US$997 billion in restaurant sales.

On average, the American household spends around $3,000 every year to dine out. That being said, under half of those families that do dine out are not so willing to spend full price for their desired menu selections. More are gravitating with offsetting dining out costs through weekly specials and programs like Groupon that offer discounted options.

The restaurant industry has had to adjust to consumer wants with more discounts to keep their regulars coming back as well as to attract new customers. This makes it even more difficult for restaurants to turn a comfortable profit.

Where Did the Restaurant Staff Go?

Right now there are around 2 million vacant jobs in the hospitality and leisure sector. Facing staff shortages, restaurant operators are shifting towards more automated and digital services wherever possible. It isn’t that they want to replace human beings, but what does one do if nobody is applying? In steps technology.

It may become the norm quite quickly to take a seat at a table and place your order through a digitized screen instead of being waited on by an actual person. Perhaps even delivering food will be via technology much like Genki Sushi restaurants are doing. Here, patrons place their orders on a screen at the table, and their food arrives much like a train car on a track, stopping right at their table. The diners pick their food up off the car, and off it goes back to the kitchen to fulfill yet another order.

So in the future if not now already, you may find yourself walking into a restaurant and not ever come in contact with a human being. Imagine this: you walk in and fill out a digital screen with one question:  How many people?  You are directed via screen to seat yourself at table number XX.  Once there, you make your menu selections and everything arrives on cars via the track. After you leave, a bus person comes to clear and clean the table. Simple, efficient, and no fuss.

The bigger question is, does this eliminate tipping? That’s a topic for another time.

Read more: Restaurants: Charging More with Less Staff

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Resort or destination fees are erroneous fees imposed by many hotels in the United States and other regions.

In 2021 MGM was sued for imposing such fees and making them mandatory.

Don’t mess with Texas made Marriott enter into a voluntary agreement to display all “resort fees prominently” on its website Bonvoy and other booking engines.

For a consumer, it has become more and more confusing and misleading trying to compare hotel rates.

As eTurboNews reported over the years, resort fees are hidden price increases with little or no value to the consumer.

When resort fees become a mandatory part of a room rate, they should be included, the World Tourism Network argued.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton agrees and alleges that hotel companies engage in fraudulent and anti-competitive practices by misleading consumers in advertisements that prevent comparative shopping and charging millions of dollars in hidden fees.

Ken Paxton is the 51st Attorney General of Texas. He was elected on November 4, 2014, and sworn into office on January 5, 2015. He was re-elected to a second term in 2018 and a third term in 2022.

“In recent years, travelers have been caught by surprise with costs much higher than the room rates they believed they had booked,” said Paxton in a statement to Reuters news agency.

Attorney General Paxton led several nationwide lawsuits against deceptive opioid marketing, advertisements, and programs while ensuring that recovered funds were adequately directed.

Marriott denied it misrepresented room rates, mandatory fees, or total price in its advertising, nor did it violate Texas consumer protection laws. Marriott said this to settle a pending liability lawsuit by the State of Texas.

Going to the Marriott website Bonvoy, it appears the largest hotel company now has the option to show final rates with all taxes and fees included.

This type of all-inclusive rate had been the norm for airlines for a few years and was always the standard in Germany.

The hotel operator did not immediately respond to a request for additional comment.

The Texas Attorney General was pleased to observe:

“Marriott is now taking proactive steps to promote price transparency. In contrast, other major hotel chains have defended their deceptive practices and will face the full force of the law for their actions.”

Yesterday Hyatt Hotels and Resorts were named a defendant in a Texas lawsuit for misleading consumers with marketing and charging hidden fees.

Read more: Marriott and Hyatt don’t mess with Texas

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Over half of Americans who plan to rent a vacation property are worried about hidden cameras. Many will conduct a search upon arrival for such concealed devices.

While rental properties offer many benefits, privacy and security remain hot topics, especially when it comes to cameras. In fact, 58% of Americans are worried about hidden cameras in vacation rental properties. More than 1 in 3 (34%) search a vacation property looking for cameras and 1 in 4 have found one! Among those who found a camera, 20% found it outside and 5% found it inside the property, and some have found it in a common area. After finding the camera, 1 in 10 respondents covered or unplugged it for the remainder of their stay.

Are cameras in rental properties legal?

In a word, yes. It’s legal, but where a surveillance camera can be installed is the important question to answer.

Cameras are used by landlords to protect their property, from outside security cameras that a good number of Americans have installed outside their own homes with a security system, to inside the property in a common area. Common areas often include driveways, front doors and back yards, and garages – basically, places where people come and go. This makes sense for security’s sake to potentially prevent break-ins and burglaries.

But not here!

Once a renter steps inside a property, however, they should be able to expect privacy. Putting a hidden camera in a changing room, bathroom, bedroom, or even a laundry room is a definite no-no. Yes, there are apartment security camera laws that must be abided by.

And it isn’t just cameras that can invade privacy, audio recordings are actually even more strict than video laws. If a landlord films tenants with audio, the aforementioned can expect to be dealing with legal trouble.

Many state laws in the US are such that any device used to photograph or to listen in on private property without permission is breaking the law. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Utah. A hidden camera in these states is a felony that could bring not only a fine but up to 2 years of imprisonment.

Moral of the story? Much like the saying, caveat emptor – let the buyer beware – in the case of private vacation properties, let the renter beware.

Read more: Privacy Invasion: Hidden Cameras in Vacation Rentals

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Congratulations on earning AAdvantage Executive Platinum^® for earning 124,296 Loyalty Points in Phase 1 of Instant Status Pass^TM. You’ll enjoy this status now through August 25, 2023.

This was a message I received earlier this year after flying three round trips paying for business class tickets from Honolulu to the Middle East on American Airlines and Qatar Airways in the last four months.

I made it from no status to the highest on American Airlines and in the One World system.

I am also a 1K 3 Million Mile flyer with United Airlines and enjoy the highest status on United Airlines and the Star Alliance network for life.

I was excited to try the benefits of American Airlines Executive Platinum status without losing my lifetime United Airlines 1K.

One World member Qatar Airways is one of the best airlines I ever experienced, but it is not worth it to deal with its fellow One World member American Airlines.

After spending close to $65,000 on tickets, I lost $13,000 in the process and was close to a nervous breakdown. I wasted 3 hours on average over many days when calling the airline to get nothing resolved.

On 2 occasions, a foreign travel agency issued a ticket for me and booked a $6,750 first-class airfare one way between Honolulu to Los Angeles.

I got American Airlines to rebook the F fare to a regular R first-class fare basis of $780 one way.

I was told many months ago there would be a credit to my American Airlines profile. I was told I could use it for another trip. I agreed, but no credit ever showed.

I made numerous calls to American Airlines with hours of hold time, agents hanging up on me, and supervisors making promises that were never delivered.

Once, I was instructed to go to my home airport, Honolulu, to get a voucher, only to find the American Airlines counter closed at 11 am during business hours.

After a second trip, the 2 agents that worked the counter invested 4 hours but were not empowered to issue this flight credit voucher.

I was unable to stand any longer, so I went home empty-handed, driving through rush hour.

Flying a small American Airlines Airbus Neon from Los Angeles to Honolulu on a $6,000 one-way first-class airfare is not much fun.

• Sleeper seats: No
• One flight attendant for the entire first-class cabin
• Substandard food
• A toilet so small you cannot turn around
• No lounge access even as a top member with a paid international business class ticket

When following up on my travel credits, I spent many hours on phone calls over many weeks and finally received a call back from an American Airlines supervisor.

I also sent emails and filled out forms, only to get standard responses telling me American Airlines is taking my message seriously to improve – but with no solution, no response to my questions, and no flight credit.

I was told by an AA supervisor in a voicemail I received in the middle of the night on March 25, 2023:

“My name is Deedee. Yes, Mr. Steinmetz, this is Deedee with American Airlines. I am calling from a recorded line. I did speak to you earlier in reference to the voucher that you received.

“So you were advised that the voucher was emailed to you. I do apologize that you were misinformed. I do show that it is a transportation voucher. The number that you gave me is correct 001-042-488-xxxx. That transportation voucher will be mailed to you. It’s not something. It’s going to be emailed. It’s going actually to be mailed to you, so it’s a voucher that will be mailed to you, so you should expect to receive that shortly. I do apologize for the confusion, and I hope that this answers some of your questions. Thank you for calling American Airlines; you enjoy the rest of your evening.”

I had received the same response from the airport agents, but nothing ever arrived.

After hours of additional phone calls, no more information was available.

My travel bank showed a flight credit of $450 for an unrelated canceled trip during COVID in 2022.

I could not use it online and had no time to try to use it during all this chaos. I could not combine it with more expensive tickets that included Qatar Airways.

Finally, I called and made a reservation using the credit for a May 2023 flight from Honolulu to Las Vegas. The fare was a little cheaper, but I was okay with writing off the difference.

This reservation was confirmed to me by email and posted under “upcoming flights” on my American Airlines profile. I made this reservation in March with a call center agent.

Last week I received an email confirming a complimentary upgrade for a sector on this itinerary.

Since this portion was combined with an independent reservation to get to Frankfurt for IMEX next week, and the timing was not ideal, I called American Airlines to make some slight changes.

To my surprise, I was told I had a reservation but didn’t have a ticket. I was told the agent would have to re-calculate the ticket, and I could not use the flight credit from last year since it was expired.

The agent said whoever had booked the reservation for me 2 months ago did not ticket it, and now it’s too late. I had no way of knowing or suspecting this.

I was furious and asked to speak to a supervisor working in Platinum customer service. After being on hold for 92 minutes, the supervisor said she could do nothing. If I wanted to make a reservation, I would have to pay for it again at the current rate.

Sorry American Airlines, your customer service agents are powerless to provide customer service, and your system is designed to upset and defraud customers.

I am so sorry, United Airlines, for cheating on you with American Airlines.

United Airlines, you spoiled me for 35 years, and I will continue showing my loyalty to you.

I enjoyed my Executive Platinum status on American Airlines because of my experience flying the Q-suite on Qatar Airways.

However, keeping American Airlines to maintain this status will not be worth it, even with a lot of cheap Champagne in American Airlines’ so-called first class.

Perhaps there is a chance for Emirates to join Star Alliance?

United Airlines – I will be loyal again!

I miss the United Airlines 1K customer service hotline.

Read more: Is American Airlines Executive Platinum or United Airlines 1K better?

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The restaurant industry in America clocks in with a US$900 billion price tag value while having to increase pay and benefits. Add to that the National Restaurant Association reporting US restaurant and bar sales are projected to increase about 6% this year to nearly $1 trillion.

Despite the passage of 3 years since the COVID-19 pandemic first struck, the US food service industry is struggling to fill empty staff positions. Recently, staff shortages in restaurants are attributed to mass migration and relocation, causing establishments to struggle to fill vacancies, with the US Census Bureau recently reporting that 26 states experienced an influx of people in 2022, while 25 states saw a population outflow. This leaves customers waiting for service at their favorite dining spots and disrupts local economies.

Moreover, in 2022, 30 states, plus Washington, DC, increased their minimum wages. As of January 1, 2023, The District of Columbia has the highest minimum wage in the country, at $16.50 per hour, followed by Washington ($15.74), California ($15.50), and Massachusetts ($15).

How COVID May Have Created the Digital Restaurant Trend

“The restaurant industry continues to battle staff shortages and operational inefficiencies. Despite the hike in minimum wages, some front-of-house restaurant staff are worried that it will negatively affect the tips they depend on because of misinformation or a lack of understanding of how these increases work,” notes Brian Duncan, President of me&u USA. “Technology is the only way to boost restaurant revenue amid staff shortages and simultaneously elevate the customer experience. A well-integrated tech approach is key to overcoming challenges and ensuring satisfaction.”

According to a Deloitte report from 2021, 57% of customers prefer to use a digital app to order food for off-premises dining, while 64% of customers prefer to place their orders digitally at quick-service restaurants. 71% of diners say online and on-premise restaurant technology enhances their dining experiences.

A 2022 Popmenu study found that 51% of restaurant owners and operators intend to automate more online operations whereas 41% plan to automate more on-premise operations.

“Long waits outside a restaurant means frustrated customers, lower tips, and reduced revenue. Restaurant owners must discover ways to increase revenue and decrease other costs to account for higher wages. At-table ordering enables orders to reach the kitchen quickly and crowded lines are all but eliminated. It ultimately allows customers to order and pay at the table quickly, ensuring bigger checks and more tips for the servers,” concludes Duncan.

Read more: Digital Waitress Coming to Your Favorite Restaurant Table

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Producing Amarone – from the terroir through the long finish is a multifaceted process and adventure that embraces tradition, science, culture, economics, and market demand.

OOPS

Folklore suggests that Amarone was produced by chance and not design; an over-extended fermentation process of Recioto enabled the yeast to consume most of the sugar content and the outcome produced a drier wine with a high alcohol by volume (ABV) percentage. The outcome? The birth of Amarone, a brand-new wine.

File Under Who Knew

Amarone (Italian = Big Bitter) wine is produced in Italy and the technique of dehydration has been popular since the Romans used the method in the production of Rhaetian wine (sweet wine produced in the hills around Verona). In 1600 BC (Ancient Anatolia) the technique became popular throughout the Greco-Roman classical world.

The first written evidence explicitly mentioning the production of wines using partially dehydrated Valpolicella grapes in Verona dates to the fifth century, in a letter written by Cassiodorus, King Theodoric’s minister in Ravenna to the senators of the Venetian canonry, seeking to obtain the procurement of a Sweet, Reinforced and Fortified Wine.

Natural sun drying, whether on or off the vine is still considered the most traditional and commonly used method for withering grapes in many Mediterranean countries. Amarone (as a name) first appeared on bottle labels from the Veneto region in 1939; however, the wine was not produced on a regular basis until 1953 and, the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status was not assigned until December 1990.

Rules

Because Amarone is a DOCG wine the production process must follow a set protocol (some mandatory; others optional):

A.      Mandatory

1.       Grape selection (autochthonous/indigenous/local cultivars include)

·         Corvina + Corvinone (45-95 percent)

Corvina is the signature grape (Corvo = crow) because ripe berries are very dark, almost bluish recalling the plumage of the bird. Grapes produce oval berries with good acidity and medium tannins. Amarone produces a wine with a ruby red color, longevity, and hints of red fruit.

·         Corvinone. An independent varietal. Berry size is an advantage in terms of yield and speeds harvesting; gives Amarone structure and spicy notes

·         Rondinella (5-30 percent)

        (Italian = little swallow; or due to V shape leaf resembles the tail of a swallow; or because birds appreciate the small berries; or the color recalls the swallow’s coat color). Berries are smaller than other grapes (round and dark colored), with a thick skin; delivers aromatic notes with hints of red fruit and floral scents.

B.      Optional (beginning in 2003)

·         Molinara (Italian = miller)

Due to the consistent quantity of pruine, (a natural yeast on the berries’ skin), bunches look like they have been sprinkled with flour. Light in color, the skin is pink and almost transparent. Nicknamed salty grape because of its low acidity and low tannins. Gives Amarone a fresh mineral note.

Hand Harvesting. Traditional Methods

Read more: Amarone. Not Shriveled: Withered

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eTurboNews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The WTTC situation may spell disaster.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We need to save the Rwanda Summit.

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

Do it to Africa, for tourism and the economies of the world — save WTTC.

Hon. Alain St. Ange, former minister of Tourism Seychelles, VP World Tourism Network

Read more: The WTTC Situation Could Spell Disaster says Alain St. Ange

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eTurboNews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lucky explained:

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

Here is a transcript of this conversation

Lucky George:  Good morning, Juergen

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

Lucky George:  Lagos is fine.

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

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

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

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

Lucky George: What a terrible experience.

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

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

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

Lucky George: Absolutely. Yeah.

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

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

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

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

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

How was UNWTO formed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did World Tourism Day Started?

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

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

Juergen Steinmetz: Interesting!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Story Behind UNWTO and World Tourism Day

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

Juergen Steinmetz: Incredible!

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

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

Juergen Steinmetz: Sure!

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

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

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

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

The CNN Task Group and eTurboNews

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

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

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

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

Anyway, that is a story for another day.

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

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

Juergen Steinmetz: You are right.

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

Juergen Steinmetz: No, they don’t.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lucky George: It’s a mess.

Read more: Exposed! UNWTO 1971 Ankara Minutes on World Tourism Day

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eTurboNews:

1st Arabia, the organizer of Expo Expo MENA, joined the World Tourism Network as a new corporate member and partner.

At the same time, the World Tourism Network will partner with the upcoming EXPO EXPO MENA trade show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by 1st Arabia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 10-12 September 2023 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.

eTurboNews will become a new media partner for EXPO EXPO Mena.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEM, is the Founder and CEO of 1stArabia. He said:

“We are thrilled to announce that Expo! Expo! MENA has become a proud member of the World Tourism Network. This partnership signifies our commitment to fostering global collaboration and promoting the growth of the tourism industry in the Middle East and North Africa region.

As a member, Expo! Expo! MENA will leverage the extensive network and resources of the World Tourism Network to enhance our event’s impact, attract international visitors, and facilitate meaningful connections among tourism professionals worldwide.

Together, we look forward to shaping the future of tourism and creating unforgettable experiences for travelers from every corner of the globe.”

Juergen Steinmetz, chairman and founder of the World Tourism Network, said.

World Tourism Network realized the importance of the emerging travel and tourism potential in Saudi Arabia. This includes all fronts and aspects of our global industry.

With Bilal Al Barmawi and the 1st Arabia Exhibitions and Conferences Organizers in Riyadh joining our network in 131 countries, including in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this will be an important step and expand opportunities for Small and Medium size businesses in the travel and tourism sector.

We’re looking forward to a new dynamic partnership with EXPO EXPO Mena and the companies behind it.

EXPO! EXPO! is a diverse, interactive experience that fosters an environment of thought leadership, best practices, and innovation. EXPO! EXPO! It is the industry’s foremost face-to-face network for exhibition and event industry professionals and the gateway to the decision-makers for the worldwide $300 billion+ exhibitions and events industry. 

The next EXPO EXPO tradeshow organized by 1st Arabia will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 10-12 September 2023 at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center.

World Tourism Network is the long-overdue voice of small and medium-sized travel and tourism businesses worldwide. By uniting efforts, WTN brings to the forefront the needs and aspirations of small and medium-sized businesses and their stakeholders.

World Tourism Network is about business with members and where members are associates. 

By bringing together private and public sector members on regional and global platforms, WTN advocates for its members and provides them a voice.

WTN provides opportunities and essential networking for its members in 131 countries.

WTN seeks to create innovative approaches for inclusive and sustainable tourism sector growth.

WTN’s goal is to provide its members with a strong local influence while providing them with a global platform.

WTN offers training, consulting, and research.

For more information and membership visit www.wtn.travel

Read more: World Tourism Network Saudi Arabia welcomes Expo Expo Mena and 1st Arabia

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eTurboNews:

The Future Hospitality Summit hosted in Riyadh 7-9 May returned to Saudi Arabia after an sold-out event in 2022.

The conference program included tracks from the Saudi Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC), Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF) with a continued focus on sustainability, innovation, startups and human capital development.has been a very good occasion to discuss on the untapped opportunities that Saudi Arabia has to offer, especially when it comes to the global wellness sector, worth $800 billion in 2022.

HE Gloria Guevara, chief special advisor to His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb , minister of tourism for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. spoke at the event and posted on her LinkedIn:

The Future Hospitality Summit hosted in Riyadh last week has been a very good occasion to discuss on the untapped opportunities that Saudi Arabia has to offer, especially when it comes to the global wellness sector, worth $800 billion in 2022.

Investing in holistic hospitality is now paramount and the Saudi private sector is leveraging on the competitive advantage the country has, its hospitality and unique regions and products, from the beautiful Taif roses to the desert dates palms, as well as starting businesses which promote and celebrate wellbeing and ecotourism.

International wellness tourists spend 35% more on average than traditional leisure tourists, and the sector is projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2025.

Saudi Arabia is the next top destination for wellness tourism, and it is capitalizing on such a positive momentum and investing in sustainable travel for everyone, especially our youth and future generations.

According to information on the FHS Linkedin and website, FHS Saudi Arabia had 1100 attendees from 35 countries. 150 speakers and 71 partners contributed.

In addition to HE Gloria Guevara Manzo, Speakers included

• H Prince Bandar Bin Saud bin Khalid Al Saud, Secretary General King Faisal Foundation (KFF)
• Khalid Saud Abu Haimed, CEP Al Khozama Investments
• Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Driyah Gate Company
• Eng.Ahmed Bin Wasl Al Juhani, CEO Rua Al Madinah Holding
• James Riley, Group CEO Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
• Neil Jacobs, CEO Six Senses
• Mark de Cocinis, CEO Boutique Group

Read more: The Future Top Destination for Wellness Tourism is Saudi Arabia

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eTurboNews:

The World Tourism Network’s partnership with US based Mandala Research builds on the historic commitment to groundbreaking research it continues to make. The founder and president is Laura Mandala.

Mandala Research is a premier travel industry research organization that has worked with major industry brands and destinations for over two decades, including Marriott, Macy’s, Miami, New York, and Visit California.

Mandala was the first organization in 2009 to evaluate the economic value of the African American traveler at a time when the market was being ignored and followed it with a study of the Hispanic and sustainable traveler.

Even in her tenure at the U.S. Travel Association in 2005, Mandala led the first national study of the LGBTQ+ market by a major tourism organization.

Ahead of her time, Mandala Research CEO Laura Mandala sees the partnership with WTN as the first step in changing how we think about travelers’ tolerance for risk.

We need this additional level of understanding to attain a 360-degree view of how travelers navigate this world and how they factor in the increasing natural and human-made tragedies and disasters they face.”

The project will focus on the impacts of disasters, manmade and natural, on communities and tourism. In particular, the study will seek to understand prospective travelers and their safety concerns following tragedies and disasters.

The partnership continues WTN’s historic commitment to groundbreaking research to remain ahead of the curve and competitors.

“Our members are demanding answers and tools to help them capture their share of the global travel market and to meet the needs of visitors often in the face of negative news headlines,” said Juergen Steinmetz, CEO of WTN.

“While this research will assist in destination marketing and communication, it will also aid in better serving hesitant travelers who may be reticent about a particular destination. With this data, we can better inform policies and practices that enhance consumer comfort.”

“The financial services and other industries have long understood that consumers make choices based on their own predisposition for risk. Until now, the travel industry has never factored risk into its understanding of travel choices and experience,” added Laura Mandala, CEO of Mandala Research.

“Through this effort, we will attain a true, 360-degree view of how travelers navigate this world and what factors related to increasing natural disasters and human-made tragedies impact their decision-making.”

In partnership with WTN, Mandala is also conducting the second wave of its Sustainable Traveler Study, which documented that XX% of sustainable travelers express skepticism of travel companies who make undocumented claims about sustainable practices.

These are travelers committed to limiting their carbon footprint in all aspects of their lives and value companies who demonstrate the same commitment.

The study’s first wave is available to members of the World Tourism Network and partners.

More on Laura Mandala:

Laura Mandala is committed to helping the tourism industry unlock, decode, and harness the power of travel data. As head of Mandala Research, a leading travel and tourism research firm, she evaluates important emerging developments that help destinations and travel companies attract the right travelers.

Appointed by the Obama Administration to serve on the U.S. Department of Commerce Travel & Tourism Advisory Board, Laura was responsible for providing input on the United States’ global tourism strategy. 

Read more: World Tourism Network Appoints Official Tourism Research Partner

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eTurboNews:

Catherine, The Princess of Wales, is in a league of her own. Referring to HRH, a proud eTN reader said, pointing to her: “This is the REAL ROLE MODEL for your young girls and women—a natural, confident, happy, humble soul.

This was the impression Her Royal Highness made in Liverpool Saturday night when opening Eurovision 2023.

The United Kingdom hosted the 67th contest of EUROVISION on behalf of Ukraine at Liverpool Arena this weekend.

In cooperation with the BBC, 37 nations took part. Thirty-one completed in two semi-finals, with ten successful acts from each joining 4 of the big 5 (France, Germany, Italy, and Spain).

The BBC agreed to stage the 2023 event on behalf of Ukrainian broadcaster UA: PBC following their win at last year’s contest in Turin with the Kalush Orchestra’s “Stefania.”

Eurovision is big in Europe, and having it in the United Kingdom just a week after the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla is unique.

On Tuesday, King Charles III and The Queen Consort visited the venue in Liverpool and unveiled the event’s set.

They also met the singer Mae Muller on home turf at the Eurovision Song Contest, representing the United Kingdom in Liverpool with her pop hit ‘I Wrote A Song.’

BBC director general Tim Davie said: “It is an honor that His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort have come here today to reveal the fantastic staging for our Eurovision Song Contest Programming

The King and Queen Consort also pushed a button to light up the arena for the first time. The venue has been fitted with more than 2,000 unique light fixtures. The schemes of pink, blue, and yellow matched this year’s Eurovision logo.

The lighting, sound, and video cabling could reach eight miles if rolled out.

160 million viewers watched the final worldwide,  while around 6,000 fans sat in the arena for each show.

Tickets were sold out. A Eurovision Village fan zone was built for thousands to watch the event on big screens. A two-week cultural festival in the city also runs alongside the competition.

The Grand Final opened with last year’s winners Kalush Orchestra and a powerful performance titled ‘Voices of a New Generation’. 

During the Eurovision Flag Parade of all 26 Grand Finalists, some iconic past Ukrainian Eurovision contestants treated viewers to a unique performance.

For the first interval performance, the United Kingdom’s very own spaceman Sam Ryder returned to the Eurovision stage before being followed by “The Liverpool Songbook,”; a celebration of the Host City’s incredible contribution to the world of pop music. 

The BBC has brought together six iconic past Eurovision acts – Italy’s Mahmood, Israel’s Netta, Iceland’s Daði Freyr, Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs, Duncan Laurence from the Netherlands – plus Liverpool’s very own Sonia, celebrating 30 years since she came second at Eurovision i

Martin Green, BBC’s Managing Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said before the event started:

“We are incredibly proud to be hosting the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine and welcoming delegations from 37 countries to Liverpool. The BBC is committed to making the event a true reflection of Ukrainian culture and showcasing British creativity to a global audience.”

In the Second Semi-Final, the theme “Music Unites Generations” explored the connection between generations of Ukrainians and the music they love. 

Read more: Eurovision Winners are Sweden and HRH The Princess of Wales

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eTurboNews:

The government of Russia’s Moscow Region has allegedly approved the project to build an “American Village” for 200 families of prospective ‘conservative immigrants’ from the US and Canada.

According to one of the authors of the project, Moscow-based immigration attorney Timur Beslangurov, the construction of the settlement will start in Moscow Region, in the Serpukhov district, which is south of Russian capital, in 2024.

The prospective migrants from the USA and Canada are expected to fund the settlement themselves, Russian attorney announced.

Beslangurov claims that tens of thousands of ‘conservative’ Americans and Canadians, including the ones with no Russian roots at all, would ‘like to move’ to Russia.

Most of the Western expats who want to move to Russia “strongly believe in the prediction that Russia will remain the only Christian country in the world,” Russian immigration attorney said.

For many years, Russia has portrayed itself as a bastion of “traditional” values in contrast with “decadent and decaying” Western liberalism, as its relations with the West have disintegrated over Russia’s 2014 annexation and occupation of Ukrainian Crimea and its 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“Basically, they (the prospective immigrants) are Orthodox Christians, Americans and Canadians who, for ideological reasons, want to move to Russia,” he said.

“The reasons (for desire to move to Russia) are known, it’s the imposition of radical left-liberal values in the West, which basically have no limits. Today they have 70 genders, tomorrow who knows what,” Beslangurov declared, echoing Russian dictator Putin’s frequently deployed gripes about West’s comparative gender freedom.

According to Putin, Russia is in a ‘unique position’ to defend and spread conservative views, which he called ‘traditional Russian moral and religious values.’

“Many normal people do not understand this, and they want to emigrate. Many choose Russia but face a huge number of bureaucratic problems related to the imperfection of Russian immigration laws,” Beslangurov adds.

One potential group of immigrants are traditionalist Catholics who are ‘white Americans with many children,’ which the US government considers ‘domestic terrorists,’ the project advocate said.

No Russian government officials have officially confirmed plans for the settlement construction yet.

Russia has ranked among the world’s worst destinations for Western expats in recent years. It has also experienced a major slump in inbound tourism and other foreign arrivals after its aggression in Ukraine.

Russia claimed earlier this month that more foreigners are entering the country this year though, but it’s visitors from China and Central Asian nations, such as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, who primarily contributed to the increase in visitor numbers.

Read more: Russia Plans American Village for Conservative Western Expats

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eTurboNews:

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

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

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

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

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

Correction

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

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

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

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

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

This may trigger an even bigger avalanche.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Is WTTC Falling Apart? Mass Exodus of Members in Progress

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

eTurboNews:

The Himalayan Travel Mart recently partnered with the World Tourism Network, an organization with travel and tourism members and destinations in 132 countries.

World Tourism Network has been speaking out for the many Medium and Small size businesses in the global travel and tourism industry. (SMEs). WTN provides a network benefiting a conversation for SMEs with the public sector and larger players in the travel industry.

The 5-star downtown Hotel Yak and Yeti & Hotel Annapurna, situated in the heart of the capital city, Kathmandu, will host the event.

Mr. Vijay Poonoosamy, chairman of the Aviation Interest Group for the World Tourism Network and the founder and chairman of WTN Juergen Steinmetz, are among the speakers.

Members of the World Tourism Network are invited and encouraged to be part of this important event and meet fellow WTN members.

Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM) is Nepal’s premier international travel and tourism trade show facilitating unparalleled networking and business opportunities and valuable industry insights among the global tourism and hospitality organizations and individuals engaged in different aspects of tourism in the Himalayan region.

This Business to Business (B2B) mart offers a unique platform for tourism marketing and promotion, availing the remarkable gathering of Global Buyers, Himalayan Sellers, Travel Bloggers, Influencers, National and International Media, Travel Industry Professionals, and Delegates from around the world.

Three World Tourism Network members will speak at the Himalayan Travel Mart.

The keynote address will be presented by

Vijay Poonoosamy, WTN Aviation Chairman

Vijay Poonoosamy has over 30 years of experience in international law, good governance, public affairs, aviation, tourism, and international relations. He is renowned for his commitment to and advocacy for integrity, transparency, equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. In addition, he has an extensive global network.

Vijay was called to the Bar in London (Middle Temple) and Mauritius after earning his BA (Hons) in Law from the University of Nottingham, LL.M (International Law) from the London School of Economics & Political Science, and Post Graduate Diploma in Air and Space Law from the London Institute of World Affairs. He also holds a Certificate in Company Direction from the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.

Vijay has held several significant positions throughout his career, including Director of Legal and International Affairs of Air Mauritius, Managing Director of Air Mauritius, Executive Chairman of Airports of Mauritius, Chief Operating Officer of the Commonwealth Association for Corporate Governance, and Vice-President of International and Public Affairs of Etihad Airways.

He was elected chair of the historical 4th International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Worldwide Air Transport Conference, IATA’s Industry Affairs Committee, and IATA’s Legal Advisory Group. He also served as Rapporteur of the ICAO Legal Committee on the Modernisation and Consolidation of the Warsaw System of Rules for international carriage by Air, Chair of the ICAO Special Working Group on the Warsaw Convention, and Chair of ICAO’s Drafting Group on the 1999 Montreal Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air.

Vijay currently holds various Directorships and is the Aviation Group Chairman of the World Tourism Network. He is also a Member of the World Economic Forum’s Gender Parity Steering Committee.

Vijay’s Honors and Awards include the following: 

• Safer Tourism’s Hall of International Tourism Heroes, 2020 
• Bhartiya Shiromani Puraskar Award by the Institute of Economic Studies of India for “Outstanding Contribution to International Aviation”, 2008
• Most Outstanding Young Person of the Republic of Mauritius Award by the Jeune Chambre Economique de Maurice, 1996
• ICAO 50th Anniversary Medal by the Republic of France, 1994
• The Law Graduates Association Moot Prize by the University of Nottingham, 1983

Juergen Steinmetz, WTN Founder and Chairman

Juergen Thomas Steinmetz is the Founder of the World Tourism Network (WTN), who also founded the eTurboNews in 1999 as the first online newsletter for the global travel tourism industry.

Having started his career as a travel agent in Germany in 1979, Juergen has been continuously involved in the travel and tourism industry. Today, he is one of the most influential figures in the industry as the publisher of this 2 million reach circulation publication, eTurboNews (eTN).

Juergen is also the CEO of the TravelNewsGroup, and a founding chair of the African Tourism Board. He serves on the board of several international travel and tourism-related associations.

Over the years, Juergen has worked and collaborated with various national tourism offices, non-governmental organizations, and private and non-profit organizations and has been involved in planning, implementing, and quality control of various travel and tourism-related activities and programs, including tourism policies and legislation.

Juergen’sstrengths include his vast knowledge of the travel and tourism industry from the perspective of a successful private enterprise owner, his excellent networking skills, strong leadership, superb communication skills, ability to work effectively in a team, attention to detail, dutiful respect for compliance in all regulated environments, and advisory skills in both political and non-political arenas concerning tourism programs, policies, and legislation.

He has a thorough knowledge of current industry practices and trends and is a computer and Internet junkie.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) -China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI)

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Georg Arlt FRGS FRAS has 45 years of working in international tourism, mainly focusing on the Chinese outbound tourism source market. His career includes 20 years as a tenured professor of International Tourism Management and CEO of the China Outbound Tourism Research Institute (COTRI), based in Hamburg.

He recently added the Meaningful Tourism paradigm to the toolbox for successful and sustainable tourism development for Chinese and other source markets by providing training and consulting for companies and organizations worldwide.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Asiatic Society (London), as well as a research Fellow of the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (Tokyo) and a member of the Expert Committee of the World Tourism Cities Federation (Beijing).

Dr. Wolfgang is co-author of the recent publication 88 Practical Ways to Prepare for the New Wave of Chinese Visitors. China Outbound Tourism Handbook 2023, published in English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German, and editor of the new periodical COTMI China Outbound Tourism Market Intelligence, which is also published in several languages.

Dr. Arlt is a member and frequent contributor to the World Tourism Network.

For more information on World Tourism Network (WTN), go to www.wtn.travel

More information on the Himalayan Travel Mart go to https://himalayantravelmart.com

Read more: High Elevation Time for Three World Tourism Network Executives

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

eTurboNews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WTTC Members are concerned

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

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

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

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

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

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

How WTTC started?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: Is WTTC and its CEO in Trouble?

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

eTurboNews:

Dr. Aleksandra Gardasevic Slavuljica is the General Director of Tourism Developing Policies in the Government of Montenegro, a World Tourism Hero, and a World Tourism Network board member.

As a tourism director for the new government of the Republic of Montenegro, she declared Montenegro the most beautiful Country in Europe.

The Tourism and Society Think Tank wanted to know more about Aleksandra’s position. The Think Tank comprises professional experts in different areas of tourism and society, regardless of the corporate and institutional positions they represent.

The Tourism Society Think Tank just interviewed Aleksandra.

Ms. Aleksandra Gardasevic Slavuljica holds a Doctoral degree in Marketing, Corporate Communications, and HR. She is an expert in the tourism and travel industry with a strong background in Economics.

She graduated in Economics and Business Management at the University of Montenegro. Further, she studied at the University of Montenegro in cooperation with Eastern Washington University, Washington DC, USA, gaining a Master’s Degree. As a final, she completed a Doctorate in Belgrade, Serbia.

She became a worldwide known expert in the recovery of tourism and aviation during Covid-19. She was even awarded by WTN as a ”Tourism Hero” for her achievements during that demanding time.

As a tourism consultant, she is specialized in corporate communication, sales, marketing, and HR. Her significant experience in strategic management is an excellent asset to each destination and company she worked for.

She has been focusing on connecting Montenegro to the world.

When asked to comment on an achievement that she is the proudest of, she says that being a mom of two great guys – one who is a pilot, flying for Bamboo Airways in Vietnam and the other, a student of the most prestigious University in Switzerland (University of Saint Gallen), both being so warm-hearted persons, makes her super happy and proud.

“My two sons are my strength, power, and the whole world, together with my great husband, parents, and brother. My family is my fortress that I selfishly guard and cherish.”

Dr. Aleksandra Gardasevic Slavuljica is the General Director of Tourism Developing Policies in the Government of Montenegro

Gardasevic explains her activities and line of work for the travel and tourism industry in Montenegro.

The scope of our activities is very broad. Just name it; I am sure we have it on our activity list. 

One of them is the creation of a responsible and attractive business environment. In particular, the Directorate, which I am the head of, deals with all major tourism-related, both from the strategic and operational aspects.

So, I would like to point out that we are creating a strategic framework and have “hands-on” everyday operational activities.

Talking about the last two years, since I’ve been the Director of the Directorate for Tourism developing policies, we have adopted numerous strategic documents. The most important umbrella document is the “National Tourism Development Strategy of Montenegro 2022-2025. with the Action Plan”.

This document is a road map of a sustainable development tourism path. The complete development process of tourism is defined in the Strategy. Goals and an action plan are defined with instructions on achieving them. 

The UNWTO has officially complimented us for creating such as practical, useful, and action-oriented document

I am so proud of it, as I was the project manager. In addition to the Strategy, we have adopted many programs and are preparing more. Our primary and applicable programs are those for  Rural Tourism, Health, Sports, LGBTQ, and Cultural tourism.

Whatever we do, we do it to create a sustainable environment in which the local population is satisfied and ready to provide services to tourists at the highest level.

Also, positioning our destination on a global tourism stage is one of our goals because Montenegro is still a new and untouched jewel of Europe.

Read more: Montenegro is Officially the most Beautiful Country in Europe

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