UNWTO Startup Competition Seeks Innovators Shaping the Future of Hospitality and Business Models

(IN SHORT) The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is collaborating with Infecar (Feria de Gran Canaria) to identify entrepreneurs and startups at the forefront of reshaping the hotel industry and new business models. The UNWTO Startup Competition for Tourism Technologies and Solutions in Hotels and New Business Models is open to global startups and entrepreneurs, focusing… Read the full press release

UNWTO Seminar Advances International Code for the Protection of Tourists, Promoting Legal Framework for Tourism Sector

(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) hosted its inaugural legal seminar in Salamanca, Spain, focusing on the International Code for the Protection of Tourists. This landmark code, established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has garnered support from 22 countries and aims to provide legal certainty to the global tourism sector. During… Read the full press release

Historic Honours of Scotland Return to Edinburgh Castle After Extensive Conservation Efforts

Scotland’s ‘crown jewels’ have returned to display at Edinburgh Castle after conservation (IN SHORT) The Honours of Scotland, which include the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State and are among the oldest crown jewels in Europe, have been put on display at Edinburgh Castle following extensive conservation work. Experts from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) meticulously… Read the full press release

AirAsia Expands Services Between Malaysia and China/India in Response to Visa-Free Entry

AirAsia

In appreciation of the Malaysian government’s visa-free entry for travellers from China and India, AirAsia commits to a substantial expansion in capacity (IN SHORT) AirAsia has announced a significant increase in flights between Malaysia and China/India, totaling 230 weekly flights starting in the first quarter of 2024, with a capacity of up to 5.2 million… Read the full press release

Experience the Wild: Mara Bushtops Unveils High-Speed Webcam for 24/7 Wildlife Spectacle in Maasai Mara

Mara Bushtops wildlife webcam views with giraffes and antelope

(IN SHORT) Mara Bushtops, a unique safari camp located in the Maasai Mara, Kenya, has launched a new wildlife webcam featuring a natural salt lick that attracts a wide range of wildlife. The webcam provides a permanent live feed of the wildlife activity, including giraffes, warthogs, wildebeests, antelope, and more. The footage can be viewed… Read the full press release

North Texas Couple Completes Dream Purchase of Ouray’s Iconic Beaumont Hotel

AN AFFINITY FOR THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS, RICH HISTORY, AND FAMILY BONDS DRIVES NEW OWNERS’ VISION FOR MAJESTIC HOTEL. (IN SHORT) In 2023, North Texas residents Eliot and Tara Vancil fulfilled their dream of owning a piece of Colorado’s history by purchasing the Beaumont Hotel in Ouray. This beautifully restored three-story hotel, originally built in 1886,… Read the full press release

Winter Getaway: Explore the Charms of Argelès-Sur-Mer on the Mediterranean Coast

(IN SHORT) Argelès-Sur-Mer, a picturesque town located south of Perpignan on the Mediterranean coast, is promoting its winter offerings. The town’s mild climate and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for a winter getaway. Visitors can explore coastal trails, visit the park of Valmy castle, hike to the Massane Tower for panoramic views,… Read the full press release

Weeva Unveils Innovative AI Integration for Sustainable Travel Management at Phocuswright Conference

Phocuswright - CTO James Lever launches Weeva AI

(IN SHORT) Weeva, a leading sustainability management platform for travel and tourism businesses, announced the integration of generative AI capabilities at the Phocuswright Conference. The new AI features will guide businesses in their sustainability efforts, analyzing data and identifying opportunities for progress. Weeva aims to help companies meet the growing demand for sustainable options in… Read the full press release

Gloria Fluxà Appointed Vice-Chair of WTTC and Chair of Sustainability Committee, Taking the Helm from Darrell Wade

(IN SHORT) The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has named Gloria Fluxà, Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer of Iberostar Group, as its new Vice-Chair and Chair of the Sustainability Committee, succeeding Darrell Wade, Intrepid Group Co-founder and Chairman. Gloria Fluxà, who has held the position of Vice-Chairman and Chief Sustainability Officer at Iberostar Group… Read the full press release

Guanajuato, Mexico: Year-Round Summer Adventures Await Travelers

(IN SHORT) Guanajuato, a state in Mexico, offers a wide range of summer activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year. From wine tasting in its lush vineyards to exploring historic mines, visiting unique museums, enjoying outdoor adventures like white-water rafting, and relaxing on a man-made beach, Guanajuato provides an array of experiences. Travelers can… Read the full press release

PATA and ICCA Forge Partnership to Boost Business Travel and Sustainability in Asia Pacific

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their collaboration in promoting responsible and sustainable growth within the travel and tourism industry, both regionally and globally. The agreement, signed during the 62nd ICCA Congress hosted by the Thailand… Read the full press release

Embark on an Unforgettable Kenyan Adventure in 2024 with Cruzeiro Safaris

(IN SHORT) Cruzeiro Safaris Kenya, a premier tour and safari company with over 20 years of experience, is offering a wide range of attractions, tours, and safaris in Kenya for 2024. Travelers can explore the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of Kenya through top-notch booking services. The company’s experienced guides ensure unforgettable experiences, whether it’s… Read the full press release

Weeva Receives Global Responsible Tourism Award for Leading Climate Change Initiatives in Travel Industry

(IN SHORT) Weeva, a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform focused on sustainability in the travel and tourism industry, has been awarded the global Responsible Tourism Award for “Addressing Climate Change.” The award recognizes Weeva’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to help businesses in the travel sector address climate change through sustainable practices. (PRESS RELEASE)LONDON, United Kingdom,… Read the full press release

Maldives Promotes Sustainability and Atoll Diversity at Exclusive Media Meet During WTM London 2023

(IN SHORT) The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) hosted a highly-anticipated Maldives Media Meet at WTM London 2023. The event, led by CEO Thoyyib Mohamed, emphasized sustainability and the Maldives’ five-year marketing journey. Thoyyib highlighted the transformative shift in the country’s tourism sector and its alignment with the Maldives Fifth Tourism Master Plan… Read the full press release

Maldives Tourism Promotes Atoll Diversity with New Website Segment

(IN SHORT) The Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has launched a new section on its Visit Maldives website dedicated to showcasing the diverse atolls of the Maldives. The segment, available at “atolls.visitmaldives.com,” offers detailed information about different regions, starting with Addu Atoll and Fuvahmulah Atoll. With 26 atolls in the Maldives, this initiative… Read the full press release

Khiri Reach Receives 2023 Skal Sustainable Tourism Award for 16 Years of Community and Environmental Initiatives in Asia

Khiri Reach, the 16-year old charitable arm of Khiri Travel, wins in the Tour Operator-Travel Agent category   (IN SHORT) Khiri Reach, the charitable arm of Khiri Travel in Southeast Asia, has been awarded the 2023 Skal Sustainable Tourism Award in the tour operator category. The award recognizes Khiri Reach’s 16 years of community and… Read the full press release

Chicago’s 110th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to Brighten Millennium Park with Festive Performances and Holiday Activities

45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by De La Cruz Family (IN SHORT) The 110th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree, a 45-foot Colorado Blue Spruce donated by the De La Cruz family of Darien, IL, will be illuminated during the Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 17, 2023. The ceremony will include performances, emceed by Irika… Read the full press release

Albania to Shine as Official Host Country for ITB Berlin 2025, Boosting Tourism on a Global Stage

Albania and the World’s Leading Travel Trade Show announce close collaboration for ITB Berlin in 2025 (IN SHORT) Albania and ITB Berlin have announced a close collaboration for ITB Berlin in 2025. Albania will be the Official Host Country of ITB Berlin 2025, taking place from March 4 to 6, 2025, as a pure B2B… Read the full press release

7th UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism in La Rioja, Spain to Explore Sustainable Future and Innovation in Wine Tourism

(IN SHORT) The 7th UNWTO Global Conference on Wine Tourism, set to take place in La Rioja, Spain, from November 22-24, 2023, will focus on the future of sustainable wine tourism. Co-organized by UNWTO, the Government of La Rioja, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of Spain, the conference will address key themes… Read the full press release

South African Airways Expands Routes and Fleet for Enhanced Trade and Tourism

(IN SHORT) South African Airways (SAA) is marking a significant milestone in October as it launches its first intercontinental flight to Sao Paulo, Brazil, since its return to the skies two years ago. This development aligns with SAA’s strategy to re-establish itself as the nation’s proud flag bearer. The new Brazil route is expected to… Read the full press release

PATA and Visa Empower Southeast Asian Tourism SMEs with Finance and Digital Skills Workshops

(IN SHORT) The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has successfully concluded a series of finance and digital skills workshops for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector across Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, and the Philippines. In partnership with Visa, these workshops aimed to enhance the financial management and digital literacy of tourism businesses, especially… Read the full press release

UNWTO and PATA Collaborate to Promote Sustainable Tourism in Asia-Pacific Region

(IN SHORT) The 17th edition of the UNWTO-PATA Forum, held in Guilin, China, from October 26 to 27, 2023, reaffirmed the partnership between the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) to guide the sustainable development of tourism in the Asia-Pacific region. The forum, organized with co-hosts including the… Read the full press release

Khiri Travel Introduces Diverse Travel Experiences Across Southeast Asia: From Off-the-Beaten-Track Markets to Sundown Kayaking

  SOUTHEAST ASIA BASED DMC ADDS EXPERIENCES IN “SIGNATURE”, “SELECT”, “WOW!”, “PERSONALITY”, “SUNDOWNER” AND “PICNIC” CATEGORIES (IN SHORT) Khiri Travel, a destination management company based in Southeast Asia, has introduced new travel products across eight countries in the region. These travel experiences are categorized into six groups: Signature, Select, Personality, Sundowner, Picnic, and Wow!, offering… Read the full press release

Diamonds Resorts Triumphs in Kenya with Three Prestigious Awards at the 30th World Travel Awards

(IN SHORT) At the 30th World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in Dubai, Kenya was recognized as ‘Africa’s Leading Destination.’ Additionally, Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort in Diani received two awards, winning ‘Africa’s Leading Resort’ and ‘Kenya’s Leading Resort’ for 2023. Diamonds Dream of Africa in Malindi was voted ‘Africa’s… Read the full press release

Asia Pacific Tourism Shows Resilience with Strong Rebound in International Visitor Arrivals

BANGKOK, THAILAND, 2023-Oct-24 — /Travel PR News/ — After a series of annual contractions in international visitor arrivals (IVAs) in recent years, calendar year 2022 saw 44 destinations across the Asia Pacific region end with a collective annual gain of almost 124.2 million foreign arrivals, to return a collective inbound count of nearly 265.5 million,… Read the full press release

UNWTO General Assembly Convenes in Samarkand, Uzbekistan to Chart Future Course for Global Tourism

Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization has met for the 25th time in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. As its own data indicates that global tourism is on track to reach up to 95% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year, the Assembly brought sector leaders… Read the full press release

UNWTO Executive Council Approves Vision and Workplan for Transforming Tourism Sector

Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The Executive Council of the World Tourism Organization has analysed and approved its vision to transform the sector. Meeting for its 119th session, Members were also presented with the Organization’s Programme of Work for the past months, with a focus on core priorities as well as a… Read the full press release

UNWTO Global Investment Forum 2023: Charting the Path for Sustainable Tourism Investment

Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The “where, why, how and how much?” of tourism investments were the focus of high-level dialogues within the framework of the UNWTO General Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. With UNWTO data analyses making clear the vital need for both increasing levels of traditional and non-traditional investments in the… Read the full press release

UNWTO Unveils Best Tourism Villages 2023 Recognizing Rural Excellence

Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-21 — /Travel PR News/ — The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced its list of Best Tourism Villages 2023. The accolate recogonizes villages that are leading in nurturing rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values, and culinary traditions. In this third edition 54 villages from all regions were selected from… Read the full press release

2023 Global Wellness Summit to be held in Miami

Global Wellness Summit, Spas of America

Miami, USA, 2023-Oct-17 — /Travel PR News/ —The 2023 Global Wellness Summit is on the horizon and will be held in Miami, Florida, at the Grand Hyatt from November 6th to 9th. This isn’t just any event; it’s a global gathering of thought leaders and innovators looking to positively impact the $4.4 trillion wellness industry…. Read the full press release