MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine vol. 25, issue 8, August 2022
online since 1997
The Tale of TWO Cities in THREE days The New DO’S and DON’T’S When Flying Drought Archaeology CONVENTA Week 2.0.22 The Big Blue Greek Sea That Is…THE AEGEAN The Effects of EUROPEAN INFLATION on the Hospitality Industry
This year sees MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine celebrate its silver anniversary - 25 years in publication. We began with just 25 paper copies sent out to clients by post informing them of events and news from around the World. As technology advanced, so did we and soon we became an online publication in 1997. We have expanded and adapted over time and today we are one of the more unusual e-magazines serving the ever changing world of travel, tourism & MICE and all the sectors within. Always offering you a new perspective or an interesting feature, you can be sure we will be here for many more years to come. Thank you to all our readers for their continued support over the years. THE MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine Team
MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine Volume 25, Issue 8, August 2022 edition – Online since 1997
Contents 7-14 The Tale of TWO Cities in THREE days 17 Airport Chaos Continues Across EUROPE 18 IATA'S Mrs. ADEYEMI Appointed to AFCAC's Top Job 19 The New DO’S and DON’T’S When Flying 20 INDIAN AIRLINES Face Employee Anger
7-14 The Tale of TWO Cities…
21 BOOM SUPERSONIC Reveals Redesigned Overture Aircraft 24-26 Drought Archaeology 29 EXHIBITION TRENDS Face to Face Business 30 ICCA Calls for Candidates for Election on Board of Directors 31-32 CONVENTA Week 2.0.22 35-41 The Big Blue Greek Sea that is… THE AEGEAN 44 The Effects of EUROPEAN INFLATION on the Hospitality Industry
24-26 DroughtARCHAEOLOGY
45 Madrid - Spain Opens 1st ARTIFICIAL BEACH 46 JAPAN Reopening to Holidaymakers…Almost 47 Entrance Tax to BONAIRE ISLAND 48 GREEK TOURISM Heading for a Record Year 49 ITALIAN Holidaymakers Trend this Year 50 1st CROATIAN MÖVENPICK Opens in Zagreb, Croatia
35-41 The Big Blue Greek Sea That Is…THE AEGEAN
Message from
Caroline-Artemis Hello Sun, Hello Summer, Hello holiday chaos! After 2 years waiting for proper summer holidays and as we mentioned in last month’s edition, the re-opening up of travel and tourism post pandemic is proving to be slightly more troublesome than expected! However I do not think anyone realised by just how much chaos it would cause. As long awaited holidays which have been cancelled and rebooked time and time again are finally taking place, tour operators and travel agents have been busy taking bookings as the tourism season begins in force. However, actually getting to your destination is proving far more difficult than expected. Across Europe total and utter chaos reigns with stories of unbelievably long queues, lost luggage, technical issues, complete lack of staff and on top of that, a variety of sectors have been taking strike action against pay, pension and working conditions.
If the epidemic/pandemic was designed to allow for a more advanced society with everything digitalised by making our lives easier, then that ‘Reset’ button has a lot to answer for. Despite efforts, the chaos across airports, ports and disruption to other transport services and hospitality services, looks likely to continue over the entire summer season and beyond as the answers are not quick fix issues. Wishing you all a fun summer in the sun….if you get there! In the meantime, sit back and read the August edition of the MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine!
Caroline-Artemis Laspas co-founder & editor
MICE & TOURISM around the World e-Magazine
London, United Kingdom
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The Tale of TWO Cities in THREE days by Caroline-Artemis Laspas
Warsaw, Poland
Poland was not at the top of my list of places to go. But it should have been! The country is lush and green, has the largest square in Europe, mixes modern and old architecture in comfortable harmony and the people are friendly and welcoming. Attending the summer edition of the MEET the BIDDER event in June, allowed not only for great business opportunities but also a chance to explore the capital Warsaw and to venture a little further afield to the city of Krakow. Staying in a central location at the Marriot Westin Bonvoy, the old city and sites were within walking distance. Upon arrival we ventured to the stunning Science & Cultural Palace, a gift from the Soviet people to the Poles. This huge soviet style building sits surrounded by tall skyscrapers, yet its immense presence is in stark contrast as it soars into the sky. It is one of the only remaining symbols of Poland’s past. Arriving on the 30th floor viewing platform, the 360° views across Warsaw were well worth it. The red rooftops of the old town jostle for position with slim elegant skyscrapers; huge advertising boards cover the sides of buildings and the varied rooftops of domed churches rise above facades of neoclassical buildings. Marriot Westin Bonvoy, W arsaw, Poland
W arsaw, Poland
. With rain and a sharp breeze, the only place to go was a coffee shop… but not just any coffee shop; you have to experience ‘E. Wendl Chocolate Lounges’. We headed to the lounge on Ul. Szpitalna 8. With opulent décor of a gone by era, the coffee was smooth and the chocolate divine! There was much more to Warsaw to discover, which we will come back to later!
The following morning and with limited time, we headed for the early train from Warsaw Central Station to Krakow. This was not the intercity train, but more reminiscent of a 1940’s era train with compartments seating 8 and a long corridor allowing easy movement along the carriages. Our journey took us through green fields and small chalet style villages. In just over 3 hours we arrived in Krakow.
Our stay was at the modern boutique PURO Hotel right opposite the train station. A champion of eco-friendly hotel operations, our room was elegant, simple, yet cosy and all room requirements were operated via an in-room tablet. Located just 7minutes from the old city it was a perfect location. With a fresh and delicious varied buffet breakfast spread, it was all you needed to set you up for the day.
Krakow, Poland
Krakow was Poland’s 1st capital and rightly so! Its old city is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We entered via the Barbican built between 1498-1499. A striking cylindrical red bricked building with slim turrets is one of only 3 such fortified outposts that can be found in Europe. The old city starts from the arch of St. Florian’s Gate, the only remaining gate of the 8 that once surrounded the city. Built in the early 14th century, it is part of the Royal Route through the city and has many arts and crafts on display for sale along its walls. Already Krakow was stunningly beautiful and as we walked along the bustling pedestrian Florianska Street, we enter the largest medieval city square in Europe, Rynek Główny. Puro Hotel, Krakow, Poland
It really took your breath away; the scale was amazing. In the middle sits the magnificent Cloth Hall, the original market, which today is a colourful haven of stalls selling souvenirs, jewellery and handicrafts, compared to the past offerings of textiles and spices from faraway lands. There are several sights to see within the square itself including the Town Hall Tower, the oldest church in Poland, St. Adalbert’s Church and the stunning modern sculpture called ‘Eros Bound’ which depicts the head of the Greek God of love and desire, lying horizontally on the ground. Bandages cover his face, symbolising the god's imprisoned desires. It is a stri king site set against the variety of architecture within the square itself .
The square boundaries are packed with coffee shops and restaurants with outside seating, while horse drawn white carriages take tourists on rides of the city. Flowers were blooming from every lamp post and you really had to ask yourself ‘Am I in Poland?’ The mix of gothic and renaissance architecture, along with a feel of chic Paris and Southern Spain entice you to explore and discover more.
St. Peter and Paul church Krakow, Poland
Also within the square is the imposing and impressive 13th century St. Mary’s Basilica which is set at an angle, as it was there long before the square layout of today. Each hour a trumpet call rings out from the tower across the 4 cardinal directions. With many roads leading off each corner of the square, you are spoilt for choice. He headed first out to Maly Rynek (meaning Small Market Square), which is tucked away behind St. Mary’s Basilica, cosy and colourful and not to be missed.
Strolling down the cobbled streets we past the Church of St. Peter and Paul, with its highly decorated façade, typical of the Baroque style and the first of its kind in Poland. However the striking fence is what draws you, with 12 huge statues of the 12 apostles on high plinths. Surrounding the old city is a ring of green trees, creating a rural feel to the city and offering much needed shade from the hot afternoon sun. We reached the Pope John Paul II Bridge that straddles the Wisla River, before heading back into the town via the Kazimierz area, which was reminiscent of rich Paris suburbs, although the many Synagogues gave away that it was the old Jewish Quarter.
Krakow, Poland
At night the Rynek Główny comes to life in a different way; live music plays from the doorways of restaurants and as the sun sets, the rich terracotta coloured buildings glow. The choice of cuisine is plentiful and the atmosphere has a real buzz to it. One thing to be sure to try in Krakow, as they are only available in the city and nowhere else in Poland, are the ‘Krakow bagels’, delicious circles of bagel/pretzel style bread with a variety of toppings. These are sold from small street kiosks. Krakow al so has a different variety of filled doughnuts, from the traditional ones found in Warsaw. The ‘Dobra Paczkarnia’ shops sell just these and believe me it is hard to choose which filling to try first!
The following morning and in just under 2hr45mins we arrived back in Warsaw Central Station having taken the fast intercity train. Like most European rail services, they were easy to use and on time as well as being value for money. We headed back into Warsaw Old Town which we had yet to explore following the bad weather on our first day. The sun was shining and the city was celebrating a national holiday of Corpus Christi.
Warsaw old town, Poland
The old town is small and delightful, full of narrow cobbled streets and pretty painted medieval houses. It is hard to believe that this whole area has been completely rebuilt, in its original form, after being totally destroyed during WWII. It is a huge testame nt to Poland’s strength and pride and it is no wonder it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With only several hours to spend, our summer stroll took us past the Royal Castle on Plac Zamkowy. Its tall spire making it hard to miss and in the square centre sits the tall column with King Sigismund III Vasa ontop; who moved the capital of Poland from Krakow to Warsaw in the 16th century. St. John’s Archcathedral façade is easily seen above the city roofs, and is just as impressive as you walk by the narrow street it sits on. At its heart is one of the prettiest squares I have seen, with all 4 sides decorated with colourful tall townhouses, reminiscent of Belgium or the Netherlands. At the centre is the city’s guardian, the Warsaw Mermaid ‘Syrena’.
St. John,Warsaw, Poland Warsaw, Poland
The Presidential Palace is located along the Royal Route, a wide paved avenue with beautiful churches and elegant townhouses all along it, together with cafes and restaurants.
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Warsaw, Poland
There was so much more we would have loved to see but a plane awaited us. The good news is that we must return to Poland to continue to discover, explore and enjoy even more of both these amazing cities. ‘Two Cities in Three Days’ is possible and even at a relaxed pace - you will not be disappointed!
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Airlines & Aviation News
AIRPORT CHAOS CONTINUES ACROSS EUROPE With almost all travel restrictions ended and after long awaited holidays, the stress of travelling after lockdown is even gr eater than ever, with passengers all over Europe finding long queues, lost luggage, and cancelled flights even upon arrival at the airport. Chaos’ is the word that rightly sums up the current state of travel in Europe. And more recently this chaos is extending to border controls at the ferry port of Dover in the UK, leading to hundreds of lorries, cars and holidaymakers stranded in queues for up to 7hours plus. The main reason given for this on-going issue, which seems to see no end in sight, is the lack of staff in the airline industry, boarder control and generally across the tourism sector. From our own very recent experience at the recently re-opened Terminal 4 at London’s Heathrow, the terminal building was overflowing with passengers. There were queues to join queues, check-in queues snaked for hundreds of meters. The was a gigantic queue to get through security that must have been at least a mile long with staff having to pull out passengers to fast track them through security as their flights were waiting to board. The airlines and airports, in order to survive the pandemic had to lay off thousands of staff, who have not returned and the pay being offered now, is also not drawing interest. From ground staff, to pilots and flight attendants it’s the same story acros s Europe and many other countries too. Added to this, employees are taking strike action against working conditions and pay, adding to the disruption. The solution some airlines and airports are resorting to is to cap passenger numbers and the number of tickets airlines are a llowed to sell. All while the airlines are trying to recoup the losses from 2 years o f no flying. Even if jobs are being filled, the new employees need training and that take s time; time the industry does not have. It is estimated that Britain's workforce is currently suffering from a shortfall of around one million people, despite havin g almost 100% employment amongst the population. Its solution is a need to look for more workforce from abroad. The reset button has certainly been pressed, but without the answers as to how to reset industry.
LONDON HEATHROW LIMITES DEPARTING PASSENGERS TO AVOID OVERCROWDING London Heathrow is to limit the number of daily passengers departing from the airport to 100,000 in a bid to reduce the current chaos at the airport and to reduce queues, luggage delays and just generally make it more manageable across all airport services. In 2019 the terminal handled 110,000-125,000 daily passenger departures in July and August, but with not enough workers, it has to find a solution. Heathrow is not the only airport to implemented limits, Schiphol in Amsterdam and Frankfurt International have also put limits in place.
DELTA AIRLINES ADDS BOEING 737 MAX TO FLEET Delta Air Lines is to add the state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its fleet soon, with an elevated in-flight customer experience while improving fuel efficiency. Delta will receive delivery at the beginning of 2025. The aircraft will be 20%-30% more fuel efficient than the retiring Delta planes.
CANCELLATION OVER CANCELLATION BLAMING THE ON-GOING ‘HEALTH CRISIS’ AND DETERIORATION IN EUROPE! Over 15,000 flights scheduled for August have already been cancelled in Europe as the aviation sector is struggling to meet the demand for the summer tourist season. The reason’s: after 2 years of no travel, people need and want to get away; a significant lack of staff across airlines, ground handlers, etc is adding to the employment shortages despite thousands having been laid off during the epidemic; and finally strikes by pilots and other workers within the industry. We all need to work, pay for the roof over our head, but when you are asked to work the same job for less when you are busier than ever, why should you! Do these big companies truly believe their employees are that stupid to accept such conditions, when many understand that during the pandemic it was necessary, but now there is no excuse for lower salaries and unfavourable work conditions, non-paid sick leave, almost non-existent pensions, etc. Protests are sweeping across the European continent as a result. In addition, many airlines are cancelling people’s tickets having re-sold them for a much higher price and not making any effort to provide good customer care to the passenger. People have been sitting on their plane and the flight has been cancelled. Passengers have been stranded with no help, advice or assistance from the airline. With many European airlines, having put a limit on daily flights, which has forced airlines to cancel flights, airlines are also cancelling them for their own budgetary reasons. As if this is not enough! As the latest variant of Covid-19 is even more transmissible, but less harmful, the number of staff taking sick leave due to illness is adding to the aviation industry woes. Finally, did we mention the cost of living crisis, which is also creating instability in society and industry alike.
IATA'S ADEYEMI APPOINTED TO AFCAC'S TOP JOB Mrs. Adefunke Adeyemi has been elected as the new Secretary General of the African Civil Aviation Commission. She succeeds Mr. Tefera Mekonnen who is currently IATA’s director, external affairs and sustainability for the Africa region. Mrs. Adeyami said her objective is to build on the progress already made by previous Secretaries General and teams of AFCAC to see a new dawn for change through positive action for AFCAC and African aviation. “The vision for African aviation is to enable a fully connected, prosperous and united Africa,” she said. Previously, Mrs. Adeyemi has been the IATA focal point for the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) and a Private Sector Champion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA). Before joining IATA she was company secretary and general counsel at Virgin Nigeria Airways. “We must all work together to tackle the challenges that African aviation has faced and harness the opportunities that abound to translate Africa’s aviation potential into reality. The time is now. Africa must fully connect, for its own survival and prosperity. Civil aviation must continue to focus on its core areas and also work much closer with the tourism and trade sectors. This synergy, which must be intentional, will ensure that African aviation survives, grows and thrives for the benefit of Africa and its citizens”, Mrs. Adeyemi said.
VIETJET 13 NEW ROUTES BETWEEN VIETNAM AND INDIA Vietnam's low coast airline VietJet Aviation, later this year plans to launch 13 new routes between Vietnam's major cities and its tourism island of Phu Quoc with Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bangalore, New Delhi and Mumbai. The airline currently operates 4 Vietnam-India routes; Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with New Delhi and Mumbai.
THE NEW DO’S AND DON’T’S WHEN FLYING There are some new and unusual new announcements finding their way into the classic speech of flight attendants. These warnings come as post-covid and a super-clean environment is now expected, but in fact, it is clearly far from the reality! One passenger was advised not to fall asleep on the plane and rest their head against the window as it is ‘not that clean’. Another warning – do not wear shorts on a flight, to avoid direct contact with the seat material as ‘a plane can be incredibly unhygienic’. Finally, never press with your bare hand the flush button in the on-board toilet. Use a piece of toilet paper!
LATAM LINKS FALKLANDS FROM CHILE The air link between Punta Arenas, southern Chile, and the Falkland Islands has begun again, after an absence of over 2 years due to the pandemic. There were many Chilean residents on the Falkland Islands who were stuck there throughout the pandemic and so many had to travel with expired passports and visas, but did so with the help of a special Chilean authorities counter at the airport. The LATAM flight will be weekly with a stop once a month in Rio Gallegos, Argentina.
HONG KONG, CHINA OPENS 3RD RUNWAY Hong Kong’s Chep Lap Kok International Airport rd (HKG) has officially opened its new 3 runway. Flagship carrier Cathay Pacific’s was the use the new runway. The project cost UK£15billion, which also involved reclaiming land from the sea; approximately 1600 acres. The plan for the 3rd runway dates back to 2012 when the original proposal was given the green light by the Hong Kong government. Also part of the grand plan is to expand Terminal 2, the development of a new T2 Concourse, Automatic People Mover and Baggage Handling System. It aims to be complete in 2024. HKG is expected to handle over 120 million passengers and around 10 million metric tons of cargo by 2035.
AIR FRANCE RENEWS ITS FLEET Air France continues to integrate some of the newest and most efficient aircraft into its fleet. By 2030, the new aircraft will make up 70% of the Air France fleet - compared to 7% today. It has received its 10th Airbus A220-300, the latest addition to its medium-haul fleet and used it to fly the Paris-Venice route. Between now and the end of 2025, 60 A220-300s will gradually replace some of Air France’s medium-haul aircraft. With up to 15 deliveries scheduled each year, this is the fastest fleet integration of an aircraft in the history of Air France.
EUROPEAN UNION TO RESTORE 80% OF SLOTS FOR WINTER 2022-2023 The European Commission has proposed restoring its normal 80% slot use threshold for the Winter 2022/23 season. In addition, it also wants to retain a Justified Non-Use of Slots (JNUS) mechanism in case anything unpredictable happens! According to the proposal, the 80/20 rule would be reinstated on th 30 October 2022. Airlines which do not use an allocated slot at a slot-controlled EU airport at least 80% of the time during one season would lose it the following year's season. The rule was suspended due to the pandemic and has been gradually increased to the current 64%. Despite plans to reinstate the rule, the Commission wants to retain the JNUS mechanism. Introduced during the pandemic, it allows airlines to return slots in case of unpredictable external factors influencing their ability to use the allocations.
INDIAN AIRLINES FACE EMPLOYEE ANGER Indian aviation companies were hoping for good business post covid, but now they face anger from employees over low pay. A section of aircraft maintenance technicians from IndiGo and Go First have gone on sick leave recently to protest at the low salaries. Both carriers however have managed to continue flying without disruption. Recently 55% of IndiGo's domestic flights were delayed as many cabin crew went on leave, with some opting to find jobs at Air India. Many airlines all over the world, cut salaries rather than making people redundant, however they have not been quick to reinstate the old salaries, hence the trouble they find themselves in now. The employees are back working at pre-pandemic levels if not more and yet they are getting lower salaries, plus rising inflation is not helping.
BBAM ORDERS 9 737-800 Aircraft lessor BBAM Limited Partnership has ordered nine 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters. The lessor will be the first to take delivery of a 737-800BCF conversion at a new conversion line due to open next year at KF Aerospace, a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider in Kelowna, British Columbia. Boeing is to open two 737-800BCF conversion lines at KF Aerospace beginning in 2023. BBAM holds conversion slots at other Boeing MRO providers, including Cooperativa Autogestionaria de Servicios Aeroindustriale s (COOPESA), an Alajuela, Costa Rica-based MRO provider, and Boeing Shanghai Aviation Services (BSAS) in Shanghai, China.
NEW CALEDONIA'S AIRCALIN MULLS PARIS FLIGHTS Aircalin is considering adding a third A330-900, that would allow it to launch in-house services to Paris CDG. The New Caledonian carrier currently relies on its codeshare and interline agreements to connect to the Pacific Ocean. It operates two A330-900s, deployed to Papeete, Sydney Kingsford Smith, and Tokyo Narita, and has recently added Singapore Changi to its network. It has a codeshare agreement with Air France on routes from Paris CDG to Narita and Singapore, and an interline agreement with Singapore Airlines on the Singapore -Paris route.
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GUATEMALA'S TAG OUTLINES ATR72 DEPLOYMENT PLANS st
TAG Airlines has taken delivery of its 1 Avions de Transport Régional turboprop. st It is the 1 of 4 ex-Jet Airways ATR72-500s the Guatemalan carrier is leasing from Willis Lease Finance, the others being msn 919, 920, and 932. Collectively, they are part of a UK£14 million investment deal to build the airline's domestic and regional growth. TAG currently operates six S340As, two S340B(Plus)s, and one EMB-145LR on regular flights throughout Guatemala as well as to Belize, Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador. It also has a strategic partnership with CM Airlines in Honduras where the two carriers will cooperate to develop connectivity throughout Mundo Maya (El Salvador, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico).
BOOM SUPERSONIC REDESIGNED Boom Supersonic, the company building the world’s fastest airliner after Concorde, have reviled the refined design of ‘Overture’ at the recent annual Farnborough Airshow. It has also signed a new partner agreement with Northrop Grumman to develop special mission variants of the aircraft. Able to carry 65–80 passengers at twice the speed of the average aircraft, it uses 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Overture can fly at Mach 1.7 over water with a range of 4,250 nautical miles. The aircraft is an economically and environmentally sustainable supersonic airliner. “Aviation has not seen a giant leap in decades. Overture is revolutionary in its design, and it will fundamenta lly change how we think about distance,” said Boom Founder and CEO Blake Scholl. “With more than 600 routes across the globe, Overture will mak e the world dramatically more accessible for tens of millions of passengers.”
AZERBAIJAN AIRLINES PURCHASES FOUR 787-8S Boeing and Azerbaijan Airlines have signed a MoU for 4 additional 787-8’s. The deal was struck during the Farnborough International Airshow. Azerbaijan Airlines currently operates two 787-8s. The airline intends to grow its Dreamliner fleet to 10 by 2030, so it can open new routes across Central Asia. “Azerbaijan Airlines was the first airline in the Caspian and Central Asia region to operate the 787-8 Dreamliner and we currently have two 787-8s in-service. This MoU is the evidence of joint efforts to scale up the mutually beneficial partnership between Azerbaijan Airlines and Boeing,” said Jahangir Asgarov, president of Azerbaijan Airlines. “Over the years, our 787 airplanes have provided impeccable performance, and the addition of more long-haul airplanes will further expand the geography of Azerbaijan Airlines’ route network.”
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DROUGHT ARCHAEOLOGY by Caroline Laspas
We are used to hearing of sunken relics lost to the seas, but it is unusual that the opposite happens in that drought causes relics to reappear! With droughts taking place across the world, several countries are discovering new archaeology thought to be lost to the world.
Lake Mosul, Tigris River, Kurdistan
An extreme drought in Iraq has led to the uncovering of a 3,400-year-old city due to falling water levels in an artificial lake. The settlement was excavated on Lake Mosul, along the Tigris River in the Kurdistan region of northern Iraq. It is thought to be the city of Zakiko from the Bronze Age, an important hub of the Mitanni Empire that reigned from 1550 to 1350 BC. Zakikou sank after the construction of the Mosul Dam in the 1980s. The uncovering of the city has led to a flurry of archaeologists wishing to excavate the site, before the water level rises and hides the city again. The city appeared above the water briefly back in 2018 when a palace had been found but now many other buildings have been recorded. Finds include a fortification with towers and walls and a highrise storage building. With many of the structures made from mud bricks, many have not survived, however it has also been recorded that an earthquake in approx. 1350BC destroyed the upper level of buildings, hiding and ultimately protecting the lower structures. Cuneiform tablet
Not much is known about the ancient Mitanni who built Zakikou, but artefacts found hope to uncover new information, like five pottery vessels containing more than 100 clay wedge-shaped slabs. They are dated back to the Middle Assyrian period from 1350-1100BC. The plates have not yet been decrypted, but could give new light on how the Mitanni Empire declined and the Assyrian rose to rule in the region. In a bid to save as much of the remaining settlement as possible, archaeologists have covered the ruins in plastic sheeting hoping to protect it long enough until it reappears above the water again.
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In Wales the super-dry conditions have revealed traces of some ancient Roman structures. Using aerial p hotographs, forts, marching camps, villas and roads have been discovered. The ancient structures left their calling card in an ‘x -ray-like’ form. Over 200 new archaeological sites have now been documented across Wales. As if Italy did not have enough ancient sites to see above water level! Now there are even more with many areas of the country suffering drought conditions and river levels dropping to record lows. With levels the lowest in 70 years, archaeological treasures that have been submerged are now being revealed. Findings have appeared in several areas along the Tiber River, which flows through Rome, and the Po River in Piedmont. On the dry Oglio riverbed in the Lombardy region, foundation stilts dating back to the Bronze Age – 2300 – 700BC have been revealed. At Lake Como, fossils of rhinos, hyenas and lions and been found as well as a 100,000-year-old skull of a large deer. In the region of Emilia Romagna, sunken WW2 shipwrecks have emerged along the Po River. A medieval red brick bridge in Piedmont has been found which also had defensive bastions. The ruins of a lost castle in Verona; the Morando di Bonavigo Castle located along the Adige river have appeared after layers of mud and silt have been washed away. In the USA the drought at Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world is the reservoir to the Hoover Dam, on the Arizona-Nevada border. It has revealed several sets of human remains and thereby helping local police to solve several unsolved mobster crimes from decades ago! So, you never know when the next hidden treasure will come to light, with its own story to tell!
M.I.C.E & Events News Meetings, Incentives, Conferences , Exhibitions, Venues & Events
EXHIBITION TRENDS FACE TO FACE BUSINESS The event industry had to adapt quickly during Covid but now with few restrictions remaining and only some destinations not fully open, face to face events are back in full swing. However virtual or hybrid events are likely to remain popular in 2022 and beyond due to international travel restrictions. But many people find these events limited especially where global time changes are not conducive to the working day. For live events, health and safety protocols are still important and exhibitors and event organisers will continue to embrace new technology innovations.
Virtual events of all kinds became the normal during the lockdowns – they were the only means to keep contacts but not effective at all in the travel, tourism and MICE industries, despite many press releases and news trying to convince that the online and hybrid is the solution, but now many people refuse to attend them and instead wish to travel to in-person events where more business can be achieved. The traditional face to face business meeting cannot be beaten and despite the rising cost of goods and services, face to face meetings are still favoured, plus in a dedicated event space, once present, attendees are focused on the event and thus yield better results. The after-hours Networking Opportunities that exist at in-person events are not replicable with a virtual gathering, however hard you try. Body language, human communication, the sincere hand shake, are all essential to business and no virtual or hybrid event can match that – we are a social animal! Real face-to-face business events are back!
TCEB DRIVES THAILAND’S EXHIBITION GROWTH AT BUSINESS FORUM IN SINGAPORE Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) recently organised the Business Forum in Singapore, showcasing confidence in Thailand’s capabilities to welcome international trade exhibitions. TCEB’s supporting concept is‚ E Power 3 or‚ Empowering Exhibition Economy” by providing attractive subsidies to professional exhibition organisers (PEOs) in Thailand. These include supporting policies to international trade exhibitions, bringing in MICE events and trade shows to be staged the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), attracting world iconic events to Thailand, promoting sustainable trade fairs and unveiling a plan for key events between 2022 and 2027, with the objective of continuous development for Thailand’s trade exhibition industry. The E Power 3 Campaign will focus on integrated development for exhibition organisers, exhibition industry and the national economy. These include‚ PEOs Empowerment: Powerful Subvention Program. MICE Alliance: Powerful Partnership, and Carbon Neutral Events: Powerful Sustainability Programme. TCEB has set a target by 2525 as the Carbon Neutral Events Year for all supported shows. All of these lead to‚ ROE – Return on Everything, which focuses on organiser’s business returns, benefits to Thailand’s exhibition industry and the national economic impact. In 2023, eight trade shows in several industry sectors such as transport & logistics, infrastructure, digital as well as health & wellness from Singapore have confirmed to be held in Thailand. In addition other events are taking place between 2023 and 2028, in which TCEB has been working as a national bidd er to bring major international trade exhibitions and events to Thailand. TCEB plan is to welcome world iconic events, as well as to upgr ade the quality of existing and forthcoming trade exhibitions. Key events include ‘Aviation, Logistics & Infrastructure Week’, and the ‘Thailand International Air Show’ to be held in 2027.
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INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS AND CONVENTION ASSOCIATION - ICCA CALLS FOR CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION ON BOARD OF DIRECTORS ICCA is calling for candidates who are interested in standing for election for the following vacancies on the ICCA Board of Directors. Elections will take place at the ICCA General Assembly 2022 which will take place on 6 November 2022. The vacancies are: Presidency, Destination marketing, Meetings Management, Transport, Venues, Geographical Representative – Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe. For full details and requirements for applying to any position, please see the ICCA website – www.iccaworld.org/npps/story.cfm?nppage=8781324. Please send your application to governance@iccaworld.org if you are interested to stand for election for one of the above mentioned vacancies on the ICCA Board of Directors. Applications need to be submitted at ICCA Head Office no later than 5 September 2022, 5pm CET.
LONDON’S WTM 2022 World Travel Market will be held from 7-9 November 2022, and already has numerous exhibitors already confirmed for participation including international destinations, as well as hotel groups, cruise companies, car rental companies and tour operators. With most health crisis restrictions eased, this year’s expects to see an increase in participation in this year's edition.
WORLD TRAVEL EXPO MIAMI 2023 The World Travel Expo Miami will take place at the Miami Airport Convention Centre, USA from 13-15 June 2023. WTE Miami 2023 will be a forum for dialogue and collaboration between all agents in the sector as well as promote tourism and travel internationally. It present to chance to discuss opportunities and challenges, where business relationships will be created and strengthened as well as current and future trends in the sector will be highlighted. Sponsored by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, the operator of the Miami International Airport, WTE Miami 2023 also has the collaboration of the Miami-Dade International Trade Consortium, the city's World Trade Centre and the Miami Department of Commerce. USA. American Airlines will be the global sponsor, while IATA, the International Association of Travel Agents Network, IATAN, are also collaborators of the event. For its part, the Miami Metropolitan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is the Platinum sponsor of the event . In 2021, 24.2 million tourists visited Miami, 5.1 million were international travellers. M iami International Airport is one of the largest in the world with more than 95 airlines operating flights to 160 destinations. With over 37 million passengers a year, it has become the main hub from the United States to Latin America and the Caribbean. WTE Miami 2023 will raise the profile of the region within the travel and tourism industry. Its objective is to promote touri sm on a global level, in addition to offering attendees, exhibitors and other participants the possibility of establishing and strengthening relationships between them.
CRUISE EUROPE 2023 CONFERENCE LISBON, PORTUGAL st
For the 1 time, the Portuguese capital will host the Cruise Europe Conference at the beginning of 2023. Over 3 days the event will bring together the main players in the sector and involve over 150 participants from 20 countries.
CONVENTA WEEK 2.0.22 The last week of August will be marked by Conventa and Conventa Crossover . Conventa, the festival of the regional meetings industry, has been taking place fo r the past 14 years without exception. This year, Conventa will again take place in the summer, thus intertwining 3 events: the international tradeshow Conventa, the Conventa Crossover conference and the Conventa Best Event Award competition. The tradeshow will be attended by 92 exhibitors and 146 hosted buyers, while 120 participants will join Conventa Crossover. The organisers welcomed a record-breaking 43 projects for the Conventa Best Event Award competition that will compete for the coveted award. Conventa Week will take place from 23 to 26 August 2022 in Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre and various locations across Ljubljana. “Hand-picked hosted buyers coming from 32 countries this year are at the heart of Conventa. We put great emphasis on their quality. Out of 455 registered hosted buyers, we selected only 32 .1% with the greatest potential. Conventa priorities quality over quantity” explained Miha Kovačič, co-founder of Conventa.
Conventa has showcased its agility and adaptability numerous times. Sustainable event organisation is in the limelight at Con venta. More importantly, reducing the event’s impact on the environment sits at the heart of Conventa’s aspirations. That is why Co nventa will measure its carbon footprint in cooperation with Climate Partner once again. Following the project, the organisers will create a detailed report summarising measures and recommendations for the entire meetings industry. All information regardin g the event’s sustainable transformation is available at: https://conventa.si/green -conventa/. A report on Conventa’s environmental impact will be published in September. Sustainable event organising will also be the focal topic at Conventa Crossover. Jan-Jaap in Der Maur, one of Europe’s most renowned moderators, will moderate the distinguished event. As the organisers say, the moderator is a guarantee that the even t will be immensely interactive and that they will fulfil their promise: “life is too sh ort to waste at boring and non-interactive events.” Among a slew of impressive speakers and Crossover icons, this year’s Crossover will play host to several speakers attending f or the premier time. Claus Raasted, director of The College of Extraordinary Experiences and a pioneer in experience marketing, will host an eye-opening lecture. In addition, Bo Krüger, an exceptional Danish event designer and author of the iconic event organising model Meetovation, will thrill attendees. Rounding off the selection is Jordan Waid, an internationally-awarded filmmaker and an advocate of design thinking. Gorazd Čad, the co-founder of Conventa, highlighted: “We envisaged Conventa and Conventa Crossover as a safe space where attendees will unplug from everyday duties and worries. They will discuss the future, environmental responsibility, innovation, see the best events in the industry and facilitate new business opportunities.”
Among novelties this year is the Conventa Academy educational programme, taking place on Thursday, 25 August 2022, in the morning. The programme encompasses an overview of competencies that event organisers and managers of convention bureaus will need in the future. The speakers are authorities in various fields of event organising. Conventa Academy will be moderated by Ivo J. Franschitz and Kim Myhre. Conventa will again host the IMEX Future Leaders Forum, attended by more than 30 regional young talents. The event addresses one of the core challenges faced by the industry - activation and developing careers in the meetings industry. The joint initiative by the MPI association, IMEX and Conventa has been taking place since the inception of Conventa. Over 300 prospective young talents have attended the programme thus far. As tradition dictates, the Conventa Best Event Award will award the best event in New Europe. The finalists will be presented on Thursday, 25 August 2022, while the winners will be awarded at Conventa Crossover on Friday, 26 August 2022. A welcome novelty at Conventa will be an exhibition space dubbed the “Experience Zone”. Here, providers of technical equipment, informational technologies and systems for event organising, congress service providers and providers of tools for marketing and event production will showcase their services. The entire list of exhibitors is available at https://conventa.si/exhibitors-directory-2022/. Below is statistical data regarding Conventa 2022 (on 25 July 2022): CONVENTA HOSTED BUYERS Number of confirmed hosted buyers
146
Number of confirmed hosted buyers from the Alpe-Adria region
31
Number of confirmed hosted buyers from Europe, the USA and the Middle East
115
Number of countries where hosted buyers come from
32 CONVENTA EXHIBITORS
Number of Conventa exhibitors
92
Number of exhibitors in the Experience Zone
12
Number of exhibitor countries
15
Index hosted buyers/exhibitors
63
INVITATION TO PRESS CONFERENCE You are invited to join the press conference, which will take place on WEDNESDAY, 24 August 2022, at 10.00 in the Kupola Hall at Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre. Once a year, we convene in person in Ljubljana to celebrate the regional meeting s industry. We will do everything in our power to keep it that way, regardless of the challenges ahead. Most importantly, we strive to meet in person in a safe manner, as we b elieve personal contact is priceless. Therefore, mark your calendars for Conventa Week, from 23 to 26 August 2022, in Ljubljana.
www.conventa.si/www.crossover.si
PATA APPOINTS MRS. AUDRA MORRICE, CHEF AND JUDGE OF MASTERCHEF (SINGAPORE AND ASIA) AS THEIR AMBASSADOR FOR SUSTAINABLE, GASTRONOMIC TOURISM The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced the appointment of Audra Morrice, chef, author and host/judge of MasterChef (Asia and Singapore) as its Ambassador for Sustainable, Gastronomic Tourism. “Throughout her career, Audra has been an advocate and champion for Asian heritage cooking, and I am delighted that she has agreed to be our Ambassador for Sustainable, Gastronomic Tourism,” said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “According to our newly released edition of PATA’s Issues & Trends, one of the biggest key drivers of positivity in online social sentiment about Asia Pacific travel is gastronomy. Having Audra as our Ambassador for the Asia-Pacific region provides a leading voice in promoting the authenticity and diversity of cuisines across the region, the celebration of locally sourced ingredients and the appeal of Asian gastronomy experiences for travellers. I look forward to working with her towards this goal.” Commenting on the appointment, Ms. Morrice said, “I am absolutely delighted to be PATA’s Ambassador for Sustainable, Gastronomic Tourism. Food has always been a big part of my upbringing and today, I have the joy of sharing food of my culture and travels with people. I look forward to sharing my insights and experiences with everyone on why food is a way of truly getting to know a country, its people and culture. She will be speaking at the upcoming PATA Destination Marketing Forum 2022 in Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand from 2-4 August 2022.
1st ‘GLOBAL YOUTH TOURISM SUMMIT’ IN SORRENTO Organised by the World Tourism Organisation, the Global Youth Tourism Summit st (GYTS) had its 1 edition recently. A video message from Pope Francis opened the event with his wish for attendees to ‘be messengers of hope and of rebirth for the future’. The meeting was aimed at young people around the world to discuss the issues of tourism and sustainability and the future. The event ran from 27 June - 3 July, with the UNWTO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and the National Tourism Agency (ENIT), and was held in Sorrento, Italy. It gathered 130 young people between 12-18 years old from 60 countries of the world. The students had full immersion in the world of tourism, analysing and reflecting on the negative and positive aspects and then discussing the search for solutions. It was a unique platform to celebrate and empower the next generation of tourism leaders. The GYTS will help build a lasting legacy by providing young people with the skills and knowledge they need to transform tourism not just in their communities but everywhere.
ABAV EXPO - BRAZIL’S LARGEST TOURISM FAIR The 49th edition of ABAV Expo will take place from 21-23 September, at the Pernambuco Convention Centre, Olinda, Brazil. The event brings together international buyers of Brazilian tourism destinations, attractions and services; in addition to exhibitors such as Morocco, Tunisia and Kissimmee, who want to get closer to national buyers. The National ABAV (Brazilian Association of Travel Agencies), the organisers of ABAV Expo, has among its objectives to generate quality business, bring a mix of exhibitors, offer educational actions and connections with relevant brands for over 30,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors. Among those exhibiting are tour operators with a dedicated island, hotel networks and boutique hotels, ship owners, airlines, attractions, theme parks and more than 45 national and international destinations. The ABAV Buyers Club returns to the event, where selected international buyers participate in a dedicated agenda of business meetings.
ITB BERLIN RETURNS IN MARCH 2023 The ITB in Berlin will be held from 7-9 March, making it just 3 days, instead of 5, as it will focus solely on B2B. This is the 1 the start of Covid.
st
time that the ITB Berlin has been held in person since
Georgia will be the guest destination and the event will be focused on exhibiting companies, as well as exclusively on professional visitors, buyers and the media.
SHAI EFRATI, MD, THE WORLD’S LEADING RESEARCH SCIENTIST & INNOVATOR IN HYPERBARIC MEDICINE, TO KEYNOTE AT THE GLOBAL WELLNESS SUMMIT The Global Wellness Summit (GWS), the most prestigious conference on the UK£3.6 trillion business of wellness, announced that Shai Efrati, MD, the world’s foremost research scientist on hyperbaric oxygen therapy, will keynote at the conference being h eld at the Hilton Tel Aviv from October 31 to November 3. Efrati is a professor at Sackler School of Medicine and the Sagol School o f Neuroscience at Tel Aviv University and director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research at Shamir Medical Center–the largest hyperbaric center in the world, treating over 350 patients a day.
Efrati’s lab has created a unique approach for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) which consists of immersing people in a high pressure, high-oxygen environment and then carefully regulating oxygen and pressure levels. This technique, which is called the hyperoxic-hypoxic paradox (HHP), “tricks” the body into entering a regenerative state which unleashes a cascade of biological changes. These include the proliferation of stem cells, the generation of new blood vessels, and the repair of brain cells an d tissue. “Every year we aim to bring the brightest stars in health and wellness to the stage, and Dr. Efrati is exactly the kind of in novator we seek: a dynamic thinker whose work will really shake up our future, whose solutions are grounded in evidence, and w ho understands that new connections between medicine and wellness lie ahead,” said Susie Ellis, GWS chair and CEO. “It’s an incredible opportunity for delegates to be immersed in his research on the future of aging at such an early, pivotal moment. What he’s doing is game-changing.” Registration for the 2022 Summit is now open - https://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/2022-global-wellness-summit/
BANGKOK, THAILAND WILL HOST THE 2023 ICCA CONGRESS ICCA has chosen the Thai capital to host its annual general meeting in 2023. This 62nd ICCA Congress will be held between 12-15 November 2023, with the attendance of over a thousand public and private organisations from more than 100 countries. The initiative is being supported by TCEB, the Thai Convention and Exhibition Bureau, in an event that promises to be particularly memorable as it will take place at a time when Bangkok will showcase its achievements from the first half of its Strategic Development Plan, 2013-2032, to transform into the Metropolitan City of Asia.
WORLD TOURISM TRENDS SUMMIT 2022 The World Tourism Trends Summit will take place from 24-26 August on the Island of Cozumel, Mexico. The event's main purpose is to make the business and tourism community aware of the importance of digital transformation, especially after the pandemic. The topics to be discussed include tourism marketing, digital strategies, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence. In addition the summit will offer a business area, networking and tours within Cozumel.
ITB ASIA 2022 REPORTS STRONG INTERNATIONAL PRESENCE AND KEY ANCHOR PARTNERS SIGNALING HIGH DEMAND FROM THE INDUSTRY Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, held as an in-person event in Singapore from 19-21 October, reports promising registration numbers and a strong international presence. Trade visitor registration is open at: itb-community.com/itbasia2022/visit/ Now in its 15th year, ITB Asia will once again be held as an in-person event at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from 19 – 21 October. The leading trade fair for Asia’s travel industry will bring together global leading brands and companies across MICE, Corporate, Leisure and Travel Technology, providing a unique opportunity and platform for the industry to rebuild, reconnect and give answers to questions about how the travel industry is restarting. The 3-day conference and exhibition is co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia. ITB Asia can count on strong anchor partners in the revival of travel trade The organisers announced Saudi Tourism Authority as Official Partner Country and Berlin Brandenburg Airport as Official Partner Airport. The organisers are also delighted to have Marina Bay Sands as Official Partner Hotel. As part of the collaboration, these anchor exhibitors take very prominent booths at the show and bring key outbound buyers to ITB Asia. They will also be represented with several sessions for ITB Asia Conference curated for the Asian travel trade market. Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show is in strong demand 3 months ahead of the show, leading companies, NTOs and organisations from around the world have already confirmed their participation in the event. ITB Asia is once again seeing strong participations from the National Tourism Organisations, Regional Tourism Organisations and Convention Bureaus who will be showcasing their latest travel & tourism products and services. The show is expected to attract more than 13,000 travel professionals at Asia’s largest travel trade show, bringing attendees from the MICE, Corporate, Leisure and Travel Technology sectors together for business, networking and top-notch conferences.
IPW 2023 - SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, USA IPW 2023 will be held from 20-24 May 2023 in San Antonio, Texas, USA. It will be the 1st time the IPW event takes place in San Antonio, which aims to surprise visitors with its culture, gastronomy, history, art, entertainment and natural wonders.
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The Big Blue Greek Sea That Is…
THE AEGEAN by Giota Panfrios
Many images, like the one above, are enough to entice all of us to the crystal clear waters, found all over Greece, and to head to Greek shores and in particular to those on the coasts of the dazzling Aegean Sea. The Aegean Sea is the cradle of 2 great early civilisations; The Minoans of Crete and the Mycenaean, from the Peloponnese on mainland Greece and from which much of modern Western culture is derived.
The sea was traditionally known as Archipelago, which in Greek means ‘chief sea’, but in English the meaning of this word has changed to refer to the Aegean Islands. The Aegean Sea is home to 7 groups of Greek islands: North Aegean Islands: Lesbos, Chios, Psara, Oinousses, Ikaria, Fournoi, Lemnos, Agios Efstratios, Samos, Samothraki and Thassos. Psara island
The Sporades islands: Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros, Alonissos. Evia (Euboea): The second largest Greek island. The Cyclades islands: Amorgos, Anafi, Andros, Antiparos, Delos, Ios, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Folegandros, Serifos, Sifnos, Sikinos, Syros, Tinos, Thera or Santoríni, Donousa, Irakleia, Koufonisia, Schoinousa. The Saronic Islands: Salamina, Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses, Dokos and Agistri. The Dodecanese islands: Agathonisi, Astypalaia, Chalki, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Rhodes, Symi and Tilos.
Agathonisi island
Crete The largest Greek island It is one of history’s most written about and well known seas. It is upon the Aegean that 1,000 Greek ships sailed to Troy and rescued the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen! Dia island, Crete.
It was the Aegean Sea that features so prominently in many famous Greek myths; from the story of Icarus and Daedelus, Theseus and the Minotaur, Jason and the Argonauts and the ultimate; The Odyssey. Even Plato described the Greeks who lived around the Aegean ‘like frogs around a pond’ in his book ‘Phaedo’. The Mycenaean civilisation travelled far and wide on the Aegean Sea for trade going as far as Egypt and Spain. The Aegean Sea is connected to the Marmara Sea and Black Sea by the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus in the north, while it is connected to the Ionian Sea to the west, through the strait lying between the Peloponnese peninsula of Greece and Crete. It occupies a surface area of approx. 214,000 sq.km, and at its maximum depth, east of the island of Crete, it reaches 3,543m below the surface. Many of the Aegean Islands are in fact a continuation or extension of the mountains found on the mainland. While some of the islands being volcanic, rocky, and barren, they hide riches like marble and iron ores which are mined. Other larger islands have fertile valleys and produce some of the most delicious figs, honey, mastic, oil, olives, raisins, vegetables, wheat, and wine, that you can find anywhere in the world!
It goes without saying that as islands, they all have a strong history of seafaring and each have a flourishing fishing indus try, offering fresh catches every day and a wide variety of fish and seafood, like octopus, squid, prawns, sardines, anchovies and mackerel, as well as sea bass, mullet and swordfish, among others. The Sea got its name from ‘Aegeus’, the King of Athens and father of Theseus. Legend has it that The Minoan King Minos of Crete, wanted to punish the Athenians who had killed his son Androgeo. He declared war on Athens and won. As subjects of the Minoan Empire, King Minos commanded that every 9 years, 7 Athenian boys and 7 Athenian girls were sent to Crete to be sacrificed and eaten by the mythical Minotaur; a monster with the body of a man and the head of a bull, who lived deep in the Labyrinth underneath Minos' palace. Theseus, the son of King Aegeus of Athens decided he would slaughter the Minotaur and end the blood sacrifices. He took the place of one of the 7 young boys, but before he set sail for Crete, he agreed with his father that he would hoist white sails when returning from Crete if he was successful in killing the Minotaur. As with all good stories, nothing is quite that simple!
Upon arriving in Crete, Theseus fell in love with Ariadne, the daughter of King Minos. She agreed to help Theseus in his quest and gave him a ball of string, 'Ariadne's Clue'. As Theseus ventured deeper into the tunnels, he unravelled the string so that after killing the Minotaur, he would find his way back out of the Labyrinth. This proved successful and the Minotaur was killed.
Ro islands/ Kastelorizo, Greece
Theseus and Ariadne fled the island at night to return home to Athens. The temple of Poseidon, Sounion, Greece
En-route, they stopped at the island of Naxos. Here Theseus left Ariadne while she was sleeping and continued home alone. Dionysos, God of Wine found Ariadne and made her his wife. However, Theseus forgot to raise the white sails as he had promised his father. As King Aegeus waited for his son to return, he stood at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounio looking out to sea. As the ship rounded the cape, it flew black sails! The King believed this meant his son was dead and in his despair, he jumped off the cliffs into the sea and drowned. Some say that Ariadne placed a curse on Theseus for leaving her on Naxos, by making him forget to raise the white sails.
The Gate, Temple of Apollo, Naxos island
During the archaic era (c. 750–480 BC) the Aegean Sea region was powerful and wealthy, with Naxos being the most prosperous island. In the centuries that followed, the Aegean Sea continued to help the Greek civilisation flourish and served an important function in trade as well as in war.
Interesting Aegean Sea facts:
•
In 1975 an underwater research team discovered an ancient shipwreck on the sea floor, close to the island of Dokos. Full of ceramics vases, experts dated the cargo to around 2700-2100 B.C., making it the oldest shipwreck in the world. The artefacts are on display in the Museum of Spetses, on the island of the same name.
•
The Aegean Sea is one of the world’s premier cruising and yachting regions due to its many harbours and ports as well as its historical sites.
• During the 1970s, the analysis of sediments around Santorini became of international scientific importance as they were linke d to a possible explanation of the ancient lost island city of Atlantis.
• Today’s coastline of the Aegean Sea dates back to 4,000 BC. Prior to this the sea was 130m lower. • The Minoan civilisation on Crete flourished between 2000 BC and 1450 BC. It was Europe’s 1st advanced civilisation. • There are several seas within the Aegean Sea; the Thracian Sea, Sea of Crete, Myrtoan Sea, and the Icarian Sea.
THE GREEK AEGEAN - Where Blue Lives
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THE EFFECTS OF EUROPEAN INFLATION ON THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY Three years on and the results of the on-going health crisis see Europe failing to cope. After job losses, furlough, bankruptcies and total instability, as well as lockdowns and no travel, citizens are tired and are trying to get back on their feet. With travel restrictions starting to ease nations are preparing for the full reopening of the European economy. But skyrocketing inflation, supply chain bottlenecks, and the all too real threat of new coronavirus variants as well as monkey-pox all pose great challenges to the outlook of the hospitality industry across the continent. Western inflation has reached double figures, the highest since 2008. Back then it was north European countries pointing their fingers at Greece, calling them ‘the lazy sheep of Europe’ and the country that was going to ‘destroy all European economies’. Since March 2020 onwards, it has been proven that the problem is that the northern European countries are incapable of managing themselves and to lead the way. Therefore, inflation in Europe will remain high until 2026 if not until 2030, before starting to drop to single digits again around 2030-2035. Growth will remain low for several years unless Europe radically changes its recovery policy and does not follow the same path it did in 2018, which began way back in 2007. Rising inflation impacts every business and some more than others, particularly small businesses in the food, restaurant, and hospitality sectors. This inflation, as well as the global health crisis, has left many small business owners with no choice but to cease trading completely. Hospitality has been directly impacted by both economic and socio-political developments, and needs to act fast to fight back pressures from rising food costs, commodities, wage costs, and labour shortages. For hospitality businesses the high oil prices are directly impacting travel costs. Ai rfares have yet to reach the all-time high-level set in 2008, but the current trend indicates a gradual increase in the coming months. From Autumn onwards, the increases will be more severely felt. We are all looking at who is to blame for this mess, the financial crisis, the health crisis, conflict in Ukraine? Supposedly Europe is a union what collectively can solve problems, but this scene today is far from that, they are more separate than ever as each l eader looks to secure their nations energy and food supplies and no longer rely on the ‘leaders’ that put them in this position today and who have so far totally failed to find a collective solution.
MEXICO & BELIZE MUTUAL DESTINATION PROMOTION COOPERATION The tourism ministries of both Mexico and Belize have agreed to a mutual co-operation for tourism promotion. Mexico shared its efforts on promoting sustainable tourism, which allows its benefits to reach to the entire population; through anchor products and high-impact events, through which the activity is diversified towards the 235 places with a tourist vocation. During a tour of Belize tourism between the two countries would be triggered and supported by the close ties that unite the two nations and the great tourism product that the Mundo Maya region represents, helping to create multi-destination products. To strengthen the tourism industry between Mexico and Belize, work must be done on 3 issues: investment in tourism developments; ground and air connectivity; and the exchange of technology, training and experiences. There are many coincidences between the 2 countries, not only in relation to the Mayan World, but also in tourist attractions such as the jungle area, and the options for fishing, diving, ecotourism, among other nature tourism activities. High level meetings took place both sides to begin joint tour packages and more connectivity to the project.
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NEW SHIP FOR MARELLA CRUISES Marella Cruises has revealed its new ship ‘Marella Voyager’ will welcome 1,912-passengers and will launch on 3rd June 2023 as the 5th ship in the Marella Cruises fleet. The ship which is a sister ship to Marella Explorer and Marella Explorer 2 will feature 10 all-inclusive bars and 10 restaurants. The ship will also have 2 Voyager Suites which will be themed in the popular destinations the ship visits, which will be St Lucia and Santorini, Greece Marella Voyager will be Based in Mallorca and Barbados
MADRID - SPAIN OPENS 1st ARTIFICIAL BEACH In time for summer 2023, the largest artificial beach in Europe will be just 50km from Madrid. In the municipality of Alovera, province of Guadalajara, a 105,000sq.m (10 football fields) will transform into an artificial beach. 25,000sq.m of the area w ill be for 35,500 cubic meters of crystal clear water and surrounded by a 15,000sq.m of fine sand beach. There will be hammocks and umbrellas, an open-air gym and beach volleyball courts on offer too. This project will create and authentic urban beach, 300km from the sea! The options for beach leisure include 5 different but also integrated areas: one for swimming and another for free navigation with a jetty, plus an area for water sports, kayaking, paddle surfing and sailing, as well as a sailing school and volleyball courts . There will be a deep pool with zip lines, rings and two slide towers, a children's pool with a shallow pond for water games.
Snack bars and a restaurant with capacity for 1,000 people and a wide gastronomic offering as well as a terrace and beach bars. It is estimated that some 400,000 people per year will visit with an entry price of €10 euros per person (food and drink paid separately). The project is based on a sustainable and environmentally friendly technology, while being ambitious as well as innovative. Behind the project are the Ravet Group, and Crystal Lagoons, who specialise in constructing artificial beaches around the world! The project also stands out for its low water consumption. It will use Crystal's sustainable technology Lagoons that allow the use of any type of water and consume 30 times less water than a golf course and only half that of a park of the same size. Its filtr ation system uses only 2% of the energy of a conventional system and up to 100 times less chemicals than a swimming pool.
JAPAN REOPENING TO HOLIDAYMAKERS…ALMOST! Japan is again welcoming tourists from 98 countries and regions that it had banned during the pandemic period. However, you can now only travel to Japan as part of a tourist group and not alone. st
From 1 June the Japanese government raised the limit on daily foreign arrivals to 20,000. From 10 June onwards, groups of tourists will be able to visit Japan, and placed in ‘danger’ categories depending on the country they come from. Quarantine measures will depend on where the tourists came from.
SLS PUNTA DEL ESTE HOTEL & RESIDENCES TO OPEN 2024 International brand SLS Hotels & Residences is to expand into Uruguay with the opening of the SLS Punta del Este. The property incorporates two towers that when complete will offer 80 hotel rooms and 150 residences. Amenities will include 3 restaurants, a lounge and bar, meeting rooms and kids clubs, a rooftop pool, spa and fitness centre, as well as commercial space. The expansive property in the heart of Punta del Este, will be SLS Hotel & Residences' 2nd property in the region, after the opening of SLS Puerto Madero in Argentina. Owner, Ennismore is leading the way in lifestyle, with its collective of 14 brands representing 106 operating properties across 26 countries and over 140 hotels in the pipeline, with over 150 restaurants and bars.
BIRMINGHAM HOTEL INDIGO ACQUIRED BY CASKADE GROUP
Caskade Group has bought the Hotel Indigo in Birmingham. The hotel opened in 2010 and was listed for sale at £12.5 million. Despite the hospitality sector struggling, the buyer is positive that the sector can manage to ride the wave.
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TOURISM SECTOR & RISING INFLATION Just when we thought recovery from the health crisis could begin, we are hit with record high prices in every aspect of our lives. This applies too to the tourism sector. Post pandemic, demand for holidays and flights is strong, but with megahigh fuel prices, costs are rising, but that seems to have little effect on demand for that treasured vacation! With airlines launching new routes to destinations and resumed flights to previous destinations, across the world demand is returning. Despite world inflation seen in food, restaurants, hotels, goods and services; leisure and work passengers, tourism plans are going ahead, maybe for not as long as before, but the need to get away is strong. This holiday period in high inflation, will no doubt create new tourism trends amongst travellers and see new habits and thus the industry will adapt to as it has always done. The value for money aspect will be key for people when making decisions about vacations. When travelling today, the concern has nothing to do with the pandemic, it is now regarding inflation.
MACHU PICCHU BOOSTS ECONOMIC RECOVERY OF PERU To help boost the Peruvian economy and tourism sector, authorities have increased by a third the capacity of visitors allowed to the archaeological Machu Picchu ruins. The sites capacity has been upped from 3,044 to 4,044 people. Before the pandemic, some 4,100 visitors entered daily. This new measure will be until 31 December when a review will take place. In 2021, just 447,800 people visited the ancient site, way below the 1.5 million it welcomed in 2019. In the first half of 2022, some 400,000 tourists have visited the place.
ENTRANCE TAX TO BONAIRE ISLAND The island of Bonaire, located in the south Caribbean Sea and belongs to the Dutch government, has, from 1st July 2022 introduced an island entrance tax for all non-resident visitors. The new fee will replace the current room and car tax. The new tax is UK£64 per visit, and will go to support the island's infrastructure, tourism product, environmental efforts and education. This is one of many new tourism taxes that will be implemented soon around the world. In 2023 European countries and members of the Schengen area will each introduce an entry tax. The ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) programme will be implemented in May 2023. The scheme is similar to the USA ESTA, which charges visitors a processing fee and an authorisation fee entering the US from visa -exempt nations. The European Union system applies to travellers from countries that currently have visa-free access to the region, which also includes the United States. The programme will register, pre-screen and monitor foreign visitors and will cost approximately UK£6.30. Applying is online with approval in minutes and will be valid for unlimited entry over a 3 years period.
GREEK TOURISM HEADING FOR A RECORD YEAR - 80% OCCUPANCY Greek tourism is at full speed and hoping for a record year that could beat 2019 figures. To date, arrivals and revenues are looking good especially in the traditional sea and sun tourism model. Greece has always been the best ‘go to’ destination for any number of reasons. Travellers will not be disappointed and they know what to expect, meaning they will have a relaxed vacation with stunning beaches, sun, sea and any number of beach activities as well as culture and quintessential pretty white fishing villages and fresh delicious food. Regarding hotel occupancy in the sun and sea model there is good occupancy at an average of 80% up until September, but many are at 100% throughout. The mainland sees many more domestic travellers and again occupancy here is positive too. There are also a portion of travellers this year who are only now taking their vacation that was booked back in 2020. The real test will be next summer, when inflation and high living costs will be felt harder by everyone. Thessaloniki, Makedonia, Greece
English tourists are leading the way in arrivals to Greece followed by German tourists. The French have begun to arrive, as too have the Dutch and Italians. The USA market is important, but not spread throughout the country. The market is missing the Russians and Chinese tourists this year that travelled throughout the country.
ITALIAN HOLIDAYMAKERS TREND THIS YEAR Almost 60% of Italians will go on vacation this year, with 30% not yet decided to go or not and approx. 12% will not take a holiday. Of the 60% of Italian holiday makers, they will be careful with spending and where they go in order to limit the risk of catching Covid, or risk being stuck away from home if new restrictions come into place quickly. The vast majority will choose an Italian destination, with 64% visiting another region. Preferred accommodation remains the hotel with 35%, then house rental at 28% or B&Bs at 21%. 54% of bookings are for a week-long vacation while 21% of holidaymakers will take a few long weekends. Only 24% will leave for several weeks. What is very important is the quality of time spent on vacation rather than quantity. With regards to spending, 76% will not go beyond UK£1,675 and only 8% will go beyond UK£2,514.
CHOICE HOTELS ACQUIRES RADISSON HOTEL GROUP AMERICAS
Choice Hotels International, Inc. and Radisson Hotel Group have entered into an agreement to acquire the franchise business, operations and intellectual property of Radisson Hotel Group Americas. This addition of Radisson's 9 hotel brands in the Americas is a further success of Choice Company’s successful strategy to expand. The 624 added hotels have more than 68,000 rooms, expanding Choice Hotels' presence in the high-end and high-end hospitality segments, particularly on the West Coast and Midwest of the United States.
ALENTOUR AND PARIS CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP Alentour, the French digital platform for local tourism, and the Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau (OTCP) have signed a partnership to expand their catalogues of leisure activities. The objective: to develop the marketing of the territory's tourist offer. The Paris Convention and Visitors Bureau has been working alongside 1,700 Parisian tourism professionals to promote the capital. The OTCP continues to develop the offer in Paris by integrating all the players in the sector into its promotion and marketing strategy. Through its B2C reservation platform parisinfo.com, the OTCP offers a complete, varied and constantly renewed offer of leisure activities in Paris and Ile-deFrance. For its part, the B2B2C Alentour platform allows tourist accommodation to access a rich and varied catalogue of tourist activities near their establishments. These distributors can therefore offer their travellers, a smooth online booking experience. They will be able to ensure the availability of a desired activity, avoid queues and also be inspired by the discovery of new offers, off the beaten track. This partnership will add an additional distribution channel to tourist offers in Par is and Ile-de-France.
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SISSI PALACE, VENICE, ITALY REOPENS AFTER 22 YEARS OF RENOVATION The Royal Palace of Venice is ready to reopen after over 2 decades of renovations. Located between Place Saint-Marc and the mouth of the Grand Canal, the Palace was home to Elisabeth of Austria. With 27 rooms that have required 22 years of work. In 2012, only 9 rooms were reopened to the public, including the luxurious ballroom. Now, all the rooms are open to view.
The palace was also the birthplace of the French Emperor Napoleon 1st, who became King of Italy in 1805. Restoration work has been going on right up until a few weeks ago and finally the restored rooms of the Royal Palace are accessible with the access ticket to the Correr Museum, a museum complex offering a stroll in the Royal Palace and in the palace of the New Procuratie.
1ST CROATIAN MÖVENPICK OPENS IN ZAGREB, CROATIA Recently opened in the Croatian capital, Zagreb was the Mövenpick Zagreb, the 1st hotel of the international hotel chain on the Croatian market. Located in the business zone of Novi Zagreb city district just 10minutes drive from the airport and a 20minute drive from the city centre. The hotel boasts modern architecture and offers 104 rooms and suites. Every unit is named after a European or world city, whose stylised map displayed in the unit may inspire further trips. A 120-seat conference hall, 2 smaller meeting rooms and multipurpose private room Lounge 3328, are available to host business meetings and gatherings.
GREEK TOURISM, THE 7 CHALLENGES The continued success, growth and development of the Greek tourism sector will depend on its response to 7 highlighted challenges that it faces now and in the future. These are: 1. The health challenge, 2. The need for continued support from the State, 3. The Recovery Fund, 4. Infrastructure, 5. the digital transformation of tourism, 6. strategic partnerships of private and public bodies and 7. The entire relationship concerning the environment, green development, climate change, sustainability. Responses to some of these challenges are in progress. For the pandemic, vaccination must still be the way ahead and safety protocols and regulations should be implemented again if necessary, as well as use of the digital European Vaccination Certificate, which will ensure safety and an environment of stability. With regards to the continued support from the State, although a lot has been done, more can be offered, like unified VAT on tourism and transport. Funds that are channelled into the Greek economy from the Recovery Fund will significantly support the country's effort to get out of the unprecedented crisis caused by the pandemic and thus create a positive result in development. As for infrastructure, a plan was put in place back in 2020 with proposals for investment in public infrastructure projects throughout Greece. These would all enhance connectivity, attract new visitors, improve the tourist experience at the destination, create new experiences, promote sustainable development. They would be major projects with a large and multiplier effect.
Athens, Greece
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