Global Travel News

BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL: Amex’s top 10 travel destination for 2024

 1080 577 wttc2
By:

With Amex’s 2023 Global Travel Trends reporting that 86% of Canadians want to travel to a place they’ve never been before and 73% wanting to explore lesser-known destinations, American Express Travel’s just-released 2024 trending report leans into the non-traditional, going beyond well-known vacation spots to uncover hidden gems and new experiences that travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen-Z, are looking for.

The Trending Destinations list features 10 vacation spots based on global American Express Cardmember travel bookings plus recommendations from Amex Travel’s team of 6,000 travel consultants.

“People are looking for new experiences and to immerse themselves in the local culture when they travel,” says American Express Travel President Audrey Hendley. “Whether you crave a new adventure or just want to beat the crowds, this list is a great place for every type of traveller to find their next vacation destination.

The Trending Destinations list offers a trip for all kinds of travellers. For example:

• Adelaide Hills, Australia for an Australian rural retreat (instead of popular destination: Blue Mountains, Australia)

• Bodrum, Turkey for bustling bazaars, fresh seafood, active nightlife, and beaches on the sparkling blue Aegean (instead of popular destination: Istanbul, Turkey)

• Porto Cervo, Italy for celebrity glamour and mouth-watering cuisine (instead of popular destination: Amalfi Coast, Italy)

• St. Kitts and Nevis for sparkling seas, friendly locals, and historic culture (instead of popular destinations: St. Thomas and St. John in the US Virgin Islands)

• Niseko, Japan for an unforgettable winter sports experience (instead of popular destination: Sapporo, Japan)

• San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for beautiful scenery and vibrant food and culture (instead of popular destination: Riviera Maya, Mexico)

• Santa Fe, New Mexico for a blend of American Southwest culture, history, and natural beauty (instead of popular destination: Sedona, Arizona)

• Seychelles for paradise, along with expansive biodiversity and multicultural vibrancy (instead of popular destination: Maldives)

• Udaipur, India for an uber-romantic city of lakes and palaces (instead of popular destination: Agra, India)

• Zermatt, Switzerland for picturesque skiing with a charming feel (instead of popular destination: Dolomites, Italy)

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

IT’S NOT US, IT’S YOU!: Agents feel the love from Cuba at Toronto gala

 1080 494 wttc2
By:

The Cuba Tourist Board thanked its agent partners for helping make Canada the country’s No. 1 market at a gala event late last week at Toronto’s Palais Royale – a glittering venue that Canadian tourist board director Lessner Gomez likened to Havana’s famed Tropicana cabaret, even if the weather outside wasn’t quite the same as on the Caribbean island.

“It’s all about you,” declared Nieves Ricardo CTB’s Canadian office to the audience of approximately 250 agents, who were treated to dinner, entertainment – including dancers and lively salsa band (just like the Tropicana) – and mini trade show featuring a dozen suppliers, including major Canadian tour operators and island hotels. “We are very grateful for your partnership and all you do to support us,” she added.

And that includes helping put Cuba on pace to reach the magic million mark in Canadian visitors in 2023, with Gomez reporting that the nearly 750,000 of us had visited through the end of October – comprising 38% of total arrivals in the island (1,973,083) this year – and a 200% increase over last year.

“Canada is the No. 1,” he enthused, adding, “Canadians are drawn by Cuba’s layback charm, the friendliness of its people and its pristine beaches,” and adding that typical Canadian visitor to Cuba generally lacks pretense, is culturally immersive, and often has a higher income than generally given credit for.

Canada’s impressive arrivals numbers are being helped, Gomez said, by increased airline capacity (12%) from this country, comprising over 5,000 flights from 21 Canadian getaways to the most popular destinations in Cuba, including Manzanillo and Cienfuegos with new flights from Sunwing.

Karen Puebla, Nieves Ricardo, and Lessner Gomez of CTB Canada

He added that Cuba’s tourist infrastructure continues to advance with an expansive network of modern hotels, among them several new and renovated properties:

• Cayo Paredon: Gran Aston Cayo Paredon Hotel and Vila Gale, the latter managed by a Portuguese hotel chain new to Cuba.

• Cayo Cruz: Marina Plaza and Spa Hotel, not an all-inclusive hotel, but ideal for long stays.

• Cayo Santa Maria: The One Gallery hotel, focused on Cuban art and culture, along with an robust entertainment program and facilities. The hotel is located next to the main stage in Cayo Santa Maria where nightlife activities and several major festivals take place.

• Varadero: New to Varadero, the Gran Aston Varadero Hotel

• Holguin: Sol Turquesa Beach hotel saw major renovations and is under new management by Melia Hotels

• Havana: Affilated to Melia hotels, the Sevilla Hotel has been completely upgraded; Blue Diamond Resorts has added a new property to its portfolio in the Jibacoa area: the Starfish Jibacoa (the former Villa Tropico located next to Memories Jibacoa) has also seen a complete makeover.

• Trinidad: The most recent opening is the Melia Peninsula Trinidad hotel, an all-inclusive hotel located at Ancon Beach, 20 minutes from the city of Trinidad, a world heritage site and one of the most charming colonial towns in Cuba.

Gomez noted that while WiFi is available and free at all hotels in Cuba, the government’s current goal is to improve the quality of the connectivity by setting up a fiber optic service (which in certain areas is already installed) – a project expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Dancers

He adds that all airports in Cuba have internet access, and the next step is to have WiFi service on catamaran tours and tourist buses so that tourists can share their experiences while on vacation.

The director acknowledged ongoing supply chain challenges in Cuba that sometimes result in shortages of certain products (such as ketchup in hotels), but he noted that the situation is improving thanks to increased cargo from Canada and boosting import deals directly with hotel chains.

When on-island, visitors to Cuba will find many events and festivals all year round, such as the Havana Jazz Festival, Santiago de Cuba Fire Festival, and the Havana Cigar Festival.

And no less important is the Cuba International Tourism trade fair (FITCUBA), said Gomez, which typically takes place in May and will be held next year in Cayo Coco.

And while members of the Canadian trade are invited to FITCUBA, the tourist board will also continue to support travel agents with more FAM trips to the island, says Gomez, who believes that seeing and exploring Cuba as the best way to promote learning amongst travel advisors that will help sell the destination; similarly, through the creation of the tourist board’s travel specialist program.

Cuba’s new ‘CUBA UNICA’ advertising campaign is being conducted across Canada and the message is clear, noted Gomez, concluding: “Cuba’s unique people, history and culture makes Cuba unique – and ‘unique’ is better than ‘best’.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Workshop Puts Focus on Dynamic Tourism Communications for Africa

 700 452 wttc2
By:

 

UNWTO Workshop Puts Focus on Dynamic Tourism Communications for Africa - TRAVELINDEX - TRAVELNEWSHUB.com - UNTOURISMVictoria Falls, Zimbabwe, November 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / UNWTO brought together top tourism and travel practitioners of 20 countries from across Africa to explore ways to deliver more effective tourism communications and showcase the sector’s role as a pillar of development.

The first Communications, Media and Tourism Training Workshop in Africa (Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 13-15 November) recognized the heightened relevance of tourism and the current opportunity to gain greater visibility outside of the sector itself. Based on this premise, the three-day event focused on the opportunities for placing tourism in the mainstream conversation as well as the ongoing challenges facing communities, destinations and Africa as a region.

“Leaning by doing”

Reflecting UNWTO’s collaborative approach to communications, the workshop prioritised active learning among both participants and trainers. To gain a better understanding of why tourism matters and of how this needs to be communicated, the first day began with visits to three case studies in and around Victoria Falls:

  • Tourism for Wildlife Conservation: A visit to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust provided an opportunity to community-led conservation in action, offering a better understanding of where tourism is supporting wildlife protection and where it can do more.
  • Tourism for Development: Face-to-face meetings with the leaders and members of Umuzi Village made clear the challenges small destinations face in gaining access to the benefits tourism can offer, particularly with regards to outreach, communications and promotion.
  • Tourism for Nature: The rainforests inside Victoria Falls Nations Park served as an example of tourism’s ability to support the preservation of ecosystems, though again making clear how the sector’s full potential is not always realized.

The field trips provided the basis for the interactive learning sessions and workshops of the following two days. The 50 participants, drawn from 20 countries and from communications, destination management and tourism governance, were tasked with addressing three of the key challenges facing tourism communicators today: pitching to the media, building and curating media relations, and focusing the narrative on tourism for development.

The workshop was informed by presentations from experts from UNWTO as well as from across the media spectrum (Meta, Channels TV, TraveMedia Ireland) and from top content creators. The interactive presentations again focused on the most relevant issues, including ways to place tourism in the mainstream media, harnessing the power of social media for tourism for development, working with the media, and effective communications to showcase tourism’s importance for culture, heritage and communities.

Solutions and debates

With the focus of the Field Trips as the foundations, participants were tasked with presenting their solutions to the three main challenges outlined. With the focus again on interactive learning, the different backgrounds and viewpoints informed discussions around how best to pitch tourism to the wider media, how to work with media in an ever-changing landscape, and how to move beyond tourism as just a leisure activity. The discussions both highlighted the shared goals of diverse destinations while also making clear the gaps in knowledge that still need to be filled, with UNWTO standing ready to deliver further media training.

Alongside exploring the solutions to growing tourism as a media topic, the workshop also focused on crisis communications, again utilizing the diverse expertise of participants and the examples of the field trips to identify ways to be more proactive and build readiness.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA and WTCF Sign MOU to Promote Cooperation in BRI Cultural Tourism Industry

 700 413 wttc2
By:

PATA and WTCF Sign MOU to Promote Cooperation in BRI Cultural Tourism Industry - TRAVELINDEXBeijing, China, November 17, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is pleased to announce a new organisational partnership with the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), a global international tourism organisation with tourism cities as its focus. The agreement aims to establish a strategic partnership for constructive cooperation in areas of mutual interest based on the principles of organisational development and mutual benefit.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by PATA Chair Peter Semone and WTCF Secretary-General Yang Shuo on October 18, 2023, during the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (hereinafter referred to as the “Forum”) at the event’s Thematic Forum on Sub-national Cooperation in Beijing, China.

“As global travel continues to accelerate and recover from the pandemic, PATA has renewed its focus on the People’s Republic of China and its domestic, inbound and outbound tourism portfolios. Our partnership with the World Tourism Cities Federation comes at the right time. WTCF has a superlative network of cities across the globe and is a leading voice for tourism in China, and PATA is finding ways to support the next wave of China’s tourism growth. We look forward to working with WTCF in the coming years for mutual success.” said Mr Semone.

The MOU was included in the List of Practical Cooperation Deliverables of the Forum, a list incorporating a series of practical cooperation projects and bilateral cooperation agreements agreed upon by national governments, financial institutions, local governments, and enterprises. It emphasizes the important roles of the international tourism organisations in promoting the development of the tourism industry.

On signing of the MOU, Mr. Yang stated that “the agreement fully leverages the role of WTCF as a platform. As the initiating and headquarters’ city, Beijing actively promotes the construction of a win-win tourism and cultural industry under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It demonstrates its exemplary and leading role as a BRI hub city, narrates the story of Beijing’s high-level openness to the world, and has ushered into a new stage of high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road.”

Mr. Yang also pointed out that “in the future, WTCF will work closely with PATA, fully leverage their respective advantages, implement the practical content of the MOU, and jointly promote the prosperous development of the tourism and cultural industries of the Belt and Road, to ensure that the practical results will benefit more global tourism cities.”

As a global international tourism organization with tourism cities as its primary focus, WTCF adheres to the core concept of “Better City Life through Tourism”. It is dedicated to promoting exchanges and cooperation between cities and organisations and plays a significant role in driving the innovative development of the global tourism industry.

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 an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Senegal Becomes First African Nation to Sign Code for the Protection of Tourists

 700 424 wttc2
By:

Senegal Becomes First African Nation to Sign Code for the Protection of Tourists - TRAVELINDEXDakar, Senegal, November 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Senegal has taken a pioneering step as the first African nation to sign the International Code for the Protection of Tourists, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of travellers in the post-COVID era.

At the 25th General Assembly held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General UNWTO extended his warm congratulations to the West African nation and several others for their commitment to the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT). The ICPT is a groundbreaking international legal framework that aims to rebuild consumer confidence in the travel industry and create a more equitable balance of responsibilities among tourism stakeholders.

The Ambassador of Senegal to Spain H.E Mariame Sy signed on behalf of the country.

Addressing the assembly, Mr. Pololikashvili highlighted the essence of a harmonized international legal framework in restoring trust among travellers. He stressed the necessity of clear, transparent, and efficient frameworks to safeguard tourists as consumers, asserting that the ICPT would deliver precisely that.

“This is a landmark first,” Mr. Pololikashvili declared, emphasising the uniqueness of the ICPT as a legal instrument created by UNWTO. Its primary objective is to ensure the protection of tourists and their consumer rights. By doing so, it aims to boost confidence within the tourism sector.

The success of the ICPT, as Mr. Pololikashvili underlined, depends on governments worldwide actively adhering to its provisions. He commended eight countries, Argentina, Brazil, Lebanon, Lithuania, Portugal, Senegal, Uruguay, and Venezuela, for taking the pioneering step of adhering to the code and hoped they would serve as exemplars for other nations.

“Your leadership is essential for addressing some of the biggest challenges that our sector is facing. It means we are placing the wellbeing of the tourists at the heart of what we do,” the Secretary General maintained.

Mr. Pololikashvili also stressed the essential role of leadership in addressing the challenges that the tourism sector is currently facing. Placing the well-being of tourists at the heart of their efforts, he urged nations to work collaboratively to ensure a better recovery for the industry.

The International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT) sets forth a comprehensive set of international standards for the protection of tourists in emergency situations. Furthermore, it addresses consumer rights of tourists in a post-COVID-19 world. The code builds upon the work done by UNWTO and has been adapted to the unique circumstances created by the ongoing pandemic. It offers a coordinated approach to assisting international tourists during emergency situations, with the ultimate goal of fostering a safer and more secure environment for travelers.

The adherence of nations to the ICPT represents a significant step forward in ensuring that the tourism industry emerges from the challenges of the pandemic more resilient and responsive to the needs of tourists worldwide.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UNWTO Shakes Up Financing for Tourism Climate Action with UN NetZero Facility

 700 393 wttc2
By:

UNWTO Shakes Up Financing for Tourism Climate Action with UN NetZero Facility - TRAVELINDEXGeneva, Switzerland, November 16, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in joint collaboration with NOAH Regen, has taken a further step forward in rethinking tourism financing with the launch of the UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem. The launch took place on 14 November 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters, Geneva, marking a pivotal moment in the global campaign against climate change following the adoption of the Paris Agreement by 196 parties.

A new era of finance governance

The UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem aspire to foster a new era of global finance governance. This transformative initiative aims to unlock carbon value, incorporating concepts such as Blue Carbon and circular business models. The ecosystem is dedicated to catalysing positive change in the Blue and Green Economy sectors, transforming regeneration into not just an ecological necessity but also a profitable endeavour.

Tourism’s transformation to low-carbon operations is our compass, let’s make Net Zero our destination by 2050 – a journey for prosperity and a healthy Earth

Key highlights of the framework include:

  • Blended Financial Ecosystem: A collaborative approach that integrates diverse funding sources, providing a solid foundation to address pressing climate challenges.
  • Blockchain Technology: Utilizing energy-efficient blockchain technology for transparent fund raising and transfer, ensuring real-time tracking and accountability.
  • Transparency and Accountability: Committed to unparalleled transparency, accountability, and auditability, ensuring the traceability of funds from inception to implementation.

Announcing the launch

The Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) Tatiana Valovaya said: “The UN NetZero Facility is designed to resonate with the 2030 Agenda which reflects the interconnectedness between human well-being and the health of the planet.”

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Tourism’s transformation to low-carbon operations is our compass, let’s make Net Zero our destination by 2050 – a journey for prosperity and a healthy Earth.”

Frederic Degret, CEO of Noah adds: “We stand at a pivotal moment. The Re’planet Capital Fund, in compliance with Article 9 of SFDR, is not just a fund; it’s a catalyst for change, empowering investors to drive sustainable growth.”

Blended finance model

UNWTO’s Multi-Partners Trust Fund, within the UN system, will offer advisory services and grants to accelerate global progress toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions. The Facility will operate on a blended finance model and is set to leverage investments to transition toward building a climate-conscious economy.

The UN NetZero Facility and Re-PLANET Capital Fund Ecosystem will address some of the most capital-intensive climate issues, such as carbon credit quality and integrity, regulatory and market dynamics, and the monetization of sovereign nature-based and carbon credits.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

BACK IN BLACK: The latest Black Friday travel offers

 1080 495 wttc2
By:

Black Friday – the day after US Thanksgiving – has become arguably the biggest shopping day of the year (surpassing Boxing Day), and many travel suppliers are eager to hop on the bandwagon (or airplane, coach, or cruise ship) too with a host of great deals for consumers, some just for the day, others a little longer. (Some even open to agents early). Here’s a round-up of some of the offers we’ve found to make wading through the bargain bin next Friday (November 24) a little easier.

Transat

Transat and Air Transat’s Black Friday mega sale (started Nov. 14) features up to $1,000 off packages for two people and up to 100,000 roundtrip flights on sale. The sale applies to flights to Europe, the South, the US and elsewhere in Canada, as well as South and Europe packages. The offer is valid on individual bookings made by Nov. 26 for travel before June 30, 2024. Conditions apply. Sample rates include the Grand Muthu Cayo Santa Maria 4* (Santa Clara, Cuba) starting at $899 (from Ontario) and flights to Orlando starting at $297 from Montreal or $335 from Quebec City. Plus, travel advisors get 5X BONBON per booking, which means $5 per flight and $25 per package.

Sunwing

For bookings made Canadian gateways across the country by Nov. 19, Sunwing Vacations’ Black Friday Sale places a spotlight on Mexico with savings of up to $1,300 in savings per couple. Already in effect, the sale applies to a range of properties in select destinations including Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, for travel between Dec. 14 and April 30, 2024. Some terms and conditions.

Globus family of brands

The Globus family of brands unveiled ‘12 days of Black Friday’ deals with over a dozen ways to find “big savings” on vacations across the globe this week. Globus deals include up to $1,300/couple on tours while, Avalon Waterways also offers include $700 off, plus free air and gratuities on select cruises. Booking deadlines vary but are generally Nov. 28 for Globus and the end of the year for Avalon. Check the website.

TravCorp

TravCorp brands are offering varying deals on select 2024 itineraries for Black Friday: Trafalgar up to 15% (booked by Dec. 5), Contiki up to 25% (by Nov. 20), and Insight up to 15% (by dec. 5).

Collette

Travel advisors get early access to Collette’s Black Friday sale for 2023 with savings off up to 20% on tours booked through Nov. 19. Offer code TRAVEL23 must be used at the time of booking. The wider sale continues through Nov. 28 for travel in 2024 and through Jan. April 20, 2025.

G Adventures

The tour operator’s month-long Cyber Sale continues until Nov. 30 with up to 30% off departures through the end of April, 2024.

Intrepid

Clients can save up to 20% on trips to more than 100 destinations when booked between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4.

Rocky Mountaineer

A first-ever Black Friday sale from Rocky Mountaineer offers couples up to $2,000 off on US routes and $1,500 on Canadian ones, for travel dates of six or more nights in 2024. Visit rockymountaineer.com/promotions for details. The offer is in effect until Dec. 4.

Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Karisma Hotels & Resorts’ Black Friday Sale offers savings of up to 70% and $1,000 in resort credits on stays at properties in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and Belize. Available for booking through Dec. 7 for travel all the way through Jan. 2, 2026, brands and hotels include Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts (photo below), Margaritaville Island Reserve® Resorts, Margaritaville Beach Resort Ambergris Caye, Belize, Azul Beach Resorts, and Karisma Villas. Karisma Insider members can also revel in additional discounts.

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts

Viva Resorts by Wyndham

Viva Resorts by Wyndham’s BlackFriday/Cyber Week features a ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offer enabling a second guest stays for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult, based on double occupancy. The offer is valid at participating Viva Resorts by Wyndham for travel throughout the entire year of 2024. (Excludes Viva Dominicus Beach Wyndham and Viva Dominicus Palace Wyndham). Pre-sale access is available through Nov. 16.

Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts rings in the holiday season Black Friday savings of up to 20% off at Royalton Luxury Resorts, Royalton CHIC Resorts, Hideaway at Royalton Resorts, Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts and Mystique by Royalton brands. Bookings must be made by Dec. 1 for travel through Dec. 23.

NCL

Touted as its best deal of the year, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Black Friday Sale provides travellers 50% off all cruises on all ships, including the recently announced Norwegian Aqua, which makes its debut in 2025. In addition, the promotion can be combined with the Company’s ‘Free at Sea’ where travelers can choose up to six free perks including: unlimited open bar, roundtrip airfare for the second guest, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, Wi-Fi, and discounted rates for the 3rd and 4th guest.

Quark Expeditions

Polar adventure specialist Quark Expeditions’ Black Friday Sale is in effect through Nov. 27 and offers up to 50% on select Antarctic 2023/24 voyages and 40% on Arctic 2024 voyages. An additional 10% savings on Arctic 24 and Antarctic 24/25 voyages is available for clients paying in full at time of booking. Other sales features include a free cabin upgrade on select Antarctic 24/25 departures, and up to 30% on all other seasons. Remaining berths for the voyages are expected to sell out fast.

American Queen Voyages

AQV travellers can save up to US$2,500 per stateroom plus recieve roundtrip air on select 2024 voyages when sailing on American Queen, American Countess and American Empress on the Lower Mississippi, Upper Mississippi, Ohio, Snake and Columbia rivers. Deals, available Nov. 22-27 for select 2024 voyages, can be found on the special offers page at aqvoyages.com.

Le Boat

Le Boat, a leading provider of private, boating experiences, is offering Black Friday savings of up to 25% on France boat rental vacations and 20% on Canadian rentals (Rideau Canal, Trent-Severan Waterway). Applicable to new rentals of seven or more nights with travel dates in 2024, the offer must be booked by Nov. 28. Visit www.leboat.com/deals.

Oceania Cruises

Dubbed its ‘Best-Ever Black Friday Sale,’ Oceania Cruises is offering savings of up to US$5,400 per stateroom on more than 100 global voyages in 2024. The limited-time offer is valid on bookings made by Dec. 5. Itineraries range from seven to 34 days across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.

Variety Cruises

Boutique cruise company Variety Cruises’ Black Friday sales offers discounts up to 60% or no SGL supplement, valid on select itineraries in the Seychelles, Tahiti, Cape Verde, West Africa and Greece. Rates are valid on bookings made Nov. 17-30. Use the code “2023 BLACK FRIDAY” when emailing requests to reservations@varietycruises.com.

First published at Travel Industry Today

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA Annual Summit 2024 is Going to Macao

 700 385 wttc2
By:

PATA Annual Summit 2024 is Going to Macao - VISITMACAO.orgMacao, Macao SAR, November 15, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced that the bid for hosting the PATA Annual Summit 2024 has been awarded to the Macao Government Tourism Office. This prestigious annual event will be supported by SJM Resorts, S.A. and will be held from May 15 – 17, 2024 at the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau. The event is set to bring together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are professionally engaged in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region.

The extensive programme, comprised of plenary sessions, breakout sessions, the PATA Executive Board and Board meetings, and Annual General Meeting, will provide a platform for PATA’s public and private sector members and partners, and most importantly PATA Chapters and PATA Youth from around the world to discuss the challenges, issues and opportunities facing the industry as it looks towards the responsible and sustainable growth, value, and quality of tourism in the region.

“All of us at PATA are excited to be returning to Macao for the PATA Annual Summit 2024 and receive first-hand updates about the significant developments in the destination since having previously organising successful PATA Travel Marts in 2010 and 2017, as well as the PATA Annual Conference in 2005,” said Mr. Semone. “The Macao Government Tourism Office has been a strong partner of PATA since 1958 and they are our major sponsor for the PATA Gold Awards for the past 28 consecutive years. Next year’s event provides Macao with the perfect opportunity to showcase their destination and the Greater Bay Area to all delegates.”

Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, said, “It is an honor for Macao to host the PATA Annual Summit 2024. PATA holds a special place in the heart of our tourism industry, and we are happy to once again be granted the opportunity to welcome delegates from near and far to meet in our city. Especially as this will be the first PATA event we host after the pandemic, allowing us to showcase to participants the current dynamic change in our destination towards more diversification for a memorable meeting in Macao.”

Macao, a special administrative region of China, harmoniously blends cosmopolitan style with a rich cultural heritage. Its historic district, known as “The Historic Centre of Macao,” is home to over 20 monuments and urban squares, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005. This district is a testament to the unique integration of Eastern and Western cultures over centuries, offering visitors the chance to explore magnificent heritages and their fascinating stories. Macao’s cultural tapestry is a result of over four centuries of coexistence and interaction between Chinese and Western influences, culminating in a distinctive cultural landscape and a wealth of intangible cultural heritage.

Macao’s intangible cultural heritage encompasses a diverse range of practices, expressions, knowledge, and skills passed down through generations. This includes oral traditions, performing arts, social customs, rituals, and the know-how behind traditional crafts. The designation of Macao as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy in 2017 adds a powerful international branding to the city’s portfolio. As of June 2020, Macao boasts a total of 70 items recorded on the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, with 12 items inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Additionally, 11 items from Macao are recognized on the Representative List of National Intangible Cultural Heritage, including the likes of Cantonese Opera, Herbal Tea Brewing, Woodwork – Religious Figure Carving, and Macanese Gastronomy, showcasing the rich tapestry of traditions that make Macao a cultural crossroads.

About the Venue

The Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau celebrates the grand union of the best from East and West, emanating cross-cultural and legendary heritage. A property of SJM Resorts, S.A., this newest member of the widely recognised Lisboa brand sets a new standard for hospitality excellence. Situated in Cotai, Macao, the resort brings together world-class brands and distinguished styles of accommodation, gastronomy, retail, entertainment, and wellness indulgence, complemented by one-of-a-kind wedding, event and meeting venues. The Grand Lisboa Palace, uniting world-class excellence and visionary aesthetics in one integrated resort, will redefine travelling and leisure experiences, giving new meaning to what’s already legendary.

For more information, please visit www.PATA.org/pata-annual-summit-2024 or email events@PATA.org.

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 an official office in Beijing.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Celebrate Loy Krathong at Celadon Restaurant

 700 445 wttc2
By:

Celebrate Loy Krathong at Celadon Restaurant - TRAVELINDEX - TOP25RESTAURANTS.comBangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / Embark on a Culinary Journey this Loy Krathong at Celadon, The Sukhothai Bangkok. This Loy Krathong Day, immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Thailand with an exclusive Family Thai Set Menu at Celadon, curated by the esteemed Chef Rosarin Sriprathum. Tailored for groups of colleagues, friends, and family, this dining experience is designed to celebrate the richness of Thai cuisine and create lasting memories.

Savor the essence of Thailand through a meticulously crafted 7-course set menu:
• Crabmeat Filled, Steamed Rice Dumpling
• Grilled Thai Free-Range Chicken Skewers
• Soup Of Assorted Vegetables, Aromatic Herbs
• Grilled River Prawn
• Green Curry Thai Free-Range Chicken
• Wok-Fried Morning Glory
• Fried Rice Egg, Pork Or Chicken

Each dish is a masterpiece, carefully prepared to transport your taste buds to the heart of Thailand, offering a delightful journey from savory to sweet.

Price: THB 1,800++ per person, including a complimentary krathong.
Availability: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
As part of the festivities, guests can also revel in the captivating Sukhothai Traditional Dance performance at the chedi pond, commencing at 6:00 PM.

For reservations or more information, please contact:
Tel: 02 344 8888

Celebrate Loy Krathong with us at Celadon, where each dish tells a story, and every moment becomes a cherished memory.

About Chef Rosarin Sriprathum
The Thai Chef, Rosarin Sriprathum is at the helm of the gourmet restaurant Celadon at The Sukhothai Bangkok hotel. She began her career as a chef at the age of only 20. Since childhood, she has been enthusiastic about the subtle complexity of Thai cuisine and draws on the secrets passed down by her forebears, themselves former chefs and pastry chefs, to infuse a bold touch of originality into traditional Thai food. She joined Celadon restaurant at The Sukhothai Bangkok, where her creativity brings character to Thailand’s finest traditional food; her dishes take guests’ taste buds on a journey from the North to the South of this exotic country.

About Celadon restaurant
Celadon embodies Thai elegance and sophistication. The restaurant draws inspiration from the Sukhothai era, after which the hotel is named. Associated with art and prosperity, its elegant pavilions overlook lush gardens with a lotus pond. The Celadon’s cuisine is recognised by the Michelin Guide and is an ode to the authentic flavours of Thailand. Each dish is served in celadon ceramics as a reference to the name of the restaurant and to Thai legends: celadon stoneware was once believed to have mystical powers, causing poisoned food to change colour. Celadon is regarded as one of the finest Thai restaurants in Bangkok.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

PATA signs MOU with International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)

 700 405 wttc2
By:

PATA signs MOU with International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) - TRAVELINDEXBangkok, Thailand, November 13, 2023 / TRAVELINDEX / The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), becoming dedicated partners in establishing meaningful connections between the two organisations.

The MOU was signed in conjunction with the 62nd ICCA Congress in Bangkok hosted by Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). This is the second time Thailand played host to the ICCA Congress, with the first time in 2007 in Pattaya. The agreement was signed on Sunday, November 12 by PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid and ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath in the presence of the President of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, PATA Chair Peter Semone and ICCA President Marta Gomes, on the first day of the ICCA Congress 2023 taking place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Our collaboration with ICCA underscores the unwavering commitment of both organizations to foster responsible and sustainable growth within the travel and tourism industry, not only in the Asia Pacific region but also on a global scale. This partnership holds great promise for the expansion of business opportunities in the region as there is important synergy between the travel and tourism industry and business events, as both relate to travel and economic impact for destination and industry players. We eagerly look forward to sharing valuable insights and best practices with them,” said PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid.

Under the MOU, both parties plan to create joint programme content designed to nurture the ‘Business Travel’ sector in the Asia Pacific region, emphasise sustainability in future activities and events, and begin cross-participation in flagship events between the Associations, among other priorities.

“ICCA is proud to sign this important MoU agreement with PATA which reinforces how closely linked our organisations are. We both share values around sustainability, education, legacy, and advocating for the global significance of international collaboration and partnership. Asia Pacific is an amazing place, culturally diverse and endlessly fascinating. It offers so much to the world in terms of travel and business. Yet it is the people here that are key to developing new opportunities, and ICCA salutes the collective energy, efficiency, and boundless desire to create unique event experiences for all,” said ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.

ICCA is a global community and knowledge hub for the international association – and governmental – meetings industry. Founded in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering data, education, communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities. Today, ICCA continues to advocate for the world of international meetings. The ICCA Association Community offers associations across the world education, connections, tools and resources to help them organise more effective and successful meetings.

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 an official office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org.

Source

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News