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Maldives to celebrate Golden Jubilee year in 2022

Tel Aviv Pride Parade received over 100,000 participants

News Desk

The year 2022 marks a milestone for Maldives as the island country is set to celebrate 50 years of its globally recognised glorious tourism offerings. Tourism Ministry is in discussion with the industry stakeholders to plan the activities for a grand celebration. While Maldives initiated the countdown for the anniversary on 1st January, 2021, Ministry of Tourism unveiled the logo for ‘Golden Jubilee Year of Maldives Tourism 2022’ in March 2021.

Commenting on the marketing strategies adopted to reach out to a wider Indian audience in 2021-22, and hinting that the temporary travel restrictions imposed on Indians will be eased soon, Thoyyib Mohamed, MD, MMPRC said, “Due to the Covid, we had to re-strategize our marketing activities in order to accommodate the current trends. We studied consumers’ behaviour and planned our efforts accordingly for the coming year. Undoubtedly, India is an important market for us. It has always been one of the top source markets for Maldives.”

“Our strategy for India is to greatly focus on increasing visibility of Maldives in the

Over 100,000 people gathered along Tel Aviv's seafront promenade on June 25th, 2021 to march in one of the largest pride parades held worldwide since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tel Aviv Pride Parade marked the climax of the annual Pride Month celebrations in the city, taking place every June since 1998 and attracting hundreds of thousands of Israelis and foreign visitors who join the citywide festivities every June. Tel Aviv Pride Parade, widely recognised as one of the world's leading LGBTQ+ events and the largest event of its kind in the Middle East, returned in its mass-participant format courtesy of Israel's high vaccination rates and lifting of all restrictions on public and private gatherings. India market and to showcase it as a ‘Safe Haven’ for holiday makers through activities directly targeted at consumers and travel trade. Some of these activities include digital campaigns, online and offline fairs, roadshows and virtual events,” said Thoyyib. “This year, we will also work on reaching as many regions as possible within the India market via these platforms. Regarding the temporary restrictions imposed on Indians travelling to the Maldives, I would like to say that we are optimistic about an ease in restrictions soon,” he added. Maldives is one of the most popular and desired tourist destinations around the world. It is famous not only for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise water, but also for its unique ‘one island one resort’ concept that offers guests a safe and private holiday option. Whether it is the adrenaline-filled experience of diving with the sharks or spending a romantic vacation with your significant other, Maldives is the perfect holiday destination for everyone. From relaxation and wellness options to adventure and culinary experiences, here, you will be spoilt for choice! Amidst the global pandemic, Maldives gained immense traction among worldwide

Ron Huldai, Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo: "I am delighted to be here and celebrate with you again! LGBTQ+ rights are not simply a matter for the gay community. They are a matter of democracy and humanity. I wish everyone a wonderful Pride Month. Let's always meet on such happy occasions!" Sharon Landes-Fischer, CEO of Tel Aviv Global & Tourism: "Tel Aviv Pride came roaring back, reminding the world that our city is the leading LGBTQ+ destination in the Middle East. This year's parade had added significance, with tens of thousands reunited as we return to normal following the COVID-19 pandemic. We are already looking forward to June 2022 when all our friends from overseas will join us along the parade route again. See you soon in Tel Aviv-Yafo." travellers for its uniquely located islands. In the month of January 2021 alone, it recorded a 14 per cent increase in tourist arrivals as opposed to the previous year. According to the Ministry of Tourism, 10,004 arrivals were from 1st to 4th February, 2021, with a daily average of 2,501 arrivals. Among Russia and Ukraine, India has consistently remained one of the top source markets for Maldives.

Although, Maldives is perceived as a luxury destination across the globe, over the past few years, it has managed to diversify its tourist offerings thus, creating a shift in its global image. Currently, it has 159 resorts with different star categories that cater to everyone, 552 guesthouses which are located in local islands, perfect for the budget travellers and those seeking to experience local culture and cuisine. And, 130 liveaboards that cater to a comprehensive range of accommodation facilities on board.

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Pride festivities continued through the weekend, with tens of thousands of partygoers joining major after-parties, including one featuring internationally celebrated DJ and gay icon Offer Nissim. This year, the slogan ‘A Community That Creates Change’ has been at the center of the Pride Month events, born of the desire to strengthen social involvement and shared activities within LGBTQ+ community groups and wider society.

Thailand emerges prefferred destination for Indian golfers

News Desk

In its continuous endeavour to keep track of latest trends and mind set of the golfers, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) & Sports & Leisure Worldwide (SLW) conducted its second survey on ‘Golfing in Thailand’ with Golfers in India during 21st June – 5th July 2021. The survey resulted in some important facts coming to the fore. Most Golfers, a whopping 97% of those surveyed rated Thailand as one of the best golfing destinations. Thai Hospitality followed by value for money and affordable luxury, were the top three key factors similar to previous survey last year which prompts these golfers to travel to Thailand to play golf. The surveyed sample group was made up of Golfers from all over India and consisted of:

Responses: 1001 (From all over India) Age-Group: Below 35- 4.49% Ages 35-44 -10.45% Ages 45-54 -26.23% Ages 55- 65 – 35.11% above 65- 23.72%

Thailand’s close proximity to India was another key factor in influencing the Indian golfers mind in deciding Thailand as the premier destination for Golf holidays. A majority of golfers, almost 68% are vaccinated and 26% have taken their first dose for Covid vaccination and are willing to travel to Thailand. Most of the golfers are waiting for reopening of all services and tourist attractions in Thailand.

Vachirachai Sirisumpan, Director TAT, New Delhi said: “Thailand wins hands down when it comes to catering to the demanding

Vachirachai Sirisumpan Director TAT New Delhi Office

Golfers who are spoiled for choice when it comes to golfing destinations. Keeping in mind the quality of the Golf product and hospitality on offer in Thailand it is expected that Thailand would be the first destination where the majority of the golfers would travel for their first golf holiday post two years of Covid19 especially as all courses have not only been working on health and safety, but also at the same time ensuring a memorable experience for the golfer of playing golf in Thailand.” “We conducted the Second Thai Golf Pass Survey to gauge the mood of the Indian Golfing Community as we come out of the 2nd wave of the Covid19 Pandemic. We are not surprised that Thailand stands out as the destination of choice once the travel restrictions are lifted said Anil Dev, MD SLW Group, the promoters of Thai Golf Pass, the only sovereign golf travel loyalty program in the world. To bring value to this offering, SLW- the leading Golf Management company in partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand, New Delhi launched the first ever loyalty program for a country. The Thai Golf Passport has been launched in India to offer Indian golfers a seamless golf experience in Thailand.

Indian golfers can now be a part of this rewarding loyalty program whenever they tee off in Amazing Thailand and redeem their points for products from more than two hundred leading brands.

Amazing Thailand is a dream destination for golfers from all around the world. Its 250 top quality golf courses ideally located throughout the country, having world class Golfing facilities, reasonable green fees, friendly caddies and many other attractions continue to attract golfers to visit this country.

Ko Samui reopens under ‘Samui Plus Model’ from July 15th

News Desk

With Amazing Thailand gradually opening up to fully vaccinated travellers from low to medium risk countries, Thailand’s third largest and most spectacular island – Ko Samui is poised to welcome back international travellers once again to its white sand beaches, high end resorts, jungle-clad inland hideaways and captivating ambience. Apart from Samui, nearby island of Koh Phangan, Koh Tao are also set to receive fully vaccinated international travellers. Beyond stunning tourist attractions and facilities; Ko Samui boasts of a rural life and plethora of hidden gems as well. Travellers who wish to visit Ko Samui, Koh Phangan & Koh Tao would have to strictly follow the formulated SOPs with taking utmost pre cautions of hygiene and safety. After 7-day-quarantine, visitors can also take a boat trip to visit around the island. For safety, the tourists are required to stay at the hotels certified by SHA+ and make sure to follow the policy and regulations stated by Suratthani in order to prevent COVID-19.

Kenya secured hosting rights of World Championship Rally for next 5 years

Hong Kong records strong pick-up in demand for physical fairs

News Desk

Kenya will be hosting the World Rally Championship (WRC) for the next five years every year until 2026, after the government of Kenya secured the hosting rights from the International Automobile Federation(FIA) and the WRC.

This was announced during the final day of the 2021 WRC Safari rally championshipand after Kenya success fully hosted the event which took place between the 24th-27th June in Naivasha. Kenya hosted the event after a 19-year break a major milestone and significant to thedestination’s history. Drivers from around 15 countries from across Europe and Africa took part in the competition with French driver Sebastien Ogier navigated by Julien Ingrassa winningthe overall competition after stiff competition from other competitors. Kenya was also represented well with Onkar Rai winning category 3 of the competition. Some ofthe other countries represented during the event are Great Britain, Belgium, Sweden,Italy,Spain,Polandand Ugandaamongothers. The Safari rally was born as the East African Coronation Rally in 1953 as a motoringevent to commemorate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of England who had beenon a safari holiday at the in Nyeri. Her stay was cut short by her father, King According to Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala, the history around the Safari rally is significant to the Kenya and East Africa as well as the UnitedKingdom (UK) confidence on the destination's which is one of the key source resilience andpreparedness for markets for Kenya’s tourism. It global events. Though the event is also ashow of confidence on the world will see much of what Kenya’s preparedness against Kenya has too offer especially covid-19 and the ability to Amidst the global pandemic, the Maldives for the Safari lovers.Tourists hostinternationalevents.gained a momentum and is recognised as who have come from other “Coming after the Magical Kenya a safe haven for travellers because of its parts of the world will be able to Open (MKO) and Savannah unique geographically isolated islands and sample our hospitality and our Classic in March this year, this the popular ‘one island one resort’ concept. local dishes,” says C S Balala. is yet another major show of

News Desk

From April to June, Hong Kong’s exhibition scene has been picking up more momentum with the return of a series of close to 20 physical exhibitions at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Featuring a wide variety of products and services ranging from technology, and lifestyle, to arts and jewellery, the successful fairs attracted over a million visits under the pandemic, which is a promising sign for the exhibition industry. The positive response clearly indicates that the value of physical shows is high and Hong Kong has demonstrated how to safely and seamlessly resume large-scale business events gradually, and pave the way for further recovery including international conventions and trade fairs.

Kenneth Wong, General Manager, MICE & Cruise of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, shares that "These events are a good demonstration of Hong Kong's readiness to welcome business events of any scale, and also an encouraging sign for the exhibition industry that the physical show is invaluable and we are very much looking forward to a resumption of more trade fairs in the coming months.”

Yoel Razvozov takes over as Israel Tourism Minister

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Yoel Razvozov began serving as the Minister for the Israel Minister of Tourism on 15th June 2021. Razvozov, who first entered the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) in 2013, having served as Chairperson of the Sports Lobby of the Knesset and Chairperson of the Generation and a Half Lobby since 2015. From 20132015, Razvozov was appointed Chairperson of the Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs. Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov said that he intends to work vigorously to bring the tourism industry back to full operations. “My first task as Minister of Tourism is to build a correct and effective outline for the easing of conditions for tourists to enter Israel - of course, without endangering the citizens of Israel and in cooperation with the professional bodies in the Ministry of Health.” said Minister Razyozov. Razvozov sponsored laws that encourage urban renewal and laws to lower the cost of living. He has also spearheaded the fight for civil burial, designed to allow for a proper burial for anyone who is not Jewish according to Jewish law or for anyone who wants a burial service that is compatible with the secular lifestyle.

TCEB Conventions spearheads collaborative recovery roadmap

With new measures Qatar re-opens for vaccinated international visitors

News Desk

In anticipation of the opening of international borders, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) invites the global conventions industry to collaborate on activating an initiative called Regenerating Legacies Recovery Roadmap. The industry is now more attuned to new realities through its relentless efforts in adapting to change. TCEB Conventions Department leans itself into this shift in mindset and behaviour to embark on this collaborative journey. “TCEB’s advocacy for industry collaboration is one of the campaign cornerstones when we launched Thailand: REDEFINE Your Business Events in 2018. Now, the Regenerating Legacies Recovery Roadmap begins with

Nichapa Yoswee

Senior Vice President TCEB

a series of conversations that call upon that collaborative spirit to revive the business of global conventions with a future-shaping attitude,” said Nichapa Yoswee, Senior Vice President at TCEB. Covid-19 aggravated Associations’ concerns around succession planning, evolutions that honour legacies and profitable innovations. The Regenerating Legacies conversations explore fundamental beliefs with association experts and industry partners to identify growth accelerators that cultivate valid advancements for the convention business ecosystems. Yoswee explains, “We seek to understand Associations’ pain points, but we cannot resolve them in isolation. We have to move beyond rumination and spearhead effective changes that reinforce the value perception of our industry.” “Redefining the future is not just an outcome. It is a journey with unexpected changes. The road to recovery challenges our resilience, but the way we respond is what matters most. Our team at TCEB is here to support association professionals in making informed decisions. What we can spearhead are robust conversations that attract agents for change and spark new approach for future generations.” A series of activities are in the pipeline to engage convention industry on this collaborative recovery journey. Join the conversation by connecting with TCEB Conventions Department

News Desk

The State of Qatar has re-opened its borders to international travellers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with vaccines that are approved for use by the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar. A new streamlined set of measures designed to make travelling to Qatar as easy as possible, while maintaining the necessary precautions to continue to protect against the spread of COVID-19, has been implemented and is effective immediately. The new measures will allow people who are fully vaccinated to visit Qatar without the need for quarantine. The new arrangements will also make it easier for citizens and residents of Qatar to travel in and out of the country, enabling fully vaccinated people to bypass the quarantine requirement when returning to Qatar. All visitors – vaccinated or non-vaccinated – will be required to undertake a PCR test up to 72 hours prior to travel.

In order to visit Qatar international visitors, citizens and residents must register and upload required documentation such as a vaccination certificate, valid PCR test up to 72 hours prior to travel, and personal details through the ‘Ehteraz’ website.

Travellers have to apply for the authorization through the ‘Ehteraz’ website (free of charge), at least 12 hours before their planned departure to Qatar. All in-bound travellers are advised to submit their application as soon as they have all their required documentation, to ensure they can board their flights as planned. Airlines are advised to only let passengers board who have a valid travel authorisation for Qatar from the above effective date.

In addition, visitor visa rules apply for certain nationalities, however over 80 nationalities can visit Qatar with a free ‘visa on arrival’. Those requiring a visitor visa are advised to first obtain a visitor visa and then apply for their travel authorisation on the ‘Ehteraz’ website. Visitors will require a confirmed hotel booking to visit Qatar. In addition, all travellers are required to download and activate the ‘Ehteraz’ mobile app which requires a domestic Qatari SIM card. Upon activation, visitors will be able to participate in public activities such as visiting malls, restaurants, museums, or using taxis or public transportation.