UNWTO Launches ‘TourismConnectsRural’ Digital Hub to Strengthen Rural Tourism Worldwide

(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has introduced the ‘TourismConnectsRural’ platform, the world’s largest digital hub dedicated to rural tourism communities. This platform aims to facilitate collaboration among the Best Tourism Villages in the UNWTO Network, connecting approximately 200 rural destinations from across the globe. ‘TourismConnectsRural’ enables villages to share experiences, knowledge,… Read the full press release

Let Your Star Sign Guide Your 2024 Travel Adventures with WeRoad’s Astrology-Based Recommendations

(IN SHORT) WeRoad, a group travel operator for millennials, has partnered with psychic and astrologer Inbaal Honigman to recommend travel destinations based on each star sign’s personality traits. Inbaal suggests ideal travel destinations for various star signs, considering their preferences and characteristics. For example, Aries may enjoy Mexico for its physical challenges, while Taurus might… Read the full press release

Qatar Airways Reveals 2024 Network Expansion, Including Venice Resumption and Hamburg Addition

(IN SHORT) Qatar Airways has unveiled its network expansion plans for 2024, offering travelers new and exciting destinations along with the resumption of services, all available for booking in advance of the New Year. The airline will recommence flights to Venice, Italy in June and introduce an exciting new route to Hamburg, Germany in July…. Read the full press release

UNWTO Concludes Gastronomy Tourism Project in Ubud, Indonesia, Aiming for Sustainable Culinary Excellence

(IN SHORT) The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has successfully completed the Gastronomy Tourism Project in Ubud, Indonesia. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, seeks to establish Ubud as a global center for sustainable gastronomy tourism. The project, initiated in 2018 but paused during the pandemic, resumed… Read the full press release

Arkansas Culinary Scene Takes Center Stage in New York Cinematic Showcase

(IN SHORT) Arkansas chefs and restaurants are set to be featured in a cinematic culinary experience called “A Southern Night at the Cinema” in New York on December 7. This event will showcase bite-sized stories highlighting Southern chefs and their favorite culinary spots, inviting filmgoers into the world of Southern cuisine. The film includes segments… Read the full press release

Over 10,000 Pledges Received for #TravelforTomorrow Initiative Promoting Conscious Travel

(IN SHORT) Travelzoo, a global internet media company, has reported that within the first 72 hours of its #TravelforTomorrow initiative launch, over 10,000 people have publicly pledged to become conscious travelers. The initiative encourages travelers worldwide to make personal pledges for conscious travel, which can include supporting local businesses, reducing single-use plastic, opting for public… Read the full press release

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tourism excellence across the Middle East: Winners Unveiled for World Travel Awards Middle East 2023 at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai

Dubai, UAE, 2023-Oct-17 — /Travel PR News/ — The finest travel, tourism and hospitality brands in the Middle East have been unveiled at a blockbuster gala ceremony at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai. Tourism royalty convened at Dubai’s hottest new resort for a spectacular evening to celebrate the winners of World Travel Awards 2023. Big winners… Read the full press release

AirAsia Announces 2024 Tourism Boost with FREE* Seats and Travel Discounts in Malaysia

Fly into Malaysia affordably with up to 50% off Flight + Hotel combo Travel with a peace of mind with 30% off Flight Delay Insurance and add-ons SEPANG, MALAYSIA, 2023-Oct-17 — /Travel PR News/ — AirAsia, the World’s Best Low Cost Airline, has reinforced its commitment to further stimulate the Malaysian tourism industry in 2024… Read the full press release

PATA Recognizes Outstanding Contributions to Asia Pacific Tourism

BANGKOK, THAILAND, 2023-Oct-15 — /Travel PR News/ — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has presented awards to two individuals in recognition for their contributions to the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region. The following awards were presented on Saturday, October 7 during the PATA Board Dinner and Awards Presentation hosted by… Read the full press release

Global Leaders Praise UNWTO’s Role in Guiding Tourism: 25th General Assembly Set to Address Key Challenges

Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-11 — /Travel PR News/ — With one week to go until the start of its 25th General Assembly, sector leaders have joined international organizations in commending UNWTO’s role in guiding tourism through crisis and into recovery and transformation. High-level delegates and Ministers from more than 150 countries are expected in Samarkand, Uzbekistan,… Read the full press release

Winston Duke Appointed UNWTO Ambassador for Responsible Tourism to Promote Global Philanthropy and Sustainable Travel

Madrid, Spain, 2023-Oct-08 — /Travel PR News/ — The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has announced the appointment of acclaimed actor Winston Duke as its newest Ambassador for Responsible Tourism. Recognized for his exceptional talent and commitment to global philanthropic efforts, Duke will advocate for sustainable tourism practices and raise awareness about the transformative power of… Read the full press release