MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine the global monthly online magazine since 1997
vol. 24, issue 12, December 2021
Venice, Italy
The World's Newest Republic… THE REPUBLIC OF BARBADOS No More "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN" in Announcements CHINA’s Best Tourism Villages 2021 UAE Changes Weekend To Saturday-Sunday From January 2022 COVID-19 To Cost Global Tourism Trillions A Theatrical Musical Like No Other… BACK TO THE FUTURE GUAYAQUIL, is an International Meeting Tourism Destination
MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine Volume 24, Issue 12, December 2021 edition – Online since 1997
Contents 6 Message from the Editor 8-12 The World's Newest Republic THE REPUBLIC OF BARBADOS 15 No More "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN" in Announcements 15 One Airport Three Countries
8-12 Barbados
19 Biggest Ever DUBAI AIRSHOW 21-23 CHINA’s Best Tourism Villages 2021… 26 UAE Changes Weekend To SaturdaySunday From January 2022 26 COVID-19 To Cost Global Tourism Trillions 27 Here We Go Again! Who Caution Against Travel As… 27 UNWTO Looks to the Future with Europe’s Tourism Ministers 28 VIETNAM Partially Reopens to Vaccinated Travelers
21-23 China’s Best Villages
29 EASTER ISLAND Not Reopening Until February 31 Positive Economic Recovery for THAILAND… 32 Naypyitaw’s KEMPINSKI Hotel Closes 34-36 A Theatrical Musical Like No Other…BACK TO THE FUTURE 39 Success at the 8th AITE Exhibition… 40 The Industry Re-Unites at IBTM World Barcelona 2021
34-36 The Musical
44 GUAYAQUIL, is an International Meeting Tourism Destination Cover page photo, Christmas tree, Athens, Greece
Message from
Caroline-Artemis That’s 2021 almost finished! Where did the year go! Welcome to the last edition of the e-Magazine for 2021. Most of us are hoping with fingers crossed that Christmas and New Year will be more normal this year after many of us were placed in lockdown over the festive season in 2020. With the new variant spreading rapidly it feels like a race against time to get to Christmas before Omicron shuts us all in again. This new variant has yet again caused disruption to travel plans and hesitation by travellers about the risk of travelling anywhere for whatever reason and then a change in travel restrictions risks in being stuck in a destination, unable to return home. We all believed if we got vaccinated we could be ‘free’ and able to travel again. That was a short lived freedom, with still pointless tests and endless forms causing huge stress before you even leave the front door.
Now with mandatory vaccines being implemented and non-vaccinated people being limited in many activities, our way of life is far from ‘normal’ and will remain so for some time to come, untill the new norm becomes ‘normal’. However at this time of year, one thing still remains the same, our natural human desire to reach out to friends and family and to wish them the best of season’s greetings and hope for peace on earth and good will to all men, with the Blessing of Our Lord Jesus. On that note, the whole team at MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year 2022! May you all be blessed – Enjoy the December MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine edition! Caroline-Artemis Laspas co-founder & editor
THE REPUBLIC OF BARBADOS The World's Newest Republic by Dimitri Laspas
The tiny Caribbean nation of Barbados has just become a republic and has removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. The special handover ceremony was attended by HRH Prince Charles on behalf of his mother, The Queen, on the country’s Independence Day, which it had taken from the United Kingdom 55 years earlier. Back then, it had chosen to keep Her Majesty as a ceremonial Head of State and it remained, as now, a strong member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Almost 400 years after the first English ship arrived on its shores, the former British colony is now the world’s newest Republic. It was one of England's first slave colonies. English settlers arrived on the island in 1627 and under British rule it became a sugar plantation economy using enslaved people brought in from Africa. Slavery was abolished in Barbados in 1834 and the country became fully independent in 1966. The Parliament, Barbados
The country’s new president, Dame Sandra Mason has been the island's governor-general since 2018 and was named as president-elect of the nation following a vote in parliament last month. She now replaces the Queen as the head of state. Queen Elizabeth is still Queen of 15 other realms around the world including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Jamaica. The last nation to remove the Queen as head of state was Mauritius in 1992. The Prince of Wales witnessed the official changeover of power, with a final salute to the British monarchy and the Royal Standard flag being lowered and replaced with the Barbados Flag. HRH gave a speech in which he said “From the darkest days of our past and the appalling atrocity of slavery which forever stains our history, people of this island forged their path with extraordinary fortitude.” He continued that the creation of the republic "offers a new beginning,” while his mother sent the island her "warmest good wishes". For Barbados this new global position, ends Britain's centuries of influence, as well as over 200 years when the island was a hub for the transatlantic slave trade. Prince Charles reiterated the continuing strong ties between the two nations despite the constitutional change. He was subsequently awarded the prestigious ‘Order of Freedom of Barbados’ by the new president. Barbados is well known as a characteristic Caribbean Island with white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. With a population of under 300,000, Barbados is still one of the most populated and prosperous Caribbean islands. With a history that once saw it as one of the world’s biggest sugar export nations; its economy relies hugely on tourism. Barbados offers not only world class sun kissed beaches, but has rich lush landscapes, an ideal year round climate and of course is also famous for its Rum!
Bridgetown, Barbados
In 2011 the capital of Barbados, Bridgetown and its garrison became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has always been a major port for the shipment of goods, sugar, and slaves back in the British Atlantic World. Barbados was the first port of call for ships making the trans-Atlantic crossing. Bridgetown today is still the islands business and commercial hub. Visitors can explore the streets and malls, as well as soak up the Caribbean charm, visit museums and attractions. The island offers many activities and places to see and things to do, including an experience onboard the Atlantis Submarine, viewing through large porthole windows exotic fish, coral and shipwrecks. Any visit to Barbados is not complete without a visit and taste of the golden nectar… Rum! Barbados and rum go back to 1703 with the birth of the oldest rum distillery on the island and in the world. There are several tour options to discover the story of Rum and the island.
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Today the Andrew's Sugar Factory is the largest working sugar factory on the island and Barbados is renowned for producing some of the highest quality sugar in the world. To really appreciate the scenery, head to Cherry Tree Hill and admire the most spectacular views over the island. There are stories to be told all over Barbados, every meal is not just a meal, but a celebration, and every day offers new experiences, discoveries and memories. Barbados used to be considered a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ trip, but it’s not surprising that once is never enough and many return to this most unique Caribbean nation….. …. The Republic of Barbados
Aviation, Airlines, Transportation & Travel News
NO MORE "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN" IN ANNOUNCEMENTS Passengers on board a British Airways flights will no longer hear ‘ladies and gentlemen’ in announcements. Pilots and flight attendants will use a ‘flat neutral gender’ greeting instead! The announcements made on board any aircraft are to "reflect the diversity" of those who travel by air. The British airline is not alone in this new procedure as other airlines like Lufthansa, EasyJet and Air Canada as well as more and more institutions are beginning to use gender neutral references. Air Malta use phrases such as "Attention, all passengers!" rather than traditional terms.
JAPAN SUSPENDS RESERVATIONS ON INCOMING FLIGHTS Japan yet again tightens its border controls against a new coronavirus variant by limiting international airlines making reservations until the end of December. Those who already have reservations will not be affected, although flights may be cancelled if there are insufficient passengers. Japan has banned all foreign visitors as an emergency precaution against the new variant, while incoming Japanese citizens are required to quarantine for up to 14 days upon arrival.
NEW COLOMBIAN AIRLINE – SARPA Sarpa will make its inaugural flight on 15 December and reservations are being made with full confidence. The routes already open for reservations are: Rionegro - Aruba, Barranquilla - Aruba, Rionegro - Pasto, Rionegro - Valledupar, Rionegro - Riohacha, Rionegro Villavicencio, Rionegro - Curazao, Cali - Valledupar and Cali -Riohacha. Sarpa has authorisation from the Civil Aeronautics for a total of 21 additional routes to begin.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES LAUNCHES FLIGHT PASS Singapore Airlines has launched Flight Pass, a new product that allows customers to make advance purchases of discounted airline ticket packages that can be used for future bookings. The Flight Pass will initially be offered on services between Singapore and France, Italy, the Netherlands, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom. This includes quarantine-free Vaccinated Travel Lane, VTL flights from these destinations to Singapore. The Flight Pass will be progressively extended to other destinations offered by Singapore Airlines. Passengers can therefore pay for discounted airfares on various flights and decide travel dates at their convenience, subject to seat availability.
ONE AIRPORT THREE COUNTRIES Most countries have at least one airport to serve its population, even some of the smallest nations in the world. However, there is an airport that services more than one country; Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg airport services 3 different countries - Switzerland (Basel), France (Mulhouse) and Germany (Freiburg). Its official code is BSL as it is closest to the city of Basal. As the majority of the airport sits on French soil, airport security is handled by the French authorities. Transactions in the French part of the terminal are made in euros, while transactions in the Swiss section are made in Swiss francs. Travelling around the airport and across the ‘borders’ is permitted and no passport control operates.
UMBRIA AIRPORT RELAUNCH IN 2022 The regional Italian airport aims to relaunch in 2022 and reach 300,000 passengers which would be an all-time record. In 2023 and 2024 the goal is to reach 500,000 passengers, the maximum that the San Francesco di Assisi airport can allow. A plan of 16 routes starting from the spring will connect Umbria to European cities, to all of southern Italy, including Puglia and Sardinia, to 2 international hubs such as Munich and London. A strategic plan includes road and rail connections as a vital part to the successful relaunch.
THE WORLD'S LARGEST SUPER-YACHT Taking to the seas has taken on a new meaning! This 221m long yacht has cost UK£447 million to build and will have 39 apartments for sale at UK£8.2million each. The Somnio, which means ‘dream’ in latin offers each of the 39 apartments with a private balcony or terrace and decorated to the tailor-made needs of each buyer. The beds are shell-shaped and each has a large living room with sea views as well as mirror covered walls. Measuring from 150sq.m to 600sq.m some apartments can include a gym, library, cloakroom or outside dining! Owners will have access to a cellar with 10,000 bottles of wine, a spa, a cinema and restaurants. Each year a communal fee will cover the expenses including maintenance of the yacht, food and fuel.
CZECH AIRLINES EXPANDS NETWORK TO 15 DESTINATIONS Czech Airlines, CSA, is to substantially expand its operations next summer season with flights from Prague to 15 destinations in 14 countries. Many are flights it had stopped due to the pandemic. In summer 2022, CSA will fly from Prague to Brussels, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Bucharest, Malta and Iceland and will restart regular flights between Prague and Sofia, Bulgaria, which it has not flown to for over a decade. The airline will continue to operate its regular flights to Paris, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Moscow and Kiev. As part of its winter schedule, CSA operates flights to Paris (daily), Stockholm (twice a week), Copenhagen (two daily flights), Moscow (thrice weekly) and Kiev (daily).
THREE NEW AIR ROUTES IN ECUADOR Ecuador will have 3 new air routes, operated by Avianca, that will connect the country internally and with the rest of the world. Two of the routes start from Guayaquil, one heading for New York, and beginning in December and the other bound for Lima, Peru, starting in January 2022. An additional route from January will see a flight between Quito and El Coca in the Amazon.
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FIVE PURCHASES THE FIRST AIRBUS ACJ TWOTWENTY FROM COMLUX FIVE, the Dubai-based Group have purchased the first ACJ TwoTwenty from the Comlux Group in Switzerland. Comlux Completion will build the interior of the VIP cabin among the multiple cabin arrangements and options that the ACJ TwoTwenty offers. The FIVE ACJ TwoTwenty equipped with Pratt & Witney engines is a dare-to-be-different jet providing among its matchless features - 16 seats, a dining table for 8 passengers, a Master Suite with a King-sized bed and shower, electro-chromatic window shades and full LED lighting, a fully equipped kitchen, non-stop streaming high-speed connectivity and two ultra-large 55” screens. This is state of the art flying that can last up to 12 hours non-stop with a full crew on board. FIVE aims to be able to provide its loyal customer base with a unique journey with FIVE Flair that blends its signature awardwinning gourmet cuisine from home-grown venues such as The Penthouse, Maiden Shanghai, Cinque and Soul Street along with music from FIVE’s famed and popular in-house DJs and a world-renowned level of guest services amidst a sumptuous, tailor-made setting in the skies. FIVE has selected Comlux Aviation to operate commercially their ACJ TwoTwenty in partnership through an exclusive charter agreement under Comlux AOC in Malta. The aircraft registered 9H-FIVE, to be pronounced “Nine-Hotel-FIVE” will enter into service as soon as early 2023.
AKASA AIR - NEW INDIAN AIRLINE Akasa Air, a new airline will launch commercial flights next summer (2022). Flying with the new 737 MAX aircraft will support AKASA Air’s goal of running not only a profitable, reliable and affordable airline, but also an environmentally friendly company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the skies of India. India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world and has seen strong recovery and growth in air travel. Akasa Air's primary goal is to help fuel the growth of India by promoting and democratising air travel by creating an inclusive environment for all Indians regardless of their socio -economic or cultural background.
BIGGEST EVER DUBAI AIRSHOW Dubai Airshow 2021 was officially the biggest edition of the event since it first began in 1989, with an incredible UK£59 billion worth of deals announced. The event welcomed more than 104,000 attendees and witnessed a 50% increase in trade visitors which included global senior executives from 148 countries. The Airshow was bigger than the pre-pandemic 2019 edition in terms of visitor numbers and deals concluded. It was also a significant milestone for the defence and space sectors which saw a range of deals and agreements declared. Some of the notable deals which took place during the event included Airbus who announced orders and commitments totalling 408 aircraft (269 firm orders and 139 commitments). The agreements covered the full range of commercial aircraft families, including a first commitment for the A350F freighter derivative. Airbus launched its latest global market forecast outlining progressively shifting demand from fleet growth to accelerated retirement of older, less fuel-efficient aircraft resulting in a need for some 39,000 new-build passenger and freighter aircraft. Of these, 15,250 aircraft (around 40%) are for replacements. Boeing announced an order of 72 of its 737 Max from new Indian airline Akasa Air. It also announced orders for 11 of its 737-800BCF cargo planes from aircraft leasing company Icelease, 9 converted 767-300BCF freighters from DHL, and orders for 2 of its long-range 777F freighters from Emirates SkyCargo. Boeing received 4 orders of passenger planes and freighters from Air Tanzania and 3 of its widebody 777-300 passenger jets from UAE-based aviation services provider Sky One FZE. The UAE’s Ministry of Defence signed UK£4.6 billion worth of contracts with European, American and Asian contractors and suppliers at the Airshow.
Dubai Airshow and the UAE Space Agency signed a MoU to collaborate to further position Dubai Airshow as a key platform for companies and investors in the space sector. For the first time, MICE & TOURISM around the World attended the event with huge success and looks forward to developing future collaborations with the many contacts made during the show across the commercial aviation and space sectors.
CHINA TO SUBSIDIES SMALL AIRPORTS
Inner Mongolia International Airport
In order to continue the smooth operation of smaller regional airports, China will implement support subsidies for small and medium-sized civil airports with an annual passenger throughput of less than 2 million, as part of its public infrastructure policy. The support policies and subsidies will help ensure their safe, smooth and continuous operation, of the airports in remote an d border regions with inconvenient transportation. Small and medium-sized airports are essential and help facilitate travel, sustain economic growth and provide emergency rescue. However, being smaller they often struggle to run profitably.
UNITED KINGDOM UNVEILS HYDROGEN-POWERED JET WITH NO EMISSION A UK-backed research group has unveiled a liquid hydrogen-powered airliner that theoretically would be capable of matching the performance of current midsize aircraft without producing carbon emissions. The FlyZero concept sees a plane carrying 279 passenger’s non-stop from London to San Francisco at the same speed and comfort as today. Hydrogen propulsion is one of the most promising technologies for achieving carbonneutral commercial aviation, but it is expensive, and will take years to develop the planes and to build the infrastructure required like airport refuelling capacity. The UK, which hosted the COP26 climate summit last month, is funding new technologies to help create aerospace jobs while meeting its climate targets.
Hydrogen aircraft expect to be operating from the mid-2030s offering better economics than conventional planes. By early next year, the FlyZero project will publish detailed concepts for regional, narrow-body and midsize aircraft, with technology roadmaps, market and economic reports and a sustainability assessment. In the meantime, the aviation industry is focusing on ‘sustainable fuel’; a blend of kerosene that powers current aircraft, and battery powered flight, which is limited to smaller craft like air taxis because of battery weight restrictions. The aviation industry is under pressure to rapidly cut missions even with new technologies being years away.
CHINA’s BEST TOURISM VILLAGES 2021 by Hong Liang Tee
Two villages in eastern China; Xidi and Yucun, have been highlighted by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in the list of ‘Best Tourism Villages 2021’ as the best examples of villages in the world that embrace tourism, provide opportunities and promote sustainable development.
The village of Yucun, located in Anji County, Zhejiang Province, boasts clear waters and green mountains. It was once a highly polluted mining town. Today, it has become a popular tourism destination by improving its environment. In 2017, it welcomed 400,000 domestic and international visitors and was awarded the title of ‘National Ecological Cultural Village’. Xidi Village, in Anhui Province, has a 1,000 year old history. It is surrounded by mountains and known for its black-tiled-roof wooden houses and decorative gate towers. It is among China's Top 10 Historical and Cultural settlements and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000. It was named a national 5A scenic spot, the highest rating in the country. The "Best Tourism Villages" initiative aims to promote the role of tourism in protecting rural villages, along with their landscape, natural and cultural diversity, local values and activities, including local gastronomy. This year, 44 villages out of 174 candidates from 32 countries were highlighted with the award.
TOURISM News Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania
UAE CHANGES WEEKEND TO SATURDAY-SUNDAY FROM JANUARY 2022
The United Arab Emirates will change its weekend to become Saturday and Sunday to be more in line with the rest of the world. The UAE will adopt a 4 and a half day working week, with Friday - a holy day in Islam - being a half day, from Jan 1 2022. The UAE and the rest of the Gulf countries currently have a Sunday-Thursday working week.
COVID-19 TO COST GLOBAL TOURISM TRILLIONS The UNWTO estimate that the pandemic will cost the global tourism sector UK£1.5 trillion in lost revenue in 2021, with a slow and fragile recovery expected. The forecast comes as many countries around the world begin to see more and more cases of the new variant ‘Omicron’ spread rapidly resulting in even more uncertainty in the coming weeks and months. Despite travel taking place it is still between 70-75% lower than in 2019. 2022 will still be uncertain and the medium-term outlook is not encouraging, with a clearer picture expected by 2024leading into 2025 for more normality/stability. Already some countries have closed borders and reinstated restrictions in a bid to stop the new variant from spreading; however this is being seen as ‘closing the gate after the horse has bolted!’
FIJI REOPENS TO FOREIGNERS With 90% of all Fijian adults now fully vaccinated, the Pacific Island reopened its border to tourists from a small number of countries. This move aims to revive the tourism industry it so heavily relies on. Paris, France
Fiji shut its border to all foreign nationals in March 2020 to curb the spread of Covid-19 in a desperate bid to stop its limited medical facilities being overrun.
Tourists arriving will have to stay 3 nights in an approved resort and undergo rapid testing. They can move around designated areas, including bars and restaurants within the hotels, while they can embark on some day trips and activities. Although limited, the resumption of tourism is a boost to many of the island nation's 1 million people. Tourism accounts for 40% of Fiji's economy and the border closure saw an estimated 10% of the population unemployed.
HERE WE GO AGAIN! WHO CAUTION AGAINST TRAVEL AS OMICRON VARIANT SPREADS The World Health Organisation has stated that blanket travel bans will not prevent the spread of the new Omicron variant, as many countries begin to close their borders and tighten entry policies in a bid to limit the spread of the new Covid-19 variant. Dozens of countries around the world have implemented new measures and many are now registering cases, meaning the spread will continue as the days and weeks go on.
ELITES SPACE TOURISM IN 2021 From 2001 to 2009 Roscosmos and Space Adventures collaborated to send 7 wealthy entrepreneurs into space. By 2021, billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos together with Richard Branson are racing to begin commercial space tourism for those who can afford it! The age of space tourism is here and while most of us are still trying to keep our business and jobs coming out of the pandemic, the super-rich play their super-rich games to compete with each other. In addition, nations are racing to get new moon landings and China is now rapidly building its own space station to compete with the ISS. The space sector is experiencing a revolution, 2021 has definitely been the year that changed space travel for nonastronauts. Space tourism is now a reality and not just an idea.
BEIJING WINTER OLYMPICS BRINGS WORLD TOGETHER The Beijing Winter Olympics will play a pivotal role in bringing the world together. China's commitment to hosting the Winter Olympics in a green, sharing and open manner has set a good example for the world and should be greatly appreciated, as it provides a platform for people from diverse backgrounds to participate. By carrying forward the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger, Together", China has sent a positive message to the world, and the 2022 Games would be a source of joy for people, especially during times of a pandemic. Athletes from all around the world are excited and looking forward to participating in the mega sports event. With the vision of involving 300 million people in winter sports, China has contributed a lot to popularising winter sports and created huge opportunities for not only Chinese people but also entrepreneurs around the world to invest in various industries, including sports, tourism and media.
UNWTO LOOKS TO THE FUTURE WITH EUROPE’S TOURISM MINISTERS The UNWTO has met with the European countries’ tourism Ministers to further strengthening ties building on the work done prior to the pandemic. The tourism sector has heightened relevance and importance for an inclusive, post-pandemic recovery. The UNWTO Secretary-General commended European leaders for protecting tourism jobs and businesses, and for playing a leading role in restoring confidence in international travel through harmonised rules and protocols and the introduction of the EU Digital COVID Certificate. UNWTO also gave EU Ministers an overview of its work in leading the sector’s response to the crisis, as well as more recent achievements advancing tourism’s climate action. After the informal meeting of EU Ministers Responsible for Tourism and UNWTO took part in the 20th European Tourism Forum.
TOURISM BRINGS CLOSER TIES BETWEEN GREECE AND TURKEY For the first time in ten years, the 9th Turkey-Greece Tourism Forum and the 4th Joint Tourism Committee were held in Izmir with the participation of the Tourism Ministers of the 2 countries. The Greek Minister of Tourism stressed that "we live in sensitive times and times, sometimes difficult, but we must all agree that tourism, travel is the context in which we can and will be able to work even better and we should cooperate". Mr. Kikilias expressed the desire to reduce bureaucracy - with respect to health protocols - to facilitate travel from Turkey to Greece and vice versa. "Visitors from Turkey are welcome, quality tourists and we want to boost the tourist flow from Turkey," he said. The Minister of Culture and Tourism of Turkey, Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, stressed that cooperation in the field of tourism is important, as it contributes positively to relations. Mr. Ersoy referred to the importance of the temporary visa that facilitates Turkish citizens for their visits to the Greek islands and expressed the desire to extend it to the land borders. He also referred to the desire to increase shipping and air connections between the two countries.
VIETNAM PARTIALLY REOPENS TO VACCINATED TRAVELERS Hoi An town
Vietnam has begun welcoming fully vaccinated foreign travellers from select countries in 5 provinces, with other destinations expected to be able to reopen by the end of the year. Travellers are required to stay at designated resorts, book tour packages with designated agencies, and have travel and medical insurance. The province of Khanh Hoa, on the southcentral coast; the southern resort island of Phu Quoc and Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the central coast, are the first to receive international visitors. The provinces of Kien Giang in the southern Mekong Delta and Quang Ninh in the northeast have also received government approval to restart international tourism. A total of 15 five-star properties in Phu Quoc have been allocated to receive international guests. 7 will be selected for the 1st phase of the vaccine passport programme running from November 20 to March 20, 2022, with the remaining 8 being added for the 2nd phase. Phu Quoc's designated resorts include Movenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc and Movenpick Villa and Residences Phu Quoc. In Hoi An, famous for its Ancient Town, 3 five-star resorts to receive foreign guests, including Hoiana Integrated Resort. This month Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is expected to reopen. This is positive news, but regular international flights to the country may resume from the 3rd quarter of 2022.
TOURISM BACK IN FLORIDA Florida, USA
Around 32.5 million tourists arrived in Florida, USA between July and September 2021, slightly higher than the registered number in the same period of 2019. Domestic tourism has been a positive sector seeing increases of 7% compared to the same period in 2019, helping to boost arrival numbers.
GERMANY ‘FUEL TOURISM’ SEES TREND IN AUSTRIA AND CZECH REPUBLIC Austria and the Czech Republic which borders with Germany have much lower fuel taxes. This has led to a unique kind of niche tourism being called ‘Fuel Tourism’, which sees people living closer to the borders of Austria and Czech Republic, take the trip across the border to fill up their car as it is far cheaper. The difference in price is approx. UK£0.17 per litre for diesel and about UK£0.04 for super gasoline.
DUBAI MERGES TOURISM AND ECONOMY DEPARTMENTS UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has merged the Dubai Economy and Dubai Tourism into one entity under the name ‘Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism’. Helal Al Marri has been appointed as Director General of the newly formed Department. The move aims to enhance efficiency and resilience in order to keep pace with rapid changes, while ensuring the competitiveness of the business and tourism sectors in Dubai. The Department is tasked with meeting 7 targets to further strengthen Dubai’s leading position in tourism and economy and make it the world’s best city to live in and work. These include increasing the added value of the industrial sector by 150% in the next 5 years, expanding export markets for local products by 50% and increasing the number of tourists coming to Dubai by 40% to 25 million visitors by 2025. It is also tasked with making Dubai one of the top 5 global cities in the main economic indicators, attracting 100,000 companies in 3 years as well as 400 global economic events annually by 2025. The new entity is also tasked with encouraging private and family-owned businesses to get listed on Dubai bourse. The Department of Economy and Tourism will also work to promote Dubai’s competitiveness in attracting foreign investments, increase exports, support SMEs, and develop new plans for Dubai’s new economic sectors.
EASTER ISLAND NOT REOPENING UNTIL FEBRUARY The Moai, Easter island, Chile
Easter Island, located 3,700km off the coast of Chile, will not be reopening to tourism until February 2022, making it 2 years without tourists due to the pandemic. LATAM flights will resume in February, operating between Santiago de Chile and the island. Travellers will have to carry a valid vaccination pass, in addition to undergoing a PCR test, taken at most 48 hours before boarding.
CUBA TOURISM TO REACTIVATE
The first tourists have begun to arrive back into Cuba, which relies heavily on tourism for its economy. Infection rates have dropped significantly across the country giving hope for a restart to tourism. Cuba has been closed for almost 2 years and is now keen to get back onto the world tourism stage.
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OPEN US BORDER BRINGS HOPE TO EUROPEAN TRAVEL INDUSTRY With US borders now reopened, the European tourism sector is feeling positive about further recovery following the pandemic. Transatlantic travel is one of the most expensive routes in the world, providing good earning for airlines on the route before the health crisis. Increases in ticket sales have increase hugely now that borders are open but are not close to pre-pandemic levels yet. Passengers entering the US still have to provide evidence of full vaccination. In short it is a new beginning but not business as usual. The tourism industry lost US$6 trillion as a result of the pandemic and that is with the help from governments to bailout and support national airlines etc. The US supported its aviation sector with UK£45 billion, while Germany’s TUI borrowed UK£3.65 billion from the government. Other companies were forced to lay off staff; booking platform Expedia let go of 3,000 staff, British Airways cut staff by a third, and the Hilton hotel chain laid off 2,100 people and owed UK£3.3 billion. Recover is not expected until 2024 if nothing else happens in the meantime. What is more likely is new mergers of airlines and other tourism companies in a bid to remain in business as they ride this continuing wave.
NEW STRICT RULES FOR TRAVEL TO JAPAN In a bid to contain the new Omicron variant, Japan has tightened border restrictions. A total ban on the entry to Japan of all foreigners, including those with resident status, from Angola, South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia, including those with medium or long-term visas in the Asian country. Japan has a current list of 27 countries in which cases of omicron variant have been detected, on Whose travellers will require special quarantine measures upon arrival.
POSITIVE ECONOMIC RECOVERY FOR THAILAND AS TOURISM SECTOR REOPENS The Thai economy aims to expand by as much as 1.2% this year now that the tourism sector has reopened. By reopening to vaccinated visitors will boost economic activities in Q4. It is forecast that 2022 growth could reach 4.5%. The Southeast Asian nation, popular among tourists for its Bangkok nightlife and beach resorts along the Coast of Andaman Sea, has seen a decline in Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations as vaccination rates rise. Thailand plans to add more nations to its current list of 63 territories eligible for quarantine-free travel from December to boost the tourism-reliant economy.
SHARJAH EXPLORES CULTURAL TOURISM WITH FRANCE
Sharjah, UAE
MahaNakhon tower, Bangkok, Thailand
High ranking officials from both France and Sharjah met recently to explore ways to strengthen collaboration between Sharjah and French cities in the field of cultural tourism and creative industries. The aim would be to strengthen cultural relationships between Sharjah and cities around the world that champion knowledge and creativity helping to form the basis of the emirate’s efforts towards achieving the goals of its cultural project. France’s experience in supporting the development of art, literature and culture is exemplary and so Sharjah wishes to explore opportunities with French cities that will lead to beneficial collaborations in cultural tourism and the creative industries.
VENICE LANDMARK STILL NOT PROTECTED Two years ago the decision was made to protect the historic Basilica Church in St. Mark’s Square with a glass barrier. Till today nothing has been done. With frequent floods turning the square into a lake, damage to buildings is constant.
The strong tides enter the city of the Doges causing real floods and which are happening more and more often because of climate change which is raising sea levels. In 2020 St. Mark’s flooded every 3rd day and it was even flooded in June, which had never happened in the summer in over 1,000 years. Due to the low lying position, it does not take a very high rise in water level to cause flooding.
NAYPYITAW’S KEMPINSKI HOTEL CLOSES The luxury Kempinski Hotel in Naypyitaw closed down last week as a result of both the pandemic and the military coup. The Swiss-owned 5-star establishment had 141 rooms and had hosted international government officials, ambassadors and business travellers since it opened in 2014.
Numerous international companies have left Myanmar since the military’s seizure of power this year. There has been a huge decline in tourists. Some hotels are staying afloat by catering to local travellers and long-stay guests, but with high overheads for major international hotel chains that depend on foreign visitors has resulted in their permanent closure. International tourists have been banned from the country since March last year. In September 225 out of the 483 hotels in Yangon have shut down. Among them is the Sule Shangri-La, formerly known as the Traders Hotel. The Sedona Hotel on Kabar Aye Pagoda road remains open to long-stay guests but no longer accepts new guests or serves meals at its restaurant.
EL SALVADOR MORE FLEXIBLE ENTRY Santa Ana Volcano
The El Salvador government has made entry into the country more flexible by eliminating the sanitary requirements Instead, a risk-based approach will be operating to facilitate international travel called 'Regulatory Considerations Relating to the Application of a Risk-Based Approach to International Travel in the Context of Covid-19'. El Salvador has always been highlighted as a safe destination to travel to and has been a benchmark country for the proper management of the pandemic due to its successful strategies.
KUWAIT TOURISM VISAS NOW ONLINE Kuwait has begun to issue tourism visas to citizens of more than 50 countries and certain professionals residing in the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), via its new online platform. This visa was previously issued upon arrival at the Kuwait airport. Now, tourism visas to Kuwait via the website of the Interior Ministry to citizens of 53 countries including the US, the UK, Germany, Spain, Australia, Norway, Turkey, China, Canada, South Korea, France, Malaysia and the Netherlands, can be issued online. Residents in the GCC countries who do certain jobs are also entitled to obtain these visas; doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, engineers, judges, prosecutors, university teachers, media people, pilots, system analysts, software programmers, managers, businesspeople, diplomats, corporate owners and representatives as well as holders of the Saudi premium residency permits.
A Theatrical Musical Like No Other by Caroline-Artemis Laspas
With the curtains back up in London’s West End, there are a wide range of spectacular plays, musicals, and performances to see. Indeed, I have learnt that if it’s on at the West End, you will be in for a treat, even if you think it may not be to your taste. Shows do not get to London’s theatre land without being 5*! So, when I saw the latest London West-end show playing at the Adelphi Theatre was a musical version of the 1980’s film ‘BACK TO THE FUTURE’, I really thought; How can you successfully make a musical out of this film? … I was wrong, you can... it was amazing! Without doubt, this stage production has truly broken the mould of west end theatre. An iconic film from the 1980’s, saw the eccentric scientist ‘Doc’ Emmett Brown invent a time travelling car by retrofitting a DMC DeLorean with a flux capacitor. When the course of history is accidentally changed, it becomes a race against time for his young friend, Marty McFly to go….back to the future.
From the beginning, the stage surround set was innovative and extended out from the stage and into the auditorium. It was the internal motherboard of a computer complete with lights and bleeps. The theatre bar is decorated with the Doc’s equations and drawings and the famous huge town hall clock face is there so you c an take photos in front of it. There are also behind the scenes photos from the original film set around the bar area too. Once it was curtains up, it was a night of nonstop song, dance and spectacular stage effects. The number of stage set changes was incredible; the sets themselves were simple and very effective. The songs and dances were beautifully choreographed and the costumes spanned from the 1980s with leg warmers and perm-hairstyles to the flared dresses of the 1950’s with every detail of the era included. All the actors in the cast were superb and Marty, played by Olly Dobson had the same excitable bouncy nature that Michael J Fox had in the film. The Doc was played by Tony Award winner, Roger Bart who added additional comedy to the proceedings. The special effects were the most amazing aspect of the show – you had to remind yourself you were not watching a screen but live theatre.
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The speeding car effects were very clever and effective truly giving the impression that the car was moving at 88mph (the speed required for time travel to take place!). It is rare that I have been in a theatre and seen the audience erupt with applause at such effects. However, the crème de la crème of effects was at the end of the show when the Doc and Marty both go back to the future and the DeLorean is lifted off the stage and then extends out over the auditorium – I have never seen anything like it on stage!
This show is worth seeing just for the special effects, but you will not be disappointed with your evening out. So next time you are in London head for a night out in the Westend! And don’t forget, group bookings are also available for m ost events and a trip to the theatre is a great incentive for staff and clients. From start to finish this show is fun, with heart and soul and by the end of it you will truly believe that a car can fly!
M.I.C.E & Events News Meetings, Incentives, Conferences , Exhibitions, Venues & Events
SUCCESS AT THE 8TH ATHENS INTERNATIONAL TOURISM & CULTURE EXPO 2021 The 8th Athens International Tourism & Culture Expo 2021 took place with great success on 25-27 November at the Zappeion Megaron, in Athens and confirmed that it is a unique vehicle for successful commercial collaborations in the field of inbound tourism. Inbound tourism, the main goal of the exhibition, took place with the participation of 110 Hosted Buyers from 38 countries who participated in 2,850 very successful B2B meetings with exhibitors. Many Buyers came to the exhibition with many ready and important tourism programmes for Greece for 2022 and in their meetings with the exhibitors many new collaborations were immediately closed while others will follow. There was also great interest from the 3,000 professional visitors of the exhibition who met with the exhibitors for new collaborations. The participation of exhibitors, companies from all sectors of tourism, Regions and Municipalities that highlighted their tourist destinations, the geographical dispersion of exhibitors and the high quality of their tourism products and services, excited the Hosted Buyers as they were able, through the Exhibition, to cover the immediate needs of their clientele demands.
ITB BERLIN 2022 ANNOUNCES NEW DATES ITB Berlin expects to be a ‘strong and alive’ initiative with the next edition scheduled to take place from 913 March, 2022. Only vaccinated or recovered visitors or exhibitors will be allowed to attend in person. Virtual services will again be offered for those unable to attend in person, giving the event an additional global feel. This announcement that the event will be live is great news for Berlin hotels, taxi drivers, restaurants, airlines and everyone else in the world who make a living in the travel and tourism industry.
ATHENS HEALTH SUMMIT OPPORTUNITY FOR GREECE SENIOR TOURISM A highlight of the recent Athens Health Summit was the ‘senior tourism’ sector, offering an important opportunity for the Greek economy. Research shows it could contribute UK£11.67 billion and 173,000 additional jobs over time. One third of the total expenditure of European tourists in the coming years will come from people aged 65+.
Senior tourism is divided into short-term tourism and so-called "snowbird tourism", where visitors stay for a long time, renting or buying a house. If Greece aims to conquer 15% of the 2nd home market for northern European retirees, then it would need 400,000 homes in the next 20 years. Research revealed that 7.3% of Europeans would want to stay permanently in southern Europe after retirement. Greece needs to be ready like Spain is to meet this demand.
THE INDUSTRY RE-UNITES AT IBTM WORLD BARCELONA 2021 IBTM World Barcelona, the first face-to-face event in the IBTM portfolio in two years, has been hailed a huge success by organisers, with over 30,000 pre-scheduled one-to-one business meetings having taken place, and more than 7,000 attendees joining for quality one-to-one business meetings, networking and education in Barcelona. The meetings satisfaction score reached 4.7 out of 5 during the 3-day event with many attendees commenting on the quality of their meetings and their optimism for the future. Over 1,200 exhibiting companies from 70 countries around the world attended the 3 day event, including the CVBs of Germany, Dubai Tourism, Istanbul, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungarian, Croatia, and Norway, Atout France, Meet in Ireland, Lithuania, Turespana Convention Bureau (Spain), Hilton, Titanic Hotels, Hyatt, and GL Events. In addition, several new exhibitors attended, such as the Montalbano Group, Manchester City Football Club, Sardinia Convention Bureau, Basquetour, and The Celtic Collection. Over 1,400 high quality Hosted Buyers were present from 72 countries, and almost half were completely new to the IBTM portfolio, representing more opportunities for exhibitors to do business with new contacts. This year for the first time the Association Programme was created with the support of the 4 main global organisations for association professionals: European Society of Association Executives (ESAE), American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), African Society of Association Executives (AfSAE), and Asia-Pacific Federation of Association Organisations (APFAO), as well as the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). The programme followed 3 core themes: inspire, exchange and solve, designed to spark fresh ideas, encourage peer to peer learning and sharing of best practice, and deliver tangible solutions to real issues facing the associations and events sector. In addition, IBTM’s Elite Corporate Programme explored key insights specifically focused on the needs of corporate Hosted Buyers. Themes include: the future of the meetings experience, re-starting events and evaluating their success, and peer-to-peer learning and insights. This tailored programme of sessions was supported by American Express Meetings & Events. Under the theme of ‘New Business, New Tech, New World’ there was a schedule of inspirational educational sessions around 4 topical themes: Trends and technology; gamification and engagement; the future of event planning; and career and personal development, delivered by expert speakers.
BATH CONFIRMED AS DESTINATION FOR INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE The 13th International Meeting on Microbial Epidemiological Markers (IMMEM XIII) will take place in Bath, UK from 14-17 September 2022 at the Apex City of Bath Hotel and is expected to attract up to 400 delegates from all over the world. As well as being renowned as a top leisure destination, Bath has ideal facilities for conferencing with access into the city via Bristol Airport or by train, where delegates travelling on GWR services are eligible for discount-ted rail fares. Meet Bristol & Bath, the Convention Bureau for the region, supported the bid for the conference and have worked alongside the Head of Event Organisation at The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) to support with destination advice, venue and accommodation booking and connections with local suppliers.
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SAUDI ARABIA TO HOST THE 22ND WTTC GLOBAL SUMMIT The World Travel and Tourism Council, WTTC, has confirmed that the 22nd Global Summit will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in late 2022. The annual WTTC Global Summit is the world's most influential travel and tourism event. Saudi Arabia has been leading a new global approach to 'redesign tourism' and this summit in Riyadh will see industry leaders meet with key government representatives to boost support for the sector's ongoing recovery, moving it towards a more secure future, that is resilient, inclusive and sustainable. The summit in Saudi Arabia will follow the next edition of the Global Summit that will take place in Manila, Philippines, from 14-16 March 2022. Coinciding with the announcement, the latest WTTC research shows that the Middle East travel and tourism sector will grow 27.1% this year ahead of Europe and Latin America. Research also shows that if governments prioritise travel and tourism, jobs in the sector could reach 6.6 million by 2022, approaching pre-pandemic levels.
CARIBBEAN TRAVEL MARKETPLACE 2022 WILL BE FACE-TO-FACE CHTA, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, has confirmed that the40th edition of the event will be held in late April or early May in a destination yet to be confirmed and that it will once again have a face-toface format, resulting in the leading event in the Caribbean that aspires to bring together buyers and sellers of tourism products, goods and services in the region. Following the success of the 2021 edition of CTM that saw CHTA expand and reach far beyond its traditional buyers in North America and Canada, allowing the association to reach Europe and other areas in which it has not been successful in the past. The last edition of CTM, the 39th and virtual, included buyers from Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, France, India, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , UAE, the United Kingdom and the USA.
SHENZHEN, CHINA HOSTS GREATER BAY AREA SPARTAN RACE More than 3,000 participants took part in the Shenzhen leg of the Spartan race last month, with a half marathon (21kms with 34 obstacles) debuting in the city.
The race was held in OCT Farm, a recreation resort managed by Shenzhen's Overseas Chinese Town Holdings Company in the northern part of the city. The farm is aiming to be the first ecological culture and tourism resort next to an urban city of international level in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Racing in a tranquil rural area, participants experienced a brand-new exploration compared to previous races in mountains or forests.
REGION OF CENTRAL MACEDONIA AT PHILOXENIA The Region of Central Macedonia participated again this year in the 36th International Tourism Fair ‘PHILOXENIA’ with its own multithematic pavilion, promoting the multidimensional tourist character of its 7 Regional Units for all seasons, as well as local products. During the exhibition, the new tourist campaign entitled "DO SOMETHING GREAT" was launched, as well as the new video promotion of Central Macedonia, which was selected by the Greek National Tourism Board (GNTO/EOT) to represent the country at the World Tourism Organisation annual conference. The pavilion of the Region also hosted many public and private institutions of the region, among others, the University of Macedonia which provided the public with a virtual touring experience, the management body of the Olympus National Park and the association with the distinctive title "The Ode to Amphipolis". At the same time, (B2B) meetings were held with travel agencies and tour operators of the Greek and International tourist market. Attracting investment from film, television, advertising and other audio-visual productions in the Region is the best tourist promotion for the region as a destination and this is exactly what Central Macedonia displayed at PHILOXENIA.
WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S RECONNECT WA PACKAGE FOR WA BUSINESS EVENTS A new tourism recovery package for Western Australia (WA) will see the State’s official convention bureau, Business Events Perth, receive UK£8 million in funding to attract lucrative business events to WA, which will help to support the state’s business event, hotel and hospitality industry. The Reconnect WA funding package, a multifaceted package that targets tourists, skilled workers, international students and events, and aligns with WA’s Safe Transition Plan. As well as the funding for Business Events Perth, the package includes a UK£35 million aviation fund directed towards re-establishing
international and interstate flight routes that were disrupted by the pandemic, as well as targeting new routes including Germany, India, China and Vietnam.
FIRST ICCA LATIN AMERICA AND CARIBBEAN MEETING 2022 HOSTED BY GUAYAQUIL Guayaquil will host the 1st ICCA Latin America and Caribbean Meeting to be held in 2022, which highlights the offering of the city to be able to host such an important event which confirms it as a safe and ideal destination for meeting tourism. The Guayaquil Convention Bureau participated in the 60th ICCA 2021 Annual Congress recently. Guayaquil will have the opportunity to promote the services it offers and how it contributes to the development of the meetings industry by generating international contacts and showing the tourist infrastructure that it has.
NEW ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER FOR WORLD TOURISM FORUM The World Tourism Forum Lucerne has appointed Adeeb Ahamed, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi based Twenty14 Holdings, to its Global Advisory Board. For over ten years, World Tourism Forum Lucerne (WTFL) has been bringing together industry experts, CEOs, investors and start-ups, establishing itself as a prestigious global platform for exchange. By fostering cross-generational collaboration, new ideas and solutions emerge to benefit tourism today and in the future. Ahamed, who owns a several iconic properties across the world including the Great Scotland Yard in London, Waldorf Astoria - the Caledonian in Edinburgh, Pullman Downtown Dubai and Port Muziris in Kochi among others, joins a select group of the industry’s top stakeholders and decision makers who will collaborate on solving for future challenges in the travel and tourism industry. Last month WTFL hosted an Innovation Festival in Andermatt in which Ahamed also took part at the event. At the hybrid conference, well-known personalities, discussed the tourism industry’s current challenges and demonstrated how these can be tackled with forward-thinking solutions.
NEW DESTINATION PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY OF ATHENS & IAPCO The City of Athens and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) are joining forces through a new Destination Partnership. The Athens Development & Destination Management Agency (ADDMA) joined IAPCO in signing a 2-year Corporate Partnership Agreement. As an official IAPCO Destination Partner, the City of Athens will strengthen its relations with the international community of Professional Congress Organisers through IAPCO’s highly accredited network of PCO members. ADDMA will leverage its international brand, ‘This is Athens’, to showcase the city’s dynamic growth. Athens has emerged during the last several years as a top-rated, sociallyconscious and sustainable destination for meetings and events.
FIT 2021 BUENOS AIRES - ARGENTINA The 25th edition of the FIT Fair will took place, face-to-facet, from 4-7 December, at the La Rural fairground, Buenos Aires, Argentina. FIT is considered a leading event and this year saw Uruguay as the guest country and Tucumán as the outstanding Argentine province. 41 countries participated in the event and the 24 Argentine provinces were present with colour and flair all offering the best of their tourism products. In the B2B section, 4,500 business appointments were held, offering growth opportunities and an exchange for all in the sector. This year saw the dominance from ‘FIT Tech’ an area of the show in which new trends and tools were promoted that builds bridges through technology.
SUSTAINABLE STRATEGY FOR CONVENTIONLAND TIROL Conference and convention tourism in Tirol is taking responsibility for safeguarding an attractive environment, sought-after recreation area and thriving economic area with the new "ReGeneration NOW” sustainability strategy. Initial measures, such as licensing with the Austrian Eco-label or successful participation in an international benchmarking process, have already been implemented.
Convention Bureau Tirol (CBT) has developed a sustainability strategy for Tirol as a congress and meeting destination. Convention Bureau Tirol aims to expand its role as a sustainable competence centre in the MICE sector. As a role model in the Alpine region, CBT therefore intends to consistently implement bold and future-oriented steps both in its own further development, as well as contributing to the innovative and sustainable development of the meeting industry. The strategy, entitled "ReGeneration NOW", highlights the motives behind the initiative and includes an action plan based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN. In the 4 defined fields of action; the 4 P’s, the RegenerationNOW commits to a strong role model effect, through a significant increase in certifications, sustainable mobility, social commitment and "green meetings". This paves the way for Tirol, as a congress and conference destination, to take the role as a social, economic and ecological trailblazer in the tourism sector. In order to better identify and quantify this sustainable development, Convention Bureau Tirol has subjected itself to an extensive, international destination benchmarking process according to the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), in which over 80 performance criteria in the areas of environment, social affairs, suppliers and destination management are assessed. When it first took part in the GDS benchmarking index, Meeting Destination Tirol was already ranking highly. Conventionland Tirol was the first ever congress destination to land at 6th place in the GDS Index and therefore amongst the top 10, with over 70 participating destinations. In the area of certification which has already been implemented: Convention Bureau Tirol strives to lead by example and has been a licensee of the Austrian Eco-label since September 2021. This means that it now has the appropriate skills to act as a consultant on the subject of "Green Meetings" in Tirol, both for interested customers and Tirolean companies offering convention services.
LATIN AMERICAN POLITICAL FORUM ON MEETINGS TOURISM As part of the recent FIEXPO Latin America, many leaders took part in the 8th Latin American Political Forum on Meetings Tourism together with tourism authorities and the main Associations of the industry worldwide. During the meeting it highlighted the importance of the MICE sector as it is dedicated to building platforms to activate, generate competitiveness and support entrepreneurs in Latin America. The meetings industry impacts many economic sectors as attendees at MICE events reactivate the economy by using transportation, hotels, restaurants, tourism experiences and more. FIEXPO was held from 27-30 October 2021 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, with the Las Américas Convention Center and the Intercontinental hotel as its headquarters.
GUAYAQUIL IS AN INTERNATIONAL MEETING TOURISM DESTINATION Guayaquil stood out as a MICE destination during FIEXPO Latin America recently. The Guayaquil destination presentation was attended by 30 hosted buyers from Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Peru. In addition, at the stand of the Pearl of the Pacific, its Convention Bureau held meetings with 26 hosted buyers, who were educated about the facilities that the city has to offer when hosting events and the co-exhibitors met with international buyers resulting in more than 140 meetings, creating a greater opportunity for the successful closing of businesses and attracting events for the city.
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