Category: Latest Travel News

Bangkok, Thailand, March 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announces the resignation of Liz Ortiguera as its Chief Executive Officer. Upon her notification, PATA Vice Chair Benjamin Liao said, “Liz served PATA with distinction as the first Asian female CEO in the organization’s 72-year history. On behalf of PATA, I would like to thank her for her leadership of the Association during a difficult period for the industry.”

“We recognize her many accomplishments as PATA CEO including new agreements with the Singapore Tourism Board, the Saudi Tourism Authority and Trip.com as well as the expanded partnerships with Visa, MasterCard, and Airbnb. New projects included PATA’s first Annual Summit in the Middle East, the PATA-Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) APAC Travel Summit, PATA-World Bank Government Recovery Insights Forum Series, the Tourism Destination Resilience Program launch and the ongoing Weekly Asia-Pacific Destination Recovery Dashboard.”

Commenting on her tenure at PATA, Ms. Ortiguera said, “It was a true honor to have served as PATA’s CEO. I am confident that PATA, with its diverse member base of industry leaders, can continue to support and lead our industry’s recovery and growth. PATA is even more critical as a business community today to support new partnerships, innovation, and the adoption of sustainable business practices.”

“I am handing back the reins with thanks to PATA Members for the opportunity to lead at this critical time of global industry recovery. I had the opportunity to work with some deeply committed, hard-working and talented individuals within the PATA team as well as our valued members and partners. They embody the heart and the spirit of what PATA could be in everything they do,” Ms. Ortiguera added.

In response to Ms. Ortiguera’s departure, PATA Chair Peter Semone stated that, “the Executive Board has established five Expert Task Forces or ETFs to review critical elements of PATA’s development strategy, including Brand and Voice, Events, Membership Engagement, Organizational Design and Digital Readiness. The recommendations of these ETFs will help define PATA’s new direction strategically and operationally.”

About PATA
Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research and innovative events to its member organisations, which includes government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, and educational institutions, as well as thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces the grassroots activism of the PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, who organise numerous travel industry training programmes and business development events across the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to the 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide, while hundreds of students are members of the 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members’ desktops and mobile devices anywhere in the world. PATA’s Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has official offices or representation in Beijing and London.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam, March 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Accor Hotels continues to reinforce its leadership position with the announcement of a new flagship destination for its newest luxury brand, Emblems Collection in Phu Quoc. This marks the brand’s debut in the Vietnam market.

Emblems Collection is a carefully curated collection of independent hotels that are emblematic of their destination, designer or heritage. In recognition of their unique and charismatic personality, each property maintains its original elements and create bespoke and intimate guest experiences for seasoned modern luxury travellers who want to bring deeper meaning and emotion to their lives.

Set to open in 2025, the Emblems Collection hotel in Phu Quoc will be perfectly positioned on the soft sands of Sao Beach, overlooking the ocean close to the southern tip of Vietnam’s exquisite “Pearl Island”. This beautiful locally-inspired low-rise retreat, being developed by Dai Minh Phu Quoc Company Limited, will feature 122 bright, naturally-lit guestrooms and 24 breath-taking villas, all just steps from the crescent-shaped beach and aquamarine sea.

Throughout their stay, guests will be able to dine at a choice of two exceptional restaurants, grab light refreshments at the coffee corner, or unwind at the live music bar. The Emblems Collection hotel in Phu Quoc will also be a haven of wellness, with a soothing spa and bath house, a yoga studio and a fully-equipped fitness centre, as well as an inviting outdoor swimming pool and children’s pool. Finally, the event facilities and beach will promise to be outstanding locations for events on this island.

“We are delighted to introduce the Emblems Collection brand to Vietnam,” said Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery and Emblems for Accor. “Each property in this original hotel collection is completely unique and inspired by the essence of its destination. The Emblems Collection hotel in Phu Quoc will not be just another new resort on this popular island; it will become a flagship for Accor in Vietnam and a new destination in Phu Quoc’s tourism crown. We look forward to working with our esteemed partners at Dai Minh Phu Quoc Company Limited as we bring this iconic new property to life.”

“We are delighted to announce this strategic partnership with Accor for the first Emblem Collection resort property in Vietnam. The collaboration between Dai Minh & Accor has been carefully considered and we believe that our partnership will result in the creation of a rare jewel – a 5-star resort property on Phu Quoc’s most stunning beach – Bai Sao.” said Jean Pierre Gerbet, Chief Executive Officer of Dai Minh Phu Quoc Limited. Mr. Gerbet further added that, “Through this exciting project we aim to support the continuing growth of Vietnam’s tourism industry.”

The Emblems Collection hotel in Phu Quoc will be located a short 25-minute drive from Phu Quoc International Airport, which offers direct connections to key cities all across Asia, including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai and Seoul, as well as multiple domestic routes within Vietnam.

Emblems Collection is Accor’s newest luxury brands, with a captivating portfolio set to expand to 60 hotels and resorts all around the world by 2032, with several global signings to be announced throughout 2023.

About Accor
Accor is a world leading hospitality group consisting of 5,300 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse and fully-integrated hospitality ecosystems encompassing more than 40 luxury, premium, midscale and economy hotel brands, entertainment and nightlife venues, restaurants and bars, branded private residences, shared accommodation properties, concierge services, co-working spaces and more. Accor’s unmatched position in lifestyle hospitality – one of the fastest growing categories in the industry – is led by Ennismore, a joint venture, which Accor holds a majority shareholding. Ennismore is a creative hospitality company with a global collective of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Accor boasts an unrivalled portfolio of distinctive brands and more than 230,000 team members worldwide. Members benefit from the company’s comprehensive loyalty program – ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a daily lifestyle companion that provides access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences. Through its global sustainability commitments (such as achieving Net Zero Carbon emissions by 2050, global elimination of single use plastics in its hotels’ guest experience, etc.), Accor Solidarity, RiiSE and ALL Heartist Fund initiatives, the Group is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity and inclusivity. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States.

Emblems Collection
Emblems Collection is a captivating global portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. Featuring unique properties that are ‘emblematic’ of their designers, demographics or destinations, hotels within the Emblems Collection stand apart as revered landmarks with character, history and aura. Signature elements include sumptuous surroundings in handpicked locations, charismatic service and exclusive bars. With its first signed property – Guiyang Art Centre Hotel, Emblems Collection in China’s Guizhou province, the luxury brand is expected to grow to 60 select locations around the world by 2032. Emblems Collection is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group counting over 5,300 properties throughout more than 110 countries, and a participating brand in ALL – Accor Live Limitless – a lifestyle loyalty program providing access to a wide variety of rewards, services and experiences.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia, March 1, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The 2023 Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF 2023), hosted by the Ministry of Tourism of Cambodia and co-organised by the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office, will take place 25-27 April in Sihanoukville city, the capital of Preah Sihanouk province. The Forum will address the theme “Rethinking for Resilience and Digitalisation.”

Tourism Ministers, tourism leaders, NTOs, NGOs and private sector representatives, will discuss ways to rethink post-Covid tourism in China, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam as a collective and dynamic sub-region

The conference programme has been designed to address job creation, gender equality, food safety and hygiene, digital transformation and a more geographically dispersed tourism approach, so that the benefits of the travel industry spread beyond over-touristed hotspots.

At the Forum, tourism experts and political leaders will address five key ideas on 26 April: rethinking tourism to put people and planet first; developing local food production networks with a focus on safety and hygiene, while reducing food waste; using new digital technology to boost tourism startups and small- and medium-sized businesses; improving training so that tourism workers have the skills to adapt; and advancing equality of opportunity and fair treatment for women in the private and public sectors of tourism.

“The post-Covid- 19 tourism landscape now provides clear opportunities for us to take stock and rethink tourism for the better,” said H.E. Dr. Thong Khon, Minister of Tourism for Cambodia.

“With my tourism colleagues from around the Greater Mekong Subregion we will work hard to ensure that tourism re-establishes itself as an engine to create sustainable prosperity for our citizens. The MTF 2023 agenda has a clear focus and will address those issues,” he said.

The challenges of improving local food networks, to enhance safety and hygiene, will be addressed by Mr Luu Meng, a legend in the Cambodian culinary scene. The panel on smart tourism and digitalisation will be moderated by Mr Ben-Jie Lim, Group Head of Delivery, SuperApp, AirAsia. The expert panel debate on advancing human capital will be led by Mr Peter Semone, the Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, who will also keynote the Forum. Ms Veronica Mendizabal Jaffre of the Asian Development Bank will lead the panel session on women’s empowerment in tourism in the region.

As Preah Sihanouk province is the host destination, on 27 April delegates will have the opportunity to join many of the local excursions and post-tours such as Sihanoukville city tour, Koh Rong Island, diving, mangrove tour, kayaking, and community-based ecotourism exploration. Each trip will showcase sustainable tourism practices in the destination.

The MTF 2023 will also host a Sustainable Tourism Exhibit comprising over 20 exhibitors, showcasing responsible and sustainable tourism, community-based tourism and local community products. The exhibit will run on 25 and 26 April.

An estimated 150 international delegates are expected to attend the MTF 2023, which is free to join for leaders of the travel industry.

Registration is available through the new Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office website at https://mekongtourism.org/mekong-tourism-forum-2023/
Registration will close on 18 April, or when places are fully booked, whichever comes first.

About the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO)
The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS)- comprising Cambodia, Yunnan and Guangxi provinces in China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam, is one of the world’s most dynamic tourist destinations. The six GMS governments established the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) in 2006, as a tourism collaboration framework, with its objective to develop and promote the Mekong Region as a single tourism destination. MTCO’s role is to coordinate activities that boost tourism’s contribution to inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability in the GMS. The MTCO work plan is guided by the GMS Tourism Working Group (TWG), which is made up of senior representatives of the National Tourism Organisations (NTOs) of the six member countries. MTCO activities are supported by the Asian Development Bank.

About the Mekong Tourism Forum
First held in 1996, the Mekong Tourism Forum is an annual government-led event dedicated to the tourism industry in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). The event provides a cooperative platform for travel and tourism stakeholders to discuss regional tourism development, along with the marketing and promotion of travel to, from, and within the GMS. It presents an inclusive, interactive, and results-oriented opportunity to encourage public- and private-sector participation in promoting the GMS as a single destination.

Bangkok, Thailand, February 28, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Young people co-create and launch a campaign to support UNICEF’s ‘Fix My Food’ initiative for healthier food environments for children in the region. The food systems in East Asia and the Pacific, known for its diverse and vibrant food culture is changing rapidly. Traditional healthy fresh food diets are being replaced by an increasing consumption of highly processed ‘junk’ food and drink full of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.

Children across the region, are growing up in food environments that promote the sale and consumption of these ‘junk’ foods and drinks, rather than healthier alternatives. As a result, more than one in three adolescents are drinking at least one sugary drink a day; more than half consume a fast-food once or more a week; and less than half, are eating enough fruit and vegetables every day.

“Today, children and young people are surrounded by junk-food marketing wherever they go: online, on their way to school, college or university, on television, and even while standing in the checkout-line of the grocery store. The result is that too many children in East Asia and the Pacific have poor, unhealthy diets that are having a devastating impact on their health and well-being. It is about time that we change this.” shared Ms. Debora Comini, Regional Director, UNICEF East Asia and Pacific.

UNICEF has been working closely with governments and partners to introduce policies and legislation to curb the increase in marketing of unhealthy food and drink, such as bans on advertising and sale of unhealthy foods in and around schools, clear front-of-pack nutrition labelling, and taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages amongst others.

To further promote the need for healthier food environments, UNICEF is supporting the “Fix My Food” campaign led by young people to raise awareness of the need to create healthier food environments in China, Cambodia, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Mongolia, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.

Young people, together with celebrities and influencers from these eight countries were part of a two-day co-creation “Fix My Food” workshop in Bangkok – brainstorming ideas and identifying potential partners to help roll out the campaign in their respective countries.

Chef Nak, Ms. Ros Rotanak, Cambodia’s first female celebrity chef, and Miss World Vietnam 2019, Ms. Luong Thuy Linh were also part of the co-creation workshop and launch event.

Sharing her thoughts, Chef Nak said “I strongly believe in preserving, developing and promoting traditional Khmer cuisine as one of the world’s most remarkable culinary traditions. Food is much more than just what we eat. It is an essential part of our culture, our families and our communities. I am happy to support these young champions, to preserve, protect and ensure that our food environment is equally accessible to and benefits all.”

“I strongly believe in healthy eating and healthy lifestyles and have joined this campaign with the hope that together we will be able to change our failing food system. We need to ensure that people, especially children and young people, have the opportunity and the right to make healthy food choices, wherever they are, at home, in and around schools, and in their communities,” stated Ms. Linh, Miss World Vietnam 2019.

With the young people leading the “Fix My Food” campaign and support from celebrities and influencers, UNICEF hopes to create awareness on the impact of the changing food environment in the lives of girls and boys and the urgent need for governments, the private sector and civil society to take collective action to build a healthier food environment across the region.

Speaking at the event, 24-year-old Mr. Ricardo Valente, from Timor-Leste said “This campaign is unique, it is designed and led by us and will be implemented by each of us, back in our own countries. We are excited about being part of this movement to make the food environment healthier and more accessible for every child and every young person in East Asia and the Pacific.”

As part of UNICEF’s work to mobilize and empower young people to take action, this initiative will be implemented in the eight participating countries and will be supported by UNICEF country offices and partners.

About UNICEF
UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. For more information about UNICEF East Asia & Pacific and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org/eap

Phuket, Thailand, February 27, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Destination Group has signed a landmark agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts that will see two of its popular resorts in Phuket join the world-famous Holiday Inn brand.

Following this important franchise deal, the 256-key Surin Phuket Beach Resort will be rebranded as the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach and the 224-key Karon Phuket Beach Resort will become known as the Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach. These elegant, family-focused properties will now be refurbished in line with Holiday Inn’s brand standards, which are geared towards delivering memorable experiences for all guests through contemporary design and warm, welcoming service.

The two rebranded Destination Group resorts will be as follows:

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach
Located just 100 metres from the soft sands of Surin Beach on Phuket’s west coast, 25 minutes’ drive from Phuket International Airport, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach comprises 256 rooms and suites, including a collection of family units. A wide range of facilities includes four restaurants and bars, a swimming pool with water slides, a kids’ pool, fitness centre and spa. Ideal for multi-generational escapes, the resort features extensive family facilities including a games arcade, cinema, ice cream shop and toy store, plus the Siam Adventure Club – the comprehensive kids’ club.

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach
Perfectly positioned on the shore in Karon, the popular tourist enclave on Phuket’s sunset coast, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach features 224 rooms and suites, including family rooms and units with private plunge pools. Guests can unwind at the fitness centre, spa, Siam Adventure Club and three swimming pools, including a children’s pool with waterslide. Diverse dining is available at five restaurants and bars. A haven of tranquility just steps from the sea, this fantastic family resort is surrounded by shops and restaurant, approximately one hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport. to add text to your template.

One key aspect of the family experience at both resorts will be the Siam Adventure Club – a dedicated activity centre for young children and teens. Little ones can plunge into a ball pit, watch movies, experiment with arts & crafts, play at the playground or enjoy video games on a PS4. A daily calendar of activities includes scavenger hunts, walking on water, foam parties, cooking classes and more. With free accommodation and meals for kids*, Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Surin Beach and Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach are both perfect for parents.

Destination Group now owns a collection of hotels and resorts in Thailand’s leading leisure destinations, including Phuket, Hua Hin and Koh Samui. It works with some of the hospitality industry’s leading brands, including Holiday Inn and Radisson.

About Destination Group
Under the motto of creating “Great Places To Be,” Destination Group has built a successful hotel portfolio in Thailand. Throughout the last 25 years, the group has continued to expand, innovate, and succeed in the hospitality market. Destination Group is renowned for its innovative designs, and for setting the standard in world-class resort and business hotels, providing outstanding holiday experiences that are second-to-none. In evolving our business, the group also owns Destination Eats, featuring +15 unique F&B brands, along with Collective Hospitality, one of Asia’s largest hostel companies. We love what we do and are motivated to continue developing exceptional holiday experiences that excite our guests.

Accra, Ghana, February 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) has engaged the services of an International Technical Consultant, Mr. Alain St.Ange to support its ongoing drive of positioning Tourism, Arts and Culture as the number one tourism destination in Africa. With this move the Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) also expect that tourism as a sector will increase its contribution to Ghana’s GDP.

The hiring of the Technical Consultant was facilitated through the Ghana Tourism Development Project’s facility from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank implemented by the Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC).

The Technical Consultant will support the Ghana Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MoTAC) to achieve the following:
a. Provide strategic & technical guidance in respect of PPP tourism school and doing so by working with the school’s Transaction Advisor.
b. Provide strategic & technical guidance to develop a Sector-wide Strategy for the tourism sector in Ghana.
c. Advise in developing a foundation for a West African Regional approach to tourism and hospitality development.

Mr. Alain St.Ange is an International Tourism Marketing Expert and has served as a former Minister of Tourism & Culture as well as Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine for Seychelles.

An overarching objective of the Ghana Tourism Development Project is to position the country as the most preferred tourism destination in Africa.

Mr. St. Ange was recruited through a competitive process under the World Bank’s procurement policy.

Geneva, Switzerland, February 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Sabre Corporation has announced an enhanced agreement with Kempinski Hotels, the Europe’s oldest luxury hotel company, to enable the luxury hotel chain to upgrade its customer booking experience.

Kempinski Hotels, which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2022, launched a contemporary new website, powered by Sabre’s state-of-the-art SynXis Custom Booking Engine. Through this innovative solution, Kempinski Hotels has been able to create its own bespoke user design and experience, with features including soft date availability search, upsell capability, and the ability to engage and convert shoppers to bookers using modern ecommerce features such as price comparison and alternate availability.

“We hugely appreciate our ongoing strategic collaboration with Sabre, who we have been working with for over five years,” said Riko van Santen, Chief Information Officer, Kempinski Hotels. “Sabre’s advanced technology solutions continue to support our business goals as we enter into our 126th year, by allowing us to streamline operations and improve the guest booking experience.”

Additionally, through the use of Sabre’s Data Warehouse solution, Kempinski is able to connect its CRS directly with its Guest Intelligence System, thereby enabling the best-in-class technology solutions to work seamlessly together and allowing Kempinski to build its own internal reports based on the data received.

“Today’s guests expect a seamless experience across devices and touchpoints,” said Frank Trampert, senior vice president, global managing director – commercial, Sabre Hospitality. “By utilizing Sabre’s technology-leading hospitality solutions, Kempinski Hotels is able to differentiate itself through a more modern booking experience, allowing it to increase conversions and enhance its offering to guests through greater personalization.”

About Sabre Corporation
Sabre Corporation is a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, serving a wide range of travel companies including airlines, hoteliers, travel agencies and other suppliers. The company provides retailing, distribution and fulfilment solutions that help its customers operate more efficiently, drive revenue and offer personalized traveler experiences. Through its leading travel marketplace, Sabre connects travel suppliers with buyers from around the globe. Sabre’s technology platform manages more than $260B worth of global travel spend annually. Headquartered in Southlake, Texas, USA, Sabre serves customers in more than 160 countries around the world. For more information visit www.sabre.com.

About Kempinski Hotels
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski’s rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Today the Kempinski Group operates 82 hotels and residences in 36 countries and currently has more than 25 prestigious projects under development around the globe. Each five-star hotel reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage; each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location. The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts and prestigious residences. Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 26, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Thanks to a significant uptick in annual outbound journeys predicted over the next two years, the Indian tourism sector will represent a key focus during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will return to Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for its 30th edition from 1-4 May.

According to recently released data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Indian nationals spent a record $10 billion in overseas travel during the first nine months of 2022, an increase of nearly 43% compared to pre-Covid figures.

Moreover, estimates from Indian business consultants, Nangia Anderson LLP, in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), place the number of annual outbound journeys at more than 27 million, with a total value of over $42 billion by the year 2024. This makes India well-positioned to become one of the world’s most important outbound tourism markets and support growth in the Middle East’s tourism sector following the challenges of the global pandemic.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The levels of outbound travellers predicted from India in the coming years mean it can command serious attention within the travel, tourism and hospitality sector. At ATM 2023, we will give delegates, exhibitors and attendees the opportunity to explore the Indian travel sector through various show features, including the India Summit, which will look deeper into this key market.”

Many Indians regularly travel to the GCC region for leisure, business, or a combination of both, taking advantage of the short distance, with Mumbai to Dubai, just a three-hour flight. The number of direct flights between India and this region reflects these trends, with Emirates alone operating over 170 weekly flights to nine Indian cities – Gulf Air, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Oman Air each also have regular flights to Indian destinations.

Airfares to the Gulf from India are also far lower than for other destinations due to the short distance, further underscoring the convenience and popularity of leisure or business travel. In addition, there are 8.5 million Indian nationals currently working in the GCC, meaning there is already a significant level of familiarity between the two regions.

Last year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) hosted several high-profile exhibitors from India, including Goa Tourism and Uttar Pradesh Tourism. This year’s event will be no exception, with new Indian exhibitors such as One Above Destination Management Services (DMC), Adventure Overland and Visaero Visa already confirmed.

ATM 2023 will explore the future of sustainable travel in line with its theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Having officially initiated its journey to net zero, the conference programme will explore how innovative sustainable travel trends will likely evolve. It will enable delegates to identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, which will take place in November 2023 at Expo City Dubai.

The conference will also feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards for the first time. Exhibiting organisations will be recognised based on the extent to which they have considered the environmental impact of their stands and their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.

ATM 2023 is held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

For more information, log on to wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 30th year, is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2022 attracted over 24,000 visitors and hosted over 31,000 participants including 1,600 exhibitors and attendees from 151 countries, across 10 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week.

About Arabian Travel Market (ATM), now on its 30th year, is the leading, international travel and tourism event in the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. ATM 2022 attracted over 24,000 visitors and hosted over 31,000 participants including 1,600 exhibitors and attendees from 151 countries, across 10 halls at Dubai World Trade Centre. Arabian Travel Market is part of Arabian Travel Week. #ATMDubai
Next in-person event: Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May 2023, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai https://www.wtm.com/atm/en-gb.html

Arabian Travel Week is a festival of events taking place within and alongside Arabian Travel Market 2023. Providing a renewed focus for the Middle East’s travel and tourism sector, it includes ILTM Arabia, ARIVAL Dubai, Influencers’ events and activations, ITIC, GBTA Business Travel Forums, as well as ATM Travel Tech. It also features the ATM Buyer Forums, ATM Speed Networking Events as well as a series of country forums.

About RX (Reed Exhibitions)
RX is in the business of building businesses for individuals, communities and organisations. We elevate the power of face-to-face events by combining data and digital products to help customers learn about markets, source products and complete transactions at over 400 events in 22 countries across 43 industry sectors. RX is passionate about making a positive impact on society and is fully committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.

RELX About RELX
RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The Group serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs over 33,000 people, of whom almost half are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX. The market capitalisation is approximately £33bn, €39bn, $47bn.

World Travel Market (WTM) Portfolio comprises leading travel events, online portals and virtual platforms across four continents. The events are:

WTM London, the leading global event for the travel industry, is the must-attend three-day exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry. The show facilitates business connections for the global (leisure) travel community. Senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international media visit ExCeL London every November, generating travel industry contracts. Next live event: Monday 6 to 8 November 2023 at ExCel London

WTM Latin America takes place annually in the city of São Paulo and attracts around 20,000 tourism professionals during the three-day event. The event offers qualified content together with networking and business opportunities. In this its ninth edition – there have been eight face-to-face events along with a 100% virtual one, which was held in 2021 – WTM Latin America continued to focus on effective business generation and achieved the advance booking of six thousand meetings that were held between buyers, travel agents and exhibitors in 2022. Next event: Tuesday 4 to Thursday 6 April 2023 – Expo Center Norte, SP, Brazil

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2022, WTM Africa facilitated more than 7 thousand unique pre-scheduled appointments, an increase of more than 7% compared to 2019 and welcomed more than 6 thousand visitors (unaudited), the same number as in 2019. Next event: Monday 3 to Wednesday 5 April 2023 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town

About ATW Connect: Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel, LGBTQ+ travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.

WTM Global Hub, is the new WTM Portfolio online portal created to connect and support travel industry professionals around the world. The resource hub offers the latest guidance and knowledge to help exhibitors, buyers and others in the travel industry face the challenges of the global coronavirus pandemic. WTM Portfolio is tapping into its global network of experts to create content for the hub.

Hangzhou, China, February 25, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO has heralded the re-opening of China as ‘the final piece in tourism’s recovery’ from the biggest crisis in the sector’s history.

Leading a high-level delegation to the city of Hangzhou to join in the official re-opening, UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, warmly welcomed the lifting of travel restrictions as a major boost to economic growth and social opportunity both in Asia and the Pacific and globally. According to UNWTO data, the pandemic cost destinations worldwide a combined US$270 billion in Chinese outbound tourist spending in 2020 and 2021 alone. The re-opening of borders therefore represents “the moment the world has been waiting for”, Mr Pololikashvili noted.

The UNWTO Secretary-General is the first UN Head of Agency to visit China since restrictions were lifted. China’s Minister of Culture and Tourism Hu Heping welcomed UNWTO’s support throughout the pandemic and for joining the official re-opening celebrations. In a bilateral meeting, Minister Hu Heping and Secretary-General Pololikashvili agreed to further deepen their collaboration around positioning tourism on the agenda for international development cooperation and in the key areas of tourism education and tourism for rural development.

According to UNWTO data, China grew to be the biggest tourism source market in the world prior to the pandemic. In 2019, Chinese tourists spent a collective US$255 billion on international travel, while domestic tourism served as a pillar of growth and employment, with more than 6 billion trips that year alone, supporting jobs and businesses across the country.

Tourism for rural development

Reflecting UNWTO’s work to make tourism a driving force of rural development, the high-level delegation was welcomed to Yucun, one of four Chinese destinations to be recognized among the ‘Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO’. The village was awarded the recognition for its commitment to making tourism a source of local opportunity, in addition to its commitment to eco-friendly tourism and pioneering approach to waste management at the destination-level.

Public and private sectors re-think tourism

UNWTO was welcomed as a partner of the Xianghu Dialogue, organized by the World Tourism Alliance (WTA) in the city of Hangzhou. Held around the theme of “A New Paradigm for a New Tourism”, the event brought together public and private sector leaders to re-think the sector’s future around the key priorities of sustainability, equality and resilience.

Key topics addressed over the two days included promoting collaborative tourism development amongst countries and regions, international cooperation and poverty reduction through tourism, smart connectivity, destination management and planning, and innovation and new business models. The UNWTO delegation met with private sector leaders, including from the Chinese global technology company Alibaba, which is headquartered in Hangzhou.

China as key tourism partner

In the past year, China has established itself as a leading supporter of UNWTO in several core priority areas. These include Nature Positive Tourism, which UNWTO placed on the agenda of the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15), for which China served as President.

UNWTO will return to China in September for the Global Tourism Economic Forum (GTEF), to be held in Macau. The tenth edition of the Forum will again provide a platform for governments, business leaders, experts, and academics to advance shared plans for the sustainable development of tourism.

Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, February 25, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Cathay Pacific is encouraged by the Hong Kong SAR Government’s initiatives to continue strengthening the Hong Kong international aviation hub, as outlined in the Budget Speech given today by Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Paul Chan Mo-po.

Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “As the home carrier of Hong Kong for more than 76 years, Cathay Pacific is a key enabler of the city’s economic development through our ability to connect it to the Chinese Mainland and the rest of the world.

“We are actively rebuilding Cathay Pacific for Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and the Chinese Mainland. We are focused on reconnecting – by growing our flight capacity and network of destinations as soon as feasible.

“As stated by the Financial Secretary, the Central People’s Government’s 14th Five-Year Plan affirms and supports Hong Kong’s important role as an international aviation hub for the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and for the country. We will continue to contribute in maintaining and strengthening the Hong Kong hub.”

Cathay Pacific looks forward to the further enhancement of Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as a regional multi modal transportation hub after the commencement of operations at the SkyPier Terminal in the middle of this year, as well as the completion of the entire Three-Runway System at HKIA by the end of 2024.

Mr Lam said: “The potential of the GBA, which we see as our extended home market, is extremely promising and we welcome efforts to cooperate with our fellow cities in the GBA to develop the aviation sector across the region. The Airport Authority Hong Kong’s (AAHK) plans to develop a new aviation business park on the Airport Island, as well as exploring the feasibility of building an aviation industrial park in Zhuhai, are positive developments.”

Cathay Pacific also welcomes AAHK’s relief measures and incentives to support the recovery of air traffic, its efforts to address the industry’s medium-to-long-term manpower resources situation, as well as the enhanced commitment to the training and development of industry professionals via the GBA Youth Aviation Industry Internship Programme and the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund.

Finally, Cathay Pacific will continue to enliven Hong Kong’s image as a world-renowned events capital and welcome visitors to our home city. In addition to supporting the “Hello Hong Kong” campaign, the airline has been a longstanding sponsor of mega events such as the Hong Kong Sevens and Clockenflap, helping to put Hong Kong on the world stage.